little g gods

As I have said in a previous post, I am reading this book by Kelly Minter called No Other Gods. This morning I read a chapter titled "Enough" and I just want to share some of the great little discoveries I came across in this chapter! First off, let me introduce the term, "little g gods" I love this!!!! How often has something in your life become so important that it is all you think about? It can even be something good, like your family or husband, or maybe the need to have a baby, like Minter explains in her book, or to make more money, have a nicer car, become a successful someone, your business, or the need to find someone to love you. All of these things, as normal as they seem can become idols, but wait... they don't seem bad right!?! Well, Minter calls them "g gods" because they are! They are still the little things you put before the big G GOD!

The problem with "g gods" is in my opinion they can turn a beautiful person, ugly. I think that jealousy and envy are called deadly sins for a reason. I know I fight with these sins myself, but when you notice them in others it really is a self-check up or even a mirror for yourself. We have all been handed different lives to do what we must with, we can't have it all, right!?! But, wow, if jealousy starts to control someone, it is obvious the that person is not letting God do His job. I mention this because it is such an easy trap to fall into in this world, especially living in America!

After meditating over this idea, I realized how much I want in this life! A LOT! I want everything it seems. But I think that is something I need to let go of and let God decide, because obviously one of my little "g gods" is my need for control. What is interesting about this is the fact that the need for control can become so confusing, almost as if we ourselves are trying to play God. This need often leads to impatience and taking matters into our own hands. Which I do quite often. I think there is a difference in being proactive and playing God though, but sometime that line is so fine. Thank goodness we have a direct link to God, prayer. When my need for control overpowers me, I realize I have not been praying nearly enough or listening for that matter. Quiet time with the Lord is so powerful!

Its kind of ironic that I love the quiet. I love the morning time because it is so peaceful. I could probably go months without ever turning on the TV. The extra noise annoys me. Its weird, but its like a constant yearning to be closer to God. I think that we all are constantly doing that, but sometimes we fight it with worldly noise.

Batman Movie Review

It's official! I have turned into my mother. I guess I am a little out of the loop, but I never realized that the movie Batman was so... what's the word... evil, dark, scary! I remember the one back in the 90's with the Penguin and stuff. Anyway, I saw the movie, Dark Knight, in the theatre last night and I am about to give my review. First of all, let me ask for your forgiveness, I am not being judgmental of everyone who likes these kind of movies, but I don't! Yes, the writers are very talented, and the movie was done extremely well, but seriously, how can people sleep at night if this is what turns them on?

I could not believe that there were children in this movie! I would NEVER let my kids see this movie. Now I see why the Lord warns us not to pollute our minds with unnecessary negativity, violence, and hate. I literary felt like I needed to go home and read the Bible after last night. I mean, it makes sense why our world just can't get over being so evil and violent... we have people writing, watching, or acting out millions of violent, creepy movies like this one. Yes, I can hear it now, well war and violence started back in A.D.! Yes, that is true, but why contribute more and now promote this stuff through entertainment. When you think about the big picture, all I can say is... YUCK!

As I get older, I am starting to think about this kind of stuff differently. Ya, know, I think I am about to call my mom and thank her for not letting me see rated R movies at a young age, back when my friends were watching them. Now, by no means was I a goody two shoes, but good values need to be instilled in children at a young age so they have a foundation to go back to as an adult.

Alright, I am going to get off my soapbox about this Bat. Please understand that I just don't like any scary movie, and if you saw the movie you probably didn't think it was scary. However, me... I must have jumped and cursed at least four times. The way I see it, anything violent and evil is scary. Call me old fashion but I'd much rather fill my mind with more positive and try to avoid the negative if I can.

Prayer Requests

This Thursday my dad is having surgery on his wrist. It has been long over due, but for those of you who know my father, it makes sense that he would never actually want to put himself in a position of vulnerability. Yes, he has been known to be called, Walker Texas Ranger, a time or two. Thank God it is his left wrist, because I don't know what would have happened if he didn't have a "perfect shoot" at the range anymore.

Anyway, if he doesn't get this surgery, he may eventually loose nerve function in his hand. He had considered getting it cut off and putting a hook in it, but I advised him that that would probably scare away any grandchildren in the future. Ridiculous sense of humor, I know, but not surprising at all. My dad is definitely my favorite person in this world, not just because he is the best and my dad, but because he is a very interesting fellow.

So my prayer request is that the surgery will go well and my dad will not think he is superhuman and actually take it easy for at least a week. I am really serious, because I can already see him building some type of devise that would allow him to still use his casted up hand and get everything done just the same. Hopefully he will take a day off of work after the surgery, but that would be the Lord's doing.

Thanks! I know many of you love Warner, so it means a lot to me!

Iggy Pre-Orders!

As some of you know, my first children's chapter book is coming out at the end of August. IGGY THE IGUANA! I have promised many of you I would let you know when you can pre-order your copy from me.

The books run $9.99 plus tax, which equals $10.81. If you are ordering two, $21.63, three, $32.44, four, $43.26, and if you are ordering more than that, first off, you're awesome and email me. The book has been written for the 3rd to 5th grade reading level, 170 pages, 15 chapters. So, it is at all of your reading levels, but especially great for kids. Check out the website at www.iggytheiguana.com to read up on the background and see all the cute characters, drawn by my illustrator, Kelley Stangele. Also, if you know any teachers who would be interested in the fall book tour, please let me know! I am working on the fall schedule right now.

If you are going to pre-order, email me your mailing address at melissa@longtalepublishing.com and the number of books you are ordering. I will be placing an order in August. Oh, and everyone will get a free Iggy bookmark for pre-ordering! Keep checking the website for updates on the sequel and Iggy merchandise. The Iggy stuffed animal will be out in time for Christmas!

I Heart Austin!

Words would not even do justice to describe how much I love this city. So I am basically saying, I don't have the words. I just feel so at home. I don't know why I waited so long!

Iggy's Launching Day

So yesterday was a big day for Iggy the Iguana! After four months of collaborating, designing, working with highly creative people, and being patient, his website finally launched for the first time! Of course there are still sections that my web designer is still working on, but all and all the site is ready to be seen. So go look at it at www.iggytheiguana.com. Matthew Landry built and designed the site and my illustrator Kelley Stengele drew all of the artwork. I have to give these two people a lot of credit for their long hours and hard work. I thought I was the only one up on the computer at 2 am working on book stuff, but nope I would send Matt an email about the site and he would send one right back to me at 2:01 am.

I know a lot of people have been asking me about how to get on the fall book tour list. I am so thankful for the contacts that all of my friends have been giving me. If anyone needs to contact me about book tour dates, please give them my business email address: melissa@longtalepublishing.com.