tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30063826371763781602024-03-05T02:56:24.712-05:00Living Life Loving ChristHoping to engage, encourage and exhort others to a greater love and knowledge of Jesus
(and, if I'm honest, a little self-indulgence from time to time)C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.comBlogger323125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-58062955000955497982015-10-08T14:24:00.001-04:002015-10-08T14:24:10.421-04:00Q3 2015 UpdateFor all my new blog content, please visit the new Blog Site: <a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/blog/">http://www.3lcpublishing.com/blog/</a><br />
<br />
But for those who want to stay here for now, here's a real quick update!<br />
<ul style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #555e58; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 23px 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In the spring, Figures.com <a href="http://www.figures.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79134" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #ffa300; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">published a brief look at my experience getting caught in the Star Wars hype of Force Friday</a>.</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My “Tour of Middle Earth” Lego Photo Journey on <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/77167489@N03/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #ffa300; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">FLICKR</a> was completed over the summer. I wish it would have yielded more results, but oh well-it was fun. </li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I have found many new joys over the last few months and continue to promote many of them on <a href="https://twitter.com/CJStunkard" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #ffa300; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Twitter</a>. Check 'em out.</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">To Retreat from Romance</em> has been pushed back to 2016. It's a disappointment, to be certain, but I am ecstatic to finish it.</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Stronghold </em>is still headed for a complete revised edition--found some more tweaking was necessary and had to extend my timelines. </li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://xxxchurch.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #ffa300; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">X3church</a> group leadership continues to go well; and by summer’s end, we may have 3 new leaders in my zone!</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://nanowrimo.org/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #ffa300; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">National Novel Write Month</a> is less than a month away, and I am partially through my outline and looking forward to actually drafting a new novel. </li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/2014/10/creations-for-charity-2014/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #ffa300; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Creations for Charity</a> are due this month, and I hope to wrap up the builds this holiday weekend!</li>
</ul>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #555e58; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
All that being said, I have mixed emotions moving into Q4! Saddened by the delays on some projects, but feeling blessed and praising God because of what he is doing despite my lack of organization and time management.<br />
<br />
Thanks again for visiting, and please check out semi-regular content on <a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/">The 3LC Publishing Site</a></div>
C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-34205961641315982102015-07-09T21:31:00.001-04:002015-07-09T21:33:05.713-04:00Q2 2015 UpdateFor all my new blog content, please visit the new Blog Site: <a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/blog/">http://www.3lcpublishing.com/blog/</a><br />
<br />
But for those who want to stay here for now, here's a real quick update!<br />
<br />
<ul style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #555e58; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 23px 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In the spring, Figures.com <a href="http://www.brickwarriors.com/blog/brickwarriors-building-a-business-by-figurescom-cj-stunkard/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #ffa300; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">published my interview with the founder BRICKWARRIORS</a> as well as a little story about <a href="http://www.figures.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75122" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #ffa300; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">my collecting habits shifting to Lego</a>.</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Tour of Middle Earth” Lego photo project on <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/77167489@N03/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #ffa300; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">FLICKR</a> is going strong. </li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In light of <a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/2015/06/worship-through-providing-genuine-kindness-on-social-media/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #ffa300; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">this post last week</a>, I’ve been promoting some of my favorite podcasts and artists on <a href="https://twitter.com/CJStunkard" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #ffa300; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Twitter</a>. Check 'em out.</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Rewrites on my first children's book have halted, but I'm still hoping to finish the second draft by August 1st.</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">To Retreat from Romance</em><span style="background-color: transparent;"> is now on deck to be released before 2016, and I am ecstatic.</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Stronghold </em><span style="background-color: transparent;">is headed for a complete revised edition (you may recall,</span><a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/2015/04/2015-first-quarter-update-novels-a-childrens-book-and-more/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #ffa300; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> I was debating this in April</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">). </span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://xxxchurch.com/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #ffa300; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">X3church</a> group leadership continues to go well; and by summer’s end, we may have 3 new leaders in my zone!</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://nanowrimo.org/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #ffa300; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">National Novel Write Month</a> is coming, and I am outlining my project with full intentions of participating.</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Also this fall, I’ll be participating in <a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/2014/10/creations-for-charity-2014/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #ffa300; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Creations for Charity</a> once again. </li>
</ul>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #555e58; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
All that being said, I am feeling good as I move into Q3! Thanks again for visiting, and please check out semi-regular content on <a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/" style="background-color: transparent;">The 3LC Publishing Site</a></div>
C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-7754762425381856552015-05-06T22:29:00.003-04:002015-05-06T22:33:50.959-04:00More Updates from 3LC's Main SiteHi All,<br />
<br />
My apologies if I've appeared dormant. I should be linking my current content at the end of each month for those checking this location rather than the <a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/blog/">NEW 3LC BLOG</a> for updates and articles. I've posted a few articles at since January, and I invite you to visit the new location and give them a read!<br />
<br />
First, here's additional entries in my ongoing <i>Writing as Worship</i> series:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/2015/02/writing-through-the-walls/">"Writing Through the Walls"</a><br />
<a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/2015/02/im-no-intellectual/">"I'm No Intellectual"</a><br />
<a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/2015/03/on-joy-and-creation/">"On Joy and Creation"</a><br />
<a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/2015/03/what-are-you-writing/">"What Are You Writing"</a><br />
<a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/2015/04/sanctifcation-and-a-writers-revising/">"Sanctification and the Writer's Revising"</a><br />
<a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/2015/04/on-the-costs-of-writing/">"On the Costs of Writing"</a><br />
<a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/2015/04/the-need-to-find-the-time-to-write/">"The Need to Find the Time to Write"</a> (an intentionally bad title, I assure you)<br />
<br />
<br />
Outside of that series, <a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/2015/02/revisiting-stronghold/">here's an article about my first re-reading of <i>Stronghold</i></a> since its 2013 publication and also provided an <a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/2015/04/2015-first-quarter-update-novels-a-childrens-book-and-more/">overall quarterly update</a>.<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by the old haunt; please feel free to check out the new diggs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-45834844374833918542015-01-26T06:16:00.000-05:002015-01-26T06:20:17.226-05:00More New Content at 3LC PublishingHello Friends,<br />
<br />
I am working through some of the issues on the <a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/">3LC publishing</a> site; however I have continued to blog while I solve these problems. Please visit the address above to read my latest or see the below links directly for last week's content:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/2015/01/in-gods-image-author-ben-avery/" style="font-size: x-large;">In God's Image Interview with Writer Ben Avery</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/2015/01/writing-as-a-creationist/" style="font-size: x-large;"> Writing as Worship: Writing as a Creationist</a><br />
<br /></div>
<br />C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-82366353908293298102015-01-09T14:07:00.002-05:002015-01-09T14:08:07.067-05:00New Content at the 3LC Publishing SiteSo, my friends, I am not nearly as tech savvy as I would have thought, and I am having some troubles on the <a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/">3LC publishing</a> site. I've gotten my latest post to publish, but I am having a difficult time getting it formatted to the landing page. <br />
<br />
Needless to say, those checking the site for updates will be hard pressed to locate them, so I think it best to link back to the new content from here as I repair the issue. Please click below for my latest:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/2015/01/on-writing-as-worship/">On Writing as Worship: An Introduction</a></span></div>
<br />
<br />C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-21071653480058721332014-12-30T07:00:00.000-05:002014-12-30T07:00:01.179-05:00Saying Good-bye to 2014<div class="MsoNormal">
As we close on 2014, I am left with a single thought:<b> I am
going to do better in 2015.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>I must.</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ending the year in such a headspace is difficult, but I would
be lying if I implied anything otherwise. The truth is that I gave up on my
dream for a season (or at least 2 months); <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2014/11/fear-failure-and-forward-momentum.html">I lost sight of what I loved and why</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put money in place of value, and I
filled my time with needless diversions and excuses rather than doing the hard
work required to become a great writer. And I lamented these choices while I
was making them and even moreso after the fact. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like most optimists, however, I see a benefit to these lost
days. You see,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have tried--with
little success, really—to share with you my writing journey--<a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-personal-milestone.html">the up’s </a>and
<a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2012/09/some-mornings.html">down’s</a> and <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2013/02/writers-as-world-builders.html">day-to-day</a>. If you’ve followed my blog for any amount of time, you
know that while I’ve shared highlights and disappointments, I’ve failed to be
consistent (which is a key component of a successful blog) and am <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2014/12/why-i-intend-to-keep-writing-in-2015.html">changing my goal set for 2015</a>. If nothing else, the season when I became distracted is
evidence that writers can lose sight of the prize and yet return to it—and with
greater productivity and vigor than they might have had were they to have
coasted through that period. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But as I’ve said, that period is passed, and my mind is set
on the future. I have many things I plan to accomplish in the next 12 months, but the major ones are
as follows: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To revise and re-release <i>Stronghold </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To release <i>To Retreat From Romance</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To draft my first fantasy novel (During <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2013/12/nanowrimo-update-last-november-compared.html">National Novel WriteMonth</a>, 2015)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To release study aids for my two novels in PDF format on my
<a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/">publishing site</a>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To publish my first children’s book, <i>Franklin Finnigan</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To publish a series of blog posts regarding Writing as
Worship</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maintain a consistent presence on <a href="https://twitter.com/cjstunkard">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/77167489@N03/">Flickr</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This looks insurmountable, but it is not. I am confident I can get all of this done if I approach it correctly--treating each of
these projects not as large works to be completed in a few sittings but rather as the end results of many intentional, shorter sessions and countless smaller tasks. Like dieting or building muscle,
patterns of consistency and hard work will dictate the outcomes of the above
and ultimately bring the success toward which I am reaching. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, it’s all in God’s hands. Any good work I am able to accomplish is by his
grace alone. I must never forget this; in fact, I must always affirm it—placing
it at the forefront of my efforts and goals. Does the above list honor him?
Will finishing these projects reveal more of his beauty to the world? Will
these works benefit the kingdom or merely me; and if the latter, am I prepared
to walk away from them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I’ve said repeatedly, time will tell. And that time will
happen in the next 12 months. I am deeply looking forward to this; my soul longs to see the outcome of this time next
year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May the Lord grant me the time and energy to chase it with unabashed
enthusiasm. May he carry me to such work that his glory would be evident to
all who engaging the output of 3LC Publishing. May my vainglory and conceit be
stifled in light of what he wants me to accomplish, not for my glory but for
his. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pray for me, that all this and more should come to pass. And thank you
advance for not only this prior year but for staying with me in the one to
come. <o:p></o:p></div>
C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-24388546599699284672014-12-23T06:00:00.000-05:002014-12-23T21:49:02.959-05:00Review : The Lamb & The Fuhrer Graphic Novel<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The Lamb & The Fuhrer</span></span></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
From Kingstone Media</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
Written by Ravi Zacharias</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
<b>*PLEASE NOTE: I received a hardcopy of this book to review for the publisher.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The Lamb & the Fuhrer</i> is a recent collaboration between
<a href="http://www.rzim.org/">Ravi Zacharias </a>and <a href="http://www.kingstonemedia.com/">Kingstone Media</a>, and together they create a somewhat
effective look at each man's final judgment after death. I can’t praise the book entirely for what I believe
is a real narrative "sin", but I can say that the work provides some of Kingstone's most
intense and provocative material to date. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, let me get my gripe out of the way first, and we can be
positive moving forward. The book opens with the framing device of a German
national taking his American friend on a tour of important locations from the Second World War and its aftermath. During the tour they discuss Hitler’s position,
and what it must have been like (will be like?) in the moment he stands before
Jesus Christ to give an account of his life. They interject local German hero and
Christian author Deitrich Bonhoeffer as a witness during the judgement, and they
envision the discussion’s content and outcome.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a good framing device. In fact, I think it’s the
only honest way Christians can tell these types of afterlife stories—those to
which we cannot truly speak with any objective factual evidence. We are left to interpret Scriptural implications and create a scenario that aligns with the basic truth that has been revealed: judgment will take place. Using conversation to explore the idea is a great storytelling strategy; however, <i>The Lamb and Fuhrer</i> finds itself in trouble in that it seems to forget this framing device in its final panels. The final pages of the book fail to return to the two characters in the present world, and by
implication, the reader is left to ask, “was the book trying to say (a) this is
how the characters view Hitler’s afterlife or (b) this is likely what Hitler truly
did experience the moment after death?"<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The difference is no small one. Within the framing device of
two characters conversing about the afterlife, nearly anything goes. If they
are wrong or unorthodox or heretical, it’s because they are just humans trying to capture the realities of an infinite experience beyond their comprehension--and thus no "claims" are being asserted. However,
when the book ends open-ended in this way, it conveys that “this is the author's position on how actual, objective judgment may occur”, and the reader is left with frustrations about how the author justifies such
a position. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The reason this particular criticism vexes me is that I had to wrestle with it extensively in my own novel,
<i>Stronghold</i>. My story follows The Believer, who envisions his spiritual battle in a way
that makes sense to him, not by having an objective “supernatural”
experience (though one could argue that, in fact, he does through his
imaginative exercise, but that's another discussion).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Point being that I
am able to justify the artistic licenses taken in <i>Stronghold</i> (the
angelic names, the history before the fall, the manner of war, etc) because I
make no claims as to their objective revelation or truth. I am simply providing one Believer’s
interpretation, through his own lens, in order to <i>magnify</i> objective realities like the need for brotherhood in overcoming addiction, the horrors of guilt and shame, and Christ's power over sin.
Had I not put the story within that subjective framework, all the themes and higher
concepts would have been muddled and mired by the complete and total
unorthodox view of spiritual warfare that is presented. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, yes, this to me is an issue--not unlike a scene at the end of film that changes everything that occurred beforehand. And I am sorry to spend the amount of time on it that I do, but I really had to sit with the content after it before deciding how I felt about the full book despite this.<br />
<br />
Fortunately,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Zacharias is a far better author than I, and as such, his work stands despite the framing snafu. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Frankly, I love the concept; I think Christians
must be more imaginative in their storytelling; and at the very least, this story is imaginative. The entire idea of man's self-justification, his rallying against God, and the overarching futility of doing so are all on full display here in <i>The Lamb and Fuhrer</i>. What is arguably most interesting about the concept is that any human could actually find him or herself in Adolf's place. So many persons will come before God and claim their own goodness, but if the standard is Christ--tempted as all men yet able to overcome--then all will have to give answer for their failures. Of course, that's the rub of the Christian faith. Those who know they would never be able to defend their lives or justify their choices look to Christ as their deliverer and intercessor. So, in that <i>The Lamb and the Fuhrer</i> provides good for thought.<br />
<br />
Additionally, the art is some of the best Kingstone has released--which is saying something. The grotesqueries of the Second World War and accompanying holocaust are on display--not fully but to enough of a degree to make one heartbroken and shaken.<br />
<br />
And dropped narrative devices aside, the book moves surprisingly well as a courtroom drama, hitting familiar beats in a relatively swift cadence. Again, Zacharias is a strong communicator, so the fact that this work would move as well as it does should not surprise us. At the very least, one could work his or her way through the graphic novel with speed. Regardless of one's reaction to the content, he or she could dig through it in less than 2 hours.<br />
<br />
That being said, the book is strong but imperfect. I personally have a sticking point with the dropped framing device. I think it leaves too much open and thereby challenges many ideas presented beforehand. However, if I put this shortcoming aside, I am left with a fine work of courtroom drama with some excellent art and thought-provoking concepts. I feel it's unfair to slam the entire book for a narrative shortcoming that will only likely bother folks like me who come to books with this level of scrutiny.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That being said, I am torn about <i>The Lamb and the Fuhrer,</i> but I will gladly give some additional grace here. I like the book enough that I still think it's good despite the finale's narrative shortcomings, and I count the overarching achievement as another "win" for Kingstone Media. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=3lcpub-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1613281374&asins=1613281374&linkId=65O4TELP22IH5EMR&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe></center>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-1284471144280074742014-12-16T06:30:00.000-05:002014-12-16T06:30:00.288-05:00Why I Intend to Keep Writing in 2015...2014 was a hit-and-miss year. <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2014/11/fear-failure-and-forward-momentum.html">I've documented this.</a> But now we're headed toward 2015; and frankly, my mind's been there for some time. To be honest, I've been wrapping some final posts for the next ten days, but my real focus is almost exclusively on the coming 12 months--and a relaunch of sorts. Lord-willing, I am going to be able to better hone my energies on a few specific goals and projects, making the next 12 months far more productive, useful, and fulfilling.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A few housekeeping items:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>As I've said, this address will be moving to directly to <a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/">the official 3LC site</a>.</li>
<li>Further, the ongoing blog on that site will now have a set schedule. Tuesdays and Fridays, all year.</li>
<li>Those posts will be focused content with "long term" goals in mind (but more on that in 2015).</li>
<li>The <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/search/label/Interviews">"In God's Image" series </a>will likely end. Inasmuch as I love the idea, I do not think I will have the content to warrant continuing it in the new year. Of course, if I can get enough responses and interests, I'll certainly be resurrecting it.</li>
<li>With some additional help and reinforcements, <i>To Retreat From Romance</i> will be released before December 31.</li>
<li>And it will hopefully be one of several works to be published during the year. </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
Again, I have no excuse for being so lax this last quarter. I admit that I let certain <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2014/12/eurekakinda.html">expectations and disappointments derail my motivation</a>, but excuses are meaningless at this point. Now is the time to renew and continue. To work. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will say, that perhaps one of the best things that <i>could</i> have happened to me occurred this last quarter. <b>I realized how much I loved writing, and I realized how deeply I am compelled to do it. </b>I simply do not feel I am living my life to the fullest unless I am putting words to the page and making it happen, if even in small incremental steps. When I am in my zone, I feel a sense of doing what I was designed to do. I may have felt led to write a novel, but now I feel designed to stay a writer.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The revelation was equal parts encouraging and horrifying. I was encouraged in that "writing" was not a short-lived fad but rather a true desire that I cannot seem to dismiss. Further, any writer can publish, find an audience, and have an effect on that audience in ways he or she does not realize, regardless of whether one sells books or blogs or works in more collaborative fields. If one wants to write, he/she can do so and never be certain who is reading and benefitting from it. So doing the work matters, not just for oneself but for his/her audience. Thus, I was encouraged. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was horrified, however, to realize that this is truly what I feel fit to do, but I believe it will be a very long time before I can justify doing it for a living; in fact, I may never reach that day. The thought of spending the next 35 years working in a field other than what I am built to do can be frightening, but who knows what is in store for the future. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All I know is that in the present I am focused and driven, and I'm going to take steps toward that future even as I continue to work hard at my 9-to-5 and support my family. I am looking toward 2015 with a sense of expectation and excitement I did not have in 2014. I think it could be the greatest year for my writing endeavors this far. I would like that very much, and I hope you'll join me on that journey as I take it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As always thank you again for reading, and please check back here over the next two weeks for my last posts at this address.<br />
<br />
C<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-56001155313472656622014-12-10T09:48:00.000-05:002014-12-13T17:48:31.103-05:00Recommendation : The Kingstone Bible : Volume 7 : The Exiles<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
<i>The Kingstone Bible : Volume 7 : The Exiles</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
From Kingstone Media</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
<b>*PLEASE NOTE: I received a hardcopy of this book to review for the publisher.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kingstone Media has given comics readers another portion of the Old
Testament in graphic novel form thanks to <i>The Kingstone Bible: Volume 7: The Exiles</i>. This interesting view
into the plight of Israel is not only full of powerful storytelling but dynamic art, making it yet another valuable
addition to the ongoing anthology (<i>Volumes <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2014/11/review-kingstone-bible-volume-4-judges.html">1</a>, <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2014/11/recommendation-kingstone-bible-volume-3.html">3</a></i>, and <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2014/11/review-kingstone-bible-volume-4-judges.html"><i>4</i></a>, I have already reviewed). By
collecting the stories of <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Daniel+1/">Daniel</a>, <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ezra+1/">Ezra</a>, <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Nehemiah+1/">Nehemiah</a>, and <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Esther+1/">Esther</a>, the Kingstone
Bible gives an impression of life for the Jewish people following their being
taken to Babylon, while also highlighting some fantastic moments of this <span style="font-size: 15.4545450210571px;">Biblical</span><span style="font-size: 15px;"> era.</span><br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Daniel provides the reader with the life story of one of the most
beloved prophets. From Nebuchadnezzar through Belshazzar, this retelling shows
the anti-Semetism of the times as well as the Lord’s ongoing faithfulness over the
course of several decades. While some of the art could have gone further in
detail (say, with Nebuchadnezzar’s going insane), the book is vibrant and moves
at a relatively smooth pace. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ezra follows Daniel and proves to be the weakest (and
shortest) chapter in the volume. I
applaud Kingstone for their attempt to
capture Ezra’s plight, but I do not recall the
thrust of the story at all, which is<span style="font-size: 15.4545450210571px;"> saying something given that I am writing this only two days after having reading it</span><span style="font-size: 15px;">. That's just the truth. While I plan to revisit this piece of the volume, this interpretation of Ezra did not affect me on my initial reading.</span><br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps that is because it is overshadowed by Nehemiah,
which is another wonderful segment of the volume, particularly because it
highlights the difficulty of the prophet’s role in not only rebuilding the
walls but also defending and governing the people. Nehemiah was a far more charismatic figure than
I had previously considered, and the role his integrity played in his success
is communicated beautifully. The best praise I can give Kingstone is that this
volume made me want to revisit the text in a traditional Bible and see how it
describes what Kingstone so vividly shows. This is some of my favorite work in <i><a href="http://www.kingstonemedia.com/kingstonebible.php">The Kingstone Bible</a>.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The book closes with Esther, and one could argue that
Kingstone saved the best portion of the volume for last. While I enjoyed Nehemiah more, I think Esther is the best piece in <i>The Exiles</i>. Thanks to Beautiful
art by <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2014/10/in-gods-image-artist-javier-saltares.html">Javier Salteres</a>, the story of this Hebrew maiden turned Persian Queen is
the quintessential tale of elegance and humility bringing honor and
opportunity. I have never been so captivated by Esther’s story, and Kingstone’s
telling allows it to move gracefully, like a fairy tale or modern princess
film. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Noticeable by its absence is the voice of the Lord (except
in the book of Daniel). It’s an interesting development considering the prior
volumes that included the presence of God so overtly; however, in this portion
of Israel’s story, it makes complete sense—and even benefits the narrative in
providing context to just how far Israel as a nation had wandered. God did not speak to the Hebrews directly at this time; he used the prophets (and I think they are covered in another volume). His lack of direct, divine intervention is felt, but his ongoing faithfulness and mercy is as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall, <i>The Exiles</i> is a dense and moving tome. I hate to be
hard on the book of Ezra, but it is a weak link in an otherwise fantastic chain
of stories. <i>The Kingstone Bible</i> continues
to surprise and delight with another great volume. Frankly, I wish I had a few million to toss their way to commission a full, chronological tale of the Scriptures, as they have the talent pool to create a vibrant and spiritually satisfying version. Until that day, however (ha, ha), their present anthology will suffice as a wonderful version of The Bible in the comics medium.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The Kingstone Bible, Volume 7: The Exiles </i>is available at <a href="http://www.kingstonemedia.com/kingstonebible.php">The Kingstone Media Group site</a>, as well as Amazon.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=3lcpub-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1613281129&asins=1613281129&linkId=LNZOCS5TAKPGN5OO&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe></center>
C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-65588876914814739482014-12-06T09:37:00.004-05:002014-12-06T09:41:24.986-05:00Eureka...kindaAs I look to wrap up 2014 and renew my efforts in the coming year, I have had a realization--an important one. Frankly, the last few months I was vexed by what to do with my continued writing pursuits. What projects I should abandon? What ends I should pursue? I feel like I am finally getting my answers.<br />
<br />
I'd be lying if I said I hadn't lost some hope. In truth, my enthusiasm waxes and wanes more oft than the moon itself. I have had my days in despair; my hours of inaction. I've given into those "other" whispers--not the Spirit's gentle voice or the encouragement of the Scriptures but the self-doubt and inclinations toward surrender. I've given ear to the accuser, to the enemy; I've let him sow his seeds of discontentment and fear. I've mused on his taunts and ill charges, and he has snatched more of my attention than I would like. He's held me at bay longer than I care to admit.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
But I've also had wonderful moments of inspiration, days in which writing was at the forefront of my mind. I have had dreams renewed and efforts rekindled. I've typed and scribbled and brainstormed and produced. So, I have not quit completely.<br />
<br />
I have, however, found the rub. <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2014/11/fear-failure-and-forward-momentum.html">I know now why I've fallen off target. </a> It's the <i>work</i>. Not "work", like my employment but "the work" of writing well. I've failed to set aside the focused time of fighting through 2,000 words because I need to get SOMETHING on the page to reach a necessary weekly goal. I've failed to commit my time and energy to the hard nights of staying awake that extra half hour because I want to edit that last chapter to stay on course. Namely, I've treated writing as a passing hobby, not a passionate pursuit.<br />
<br />
Knowing this, I am well positioned to enter 2015. In fact, I'm not waiting until then to start. I've already begun dedicating more time in December. If memory serves, this November, traditionally my most busy month of the year, was the weakest month of dedicated writing I've had since I began tracking my time in 2011 (less those months I took off during the move).<br />
<br />
Here's hoping this realization gets me back on track, and we take 2015 by storm!C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-91233088065930485192014-11-20T06:30:00.000-05:002014-11-20T06:30:01.594-05:00Review: The Kingstone Bible : Volume 4 : The Judges<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The Kingstone Bible : Volume 4 : Judges</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From Kingstone Media<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>*PLEASE NOTE: I received a hardcopy of this book to review for the publisher.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bottom line: I am torn regarding <i>The</i> <i>Kingstone Bible : Volume 4. </i>The weakest entry in the
anthology thus far, this graphic novel is a rough read, and I am unsure if that is inherently due to the content or to the execution. One can go through the book quickly,
but it is not a pleasant experience. Of course, given that this is a lawless era of Israel's history, perhaps discomfort is the point. You see why I'm torn.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kingstone pays close attention to their interpretation of
the text and as such limits their creative freedom. I believe the book conveys what is
presented in the Holy Scripture, which is admirable, but the translation suffers because it does not present more contextualization (which i believe they did to great affect in their adaptation of <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2014/10/recommendation-bible-volume-1-beginning.html">Genesis</a>).<br />
<br />
If nothing else, this book shows Israel’s folly and the horrendous immorality of the ancient world. Between the
injustices of the rulers and the harsh mistreatment of women, one can see why
God would have placed his chosen people in the geographical location that he did;
the great tragedy of Israel’s history is that they fell into the culture rather than changing it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Book of Judges almost serves as a microcosmic picture of
Israel (and, arguably, the church) as wayward followers. Things go well; God’s
people reject him; as life gets worse, they return. When they do, he delivers
them, and once it gets good again, they forget. I’ve seen this narrative repeat
itself in history as well as in my own life. To see it in such detail on the comic page is difficult.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But it’s not just Israel’s nameless masses or the
surrounding enemies that are the problem. Judges is a book of failures and
antiheroes. To his credit, writer Art Ayris in no way attempts to put a spin on
the multiple protoganists that Judges provides in order to make them Westernized heroes. They are
all essentially as foolish and, at times, immoral as any of their enemies, but
God uses them for his purposes in spite of their weakness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is why the books is so unpleasant; the stories of
Judges take place in a sort of outlaw frontier, and none of the characters fit
the Western model of hero. In fact, some of the stories are merely displays of
the horror among those who clearly reject Jehovah and
his law. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Again, <i>The Kingstone Bible: Volume 4: Judges </i>suffers from the
narrative problems inherent in any direct interpretation of the original Scripture. The book is confusing, and the characters difficult to engage. This shows interpretive integrity but lacks creative license one might expect or desire to make the book more palatable in the comic medium. The experience is uneven but poignant; and as I said, that may be the reason the book exists. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<i>The Kingstone Bible: Volume 4: Judges </i>is now on Amazon.com<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=3lcpub-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1613281099&asins=1613281099&linkId=GKDTX2HUJSNV7GFJ&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe></center>
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-478520539723241392014-11-18T20:14:00.002-05:002014-11-18T20:20:28.561-05:00Fear, Failure, and Forward MomentumWell, here we are: midway through the last month of 2014. The time has passed more quickly than I would have expected. Sure, some days have been long, others not so. I've had the pleasure of savoring many moments and etching new memories while also failing to cherish many more that I let slip through my mind.<br />
<br />
I'm off my marks for web traffic, blog posts, tweets, and a wealth of other personal goals. I've gained weighed and lost muscle. My love for the Lord has increased even as my strength and discipline seemed to leave me. I'm really not sure how I'll look at 2014 in the long scheme of things.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
I've faced emotional hardship I've not known and felt more helpless than I can remember, yet the Lord continues to reveal himself. I've prayed and sought and pondered, and I hear the Spirit's quiet whisper saying again and again, "Encourage the Church".<br />
<br />
I still don't know how. Well, that's not entirely true. I know ways that I could, methods I might, but not in the sense I desire to--not in the way to which I am being led. I feel unsettled with many of the thoughts I've had or solutions I've reached. No, I am being drawn to something different. Something...else.<br />
<br />
I think I'm getting closer to what that is--to how that might look. It's not what I would have chosen for myself, but I am getting more confirmation of it each day. Perhaps I'll close the year knowing (that would be wonderful).<br />
<br />
If I follow it, well, life will look different in 2015--not bad, but different. I've been afraid of it--afraid of what it might mean. But I think part of that is the fear of having to rise to new occasions and difficulties. If things develop as I expect, I'll need to be far more focused, more determined, and less listless.<br />
<br />
Sounds like a good way to enter a new year.<br />
<br />
Time will tell, and so will I, as I figure it out and take steps toward it.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading,<br />
CC.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-20775067958437980652014-11-14T22:02:00.006-05:002014-11-14T22:07:34.353-05:00Recommendation: "All My Love" by Trip Lee and "Dead Preacher" by Jackie Hill PerryIf you've been at the blog for any amount of time, you know I like hip-hop. Just recently I wrote a recommendation for <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2014/09/recommendation-anomaly-by-lecrae.html">LeCrae's <i>Anomaly</i></a>, and I have previously also praised the work of <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2013/09/satellite-kite-recommendation.html">Beautiful Eulogy</a>.
<br />
<br />
Two recent songs have caught my attention, and I thought it worth my time to commend them to you, alongside some honorable mentions. The tracks I'll be sharing today are especially beautiful due to their overall theme of redemption overcoming depravity and brokenness. A great many hip-hop songs focus on the latter, but few end with the hopeful outlook of the below ballads.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
First I invite you to listen to Jackie Hill Perry's "Dead Preacher", a story that follows a pastor who is not all his congregation believes him to be. In fact, he's quite the opposite.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0-vEIE204jU" width="560"></iframe> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Inasmuch as "Dead Preacher" introduced me to Jackie Hill Perry, my favorite song off her album is entitled, "Better". That song was not available in full for embed/upload, but it has an amazing hook, and the intro by JGivens at the beginning is excellent as well. <a href="http://www.humblebeast.com/the-art-of-joy">You can sample and download Jackie's album, <i>The Art of Joy</i>, from Humble Beast Records</a>.<br />
<br />
The second song I am commending to you today is "All My Love" by Trip Lee, from his album, <i><a href="http://reach.merchline.com/collections/trip-lee-rise">Rise</a></i>. This song has specific resonance for not only me but many men in my generation. The music offers an exceedingly catchy hook that echoed in my mind for days--not unlike the mistress in the song itself. While some online have posited that the song is about online dating, I could make a strong case that it is actually about pornography use. See what you think by listening. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qH2oQC8Y2Ho" width="560"></iframe> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>BOTH OF THE ABOVE RESPECTIVE VIDEOS are the uploads and property of their respective Youtube Users.</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
A few other Christian Hip-hop songs to capture my ear recently are listed below. I recommend you check them out.</div>
<br />
"I Ain't Got An Answer" by Propaganda, from his album, <a href="http://www.humblebeast.com/excellent"><i>Excellent</i></a><br />
"Get Well Soon" by Braille, from his album, <a href="http://www.humblebeast.com/weapon-aid"><i>Weapon Aid</i></a><br />
"Father Figure Skating" by Odd Thomas, from his album, <i><a href="http://www.humblebeast.com/the-divine-use-of-animosity-ridicule">The Divine Use of Animosity & Ridicule</a></i><br />
<br />
And for fun, Foreknown's quick jam, "<a class="link" href="http://static.squarespace.com/static/5414bfaae4b07dfbf322b0ff/5416257ce4b01d62a17537f1/541625e3e4b08db18092f3fe/1410737635012/footypajamapizzadancekaraokepartygo.mp3" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85098); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">#FootyPajamaPizzaDanceKaraokePartyGo!</a>" from <a href="http://www.humblebeast.com/ornithology"><i>Ornithology</i></a></div>
C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-56181371245066520052014-11-08T11:03:00.000-05:002014-11-08T11:13:26.884-05:00Not Sure How Title This OneSome things.<br />
<br />
Some things are too difficult to express in words. The pain runs too deep--or maybe it's the shame. See, I've reached one of those mental walls--a point wherein you want to be introspective and think and process, but you can’t. You can’t think about it anymore. But at the same time you know you need to do so. It's a tough headspace (one that makes me feel altogether foolish).<br />
<br />
<div>
I won't go into details because I can't do so briefly and they would be embarrassing if I did. Needless to say, the devil has sown seeds of envy in my soul, and the harvest of resentment is in full bloom. What's worse, I know it's my fault; I know that I've allowed it, that I've failed to look upward rather around me, that these emotions are toxic. I have been unable to shake them for the better part of the week, and I see no sign of their dissipating. I need to own them (which is why I've confessed them here and elsewhere), and also I need to face them. But I don't know when I will. </div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div>
<br />
All I can think about is the next step I’m gonna take--the next move I’m making to get passed it. Or maybe just to get by. It's a strange thing to wrestle with personal perception versus objective reality. One may know the latter but the former is simply too strong and too askew to be silent. How I wish it would. I lament when my emotions get the better of my reason, particularly when my feelings are ghastly. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Looks like I have a new journey to begin with all deliberate speed--a recalibrating of my heart toward contentment, gratitude, and thanksgiving. The lesson is timely, to be sure. I hope I can learn it, apply it, and use it. The Lord knows I must; maybe that's why it's come to this. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know--I know. Could I be anymore vague and/or cryptic? Sure, I could; but that's not my style. I want to tell you enough to be real and vulnerable but not enough to betray confidences or hurt someone. That's a hard line to draw, but I'm trying. In time I hope to have a follow-up to this, that I've harvested all this chaff from my heart and burned it. Christ needs to be the one holding the reaper. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks for reading when I get this way--I don't take pleasure in posts like this one, but they're necessary. If I say I'm Living Life Loving Christ but not confessing the ugly side of myself, then I'm lying about something. So this is me, laid a bit bare and a bit embarrassed. But better than old, brittle, and bitter. Here's to repenting before that happens. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks again, </div>
<div>
C </div>
C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-4722024018746180232014-11-05T09:00:00.000-05:002014-11-05T09:00:10.586-05:00Recommendation: The Kingstone Bible: Volume 3 : The Ten Commandments<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The Kingstone Bible: Volume 3: The Ten Commandments</i><br />
From <a href="http://www.kingstonemedia.com/">Kingstone Media</a><br />
<br />
<b>*Please be advised that I received a review hardcopy of this book directly from Kingstone Media.</b><br />
<br />
Art Ayris and Company at Kingstone have created another
compelling adaptation of the Holy Scriptures in <i>The Kingstone Bible Volume 3 : The Ten Commandments</i>. Tracing
from Moses’ birth through Joshua’s death, this volume in the ongoing <i>The Kingstone Bible</i>
Anthology provides a fine overview of Israel’s journey from Egypt to the
Promised Land, complete with the nation's failures, hardships, and successes.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Through the persons of Moses and Joshua, this graphic novel powerfully explores the profound difficulty in balancing service to God and service to his people. The nation’s ongoing rebellion, Moses’
frustrations, the Lord’s many miracles, and Joshua’s important role as a successor (more on
that later) are given space and attention, providing a dynamic picture of Judaism during this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within the construct of
this adaptation, one sees how much Israel truly needed to rely on the Lord
throughout their journey and how the challenge of doing so took its toll on the
national attitude time and time again. Within this context, one can understand
why Moses is championed alongside the historical patriarchs of Israel,
particularly given his direct communion with God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps the greatest benefit the book provided me personally
was the look and demeanor of Joshua. For some reason, Joshua has always been
locked in my mind as a young man, a twenty-something who retained his
youthfulness throughout the conquest of the Holy Land. In reality, of course, Joshua
was an aged soldier and leader of men, a true champion of Israel’s history who had a
relationship with God that was different than Moses’ but still sufficient for
leading the people. Joshua was a real dude, and a solid general at that. It took this graphic novel to alter my mental picture of him, and I'm glad it did. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The Kingstone Bible, Volume 3 : The Ten Commandments</i> is another
strong work from <a href="http://www.kingstonemedia.com/">Kingstone Media</a>, certainly one worthy of a read, even for
those familiar with the Narrative it covers.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=3lcpub-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1613281064&asins=1613281064&linkId=GA7ARWMVOPTJ3BYX&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe></center>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 298.75pt;">
<br />
<br /></div>
C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-6073219433225306332014-11-03T09:49:00.002-05:002014-11-03T09:59:46.872-05:00No Nano This Year...Yea, that's right: I am not doing <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/">National Novel Write Month</a> this November--the first November since moving back to Delaware. I wanted to do it--even told myself third time's a charm, but the truth is that I am not ready. I do not have anything outlined and at my fingertips to write, and if last year's entry has taught me anything, it's that writing a first draft when it's not ready is like--well, frankly a good analogy escapes me. It just doesn't work for me, regardless of how much I want it too.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So what's that mean for the month? Planning, planning, and more planning. Feedback to my latest draft of <i>To Retreat From Romance</i> has been strong, but I doubt I can hit that February release, even at a breakneck pace. Perhaps I can aim for early spring.<br />
<br />
Then on to my other project(s). While concurrently working on <i>Retreat's</i> release, I'll be shifting focus in 2015 to...children's books. Now this will entail far more coordinating with folks, but with any luck, I'll have a release by year end! (I know; it's crazy talk).<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, the blog is moving. In 2015, the blogspot address will be retired, and the blog will be hosted directly at the <a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/">Living Life Loving Christ publishing site</a>. Not only that but the blog will also be a bit different, as I have a few "article series" I hope to tackle.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So 2014 has thus far been a strange chapter: no new books, only a single speaking engagement, and hit or miss blog publication--but it was also a year of new friends, esp. the fine folks at <a href="http://www.kingstonemedia.com/">Kingstone Media</a>. I'll consider 2014 a transition year, as well as a needed reassessment of <a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/">3LC</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's hoping it's the right one, and 2015 is a year full of Christ seizing his glory!</div>
C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-9752867018454898492014-10-31T05:00:00.000-04:002014-10-31T05:00:02.091-04:00Creations for Charity 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDvWOVn2d0z14APAUrdgF-j_hF2RuT1PN6hmg7z7GJ7GSGPg7GcMj_-uSlptHKmpcBfLmpR7b56ldXVFm3Q_WCb0LMg2SAO8I93hQrVsoYVjkYokGymM880uUhiYg-mKmivX848sH9mV9/s1600/C4C+2014+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDvWOVn2d0z14APAUrdgF-j_hF2RuT1PN6hmg7z7GJ7GSGPg7GcMj_-uSlptHKmpcBfLmpR7b56ldXVFm3Q_WCb0LMg2SAO8I93hQrVsoYVjkYokGymM880uUhiYg-mKmivX848sH9mV9/s1600/C4C+2014+Logo.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So this year, I submitted three donations to <a href="http://creationsforcharity.org/">Creations for Charity</a>, which is less than I had intended, but that's how it went. Check 'em out below and feel free to go to the <a href="http://www.bricklink.com/store.asp?p=C4C">Creations for Charity Store</a> and become a Bricklink member to support the cause!<br />
<br />
<br />
Title: <b>"DinoDude Versus GorillaGuy"</b><br />
Description: It's Mini-Figure Mayhem! Series 5 Dino Dude and Series 3 Gorilla Guy are on the rampage through Brickadelphia! Their battle has already left half the block in flame and ruin, and they are headed for more destruction! Set features multiple Micro Scale buildings as well as the above mentioned Mini-Figures!<br />
<b>SOLD!</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24fclE-vsmztK74npuZQXWy2WlCKEp3xR5PSARN1Qyddky7WHuqJtWgEl_QToEjxKWdFXkpO6i6RRpll7_6XaOPl5kLkl3lz1j9FahjC1UiDoqdt78sPq1yol5hF4KziqqwsDWIazDSA/s1600/C4C_2014_DvG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24fclE-vsmztK74npuZQXWy2WlCKEp3xR5PSARN1Qyddky7WHuqJtWgEl_QToEjxKWdFXkpO6i6RRpll7_6XaOPl5kLkl3lz1j9FahjC1UiDoqdt78sPq1yol5hF4KziqqwsDWIazDSA/s1600/C4C_2014_DvG.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Title:<b>"Megatron Must Be Stopped"</b><br />
Description: The Decepticons are attacking the power station in search of Energon, and Megatron Must be Stopped. Join Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Red Alert on their mission to stop Megatron, Starscream, and Skywarp. Inspired by the 1986 motion picture soundtrack score composed by Vince DiCola, this model features two brick-built micro vehicles (a trailer and a sedan) and includes 6 Hasbro Kreons. Note: may feature an additional half dozen Kre-o parts/plates; the rest is 100% Lego!<br />
<b>SOLD IN 24 HOURS!!</b><br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WZSqWw4s65EhK-rcbsqJW5xaqINleaH5pwrr9rD5KRmC2DrFqcE890DC5A6wy5QQvAEOaQo72MvJpWsySuPJ5O3-8oCxaBMpuMs5aZS3nfEOueiYMjLDqkUTb0jyd3LgeFq0XcFUp6ad/s1600/C4C_2014_Megatron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WZSqWw4s65EhK-rcbsqJW5xaqINleaH5pwrr9rD5KRmC2DrFqcE890DC5A6wy5QQvAEOaQo72MvJpWsySuPJ5O3-8oCxaBMpuMs5aZS3nfEOueiYMjLDqkUTb0jyd3LgeFq0XcFUp6ad/s1600/C4C_2014_Megatron.jpg" height="295" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Title: <b>"The Legend of SpaceClops"</b><br />
Description: Just read the picture...This one's my favorite.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpTIlgsBY5TbCAHzBnxPk_wQDv4wg7LMqNJpS6gJfJqBQuRZPW0W0rkVo5cDNgwq34my3ukEmlmbblDXWGyY9v8g7nfPCYeBLFU-oDocPpHVaTVDBgN6Ho_fzhv_j1BmaSXPGTZoMSYM6/s1600/SpaceClops_V_SpaceCopsSUBMITTED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpTIlgsBY5TbCAHzBnxPk_wQDv4wg7LMqNJpS6gJfJqBQuRZPW0W0rkVo5cDNgwq34my3ukEmlmbblDXWGyY9v8g7nfPCYeBLFU-oDocPpHVaTVDBgN6Ho_fzhv_j1BmaSXPGTZoMSYM6/s1600/SpaceClops_V_SpaceCopsSUBMITTED.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpTIlgsBY5TbCAHzBnxPk_wQDv4wg7LMqNJpS6gJfJqBQuRZPW0W0rkVo5cDNgwq34my3ukEmlmbblDXWGyY9v8g7nfPCYeBLFU-oDocPpHVaTVDBgN6Ho_fzhv_j1BmaSXPGTZoMSYM6/s1600/SpaceClops_V_SpaceCopsSUBMITTED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
<br />
<br />C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-70484858441647212152014-10-28T19:37:00.000-04:002014-11-22T11:49:23.720-05:00Review : The Remaining : from Kingstone Media<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>PLEASE NOTE: I Received a copy of the graphic novel for review purposes.</b></span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Remaining</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
from Kingstone Media<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.kingstonemedia.com/">Kingstone Media</a> released <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.kingstonemedia.com/theremaining/">The Remaining</a></i> last month to coincide with the theatrical debut of the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2714380/">film of the same name</a>. From what I gathered in the book’s credits, the Kingstone team completed
the comic as an adaptation of the original screenplay by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0489453/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Casey La Scala</a> rather
than the film version, which La Scala also co-directed. Since I cannot speak to the
original screenplay nor the movie, I will review the book on its own merits and
faults; however, I should note that the adaptation completed by <a href="http://rolandmann.wordpress.com/">Roland Mann</a> may
suffer from limitations over which he had no control. Therefore, I am also
giving the book a bit of grace regarding some of my critiques.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But enough for qualifiers. Let me just lay the verdict on the
table: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1613281323/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1613281323&linkCode=as2&tag=3lcpub-20&linkId=XCCWP5VUNQXG2KLU">The Remaining</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=3lcpub-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1613281323" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</i> is good—not
great but good. The story moves well, focuses on characters over clutter, and
offers a fair share of surprises. Vast in scope yet small in
canvas, the events that impact our characters also affect the whole world, but we never leave the presence of our core ensemble. The book offers a few good surprise turns, one specifically I
had not considered but made all the sense in the world, leading me to one of
those “duh” moments. In fact, I called the outcomes wrong on more than one
occasion, thinking I’d be getting one thing then almost immediately getting another, and I like
when that happens (so long as the unexpected is an appropriate choice for the
story).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> So, t</span>hat’s “the good”. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"The bad" is that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Remaining</i> suffers from two failures. It fails to ask larger questions or pose
counter theories. Once things go awry, one character thinks its Biblical; and
within a few pages, everyone is on board. I would have preferred alternative
viewpoints creating tension, perhaps that the antagonistic creatures are government experiments
or the result of an alien attack. The overall ending would
have been stronger if the final panel confirmed which of the various theories was true. Of course, I would not want to judge a work for what it is not rather than what
it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Remaining</i> is a little light on scares--not surprises, per se, but real terror. There’s a fair amount of talking in
this book, which led to a lull in a few
areas where I forgot about the larger dilemma. Not a huge issue given that the story still moves, but I would have liked a more consistent feeling of tread the entire time. So there’s "the bad".</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And what would the good and bad be without "the ugly"? If <i>The
Remaining</i> has one glaring fault it’s that the three male leads are practically
indistinguishable. In fact, from panel to panel, I could not tell them apart
except for when they addressed one another by name. Granted, the different
wardrobe at the wedding helped with this, but once the men were all down to
black slacks and t-shirts, each looks like a generic white guy,
which is a bummer because they did not need to be--not in this story (and
particularly not in a comic format).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All that said, <i>The Remaining</i> is equal to most standalone
indie books you’ll find—no better, no worse. It’s a bit more heavy-handed than
I’d prefer, but nuance in any medium is difficult. If nothing else, the comic
has now gotten me interested in the film, which I assume is half the reason it
exists; and in that alone, its goal has been achieved. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of the aforementioned limitations
placed on Kingstone, I am going to lean more toward a favorable review than a
negative one. This is not their best work, but it’s an adequate entertainment that one could read in an hour or so. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Want to give it a shot? It's now available on Amazon.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=3lcpub-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1613281323&asins=1613281323&linkId=MLV2AAYXHE37PAHD&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe></center>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-7719946156346086972014-10-25T07:30:00.000-04:002014-10-25T07:30:01.276-04:00Holiday Giving for Toy Hobbyists : My latest at Figures.com<a href="http://www.figures.com/forums/news/65992-opinion-figuring-out-how-give-season.html">My latest article at Figures.com</a> was less of an opinion piece and more of a call to action.<br />
<br />
Here's the gist: <b>Do you have great memories of getting toys at the holidays? Then give toys at the holidays.</b><br />
<br />
Here's an Excerpt:<br />
<br />
<i>...<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am writing this post early and asking my fellow figure fans to join me in making this holiday special for children. Many opportunities exist to give, at least in the States, with some organizations accepting toys they pass directly to children. That’s right. You can shop for great figures that you know you will make it into the hands of children. ...</span></i><br />
<br />
Check it. And please consider giving to <a href="http://www.toysfortots.org/default.aspx">Toys for Tots</a> this season!C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-25736031048719343302014-10-22T07:00:00.000-04:002014-10-22T17:42:50.396-04:00In God's Image : Illustrator : Javier Saltares<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Over the last several months, I've had the privilege of working with <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2014/09/in-gods-image-author-publisher-art-ayris.html">Art Ayris</a> and his team at <a href="http://www.kingstonemedia.com/index.php">Kingstone Media</a>. One of Kingstone's collaborators is <a href="http://marvel.wikia.com/Javier_Saltares">Javier "Jarv" Saltares</a>, an illustrator whose art you have likely seen. He has worked on <a href="http://marvel.wikia.com/Category:Javier_Saltares/Penciler"><i>Wolverine </i>and </a><i><a href="http://marvel.wikia.com/Category:Javier_Saltares/Penciler">Ghost Rider</a> </i>for Marvel, as well as <i><a href="http://www.idwpublishing.com/product-tag/javier-saltares/">G.I. Joe</a> </i>for IDW (he was penciller on the acclaimed "Cobra: Civil War" arc). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jarv also did work on <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2014/08/recommendation-book-of-god-by-kingstone.html">Book of God</a>, which I recommended earlier this year, and he </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">was kind enough to participate in 3LC's ongoing </span><a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/search/label/Interviews" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"In God's Image" series</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Below are his answers to our standard questions, and I hope you'll take the time to get to know him better and seek out some of his work. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Define yourself in one word (Disciple, Christian, American, Man, etc.) </span><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Man</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Why do you choose that term?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>That’s what I am, one of many.</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. In two sentences, tell us about your artistic endeavors, what you produce and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">who you see as your audience?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I am a story teller. </b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>That’s why I choose to illustrate comics. I love the idea of telling stories </b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>visually. Words are fine but pictures fill in blanks words can’t. My audience is </b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">anyone who enjoys the same.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. What was the latest comic to feature your art and what led to its creation? Can </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">you give us your favorite three books on which you’ve worked?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Latest book I’ve worked on is “Esther” for Kingstone Media. </b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was written by Ben Avery. A fun book. Favorite books I’ve worked on are </b><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">my own <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Davids-Mighty-Men-Javier-Saltares/dp/1933428074">David’s Mighty Men</a></i>, <i>Ghost Rider,</i> and <i>Wolverine</i>. (Still a comic geek.)</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. How has your career as an artist required you to sacrifice? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Having to work to put food on the table always gets in the way of working on </b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">things I would much rather be doing. </b><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I sacrifice doing my own projects to work for others. I also sacrifice a steady </b><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">income. This life isn’t for everyone.</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. What is your primary goal as an artist? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>To produce something others truly enjoy. </b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That they find some personal value in it. </b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7. What is your largest hope for those who engage your art? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>To be effected by it in the way that I am while I’m doing it. </b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That we, the audience and I, make that connection.</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8. What are two key ways in which you believe your art benefits readers today?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Hopefully, that they are moved and inspired by it.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">9. How have you seen God’s goodness and faithfulness in your work?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The fact that others are willing to pay me to do something I enjoy is all the </b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">goodness need.</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">10. How can readers learn more about you and your art?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=javier+saltares">Google my name.</a> There’s plenty out there about me and my work.</b></span></div>
C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-14924528359681580532014-10-18T10:42:00.002-04:002014-10-18T10:46:40.649-04:00Recommendation : The Bible: Volume 1 : The Beginning : From Kingstone Media<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The Bible: Volume 1: The Beginning</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By <a href="http://www.kingstonemedia.com/">Kingstone Media</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The Bible: Volume 1: The Beginning </i>is the first work in a graphic novel anthology from Kingstone Media, who is adapting the entire Holy Bible into a 12-volume set. This first piece—and I assume the others—will contain some of the standalone issues already released by Art Ayris and his team, but the stories will now be contextualized into the overarching narrative of Scripture.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This first entry shows the creative license necessary in adaption while maintaining the attention to interpretation and contextual detail that one can expect from Kingstone’s work. This first volume contains the stories of Creation, The Fall, The Flood, Babel, and Job (the last of these I recommended, <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2014/06/recommendations-jonah-and-job-by.html">here</a>).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The time and space necessary to touch on each of these sections individually is better used by discussing the book as a whole. The writers bring fresh ideas to the stories of Genesis, such as spending more time with Noah’s sons and also providing keen insight on oral tradition. I bring attention to this because they do, and it’s useful in making God a continuous central figure throughout the various episodes with men.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The one point of criticism I have with the book is merely nitpicking. God’s voice appears in different fonts and bubble-shapes in the different stories, and a cohesive font and style across the entire 12-volume tome would have been wonderful for maintaining consistency to God’s personhood—if only through the fact that his speech would always appear in the same manner (carrying this over to Christ in the New Testament would have also been a strong artistic stroke). This aside, the books is consistently strong and interesting. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Granted, the text only covers a dozen or so chapters in Genesis as well as the story of Job; however, these are not easy stories to tell. The art and presentation make the books accessible for that 10 and over crowd toward whom so many comics are geared, and I would recommend this for youth leaders trying to get their kids into some level of Biblical literacy. The text is easy to engage, and the art is on par with the comics you’ll find in your local shop.<br />
<br />
Once again Kingstone proves successful with another excellent volume in their growing library. You can <i>The Bible: Volume 1 : The Beginning </i>at Amazon.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=3lcpub-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=161328103X&asins=161328103X&linkId=347H66ZQ3AMVSGEI&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe></center>
C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-51002996886346175312014-10-13T12:49:00.000-04:002014-10-13T13:13:05.653-04:00Reflections on My First Speaking Engagement<div class="MsoNormal">
In the last weekend of September, I had the privilege of
speaking at both a men’s breakfast and a combined male/female Sunday School
service at <a href="http://www.fbcmiff.com/">First Baptist Church</a>. This was my first public speaking event in
years—certainly the first since launching <a href="http://www.3lcpublishing.com/">3LC</a>. My presentation went as I would
have expected—each event had a bit of a rocky start but a fair conclusion. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Initially, I had intended to write a post entitled, “5 Things I Learned from
my First Real Public Speaking Gig”, since lists and numbered posts rule the
internet; but thankfully, I was delayed and am writing this instead. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because I feel this is going to prove more valuable
to you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
See, inasmuch as I learned about preparation and presentation,
the Lord brought something much more personal to my attention: <b>I need to be me,
and no one else</b>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I say this because my language and presenting
style took bits and pieces from a variety of speakers to whom I’ve listened.
A peppering of Piper, a cut of Keller, and a drip of Driscoll, while trying to
channel some of Francis Chan. All of these went through my filter,
guided by the Holy Spirit himself, speaking the truth he wanted to convey to his
children at that moment in time. I trust he did.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because he certainly conveyed something to me—that while I can
take a tidbit of style from this or that preacher, he built me differently
than they, and my strengths are different than theirs. Frankly, God did not
create me to mimic my presenting after another of his sons. He made me to
speak in ways they cannot; in the same way that they speak in ways I cannot. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
That be hard. Some things are difficult to share, but God gives us experiences and insights for the good of the kingdom and not just ourselves. When I hit certain points in my
presentation that I felt were uniquely and decidedly my heart and my mind and my soul, I exuded the desire to share it and did so unabashedly. The exhilaration
of the experience, as well as the comfort with which I presented, was so
dramatically different that to ignore this would be foolish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I realized that I can speak publicly, and I can speak well when I allow myself to be the speaker God has built me to be, saying things he has led me to say. Funny how that
works. God grants us an ability, and he enables us to perform it. When we do, we truly feel, “I was made to do this [or say this]”. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have to admit to you that I will likely be nervous about my
next engagement, whenever that may be, but I am already assured that if God
grants me the opportunity, he will carry me through it and use me as he
sees fit, using my voice as his vessel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know this may come across as arrogant, but my motivation of this post is my desire to encourage you. Perhaps like me,
you think "Oh, if I had the charisma of this celebrity or the the skill of
that artist or the will of that athlete, then I’d be able to do, X,Y, or Z". But they
don’t have what you need. God has equipped you with what you need to do what he's called you to do; you simply
need to give it to him and ask him to use it, and he will. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And you’ll know when he does, because he’s built you to know. Because he loves you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks for Reading, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
C</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PS - For those interested in the content of my presentations: The focus each day was storytelling—specifically the way in which existence is a story that God, the perfect writer, is telling. I spoke on the way in which he weaves our own redemptive stories into his larger, overarching redemption narrative and described the inherent blessings believers can embrace because of the Lord’s story. </div>
C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-53559096186666636852014-10-07T22:35:00.000-04:002014-10-07T22:42:29.701-04:00Creations for Charity...And Real Posts Coming SoonFriends,<br />
<br />
I am behind my timetable for submitting to this year's <a href="http://creationsforcharity.org/">Creations for Charity</a>. Truth be told: I am not nearly as adept at building as I once was. I simply cannot envision a model the way I could when I spent more time on the hobby, and "playing jazz" with pieces has had it's pro's and con's (for certain). My poor wife--she has dealt with two days of my needlessly stressing over this.<br />
<br />
That being said, I am hoping to wrap up my projects by 10/19. Here's hoping I'll have at least one--if not two--articles posted on the blog before that time. So, please keep checking back.<br />
<br />
Thanks for your patience. In the meantime, Listen to <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2014/09/recommendation-anomaly-by-lecrae.html">Lecrae's <i>Anomaly</i></a> and read <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2014/08/recommendation-book-of-god-by-kingstone.html">this</a> or <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2014/06/recommendations-jonah-and-job-by.html">these</a> excellent works from <a href="http://www.kingstonemedia.com/">Kingstone Media</a>. Or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/yourstore/home/?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&tag=3lcpub-20&linkId=BGPCJ2S6I6DWA2MT" target="_blank">THIS</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=3lcpub-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> ;).<br />
<br />
<br />
Again, my sincere thanks.<br />
C<br />
<br />
<br />C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-81286037364104630452014-09-29T21:38:00.001-04:002014-09-29T21:45:58.574-04:00Recommendation: Anomaly by LeCrae<div>
I am picky when it comes to music. The last full album I purchased was Hans Zimmer's extraordinary <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C2U6EUG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00C2U6EUG&linkCode=as2&tag=3lcpub-20&linkId=R5A6ZVI2TAHKN4D2">Man of Steel: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=3lcpub-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00C2U6EUG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i>, but that was in summer 2013. So, it's been a minute.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then I heard that Christian rapper Lecrae was number #1 on Billboard last week--a fact I could not fathom. I knew of LeCrae, and I had a few of his singles--I got love for "Background" and "Hands High"--but even with Christian rappers, I get singles, not albums.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But I wanted to see what cause the fuss, and I listened to the album preview on iTunes. The 90-second glimpses were hit and miss, but I added a few songs to my wishlist. I later discovered that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/reachrecords">Reach Records' Youtube Page</a> has lyric videos for each song, allowing a person to legally sample the entire album if they chose. And I did.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Within two passes, I was sold. </div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div>
Listening to an album in full is a far different experience then listening to 90-second previews on iTunes, and LeCrae's <i>Anomaly</i> is a quick listen. Clicking in at 58 minutes, the 15-Track album feels like a "greatest influences" record of the last ten years. "Nuthin" sounds like one of Kanye West's earlier, more successful anthems with a lost beat from Bad Boy Records; and contrastingly, "Outsiders" echoes the feel of Kanye's artistically successful yet altogether dismissed <i>808's and Heartbreaks</i>. "Messengers" has Nelly's flow all over it , and is one of the best exit tracks I've heard in some time. The hypnotic "Timepiece" almost seems like a beat that Busta would have used once upon a time, and "All I Need is You" feels like it could find its way onto any of the <i>Now That's What I Call Music</i> records sometime next year (and could have been on any <i>Now</i> album since the turn of the millenium). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Several songs, including the aforementioned "Messengers", get mad reply from me thanks to their guests. Females specificially lift the vocal landscape of the album, with Kobi Jobe on "Broken", Crystal Nicole on "Give in", and an uncredited female on the clincher track for me to make the purchase, "Good, Bad, Ugly". </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While these songs are a great for the ears, the real treasure on the album is the well-developed and often uplifting the lyrics. In as much as LeCrae does not shy from the harsher aspects of life, he provides anthems for the outsiders, the misunderstood, and the persecuted. Though "Fear" and "Wish" were not my choice cuts during my previewing stage, both have come to mean a great deal to me after repeat listenings; and make no mistake, this jaunt has been on repeat all week. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I purchased the album on <a href="http://reach.merchline.com/products/lecrae-anomaly">deluxe digital direct from Reach records for $13.99</a>, and the few extra bucks got me Acapella and Instrumental tracks, both of which were worth it. You can also go through Amazon, as always!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=3lcpub-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00KYVVK4U&asins=B00KYVVK4U&linkId=SNFETVEGTBBOU3ZJ&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe></center>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Other Reviews of <i>Anomaly</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.christianpost.com/news/lecrae-anomaly-review-rapper-addresses-molestation-abortion-and-shows-growth-lyrically-126136/">Christian Post</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.vibe.com/article/review-lecraes-impressive-anomaly-lp-celebrates-otherness">Vibe</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/album-reviews/id.2341/title.lecrae-anomaly">HipHopDX</a></div>
</div>
C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006382637176378160.post-786293155405353892014-09-22T22:27:00.001-04:002014-09-22T22:27:10.700-04:00How are You Living Life Loving Christ When You Talk Movies and Toys?<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It's a fair question but one that nobody has actually asked, which I take as a compliment. The lack of such a direct inquiry implies trust, and I hope that below I prove that trust is well placed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Yes, of late I've been blogging/linking about toys, conventions, films, and updates; but where are the <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/search/label/Scripture%20Memory">Scripture Memory posts</a>, the <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/search/label/Sermonesque">sermonesque thoughts</a>, and the reflections on pressing <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/search/label/Musings">current events</a>? </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, the truth is that the last of these three has taken a toll on me emotionally, and the only post I started--particularly gauging the events in Ferguson, MO, felt late and needless given everything else that's been written (the most telling to me have been <a href="http://www.blackgirldangerous.org/2014/08/things-stop-distracted-black-person-gets-murdered-police/">here</a>, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/08/18/how-the-rest-of-the-world-sees-ferguson/">here</a>, and <a href="http://qz.com/250701/12-things-white-people-can-do-now-because-ferguson/#/h/96460,1/">here</a>---but especially <a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2014/august/its-time-to-listen.html">here</a>).</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As far as anything Sermonesque, well, I am prepping for my first speaking engagement this Saturday, and that's taken a lot of my "pulpit energies"; my hope is that I can provide the content here in some shape or form after the fact. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And with Scripture memory, <a href="http://cstunkard.blogspot.com/2014/06/scripture-memory-psalm-27.html">my last focused passage</a> was back in July, and this month my Bible reading is reviewing the passages I've already memorized as well as diving into <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/1+Timothy+1/">1 Timothy,</a> thanks to the admonition of my local pastor.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So what's with the pop culture stuff? How in the world does outlining a movie list from this past summer show me living life loving Christ? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, when it comes to films specifically, I still hope to be involved in making one again at some point, and every viewing experience is like a class for me--I feel that a focused effort on a film is a study session for my storytelling, writing, and possible later film endeavors--endeavors that I hope will have "kingdom impact". </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As to the toys, well, the truth is that I committed to <a href="http://figures.com/">Figures.com</a> to give them a monthly article, and I honor God by making good on that promise. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Further, I am working through the "purpose" of my collection. Why am I even bothering with owning all these trinkets? Do they have any spiritual worth? Any kingdom value? In and of themselves, certianly not, they are plastic, but I often wonder, "Can they have kingdom value? Is that even a possibility?" These are real questions with which I wrestle, not to cling to what I own as treasure but rather to see if it is dross in life that can be God-honoring and useful. Time will tell.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Needless to say, I am wholly aware that the blog has looked a lot less Christ-focused, and I own that failure. In truth, I hope to get to a point wherein all of these posts are more intentional in that regard. In fact, I am making plans for 2015 with that end in mind, each day. Again, time will tell. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And in the interim, I will try to do better; the very fact that this post exists is a testament to my failure to do so. Here's to correcting that as we close out 2014 together in the coming months.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As always, thanks for reading!</span></div>
C.J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17949036893866534405noreply@blogger.com0