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!
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
Editing…My Life
In this Post…
- Editing…My Life•
- Review Daniel and the Sun Sword On AMAZON! •
- Book Trailer •
Editing…My Life
As I’ve begun editing again, I’ve been thinking about how characters in young adult stories—even really believable characters—have very clear steps toward growth. Even in a series where growth happens slowly over the course of several books, there is usually a satisfyingly clear progression from callous to sensitive, cynical to trusting, and/or cowardly to courageous.
Think about Harry Potter: I could’ve punched him in the forehead in The Order of the Phoenix, but by the end of Half-Blood Prince I was his friend again. And then there’s Edmund in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. What a turd. But once he’s rescued from the witch and Aslan gives a lecture, he’s fast-tracked to army commander in the service of the Lion. And who could forget the tortured growth of Katniss Everdeen, Percy Jackson’s epic path to heroism, or Daniel’s flight from orphan to son. But…
Daniel and the Triune Quest…It’s Official!
In this Post…
- Updates: Daniel and the Triune Quest…It’s Official•
- Review Daniel and the Sun Sword On AMAZON! •
- Book Trailer •
It’s Official
Earlier this week, I signed a contract with Dove Christian Publishers, and Daniel and the Triune Quest has been slated for publishing this May! Needless to say, I’ve already been busy with pre-publication, which is always exciting.
And, in seeming celebration, Daniel and the Sun Sword was once again in the Amazon Top 100 for my categories!
It’s been an exciting week, and I look forward to sharing the process with you once again.
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!
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
Beyond Ourselves
In this Post…
- Cyber Month Sale (Apparently)
- New Article: Beyond Ourselves •
- Please review Daniel and the Sun Sword On AMAZON! •
- Book Trailer •
Cyber Month Sale (Apparently)
Order a copy of D&SS from my website between now and December 20th and
receive a signed copy at a 30% discount!
Beyond Ourselves
The glass doors slide open and you and your child are met by a tired, old woman. “Welcome to Walmart,” she grunts. You absently smile and walk into the store, drawing your little dear closer as people jostle past you. Where Autumn paraphernalia once hung from the ceiling or lined the impulse-buy shelves, you now see Christmas decorations and flashy toys. Quickening your pace, you make a move towards the pharmacy, but notice resistance. Cringing, you hesitantly glance down and see your child’s eyes fixed on the latest Sofia the First Magical Talking Amulet. With a quick prayer, you tug again. Nothing.
“Can I get that amulet, Mommy?” she asks, letting go of your hand while walking towards the shelf where Sofia’s deceptively innocent grin taunts you from the front of the box, as though saying, “Good luck. She’s mine!”
“Honey, you can’t get that today. Maybe we’ll get it for you for Christmas.”
“Maybe?” Sofia throws back. “This is a limited edition magical talking amulet!”
“But I want it now!”
“We don’t have the money today,” you say quietly. Then with more authority, “Come on, we have to get a lot of things and get home before your dad gets off work.” You grab her hand and begin walking. She follows while craning her neck until the amulet is out of sight.
“This isn’t over,” you imagine Sofia calling to you.
Looking down, you see your daughter frowning in concentration. “But, Grandma gave me five dollars for my birthday last month. Why can’t I use some of that to get the amulet?”
“Yeah, what’s wrong with that?” Sofia mocks from the Sofia the First clearance Halloween toothbrush stand you pass on your way to grab some deodorant.
“Because you already used most of that to buy the Sofia the First Columbus Day Go Fish Cards. You only have fifty cents left.”
“Then what about that Sofia glow-in-the-dark chapstick?”
You feel a migraine coming on. “Not today. We’re too busy, and besides it’s…good grief $20 chaptsick?”
“Healthy lips are happy lips! Can you really put a price on your health?” Sofia winks at you and then blows a kiss to your daughter. She doesn’t notice.
“You’re mean.” She begins to tear up and folds her arms.
Certainly she wouldn’t throw another fit. Isn’t she tired out from the three she just threw in Publix? you ask yourself.
“Not when you give her my Sofia the First Super Star Vitamins every morning,” Sofia laughs.
You ignore the throbbing pain in your head and grab your daughter by the arm. “Let’s go, we’ve got to go get some groceries now.”
“But Mom!” she whines, trailing behind you. “I want that chapst…”
For a moment, the sudden silence comes like a wave of relief. But then you realize your fatal mistake when you see Sofia waving at you from the amulet shelf again. Why didn’t I take the long way around the store?
“It wouldn’t have mattered,” Sofia replies happily. “I’m stocked in the toy, hunting, and craft departments too. Also, there’s a surprise waiting for you on the cereal aisle.”
“I want the amulet!” your daughter suddenly shrieks behind you, pulls away from your hand and throws herself on the ground. After making several wriggling motions, she ends up under the amulet shelves.
“I….WANT…SOFIA!”
With everyone watching, your head exploding, and the growing realization that if you don’t give in, you’re very likely to experience what many psychiatrists are now calling Post-Sofia-the-First Psychosis, you grab the amulet and your flailing daughter and proceed to the checkout line.
The groceries can wait, you think, and then begin planning what to tell your husband about supper.
“It’s only food,” Sofia replies in comforting tones. “At least your darling little girl is happy.”
***
Let’s be honest with ourselves, even though this is fiction, we’ve all experienced the store tantrum at least once. Kids can be just as materialistic as the rest of us; and, with children becoming some of our biggest consumers…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!
Book Trailer
Silver Medalist / Cyber Weekend Sale / New Article
In this Post…
- Silver Medalist •
- Cyber Week Sale •
- New Article: Words of Eternal Life •
- Please review Daniel and the Sun Sword On AMAZON! •
- Book Trailer •
Silver Medalist
Daniel and the Sun Sword brought home a silver medal!
Thanks to everyone who voted.
Cyber Week Sale!
Order a copy of D&SS from my website between now and December 3rd and
receive a signed copy at a 30% discount!
Words of Eternal Life
John 6:68 “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Paul writes in Romans that my destiny as a Christian is to be conformed to the image of Christ—to spend my life allowing the Holy Spirit to bend me, mold me, and shape me until I resemble the Son of God. I should, in fact, always be aware of some sin or bad habit that God is targeting for change. Change, however, is hard. After all, as a culture, we do tend toward cynicism and self-centeredness, both of which inhibit my willingness to die to myself and submit to what God wants. So, when He begins putting pressure on me to crucify the deeds of the flesh, I have often squirmed my way to the edge of the Holy Spirit’s presence, where the compelling and louder voice of the flesh eases my guilt by excusing, rationalizing, and watering-down my sins. But when I am honest with myself, I know that God will not settle for this, that He wants total submission and transformation. Christ’s life made that…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!
Nathan Lumbatis 