Friday, February 20, 2015

Author Spotlight: Joe Breunig on Christian Poetry


Welcome Dear Readers! Today we want to welcome Author Joe Breunig on today's Author Spotlight!

Joe has been so gracious to join us for an interview! Welcome Joe! Thank you for hanging out with us today! Tell us a bit about yourself.

https://www.facebook.com/jjbreunig3I’m a displaced I.T. (Information Technology) professional with 30 years of work experience from the great State of Maine; in November 2006, I published my first book and presently have enough notes to write 10 more manuscripts of Christian poetry. To date, I have 10 completed manuscripts of unpublished material.






1: Tell us about your book.

To date, I’ve published one book of Christian poetry called:  Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory

Instead of me describing my work, here’s what New York Times best selling author Ellen Tanner Marsh thought of it:

http://www.amazon.com/Reaching-Towards-His-Unbounded-Glory/dp/1419650513/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1388058560&sr=1-1&keywords=reaching+towards+his+unbounded+gloryAny Christian surveying the current state of modern poetry could easily become discouraged, given that much of that poetry can only be categorized as nihilistic. At worst, such poems seemingly promote despair and violence—against society, the church, or even against oneself. At best, they consist of self-centered whining and overdramatic emotionalism, completely devoid of spiritual muscle and ethical backbone.

New author Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, in his fine debut collection Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory, takes a fresh stride in the opposite direction, in a poetic compilation that should delight anyone who enjoys reading Christian literature as well as poetry. The book comprises over 100 poems of various lengths, although they generally do not exceed one page. In a slight concession to modern poetic style, some of the stanzas are unrhymed, yet all of them speak to Christian themes, such as faith and its testing, seeking a higher road, the state of grace, error and sin, biblical people and events, and personal redemption through God's word.

A common thread that runs throughout the majority of the poems is that individuals —regardless of any mistakes they may have made in the past— can still turn to Christ as their Savior and begin the slow, sometimes painful, but always positive process of redeeming themselves, in developing a new life filled with abundance and spiritual serenity. By reaching for this new and uplifting collection of Christian poems, readers can indeed begin reaching towards God's glory.


2: What can you tell us about your recent writing projects?

Last year, I completed two full manuscripts of poetry, with each containing 125 original poems; this year, I plan to write another 375 poems. Presently, I’m toying with the idea of publishing them in one volume.

3: Do you have a favorite time of the day to write or a favorite place?

My favorite time to write is when I’m alone with God; when there are no pressing or daily interruptions, I can focus more easily on the work at hand. It doesn’t matter where I am; I carried a clipboard with me when working on the first book.

4: What is your favorite scripture and why?

One of my favorite Scriptures is Phil 4:13, which states: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

It serves as a gentle reminder that my dependence is always on Him and that whatever, I put my hand to, must be in alignment with His Word (to be successful).

5: Is there any aspect of the writing process you dread them?

I have the tendency to write the current manuscript’s background last. For me, it’s an unpleasant task- at times, it feels like I’m trying to justify my latest collection of poetic content. Some people are truly interested in the back-story of a book, while others could care less.

6: What is the quirkiest thing you’ve done?   

I had the rare opportunity to go to a Christian, social gathering at a friend’s home. While there, my wife sent me to the car to retrieve something insignificant. On my way, I was intercepted by 2+ dozen children playing outside- who wanted some hands-on attention. For the next 30+ minutes, I wrestled with the children on the front lawn, stacking bodies into a human pyramid, amid the delightful squeals and screams of unadulterated joy. Once I was back inside, the only person who noticed my absence was my angry spouse. Why is this quirky to me? I’m not a parent and yet I enjoying interacting with others’ children.

7: Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers?

We are all uniquely made; since the roles of others have been determined, we should learn (and enjoy) just being ourselves. We need to embrace our identity in Christ, and understand our personal combination of gifts and talents to serve God to the best of our abilities. People without dreams are the first to criticize those that have a vision. If God has given you a dream or vision, then go after it wholeheartedly (while ignoring the naysayers). In the end, only His opinion will really matter.


8: Feel like sharing an example of your poetry?

Poem: His Love of Words

He will make a way for me,

but I’ve got to do my part.

I must keep moving forward…

with His promises in my heart.

 
Staying in faith, not worried

about who’s holding me back;

I continue to press ahead

in His supply, without lack.


Everything is simple for God

and it’s a fact I’ve accepted;

this kinship persists, seeing…

that we are divinely connected.


Heaven’s Husbandman grafted me

into the sacred Vine for Himself;

His Love of words flows from me,

poetry made… for His bookshelf.


Author Notes

Inspired by:

Prov 3:6; John 15; Eph 2:10

By Joseph J.Breunig 3rd, © 2014, All rights reserved.


Give Joe a round of applause! Thank you for joining us! Contact Joe:

·         Website: http://amzn.to/1ffo9YZ

·         Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jjbreunig3

·         Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjbreunig3

 

Friday, February 13, 2015

Wounded Warriors: The Movie Breaking the Silence on the Struggle with PTSD



 
 
I'm excited to introduce you to this movie, Wounded Warriors.  Silver Dove Films will be producing this film. Silver Dove says they "believe that now is the time for a film to show the personal stories of the sacrifices our Veterans and their families make for our freedom." And I have to agree.

PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, effects almost 31 percent of Vietnam veterans, as many as 10 percent of Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans, and 11 percent of veterans of the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Millions suffer from it with at least 22 Veterans a day taking their own lives; one every 65 minutes.
 
My first novel, The Wounded Warrior's Wife, was birthed from walking with my husband as he struggled with PTSD. I can't think back on those days without reliving the emotion, the panic, stress, fear, and uncertainty. It's still very real to me...to both he and I. Healing is a journey, and I'm not sure if it's one we'll get to this side of heaven, but I'm grateful for those who came along side us to pray, share their stories, offer encouragement, and for a Command that ensured my husband got the help he needed and deserved. We've been on this healing from PTSD journey for a decade now. We're closer together as a couple than we were at the start, and that's beautiful, but our life could've looked a lot different. For many of our friends battling PTSD, the outcome...well, it was destructive on many levels.
 
 
I'd say the most difficult step of our journey with PTSD was the very first one: admitting there's a problem. PTSD can be a silent war, with silent sufferers, when there is no need to do so. Speaking out helps, and that's why I am thrilled to help producer Michael Grier spread the word about Wounded Warriors, the movie.
 
The film is inspired by true stories and focuses on the reconciliation between two veterans, a father and a son. The son battles with PTSD, which actually began in childhood when his Vietnam War-traumatized father failed to deal with his own demons. The emotional abuse the boy suffers is intensified by later experiences in Afghanistan, and he turns to alcohol to deal with it. The film not only highlights the effects of PTSD on a young Veteran’s family, but also the courage it takes the entire family to overcome his difficult battles.

This film will also be financed by individual and corporate donations with 50% of the films net profits donated to non-profit organizations that benefit Veterans.  This will be a quality film with a powerful message that honors our Veterans and Silver Dove Films appreciates your help by taking the time to Donate.
 
Let's help get this movie made! You can help! Check out all the ways you can help Wounded Warriors come to fruition. Who can you share this article with? Local organizations, Veteran groups, Church programs, Family Readiness Groups?

Click Here to Download the Film Prospectus.



Friday, February 6, 2015

Guest Reader Ann Knopp: A Journey of Stories

Welcome, Dear Readers. This year I've set out to get to know you better, hear your story, your lessons learned, trials, triumphs, recipes, and fun projects. I want to hear what you have to say, and so do a whole host of others.

Today we welcome Mrs. Ann Knopp! Thank you for being here with us today.
Meet Ann!
My name is Ann Knopp.  I am a pastor’s wife and mother of 2 basketball-playing boys (well, young men) who are die-hard, true-blue Kentucky fans.  In my free time, I work full-time at a nearby high school in the office and am also the women’s minister for our church.  I have a true heart for ministering to women.  My goal in life is to always leave a positive impact on lives wherever I go.
A Journey of Stories

Hi!  I am so thankful that Hannah has allowed me to share my story even though I feel that my life is just that – a journey of stories.  As I was thinking about what I should write, ideas of my 110 pound weight loss journey came to mind, as well as my dating life (which didn’t start until I was 24 and was short-lived because I married him a year later.J ).  I thought about my God-rockin’ experience moments when He shared snippets of what I would do with my future.  But when I narrowed it down to a theme, it basically came down to my life’s theme – encouragement.  God has allowed my life to go down many paths but in every path, my question is always, “Who can I encourage today?”
I began an encouragement program at a school where I worked in Tennessee. I was allowed to have parents write letters to every student, teacher and staff in the school to let them know how important and valuable they were.  It was amazing to see the confidence soar in not only the kids’ attitudes but also in test scores because they knew someone cared.  Teachers and staff seemed brighter knowing they were appreciated.
I took my love for encouraging into my church as the women’s minister and had a great 2014 with the theme being “It’s Not About Me.”  This year, our theme is “Faithful in All Things.”  We started our ladies’ night in January by studying 2 John.  John is admonishing a lady and her children for doing what they are supposed to do but also warning those at the same time to not grow weary and start listening to people that aren’t of God.  In today’s society, there are so many distractions to lead us away from where our focus needs to be (especially during all holidays).  We do well for a while and then start to get lazy in our focus.  Our job is to strip away all that hinders us and get back to the basics in the Truth.  So during our meeting, we stripped the room of decorations, food and tables and left a single table with a candle lit and the Lord’s Supper on it with a circle of chairs connecting to each side of the table.  We took the focus back to Jesus and why He came in the first place – to die for our sins.  It was a very powerful evening.
My desire is to always encourage others whether it be in weight loss, keeping a strong marriage, your walk with the Lord or just to hold someone up when they are travelling through some dark times and can’t see any light.  I pray that if you need encouragement this year, email me at ukknopp@comcast.net or facebook message me at Ann Luck Knopp.  I love to share my story and all that God is doing in and through me. 
May God bless you tremendously this year!
Much love to you!
Contact Ann:
Email: ukknopp@comcast.net