Witness For The Prosecution

Last Thursday morning I was sitting in my car mulling over me twenty-eight and being single while those closest to me are dating or are married. I was so depressed and resentful towards my peers who are married, engaged, or dating someone with the intent of marrying them. A friend, brother in Christ, in my Bible study told me to focus on my relationship with Christ which sustains me in moments when life appears bleak. After receiving a series of encouraging text messages I was prodded by the Holy Spirit into reading 1 John 4. It is a chapter I frequently read during my senior year at Tech and after graduation when I was scrambling for work. I also learned from that powerful chapter that in order to recognize one has to be renewed in the love of God exemplified in Jesus Christ on a daily basis. Retreat to the Bible for refuge so the Enemy won't distract you or keep you from reaching your fullest potential by planting seeds of fear and doubt in your heart and spirit. Resentment comes from looking at others, but contentment comes from focusing on God. If you don't believe me, read 1 Timothy 6:6-10. It's easy in this word to cover the lives of others, but be careful. One doesn't know what trials a person endured in order to receive a well paying job, a nice car, spacious home, or an attractive spouse. Guard your heart and put it in the Lord's hands. 

As my period of introspection drew to a close I perused 1 John 5 which gave me a powerful sense of clarity. I was at my church Mt. Zion or at Bible study at the Wesley or the Table when the latter verses of that chapter spoke to me. I was talking to a friend who was so overwrought with depression and envy regarding the difficult spot his life is in. He lamented the choices he made in his life like we all do at some point in his life. As we finished our talk I looked at verses 6-13 which says 'the witness of God is greater than the witness of man'. Affirmation, purpose, a reason for being alive are what fuel us. Everyone wants to find their calling in life which can be difficult in a world that confuses purpose with socioeconomic status. I don't know who dictates social norms but God causes us to triumph in every circumstance. Don't purposefully put yourself in a difficult situation to receive a prize because you are tempting God which His Son warns us not to do. In order for a full harvest to happen a seed has to be planted, the soil must be tilled, and watered. Pressure makes diamonds and they never lose their brilliant luster. Stay blessed everyone.

One Step To Emancipation

Independence Day honors the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress. This document announced that the thirteen colonies are a new nation no longer under the control of the British Empire. This blog has nothing to do with our nation's history but the notion of freedom. My favorite word in the English language is emancipation because it means one isn't under the control of a domineering force. I was controlled by fear which causes torment as it is mentioned in 1 John 4:18, one of my favorite books. When God planted writing in my heart I feared what it meant. I wasn't a literature major nor did I attend a liberal arts college on the East Coast. Sometimes God places a desire in our hearts that pushes us out our comfort zone and allows us to be fully used for the purpose he has for our lives to bless others. For any gift that God has blessed you with use it for His glory so you can fulfill your calling hear on earth. One doesn't have to publish a novel, amass a large fortune, start a family, or become famous in order to make a difference. God will use where you are if you ask Him for guidance if we ask. A friend and brother in Christ told me that all of us are one step away from a major blessing or breakthrough. Let faith liberate you from any situation or person that is preventing you from fulfilling your destiny. It's never too late. Be blessed and relish in your independence from sin through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Follow your dreams and help make them a reality. Don't be on your deathbed and regret not pursuing your dreams. There's no sin in failure. The sin is if you never try.

Updates

Good evening my fellow bloggers. I'm sorry for being neglectful; please forgive me because I have been busy with work and drafting ideas for the second book I want out for the fall season. Sorry far the draft for book number two is going well. Could some characters I've introduced be responsible for a crime that has yet to commit. If you have any ideas let m know. Stay blessed and wrapped in God's love. Any gifts you have be sure to use them to glorify the One who has bestowed them you.

Too Long

Good evening my fellow bloggers. I've been busy crafting the latest entry into The James Ellis Mystery Series. The ideas flowing down to me like manna from Heaven is a gift, putting them all together into a cohesive, thrilling, and enjoyable mystery is the challenge. It's a challenge I welcome with open arms. For the past week I have been busy reading a book called Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell has prevented me from being my own harshest critic when it comes to drafting ideas for A Murder Among Methodists. I hope God is pleased with how I'm exercising this gift and using it as a way to spread His word that Jesus loves us and is the perfect sin offering. Anyway, the audiobook to Engaged To Be Murdered I'm praying comes out later this month in time for the 4th of July. My 28th birthday has been exciting and taught me a lot about what I worked last year and doesn't work in this new chapter of my life.

Updates on book 2

Finished drafting chapter 2 for the second book. Wish me well everyone since I'm falling in love with this new book and characters I'm introducing.

Who is Miguel Rodriguez?

“Who is Miguel Andrews who helps James in his amateur investigation?” That will be explained in this posting.

Background of Miguel Rodriguez

Miguel Alejandro Rodriguez who was born in Oaxaca, Mexico, and emigrated to the United States when he was four years old when his older sisters and parents, Antonio and Selena. They settle in Carrington, Louisiana when Miguel is five years old. It is in kindergarten he becomes friends with James and Corey who share a love for cultures other than their own. Miguel excels in sports like Corey. He participates in cross country, soccer, and track. While participating in track, he shatters local and state records much to his and the community’s astonishment. He attends Clinton University majoring in psychology. His goal is to become a marriage and family counselor after reading books written by James’s parents and spending time with them. He furthers his education by attending grad school to get his masters in marriage and family therapy. The spontaneous and mischievous Miguel’s function is to come up with an assessment of the victim and killer. He is very protective of James whose naiveté and willingness to help the police can be seen as a way for people to take an advantage of James. He possesses a wry and deadpan sense of humor. He is very close to his friends whom he regards as the brothers he always wanted but never had.

Who is Corey Andrews?

“Who is Corey Andrews who has found himself enmeshed in murder?” I’ll explain all of that in this latest post.

Background of Corey Andrews

Corey Andrews is the oldest son of Amy and Nick Andrews who live in Carrington, Louisiana, as a realtor and computer analyst, respectively. Corey participated in sports at Carrington High School including cross country, football, track, and basketball. He is protective of his younger brothers Liam and Ryan who share his love for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Due to his athletic prowess, he is awarded an athletic scholarship where he attends Clinton University where he majors in accounting. During his sophomore year he starts dating Amanda Lancaster whom he eventually proposes marriage to during their senior year. Months after graduating from Clinton University Amanda is murdered shattering Corey whose life has been upended by this terrible loss. The once gregarious Corey finds himself struggling to find some semblance of normalcy after Amanda is murdered. He struggles in his relationship with James whom he resents for being the hero, but slowly accepts that the nature of their friendship has changed. As the series progresses with each novel God blesses me to write, the reader sees evidence of Corey’s personality returning. I don’t want to give away too much in order for you all to enjoy the follow-up to Engaged To Be Murdered which I am working on right now.