Stop Thinking About Yourself!
In this Post…
- Stop Thinking About Yourself! ♦
- Review DTQ and DSS on Amazon ♦
- View the Trailer for Daniel and the Triune Quest ♦
- Find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter ♦
Stop Thinking About Yourself!
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” C.S. Lewis
I think a lot about what good old C.S. said. Not because I’m super humble and spiritual, but because throughout any given day I realize I’ve been thinking about MYSELF constantly and then feel convicted of being self-centered. Which I am, by the way. It’s not just a feeling.
The struggle is real.
When I take a look around the cultural landscape, though, I realize I’m in good company. I don’t know if the advent of social media with its selfies and status updates has made it worse, but it certainly hasn’t made it better. In the very least, it has simply revealed that our human hearts are desperately consumed with self-worship.
∴ Please Like this post, by the way. LIKE it now!! Please please please please. And don’t forget to check me (ME!) out on Instragram, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Linkedin…*continues to mutter an infinite list of social media websites/apps* ∴
How can I begin to think of myself less? How can I change my autopilot so that my brain doesn’t automatically shift into ME-GEAR?
What’s Your Plot?
In this Post…
- What’s Your Plot? ♦
- Review DTQ and DSS on Amazon ♦
- View the Trailer for Daniel and the Triune Quest ♦
- Find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter ♦
What’s Your Plot?
This weekend, my wife and I were asked to share our testimonies with our Sunday School class. This got me thinking: if I was a character in a book, what would the plot for my spiritual life look like?
How have I grown (or not, for that matter)?
What problems have I overcome?
Where is the Author taking me?
Should I be more mature than I am now?
It’s made me think hard about my spiritual growth over my meager 36 years, which has been a good exercise. I’ve written out the outline of my growth below, and I challenge you to evaluate your own spiritual growth as well. It’s humbling (and sometimes surprising) to recognize that even in times that seem slow or monotonous, God is at work preparing your for the next chapter.
My Character Arc So Far…
Childhood: God wakes Nathan up in the middle of the night and shows him his sin. Nathan repents and his nominal faith becomes genuine saving faith.
Theme: Salvation
Early Adolescence: Nathan fears he is isn’t truly saved and learns about the certainty of salvation.
Theme: Certainty of redemption.
Mid-Adolescence: Nathan struggles with acceptance and self-worth (like every teenager) and God teaches him about identity and self-worth in Christ.
Theme: Identity as a Son of God
Late Adolescence: God does not allow Nathan’s uncertainty about the future prevent moving forward; he opens the door for college and kicks Nathan through.
Theme: Testing Faith
Early Twenties: Nathan gets married and starts a career. He learns that despite his insecurities, he must lead, serve, and prioritize that person above his own interests and feelings, and that he also must help others grow closer to God through counseling—all despite his still being a work in progress. He is overwhelmed.
Theme: Recognition of his need for God to fill him everyday.
Late Twenties/Early Thirties: Nathan and his wife move home and start a family. Nathan learns what true fear is and must learn to trust God with not only his life, but the lives of his family.
Theme: Faith in God’s promises
Present: Nathan must recognize that he does NOT have everything figured out and “together,” and is put in situations requiring him to exercise his faith in God’s goodness even when life is chaotic and the future is uncertain. Old lessons about trust and identity as a child of God are learned in a deeper way.
Theme: Dependence on God and recognition of personal limitations.
Read My Books? Please Review Them on Amazon!
If you’ve read either Daniel and the Sun Sword or Daniel and the Triune Quest and enjoyed them, please review them on Amazon! Here are the links:
Praise for Sons and Daughters Series
Christian Fiction Review by Peter Younghusband
5.0 out of 5 stars (Amazon)Better Than Its Predecessor. Takes This Series To The Next Level. You Won’t Be Disappointed.
on September 15, 2017
Every author and every reader anticipate that a sequel will be just as good or better than the previous….Well, I can say that this is a better story than its predecessor (Daniel and the Sun Sword)….
Lumbatis has shown more of the biblical aspects of who God is, the Trinity, and the Gospel message….
The account where Daniel meets Jesus is powerful but gentle and bypasses the head and ministers straight to the heart….
I know Lumbatis researched the mythology and culture….[and] translated this research into the plot and setting of the novel very well. It is great world building….Makes it very credible and real.
Reader’s Favorite Review by Sarah Scheele
Daniel and the Triune Quest is a blast—a breathtaking thrill ride!
A blast—a breathtaking thrill ride! Tantalizing prose, and…deliciously well-written. I fell head-over-heels for the witty, sarcastic dialogue. Daniel and Ben’s adventures are action-adventure spelled out, along with a hefty dose of drama, comedy, and memorable characters.
The action-packed narrative undoubtedly has the power to lure kids away from video games, and the spiritual messages are core, buoyed by dazzling anime-like visuals presented through…clear-cut learning arcs for the two boys.
Parents…should jump at this one and bookmark Nathan Lumbatis for future reference.
Wow! My husband and I couldn’t put this book down. It sure got our hearts pumping! Exciting, surprising, inspiring — but also arresting. It made me stop and think about the realities of God’s purpose for our lives, the very real “battles” we face, and His power & strength available to us in the midst of it all. Rich imagery. So good!
–on June 15, 2016
Purchase the Books via Amazon and Barnes&Noble
Amazon
Barnes&Noble
Daniel and the Triune Quest Trailer
Find me…
Facebook: facebook.com/nathanlumbatis
Instagram: Nathan.Lumbatis
Twitter: @NathanLumbatis 
March Happenings
In this Post…
- Write Stuff Radio / Website / Nerd Sighting
- Review DTQ and DSS on Amazon ♦
- View the Trailer for Daniel and the Triune Quest ♦
- Find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter ♦
Write Stuff Radio
July 31st, I’ll be appearing on the Write Stuff Radio with Parker J. Cole. Here’s a link to one of the most recent shows.
Website
If you’ve taken a gander at my homepage lately, you’ll have noticed the look has changed a bit. I linked my new counseling website (nathanlumbatiscounseling.wordpress.com) with my writing website. Head on over to take a look.
B&N
This will probably seem lame to you all, but it never gets old to me. I was walking through Barnes and Noble last night and stumbled across Daniel and the Sun Sword mixed in with other books in the Young Adult section. Not in the Local Authors section, mind you. In the “Real Young Adult Books” section. It gave me a little thrill.
Read My Books? Please Review Them on Amazon!
If you’ve read either Daniel and the Sun Sword or Daniel and the Triune Quest and enjoyed them, please review them on Amazon! Here are the links:
Praise for Sons and Daughters Series
Christian Fiction Review by Peter Younghusband
5.0 out of 5 stars (Amazon)Better Than Its Predecessor. Takes This Series To The Next Level. You Won’t Be Disappointed.
on September 15, 2017
Every author and every reader anticipate that a sequel will be just as good or better than the previous….Well, I can say that this is a better story than its predecessor (Daniel and the Sun Sword)….
Lumbatis has shown more of the biblical aspects of who God is, the Trinity, and the Gospel message….
The account where Daniel meets Jesus is powerful but gentle and bypasses the head and ministers straight to the heart….
I know Lumbatis researched the mythology and culture….[and] translated this research into the plot and setting of the novel very well. It is great world building….Makes it very credible and real.
Reader’s Favorite Review by Sarah Scheele
Daniel and the Triune Quest is a blast—a breathtaking thrill ride!
A blast—a breathtaking thrill ride! Tantalizing prose, and…deliciously well-written. I fell head-over-heels for the witty, sarcastic dialogue. Daniel and Ben’s adventures are action-adventure spelled out, along with a hefty dose of drama, comedy, and memorable characters.
The action-packed narrative undoubtedly has the power to lure kids away from video games, and the spiritual messages are core, buoyed by dazzling anime-like visuals presented through…clear-cut learning arcs for the two boys.
Parents…should jump at this one and bookmark Nathan Lumbatis for future reference.
Wow! My husband and I couldn’t put this book down. It sure got our hearts pumping! Exciting, surprising, inspiring — but also arresting. It made me stop and think about the realities of God’s purpose for our lives, the very real “battles” we face, and His power & strength available to us in the midst of it all. Rich imagery. So good!
–on June 15, 2016
Purchase the Books via Amazon and Barnes&Noble
Amazon
Barnes&Noble
Daniel and the Triune Quest Trailer
Find me…
Facebook: facebook.com/nathanlumbatis
Instagram: Nathan.Lumbatis
Twitter: @NathanLumbatis
The Olympics, Nathan Chen, and Humility
In this Post…
- The Olympics and Humility
- Review DTQ and DSS on Amazon ♦
- View the Trailer for Daniel and the Triune Quest ♦
- Find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter ♦
The Olympics and Humility
The Olympics are amazing to me. Olympians dedicate a huge portion of their lives to training, and then put themselves on display for the world to critique. When they do well, it’s awesome. When they make mistakes, it’s devastating. Nathan Chen is one such athlete. His ability is far ahead of his peers, but Olympic nerves got the better of him.
In watching such performances (and mistakes) unfold, I often wonder what the Lord’s plans are. He hates pride; surely he orchestrates such “falls” to bring people to the end of themselves, where they can recognize their need for Him. I have no idea if Nathan Chen is a Christian, but it will be interesting to find out if his failures drive him closer to God, or toward self-reliance. I guess we’ll find out in the 2022 Olympics.
In the mean time, watching his story has challenged me to be wary of pride and self-reliance. We are all Vessels, nothing more. What we choose to be filled with determines if we are destined for nobility or destruction.
What are you a Vessel for? Self or God?
Read My Books? Please Review Them on Amazon!
If you’ve read either Daniel and the Sun Sword or Daniel and the Triune Quest and enjoyed them, please review them on Amazon! Here are the links:
Praise for Sons and Daughters Series
Christian Fiction Review by Peter Younghusband
5.0 out of 5 stars (Amazon)Better Than Its Predecessor. Takes This Series To The Next Level. You Won’t Be Disappointed.
on September 15, 2017
Every author and every reader anticipate that a sequel will be just as good or better than the previous….Well, I can say that this is a better story than its predecessor (Daniel and the Sun Sword)….
Lumbatis has shown more of the biblical aspects of who God is, the Trinity, and the Gospel message….
The account where Daniel meets Jesus is powerful but gentle and bypasses the head and ministers straight to the heart….
I know Lumbatis researched the mythology and culture….[and] translated this research into the plot and setting of the novel very well. It is great world building….Makes it very credible and real.
Reader’s Favorite Review by Sarah Scheele
Daniel and the Triune Quest is a blast—a breathtaking thrill ride!
A blast—a breathtaking thrill ride! Tantalizing prose, and…deliciously well-written. I fell head-over-heels for the witty, sarcastic dialogue. Daniel and Ben’s adventures are action-adventure spelled out, along with a hefty dose of drama, comedy, and memorable characters.
The action-packed narrative undoubtedly has the power to lure kids away from video games, and the spiritual messages are core, buoyed by dazzling anime-like visuals presented through…clear-cut learning arcs for the two boys.
Parents…should jump at this one and bookmark Nathan Lumbatis for future reference.
Wow! My husband and I couldn’t put this book down. It sure got our hearts pumping! Exciting, surprising, inspiring — but also arresting. It made me stop and think about the realities of God’s purpose for our lives, the very real “battles” we face, and His power & strength available to us in the midst of it all. Rich imagery. So good!
–on June 15, 2016
Purchase the Books via Amazon and Barnes&Noble
Amazon
Barnes&Noble
Daniel and the Triune Quest Trailer
Find me…
Facebook: facebook.com/nathanlumbatis
Instagram: Nathan.Lumbatis
Twitter: @NathanLumbatis
BOLO For Release Party Info / Photo Puzzler #3
In this Post…
- RELEASE PARTY for Daniel and the Triune Quest: BOLO!
- Photo Puzzler # 3 •
- Find me on Instagram and Twitter •
- Review Daniel and the Sun Sword On AMAZON! •
- Book Trailer •
BOLO for the DTQ Release Party!
Information on the release party for Daniel and the Triune Quest will be coming soon.
Gator says, “Come. Or I’ll pound your face.”
I imagine she means it.
Where Is This Photo Taken? Puzzler #3
The backdrop for Daniel and the Triune Quest is somewhere far far away. Here are some more pictorial clues.
Anyone know where these ruins are located?
I’ll give you a hint: they are all near a famous (and ancient) military fort somewhere in the East.
I’ll give more photo clues soon…
Find me…
Instagram: Nathan.Lumbatis
Twitter: @NathanLumbatis
Review D&SS on Amazon!
If you have read Daniel and the Sun Sword (and liked it), please go to my Amazon page and leave a review!
Wow! My husband and I couldn’t put this book down. It sure got our hearts pumping! Exciting, surprising, inspiring — but also arresting. It made me stop and think about the realities of God’s purpose for our lives, the very real “battles” we face, and His power & strength available to us in the midst of it all. Rich imagery. So good!
–on June 15, 2016
Ordering Links
Amazon
To purchase Daniel and the Sun Sword from my website…
$15.00 + S&H and tax
Local orders not requiring shipping…
$15.00 + tax
Book Trailer
Another Photo Puzzler
In this Post…
- Another Photo Puzzler•
- Review Daniel and the Sun Sword On AMAZON! •
- Book Trailer •
A Photo Puzzler
Daniel and the Sun Sword took place in Peru at Machu Picchu, Coricancha, and Wayna Picchu. But Daniel and the Triune Quest takes place somewhere VERY different. So, as a sort of mystery, here are some pictorial clues.
Anyone know where these ruins are located?
I’ll give you a hint: they are all near a famous (and ancient) military fort somewhere in the East.
I’ll give more photo clues soon…
Review D&SS on Amazon!
If you have read Daniel and the Sun Sword (and liked it), please go to my Amazon page and leave a review!
Wow! My husband and I couldn’t put this book down. It sure got our hearts pumping! Exciting, surprising, inspiring — but also arresting. It made me stop and think about the realities of God’s purpose for our lives, the very real “battles” we face, and His power & strength available to us in the midst of it all. Rich imagery. So good!
–on June 15, 2016
Ordering Links
Amazon
To purchase Daniel and the Sun Sword from my website…
$15.00 + S&H and tax
Local orders not requiring shipping…
$15.00 + tax
Book Trailer
A Photo Puzzler / Creativity and the Image of God
In this Post…
- A Photo Puzzler•
- Creativity and the Image of God•
- Review Daniel and the Sun Sword On AMAZON! •
- Book Trailer •
A Photo Puzzler
Daniel and the Sun Sword took place in Peru at Machu Picchu, Coricancha, and Wayna Picchu. But Daniel and the Triune Quest takes place somewhere VERY different. So, as a sort of mystery, here is a pictorial clue.
Anyone know where this ruin is located?
I’ll give more photo clues soon…
Creativity and the Image of God
I often think about what it means to be made “in the image of God.” Most commentators explain it in terms of mankind being imbued with a spirit, and therefore able to commune with God, have insight, exhibit the Fruits of the Spirit, and be made like Christ. I agree with all these, but also believe that being conferred with the image of God enables mankind to be a creator.
When we create*, then, it would stand to reason that we are being “Godly.” It is a way for us to worship God through our abilities—to draw near to Him as we create like Him. So, spend some time today creating something. It doesn’t have to be “good” or “skillful,” and it certainly doesn’t have to be something that others see. Simply work on making, writing, composing, crocheting, photographing, knitting, cooking, weaving, sewing, gardening, landscaping, painting, wood-working, building…whatever-ing. And ask God to be with you and to create through you as you do.** Trust me, it’ll be a joy.
*Obviously I don’t mean when we create things that glorify sin.
**But for goodness sake, don’t always post it on social media! Have some privacy in your life, people!
Review D&SS on Amazon!
If you have read Daniel and the Sun Sword (and liked it), please go to my Amazon page and leave a review!
Wow! My husband and I couldn’t put this book down. It sure got our hearts pumping! Exciting, surprising, inspiring — but also arresting. It made me stop and think about the realities of God’s purpose for our lives, the very real “battles” we face, and His power & strength available to us in the midst of it all. Rich imagery. So good!
–on June 15, 2016
Ordering Links
Amazon
To purchase Daniel and the Sun Sword from my website…
$15.00 + S&H and tax
Local orders not requiring shipping…
$15.00 + tax
Book Trailer
Update on Daniel and the Triune Quest (Sort Of)
In this Post…
- Updates: Daniel and the Triune Quest / Sons and Daughters Book 2•
- Review Daniel and the Sun Sword On AMAZON! •
- Book Trailer •
Updates
Hello friends! I know it’s been a while since I posted. I’ve been busy, over-committed, traveling, and just straight up lazy…but mostly busy.
Stop judging.
It’s been a year and two months since Daniel and the Sun Sword was officially released, and several of you have asked about the sequel. Daniel and the Triune Quest is completed, and I should be giving you some solid information very soon.
So…stay tuned!
Review D&SS on Amazon!
If you have read Daniel and the Sun Sword (and liked it), please go to my Amazon page and leave a review!
Wow! My husband and I couldn’t put this book down. It sure got our hearts pumping! Exciting, surprising, inspiring — but also arresting. It made me stop and think about the realities of God’s purpose for our lives, the very real “battles” we face, and His power & strength available to us in the midst of it all. Rich imagery. So good!
–on June 15, 2016
Ordering Links
Amazon
To purchase Daniel and the Sun Sword from my website…
$15.00 + S&H and tax
Local orders not requiring shipping…
$15.00 + tax
Book Trailer
Happy New Year! / New Article: Protecting Your Marriage
In this Post…
- Happy New Year! •
- New Article: Protecting Your Marriage •
- Review Daniel and the Sun Sword On AMAZON! •
- Book Trailer •
Happy New Year!
Well folks, we’re almost there. 2017. It’s coming.
To ring in its arrival (which I assure you I will NOT willfully see due to the fact that I like sleeping), here are some reflection questions:
- Was 2016 a year in which you served others?
- Did you serve God?
- Did you share the gospel at all this past year?
- Did you spend enough quality time with your family to balance out time spent elsewhere?
- Did you ever just sit and think, prayer, and meditate, as you spent time with God?
- Are you now more Christ-like?
Let our answers inform whatever New Year’s resolutions we make.
Protecting Your Marriage
Marriage can sometimes be like the utility closet in your garage—it’s the place all the junk you’ve accumulated throughout your life gets shoved. After a few years, it starts smelling musty and needs cleaning, but that would require opening the door and turning on the light, which might be too overwhelming. Somehow, it can seem easier to ignore the smell. Those closets usually overflow at inopportune times, though, like when you’re trying to wedge a particularly nasty bag of Broken Promises between the Load of Guilt your mother gave you for Christmas and the Resentment your wife got you for your anniversary.
So, you turn on the light and indignantly wonder why someone else has been neglecting the build-up. Then, if you’re anything like me, you furiously pull everything out with the intention of dealing with it but suddenly realize it’s Saturday and the garbage truck doesn’t come until Thursday. Your wife doesn’t want to help, of course, because she’s disgusted with the smell of Your Father’s Criticism when you mix it with the stench of Your Secretary’s Perfume, and promptly tosses a bag of Just Desserts onto your head. And there you are, covered in your marriage and wishing you could hose yourself off in the front yard without your neighbors gossiping about it. Funny as the analogy seems, it is not too different from how many of us treat our marriages: we allow trivial clutter to choke the life and power out of one of the most wonderful, mysterious blessings God has given us. READ MORE…
Review D&SS on Amazon!
If you have read Daniel and the Sun Sword (and liked it), please go to my Amazon page and leave a review!
Wow! My husband and I couldn’t put this book down. It sure got our hearts pumping! Exciting, surprising, inspiring — but also arresting. It made me stop and think about the realities of God’s purpose for our lives, the very real “battles” we face, and His power & strength available to us in the midst of it all. Rich imagery. So good!
–on June 15, 2016
Ordering Links
Amazon
To purchase Daniel and the Sun Sword from my website…
$15.00 + S&H and tax
Local orders not requiring shipping…
$15.00 + tax
Book Trailer
Nathan Lumbatis 