ANNOUNCEMENT!

Hey, guys! First I'd like to thank you all for faithfully reading and supporting my blog for all this time. I have enjoyed sharing my heart and journey with you all. Well, this site is starting to feel old to me. Since diving into creating websites for my other ventures, I've discovered just how wonderful they can be and how much my skills have increased since beginning making them all. So I have decided to give Values and Treasures a much-needed facelift! You'll find the brand new website here:

www.valuesandtreasures.wixsite.com/blog

A new feature on the new site is my brand new YouTube channel which has it's very own page there. Also, this blogspot site will remain online for the time being. Thanks again for supporting my blog! I'm looking forward to sharing more of my adventures with you all over there.

Nashville Bound

I promised a while back in one of my video blogs that I'd be traveling soon and would try to document and share as much of my adventures with y'all. And while I haven't done much on my first venture into Tennessee in years, I did get to see a few cool places from an observation's distance.

So thanks to my dad's new job, his place of employment graciously allows him to let his family tag along. And while this homebody is usually quite okay with gracing the inner dwelling four walls of my personal room within my family's home, I've been craving a little travel for ages. Thankfully, I've finally begun to get my wish. No, I haven't done much on this little journey. But I've enjoyed being out of state and enjoying the experience itself.

After a day of packing, we headed out for good ole Tennessee around midday Monday; and after a couple brief stops, we arrived in Cool Springs for dinner. And boy were we ready for that meal! We waited far too long. But it was well worth it. If you ever want some good Italian eats, be sure to stop by Amerigo's. It's yummy. Today was spent mostly in chill mode with my dad conducting his work business and me and mom watching Fixer Upper all afternoon after ordering pizza. Neither of which was the original plan but was a nice little supplement to the day.

hotel room balcony mountain views

As dad arrived and I slid into my shoes to leave the hotel, I discovered a nice slit in the side of my shoe where the suede fabric was carefully detaching itself from the shoe. So shoe shopping was in order. After spending a tiring time at the fairly nice mall nearby, we found a pair of shoes that was basically identical to the ones I had. That in and of itself was a miracle! What's more, the display was the absolute only pair they had of that shoe. It was my size, and it fit like a dream! Definitely a God-wink there. So after that, it was time to head into Nashville....The catch? As we drove into the heart of downtown Nashville, it began pouring rain. So even though I had not planned on seeing any places in particular, it was virtually impossible at this point for sure. But not to fear because I enjoyed the chance to simply see the city's famous points of interest for the first time! And despite the rain, I got a few excellent pictures I shall be taking home with me until I return again some day soon.

I Can't Watch When Calls the Heart

I first saw the incredible movie "Love Comes Softly" in 2003 not long after it was first released. I can't exactly pin point the day or the time. But oddly enough, I can vaguely remember where I was sitting in my family's double-wide mobile home that day long ago. I was lounging on the floor like every kid does and we happened to turn it to the movie. We had never seen it before. I had never even heard of Janette Oke before. But I can sincerely say that that moment in time changed my life forever. No, it wasn't in some drastic way. I wasn't immediately swept away into another realm. Rather, it was simple and slow. After seeing that movie, we eventually learned about the continuing movie series being made and purposed to keep up with the series. It wasn't long after that as I progressed through school and book reading that I took interest in the author who inspired the movies. So I began reading the "Love Comes Softly" book series by Janette Oke through my book report years. Every chance I got it was a given. I'd be reading an Oke book whenever A Beka let me read a fiction title of my choice. It was my first real experience in the world of fiction.

Fast forward a few years to my mid-teenage years. One day I decided to sit down and start writing a story. I don't know why I did it. But I did. It was something that had been on the inside of me that had finally begun to surface. Truth be told, I didn't know squat about how to write a story. Looking back on that time, I can laugh. But every writer starts somewhere. Along with my growing passion for the art of writing came the love for storytelling. Eventually I began falling in love with characters and their stories and the struggles of life that make up the greatest stories ever told. The grit. The raw emotion. Not the drama. The stories. Not the romance. But the love. Not the perfect scene. But the messed up scene. The scene that made me relate to it. Because in this world I began to discover an appreciation for real life as it has progressed, changed, and developed over centuries passed until today.

Somewhere around 2008 or so (don't quote me on that), I found out that Janette Oke's book series "When Calls the Heart" was set to be made into a series of movies much like the "Love Comes Softly" series. I was ecstatic. I couldn't wait! And as footage began to emerge of this first taste of the new film about Elizabeth Thatcher and her journey into the Canadian wilderness, I could not wait until I could see the entire movie. Yet time marched on and so did any sign that this movie was to be released. They blamed the abrupt cancellation of the movie on the spiraling economy of that time. But for the longest time, I continued to support and search and try to keep up with this film series with the strongest of hope in my heart that it would happen someday. But it never did. Instead, when the economy got back up (supposedly) and Hallmark got into the original series business, they created an entirely different story for display on the little screen. In this newly revamped WCTH pilot movie, we see this other Elizabeth Thatcher live her aunt's journey of becoming a school teacher on the Canadian prairie. Despite my utter disappointment of not seeing Elizabeth and Wynn's story unfold in full, I greatly enjoyed this movie. So again I held to my hope that there was a decent future for this upcoming series. But again my hopes were dashed when they recast the lead roles AND changed the Mountie. (Count em. We've been through three Mounties so far since this thing began.) But being the faithful supporter of faith and family drama that I was, I stuck it out and gave it a chance. In so doing, I was very pleased with the first season of the program. There was no soap opera feel. The stories were not injected with frivolous drama. And the actors were good. At the end of season one, I was looking forward to season two. But that is when everything changed. And not for the better.

Season two began a downward trend, taking a complete turn away from and slap in the face of what "When Calls the Heart" is as Janette Oke originally wrote it. As the original Elizabeth and Wynn would have lived during the 1910s. The sad part is, the entire perspective of making television and the audience reception has changed these days in just a short decade to where people and the creators of the shows just really don't care! All they want is a good, juicy story for entertainment and appeasing their flesh. They no longer care about enriching their spirits with hope. Sure they say they fill each episode with hope. But what they don't realize is that the more fake you make a production, the more false hope you are giving your audience. The audience deserves a raw, realistic look into that character's life. How else can he truly relate to a character that is completely opposite from the way they would have been in the 1910s? Oh wait that's right. They can relate to the character. Why? Because the character is straight out of 2017. At least that's what I see when I look into their face to see a modern makeup job, a modern hairdo, and a modern way of carrying themselves. (Takes a deep breath)

I was told recently by someone involved with the show that no one wants to see a show where the characters look dirty and haven't bathed for a week. That if I wanted to see something out of history I should go watch a documentary or read a book. Their show doesn't aim to replay history but to entertain. And to these rude comments I shook my head thinking to myself how arrogant it was for someone to say this to a young woman who has seen far too many historic dramas to count that accurately displayed their historic setting AND entertained me very well. No, they never got everything right. I'm the first person to give any show grace in this area. But as producers of entertainment, you automatically have a responsibility to live up to. As soon as you state your drama is set in 1910, 1792, or 2002, you automatically have a responsibility to portray the world your character lives in as accurately as you possibly can. What if in a couple hundred years from now they make a movie set in the year 2017. When the producers gather around the table they say, "We are going to leave out all cell phones and iPads from this movie because no one wants to see people using such primitive technology compared to what we are using today! Besides, it had such a negative effect. We are just here to entertain people. So no cell phones. People don't want to see that." You as a person living in 2017 would automatically feel insulted. Why? Because the world you live in has cell phones and such technology. Why would anyone portray our world differently?? It doesn't matter what you want as a writer or producer. If you say your show is set in 1910, give your viewers 1910. If you say your movie is set in 1983, then give me 1983. NOTHING ELSE WILL DO! Anything short of that is disrespectful and a slap in the face of those that lived before us. Not to mention it is exceedingly rude to the author of these wonderful stories.

If you want to continue writing these fantasy stories, go ahead. Be my guest. But do me a favor. Take off the name "When Calls the Heart." Don't put Janette Oke's name in the credits. She had nothing to do with these stories you are writing. If you were inspired by her writing, then it was very loosely. For you failed to truly see her beautiful work for what it is. She did not write these soap opera stories. Instead, she wrote the story of Elizabeth Thatcher and Wynn Delaney. This Elizabeth was a weakling who became strong. A polar opposite of Miss Krakow's representation. I no longer see a woman who gave up her convenience. To me, she brought her convenience with her. A mark of a strong woman would be one who dares to live without convenience for the sake of the greater good. The original Elizabeth gave up an easy life for the hard life. The hard life where she couldn't go back to her home on a whim as if this whimsical Hamilton was a quick ride down the road. Instead, she was thrust into a hard life on the prairie in the middle of nowhere. There wasn't even a town! Just a schoolhouse and a little shack to call home. She was alone for much of the time, preparing lessons and choring. There wasn't a swarm of drama around her. She got dirty. She had struggles. She suffered. She didn't have makeup, fancy clothes, a curling iron, or indoor plumbing. And she sure as heck didn't wear low cut v-neck blouses. Her world didn't revolve around some supposedly drop-dead gorgeous Mountie that leaves her in tears and a pouty face when he rides off after asking her to marry him. No, the real Elizabeth went with Wynn. They struggled and trudged through life at his posting in the Northwest Territory together. But of course that doesn't help television show ratings rise of course. Supposedly. Well, at least it used to.

I could say much more on this subject, but I won't for now. I might in the future. All I can say is, the "When Calls the Heart" television series has lost a viewer. A viewer who loves true raw wholesome storytelling. Not the fantasy wannabe family-friendly picture portrayed by this show. As a person aspiring to write television, I feel like WCTH is an insult to the industry I love that has given us dozens of successful, real, and meaningful television classics. Yes, I do want to see people getting dirty. Why? Because that's how they lived back then. And it's how I live today. They were real people doing real things to survive. Maybe our world would be a better place if a few more people would be willing to get dirty and sweat for what they want in life instead of keeping their heads buried in the fantasy sands that WCTH has become, wishing their life into success. Suck it up. Use some elbow grease. From now on, this is my Elizabeth Thatcher. Thank you, Janette Oke, for writing Elizabeth and Wynn's story. You have been and will always be my hero and inspiration for why I pursued being a writer. Thank you for writing this story. It will always be what "When Calls the Heart" truly is for me. This is the heart and soul of the true "When Calls the Heart." 💕

Drown It Out

Talk with me for just a few minutes to try to get to know me better, and you will quickly find out that I could not live without music. Just ask my parents. My attachment to headphones is probably slightly unhealthy. But I love music. I won't deny it for one second. Anywho, let's get off of that rabbit trail. Believe me...I could talk about music for days. It's the heart's voice and the spirit's universal language. Okay, I promise I'll stop for now.

On the other side of this personality survey spectrum study is my track record with storms. I have never liked them. But as I have matured, I realize they are nothing to be afraid of. What's a little lightning, eh?? Okay, it can be dangerous. But I've developed a sense of courage and appreciation that feels so good. God's got me, and I enjoy nature. But I won't lie. I have had some nerving moments when there's a tornado warning or such in our area. When the siren wails and lightening rips threw the sky. Eek! But even with those I've learned not to let it bother me too much. And it was precisely this past Monday that I discovered just where I place my value and how much I've conquered fear.

Typical of the Bowmans, we usually get around to putting up our Christmas decorations within days of New Years. The quicker the better in my opinion. But we are not here to argue this. Anyways, while my dad was taking a chunk out of getting the tree put up (yes we use an artificial one that's been in the family since I was two), I was busy doing some kitchen duty and laundry. Hey, somebody's got to do it. And while I was doing the laundry, it was storming like heck outside. Funny thing is, I never really knew it. Why? Yep, you guessed it. I had my headphones on. Man, I was having a good time dancing around the kitchen and sashaying around with the laundry. I then waltz through the living room and see my dad's lips moving. So, I stop and take my headphones off, and he proceeds to announce that the tornado siren is going off. With an expression of "Oh, well that's nice" gracing my now solemn expression, I replace my headphones and continue on with my chores. Now before you go thinking I was in denial, one thing you have to understand is that when our siren goes off, it doesn't necessarily mean a tornado is in our backyard. Most of the time, it's south of us. For some reason they feel need to invoke fear in us too. But I get it. They're just keeping folks safe.

As I proceeded with my afternoon, I began thinking about that moment and how the news had hardly fazed me. Sure I was a bit on edge after my dad told me that. But at the same time, all I wanted was to get back to my music and put a smile on my face as I got back into my zone. And the more I thought about it, the more I started thinking about how much we could learn from that. Moreover, I wondered just how much unnecessary worry we let creep into our lives and choke out our happiness every day. No, I'm not saying that you shouldn't heed the warnings of weather wisdom. But at the same time, why worry? And this applies to much more than just bad weather. When life throws things at you that you don't care for, choose joy. Choose happiness. Choose life. Choose to make the best of it. But most of all, drown out the negative with the positive. Tell yourself and your mind to look at the bright side. I know, it can be very hard. But it's all worth it to overcome our fears and worse case scenarios we numbly rehearse in our mind and discover that epiphany of divine comfort that can only come from God. For me, music hits that spot. So try it sometime. It may not be music for you. It may be something else. But you never know what awesome moments await you when you choose joy over fear. Believe me. It's worth it.

"...casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you."  - 1 Peter 5:7

Country vs. Southern

There are many phases we go through in this life. There are the bad ones and even the good ones. Some help us grow. And some are downright embarrassing to look back on. Even so, all of them help us grow and become the person we are as adults. Now I've been through my share of "phases" and dream rabbit trails throughout my childhood. Lord knows I've been down so many life roads in my head since I was a kid. I don't think I have enough room in this post for all the embarrassment. But I think we all go through that as we search for a home. Not a physical home or even a home as in a specific geographic location. But rather a state of mind, a place of comfort, perhaps a calling, a way of life. And I think most recently I have found mine.

I love history. I love western history. I love westerns. But I think there was always something holding me back from truly embracing my love of the modern western (emphasis on western) lifestyle. The plaid, the boots, and etc. I think it had a lot to do with what I've grown up seeing in my home state of Mississippi. No offense to my fellow Mississippians, but you have it all wrong! For pity's sake quit calling yourself country folk because you wear Justins with your country chic style clothes and go mudding and hunting every weekend. You ain't country! You are SOUTHERN.

There's a fine line when it comes to country folk that separates the wheat from the chaff and the country folk from the southern folk. I once complimented someone on their nice western boots only to have them tell me they aren't really into western stuff. Excuse me?!? Okay, deep breath. I know the shoes don't make the man, and your style of clothes doesn't necessarily reflect your lifestyle...Oh, no, wait. I think it does. At least it should. I mean, I'm not saying you have to live on a ranch to dress like a cowboy these days. But goodness gracious, if you aren't at least somewhat in love with the way of life, please quit giving the style a bad name. All I ask from the southern states outside of Texas is this... Quit trying to be country when you don't have a sense of western culture whatsoever. It's confusing. And to be honest, it's ruining the real definition and personification of the cowboy way of life. It's okay I suppose if you want to embrace a southern way of life. Just quit mixing western culture in with it while dubbing yourself country folk. Please.

Oh, yeah, and while we're at it, country music these days IS NOT country music. It's a mix of perverse values and southern pop rock topped with a fedora and skinny jeans trying to pass as western flair with little ode to the cowboy and the way of the west. It just ain't. Country music used to speak of life and real issues set to the backdrop of heart-tugging stories of strength and faith. Now days, without the influence of the true cowboy spirit, country music sounds more like a northerner trying to make it down here with little knowledge of the genre. Meanwhile, they've got plenty of hot girls, pickup trucks, and who knows what else. And they look like hipsters. Ugh. Here's a brief lyric study...

Upon getting my Googling fingers worked, I decided to put two country songs side-by-side. One from previous years and one that's topping the charts right now. I've never heard the latter, but I have heard the former. Just see if you can tell the difference between these two country choruses:

Year: 1994

One will get you where you're going
When you haven't got a prayer
And one will bring you back son
If you're dreams ain't waiting there
You're out on your own now
We won't be there to fall back on
But you know we're never farther
Than a Bible and a bus ticket home.

Year: 2016

You're holy, holy, holy, holy
I'm high on loving you, high on loving you
You're holy, holy, holy, holy
I'm high on loving you, high on loving you

I have no words. Well, I may have a few. But anyways. And I'm pretty sure the first one sounds a bit more country western worthy musically than the latter. I'm willing to bet on that one. Oh yeah and go figure country artists used to sing about Jesus a little bit too. Shocker. Why? Let's see...The true cowboy spirit is about faith, family, and patriotism. Loving your country. Embracing those you love. And honoring the faith and values you were brought up to respect. I don't know about you. But somewhere along the line, that was forgotten along with the fact that artists have completely ignored the roots of the music of their predecessors and started calling their own version of music by a name it doesn't deserve. It's sad. Maybe I'll help do something about it one of these days.

Oh, and lastly...

Date With Danger

It happened before I really knew what had happened. My day was forever changed. It took only fifteen seconds but lasts a lifetime every time I relive that horror. What was once the unthinkable is now the unchangeable. It's like they say. You never think it could happen to you. But then it does happen to you. And you are left feeling as if you'll never be the same person again...ever.

Saturday started like any other normal Saturday for me. Dad's home. Perhaps a special breakfast beyond the usual run of the mill routine. Nice day. Sunshine. Probably a race to look forward to while I continue to think about the great stories I write every chance I get. Most importantly the day had begun with devotions and time in God's Word. Then it happened.

I sat at the same desk I sit at every day when I write and endeavor creatively to answer a message or do some writing-related thing. I pecked away at the keyboard with nothing but the words flowing onto the screen for whatever I was doing. Then I felt it. Somehow a menacing little twisty-tie had managed to get on the floor. It was the darndest thing! As I rubbed the little object between my toes, I continued to write, absentmindedly unaware of the horrendous encounter I was having until fifteen seconds had passed. Feeling a tingle between my toes, I gently scooted my chair back to see a nice-sized centipede honing in on my lower phalanges. You can just imagine what happened next. With a shriek that could have curdled the blood of an African mountain lion, I slid my chair back with a furry, getting of a pretty good, hard kick or two (thanks to my ever-expanding karate skills) to rid my bare feet of that despicable creature. It took me a good thirty minutes to recover from that ordeal. And to be honest, I still can't believe I lived through that.

So why am I telling you all this? Well, first of all mostly to share that I'm vulnerable too. Second of all, life experiences like these make an excellent funny addition of a scene to your Walker Texas Ranger fan fiction story you're writing at the time. But most importantly, never let your room get cluttered. But seriously... Sometimes there are things in life that don't seem like a big deal to you. There are things overall in our world that are given no regard. In fact, it may convince you that it's nothing to be worried about. That is, until the sting of it causes you to finally look at it in the face while it scares the heck out of you. And hopefully it won't be too late to make a difference in your world, and turn that thing around in your world for good. Don't assume everything's alright all the time. There's things that need to be changed in our world. Life's a battle. So don't let the enemy flank you. Flank him for once. Get off the couch and do something. It may seem insignificant to you. But in the long run, it may just be that little spark needed to cause the world to change for the better before the world changes you into nothing.

Remembering The Past

I was doing a little snooping about a favorite television series of mine last weekend. Shocker. Anyways, in my detailed searching I became increasingly curious if a certain exterior set that was used in the series still existed. After some top notch private investigating, picture comparing, and video analyzing, I found the very street! Thanks to modern technology, I was able to use Google maps street view. That thing is awesome by the way. It's like being there and walking on the streets where the cars drive because you can't actually do that. Weird. But cool. Anywho... I clicked the ole street view and instantly felt my heart sink just a wee bit. The building was gone. Vamos! Goodbye! Not there! Without a trace. Not even a brick left behind to show that it was there. Well, there was the fire hydrant and telephone pole that helped me identify the right location. Needless to say I was shocked. I mean, its stupid really. It's just a building from a show. But it was real to me. And in its place is a parking lot. A parking lot of all things! Tell me how that's better for the economy, eh? Okay, yeah, I'm grasping at straws now. But I really didn't expect it to be gone. Well, it's been a couple decades and all. But don't people have any respect for sentimentality these days? I guess not.

I got over it of course. Especially once I solidified the difference between fiction and reality in my mind. Granted half of my brain space is reserved for the fictional world as a writer. I have no shame about it either. Haha. But really... After the fact, it got me to thinking... (shocker)

Time passes so quickly these days while ignorance flourishes. My generation was in danger of losing a grasp on the past. But dear Lord I fear for the generation coming after me! Gives me shivers just to think how ignorant of the past they will be if we don't step up and make sure they know about the past. Without a television show, no one would know that a building used to sit on a certain lot on that certain street to serve as a source of entertainment for tons of folks a couple decades ago. I bet people drive past that parking lot everyday and never know about what was produced there. Not that it's necessarily important for them or anyone to know. (Although I contest that statement heartily) But just the fact that one building played an important role in one show and now is gone for forever, never to be rebuilt there. It brings to mind how much actual important history took place on your street in 1903. What cabin sat just a block away from your house and burned to the ground in 1873 when a prairie fire swept over the 200 acres of rich farmland your lavish subdivision now sits on? Who stood underneath that oak tree you chopped down last week in your back yard and proposed to their sweetheart just to end up heartbroken when the draft came up during WWII? Did that patch of land you planted your mailbox in two days ago once play host to an Apache spear as it marked its territory among new settlers of the west two centuries ago? Did the property that freeway you traveled this morning once shelter a wagon train as it headed west?

In the name of progress, what used to be is no longer. Yet with a little work and use of our God-given intellect, perhaps we can remember the places and what happened at those places in our country so many years ago and give it the reverence and remembering it deserves.

Television Revivals

If you get to know me on any level, you'll find out very quickly how passionate I am about wholesome television series from past decades. A lot of my favorites came from the 90s and I could watch them over and over and over. And as a dedicated fan, a lot of times it is a given that if ever there was an announcement to bring the show back I would probably be a very happy camper...almost. Not quite. Okay, maybe a little happy. But I would not be ecstatic. Let me explain.

As many of you have seen and heard, Netflix recently announced the comeback of the 80s/90s hit sitcom Full House. I've never seen the show in full, but from what I have seen, it was a decent family drama containing little to no language or explicit visual content. While a few world views here or there could be an issue, overall it seemed like a decent product of 90s television that uplifted family values. Yet as the reunion series Fuller House dawned on television on-demand worldwide yesterday, I began seeing comments here and there from fans expressing their disappointment that the creators had perverted the series into something it shouldn't be. From some language, to sexual innuendo, very immodest dress, and other things I heard mentioned, it was confirmed that my biggest concern still exists.

I would love for Dr. Quinn, Road to Avonlea, and Walker Texas Ranger to come back. I would probably be ecstatic if they announced these shows were making a comeback. But at the same time, I have this slight fear that it will be modernized if they do. That it will loose the nostalgia in the process of revival. I would rather keep it as is and enjoy what I have of it incessantly instead of chancing that the creators will morph it into something "worthy of the modern audience." When in reality, the modern audience could use more of what we had back then and not the filth the secular world of today says is necessary. And that's my two cents for today.

Treasure

While everyone's raving about the latest in Christian music and worship trends and enjoying their modern 2015 dubstep sounds (see last post for deepened opinions about this), I'm over here in my little corner of the world with my Spotify, hitting repeat on such 80s and 90s hits--at least they're hits in my book--from artists like Amy Grant, Russ Taff, Cindy Morgan, Pam Thum, David Meece, Kim Boyce, Kathy Troccoli, Margaret Becker, okay I'll stop now. But needless to say, my musical repertoire is full of goodness from the last century. And I'm not ashamed of it whatsoever!

It's one of my favorite parts about my summer in 2015, my discovery of these gems from yesteryear. It all began with Amy Grant. Of course I've always heard and enjoyed her music. But I had not listened to all her music. About a hundred songs later, I was hooked. And gladly! And thus began my journey. Digging into the past. Unearthing hidden treasures. Soaking in the goodness of the past. And throughout my digging, unearthing, and soaking, I discovered my new favorite artist who is absolutely wonderful the best most talented Christian singer I've ever heard. Her music is quite rare to find. But I got ahold of three of her 80s and 90s CDs and love every chance I get to hear her music. Who am I talking about? Connie Scott. If you haven't heard her music, your missing out. Seriously. So to remedy that, here are a couple of my favorite songs of hers for you take a listen.

Filled with God's presence and an artistry that has seemed to fade with time, Connie Scott's music is one of a kind. From the soft notes of reflection to the invigorating 80s guitar solos, her songs paint a picture and write magnificent notes that tell of life, love, salvation, and healing to a depth that takes you away and to another place. I will treasure her music always. Because her music is truly a treasure in this day and time. Thank you, Connie Scott, for lending your talents to Christian music. I pray your music will continue to bless others for many years to come! For your music has truly been a blessing to me.

In my efforts to see that Connie Scott's music won't be soon forgotten, I started up a fan page on Facebook to support her and her wonderful music. If you'd like to view the page and give it a LIKE, you can visit it at www.facebook.com/conniescottfans

A Time to Vent

There's a time to every season. And right now I need to vent. Well, more like implore, beseech, pray, beg, plead, and encourage this generation to get a grip. I know. We could be here awhile if I fully addressed this issue. But there is one particular subject I must vent about the most in this post.

If you know me, you will know how passionate I am about wholesome entertainment. Moreover you know how picky I am and how serious I take it. I can pinpoint good quality productions from a mile away. And I bet you'd never guess all the ones I'd choose. That aside, I need to address a different area that I may not speak of often but is one of my biggest pet peeves. But moreover, I believe that it is an issue in the body of Christ not just my own personal preference. And that issue is the music of today. I know what you're thinking. "Yeah I know. Kids listen to way too much secular music. I agree. They should be listening to Christian music more." And while this argument is one hundred percent true, my angst is with Christian music not secular music. Yep, I said it. You see, the secular world is going to always be nuts and make filth. But last time I checked, Christians are supposed to be Christlike and show the difference in everything they produce. As a musician, you have a tremendous power to form a generation's stereotypes and make the mark of that time. And I say with sadness that Christians have come close to missing the mark here.

One of my biggest concerns is worship music. Today's modern worship fad puts a bad taste in my mouth. I don't like it, and I'm not afraid to say it. The wave of popularity that is modern worship music could ultimately be described as a dumbing down of intelligence and a moving away from the true connection with God's spirit. It is not right. I have to guard myself from getting bothered physically due to its distracting sound every time I hear one of these modern worship songs. And if I hear that same chord progression for the 458th time in a row for the next five minutes, I'm gonna throw something. And please stop rocking back and forth and back and forth saying, "We need your fire, Lord." with that same four-chord rhythm in the background. Nothing wrong with what you're saying, but...Ugh. There's just something about this music that gets my goat. I won't name specific names for courtesy's sake. And please just sing...Quit using your voice in a low, drawn-out tone like you're trying to pull something down from heaven. And every song on a CD shouldn't be a repetition and reinvention of the chord progression in the last eight songs with its simple, repetitive lyrics and lack of depth. Now, don't get me wrong. The messages in the songs are wonderful. Nothing about them is false in doctrine, so to speak. Yet my recent journey into the past by way of artists that paved the way such as Kathy Troccoli, Amy Grant, Rich Mullins, and others, makes me want to cry. There is little in our modern worship that looks to them with thanks for paving the way. In some ways I feel we have limited ourselves in the way we write music. Why are we swaying away from what has worked in the past? We've lost that true artistic touch that is truly connecting with the spirit of God and letting Him create a distinct masterpiece in each of our songs. I don't know. I have a feeling that most of you won't even understand me. Anyways....

Just the other day I had put on my wireless headphones, connected up with my phone and put Kathy Troccoli's discography on Spotify shuffle and started grooving around the house. And then one of my favorite worship songs of her's from the 80s/90s came on. I had to stop. Because the song stopped me. I couldn't help the smile that eased onto my face as I closed my eyes, lifted my hands, danced a little, and worshiped my Jesus. There's no feeling quite like a song that truly came from the spirit of God and was planted among us. And you could tell it had been written with such care and simple complexity that put deep joy in my heart and brought me straight before the throne of God.

Please...Don't forget the past as you create for the future! Don't water the sound down to please a modern audience. I know times change. But we don't have to change with them and conform to them. There's nothing about last century's Christian music/worship style that is outdated. Who knows...Perhaps it's time we returned to our roots and figure out what made their music great in years past. I know I've discovered it. And I pray you all do too. And you don't have to go very far back to discover it.

Here's a small taste of the past...I pray the anointing and sound of this comes back to our present and our future. Listen...and hear the difference. Moreover, know the difference.  "...and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." - Revelation 4:8

A True Calling

It's at crossroads that we often have to take a moment and reevaluate our destiny sometimes. A crossroads can often come at the end of one season and gives you an ultimatum that propels you to the next season. And as I feel as if that has come to me, I have taken a step back to reevaluate what I truly want in life. Now, what I want doesn't always line up with what God's path for me is. And it is ultimately up to us to completely surrender our futures to him. But in a moment of contemplation, I asked myself if I would truly be satisfied and happy if my whole life consisted of a career in writing Christian fiction. I cringed slightly. I have always had many dreams and likings, but it wasn't until now that I really came to terms with the fact that I may be on a slightly crooked path. It was then that the Lord revealed to me something profound.

As Christians, we often and rightly so think in terms of what God's calling is on each of our lives. What is God's path for you? What job would he have you to take? What job is your calling? What career is God's will for your life? What talent does God want to use to bless the earth? And while these are all perfectly good questions and should be asked no less, there lies a deeper understanding to be found out. If you are a pastor, your calling is not to be a pastor. If you are a singer, your calling is not to be a singer. If you are a writer, God's calling is not for you to be a writer. And while I know you are shocked, hear me out.

Each individual has a purpose and a passion placed deep inside their hearts that God placed there before the foundations of the earth were even formed. He predestined a certain desire in each person's heart that when it is mentioned, they are filled with joy and satisfaction and in it they find meaning in their life. This thing is not on the outside in the form of a job, career, or ministry. It is on the inside and is fashioned as something only that person will feel and know. For example, a young girl may as she grows up have a tender heart towards the hurting and broken. When she sees a starving animal or a homeless person, she is saddened. Her heart softens and she is broken at the mere sight. In this heart-felt feeling can be found that girl's calling. Her calling can be found in the fact that she cares for the broken. In that is found her destiny. As she grows into adulthood, she may have an attraction to nursing. She may pursue this field. And in it she finds satisfaction because she is fulfilling the desire to restore the broken to wholeness. But nursing is not her calling. Healing the broken is her calling. Nursing is only the avenue by which God chose to lead her in order to fulfill her purpose. Another girl may feel the same way as she grows up. Tears well in her eyes every time she sees the less fortunate on the streets. Yet as she becomes an adult, she is moved to start a center in the inner city to help the less fortunate. Two girls. Similar callings. Completely different avenues by which God chose to bring out that calling into the earth to bless his children.

And in this have I been contemplating. What is truly my calling? I usually respond with a quick, "To be a writer of course." Now, I will always be a writer. It's in my DNA. But what is truly my calling? What is it that burns in my heart that I wish I could change for the better in the earth? Not what career or talent do I feel most compelled to pursue. But...What is it in my heart that God wants to use to help his children on the earth? Once I answer these questions, then it is up to me to listen to God's leading as he helps me to discover what career, talent, or job is the avenue by which that purpose is to be brought to fruition in the earth. As of recently, I have assumed writing to be the avenue by which I can accomplish the purpose God has put on the inside of me. But is it? And it is a daily discovery to truly follow the Holy Spirit's leading instead of just assuming.

Throughout life the avenue or conduit may change. But the purpose God has placed on your life never changes. If you feel compelled to preserve history, one day you may have a job at a museum. Then within five years you could be a historical adviser on a movie set. Your jobs may have changed, but if you have truly discovered what God's purpose is on your life, then that purpose will never change. Your life calling is not to work at a museum. Nor is your life calling to be a historical adviser. But your life calling is to preserve history, for this example. Once you find your true purpose and surrender your life to God, things may just become a bit clearer along the way. Life shouldn't be a smorgasbord of activities to keep you busy until you retire or go to heaven. It should be a fulfilling journey of accomplishing that one purpose no matter what job or jobs you have or where you go in life. God has placed something unique in every person. Don't defraud yourself the chance at discovering it. And allow God to show just how on earth he would have you to fulfill that passion inside your heart. And believe me....It's worth it all.

I Know What It's Like

When I was a very small child, my parents decided that they were tired of being pew-sitters in church. Moreover, they felt there had to be more to this Christian faith besides going through the motions and being just average church goers. It was then that my mom and dad decided to go to a different church whose beliefs took Christianity to a more proactive level and was truly aiming for something that would benefit their lives and allow growth in their faith. What followed could be described as inconceivable. Grandparents accused my mom and dad of taking me to a cult church. This was and still is a lie. People within the church saw my mom and dad as weird, too picky, and small-minded when they insisted they didn't want worldly content going into my eyes in children's church. People and family who would have thought would become close confidants suddenly became arch-enemies. Why? Because of the desire to seek after God and his righteousness.

When I started homeschooling, another host of accusations ensued especially when my mom chose to invest in my well-being as her daughter and put me first instead of giving in to family members' wants who insisted that she and my dad were brainwashing me and not letting me experience what the real world is like. And mean comments were made that surely edge the territory of slander. You know, it's funny. It seems that they began to be the very kind of person that they falsely accused my parents of becoming. Anyways....

Fast forward a decade as I began to reach an age of deciding for myself in certain areas. Yes, I have a mind and a will. And my parents have always let me have a say while leading me to one and only way through Christ Jesus. That aside, I began to realize the principle that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26). Therefore, although Jesus died and cleansed us from all unrighteousness, we have to do things on our part as Christians to crucify the flesh daily as he leads us by his Spirit day by day. Among these things include taking responsibility for our day to day actions by realizing in what ways we compromise God's ordinances. Perhaps one should choose better entertainment options that are cleaner and more wholesome, raise modesty standards, or commit to purity as single individual. Now, if God's Spirit doesn't dwell on the inside of you, none of this will make any sense whatsoever. All in all, it is about doing your part with God's grace (God-given ability) on the inside of you to see that Jesus' name is glorified by your actions and choices in life and not degraded by your compromise with worldly standards. 

In saying all this...my mom and dad wanted this to be my foundation in life. Yet numerous people from family to friends insisted that they "took that God thing too seriously." Really? Choosing to honor the one who died to give me eternal life by raising my standards in life is taking my Christianity too seriously?? 

This brings me to my main point...I know a little bit about what it feels like to be in the Duggar family's shoes right now. No, I've not met the family yet, and I don't know every little detail about their lives. But I do know what it feels like to make a decision to take your relationship with Christ and your standards seriously only to receive hate in return because you are just trying to do the right thing in accordance with God's precious word. Has anyone stopped to think that the reason the Duggars have such wonderful standards of purity is because after 2002 they realized that we as Christians have to step up to the plate and be proactive in the decisions we make so that mistakes aren't made again? God's grace is abundant and came at a price. And I admire the Duggars for taking that sacrifice seriously and not just with words but with actions.

Think before you speak. Because you have no idea what sort of negative impact your words might make upon the people that hear them. Words can hurt. Don't be the one that initiates that hurt.

Friendship and God's Timetable

If you would have told me two years ago that in 2015 I'd have a friend close to my age who would share most of my ideals and cherish her relationship with God as I do while so deeply being enraptured by the world of my dearest Avonlea, I may have called you nuts. But it happened. And nearly one year later, I am so thankful for Haylee having come into my life. Although we've never met in person, we have a connection. While I can give part of the credit to Avonlea for helping our paths to cross, I must give the full credit to God first and foremost. It is just so amazing to think that God knew about us long before 2014 ever came along and knew we would connect. It is so crazy to think about! I remember a time in my life that I was somewhat lonely. My attitude was quite unwarranted. I am ashamed of it now. But God heard me nonetheless.

Looking back on it, God was right on time. It's funny to think that most of the time we think we know better than God when it comes to timing. (laughs) That is ridiculous. I still struggle in this area. I sometimes have doubts of whether or not God is paying attention to helping me reach my purpose in life. But once I wipe the tears and sit up straight, it dawns on me that trust in God is the only way to reach any place in life. Although your trust may waver sometimes, in your heart you know the answer is to lean on the Lord without one doubt.

I remember a scene in my beloved Road to Avonlea where Olivia is quite downtrodden about not having had a need for baby clothes in a while and brings them to the mission box out of disappointment. In speaking with Janet, she is uplifted by Janet's words which are of the old wives' tale that as soon as you throw something out, you are sure to need it again. This causes Olivia to heroically let go of the baby things. Now, I don't believe this is as much of a wives' tale as it is an action of faith. Letting go of something and moving on with life. There is something about completely letting go that takes away every ounce of fear and concern. Before long, you hardly remember ever worrying about that thing in the first place! Now I know we all will have the tendency to think upon that desired thing every once in awhile. But the nagging concern and anguish we feel seems to lift when you simply shift your focus...first onto God...then onto being faithful in the little things. And before long, God fulfills that desire in your life the way he had always planned to. And his plan is always a perfect one.

I have experienced this many times thus far in my life. And I know there will be many more times I will have to do it. But it is simply a part of walking by faith and not by sight. It helped to lead me to a wonderful friendship that I will cherish always. And it will lead me onward as I discover and step into that grand purpose that God has put upon my life.

A Change of Heart

(an elongated sigh)

Why? Why has this happened to me? The heart and soul is so intricate! My, how quick God can work on the heart when you're not looking!

To explain, if you know anything about me, you know I have up to now been absorbed and totally taken over by historic periods. So much so that perhaps part of me has loathed the idea of modern life and wished I could return to yesteryear and forget 2015 exists. I've had a distinctive change of heart. Not drastic. But distinctive. I'm so glad I live in 2015. It's slightly hard to explain. But in general, I think God's got big things in store for me. And changing my likes and point of view is preparing me to step into his call on my life.

In my writing, I swore a few years ago to only write historically-set stories. Yet my current work-in-progress is modern-set and is on my heart so very strong. I felt like a hypocrite at first. Like I was being someone whom I was not. After all, God has called me in part to preserve history. Why in the heck am I writing a modern day story?!? Then it hit me, "Why wouldn't I?" Perhaps my goal can be accomplished both ways. Perhaps it must be accomplished both ways.

In life in general, I could not be more grateful that I was born in the 20th century. (I know...You are probably thinking, "Duh.") As hard as it is for me to admit this, I must. For it is only when I admit my contentedness and gratefulness that God can launch me into the awesomeness that is his call on my life.

History and time gone by is still important to me. This will never change. But perhaps I must accept modern life to embrace the future ahead. Slowly but surely, I am finding who I am in Christ. It is not average or ordinary. But my life story will be written and set in the 21st century. I should embrace this and not fight it. After all, wouldn't it be a bit weird if a character in a story was constantly acting as if they were in 21st century USA when the story is set in Regency England??

When I was born, figuratively God picked up the pen and set it upon an empty book filled with fresh, blank pages. At the top he wrote my name and date of birth and set forth penning my journey of life. And although the road ahead is yet to be seen, one thing I am certain of....The setting has and will always be in the 21st century. I must submit my ways and embrace the life before me. It is incredible. Why should I ever deny myself the joys that the Lord has set before me? I can't, and I won't. For the future is very bright! I shall hold to the values of the past while embracing the future before me.

The Days of Yesteryear

Some days I feel I should shout aloud from the distress lest I not dispose from myself the imposing modern culture I have as of yet found myself within. To be whisked away to another century in one second's time would be more than enough salve to relieve my soul. I know. This will never happen. But after all, isn't this what imaginations were truly made for? To think that in one's mind as they close their eyes they can almost see themselves in another time for a brief moment. I treasure these moments every day. To be without them would surely be my undoing. Yet I think God had me born when I was to perhaps see to it that I'd be able to treasure yesteryear in its fullest capacity. For there are so many lives, so many time periods, so many ways of dressing, and so many choices of place that I would have had much trouble choosing just one if I had been given the choice! So with a gentle sigh, I thank the Lord for the chance to treasure all times since the beginning both in my heart, in my mind and imagination, and in the pen that is put to paper. May we never forget the days of yesteryear! Never let modern culture dictate how who should live. What you should like. For me, I love history and being transported into another time by way of books, series, and such. It is glorious! And no modern opinions could make me ever change my mind concerning this very thing. Yet I know in my heart that the Lord has a grand purpose for me in the here and now that I will embrace fully.