Christian writers and readers meet here!

[HeatherVivant]

I apologise, I've been a bit lax in my duties as host!

How is everyone? How's 2012 treating folks?

2012 is treating me well. I put my story "The Hen Party" about Christian wives gone wild up in the Kindle store, did a free trial and ended up having a lot of free downloads and some sales. This moderate level of positive feedback has inspired me to complete a longer work exploring the themes of sexuality among the faithful. What a fine line there is between the sacred and the erotic. Good times. I know that it is almost impossible to get word of mouth going, but one can hope that someone stumbles across the stories and can relate to the conflict.

 

[English Lady]

2012 is treating me well. I put my story "The Hen Party" about Christian wives gone wild up in the Kindle store, did a free trial and ended up having a lot of free downloads and some sales. This moderate level of positive feedback has inspired me to complete a longer work exploring the themes of sexuality among the faithful. What a fine line there is between the sacred and the erotic. Good times. I know that it is almost impossible to get word of mouth going, but one can hope that someone stumbles across the stories and can relate to the conflict.

Glad you've had some success.

 

[estragon]

EL, missed you. So far, so good, personally. Trying to avoid the political toxicity, trying to pray more regularly and more intentionally (actually saying something, rather than saying what i think I ought to say), and trying to be more patient--with others and with myself.

 

[English Lady]

EL, missed you. So far, so good, personally. Trying to avoid the political toxicity, trying to pray more regularly and more intentionally (actually saying something, rather than saying what i think I ought to say), and trying to be more patient--with others and with myself.

We've set up more prayer time at our church, I do think it's vitally important.

Good to see you.

 

[MaddieKim]

Prayers needed

Dear Friends,

I, for one, am glad January is over. It was a very stressful month, but February looks to be much better.

Estragon – remember patience is a virtue. It’s also one that we all have to work hard to achieve and then only with God’s help. I ask God for patience everyday…the only thing is—I want it RIGHT NOW!

I’m also glad to see activity here again because I have a favor to ask. I’m asking for prayers for the sister of the ‘sister of my heart’. My editor’s (Persephone9906) sister was rushed to the hospital today. She may need surgery. We’re not sure yet. If you would just keep her in mind, I would appreciate it.

Maddie

 

[English Lady]

Certainly, Maddie, I'll keep her in my prayers x

 

[Angellica1612]

Loved the Forrest Gump joke, DG. And I'm glad you started the humor thread, I've been enjoying it a lot.

Angel

 

[estragon]

Maddie, please give first name or nickname of the person for whom you are asking prayers. I have this thing about preferring to pray for, say, "Janet" as contrasted with "Pat's sister", although of course I will if I have no other information.

 

[MaddieKim]

Pat's sister

Maddie, please give first name or nickname of the person for whom you are asking prayers. I have this thing about preferring to pray for, say, "Janet" as contrasted with "Pat's sister", although of course I will if I have no other information.

Sweet estragon,

I understand wanting to pray using the name of the person, but I know God will know who we are praying for since the person in question doesn't want her name mentioned. Yet! (Maybe later)

I can give an update. It seems more than one surgery will be required. Not sure when or how close together. Right now all I can say is that she is one sick lady in need of our prayers.

Thanks to all who have added Pat's sister to your prayers.

Maddie

 

[persephone9906]

Estragon, Maddie, and Everyone Else - Thank you so much for your concern about my sister. Her name is Debbie. I apologize for the length of this post but, if you're interested, here's the latest on her status:

1. She has 15 centimeters of small intestine that has thickened, causing partial blockage. The solution: surgery to remove those 15 centimeters.

2. A 6 centimeter tumor on her adrenal gland. According to the doctor, anything over 4 centimeters is considered a prime candidate for cancer. Solution: surgery to remove the tumor. If the tumor is found to be benign, it can be removed at the same time the surgery for her intestine is done. If it is not benign, then this tumor needs to be removed before anything can be done for the intestine.

3. Endometreosis. Thickening of the uterus wall. Solution: Not sure yet; she’ll be talking to her OB/GYN.

According to her doctor, these problems need to be addressed very soon.

So there you have it. We have a few issues that we need to handle here. Should be a rather interesting time at our house.

In the meantime, thank you all so very much for your prayers and concern for Debbie.
Pat (persephone9906)

 

[estragon]

Thanks, Persephone.

 

[oggbashan]

Council Prayers 'unlawful'

Bideford Council banned from saying prayers

I am disappointed by this ruling which might anyway have been overtaken by the Localism Act.

My local Council - Canterbury City Council - meets in a former church which was given to them by the Church of England after their former venue, the Guildhall, was destroyed by WW2 bombing. The Council has its own Chaplin, appointed annually and not necessarily C of E, who leads the prayers at the start of every full Council meeting.

A few years ago the local Muslim community had made a planning application to convert a building into a Mosque for the University's students. Before that item was due to be considered, they asked me, presumably assuming that I was a council official, whether there was anywhere that they could say prayers.

They could have gone outside to the graveyard, consecrated ground, but it was pouring with rain. I took them to an anteroom, under the church's tower, and stood outside the room so that they wouldn't be disturbed.

I informed the Council's leader what I had done. He confirmed that he was happy with my action, and if they had asked formally, they could have prayed IN the Council Chamber before the item. The Committee members would have respected their prayers.

Canterbury has a tolerant and relaxed attitude to all faiths practised in its District. Perhaps that helps reduce radical attitudes in some. Unfortunately the most intolerant groups are some that call themselves 'Christian' although their actions seem most unChristian.

Of course Canterbury has not always been like that. There are memorials to Protestant and Catholic Martyrs. Jews were persecuted in the past but the Old Synagogue and the now-closed (because it was full) Jewish cemetery are maintained and respected.

I am sure that Canterbury City Council will continue to have prayers at its full Council Meetings even if they have to be before the formal opening of the meeting. They also have annual Civic Services which are attended by some other faiths as well.

If a Councillor considers that he/she cannot be present for the prayers, I'm sure that they could leave the Council Chamber for that time, as they do now for agenda items where they have a conflict of interest.

The Chaplin's prayers usually ask for 'wisdom and judgement' to be given to the Councillors. Those prayers don't seem to be effective for all Councillors because the formal Council meetings are often used just for political grandstanding. Everything important has ready been decided and the full meetings 'rubber-stamps' the decisions made.

 

[warl0ck1]

good evening all.

 

[estragon]

In addition to Debbie, I am praying for LunaEroticaMystica, who has serious health issues, and lunanul, who has a disability. Please pray for them and anyone who is in need or trouble.

 

[English Lady]

Prayers for all those in need and hugs and good wishes to all fellow thread folks!

Og - prayers can be said without saying a word, thankfully!

 

[oggbashan]

Prayers for all those in need and hugs and good wishes to all fellow thread folks!

Og - prayers can be said without saying a word, thankfully!

And the government has changed the rules in the last week so that councils can continue to say their prayers.

I don't know about your Council, but mine is frequently in dire need of heavenly guidance.

 

[English Lady]

And the government has changed the rules in the last week so that councils can continue to say their prayers.

I don't know about your Council, but mine is frequently in dire need of heavenly guidance.

Oh, yes, definitely in need of Heavenly guidance!

 

[estragon]

At the Ash Wednesday service this evening, the choir sang the Attende ("Hear Us Oh Lord, Have Mercy Upon Us"). Breaks me up every time. Now it's time to make my life better (easier in the telling than in the doing).

 

[English Lady]

At the Ash Wednesday service this evening, the choir sang the Attende ("Hear Us Oh Lod, Have Mercy Upon Us"). Breaks me up every time. Now it's time to make my life better (easier in the telling than in the doing).

Lent is such a special time of year for me, I find I learn so much every time lent comes round.

 

[MaddieKim]

But what happens...

estragon,

But what happens when you get a copy editing job from a writer whose work you like, but whose latest is in a genre you don't like? Suck it up, of course; communicate candidly with the author, and, if the author wants to stay with you, give it the best you've got. I can't particularize, because that would violate my "no badmouthing" rule. And I can't just walk away, because that would violate my "no abandoning the author" rule.

The above comment has stayed with me for several days now and I’m sure you recognize the quote from another thread, but I have a question…or two. First I think you’re terrific to stay with an author on a story that you are uncomfortable with.

So my first question is why can’t you say I’m uncomfortable with this genre, please find another editor for this one? And add that you’ll be happy to edit in…whatever categories you are comfortable with. Would that really be “abandoning the author” when there are others who would be willing to edit in a category that makes you uncomfortable? And to the person that said ‘they are only words’ are they? Only words, I mean.

My second question is what others rules do you have besides “no badmouthing” and “no abandoning the author”. I hope you have a rule to at least acknowledge a request to edit even if it’s to say you’re sorry but you’re overwhelmed at the moment with…whatever it is that you’re unable to take on another editing request.

Before I found Pat, I sent several requests to members on the volunteer editor list. I would have been happy to have been at least acknowledged…even if it was to decline. Only 1 of 9 had the courtesy to even write back.

I wouldn’t be upset if Pat told me she was uncomfortable editing a particular piece I wrote. At the moment, though, we think so much alike that the areas she wouldn’t want to edit are the categories I wouldn’t write.

Lastly, to answer your unspoken question – why didn’t I put this on the thread in which the original quote was made? I’m more comfortable in this thread.

And to all who post here…I hope you’re having a good day and God Bless you all!

Maddie

 

[estragon]

Maddie, I don't want to hijack this thread, so I'll be brief. I feel I owe the author a duty; maybe silence would have been better, not to raise the issue at all. In any event, I went ahead and worked on the series; my work is almost completed, and the author has stayed with me.

Is anybody into the Rule of St Benedict? I'm sure he had an approach to unpleasant tasks.

 

[MaddieKim]

Thanks for the prayers

I want to give all you who are praying for Debbie an update. Her surgery will be mid March. They will remove the tumor and if things go well, they will also remove 3” of her small intestine. One good thing, tests show she does not have endometriosis.

I would also like to ask for prayers for Pat. She is trying to do her work and kept Debbie’s up-to-date also -- in addition to helping Debbie with her day-to-needs.

 

[MaddieKim]

Just a bit of humor

These are from actual church bulletins:

1) This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

2) The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

3) The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.

4) Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

5) Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.

6) Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

 

[Mostera1]

Prayers

I enjoyed your church bulletin(s) Maddie.

I would also like to add my thoughts and prayers to Persephone, and her sister Debbie, may God guide and steady her doctors hands.

For Luna, we have been talking privately, and she is doing her best to stay strong. Prayers and positive thoughts for her. Hopefully, answers will be forthcoming! Pray for Wee Pixie, and her significant other to provide strength for them as they help her.

My SIL is doing okay, we see her, and do what we can to help her through her loss.

Estragon, I have admired your editing prowess!

Maddie, you are a special friend!

God's love to each and everyone of you! It is good to see this thread moving again. I am glad.

 

[estragon]

Mostera, many thanks for the kind words. Please tell Luna I will keep praying for her. And congratulations and love to our thread hostess English Lady for the great boost she gave us all, readers and writers, in The Independent.

For all those who need it:

Almighty God, guide the hands the heal, guard the hearts that wait, and strengthen the souls that fear, through Him who suffered for us, Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.