The Real Ruth

The Gospel of Ruth: Loving God Enough to Break the Rules by Carolyn Custis James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve heard that some approach this book cautiously, unsure of the “startling revelations.” Having grown up in the church, I took the book on more boldly, almost saying, “Startle me, I dare you.”

What I found was relief. The Gospel of Ruth is a refreshing and enlightening view of a small book that has been traditionally preached as a fairytale. I for one am tired of that approach and cannot relate. James shoes us the real Ruth—gutsy, courageous, and even a bit defiant. She has become my hero and my permission to also be a strong woman of God.


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Whole nine yards

The origins of this phrase are uncertain but seem to trace back to a military reference.


1) It could go back to the Vietnam era referring to the nine Montagnard tribes or “Yards”

2) Or it may refer to a drill where soldiers were trained to cover nine yards in three seconds before diving to the ground to avoid sniper fire

Different ball of wax

Have you ever wondered what this means or where it came from? The origins of this phrase can be traced back linguistically to the word "bailiwicks" which means "sphere of specialized knowledge." Bailiwicks evolved into our present day "ball o' wax." So a "different ball of wax" means it is a different sphere of specialized knowledge.

Potato eyes?

Why are those things on potatoes called eyes? My nine-year-old’s inquiring mind wanted to know, and, well, I did too.

I did a bit of research and apparently if you look at a potato there should be an “eye” bud and an “eyebrow” or a vestigial leaf. So maybe the next time you look at a potato, try squinting and leaning your head to one side and maybe you’ll see the eye and eyebrow :)

Keep your chin up ...

It’s a popular saying, but one that has real physical ramifications. Typically we say this phrase when someone is having a rough day to remind them to keep a positive attitude. But did you know keeping your chin up and having correct posture will help you feel better physically and can prevent injury? Proper posture can prevent bulged or herniated discs, arthritis, carpel tunnel, and other muscle strain.

As an added bonus, standing up tall gives off an air of self-confidence. You can read more here:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/137006-what-are-benefits-proper-posture/

HIYA!

Have you ever wondered about that Karate yell—“HIYA!”

In martial arts and self-defense you’re encouraged to Kiai or Qia (pronounced keeyah) which means “energy,” ”life giving force,” “concentrate,” or “spirit yell” depending on the language referenced. In other words you’re encouraged to yell to help focus, startle the opponent, help you breathe, or alert others to your plight depending on the circumstance.*

You can read more here:
http://www.martialinfo.com/article.asp?gbfspn=74&fb_source=message

I need your help

I learned a couple months ago that MeeGenius (http://meegenius.com/) was having a picture book contest (http://meegenius.com/challenge/welcome/). Since I have been spending this year converting the scripts I write for my church’s preschool department into picture book manuscripts, this sounded like a great opportunity. Plus, you can’t beat a publishing contract for a Grand Prize.

One of the things I have to submit is summary sentence—which for a picture book is essentially my pitch. I have one that I took to a writer’s conference this summer, and then I tweaked it. Would you please vote for which sentence you like best?

Old: Azariah’s Story is about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, the three boys who were thrown into the fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar told from Azariah’s or Abenego’s perspective.

New: Azariah’s Story is about how a king changed three boys names to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, but he couldn’t change what they believed.

Most of the writing contests I’ve seen are judged by a panel of editors, other writers, and agents. Not so with this contest. With this picture book contest, if you are a member of MeeGenius, you should be able to vote! It’s just a matter of setting up your account with a username and password—for free! Community voting will be November 28, 2011-December 18, 2011. Isn’t that exciting?

So leave a comment and let me know if you like the old pitch or the new pitch better and then I’ll remind you when voting begins on MeeGenius and you can read Azariah’s Story and vote for me!