Saving America: A Christian Perspective of the Tea Party Movement

In yesterday's post (please see below), I promised a review of Jonathan Wakefield's latest book, Saving America: A Christian Perspective of the Tea Party Movement. With the ongoing backlash against the Tea Party, this book is particularly relevant. Jon has done an astounding job of laying out the facts, aligning them with biblical principles and the intent of our forefathers when they crafted the Constitution, and explaining how far (and why) we've strayed from what our country was intended to be.

As I explained yesterday, I was about as far from politically-minded as are our five hermit crabs. In fact, I'd buried myself under a thick "what can one person do?" attitude. I'd given up any hope that our elected representatives (collectively, at least) were serving us in the manner we expected them to when we put them into office or abiding by the oath they took when they accepted the responsibilities of that office. I knew things weren't good, but I had no idea just how bad they were, nor did I have the slightest idea how to fix our country's ills. It was overwhelming.

At the beginning of his book, Jon clearly admits he didn't want to get involved in politics, but was driven to it by the downward spiral of America's economic, moral, and world standing and God's leading. Thank goodness he heeded both calls to duty. I learned more about our government from reading Saving America: A Christian Perspective of the Tea Party Movement than I'd learned my entire life. Thankfully, Jon has methodically, accurately, and truthfully researched the situation. He not only points out what's wrong, but also who's to blame (and believe me, it's all of us), and how we can rectify the situation.

This next point is important: While Jon's book points out the danger of allowing BGDs (Big Government Disciples) to continue their reign, he also shows that the roots of big government extend a century into the past. This is not a "Bush vs. Obama" finger-pointing session, but rather a close look at how the proponents of big government have been at work through many periods of our history and with the help of (or despite the disapproval) of numerous administrations. That's why I feel it's so important that every American read this book; we must be made aware of how insidious this movement for government's control over the people is, has been, and will continue to be unless we, the people, take back our country.

This book not only addresses both major political parties, but present and potential Tea Partiers, Christian and non-Christian voters/non-voters, minorities, celebrities, and the church. Mr. Wakefield doesn't pull any punches and divvies out the blame or accolades as they are earned. There's something for everyone in this book--pastors who are brave enough to spread the word, politicians who do carry out the responsibilities of the job they were put into office to do and who covet the trust their constituents invested in them (and politicians who do neither), and Americans who are just plain confused. While they know something is horribly wrong, nobody has told them just what it is that's wrong and (this is very important), how to correct it.

In this case, the old adage "ignorance is bliss" doesn't hold true. "Ignorance is deadly" would be more like it. Jon's book enlightened, infuriated, entertained, educated, and scared the living daylights out of me. Saving America is the one book every American voter, politician, and Christian should read before, during, and after our elections. I guarantee it will open your eyes to the REAL condition of our soon-to-be not-so-great country.

Saving America: A Christian Perspective of the Tea Party Movement: Please buy it, read it, recommend it, talk about it, and most importatly, heed what Mr. Wakefield is saying--and act on it.

Until the next time...

Who's up for Saving America? Raise your hands and your voices!

If you were to search for the least politically-minded woman in the known universe, you'd probably end up with me. I cringe when the talk turns to politics because I've distanced myself (at least until lately) from the topic as though it were a deadly supervirus. As a result, I am nearly useless when it comes to debating my views because I'm awash in the garbage that passes these days as campaigning and frankly, my views aren't particularly popular with a lot of people.

I wasn't always like this; there was a time when I believed everything our president or senators, representatives, and their staff members told us. After all, they were chosen by the voters to do what was deemed best for these United States. Why wouldn't our members of Congress be truthful, honest, God-fearing, and true to their oath? After all, they promised the following:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.

See? When they accepted the office to which they were elected, each senator and representative promised to defend the Constitution, bear true faith and allegiance to it without mental reservation or evasion, and to faithfully attend to the duties of his particular office.

And then they said, "So help me God." Not "So help me Groups of Lobbyists"; not "So help me some other god/idol/favorite constituencies/people I owe." No, when they took that oath, they said to God Almighty, "I'm promising to do this, God, and if I fail to do what I'm promising You I'll do, I'm guilty of lying to You and deserve punishment by You."

So what happened? Apparently, some of our government's leaders either don't understand the seriousness of the oath they've taken or aren't worried about promising God something they have no intention of actually doing. To say that I'm disillusioned with United States politics is akin to saying it's breezy inside a tornado and my disappointment is a drop in the proverbial bucket compared to God's.

I'm sure the majority of our elected officials don't ignore their oaths of office, nor do they all take bribes, misuse funds, play favorites, cheat on their spouses, trash-talk one another, or (and this is a big one) vote along party lines merely because they fear the backlash from their fellow __________ (fill in the blank). Granted, some of this is just the nature of the nasty political animal, but remember, God gave man dominion over the animals. Let's start dominating.

So what happened?

Well, for one thing, I (and millions like me) grew up. When I was a child, we held the President of the United States in absolute awe. He was above reproach and no one would dare think badly of him (at least in my circle of 8-year-olds). I'm sure presidents back then also were reviled by a segment of the population, but without 24-hour news coverage on television, uncounted political radio programs, and the faster-than-the-speed- of-light internet, most things died down before they had a chance to gain momentum. Only the most important issues remained. Nowadays, the Plain Yellow Tie Advocates cry foul when he wears a tie endorsed by the Green Striped Tie Advocates. That's the second thing that happened--the world shrank, technology grew, and our awareness (whether we wanted it to or not) grew exponentially.

Even so, I was remarkably adept at remaining ignorant. I've done my level best to be a member in good standing of the huge number of Americans who feel they have no say anymore, who leave the decision-making (aside from voting, which was usually done on a "lesser of two evils" basis) to those who liked that kind of stuff.

And then my friend, Jonathan Wakefield, wrote a book that changed all that. It's called Saving America: A Christian Perspective of the Tea Party Movement. Tomorrow I'll be reviewing it on this blog. I hope you'll read Saving America, recommend it to anyone you know who even remotely cares about the future of our country, and even more so to those who really care. Tell young people, who have a bigger stake in this than any of us who can remember JFK; tell old folks who want to preserve this country and its Constitution for their kids, grandkids, and generations beyond that; recommend it to book clubs, Bible study groups, your pastor, your kids' teachers. Contact your senators and representives and show them not only what is WRONG with today's government, but how we can fix it.

It is my sincere hope it affects you in the same "ice water in the face" way it did me.

Until the next time...

Good golly, Miss Molly!

It's definitely been a while since I last posted. I do, however, have a good excuse for my laxness. Her name is Molly Deborah Ackerson (notice the middle name?) and she arrived  sixteen years to the day of her parents' wedding. Having been told they couldn't have children has made the birth of Molly Deborah just that much sweeter and sharing their anniversary date with her birthday is the icing on the cake. She's my sixth grandchild and the only girl in the bunch. Her five boy cousins have yet to meet her, but then neither has anybody else, with the exception of her Aunt Dennae who flew up to Alaska from Kentucky both before and after her birth. That will happen eventually, though, and I'm sure the rest of her family will fall in love with her at first sight just as I did.

Welcome to the world, dear, sweet Molly! Here's hoping you're as excited about the rest of what humanity has to offer as you appear to be with your first bite of rice cereal!

***

On the other hand, I have stayed busy with my writing and am happy to announce the availability of my sixth and final installment of my Laramie on the Lam kids' adventure series on Amazon (http://tiny.cc./emnqn), Barnes and Noble (http://tiny.cc/6jhte), Omnilit (http://tiny.cc/uqa9s), Smashwords (http://tiny.cc/ydx83), and Quakeme.com (http://tiny.cc.kzgod). It's called Laramie Conquers the Last Frontier and it ties up all those loose, mysterious, funny ends I left dangling from the other installments. I think your kids will like it. I'd be pleased if you'd take a look if you have a chance. 

Another happy note: Echelon Press will be publishing my Laramie on the Lam series in print! I don't have all the details as yet, but I do know the stories will be combined into one book and I've incorporated study guides at the end of each story for those homeschool parents (or any parents, for that matter) who may want to quiz their kids on the educational tidbits I threw in there.

Until the next time...

Let's face it: It's always Thyme for Love!

Today I'm featuring debut author Pamela S. Meyers and her delightful novel, Thyme for Love, published by OakTara.

  April Love has always dreamed of being a chef.
But she didn’t expect her former fiancé

or murder to be part of the recipe for her new job.

When April Love signs on to be an in-house chef at an old lakeshore mansion in Canoga Lake, Wisconsin, she comes face to face with her long-lost love, the drop-dead gorgeous Marc Thorne. It doesn’t take long for their old magnetism to recharge, but how can she trust the guy who left her nearly at the altar eight years earlier? Her gut tells her something happened to Marc in between—something he’s reluctant to reveal.

 When April’s boss is murdered, Marc is accused of the crime. Unless April can find out who really killed Ramón Galvez, her chances for love will end up at the county jail. But someone else is just as determined she not solve the mystery…and will go to any length to stop her.

***

This debut novel by Pamela S. Meyers had me by the title alone--I grow herbs and anything having to do with my beloved hobby is fine by me. Then I opened the cover and began reading. As much as I liked the title, that was just frosting on the cake (excuse that deliberate pun) compared to what followed.

Pam Meyer's plot is out of the ordinary, her setting is beautiful, and her characters are delicious (but not too good to be true-to-life!). Protagonist April Love has been hurt in the past and isn't about to make the same mistake a second time, despite the fact that she's irrestibly drawn to the man who did the hurting the first time around. The romantic angle of Thyme for Love is great all by itself, but the mystery that deepens after Marc Thorne, April's ex-fiancé and current thorn-in-her side, is accused of murdering their boss kept those pages flipping as fast as I could turn them. I didn't put the book down each night until I could no longer make my eyes focus on the words.

Ms. Meyers has a wonderful way with description and not only puts her readers in the scene, but also inside the heads of her characters. Just when I thought I knew who the guilty party was, I was proven wrong. That's my kind of mystery!

Fortunately for me (and all the rest of Pamela's readers), Thyme for Love is just the first of a three-part series and I look forward to reading more from this talented author. Be sure to look for Pam's recipe for Chicken George at the end of the book!

About the author:

A native of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Pamela S. Meyers currently lives in Arlington Heights, Ill. She served on the Operating Board for ACFW 2005-2009, and is president of her local ACFW chapter. Her debut novel Thyme for Love releases November 14, 2011, and her historical that is set in her hometown, Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, will release in June 2012. She has published articles in Today’s Christian Woman, Christian Computing, Victory in Grace, and Ancestry. She is also a contributor in the compilation book, His Forever.

Here it comes!

It's coming.... it's almost here... won't be long now... keep an eye out!

Yes, that's right. Polar Bear Plunge by author Linda S. Glaz is being released on December 5th! And to make it even better, for the entire month of December, you can have this delightful novella for only $1.00.

Yep, you read that right--$1.00. Can't buy a quart of gas for that anymore. Can't even buy a cup of coffee at McDonald's for $1.00--at least not in Alaska. I paid $1.69 for a cup the other day at McDonald's and believe me, it wasn't one of those fancy brews, either. Plain old coffee with two creams. I should have saved my money and I could've had one and two-thirds downloads of Polar Bear Plunge!

Here's a little more about Linda and her book:

Striving to put meaning back into her life after her husband’s death, Aleni Callan immerses herself in hospital work. Angry with God, she finds herself even angrier, when hero, Brice Taylor, author of The Human Shield, arrives in the Emergency Room with a concussion and hypothermia after participating in the Polar Bear Plunge. Aleni wants nothing to do with a man who willingly takes chances with his life.

Brice doesn’t understood how God could bring him through being a captive in Iraq, when he failed his troops so miserably. Writing about his escape brings fame he would rather avoid. And by meeting widow, Aleni Callan, his feelings of failure only increase.

Megan Callan with the help of her three-year-old grandson, Ty, scheme to bring Aleni and Brice together. And while the best laid plans often go awry, Megan isn’t one to accept no.

About our author, Linda S. Glaz:

I’m a wife and mother of three. I balance being a child of God while also being older than God. Hmmm, scary, but almost true. I’ve been blessed to have had an amazing life so far: Air Force meteorologist during Vietnam era, teaching karate and self-defense along with soccer for 25+ years. I sing and direct in church and community theatre musicals where this little old lady sounds more like the guys than the gals. Also scary, but true. I work in a physical therapy clinic three days a week to earn money to keep my writing afloat. My writing life is a 24/7 proposition. When not writing my own stories, I am an agent for Hartline Literary Agency. I wear so many different hats I’m surprised I wasn’t invited to the Royal wedding. Blessings to everyone, may your writing dreams all come true.

*****

I've read this story and believe me, it's great. If you look carefully at the top of the book cover, you'll see a comment that reads: "Heartwarming, funny, and poignant... a real winner," signed by me! Yep, I was lucky enough to read this book a while ago and I guarantee this is the perfect "curl up under a warm blanket with a cup of hot chocolate in front of the Christmas tree" book. At only $1.00, what better way to spend some quiet hours during the holiday season? Don't forget your friends and family, as well. They'll thank you for this delightful story.

Jonathan Wakefield's Fatal Reality

Today, I welcome my good friend and fellow Christian Writers Guild fiction track graduate and finalist for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild 2009 Operation First Novel contest, Jonathan Wakefield. Jon's debut novel, Fatal Reality, a fast-paced thriller, is on the shelves at Amazon and Barnes and Noble (and probably at a lot of other places by now). It's published by OakTara Publishers (www.oaktara.com). Following the interview, I’ll post my review of this thrilling novel, but first, let’s find out a little more about Fatal Reality and its author.

Jonathan, can you give us a little background on your journey to publication?

My journey—similar to that of many authors—was long, challenging, and rewarding. I can trace my initial interest in writing all the way back to third grade when my teacher surprised me by reading my poem “Family Sounds” to the class. In fourth grade, I started writing fiction regularly. I’ve never stopped.

I was so passionate that I even tried to write my first novel, fully (and naïvely) intending to get published, in seventh grade. I quit after fifty pages, but the goal of becoming a published novelist had been established. Twenty-three years later, it has finally been met.

While Fatal Reality is my debut novel, it’s actually the eleventh I’ve written. I’ve spent many years studying the craft of fiction to be able to write something that someone might want to read.

As for the premise, the popularity of reality shows has always intrigued me, so when the idea of one being hijacked in view of the entire world hit me, I quickly grew fascinated with the possibilities. Within a few days, the entire novel had written itself in my head, and I knew I had to get started. Six months later, I was finished.

As you know, I entered it in the 2009 Christian Writers Guild’s Operation First Novel contest and, like yours, it was chosen as a finalist. I didn’t win, but I did gain the interest of an agent, who ultimately submitted Fatal Reality to OakTara and landed me a publishing contract.

Fatal Reality is a hard-hitting thriller that is sure to make Christians think (and a few Christians cringe as they recognize themselves). If you had to choose one thought your readers take away from your book, what would it be?

A theme running throughout Fatal Reality is the importance of being honest with ourselves and each other about who we are and our shortcomings. I want readers to finish with the thought that we rob Satan of his power when we face those shortcomings head-on and thereby allow God to turn them into our greatest strengths.

Because you and I were fellow Craftsman students, I know you studied with the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. What made you decide to go with a Christian writing program? Would you do so again? Would you recommend a program like this to beginning writers--or others who might be farther along their writing path?

I didn’t become a Christian until after college, which was actually about the same time I started seriously training as a writer and seeking publication. It didn’t take long after my spiritual awakening to learn that God was the one who’d implanted in me that insatiable desire to write. Knowing him personally gave my writing a purpose, and from then on I intended to glorify him with every word I wrote.

Soon thereafter, I came across an advertisement for the Christian Writers Guild and decided to give one of their courses a try. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve since taken two more courses with them and grown tremendously as both a writer and a Christian in the process. The Guild taught me how to write with a biblical worldview, giving me the confidence to attempt something that’s really quite intimidating. Words are powerful. The Bible—God’s Word to us—has transformed countless lives. So if I’m going to attempt to use the same tool to reach people with his message, I had better be sure I know how to use it properly. I would certainly do it all again, and I would encourage anyone at any point on their writing journey to do the same.

How long was Fatal Reality "in production," i.e., have you had this idea in mind for a long time or has it evolved over several years?

As I mentioned, concept to completion encompassed only six months. I normally take longer than that, but the Operation First Novel contest deadline was looming and I really wanted to enter.

What in your daily life influenced you in writing this book? Was there a particular event that tipped the scales--when you knew you had to write this book?

For a while I had wanted to write a novel about a reality show with a Christian protagonist, because I thought it offered a lot of good possibilities for moral dilemmas for someone who tries to live by biblical standards. And I love a good thriller, so as soon as I got the idea of turning a reality show into a race for survival, I knew I was on to something.

In the book, your protagonist, Kyle Borders, is a well-respected Christian leader who faces nearly insurmountable odds for survival while coming face-to-face with his personal demons. When you were putting this book together, what part of the plot came to you first--the reality show or his personal problems?

The reality show came first, but his problems quickly followed. I’ve actually never had a story lock itself in place in my mind so quickly before Fatal Reality. It just materialized in a way that seemed to fit perfectly for me. That’s part of why I was able to write it so quickly—once I had the story set, it didn’t need much reworking.

I know fiction isn't the only writing at which you excel. Can you tell us more about Jonathan Wakefield and what you believe in passionately?

How did I know you were going to ask me that? J Yes, I do have a wide range of interests, both within fiction and beyond. The eleven novels I’ve written have actually spanned five separate genres.

I’ve also done a lot of freelance copywriting and editing, some for profit and some for charity. I’ve written and edited everything from scientific papers to grant proposals to marketing materials.

I enjoy article writing as well. I’ve written for a variety of publications, including technical journals, newspapers, Christian magazines, church newsletters, and political blogs.

Writing about politics is something I’ve become quite passionate about, especially in recent years. I used to think that as a Christian I should avoid the topic because it might distract from my attempts to spread the gospel; but I’ve come to realize that the Bible has much to say about government (the word “king” and its derivations—such as “kings” or “kingdom”—appear over 2,500 times in the Bible), so Christians should as well.

But I want to make it clear that my political writings are entirely separate from my fictional writings. Fatal Reality doesn’t carry a political message or address politics in any way. It’s a straight-up thriller driven by spiritual and cultural themes.

And finally, Jon, where can we learn more about you, your career, your books, and your writing journey?

The best place is at my website at www.jonathanwakefield.com. You can find all the details about Fatal Reality there as well as information on any events I may have scheduled. And if readers have any questions for me, they can contact me through the form on the website. I’d love to hear from you!

Thank you, Jon. I'm sure we'll be hearing much more about you and your writing in the future.

*****

Long before I actually read Fatal Reality, I had a feeling it would blow me out of the water. I've known Jonathan for a few years now and he's always struck me as an earnest Christian who takes his writing as seriously as he does his walk with Christ. I couldn't wait to read the novel written by this talented man. I'm happy to report I was not mistaken in my assumption!

Jonathan Wakefield's debut novel, Fatal Reality, is based in the not-too-distant future and among other issues, addresses the sad state of much of today's television programming (reality shows, in particular). It explores the scenario of a well-known Christian leader who competes in what he thinks will be a 24-hour race to the finish line. Because it will be aired through a live feed, Extreme Mortality, the biggest reality show ever, will give Kyle Borders the perfect opportunity to live out his faith for the whole world to see. Unfortunately, it will also give Daniel Vats, creator of the groundbreaking show, an opportunity to not only kill at will, but also expose Kyle Borders for the man Vats believes he really is.

What follows is a fast-paced thriller that engages and entertains the reader while at the same time guiding him to important moral and spiritual points. The plot twists and turns through the pages much like the desperate contestants who dash through the jungle in the fight of their lives. Wakefield's characters--each one a hard-nosed individual chosen to compete based upon his or her strengths and expertise--are portrayed with skill and an eye for the varied weaknesses all human beings are capable of displaying. Wakefield carefully peels away the bravado and exposes their greatest fears.

Wakefield writes with great skill and plots his book well. Around each corner (and page after page), he reveals the ugly, naked truth about the harm human beings are capable of inflicting upon one another.

Wakefield admits he took a risk writing this book, but in my opinion, it was a risk well worth taking. You will too.

***

Until the next time...

Mad for Mind Over Madi

Q:        What’s true-to-life, drop-dead hilarious, inspirational, eye-opening, and sometimes hits a little too close to home?

A.        Easy—Lynda Lee Schab’s new novel, Mind Over Madi.

           When too-close-to-forty Madi McCall decides her husband, Richard, is cheating on her with town siren Fawn Witchburn, she asks him to move out. No, it's not the smartest move Madi could make, but her insecurities, coupled with her mother’s constant haranguing about the evilness of all men, blind her to common sense and her husband’s assurances of his undying love.

            Left with their twin teens, Christina and Max, and youngest child, Emily, Madi forges ahead with her life. While she juggles her hormonal teens and a little girl who misses her dad, tends to household responsibilities, spends time with her fashionista friend, Sylvie, and tries to straighten out her insecurities with her counselor, Sarah Price, Madi turns to her guilty pleasure for solace.

           Schab has turned the insecurities that so many of us feel into a witty, thought-provoking debut novel. What transpires will have you laughing out loud, cringing, sighing, commiserating, and wondering just how Lynda Schab knew your innermost thoughts—let alone your guilty pleasures. Her characters could be our next door neighbor or sister or co-worker. Her descriptions are fresh and spot-on. Her plotting is superb and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what new dilemma Madi would find herself in--and what hilarious or heart-rending way she would use to get herself out. Prepare yourself for some unexpected twists as Madi discovers a few secrets and realizes she needs God in her life as much as she needs her husband.

          Thankfully, Mind Over Madi is the first of a three-book series. Looking forward to Lynda's next two novels, Madily in Love and Sylvie and Gold, will help you get over coming to the end of a great debut novel.

*********

LYNDA LEE SCHAB got her writing start in greeting cards (Blue Mountain Arts, Dayspring) and from there went on to write articles and short stories (Mature Living, Christian Home & School) and in many places online (including www.Examiner.com and www.wow-womenonwriting.com), but her passion has always been fiction.

Mind Over Madi, her debut novel, is near and dear to her heart. Lynda admits she has a lot in common with the character of Madi. Not only are they both addicted to ice cream, chocolate, and computer games, they struggle with the same types of insecurities and continually require a hefty dose of God’s grace.

Lynda works behind the scenes at FaithWriters.com and is a member of ACFW. She is a regular book reviewer for FaithfulReader.com and is the Grand Rapids Christian Fiction Examiner and the National Writing Examiner for Examiner.com. Mind Over Madi received Runner-up in the 2007 FaithWriters Page Turner contest, was a finalist in the 2007 RWA Get your Stiletto in the Door contest, and won second place in the 2008 ACFW Genesis contest, Chick Lit category. Lynda lives with her husband, Rob, and two teenagers in Michigan. 

 www.LyndaSchab.com