Naomi Dawn Musch

When I first started writing Christian Romance, I faced the dilemma that many Christian Romance writers face. Are there rules when it comes to writing in this genre? If so, what happens if I break them? I want my books to be honoring to God and for readers to be able to identify with the characters. Yet, I don’t want to alienate readers who might think my books push too far.

Fairly soon, I found out that there are some general, unwritten rules about what can and cannot be included in a Christian Romance book. Here’s a few of the common ones:

1.      No graphic sex scenes

2.      No titillating romance scenes

3.      No cursing

Some publishers go further, stating that if there are sex scenes, they can only be between a husband and wife or that there simply can’t be any sex scenes at all.

If only life was this sanitized!

Since my goal is to write about realistic and relatable characters that grow, I find it almost impossible not to bend some of these rules. Think about it. How many women in your church group have been divorced, raped, engaged in pre-marital sex, or were involved in an adulterous affair? No matter how strong our faith and our commitment to God is, we still live in the real world with real heartache and real temptations.

In order to reach out to hurting women and show the amazing love of God, I sometimes break the unwritten rules of Christian Romance. I don’t bend the rules for the sake of being a rebel. Instead, I want to create a story that makes it easy for women who have suffered to identify with the characters and to experience God’s restoration through the eyes of those characters.

I think it is still important to remember that many readers seek out Christian Romance for the safety of these rules. So, even when bending therules, it’s important to be very cognizant of word choices and tone. I don’t describe controversial scenes in great detail. I usually use euphemisms and the art of implying a certain action.

One way to make sure a scene doesn’t go too far is to ask some trusted friends or other authors to give their opinion on the scene. I suggest getting several people to read it and give their feedback, since each person is coming from a different place.

So, what can happen if you bend the rules? Some readers will leave negative reviews. Some might accuse the author of not being a Christian. Others might be turned off by the writing. But, others might be touched in a deep way, like one reader who sent me an email after reading one of my books where the main character was raped. She said, “I was finally able to forgive the man who raped me over 30 years ago.”

Ultimately, the decision to bend the rules in Christian Romance is up to the writer. I believe if a writer is truly seeking God’s direction for the story, He will prompt the author to adjust accordingly. Our job as writers is to listen.

Karen Baney writes Christian historical and contemporary romance novels. When she’s not busy writing, she enjoys traveling the state of Arizona with her husband, exploring museums and the picturesque landscapes the state has to offer. Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs.

Visit Karen at her website: http://www.karenbaney.com or on Facebook or Twitter. Her books are available on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/karenbaney.  Visit her special blog for authors at http://www.everythingauthor.com.

Do you ever feel insignificant and wonder if anyone would notice if you disappeared? On the other hand do you struggle with thinking too highly of yourself? The following verses in Romans teach us proper self esteem. “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith God has assigned. For as we have many members and the members do not have the same function.” Rom. 12: 3-4

Pride comes so easily to us, but so does poor self esteem. Neither extreme brings good mental health. So what’s the answer? In the next few verses the Apostle Paul launches into an explanation of spiritual gifts, and I believe that forms an excellent basis for a balanced view of ourselves.

Think about it. God gives every believer a gift. No one gets left out.

Furthermore your gift may be mercy, but it will have a different slant than others in the church. You’ll be uniquely gifted to do a job no one else can do the way you can in the time and place you live. Even more than that, when you exercise your gift, you become a vital part of the whole church—a necessary cog in the workings of the machinery. Should you fail to use your gift, the church will lose the special ability to touch the world as God planned. Imagine your body deprived of an eye, or even the big toe. Doubtless you’d miss either one.

Let’s revisit the verse above. Paul taught each believer in Rome “…not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think…” In other words, he’s saying not to be proud. A prideful person would think of himself as the entire machine. Nothing would happen without him, and we all know that’s not true. That’s disobeying this verse—he’s not that important. But if a believer sees himself as a vital part of the machine, or the body of Christ, that’s healthy. He’s valuable and has something to offer. Paul continues Romans twelve this way, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…”

Do you battle with thoughts of insecurity? Discover and use your spiritual gift. Do you combat pride? View yourself as a member of God’s church with a vital role to play. The church needs us all, working together for God’s kingdom.

What’s wrong with our world? Shouldn’t a God who claims to be all powerful and flawless prevent suffering? How can we continue to believe when storms rage on in our lives? If you’ve ever had tough questions like these Struggles and Triumphs Study Guide is the book for you. Author Cynthia L. Simmons will guide you toward answers with her unique and enlightening approach. Her twelve-week Bible study for ladies comes from stories of real women as told in Struggles and Triumphs: Women in History Who Overcame. As you study, you’ll come to understand God’s perspective on timeless issues that impact your life. The carefully chosen Scriptures combined with interesting historical information will challenge and encourage you. 

Cynthia L Simmons and her husband, Ray, have five children and reside in Atlanta. She has taught for over twenty years as a homeschool mother and Bible teacher. Active in Christian Authors Guild (CAG), she conducts writing workshops and has served as president, vice president, and conference director. In December 2009 the membership granted her Life Time Membership for her numerous contributions to writers. “Cindy” is fond of history and writes both historical fiction and nonfiction. Her writing appeared in CAG publications, NATHHAN NEWS, Chattanooga Regional Historical Magazine, Georgia Right to Life Newsletter, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Catholic Exchange, and ChristianDevotions.us. Her first book, Struggles and Triumphs, came out in 2008. While promoting her book, she had interviews on radio and TV across the nation and was nominated for 2008 Georgia Author of the year. She also conducts monthly podcasts called CAG Spotlight in which she interviews authors and VIPs in the writing industry. At present she is completing a twelve week Bible study using the stories in Struggles and Triumphs.

clsimmons.com

In today's post, author and evangelist Zeke Lam, shares some thoughts applicable to both men and women on intimacy with Christ.

ZEKE LAM is the founder of SUBMISSION Ministries—a ministry devoted to seeing lost souls encounter God and live lives fully surrendered to the risen Christ. A graduate of Liberty University, Zeke’s deep passion for following Christ’s will has led him through many years of youth ministry and itinerant evangelism. Both of these experiences have enriched and fueled his desire to hand others the keys to a Christ-centered life. Zeke resides in Virginia with his beautiful wife, Kathleen, and a growing family of future world-changers.

Mary and Martha

            Scattered throughout the New Testament Gospel books are several interesting and powerful interactions between Jesus and women. In each case, an intriguing lesson is brought to light for the individual and very applicable to our present day. From the story of the widow and her two mites in Luke 21 to the lady touching the hem of Jesus’ garment in Luke 8, to the woman at the well in John 4, each case provides valuable truths.

            While each are critical and essential depending on the season of life a person is currently facing, the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 has offered significant help at various times in my life. Hosting Jesus was a privilege indeed. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and worshipped while Martha was busy with much serving. This busyness became a distraction in her life from her chance to be at the feet of Jesus.

            I could spend a lot elaborating on this verse, but the intent of this post is to highlight one simple truth. This truth is summed up in verse 42 as Jesus proclaims that Mary chose the one thing that cannot be taken from her: a relationship with the Lord. There are so many things in this life that we cling to with all our might. Our jobs, ministries, reputations, families, etc, are among the possessions we hold to and render all our time to. Yet, none of the examples just mentioned are guarantees.

            Is there anything wrong with laboring? No. Is there anything wrong with striving hard to be a good provider, mother, minister, or employee? No. In fact, it is our duty to perform these actions as unto the Lord and for His glory. However, under no circumstance should these things become a distraction or idol separating us from the presence of our Savior.

            Notice why Jesus corrected the actions of Martha. Verse 40 points out that she was distracted by the much serving. We must never allow our calling to hinder our relationship with the Caller. Both women and men in our society have extreme challenges to face. Juggling the responsibilities of this world while remaining at the feet of our Savior requires submission and faithfulness. Under no circumstance can we place Jesus second or third place on our list. Anything above Him is idolatry. If this is our current situation, we must re-prioritize to ensure proper order in our lives.

            This passage of Scripture has been very instrumental in my life. It is so easy to lose sight of the fact that our first priority is to love Jesus Christ with all our heart, soul, and mind. All other aspects of our life must flow out of this intimacy with Him. Remember, this is the only treasure that you and I possess that cannot be stripped from us.

            Mary and Martha had an experience with Jesus here that highlights a core truth. He longs for us to long for Him. He is not concerned with what we can merely do for Him. He wants our hearts to align with His and be willing to be His vessel. These ladies had the privilege of receiving a lesson firsthand that stands strong in significance today. 

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What is the greatest challenge that the Church is facing today? Zeke Lam suggests that one word is the greatest challenge:  submission, or the lack thereof. It is not external forces that nullify the testimony of a Christ-centered believer, but rather the failure to humbly submit to the voice of the Lord. His book SUBMISSION will help you to live a surrendered life abiding in Christ.

•   Is the approval of God more important to you than the approval of man?
•   Is the presence of God evident in your life?
•   Do you fiercely protect your intimacy with Christ?
•   Do you desire to live a life of truth, free from the lies of the devil?
•   Is God’s divine character visible to those around you?

Learn how to submit your life wholeheartedly to the Lord so that you can dwell continually in the secret place—a place of intimacy, surrender and joy.

Prepare to be stirred by this authentic calling to return to Scriptural obedience.

—Pastor Gabe Turner, The Point Church of Charlottesville, Virginia

In my opinion Zeke has laid his finger on the defining message for our time. This message is essential for believers everywhere…

—Eric Stephens, Pastor of Life ChangingMinistries and Fellowship in Sugarland, Texas

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/subMISSION-heeding-only-His-voice/dp/193748100X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326126281&sr=1-1

 ISBN-13                 978-1-9374-8100-1

 ISBN-10                 1-9374-8100-X

 Author website - http://submissionministries.org/

Have you ever felt like you are on a perpetual detour? You know where you want to go, maybe you even feel like God is leading you there, yet somehow you’ve ventured on the “scenic route” loaded with one detour after the next. Are you lost? Has God forgotten about you altogether? Maybe you’ve begun to question whether or not you will arrive at your destination at all. 

That was exactly how I felt a few months ago when God taught me a very expensive and frustrating lesson. And even though I know I often learn best through failures, I couldn’t help but question my circumstances. Couldn’t God have taught me the same lesson in an easier and less expensive way? Sure, He took me from point A to point B, but did He really have to take me to Q, S,W and Z first? 

But then I read Exodus 13:17 “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said,‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’”

The Israelites couldn’t see what lay ahead, but God could. More importantly, God saw their heart -- He knew their breaking point and what it was going to take to turn their emerging faith into victorious confidence. Each day, as they traveled through the desert, they learned who God was. When the cloud rose in the morning, signaling it was time to depart, they learned to rely on and trust in God’s guidance. When Manna rained down from the sky, they learned God would provide. When they crossed the Jordan River, they learned no obstacle was too great when God stood beside them.

Maybe you are in a valley right now, or wandering through a desert waste land and it’s hard to see God’s hand amidst the frustration. Certainly some of God’s detours are meant to strengthen and challenge us, but others are a direct result of His mercy and compassion.

With the Israelites, God knew what lay ahead, and even more importantly, how much the Israelites could handle, and He knew that they were in no condition, spiritually or emotionally, to face fierce opposition from the Philistines. And so, in His infinite mercy, He led them in a gentler, albeit longer, direction. 

How many times has God done this for me? Perhaps there was some hidden danger in that job I so desperately wanted. Perhaps that house I longed to buy had structural damage that would inevitably drain my finances. Perhaps that ministry opportunity that appeared so perfect yet continually evaded my grasp would have led to spiritual weakness or distraction. Who knows? I don’t, but God does. And really, that is all that matters. In my limited, human understanding, I will always be stuck in the here and now, but I serve a God who can see yesterday, today and tomorrow all at once and who is constantly at work behind the scenes to lead me towards that good, narrow path. My job is not to figure it all out, because I never will this side of heaven, but instead, to trust in the person and nature of Jesus Christ, knowing that He will indeed perfect the plans He has for me. 

Jennifer Slattery is a freelance writer and publicist who lives in the Midwest with her husband of 16 years and their thirteen year old daughter. She’s the marketing manager for the literary website, Clash of the Titles, writes for Christ to the World, Samie Sisters, and has written for numerous other publications. Find out more about her andher writing at http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com and http://wordsthatkeep.wordpress.com

Find out more about Clash of the Titles, the literary website where authors compete and readers judge, at http://www.clashofthetitles.com.