Being the Piece You're Meant To Be

If you listened to the Luminosity playlist, you might have noticed I started off with Casting Crown's City on a Hill song. (listen to song at the end of this post.) When I first heard the song a few months back, I was astounded over how much the theme of the song went along with Luminosity's story theme. And I couldn't help but wonder, is the Holy Spirit trying to say something? Maybe.

When I first started the White Road Chronicles, there were two things I had to include in the storyline. The Meeting Halls and the Medallions which signify a person's gifting. We must have BOTH in our walk with God. We need the fellowship of believers, a support group to help us on our journey, and we need to know where we are going.

Not everyone will travel the same path. There are many White Roads in this life. Sometimes they crisscross, but they all head in the same direction. God is a God of diversity. Everywhere we look, we see it. Even to the point that it's near impossible to find two leaves exactly the same on the a tree. Our fingerprints are unique. Our eyes. Our looks! In all the billions of gazillions of people in this world, there are not two who are exactly alike. Even with twins. There are slight variances between the two individuals that mark them as individual.

So why, with all the uniqueness right before our eyes, would we think there is only one way to get something done? Why? Why would we think our way is better than his or her way? Why would we ever dare to believe we are better than someone else?

Truth is, God designed us as individuals with unique talents and unique abilities so He could reach this diverse world He created. I know not everyone will agree with me on this, but it's Biblical. I Cor. 12:4-6. Different talents, but the same spirit that gives them. The same source. The same one and only God who endows his children with what they need to bring his Kingdom to fruition.

If you're looking around at how bad the world has become, and nobody can deny it's not great, the real question that needs to be asked is what are we doing with the talents God has given us to make his Kingdom whole?

These are some of the questions presented in Luminosity. Questions Alyra has to come to terms with, and her brother Ethan. And the others, as well, who must find what they are capable of - great or small - and decide how will they use what have to help and not hinder their King?

From Chapter 9 in Luminosity:

Ethan interjected, “But the Academy only accepts selected warriors, Your Highness. What about those who are not imparted with the emblem, yet still wish to fight?”

Issah also accepted a cup of tea from the Okbold. Alyra shook her head, unable to stomach anything else. The tension in the room hung like dense clouds on a stormy day.

“Son, if everyone would simply use the giftings they’re given, to their fullest capacity, then eventually, we’ll succeed in overcoming Darnel’s influences. There are many ways to fight the enemy that does not require taking up weapons.”

“But Issah, the towns are unprotected.” Ethan persisted.

“You yourself have gone into many of these towns to deliver instructions on how they should protect themselves. Did you find listening ears, son?”

Ethan shook his head and turned toward the flames. “Still, we can’t abandon them.”

“Abandoning is never my intention.” Issah sipped his tea, then gave DezPierre a appreciative nod. The creature stood a bit straighter, looking pleased.

Shelton’s wife, Dulcet spoke next, “We’ve already lost one son and fear losing more. Please, Issah, tell us what to do.”

“Daughter, do what I’ve commissioned you to do when you received your medallion. That is all I expect from anyone.” Issah reached over and grasped Alyra’s hand. “Speaking of medallions, we should discuss the reason you’ve come tonight.”

~~*~~

What have you been given to do? Not sure? Have you ever taken a spiritual inventory, or personality test? That might be a good place to start. Here's the links for a few places that offer free tests. Take them a more than once and see what seems to stand out the most. Talk to your pastor, parents or a trusted leader about what strengths the quizzes show you. Finding your strengths will help you live at your strongest and be most successful in your life.

Free Spiritual Gifts Analysis
LifeWay Spiritual Gift test

Myer's Briggs Personality Test

When I come across more, I'll be sure to post the links on this site.
Happy travels!

Here's the video I mentioned above from Casting Crowns talking about the story behind City on a Hill. And following is the actual song which is also found in the playlist.

Luminosity Playlist is now avaliable

I've been asked, what kind of music do I like to listen to? Well, that depends on what's going on. Perhaps as you can tell from my playlist, my taste is varied. When I'm writing, I need music. It inspires, helps me think, and puts me in another world where anything is possible. Like stories, I believe music is the air our creative souls breathe.

I don't know how many times a song would come on the radio, or in a store, that snapped at my attention. I'd stop, thinking, "Yes, that's exactly what my story is trying to say." My son turned me onto SoundHound and other music identifying apps. How did I ever manage before such wonderful tools were made available? I don't know.

So if you ever see me with my phone held up high, tapping to a song playing on the loud speakers, I've probably just caught a story song. It's an amazing experience and hard to explain. But there it is. And here is Book Two's playlist.

Look for Luminosity's release in the coming weeks! It's close, folks!

Playlist for Luminosity

1. City on the Hill -Casting Crowns
2. The Call - Regina Spektor
3. Yael Naim - New Soul
4. This is Home - Switchfoot
5. ColdPlay - Fix You
6. Joe Cocker - have a little faith in me
7. Alanis Morissette - "Guardian"
8. Coldplay - Paradise
9. Mumford & Sons - Roll Away Your Stone
10. Sheryl Crow - Everyday is a Winding Road
11. Imagine Dragons - It's Time
12. Kari Jobe - You Are For Me
13. Fearlessly  - Luminate
14. Good To Be Alive - Jason Gray

When Life Goes Amiss... Get Out of the Tree!

During the last stages of the editing phase on Luminosity, it seems I've been hit with one mishap after another.

I don't wish to turn this post into a whine-fest, so let's just say that I've had to deal with computer problems to health problems. Which in turn, has put off my intended publication date.

So, the other weekend, I went into church (aka the Meeting Hall) dragging my little wagon full of discouragement and frustration. And during the worship time, this scene came to me.

This is from Book 2- a part of the scene. I took out important things that would give away a few surprises and left it at the bare bones. Because it was the very last part, that really struck my heart.

Like my little hero Alyra, I was hiding away with my sorrow keeping me company, despite what my friends might say about keeping my chin up and to keep going. And here's a truth. When we are pounded with troubles, Jesus eagerly beckons us to him with open arms. Understand, I said, beckons to. Hiding away and moping will get us nowhere.

So, as I said, this scene came to me while I was worshiping, okay, pouting about all the crap that was happening.

~~*~~

From Chapter 10 - Luminosity

Alyra returned the journal to her bag. Grow up? This. Was. Not. Her. Fault!

Lotari simply didn’t understand her problem. She yanked at a willow limb in irritation.

Alyra sighed as she rested against the trunk. She’d made herself a promise to start trying harder to do what’s right. A week had passed since and she’d already had one major blow up in front of her family and their friends. So much for acting her age.

Maybe being from Racah damaged her.

“I hear you brooding in there.” Issah’s leather boots appeared through an opening in the low hanging leaves.

She remained still, not sure she wanted to talk to anyone. Enough with the lectures.

Arms folded across his chest, Issah stared toward the meadow. His voice sounded tired, and lacked his normal enthusiasm.

“Despite the pain his foot is giving him, your father was about to come searching for you himself. He’s so worried.”

Alyra cringed. She’d forgotten to check Da's foot this morning. Add horrid daughter to her list of dysfunctions.

“Come out.” Issah crouched, stretching his hand to her. His earthy brown eyes took on the color of wet clay, like Lotari’s when he was upset. “I promised Stephan I’d bring you back home. Are you finished yet?”

“With what?” She drew her knees up to her chest, unwilling to move from her secluded place.

“Feeling sorry for yourself.  I am so sorry that you’ve had to undergo more ridicule.” The sadness in his voice startled her. “What really distresses me, though, is your total lack of trust in me. You still doubt that I care for you.”

How could he say such a thing? She grasped his hand and let him help her out of her hiding spot, “That’s not true.”

“Of course it’s true. Otherwise you would know I have your best interest at heart.”

She opened her mouth to argue, but the passionate fierceness on his face, caused her lips to close with a snap.

~~*~~

So there I stood, with this scene running through my mind. A scene, mind you, I actually wrote nearly seven years ago. And that day, those words came back when I needed them most.

Despite all the crap hitting my fan, despite all the set backs and attacks on my computers, health, and other stuff, God loves me. He not only loves me, he has a plan for me. A plan to prosper. A good plan. A plan that will not bring me harm, but hope for my future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Not only does God have my best interest at heart, He has a plan, a way through the mess I find my way in. There is always a way through. Always. Isaiah 41:10- So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

He has this! Whatever we are going through. So, my friends, pull your head out from under those covers, set down that wagon full of despair, and come down out of that tree!

Keep going. Keep fighting. You're not alone in the storm.

~~~*~~~

Which brings me to the good news!
Luminosity is now with a couple of beta readers who are helping me with line editing for mistakes. So soon as I get my last edits back, and make the corrections, I'll be sending her out into the wide world.

It's taken longer than I intended. But I'm happy with the outcome and excited about this story. I know it's better than Illuminated, which I loved that story, too, but know it has a slowish beginning.

I'm hoping the end results of book two will please my readers, as well. 



One more announcement on something fun I participated in:
 A group of writer friends got together and donated a couple of flash fiction pieces to help raise funds to support the yearly Chapter Book Challenge. 

I've been reading through the other's work and finding the short stories wonderful. When I want a quick read during breakfast, or while standing in a line or waiting for an appointment, I open my copy of Teapot Tales. Some are serious and tug at your heart strings, some will make you chuckle out loud. I have two stories in the Anthology.

Check the book out on Amazon. It's inexpensive and helps a good cause.



Be blessed, dear reader friends.
Oh, and for your listening pleasure, here is the song they were singing during the worship service, which reminded me where I stood with Him.
JC