A book for writers and readers

 

Hello dear friend,

The title of this blog is Christocentric Choices and in this case this post is aimed at fellow Christian authors as well as fellow Christian readers. I can recommend this book to both.

Newly belonging to my local library (I lived in Greece for many years and am thrilled to be part again of this wonderful institution!) I am settling in by randomly picking books from the shelves of authors I have never read before. I chose The Memory Collector as the theme resonated with an idea of mine, from some years ago, to use as the premise for a novel of my own. (This premise was, in fact, entirely different to my own idea though - so, who knows, I may still use it one day.)

The book's story line is intriguing and centres on extreme hoarding and the damage it can do to those around you. It brings in family dynamics around this subject and the lasting impact it can have on lives. It is also a romance.

Though I enjoyed the book I do read avidly yet don't usually blog about it. What has inspired me to do so this time is that I see in it a blueprint for Christian authors like me to study how to write for mainstream readership while retaining our Christian integrity. It is peppered with whispers of God which form part of the characters and are underlined by Christian values. This includes the fact that the romance is refreshingly wholesome, and it is that aspect which, for me, makes it a good Christian read. 

As a Christian writer who always has the antennae out for a like-minded writer I did suspect that #Fiona Harper was one from those little clues: a word here, a reaction there, and so on. Then, as I read the Acknowledgements I came across this: "And, finally, all honour to my God and Saviour for being the master storyteller. I would not be where I am today without your strength, love and inspiration." Nice one Fiona!

If you want to bring your faith into your own work try the following quick meditation to help you.

1 minute meditation

* Close your eyes and take a deep in-breath. As you breathe out feel the whole of your body relax. 

* Now say this prayer, or one of your own:

* Dear Lord, I want to bring You into my whole life so please will You show me how to include You in my work. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

* When you are ready open your eyes and have a big stretch.

Wishing you all the best with that challenge. 

Love and blessings

Teresa 

For more info please visit my website: www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk and my other blog: https://creativelivingforthebestyou.blogspot.com/

For further inspiration take a look at my book 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life, is a practical guide to joyful living which has already helped many through a crisis in their life.  To see the book trailer click on this link: 9 Days to Heaven

The book is available as a paperback from any good bookshop or online bookstore. Click here to buy the e-book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Days-Heaven-Make-Everlasting-Meaning-ebook/dp/B00AIR8CSC

Please pray for Athens as wildfires rage...

 

Hello dear friend,

Thank you for stopping by. The photograph above was taken from my balcony when I lived in Athens. Today, I am in Wales on a rainy day, clearing out my freezers and listening to news reports of my beloved Athens, surrounded by raging wildfires - fanned by hot, strong winds. And I am praying for those winds to drop - which will assist the firefighters in their heroic efforts.

I have witnessed this kind of situation in Greece. I have stood on my balcony and seen the blue sky, showing above, filled with helicopter after helicopter making its way to the sea at the bottom of the road to fill its gigantic bucket and then fly back, blades thwacking at the acrid air, to try to douse the flames. 

Thankfully for me, the actual fires were not close enough to be of danger to me. But there is always a chance that that may change. And it is a scary situation, even if the fires are at a little distance from you.

I had to stay indoors and close all windows to prevent breathing in the ash floating in the air. This, instead, liberally coated my white outdoor furniture with black smut, not my lungs. All the while I was praying for the poor people who were in danger of losing their life. And for all the poor animals and creatures that were losing theirs. Then, of course, there is the loss of property: homes, and contents, often garnered over a lifetime. And so much more. 

I am sharing this with you so that you can, perhaps, put yourself into the shoes of those in the line of fire and be encouraged to pray fervently for those in danger. Though I am a writer, I can scarcely imagine being caught up in the horror of this situation currently unfolding in Greece. There are reports of over 150 wildfires tearing mercilessly through the country, with two people dead already. 

This evening, over the sea of my former home in Palio Falro, the sunset will be a spectacular, surrealistic show.  With dark-purple horizontal banners streaming out from the dense black clouds of burnt matter, highlighted by a deep orange glow. A terrible, yet awe-inspiring beautiful sight to behold, which is seared into my memory and bound up with fear and sadness.

And so I ask again that you pray for all involved in this nightmare. You could say the following prayer, of one of your own:

Dear Lord Jesus, please have mercy on the people in Athens caught up in the wildfires, and on every one of Your living creatures. And as You calmed the wind that day on the boat with Your disciples, please do the same now for Greece, and Turkey, and everywhere else under threat of such fires. I ask this in Your name Lord. And I thank You for Your great mercy. Amen.

With every blessing.

Teresa

For more info on my work please visit my website: www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk or other blog: https://creativelivingforthebestyou.blogspot.com/

For inspiration check out my books on how to put your hand into God’s and follow your dreams. It is called 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life. Here is the link for the book trailer: 9 Days to Heaven

You can buy the book on lots of sites the web or an good bookshop. Click here to buy the e-book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Days-Heaven-Make-Everlasting-Meaning-ebook/dp/B00AIR8CSC