From Vannetta: Deep Shadows is the first book in my upcoming Remnant Series. It’s a significant change from the Amish books I’ve previously published. Today I wanted to talk to you about dystopian fiction, and the appeal of this genre. If you’re alive and reading on planet Earth, you recognize the crazy popularity of dystopian fiction and our preoccupation – even as people of faith – with end of the world scenarios. I have been a fan for many years. When I read a dystopian book, I ask myself
And faith is an important component of this genre, which caused me to wonder- where is God in dystopian fiction? How do we talk about God when the world is falling down around our ears? How do we NOT talk about Him in this scenario? These are questions we ask ourselves as we read dystopian fiction. Unlike apocalyptic tales, which bring images of Revelation, four horsemen, messengers of God and last days, dystopian books represent a transition from a near-perfect work to a vastly imperfect one. My passion for this genre is a result of my life experience.
I’ve taught high school and college classes for 15 years, and during that time I’ve taught teenaged boys who could take apart and re-assemble a computer in a matter of hours. And I’ve taught teenaged girls who can shoot and field dress a deer. Those teens, their parents, you and I sense that we’ve reached an over dependence on technology, a tipping of the scales, and we wonder what will happen if things dramatically shift the other way. At its heart, that’s what a dystopian series is – a balance of the scales in the other direction, a what if scenario. It is always first and foremost a story about relationships and how they survive or crumble when what we’ve feared, as a society, occurs. And lastly, for me, it’s always a story of faith and hope. Read my review of Deep Shadows Vannetta Chapman and I are not related, at least as far as I know.
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The heavens and the earth rejoices. All God's creation praises Him. "let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy" Psalm 96:12 ESV  Salvation is by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  I can't work hard enough or be good enough to earn the right
to be in Heaven. Jesus said, "That's alright. I've got this." Gather pockets of joy every day and praise God.  “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." Matthew 6:28-29 NIV Fill Your Pockets With Joy Paul was in prison, when he wrote a letter to the Philippian church. He told them of his great joy. Where did he find joy in his prison? He didn't find it there. He took it with him.
You can travel far and wide looking for joy, you won't find it. You have to take it with you. Joy comes from knowing Christ and our hope. So fill your pockets with joy to take into the dark places. Read Fill Your Pockets with Joy www.bellaonline.com/articles/art302970.asp Fill your pockets with joy so you'll have plenty to take with you wherever you go.  God paints a glorious sunrise. How often do we miss His glory?
Hoosiers like to have fun and we like our festivals. You can find festivities all throughout the state beginning in the Spring and into Autumn.
This is a taste of what Indiana has to offer, in no certain order, and by no means an is it ans exhaustive list. Festival of the Lakes at Wolf Lake Park in Hammond, IN This festival takes place in July and celebrates Wolf Lake, Lake George, and Lake Michigan. It spans several days showcasing local bands and entertainers on the community stage. There is a senior day with free lunch and goody bags for those over 55. There is also a special persons day designed for those with permanent disabilities. Free lunch, rides and goody bags are provided. There’s something for everyone, with a fishing derby, golf scramble, carnival rides, Polka party and fireworks. The Three Rivers Festival is in July at Freimann Square in downtown Fort Wayne Lots of events at this festival, starting with a parade juried Art in the Park fine art show, Crafter’s market, and food alley. There’s a raft race, a bed race, Downtown Midway rides and beer tasting. The festival ends with a Fireworks display in downtown Fort Wayne. There’s also the Two Rivers Arts and Music Festival in June. It takes place in Logansport, at the Little Turtle Way Plaza. The Covered Bridge Festival begins on the second Friday in October in Rockville, IN. Surrounding towns celebrate the county’s 31 covered bridges. There is a historic bridge tour, hog roast, crafts, and food. The Pierogi Festival is in July in Whiting, IN It’s all about pierogis. This Eastern European heritage festival honors the Polish pastry. There’s a Pierogi Toss, along with music, cooking competitions, traditional dances, a parade, rides and story time for kids The Strawberry Festival is in June in Crawfordsville, IN. There’s a Pioneer Tractor Show, a softball Tournament, tennis tournament, a 5K run and music, among other entertainment. In June, you may be interested in the Gathering of Great Lakes Nations Powwow at Tri-State Antique Tractor Grounds in Portland IN. There are Native American singers, dancers, foods, and artisan demonstrations. Vintage Indiana Wine and Food Festival is in June at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. It promotes Indiana wine and food. Sample more than 200 award-winning wines. Ticket and ID required. The Fremont Music Fest is in July in Historic Downtown Fremont, IN. This quaint small town recorded a population of 2,137 in the 2010 census. A bit of history: Fremont was originally settled in 1834 as Willow Prairie, Village of Brockville and renamed in 1848 to honor John C. Fremont. And finally, my favorite--the Marshmallow Festival is held over Labor Day weekend in Ligonier. Among the many events are marshmallow games, a marshmallow roast, marshmallow bake-off, strongman competition, car show, chicken barbeque, and Cornhole tournament. |
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