Memorial Day

I'm sure many bloggers are posting tributes to our fallen soldiers and surviving veterans, heroes who have secured so many blessings and liberties that we enjoy. As I ponder their deeds and sacrifices, my thoughts come home to my father, a veteran of World War II and the Korean conflict.

At the age of 79, he now suffers from a rare brain disease, something akin to a rapidly progressing Alzheimer's, but it also affects every motor skill. He degenerated from a hard-working man to a chair-ridden patient in a matter of weeks.

When I visited him yesterday, I meditated on his condition, weak and feeble, yet strong in spirit. Although frustrated with his immobility, he maintains a peaceful countenance. He really is a hero in many ways, not just because he fought for my freedom. I fear that he will not be with us for much longer.

May God bless him (Dan Davis, U.S. Navy) and the many other heroes who made so many sacrifices for us.

Commencement Address - A Pure Heart

On Thursday, 5/25/2006, I gave the commencement address for Cape Fear Christian Academy at Campbell Universtiy in Buies Creek, NC.

Here is a link to the text of that address: http://www.dragonsinourmidst.com/CapeFear.pdf

Dreams

I have found that dreams often influence my writing. Dragons in our Midst was conceived by a dream I had about a boy who could breathe fire. At first, I wondered if I just had too much pepperoni on my pizza the night before, but when I shared the dream with my eldest son, he suggested that I turn the dream into a fantasy story.

I nurtured that spark by searching the Scriptures to see if writing in the fantasy genre might be acceptable in God's sight. In fact, I decided that fantasy is likely one of the best ways to teach truth, that even Jesus used fantasy-style stories to great effect.

Please comment. Has a dream ever sparked a significant change or project?

A Man's Home

Here is another passage that means a lot to me right now:

He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me. (Psalm 101:7 NASB)

As a father of seven, I have to take seriously my responsibility to make sure my house is a domain of truth. I cannot welcome into my home anyone who would practice deceit or spread lies. If I were to violate that principle, I would be indicating to my wife and children that such influences are acceptable.

So, while severing familial ties might be painful, I don't want my acceptance of a liar to cause my loved ones to follow in his or her deceitful footsteps. Sometimes we have to do painful things to maintain integrity and holiness.

The Finish Line

I hope to start blogging again soon. The finish line is in sight for my new book, but there is still a lot of work to do and not enough time to do it. So, I'm asking you to pray for me. I'm very excited about Eye of the Oracle, but I have to make sure I don't sprint to the finish.

Thank you for your prayers.

Comfort

I'm coming out of my blogging hibernation just for a moment. My Scripture for today was just too important and too comforting to keep to myself.

Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12 NASB)

When someone lies about you, it hurts, especially when it's someone who is supposed to know better. I am thankful that Jesus knows the pain and that His Spirit can comfort wounded souls.