One Million Arrows: Raising Your Children to Change the World by Julie Ferwerda
"Will the world change our children...or will our children change the world?" (
Christian author Julie Ferwerda inspired me to consider this question as I reviewed her newest book, One Million Arrows: Raising Your Children to Change the World. Ferwerda casts a vision for parents who want their family to live with purpose, passion, and to be counted among the heroes in the pages of "His Story." She also issues a timely call for Christian families to get involved in the care of orphaned children worldwide.
"ALL profits from the book go to international orphan care and ministry, including our personal work with orphans in
Based on Psalm 127:3-5, where children are described as "arrows in the hands of a Mighty Warrior," this book inspires and creatively equips parents to raise "sharp arrows" who accept the mission to make Kingdom work a priority now and throughout their lives.
Testimonies. Using a generous supply of inspiring testimonies of both families and young people worldwide who are currently being used by God in mighty ways, author
"Gather up the children—your own, others in your circle of influence and, if possible, broken children who need a family. Sharpen them in the Word, raising them as disciples of Jesus. Launch them into the world, ready to use their God-given gifts, talents, and resources in order to make a difference for the Kingdom" (
Missions. Interwoven throughout the book is also a call for families to get involved in the care and spiritual development of orphaned children worldwide who are being rescued, discipled, and spiritually trained to be launched back into their own countries with the life-changing Gospel.
"God has called His people to leave a legacy of godliness for the next generation. One Million Arrows picks up on that high calling and casts a God-sized vision for parents who long to see their children used by God in mighty ways. I believe it will motivate you to invest in the lives of orphans and it will challenge you to raise your children as ambassadors for Christ rather than casualties of the culture-war" (Dennis Rainey, President, FamilyLife).
Interview with author Julie Ferwerda
1. The title of your book is, One Million Arrows: What is that all about? The title originated with a man I met in
Relating to us…the arrow vision of raising children to be a gift and heritage to their society is for all parents, all countries. So many parents in our culture have lost their vision as to the incredible opportunity we’ve been given to shape—not just tomorrow’s leaders—but today’s leaders and shapers of their peer groups, schools, and communities. But this takes vision and deliberate investment and training. One Million Arrows casts a vision for parents to sharpen and launch our children right now to make a positive impact on society.
2. You mentioned the notion of parents investing in or training their children. Isn’t this what parents already do? Some parents do invest in and train their children to some degree, but there is also a lot of hands-off parenting in our society today, especially in training character development as well as teaching our children how to live for the big-picture—like what were they made to do in this world, what are their unique gifts and abilities, and how can they use them to make a difference now?
We have to train our children to serve others—it doesn’t come naturally. But for many of us, once our kids head into kindergarten, it’s easier to let someone else take over a lot of the training, or to allow our kids to fade into their entertainment-driven culture in their spare time. We need to see parenting as a much bigger opportunity and invitation than that!
I use an illustration in OMA from 9/11 about victims, bystanders, and firemen, the roles people take when lives are at stake. We must teach our children to see themselves as the firemen of this world…the heroes who are willing to set aside their own comforts in order to make a radical difference for others who are suffering or even in danger. There are so many in our world—whether the world around us or the world at large—who need our help and care in order to be saved from terrible circumstances.
I am so encouraged to see a great movement of young people in our world right now who are joining God in His work, coming back to historic levels of competence, purpose, and service for their fellow man. OMA emphasizes helping your kids find what they are passionate about and then training them to use it to serve and positively impact others.
3. Can you give us an example of kids who are using their talents and passions to serve others? Many of these kinds of young people are featured in the book, such as Chloe who is currently majoring in filmmaking in order to positively impact her culture by communicating truths that will spur her peers to make positive choices in life. She’s already received Film Festival awards for her work on the film, "The Enemy God" by (10X Productions), Ivan uses his love for extreme sports to hold events worldwide for sports enthusiasts where he shares a bold Gospel message and then plugs youth into local churches. My oldest daughter Dani uses her love for music and working with kids to impact hundreds of kids during the summer as a Christian camp counselor. These are just a few of many inspiring examples!
4. You have an emphasis in OMA for families to invest in taking care of international orphaned and abandoned children through established organizations. Why is that? Investing in other children is one of the best ways to get your kids hearts interested and engaged in serving and helping others. Also, there are so many children worldwide who are the truest victims and have no means to get out of the gutters of life without help. As mentioned, these kids are currently being rescued and shaped to become spiritual leaders and contributing citizens of their own countries. Our family can make a true difference in the world by impacting lives of these children, which will in turn impact whole villages and cities as they grow up. What a great investment of our time, talents, and money! Many organizations will even allow you to visit the orphanages and ministries you help support.
We love to make it known that all proceeds of OMA go to international orphan ministries.
5. Is this a "how to" parenting book? We do share many principles-based parenting tips from several successful arrow-raising families. But there are already many how-to books on the shelves and I’ve had publishers tell me that parents ask for them but then don’t buy them. That’s because parents need inspiration: "What’s possible through our family if I commit this kind of energy to deliberate parenting? Can our family make a true difference in the world?" The major emphasis in OMA is inspirational aspect of parenting—casting a vision of the exciting ways your family can plug in to make a difference.
6. Is there any place parents can go after reading the book for more inspiration and guidance? We are currently developing our website (OneMillionArrows.com) as a community where parents can share testimonies as well as spiritual training helps. We are also adding many resources on our site such as unique orphan ministries to consider getting involved in, suggested books and resources, daily spiritual training helps, and stories of young people around the world who are making a difference.
Julie Ferwerda is recognized for making the Bible exciting and relevant to everyday life through her writing and speaking. Her articles are featured in many Christian magazines and websites for both adults and teens, and she frequently volunteers her time and talents to international orphan ministry. Learn more at OneMillionArrows.com.
Photos/Julie Ferwerda
Other links
YouTube "One Million Arrows—Join the Movement"
Download Chapter One, One Million Arrows
How to order One Million Arrows
One Million Arrows vision
One Million Arrows Christian Parenting Blog
Special thanks to Julie Ferwerda for providing this interview, book synopsis, and a copy of her book One Million Arrows (WinePress Books) for review.
Scandalon: Running from Shame and Finding God's Scandalous Love - A Memoir by Susan Elaine Jenkins (Cladach Publishing)
Review. Running from scandal—in her family, church and community life—Susan moves from
In this vivid and transparent memoir, Susan takes us on a fascinating journey into the streets and homes of modern
Your heart will be warmed, afflicted and enticed as you journey across the great Pacific between Asia and
~ David Spaite, from the Foreword
Interview. Susan Elaine Jenkins has lived in
Q: First of all, tell us a bit about yourself.
Susan: I am a teacher. I was born into a family of preachers and teachers, and I always had a keen desire to teach. I began the first year out of college (
Q: It seems that some parts of your book were passages right out of your journals through the years. Is that right? Is it hard to share these publicly, when you probably thought of yourself as the only audience at the time?
Yes, they were taken directly from my journals - especially the conversations between Dr. Travis and me. Those 3 difficult months were mind-numbing days. Writing everything that happened at the end of every confusing day helped me make more sense of it all.
Once I was in
Yes, I assumed my journals were for my eyes only, and it has been difficult opening up these details to the public. There have been many starts and stops for me to this process and times when I wanted to forget the whole project.
Q: Was there any deciding factor that made you think you should try compiling your notes into a book and to try to get it published? What encouragement did you get along the way?
A friend from the
Q: Are there any character embellishments? Some people in your book seem almost larger than life!
No, the characters are written exactly as they are. Conversations are word for word, in most cases. I wanted to present the strong and good qualities of my former husband, Kyle, for example, as well as the perplexing reality of our marriage. The words of Dr. Travis (not his real name) were etched deeply into my memory, of course, as those were life-changing words of an experienced sexual predator - impossible to forget, much as I tried. And then the amazing friends I met in
Q: Why a book about
Well, this particular story began to be written in the summer of 1992. My friend, David, gave me the keys to his beach house in
I think it seemed very natural at some point, to write of a remarkably poignant journey that met in a healing point while living in a crumbled country, broken by its own history. My life at that point seemed very much the same - broken, falling apart, and dark.
Q: You moved to
A great job offer came up, and yes, I was anxious to have a completely new start. Before I left for
I guess it was near the end of my first school year that I realized
I think the idea of feeling at home in
Q. Where might we find out more about you and Scandalon?
Please my website at http://www.susanelainejenkins.com
Special thanks to Karen@ChristianSpeakerServices.com for Susan Elaine Jenkins' Scandalon blog tour. [A copy of Scandalon provided for review by Cladach Publishing.]
Free book giveaway. Leave a comment on this post (with your e-mail address) for your chance to win receive a free copy of the book Scandalon.
Exploring Camp Paron
Adam, Zach, and Connor checking out the creek.
Zach exploring with his walking stick.
Zach, Connor, Katie, and Ethan. Watch out, Ethan! Don't fall in!!!
Adam and Ethan getting ready to explore some more sights.
Zach, Connor, Katie, and Ethan enjoying the ride.
Photos/Dan Jordan
What are some of your best memories of outdoor adventures with your kids or grandkids?
Updates: More DeGray pics and new BLESSED Journal post
Also, here's some animal pics from my trip to DeGray Lake this week. More to come! [I just LOVE my new camera! Can you tell?]
Surprised this doggy. I don't think they have a leash law there!
I called these cattle "oreos." But Dan told me they were called "Dutch Banded." [Whatever, I still think they look like oreo cookies.]
Photos/Karen Jordan
Do you have some interesting pics that you'd like to share with us? Send them to me at kj@karenjordan.net.
Fowl Shots from DeGray Lake
Photos/Karen Jordan
Do you have any photography tips for a wanna-be photographer like me? Help!
Blog Tour and Giveaway: Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate
About the Book
Kai Miller floats through life like driftwood tossed by waves. She's never put down roots in any one place—and she doesn't plan to. But when a chaotic hurricane evacuation lands her in Daily, Texas, she begins to think twice about her wayfaring existence. And when she meets hometown-boy Kemp Eldridge, she can almost picture settling down in Daily—until she discovers he may be promised to someone else. Daily has always been a place of refuge for those the wind blows in, but for Kai, it looks like it will be just another place to leave behind. Then again, Daily always has a few surprises in store—especially when Aunt Donetta has cooked up a scheme.
Interview Questions
1. How did you develop the initial story idea/plot line for this book?
Some book ideas you search for, and some just blow in on the wind. For the past several years, dating back to Hurricane Katrina, we in Central Texas have been the recipients of massive hurricane evacuations. These massive exoduses of people, pets, and belongings are frightening, frustrating, challenging, and at times oddly wonderful. When so many are on the road seeking shelter, the worst, but also the best qualities of humanity come to the surface. Hurricane evacuations truly provide times when we ask the question, "Am I my brother’s keeper?" In answering that question, we’ve enjoyed amazing moments of friendship and fellowship, family reunions, and chances to share a food and space with strangers from other parts of the country. We’ve traded stories and recipies, laughter and tears.
One thing we’ve learned about hurricanes, living here, is that the paths are never predictable. Storms waver, hesitate, speed up, slow down, and sometimes change course unexpectedly. Evacuations needs can change and develop quickly. What better way for the beauty shop girls to find their inner strength and to show Daily hospitality, than for their cruise plans to land them smack in the middle of a sudden and chaotic hurricane evacuation?
2. Almost every author puts a little of themselves into their stories—what did you put of yourself into this one? (personality traits, life events/jobs, settings, characters based on people you know, likes/dislikes, etc.)
There’s a bit of me in the setting, of course. I love Texas, in all its variety of cultures and landscapes, but, living in a small town, I have a particular affection for little bergs like Daily, where the coffee’s always hot, and a good slide of pecan pie can cure most ills. Having watched our little town mobilize to take in hurricane evacuees several times now, I’ve been reminded that sometimes the worst things that can happen bring out the best in people. Given the opportunity and faced with the need, regular people can rise to the occasion in amazing ways, as do the citizens of Daily in the book.
Some members of the Wingate family might also claim to recognize themselves among the citizens of Daily, Texas. I would offer the disclaimer that any resemblances are completely unintentional, but that would be a bald-faced lie. When you come from a family of great storytellers and colorful characters, there’s nothing to do but make use of what you’ve got.
3. Did you encounter any interesting challenges while writing/researching for this book? Please explain if so.
The most difficult part of working on Never Say Never was researching and reliving the devastation left behind on the Texas gulf coast last year after Hurricane Ike. While interviewing family members about their experiences during the evacuation and return, we shared laughter and quite a few tears. For those who have lived in southeast Texas all their lives, talking about familiar landmarks, heirlooms, and old family places that were washed away forever, knowing some things will never be the same, is both difficult and devastating. For those of us who have so many memories of family gatherings and vacations there, it’s hard to believe we’ll never visit the old places again.
4. Why is this book/story relevant today?
Despite our best-laid plans, we all experience storms in life—whether those storms be of a weather-related nature, or due to an illness, death, or in recent months, job loss and financial misfortune. When the parameters of life and our ability to control fate suddenly change, we’re confronted with our own helplessness and need to rely on other people and God. In a culture that values independence and self-sufficiency, it’s important to remember that we all have a common need and a common responsibility for each other and that without faith we really are alone in the storm.
Paperback: 352 pgs
Publisher: Bethany House Release Date: Feb. 1, 2010
ISBN-10: 0764204920
ISBN-13: 978-0764204920
Retail: $12.95
Lisa Wingate is a popular inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books, including Tending Roses, Talk of the Town, Drenched in Light, A Thousand Voices, and A Month of Summer. Her work was recently honored by the Americans for More Civility for promoting greater kindness and civility in American life. Lisa and her family live in central Texas.
How to Talk Texan: Road Trip Tutorial
A couple dozen phrases that'll keep you from lookin' like you don't know gee from haw. You can hang your hat on it!
Hey, y’all!
If you’re planning a road trip across Texas, well, my friend, you’d better get your trottin’ harness on, I’ll tell you that right now.
This state’s wider than a woodcutter’s pile. You’ll be so busy here, you’ll think you’re twins. You might even meet yourself comin’ and goin’ or travel so fast you’ll catch up to yesterday.
One thing’s for sure—there won’t be any grass growin’ under your feet, especially if it’s summer, because it’ll be hot as a nanny goat in a pepper patch. Don’t let that trouble your mind, though.
Seeing the whole state might seem about as easy as tryin’ to saddle up house flies or put socks on the rooster, but here’re a few phrases that’ll make your trip just as smooth as a calf’s ear. You’ll find this little bit of Texan talk just as handy as a pocket on a shirt. With these phrases, you’ll be right at home in jig time, and happy as a pig in sunshine, I promise.
Folks’ll think you’re just as fine as frog hair split four ways. Why, you might even find yourself a Texas gal who’s cute as a bug’s ear or a fella who catches your eye like a tin roof at noonday. Even if you don’t find love here, you’ll run across lots of folks who’re so friendly, they’ll add a cup of water to the soup and tell you to get your sittin’ britches on.
Some of them might be full of wind as a corn-eatin’ horse, but you’ll be welcome ‘till whenever you figure it’s time to put the chairs in the wagon and turkey-tail it toward home.
When you do, we’ll keep a light on and a hitch out for ya, just in case you miss us like a west Texas farmer misses rain. You’re welcome to darken our door any old time. Long as we got a biscuit, my friend, you got half, and if that ain’t a fact, well, then I’m hip high to a horned toad.
Y’all come back now, y’hear!
—Lisa Wingate (and the REST of the folks in Daily, Texas, too!)
For stories with Texas flavor and fun, come see us at
www.Lisawingate.com
Texas-size gift basket giveaway
Donetta and Imagene's Texas Road Trip Basket
(approximate total value over $150)
The Daily Texas Series by Lisa Wingate:
*Talk Of the Town
*Word Gets Around
*Never Say Never
The Blue Sky Hills Series by Lisa Wingate:
*A Month of Summer
*The Summer
*Kitchen
Beyond Summer (a special advance copy not available in stores until July 2010)
Road Trip Snacks (Straight from Texas, of course!)
Wrap it all up with a fuzzy, fleecy Texas throw blanket for those cold nights on the road (or curled up with your books!)
Take a Texas road trip, without ever leaving home!
What do you love (or hate) about Texas (or the South)?
Leave your comment to register for this Texas-size gift basket giveaway!
A special thanks to Kathy Carlton Willis Communication (KCWC) for Lisa Wingate's Never Say Never blog tour.
[A copy of this book was provided for review by KCWC]
Karen (native-Texan)
"All my exes live in Texas"
A “Thin Place” in My Life: “Welcome Miles!”
Stillness calmed the room as the nurse placed my first grandson, Miles, on the stainless steel table, draped with hospital linens already soiled by his life fluids. Bright heat lamps illuminated his little wrinkled brow that refused to pose for the cameras—loud wails, shivering, shaking fists—then, muffled weeping. A strange silence swept over us as God visited this holy space, admiring His newest creation. Miles had arrived, and his God was with him.
When the doctor handed my daughter, Tara, her precious little boy, we forgot the anguish of her teen pregnancy. With his arrival came peace. Those who dared to observe his birth joined God in His beaming pleasure. Through
The first glimpse of my grandson brought a moment of ecstasy. The doctor's butt-slap was loud applause, and Miles' screaming response was a misunderstood song of angels lauding his birth, giving glory to his Creator. All in Heaven pressed close, standing on their balconies with raised hands and voices, honoring God's newest earth-child, as God ushered this baby into our family with a command to all believers to "Welcome Miles!"
Just days earlier, this faceless little boy had been considered an interloper. He quickly progressed to intruder status; then, he burst forth on the scene as the hope for all creation—new life! 
© 2010 Karen Jordan (revised) All Rights Reserved
Photo/Dan Jordan (Miles and Tara)
Photo/Dan Jordan (Miles and his namesake)
Can you think of a "time when you experienced a 'thin place' in your life"? Mary Demuth, author of Thin Places: A Memoir, challenges the readers of her blog, “Tell us about a time you experienced a “thin place” in your life.” The winner of the Mary’s contest receives a Kindle—so, you might want to check out her blog tour.
Jessica Kirkland offers gluten-free recipes online
Need some gluten-free recipes or shopping tips?
Jessica Kirkland, Houston Gluten-Free Examiner, offers some great advice on her Examiner.com column and in her blog, Gluten Free Gab.
Jessica, "a wife, mother to triplets, and business owner...discovered the culprit behind her food-related illness: gluten sensitivity....(Now) Jessica offers...advice to help keep others safe from gluten exposure..." (Houston Gluten-Free Examiner).
This week, Jessica offers some great recipes for entertaining—"Beating the gluten blues on game day."
Cold Spaghetti Salad
Sweet BBQ Chicken Wings
Baked Potato Dip
Pan-fried Calamari
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
More online links by Jessica Kirkland
"Beating the gluten blues on game day"
"Chicken soup for the gluten-free soul"
Thanks for the recipes, Jessica.Keep writing!
Karen
Photos/Jessica Kirkland
Do you have any gluten-free recipes or tips?
Lost Your Confidence?
"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised" (Hebrews 10:35-36).
Have you ever felt that you have thrown away your confidence? I'm not sure about throwing it away, but lately I've been going through a period of time when I had completely lost my confidence.
I hadn't really been able to put my finger on the problem—I just couldn't seem to go forward. Thoughts of fear, worry, anxiety, anger, depression, self-condemnation...have plagued my mind for months. Finally, I saw this truth—and I knew that I had lost my confidence, especially in my writing endeavors.
Now, I'm ready to take my stand and go forward. I hope to write more about my recent journey in the coming weeks and months.
But for now, I just wanted to report to you that I'm finally going forward. And I'm thankful for my friends and family who have prayed with me and for me during my journey.
Thanks a million for your prayers!
Blessings,
Karen
Can you think of a time in your life when you lost your confidence? What happened?
Photo/Dan Jordan (Mother, Karen, Miles)
Blogging 101: Hanging on!
Today, as I contemplate a topic to blog about, I really have to get over something to even to do this—to blog. And I've decided to "hang in there" with the bloggin' process. 
As a writing instructor, I encourage my students to work through the complete writing process. And I discourage them from "ever" turning in their first drafts.
Anne Lamott describes first drafts well in her book Bird by Bird. But since I know Lamott's term for first drafts will offend some of my readers, I’ll just quote her explanation of these ****** first drafts, "All good writers write them. This is how they end up with good second drafts and terrific third drafts" (21).
In my writing classes, we explore the writing process with every assignment—from invention to editing to publishing. With blogging, you really don’t really take the time for the complete writing process. You just go from invention to publication in a matter of minutes.
Maybe it's my desire for perfection, but I've been tempted to lay this blogging business down just for that reason. I feel like I’m publishing my "freewriting" or "****** first drafts." When I check out other blogs, I see typos and random thoughts—some of which only the author can possibly follow.
Actually, that is what life looks like, isn't it? It's messy! And we rarely get a chance to get every detail just "so-so" before other people observe us. If they don't like me without my makeup, they're probably not going to like me anyway. And as my husband, Dan, once told me, "Karen, not everyone is gonna like you!"
After I scraped myself off the floor from that comment, I realized that Dan was right. And even though I would love to please everyone—now I know that's impossible.
Even though I've decided to continue to "hang in there" with my blogging, I'm not giving up on the editing process. I'll still hack away at my articles and other writing projects that I submit for publication. But as for blogging—I'll just cut, paste, and publish!
Keep bloggin'!
My other weblinks and blogs
BLESSED Journal
Legacy WordBlog
Little Rock Christian Examiner
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More thoughts on blogging
Confessions of a New Blogger
What are your thoughts on blogging? What is your writing process?
