He Said, She Said -- October 3, 2008

BANKRUPT

By Eddie Jones

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” - Matthew 6:12

- Listen to Bankrupt- by Eddie Jones

The headlines declared: Fallen! Fallen! – Investors Grew Rich From Excessive Greed

A sidebar story warned readers to: Escape So You Will Not Share In Her Fall

The year was 95 A.D., give or take a few years, and the apostle John was expounding on the Revelation of Christ. The account was the collapse of a mighty empire but the indictment of “Babylon” comes upon every nation that sells its birthright for wealth. Whatever happens in the global economy today, this week and in the months ahead, God saw it coming centuries ago.

As a nation we have lived beyond the boundaries of decency. We have cast out the single-moms and fatherless children, failed to show compassion for the aliens living in our land and turned our backs on the God We Trust. And still we cry out for relief, demanding that someone lift this debt from our shoulders so that we may continue to eat, drink and be merry.

The Apostle Paul warned: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction. The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

This current financial crisis may pass. The world economies may recover. In the days to come, we may return to our life of leisure. But there is a debt that can never be paid, a margin call that will catch us woefully short of funds. When it comes to our righteousness, we are bankrupt.

“Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins,” calls the angel from heaven. But we ignore the command.

Have you asked Jesus Christ to forgive your debts? Are you certain that your momentary trials and troubles in this life will reap eternal dividends in the ages to come? If not, if you are as uncertain about your years after this life as you are about the future of the financial markets, then call on the one who can save.

Ask Christ forgive you of your debts. His is the only bailout plan that matters.

~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~

INDEBTED

By Cindy Sproles

- Listen to Indebted- by Cindy Sproles

Forgive us our debts, as we also have

forgiven our debtors.—Matthew 6:12

She crawled to her knees then rubbed her neck. Swallowing seemed impossible. His forearm pressed against her throat had lifted her to her tiptoes—her heels slapped the wall as she gasped for breath. She tilted her eyes toward him as he slipped on his clothes. I hate him, God. He turned and threw a robe at her. Death is not good enough for this trash, she thought. I hate him.

Her ribs ached and all she could hope was that the children did not hear the commotion.

The pages of her Bible lay open to the beautifully worded prayer of Jesus. As she traced her finger over the words a tear fell. “….as we also have forgiven our debtors.” She slammed the book shut and shoved it into the floor. This is more than I manage, God. Look what he’s doing to me and you want me to forgive him?

What was she supposed to say to her sons? “Oh boys, remember when you were little and you heard the thud against the bedroom wall? It was your drunken father raping and beating me.”
The words burned in her mind, "Forgive us our debts.” You expect me to forgive this monster…..”

“I do,” she heard the Father whisper, “Your debts are forgiven, can’t you return the favor?”
Favor! I’ve done the favor. She slipped her foot atop the Bible and pulled it toward her. I forgive continually. He nearly killed me.

“Ah, but that’s what you’re missing. They did kill me. I died for you. Forgave your debts at no charge.” The voice was clear.

She swiped her eyes with her shirt. The pain swallowed her. What more do you want me to do, Lord?

“Turn lose. Let go of the pain. Introduce him to me.”

It’s easier to hate him. Easier to walk away. He doesn’t deserve to know you.

“…..as we have forgiven our debtors. You can be free of this if you so choose.”
She thumbed through the tattered pages of the Bible. And you’re asking me to give up?

“No, I’m asking you to give over.”

She grasped her ribs and stretched to raise the blinds. A single ray of sun peaked through.
She took in the breath then spoke his name. Take him. Fix him.

“Let go. He’s mine now.”

She wiped the tears. A smile tipped the edges of her lips. Today things would change.

Forgiveness is hard especially when you’re the victim. The weight straps tight across your soul. Sometimes we bury the hurt deep within our hearts and swear it’s gone. But God knows our hearts.

Is there someone you need to forgive today? Is there a prison filled with pain that binds you in shackles?

Let go. Give it over to the Father. After all, He gave you to Jesus. And aren’t you glad he did?


Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles
write the He Said, She Said
Devotional Series. They
are the co-founders of
ChristianDevotions.us

The Same but Different -- Sue Payne

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

The full moon appeared in the crystal, clear night sky above the tips of tall evergreen trees lining the highway. The reflected light disguised the stars as its brilliance cast shadows within the car. “Mommy, where did the moon go?” Our direction had changed, causing the moon to “hide” below the tree line. “I think the moon is playing hide and seek!” I replied, “But it’s still there.” The moon “magically” hid and reappeared again and again, peeking out in new locations as we traveled. The entertainment continued until the moon rose too high in the sky to be seen through the car windows.

This game sparked interest in the different phases of the moon. Suddenly aware of this heavenly body, the boys began to notice the obvious changes in its size and shape. The questions came again. “ What happened to the moon?” “Did a piece break off?” “Why isn’t it the same as yesterday?” With the help of a library book, I was able to show them that part of the moon was just hiding, but it was the same moon and it was still there.

In my travels with the Lord He has appeared different at times along the road. As my life took turns for the worse, He was my strength and comfort. Climbing the mountains of success, He became my praise. On the back roads of uncertainty, He was my confidence. When I was running scared and feeling lonely, Jesus was my only hope. My journey has taken many turns, but God has remained my constant, unchanging companion and friend.

Truly, there have been times in my walk with Christ when I wondered where God was. I have ventured alone in the direction of my own desires, sorrows, and fears suddenly finding myself lost for lack of light. When I turned around I found that I was casting the shadow that hid His presence.

With the help of the book, the Bible, the Lord showed me I was the one who was hiding, and that He was there, still the same, seeking me.

Have you wondered lately where God is? He’s still there, still the same but different so that for every turn your life makes His light may shine for you and in turn you might be a reflection of His never changing love: yesterday, today, and forever.

Sue Payne is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in home schooling newsletters and church news bulletins. She is experienced in curriculum planning and design and uses her writing skills to encourage and teach others. Sue lives in Delaware, is married, and has two boys whom she home schooled for a total of fourteen years

I Will Rise -- Ariel Allison

"I love those that love Me, and those that seek me early shall find me."
Proverbs 8:17 (KJV)

The alarm clock comes to life at 5:00, squawking its harsh metallic sound into the silence of my bedroom. I hit snooze and roll over. Three minutes later it blares to life again, pulling me from sleep. My hand reaches out and pushes the button. I sink into the warmth of my bed, unwilling to start this day.

And then, a whisper in mind, penned by Solomon centuries ago for his beloved, words that have a new meaning for me...

I will rise now and seek the one that my soul loves...(Song of Solomon 3:2)

Awake. I don't want to be awake right now. But I know of no other way to start this day that promises to be challenging and will require much of me. A day that I must be patient and kind. Gentle and filled with self-control. A day that I must be wife and mommy and keeper of my home. These days can be long.

So I crawl out of bed, my feet pressing into carpet and bearing the weight of my body - a body now round with child.

I will rise now and seek the one that my soul loves...

I sit here, the hem of dawn still black with night, my eyes and my heart slowly awakening to a holy moment. Silence. Peace. Rest. And worship. My heart is called to worship the One who orders my day. My fingers trace the lines of His love letter. I mouth the words in silence, fearful of waking little ones in the next room.

And He says to me:

"I love those that love Me, and those that seek me early shall find me."
Proverbs 8:17 (KJV)

I am loved. And I have found Him.



Ariel Allison writes, reads, and lives in a small Texas town with her husband and three young sons. She is the co-author of Daddy Do You Love Me: a Daughter’s Journey of Faith and Restoration (New Leaf Press, 2006). Her days are filled with toothless grins, muddy hands, and a never ending stream of words that try to find their way to her laptop. She ponders life as a mother of all boys at www.themoabclub.blogspot.com and her thoughts as a redeemed dreamer at www.arielallison.blogspot.com. She and her husband are expecting their fourth son in December.

True Purpose -- Pat Patterson

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10

_____________________________________________________________________________



Thomas lived in a small group home on the south side of town. He had AIDS, renal failure, high blood pressure, and, the night I met him, an overall sick feeling he couldn’t explain. “I’m due for dialysis tomorrow,” he said. “But tonight…I just don’t feel right.” He didn’t look right either. He was only 47 but he looked old and tired as if he’d spent a lifetime on the run, fighting, and struggling just to stay alive.

After performing a quick assessment I checked his blood pressure and hooked up the cardiac monitor for a look at his heart. His vitals were a little off, but overall he checked out fine. I glanced at his face and suddenly got the feeling that this was more than just a sick call. He needed to talk to someone. And I was okay with that. “Tell you what,” I said. “Let’s take a ride.”

He smiled, much obliged, and rose to his feet.

It was a routine transport. I stuck an 18-gauge IV catheter in his arm, took another look at his EKG, and then leaned back and looked at him as we rode down the highway.

“So, Thomas,” I said. “Where are you from?”

“Right here.”

“Yeah? Then you remember this place before it became a ghetto.”

He nodded.

“Look,” I said, “forgive me for prying, but, well, I was just wondering…were you ever in a gang?”

A stern expression tightened his face. “Let’s put it this way,” he said. “I learned to shoot a gun when I was five years old. Started taking drugs when I was twelve. I did heroin for more than twenty years on the street and then every day in prison for seven more. It won’t my mother that taught me all that.”

I gazed at him without speaking. I felt he deserved that. He had something important to say. He continued.....“The alcohol and drugs ruined me. My kidneys are shot now. I don’t blame nobody else, though. I made the mistakes, and I’ll live with ‘em. But these gangs you asked about?” He paused and shook his head. “They’re bad, man. These kids today will shoot anybody. They steal and rob for drugs. They kill. And those girls? They only keep ‘em round for one reason—makin’ babies. To the gangs that’s all they’re good for. My daughter’s there now, you know."He glanced at me as if searching for an answer. “She stays coked up and pregnant most the time.”

“Can’t you talk to her?” I asked. “Try to help her?”

“No, you don’t understand. Can’t never talk to her no more. Afraid of her. I know it’s my fault, she’s my child, but she won’t created for no good.”

I felt a strange paradox as I walked away from the ER: pleased to know that Thomas is a Christian today—he gave his life to Christ somewhere along the way—but saddened by what I had just witnessed. Harsh reality. Not just words from some magazine article about gangs and troubled youth, but real flesh and blood, a grown man who had survived the streets only to live and suffer the consequences of his mistakes.

Today Thomas lives in the corner of a dusty room. He has few friends, some serious health issues, and a daughter he can no longer see. So I wonder, does he question his purpose in life? I can’t answer that, but I do know this—Thomas and I encouraged one another last Wednesday night, and that was no mistake. It was God’s handiwork. And in that brief meeting, I find true purpose.

~~~

Do you struggle with your purpose in life? If so, consider poor Thomas. And remember, you are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.




Pat Patterson is a novelist, a paramedic, and an instructor of Emergency Medical Science. His stories are true, based on real experiences from the streets of Durham, North Carolina where he has served as a paramedic since 1992.

MELANIE WELLS AUTHOR CHAT

PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER AUTHOR TO CHAT
ABOUT WHAT LIES BETWEEN THE LINES:
Melanie Wells Joins Readers on Online Bookstore Chat

WHO:	Melanie Wells, author of the critically acclaimed Dylan Foster series – “When the Day of Evil Comes,” “The Soul Hunter” and the newly-released “My Soul to Keep.” Wells will join the family-friendly online bookstore, Abunga.com, to discuss her insights on the fiction series, writing, building story lines and using one’s creativity and imagination to shape character development.
WHAT:	“Authors at Abunga” Chat with Melanie Wells Wells’ Dylan Foster trilogy is packed with both humor and suspense. Each thriller tracks the mayhem surrounding Wells’ unlikely heroine, college psychology professor Dylan Foster. Wells, who is also a psychotherapist and accomplished musician, will provide insights into her writing style, how stories are created, and where characters come from.
wheN:	Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11 a.m. – Noon PDT / 1 – 2 p.m. CDT / 2 – 3 p.m. EDT (LIVE) At www.Abunga.com/AuthorsAtAbunga
DETAILS:	Wells is the first author to be featured on the newly-created “Authors at Abunga” chats by Agunga.com. A Texas native, Wells is an accomplished musician (she’s a fiddle player) a licensed psychotherapist, and the founder and director of Dallas-based LifeWorks counseling associates (www.wefixbrains.com). Beginning with “When the Day of Evil Comes,” each of Wells’ novels weaves a gripping tale in which the quirky, likeable Dylan Foster wrestles with her own personal demon -- Peter Terry – “a spiritual and emotional stalker,” Wells says, ”Peter Terry is a compelling character who rings true for all of us. He is a metaphor for the opposition we all have in our lives. And we can all relate to Dylan, who often feels like she’s fighting forest fires with a squirt gun.” More info found at www.Abunga.com/FeaturedAuthorWells. Abunga.com is an online bookstore founded to provide families a protected shopping environment. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., Abunga.com offers more than 1.6 million family-friendly books, savings through distributor-direct prices and support to nonprofit organizations by donating 5 percent of each transaction to a customer-selected charity. For more information, visit www.Abunga.com.

HE SAID - SHE SAID -- What a Ministry

www.christiandevotions.us

presents

HE SAID -- SHE SAID

One Scripture
Two Perspectives

HIS and HERS

A uniqe way to study the Word.

Available only on www.christiandevotions.us

Author, columnist and humorist, Eddie Jones along with
Author, columinst, Cindy Sproles

have come together forming a new
and unique ministry of study.

Devotionals that touch the heart, tickle the funny bone and
bring you to your knees.

HE SAID -- SHE SAID
takes the everyday events and applies them fully to your life.

Friends, fellow writers and award winning authors,
Jones and Sproles make an excellent
team.
They'll make you laugh,
make you think,
make you realize the importance of
your daily walk with Christ.

Visit www.christiandevotions.us and glean through the
premier devotional site on the web.

Sincerely, Mayla - Virginia Smith's Latest Book

I am so excited to share with you SINCERELY, MAYLA. My wonderful and dear friend, Virginia Smith has just had her newest book of many released.

Ginny is a wonderful writer. Check out her website at
www.virginiasmith.org and see all she has to offer.
Friend, writer and buddy, Ginny Smith....you'll love her work.

From the back cover:

Mayla Strong’s life is finally starting to seem normal. She has been working at the same job for four years, living with a good friend, and enjoying a deep relationship with God. But when Mayla is suddenly laid off, the placid surface of her life is shattered. In this touching sequel to Just As I Am, Mayla comes face-to-face with the responsibilities and joys of friends and family. As Mayla tries to help her friends, she realizes that God has all the answers—the trick is letting go long enough to let Him prove it.

Sincerely, Mayla is an honest book touching many issues young adults face today. Smith writes vibrant characters and tackles taboo subjects with grace and intelligence. She helps readers understand the beauty and complexity of every human being, pierced or not.

—Mary E. DeMuth

Christy Nominee, Watching the Tree Limbs

“If Mayla stole your heart in Just As I Am, she’ll own it in Sincerely, Mayla. Juggling unemployment, unrequited love, and shepherding a runaway teen takes hilarious and poignant turns in Mayla’s quirky hands. Throw in a visit to the grandmother she hasn’t seen in thirteen years, and readers will savor a rich dish of laughter, tears, and life-lessons sure to leave a permanent mark.

—Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Author of the To Catch a Thief series

"Virginia Smith has crafted another winning story with SINCERELY, MAYLA. Once again, Mayla Strong leads a cast of characters who will live in your heart long after the last page has been turned. Anyone who doubts that the Lord can use even the most unique among us will have a change of heart after reading this endearing novel."

—Kathleen Y’Barbo

Author of BELOVED CASTAWAY and LOUISIANA BRIDES

“In Sincerely, Mayla, Virginia Smith gives a graphic depiction of hating the sin but loving the sinner, just the way Jesus would. In the process, Mayla develops a greater spiritual awareness of her own shortcomings. This is a book that all Christians should read.”

—Lena Nelson Dooley

award-winning, best-selling author of Minnesota Brothers,

Carolina Carpenter Brides, and Montana Mistletoe.

"Becoming part of Mayla's challenges, frustration, and resolutions totally grabbed my heart . . . Mayla's character is developed very realistically, as we experience her mind being transformed into a new creation."

—Jacqui Markowski

Client Services, Pregnancy Resource Center of Salt Lake City

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE - Virginia Smith's Newest Release

Stuck in the Middle

Book 1 of The Sister-to-Sister Series

by Virginia Smith

Edition: Paperback
Price: 13.99
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5
Number of Pages: 336
Publication Date: Feb 08

When I met my sweet friend Ginny Smith at a writer's conference, her first book was about to release. As we stood talking in line we clicked and have since become great friends. Standing in line that day, Ginny was simply grateful God had blessed her with the publication of Just As I Am. Today, several books later, Ginny is still the same wonderful woman, grateful for each new publication God has blessed her with.

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE is part of her Sister-to-Sister series. Check out Ginny's website www.virginiasmith.org

to see more of her work. And RUN, do not WALK, to the nearest bookstore to purchase the wonderfully delightful read.

Joan Sanderson’s life is stuck.

Her older sister, Allie, is starting a family, and her younger sister, Tori, has a budding career. Meanwhile, Joan is stuck at home with Mom and her aging grandmother. Not exactly a recipe for excitement—or romance.

When a hunky young doctor moves in next door, Joan sets out to catch his eye. But it won’t be easy. Pretty Tori flirts relentlessly and Joan is sure that she can’t compete. But with a little help from God, Allie, and an enormous mutt with bad manners, Joan begins to find her way out of this rut and into the life she’s been hiding from.

Book 1 of the Sister-to-Sister series, Stuck in the Middle combines budding romance, soul searching, and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry that is sure to make you smile.

Endorsements for Stuck in the Middle

"A gentle story of one young woman’s season of growth, deftly blending the tangle of family relationships with gifts of whimsy and revelation. A joy to read."

Sharon Hinck, author of Renovating Becky Miller and Symphony of Secrets

"Virginia Smith has created a charming and humorous novel that celebrates small town life, generations of women caring for each other, and the value of finding a deeper, more active faith."

Sharon Dunn, author of the Bargain Hunters mysteries

Reviews

"What do you get when you have three generations of women living under one roof? Laughter, tears, and a ton of love. Smith knows how to use everyday situations in a humorous, caring way. This is a great start to a new series." - Romantic Times (Rating: Four Stars)

"This is so much more than a romantic chick-lit novel. This is a tale of the female dynamic, in both the family and in the church, and it is powerfully written." - Deena Peterson, A Peek at my Bookshelf

"Smith (Just As I Am) provides all the standard elements of inspirational chick lit in this first installment of the Sister-to-Sister series. Joan has been dumped by her long-term boyfriend, lives at home, has an unexciting job and can't quite figure out what to do with her life, until a single doctor (who is of course terribly good-looking and very serious about his faith) moves in next door. As the title suggests, Joan is the middle daughter and feels dwarfed by her older sister's happy family and her younger sister's beauty and success. She struggles with feeling abandoned by her father and angry that her mother forced him to leave when she was young. She wonders if there's more depth to her faith than she initially thought, and learns more about God from her new doctor friend. And she tries hard to take care of her elderly grandmother to prevent her from being sent to an assisted living home, though that may prove to be the best place for her after all. Naturally, this is the realm of happy endings, and readers won't be disappointed. The sisters are spirited and fun, and if the story takes a while to get going, it soon quickens the pace and entertains." - Publisher's Weekly

"The first of the Sister to Sister trilogy is a warm relationship drama as the three sisters seem real especially their sibling rivalries. The story line starts a bit slow to allow the audience to understand each of the sisters, but especially the star middle child Joan. Fans have fully developed siblings who behave in a consistent manner, which leads to a fine inspirational chick lit tale that focuses on being one's self when relating with others especially loved ones." - Harriet Klausner at Genre Go Round Reviews

Prayer is Just Talking.....

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians5: 16 & 17

When I attended Johnson Bible College, I had the privilege of being taught by a prayer warrior. This professor, older by the standards of the majority of the faculty, was an amazing man of prayer. It was not uncommon to walk along the loop at the college and see him standing in the back yard, white hair glistening in the sun, head bowed, hands behind his back. He believed in conversation, true and continued conversation with the Father.

His devotion to this quiet time impressed me when there was a campus wide prayer vigil. Students signed up for fifteen minute prayer times which continued around the clock for a full weekend. My prayer time was 10:00 p.m. and when I arrived, he was there. The chapel was quiet and lights were offering a soft glow off the stained glass windows. He pulled the list of student names and marked me present.

“How long have you been here?” I asked assuming he was taking the night watch for student protection.

“All day.” He whispered.

“All day? When do you go home?”

“Tomorrow night, when we’re finished.”

“Good grief. Aren’t you tired?”

“Yes. But it’s fine because if a student misses their prayer watch, then I step in and fill the gap. I don’t want the vigil to be broken.”

That was dedication.. I learned a great deal from his example. What I saw was something my own life desired – a deeper, more abiding relationship with the Father. The only way to achieve that was to commit to it and learn to talk to God anytime, about anything –continually. It took a long time to learn to pray frequently – in fact, to take the act seriously. Often, saying we’ll pray for someone good Christian lip service. But to follow through…..that’s hard.

Like anything we chose to do, practice makes us better. Am I where I should be in my prayer life? By the standards of my professor – no, but I’m learning. It becomes easier to talk to God when we make the effort, especially when Satan tries to distract us. Take your relationship with the Father seriously. Develop it by spending time talking to Him. Prayer doesn’t have to be formal it simply has to be that necessary conversation with our Father.

So this morning I asked the Father, “You there? It’s 5:15 a.m.”

“Been here all night.” He replied.

“Don’t you ever rest – get tired of waiting on me while I sleep?”

“Nope.” The Father pulled me close and kissed my head. “I love talking to you. Look forward to it.”

“I understand that. But don’t you get tired?”

“No. Never. I listen constantly in case you need something. I listen for all my children. The problem is few of them talk. The more you talk, the clearer you see me.”

Though I’m sure, I’ll never understand God completely, He is right. The more I talk with him, the clearer I see Him. His appearance is only limited by my imagination, but I see Him everywhere I am. He is with me when I walk, when I work, and when I write. And I am relaxed in His presence, comfortable to tell him anything. He doesn’t give me everything I ask for when I pray. Sometimes He simply provides comfort, however He hears every word I speak. And He doesn’t suffer from selective hearing. So I keep talking. After all, praying is just talking.

“No.” the Father interrupted. “Praying is everything.”

DEREK MAUL - A Christian With the Heart of a Servant

Meet

Derek
Maul




The next in the Series of

Christians with the Heart of a Servant

I met Derek Maul at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference when we shared in a small fiction critique class of eleven participants. Our manuscripts were emailed to the class prior to our arrival at the conference and our instruction was to read the work, critique it, and then bring it with us to the class. Each class member would have their opportunity to share constructive criticism and take it as well. It was a great learning process.


However, when Derek’s shot came to sit in the hot seat, few of us could say little in the line of criticism because his work was …well….as close to perfect as you’d ever hope to see. I’d had an opportunity to talk with him some via email prior to the conference and in the few emails we shared the man impressed me to pieces. He was kind, his demeanor laid back, and his words encouraging.

His work won a number of awards at the conference and I walked away with a valued friendship that I periodically draw on to chat. He seemed to know no strangers and everyone who spoke with him was instantly put as ease -- as though you’d always known him. Such a neat man.

Shortly after the conference, I began receiving his columns that print in the Tampa Tribune. Hum….didn’t know he was a reporter – he never mentioned that. Humble at that! So as the months passed I was increasingly more impressed that this kind and gentle man was able to write, and have printed, some rather pointed Christian values in a regular daily newspaper. God was at work through Derek Maul, for sure. His push “toward the realization of goodness” at his readers is very thought provoking. He’s been very successful with this challenge.

He recently sent me an article he’d written about our military and the depth of pride that swelled from the words touched me. So, I popped Derek an email and asked, “Can I post this on Mountain Breeze?” One thing led to another and I realized this man needs a little pat on the back. God must surely be very proud of his “Servant.” So, let me introduce you to friend, columnist and inspirational author, Derek Maul.

Thanks for talking with the Mountain Breeze readers, Derek. Tell us about your pre-writing years. What did you do for a living?

After I graduated from college (Stetson University and the University of West Florida) God called me to be a teacher. So for around 18 years I worked in the public schools, specializing in severely emotionally disturbed children. Never a dull moment. My other teaching occurred at church and with adults. Likewise, never a dull moment.

What age children did you work with?

Well, I was certified K-12 so it ran the gamut. Pre-school autistic children for a while, then teenagers. After that third and fourth grade, then I worked as a crisis teacher at a mental health center. My last teaching gig was sixth-eighth grade – hard to tell an EH (Emotionally Handicapped) 7th grader from the crowd in most middle-schools!


When did you feel the call to write inspirationally?

I've been writing meditations and devotionals for a long time; partly as a journal of my own spiritual journey and then partly to help other people understand theirs. I got started simply sharing a five-minute meditation at the opening of my adult (Baby-boomer) Sunday-school class. Eventually, several years ago, I felt the tug to write full time. I already had a local Op-Ed column (Brandon News) and was publishing the occasional meditation with The Upper Room, These Days, and a few other magazines.

Tell our readers what an Op-Ed column is?

“Op-Ed” is what the newspapers call the opinion columns that run opposite the "letters to the editor" section on the editorial pages. Sometimes they are more properly labeled “commentary." These columns are widely read, and constitute an amazing opportunity to influence the way thousands of people think about issues.

So what’s happening with you now career wise?

A lot has happened. I’m still free-lance, but I publish three weekly columns in various local segments of the Tampa Tribune (Op-Ed, community profiles, and a Q&A feature that highlights community leaders – I’ve interviewed 250 preachers and counting!). I've also written several feature articles for Christian magazines, I've had the opportunity to place commentaries with national publications (such as USA-Today, Newsweek, Christian Science Monitor) and I'm working on my third manuscript with Upper Room Books.

My Op-Ed column has been the most rewarding. It gives me the chance to engage literally tens of thousands of people in an ongoing conversation about life as it happens. My goal is to provoke readers – especially those who are not Christians – to think differently. I'm interested in shaping the world-view of pretty-much everyone in and around Tampa! (I'd love to have the same conversation with the entire nation via syndication!). I'm able to incorporate scripture, address hard questions, and introduce faith-based ideas. The column is well received – by non-Christians and believers alike - and now runs in anywhere from two to five of the Tribune's local sections, reaching approximately 100,000-200,000 readers.

So, is the Op-Ed column where you feel God is able to use you the most?

It’s certainly where my heart is. But my mission – across the board - is always to tell good news. Every feature or commentary or profile that I write amounts to a possibility that someone, somewhere, will begin to shift their thinking and open their heart.


Did you have a hard time writing this type column? You know, worry about how it would be received?

That’s a good question. But let’s not confuse writing from the heart with street-corner preaching! My approach has always been to simply tell the truth. Remember when the disciples were told to keep quiet about Jesus? They simply said, “We can’t help but tell about what we have seen and heard.” That’s authentic witness. There’s no need to brow-beat or bamboozle (don’t you love that word!) or bully; just share what’s going on. There’s nothing offensive about that. Conviction is the work of the Holy Spirit; my job is to tell the story.

Tell us about your book?

I’m sooooo excited about my first book! "GET REAL: a spiritual journey for men" (Upper Room Books, 2007) emerged from my passion to help "mainline" Christian men become more serious disciples (I've been wrestling for a long time with the difference between "Christian" as a social/cultural label and "Jesus-Follower" as a deliberate spiritual journey). "Cliff-notes" version is this:

1. 2005 - I tell God something big needs to happen by the time I turn 50, or I'm re-thinking the whole free-lance writer gig – too much "free" and not enough "writer."

2. My "Men's room" Bible-study/accountability group becomes a strong component of my church's growing spiritual health.

3. February 2006 - Upper Room publishing team conference declares, "There's
not enough good material out there for main-line Christian men." Their magazine editor suggests someone talk with Derek Maul.

4. I respond to their query with 10 quick bullet points detailing what I think a project like that should look like.

5. I must have struck a chord, because Upper Room gets excited and asks me for a formal proposal ASAP.

6. I turn 50 March 26, 2006. March 27 I get a contract in the mail!

7. May 2007, "GET REAL: a spiritual journey for men" is published.


So how do feel God has blessed you personally, (outside of the blessing of publication)?

Let me count the ways!

First, I live and work in a nation where “the pursuit of happiness” is fundamental to the definition of life together. Following Jesus is all about abundant life, and that’s got very little to do with material wealth (just as well, because I’m a free-lance writer!).

Next, I have a family where mutual love and respect define our relationships. Rebekah and I live and breathe the principle of mutual submission, and that frees us to love unconditionally.

Then, we are part of a community of faith where the goal is authentic Christian Community. What a joy! I could go on, but that’s a good glimpse.

You have a second book on the way? Tell us about that as well?

My second book – working title "In My Heart I Carry a Star" is due out in Aug/Sept 2008 (Upper Room Books). It's an Advent book, designed to be read in preparation for Christmas. It comprises 32 fairly short chapters that read pretty much like my newspaper column in style. I’m very pleased with it, and I believe it will be impossible to read the book and then experience a consumption-oriented secular-style Christmas ever again!

This month – January 2008 – my proposal for a third book (2009) is due. The title is so good and the concept so exciting that I really can't share any details at this point.

So God has rained abundant success on you. That’s awesome. Were you a little hesitant to leave your teaching job and step out on faith to write full time?

Define success? I believe success is living in the light; it’s following Jesus; it’s this: (Philippians 2 – 14-16) “Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”

But, yes, I was nervous to drop an entire salary. Rebekah encouraged me, and she gave me the confidence to try. I earned less than $200 a month the first year. Today I’ve almost replaced half my teacher’s salary. But, the experience has made me undeniably rich.

What does your work day consist of?

I work out of my home near Tampa, writing three columns for the Tribune, picking up other free-lance work as it comes around, developing book-length ideas, and walking my wife's huge labradoodle puppy. Rebekah designed and built my study (she’s so Martha Stewart!). I get out into the community to do interviews, and I'm also doing a lot of traveling and speaking – which is fun and has certainly pushed my comfort zone in new directions! It turns out I’m quite good in front of a crowd.

The challenge is NOT to do routine stuff like housework, even when it’s calling my name.


What do you do in your spare time? (Like you have any!)

Primarily I do as much as possible with my wife, Rebekah. We enjoy being together and we deliberately date at least one night a week. Then I’m involved with a lot of teaching and guitar playing and small-group stuff at First Presbyterian Church of Brandon, where Rebekah is senior pastor. It's an exciting, mission-oriented, full of life, growing congregation with children all over the place and a deep desire to serve God and grow spiritually. I play golf, cook, read, and avoid yard work (we have a huge yard that backs on to a golf course).

Our children have grown and left home to live their own lives. That's a book all of its own!

Thanks, Derek. I appreciate your time sharing with the Mountain Breeze readers. It's always such a pleasure to find a gem like you. We hope you'll post with us from time to time. Best of luck with the 3rd book on the rack.

To me, Derek is the height of humility. He was a bit shy about my bragging so on him but as we say in East Tennessee -- "Facts is Facts!" You can find Derek's book on Amazon.com

Derek's blogsite can be read at Amazon as well. Just click his name here and you'll head in the right direction.