The Detriment of Modesty

That title got your attention, didn’t it?  Well, it was supposed to.

I think we can all agree that a fixation on anything can be a bad thing, and a fixation can make a good thing bad, right?   Good.  With that in mind, I am going to make my startling statement of the day, one many people will probably not appreciate but needs to be said regardless.

Modesty has become a bad thing. 

Now wait and hear me out before you all flood my inbox or the comment section below.  I haven’t lost my mind.  In fact, I have been dwelling on this topic for a while now, which is why I’ve been a bit silent on the blog, as of late.    

Declaration of Chivalry

Men, as a whole, are under attack, and tragically young men and women alike—older, too, for that matter—are simply accepting it. But not everyone. Some men and women are still willing to stand up and challenge the cultural mindsets of our day.

One such man is the writer of today’s blog post. That’s right, I may be introducing the blog post, but I didn’t write it. Luke Alistar (fondly known as Matt),  is a friend of mine who wrote a Declaration of Chivalry early last year. It spread like wildfire through our circle of friends and was signed by many young men in various locations.

New Blog Features

That’s right; I have some new blog features!!  If you look over to your right, you will see a list of links.  In that list I have added the Contact Me and Guest Post links.  These are the new features I have added.  So, let’s look each of these features individually.

The Contact Me page:

I have received multiple e-mails from friends about my blog posts, be that in the form of a positive response, a challenge concerning a point I made, or just to sends me a “hey, can you write about this?”. But, as my blog has continued to grow, I have realized that the people who are now reading it are no longer confined to people who know me and know how to get in contact with me through my multiple online venues. There are many new people, and I want to hear from them just as much as I want to hear from my friends. Which is why I have created this page for you all.  Read the Contact Me page for more info.

A Butterfly Story

There once was a little girl who loved to run through the fields and play.  One day, amidst her wanderings, she stumbled across the cocoon of a butterfly.   Delighted at her find she raced home with it and watched for the beautiful creature within to emerge. 

One day a small opening appeared along the shell.  Crouching down over the butterfly home which she had created, the little girl prepared to wait and watch as a new life came into the world.  For several hours she waited patiently and watched as her butterfly struggled to break out of its confines.  With great effort it struggled to force its body through that little hole, its progress painfully slow.  Then, after some time, the butterfly seemed to give up, as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no further.

A Study on Virtue

Proverbs 31:10 says "Who can find a virtuous woman? Her price is far above rubies."

It’s a good question, to be honest. Many women can’t even name off a list of virtues- or what they mean to her as a woman- let alone live them out. Over and over again I have run into women who say they want to be Godly women, and men who say they want to marry a Godly wife, but neither of them can tell me what that means. How can you be or find something you know little about?

Meet my Friends

 Hey, guys.  It is no surprise, I am sure, that I have some awesome friends!  They really are.  I could ramble about them and never grow tired, but I realize you will lose interest pretty fast, since they are not your friends and you know nothing about them.  So, I decided if I want to ramble about them, I should share them with you!!!  After all, it is selfish to keep them all to myself, right?  I mean, after all, you all are missing out on their awesomeness. 

So, make way for the introductions, guys!  We are going to have a blast!!  Aren’t you excited? 

Drum roll, please!  Introducing….

Live Every Moment

No words can grab hold of the emotions, questions, and thoughts that swirl around in my heart and mind at the moment.  For me and my family, my brother’s death 2 years ago today wasn’t “news”.  It was the most glaring, life-changing reality that sent me one a roller-coaster of emotions and gnawing emptiness.  I’ve come to see those feelings as being okay, though.  I can have those feelings, and at the same time, fully, deeply trust in the God whom I love.  The God who wept.  The God who mourned the destructiveness of sin and how much it infects our world. 

I’ve learned a lot about grief over the last 2 years… Time doesn’t take it away, either, as we are led to believe.  But it does make the pain more bearable as you learn how to live with it.   

The Best Medicine

Bible Humor. Seriously. I've had a rough couple of days, what with my friend-- who is the sister of one of my beta readers (who also happens to be a friend), the sister of my other friend, and the fiancé of my very good friend Eli-- being in a coma after getting into a car accident with a 16 wheeler. She is now on a Trach and g-button, but making some improvements, which is a blessing after a week of being non responsive.

However, I didn't mean to get off onto that, it's just been on my mind a lot lately, as I struggle with not being able to go stay at the hospital with the family and help out.

Anyhow, back to the post. Laughter really is the best medicine, and Bible humor can be especially funny. Well, my beloved art teacher, or my benefactress, as I like to call her, sent me some Bible humor that really brightened my day. So, after laughing over these, I decided this blog is far too serious, at times, and needed a little lighthearted post. So, here you are, compliments of Doctor Kaitlyn.

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Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?

A. Noah He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.

I Give In

There seems to be way too much of this here lately... first I cave, now I give in?  What's this all about?

There are only a handful of people who have ever read a section of my book in its entirety.  In fact, there were some complaints about the fact that the excerpt I released on the blog for the third book in my trilogy was incomplete (titled I Caved). 

It was rather intentional, to be honest.  I’ve always been very careful about where I posted any of my book (HW has a couple of minor excerpts, all four of which are very out of date), and I am highly stingy when it comes to sharing it.  Why?  Well, for multiple reasons.  However, this has led to a very interesting predicament.  I have many friends who want to know what I’m writing, but are never able to read any of my fiction (people read my nonfiction all the time).

Peter's Angel

So I don’t typically advertise new book releases and such, (or post multiple days in a row, either!) but as I am rather invested in this one, I decided I should. Plus, I told ya’ll that I would keep you up to date on the recording process, so I can kill two birds with one stone, so to speak.

Peter’s Angel was officially released to eager crowds on September 15th, 2012. I attended the celebratory events that occurred, and a steady stream of people rolled in all day. A friend faithfully reported Ms. Hansen’s book statistics on Amazon and it rose up in the sellers list rather quickly, beating out many other books. Now, because I would be failing in my duty to faithfully market this book if I didn’t tell you something about it, I will share with you all a brief summary of the first book in Aubrey Hansen’s historical fiction trilogy.

This is Freedom

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.

— Ronald Reagan

I recently wrote a review for the new movie Last Ounce of Courage.  And in this movie, a question was posed.  Will we, the American people, stand idly by and allow the sacrifices of our Armed Forces be in vain? 

When Prayer Hurts

O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
and you will not hear? Or cry to you
“Violence!” and you will not save me?
Why do you make me see iniquity,
and why do you idly look at wrong?
~Habakkuk 1:2–3

Sometimes, I feel like Habakkuk…. Sometimes I feel like I’ve been praying for something so desperately, looking for an open door, only to have the Lord close it.  After so much faith and believing, tears and agony, He delivers an outcome I never would have expected.

Conceal and Carry

That’s right.  I am now legal age to get my Conceal and Carry, and I’m right proud of that.  Recently there has been much discussion in certain circles, of which I am a part, as to the right or wrong of God’s people carrying guns.  In fact, I have recently heard it said that my Great Grandfather (WWII Marine Veteran), Grandfather (Vietnam Marine Veteran), and my Father (15 years active duty service Marine) are all in sin for having served their country in an effort to protect their families, their freedom, and their homes, because we are called to love our enemy above those placed directly under our care.

Well, I have to say, I am a very proud third generation Military Brat (for those who don’t know, that is a military term of endearment, not a slander) and I will boldly proclaim this truth.  I respect men and women who stand by their convictions, and thus, though I strongly disagree with the Amish’s stance on defending your family, I can respect them because they are doing what they believe wholeheartedly to be right.  What I can’t respect is the great men throughout history, and in my personal life, who gave up so much for you (generalized term) being told they are in sin for their sacrifices.

Eyes of a Child

Starting out I can already tell this blog post won’t be like most of my blog posts.  It’s not going to be nice, neat, and orderly.  It’ll probably have dozens of rabbit trails, and it may not even make sense.  I’m not even sure where we’ll end up when all is said and done, but I felt like rambling, and I’m in one of those moods.  So, I make no guarantees you won’t be wasting 15 minutes of your life by reading this, but please, feel free to read on anyways.

Why is it we are so caught up in the bigger and better things in life?  I mean seriously?  I know people say that, but they never really think it through.  It just sounds like a cool, deep thing to say.  Why are we caught up in the “bigger and better”?  What really is the bigger and better, anyways?

Character Study: Deborah

Deborah.

What comes to your mind when you think about Deborah?  Seriously, what comes to your mind.  Think about it for a moment.  Once you have a decided essence, proceed to the next paragraph.

When I think of Deborah, I think of two things.  Strong, biblical womanhood coupled with a servant’s heart.  But wait!  Deborah was a leader, wasn’t she?  A leader of men!  A woman who charged boldly into battle! 

Deborah has received much flack from conservative Christians, as well as much image bending from the world and more liberal Christians.  In my mind there is no woman more misperceived than Deborah.  And yet I love this woman.  I love her because of what she stands for. 

Bringing to Life

I love drama.  Not necessarily the drama that seems to be ever present in my life, but drama in the sense of a production, be that book, movie, radio drama, audio book, etc.  What’s more, I love to perform.  That probably comes as no shock to anyone reading this, either.  It is true, though.  There is something so thrilling about developing a character- often one very different from yourself- and tying the hearts and emotions of the audience to that character through your presentation. 

See, an actor can take a flat, villainous character, and add layers to their villainy.  They can give them subtle nuances that indicate a tragic past, cruel upbringing- or they can present the character’s motivation as being derivative of the pain they themselves have felt in the past and now feel like they must inflict on others.    

A Short Tidbit on Fiction

Does fiction build the morality of individuals and societies, or does it break it down?

Since I make no secret as to my love of literature, fantasy, fiction, and the wild imaginings of an active mind, obviously I think it is.  However, I want to bring to light what exactly fascinates me about fiction (on the silver screen, and in the pages of a book)- and how it can be used for evil, or for good. 

By the way, this post is written with a very special friend in mind, and she of the skeptical mind knows who she is.  I’m not naming names, though, so live with the knowledge that you know who you are!

I Caved

No, not Cave Rescue kind of caving, although some day I should do a blog post about my caving adventures. This post is about a different type of caving.

Many of you know, in one form of another, that I am an author. Many of you also know that I am in the process of soliciting an agent for my children’s story at the moment, and hope to be under contract by the end of the year.

Well, today I decided I would do something I’ve never done before. I’m going to cave and share a book excerpt, via fan demand.  Now, while my fans already know what it is I’m going to be sharing, I should probably fill the rest of you in on what exactly I’m talking about.

Character Study: Introduction

So it's kinda a play on words, because this series is going to be about the biblical characters found in the Bible, as well as their character, but now I’m getting ahead of myself.  Let me explain.

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Movie Review: Beastly

I was asked not to post this review on Reviews by People.  However, because it was a review much asked for, I am posting it here for you all.  The title says it all; this is a movie review on the very popular Beastly.

Beastly is a retelling of the classic story Beauty and the Beast, its trendy title not the only thing that has been modernized. There is an old adage that says the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Not so in the world of Kyle Kingsbury. Kyle believes in the beauty of the flesh. He proudly declares from his student body president campaign podium "Beautiful people get it better, that's just the way it is."

Breadwinning Worship

Yes, I know I have had an extended absence from the blog.  Truth be told, things are crazy around here and you all know that my family comes first.  When they need me, I vanish for a bit.  But, in addition to all of that, this blog post has also taken a while to craft.  Why?  Well because, true to my normal self, I have put together another longwinded post. Please bear with me for always having too much to say on any given subject.

So, what is this longwinded subject?  Well, as some of you know, I’m a writer (soon to be published, if all goes well).  What some of you may not know is that being a writer has come with lots of complications, one of which is should I write on Sunday if it is a form of work (one in which I intend to be paid for), or should we even write at all on Sunday, even if it is not for pay?

Illness in the Church

I must be honest, guys, my heart burns with passion and indignation on this subject, which is why it has taken me a while to write this post.  I knew I would have to be very careful with my words, not only because of my own personal experiences with this topic, but also because I can hear the voices of many echoing in my mind.  In fact, recently there has been an increase of people who have come to me with tears in their eyes because they have been told their faith “just isn’t strong enough”, and that is why I can now no longer be silent.

Some of my readers know that I spent the night before my sixteenth birthday in the ER.  What would follow was two years of living through a very traumatic and debilitating condition and being subjected to much medical analysis.  But this post is not really about that.  Rather, this post is being written because of some of the statements made to me during this time, by the church, which I now see other young men and women unfairly, and often ignorantly, subjected to.

Full Schedule

I promise, I really haven't abandoned the blog.  Life's just been crazy and a lot is going on in my life.  As much as I love sharing stuff with you guys, the blog is a lower priority.  Don’t lose hope, though, I have all sorts of ideas for the blog playing around in this head of mine.

So, why am I posting a "blog post" about this instead of just leaving the blog sit until I have something to post for you all?  Well, two reasons.  Firstly, I thought this would be a good time to let you guys know about some of the things I’m planning for the blog.  Sort of a backstage pass type of thing, if you will.  

Secondly, because I want to open the floor to you guys.  More on that later, though.  First, let's look at what I’m cooking up for the near future. 

Heroes

I would like to say that great care and prayer has gone into the words you are about to read.  I fully recognize that what I am about to share is very controversial, but I share it because I believe that it is something that needs to be said.

Where are the heroes?  I’m not talking about our Firemen, Police, Marines, or Paramedics, though I deeply respect these heroes.   I’m asking where those average, ordinary, everyday heroes are.  The heroes who are unafraid to tell a drunk young man not to get into a car, but will instead pick up said young man and ensure he gets to a safe destination.  The type of heroes who give love and support to the young woman who finds out about the out of wedlock life she carries within.  The heroes who take in a troubled teen.  The heroes who offer safety to an abused woman.

Lying: Right or Wrong?

Another unusual subject that I was somehow wrangled into posting by my lovely friends.  They seem to have no qualms in prodding me, do they?  Good thing I love them so much.

Now, this post is likely to be controversial, which may come as no shock given the title...  I will be looking at lying from a lot of different angles, some of which have been uncomfortable to people I have discussed this with.  However, I think it is an important topic, one often not fully explored.

Beauty Under Fire

That’s right, I’m going there. 

I love beauty.  I love painting my nails.  I love finding antique looking bracelets and, on occasion, I do buy them.  I love to braid, twist, and pin my hair up.  In fact, I love when the sun’s warm glow graces my head and brings out all those natural highlights you don’t normally see in my dark tresses, or  when the wind swirls wisps of hair around my face.  When I’m out in the cold, and Jack Frost is nipping at my nose, I love the rosy glow that dots my cheeks.  I love making a quick turn and feeling my skirt swirl around my legs.  To tell the truth, I am incredibly fond of my fingerless gloves and wear them whenever possible.  And furthermore, I love when Daddy or one of the boys (my brothers are the boys, by the way) tells me how pretty I look.

What Doesn't Kill You... Makes you Stronger

It's no secret that I passionately believe the hard times in life are not a curse— they are a blessing.  I believe what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.  The hard times make you stand a little taller, know yourself better, believe that you can survive.  In the end, what doesn’t kill you makes you into a fighter, someone who can run the race of life with confidence.

God tells us this is true, so is it any surprise that science now has the proof to back it up?  Because hard times and troubles are such a big part of people’s lives, scientists have been studying the effect that these things have on our bodies and minds.  Researcher Mark Seery, a psychologist at the University at Buffalo in the U.S., said: ‘Serious events – like the death of a child or parent, a natural disaster, being physically attacked, experiencing sexual abuse, or being forcibly separated from your family – can cause psychological problems.  In fact, some research has suggested that the best way to go through life is having nothing ever happen to you. But not only is that unrealistic, it’s not necessarily healthy.’

Legitimate Violence: Self Defense

The issue of self defense is a widely debated topic within the church.  Some say we should be pacifistic and “turn the other cheek”, others say we should be willing to put a bullet through anyone who comes to take something from us, whether that be  of monetary value or eternal value.  In the end, though, it doesn’t really matter what people argue.  What matters is what the Bible has to say on the subject, and the Bible isn’t silent on this topic.

After giving my views on self defense to a number of friends, I was encouraged to rewrite my post in a manner that would allow me to share those views with you all.  After some consideration I have taken their advice, and this post is the results.

Grief Potatoes

So many well-meaning, wonderful, loving people offer the token advice of “time heals wounds” whenever a loss or tragedy occurs.  Unfortunately, it happens to be one of the worst things to tell the bereaved.  Not only does this saying de-legitimize what the grieving are feeling, it also holds no truth to it.  Time does not heal wounds.  In fact, it is a dangerous phrase, one I easily fell into during the early days of loss. 

So why is this phrase so dangerous, you may ask inquisitively (if you are not asking this then pretend you are, for my sake)?  Well, in essence this saying tells us that we can sit around and be a grief potato— a term I coined to describe society’s couch potato approach to grief.  Not only is this unhealthy, but it sets people up for depression when time never heals their wounds… a depression that can have destructive results. 

Children Never Forget

I am obediently sharing this on my blog, as requested:

Children never forget. 

You know, as much as we think that things don’t affect children like they do adults, we are dead wrong. They understand way more than we give them credit for. They are very in tune to things.

Elianna showed the affects of losing Samuel in many ways. They were very different than the rest of us, but they were obvious reactions to the loss of her brother.

For example: Elianna loved being in Samuel’s room. It’s where all the action happened. We were in there all the time and she adored her brother. He was hers. Talk about a little nurse in training. Elianna had her routine down pat. If she wanted to get up on the bed to play with brother, she knew she needed to use Germ-X. She’d get a pump of sanitizer and then away she would go with a hand washing motion, rubbing it all in.

Introducing the Blog

Perhaps seeing this blog is as surprising to you as it is for me.  Honestly, I never planned on ending up in the blogging community again.  It’s not that I don’t enjoy it, but it is amazing how interconnected different aspects of our life can be.  My last blog didn't end with a happily ever after, and it was very difficult for me to continue blogging.  There is a certain vulnerability to a blogger.  You lay your soul out for others to see.  My heart had already suffered a devastating blow, and I wasn't sure I wanted people to see what was left to share.