by Jason Joyner | Apr 20, 2007 | Blog, prayer
Now is the time for tears
Don’t speak, save your words
There’s nothing you can say
To take this pain away
Don’t try so hard
You can just simply be
Cry with me don’t try to fix me friend
That’s how you’ll comfort me.
Heavenly Father, cover this child with mercy
You are my helper through this time of trial and pain
Silence the lips of the people with all of the answers
Gently show that now is the time for tears.
Charlie Peacock
“Now Is the Time for Tears“
Coram Deo – In the Presence of God
by Jason Joyner | Apr 20, 2007 | Blog, prayer
Now is the time for tears
Don’t speak, save your words
There’s nothing you can say
To take this pain away
Don’t try so hard
You can just simply be
Cry with me don’t try to fix me friend
That’s how you’ll comfort me.
Heavenly Father, cover this child with mercy
You are my helper through this time of trial and pain
Silence the lips of the people with all of the answers
Gently show that now is the time for tears.
Charlie Peacock
“Now Is the Time for Tears“
Coram Deo – In the Presence of God
by Jason Joyner | Apr 19, 2007 | Blog, missions, prayer, world events
Not to diminish what happened on Monday, but there are other tragedies in the world. On Wednesday, 3 Christians at a publishing house were killed for their faith. Suspects have been arrested for this crime.
This serves as a reminder for us to pray for the nation of Turkey. There are 71 million people in the country, and only less than 1% are Christian. This is especially sad considering Turkey was where much of Paul’s apostolic work occurred, and the seven churches of Asia in Revelation were located. There is a strong history of the Way that has been all but eradicated by Islam.
God’s heart is for the Turks. He is raising up people with a heart for this nation. The killings represent the enemy’s attempt to derail the work of the Kingdom in that land. Please pray for God’s light and Word to shine in Turkey, and for protection for those serving Christ there. I have a dear friend who serves over there, and would ask specifically for protection for her in her ministry.
by Jason Joyner | Apr 19, 2007 | Blog, missions, prayer, world events
Not to diminish what happened on Monday, but there are other tragedies in the world. On Wednesday, 3 Christians at a publishing house were killed for their faith. Suspects have been arrested for this crime.
This serves as a reminder for us to pray for the nation of Turkey. There are 71 million people in the country, and only less than 1% are Christian. This is especially sad considering Turkey was where much of Paul’s apostolic work occurred, and the seven churches of Asia in Revelation were located. There is a strong history of the Way that has been all but eradicated by Islam.
God’s heart is for the Turks. He is raising up people with a heart for this nation. The killings represent the enemy’s attempt to derail the work of the Kingdom in that land. Please pray for God’s light and Word to shine in Turkey, and for protection for those serving Christ there. I have a dear friend who serves over there, and would ask specifically for protection for her in her ministry.
by Jason Joyner | Apr 18, 2007 | Blog, CSFF, fiction, writing craft
I’m continuing the CSFF tour regarding Karen Hancock’s latest book, Return of the Guardian King. It is the 4th and final book in her series Legends of the Guardian King. Since I am new to Hancock’s work, I decided that I would dive into the first book, The Light of Eidon in order to point people to the start of the series (there wasn’t any way I would burn through 4 books in time either). Hopefully my introduction to the series will encourage you to pick up a great storyline!
The Light of Eidon centers on Abramm Kalladorne, prince of Kiriath. He is weaker physically and not in direct line to be an heir to the throne, so he pursues the religious society of Mataio in order to serve his country by protecting the Flames of Eidon.
As he approaches the time for his initiation, he is swept up in political intrigue that sees his whole life turned upside down. Questioning his whole life and what he was taught to believe, he must learn to survive in a savage world, finding the truth amidst all the struggle.
Hancock delivers a wonderfully engaging story that is full of the themes and props that make an enjoyable fantasy – epic battles, struggle for life, heroes and heroines, magic, fierce creatures. Her characterization and worlds are well-developed and rightly praised for their engrossing detail. The action draws you in quickly and rarely lets up the pace, without sacrificing quality development of the plot and peoples of this world. She is also very adept at keeping the reader guessing. The truth is not always what it seems, and old foes spring up at unexpected times.
Eidon is a spiritual tale that stands tall as the premier of Christian fantasy, but also deserves recognition outside of the Christian market as well. She shows true struggle, whether physical combat or emotional battles.
One aspect that I truly appreciated was how she handles difficult situations (writing-wise). As an industry, the CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) has some standards that can be controversial in how sin and the “gory” details should be shown. The unofficial standards can cause problems in describing sexual situations, bodily functions, and violence. My opinion is that Hancock delivers a tale based on reality that sets up the situation that is authentic for the story without being sensationalism . For instance, when two characters are attracted to one another, she writes the sexual tension in a way that doesn’t offend sensibilities, but it is clear what is happening. Often in Christian fiction the stigma forces an author to write something that is less than authentic. This is an observation that is more related to the writing craft than the enjoyment of the story, but it doesn’t pull one out of the fictive world like when these type of situations are poorly handled.
Overall, I see why Karen Hancock has won multiple Christy awards for her fiction, and why she is so highly regarded among my fellow speculative fiction fans. I strongly recommend The Light of Eidon. I also encourage you to check out the links I put in yesterday’s post to find out more about Return of the Guardian King and the rest of her books (though watch for spoilers if you’re new to the series).
by Jason Joyner | Apr 18, 2007 | Blog, CSFF, fiction, writing craft
I’m continuing the CSFF tour regarding Karen Hancock’s latest book, Return of the Guardian King. It is the 4th and final book in her series Legends of the Guardian King. Since I am new to Hancock’s work, I decided that I would dive into the first book, The Light of Eidon in order to point people to the start of the series (there wasn’t any way I would burn through 4 books in time either). Hopefully my introduction to the series will encourage you to pick up a great storyline!
The Light of Eidon centers on Abramm Kalladorne, prince of Kiriath. He is weaker physically and not in direct line to be an heir to the throne, so he pursues the religious society of Mataio in order to serve his country by protecting the Flames of Eidon.
As he approaches the time for his initiation, he is swept up in political intrigue that sees his whole life turned upside down. Questioning his whole life and what he was taught to believe, he must learn to survive in a savage world, finding the truth amidst all the struggle.
Hancock delivers a wonderfully engaging story that is full of the themes and props that make an enjoyable fantasy – epic battles, struggle for life, heroes and heroines, magic, fierce creatures. Her characterization and worlds are well-developed and rightly praised for their engrossing detail. The action draws you in quickly and rarely lets up the pace, without sacrificing quality development of the plot and peoples of this world. She is also very adept at keeping the reader guessing. The truth is not always what it seems, and old foes spring up at unexpected times.
Eidon is a spiritual tale that stands tall as the premier of Christian fantasy, but also deserves recognition outside of the Christian market as well. She shows true struggle, whether physical combat or emotional battles.
One aspect that I truly appreciated was how she handles difficult situations (writing-wise). As an industry, the CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) has some standards that can be controversial in how sin and the “gory” details should be shown. The unofficial standards can cause problems in describing sexual situations, bodily functions, and violence. My opinion is that Hancock delivers a tale based on reality that sets up the situation that is authentic for the story without being sensationalism . For instance, when two characters are attracted to one another, she writes the sexual tension in a way that doesn’t offend sensibilities, but it is clear what is happening. Often in Christian fiction the stigma forces an author to write something that is less than authentic. This is an observation that is more related to the writing craft than the enjoyment of the story, but it doesn’t pull one out of the fictive world like when these type of situations are poorly handled.
Overall, I see why Karen Hancock has won multiple Christy awards for her fiction, and why she is so highly regarded among my fellow speculative fiction fans. I strongly recommend The Light of Eidon. I also encourage you to check out the links I put in yesterday’s post to find out more about Return of the Guardian King and the rest of her books (though watch for spoilers if you’re new to the series).
by Jason Joyner | Apr 18, 2007 | Blog, miscellaneous
Whoa. It hit me a little while ago that this was the first anniversary of Spoiled for the Ordinary. I can’t believe that I started this little venture that long ago. It seems like so much has happened (because…it has!).
I didn’t have a great idea what to do with it when I started, but it seemed like something I was being led to do. A year later, I’m still not sure what I’m doing all the time, but this is post number 216, so I’ve done a lot of whatever it is!
Here’s my first post – whoooooo. Thanks for all who have stopped by! Stick around if you’d like, I’m not done yet.
by Jason Joyner | Apr 18, 2007 | Blog, miscellaneous
Whoa. It hit me a little while ago that this was the first anniversary of Spoiled for the Ordinary. I can’t believe that I started this little venture that long ago. It seems like so much has happened (because…it has!).
I didn’t have a great idea what to do with it when I started, but it seemed like something I was being led to do. A year later, I’m still not sure what I’m doing all the time, but this is post number 216, so I’ve done a lot of whatever it is!
Here’s my first post – whoooooo. Thanks for all who have stopped by! Stick around if you’d like, I’m not done yet.
by Jason Joyner | Apr 18, 2007 | Blog, prayer, world events
I haven’t posted anything on the tragedy at Virginia Tech because I didn’t have anything to add to the huge conversation. I have been praying for all those suffering, as so many have been.
I just read MSN’s tribute to those who have fallen in this senseless act. So much focus will go on the perpetrator – how this happened, what could’ve helped, who’s to blame. I know that is human nature and that some of it can be the process of healing. But please don’t forget about those who had to suffer and die in such a senseless way.
I encourage all of you to go read about these lives that we will never get to know in any other way. They were God’s beloved, and they deserve dignity in this time.
by Jason Joyner | Apr 18, 2007 | Blog, prayer, world events
I haven’t posted anything on the tragedy at Virginia Tech because I didn’t have anything to add to the huge conversation. I have been praying for all those suffering, as so many have been.
I just read MSN’s tribute to those who have fallen in this senseless act. So much focus will go on the perpetrator – how this happened, what could’ve helped, who’s to blame. I know that is human nature and that some of it can be the process of healing. But please don’t forget about those who had to suffer and die in such a senseless way.
I encourage all of you to go read about these lives that we will never get to know in any other way. They were God’s beloved, and they deserve dignity in this time.
