I would like to take you to a place that I still frequent, but not as often as I did when I was much younger. As a storyteller, this is my favorite place. It is sometimes referred to as the image-i-nation. Get it? Got it? Good.
I borrowed this line from a classic Christmas movie. Yes, it is “Miracle on 24th Street”. When Kris is talking to his little friend about playing with other children, he describes this land to her.
Many of us have gone to this country for an escape. We can go there on our own, through a movie or book, or by listening to someone telling a story. If you know the difference between this world and reality you should be fine.
The new year is a time for us to take time off from the stress of our lives and jobs. You may also need to separate yourself from those that you do not enjoy being with. Social situations are often when we need to retreat to Imagination.
As a student, I used my mind to carry me to worlds that did not exist. I entered the stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, H.G. Wells, or Robert Heinlein. I traveled to Mars, other solar systems, Elizabethan England, and even the future.
I want you to join me. As I travel through my mind, I want you to come with me. I want you to be on the front lines in the battles that I have imagined and am in the process of writing and publishing. Life is an enjoyable journey. Let’s walk through it together.
I want you to follow this trip that I will be making to the lands that my consciousness is creating. Where will we go? I don’t know yet. Can you get there from here? Sure, you can, but what are you willing to allow to change in the world around us to go forward.
I will be posting fictional offerings more often than I have in the past. These stories will encompass many genres. Come along and see if you like what I am writing. I would appreciate your comments below.
Ideas may be hard for some of us to come up with. I know that is not proper grammar. Give me a break, please. I am watching a movie on the Hallmark Channel. It gave me an idea for this column.
The name of the show is “A Smile as big as the Moon.” It is taken from a book of the same name by Mike Kersjes. This is not fiction. The book is a memoir because the teacher of a special education class wrote it. It is his story of what happened to them.
The football coach teacher is spurred on by one student who wants to go to Space Camp. He is a Down syndrome student. Many of his classmates have other handicaps or problems with discipline or learning disabilities.
At the time, Space Camp did not have a program for special needs students. The story is about how to convince the administration at the camp to take a chance on children that are not considered even normal. They are usually thought of as difficult to deal with.
Handling problems for these young people is not easy. Frustration, disappointment, and conflict force them to treat each other as friends and equals. One student does not believe his being in this class is fair. He was a normally well-achieving scholar who endured some setbacks in his grades.
Life is not always fair. To make a story work you must have conflicts. Real life makes for some thrilling times even in a movie script or book. This story has protagonists and antagonists. The teacher and the principal have difficulties as do the administration at Space Camp and that same special education teacher.
I have heard of space camp and am glad that they now have programs for all students and adults. I grew up during the race for space and witnessed Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walking on the moon for the first time in 1969. I have always attempted to follow NASA and the others pushing beyond our atmosphere.
My takeaway from this movie is that we should all share a smile with everyone that we meet every day. Kindness has no better technique for being spread than a spontaneous smile.
Goodreads offers a reading challenge every year. I joined the group for the first time in 2017. My goal was 36 books. I thought I usually read at least three books a month. I was wrong. I only read ten books that year. That was 28%. I did not repeat this program in 2018. I did not realize the books I read that were not e-books could be added.
I read traditional books. I read audiobooks. I even read books published by independent authors who are personal friends. Goodreads has no way to know that these books even exist. I now know how to add most of these to my list.
Since 2019 I have exceeded my goal each year. That year, I wanted to read at least twelve. That was two more than I completed my first time. That was the year I retired. I finished twenty-six then. That was 217%.
In 2021 and 2022 my goal was 100. I exceeded that goal in both years. I have set a record this year by reading 120 at this time. With four more days to go, I should add at least one or two more by the 31st. Some of you may wonder if I am reading some of the books you have read this year. You can add me as a friend on Goodreads and check my reading list. We could also discuss these books online.
We could form a book club and meet once a month via Zoom for a discussion if some of you want. I read non-fiction, self-help, biblical studies, historical fiction, sci-fi, mysteries of all kinds, and even the occasional romance novel.
Writers are readers. We get our ideas from what we read, see, and hear. I often pull out my phone, a notepad, or just a scrap of paper to make a note of a story idea.
This was me as I was growing up.
I read a George Lucas biography years ago and remember how he came up with robot names. We all know the R2 and C3 series. R2D2 was a notation in one of his notebooks from the filming of American Graffiti. It was an abbreviated version of the setting for one of the lights.
What better way for us to learn even more in 2023 than by discussing the books we are reading. An alternative to a book club discussing the same story is for each to choose something we read in the last two weeks and share it with the group.
Comment below to join. We can use e-mail to decide the best days and times to have our discussions. If you do not zoom, we can do a Facebook live event or join in some other manner. I would even be open to joining a group in the Springfield, Missouri area. Let’s talk.
The difference between Matthew’s and Luke’s gospels is the focus. Matthew gives us the genealogy of Jesus from the family of Joseph who was Mary’s husband. Luke lists the genealogy of Mary’s family. This causes a few differences. Both tracks back to King David.
When Mary told Joseph that she was expecting a baby, he knew that it could not be his child. Men, ask yourself if you would believe her story about the angel and God being the baby’s father. This was unprecedented. Who can blame him for being skeptical?
We read that he is contemplating backing out of the marriage. It takes a messenger visiting him to inform him that the child Mary is carrying is the son of Jehovah. After receiving this information, he decides to continue the betrothal and the marriage.
The trip to Bethlehem is not discussed as thoroughly as Luke does. The birth of the child is mentioned as taking place in Bethlehem. A star appeared to Chaldean astrologers that indicated to them that a new ruler was born in Israel. While they travel the star disappears. They go to the capital city.
In Jerusalem, King Herod had no knowledge of the birth. He has murdered children and grandchildren to protect his throne. He enquires as to the prophecy of the Messiah and where he would be born. The answer is Bethlehem. Herod’s request to be updated on this situation would have been reasonable if not for the King’s bloodthirsty reputation.
We are not told how many came from the east to search for this promised child. They do not appear at the manger in the stable. They go to the house where Mary and Joseph are staying. They present three gifts to the child and His mother and father. Therefore, we refer to three kings. Tradition even gives them names.
In a dream, they are told not to return to Jerusalem. Joseph is also told to leave the village to protect his family. They go to Egypt to escape Herod. We believe that Jesus was one to two years old currently. The travelers had confirmed the time that they had originally seen the star. That is why Herod murdered the boys two and under.
The return from Egypt fulfills the prophecy from Jeremiah. The question is, were the prophecies written about things that God knew would happen, or did God make these events occur because prophecy needs to come true? Yahweh does not force His will on us. His desire is for us to be who He wants us to be without Him requiring it. His hope is that we will be the best that we can be.
The return to Nazareth was another prophecy that was to be met. This was a strange saying to have acknowledged. Nothing good could come from that Galilean village. It did and He was the savior of this world and our Lord.
Christmas is upon us, and we have been inundated with Santa Claus and Elves on Shelves, in toilets, in the fireplace, and even making flour angels. Why do we even celebrate Christ mass? That is what the word means. The Roman Christian Church was fighting the old Roman celebrations. Something was needed for those who were joining Constantine and following the Jewish Messiah.
The winter solstice was a time for celebration in the Roman world. Becoming a Christian should not mean the loss of a holiday. The early Church began many traditions that are remembered by Catholics. We protestants are not that up on a lot of the feasts and fasts around Christmas or Easter.
The reason for the season is the savior. Let’s begin with the story of his birth. The gospel of Luke tells us that Mary was pregnant. She was betrothed to Joseph of Nazareth. The Roman government declared that everyone should pay a tax. Registration of all citizens was needed.
Every ten years the United States does a national census. There are many reasons for this. It is mostly to remark the lines for our congressional representatives. Missouri had a problem doing this before the elections this year. That’s another column and has nothing to do with Christmas.
There were no computers in the first century and everyone that lived in the Roman Empire was requested to return to their ancestral city. Joseph left Nazareth and took his fiancé, Mary, with him. She was expecting her first child. Joseph was not the father. He had the opportunity to break the engagement when he learned about the pregnancy. We’ll share more on this when we discuss Matthew’s story of the birth of her child.
We do not know why Joseph took Mary with him to Bethlehem. It may have been that he was attempting to continue the impression that he had impregnated her. He may have been a man who felt the need to be with her when she delivered her baby. Remember that he knew he was not the biological father of this child. He loved her and wanted to protect her.
When they arrived in Bethlehem there was no place to stay. When we read that there was no room in the inn, we may believe that all the hotels and motels were filled. This village probably had one or two of what the British call public houses. Places where a traveler can be fed and sleep for a night or two. We hear that they went to a stable and think it is an awful thing. This would have been common in this era.
The most interesting part of this story is the angels appearing to the shepherds. They announced the birth of the savior of all mankind. This was not the messiah that was expected by the majority of the Jews. They wanted a king that would rescue them from the rule of the Romans.
I hope you are not asking where the three wise men are. We’ll talk about that in a future piece. Our discussion of Matthew’s story will be the same as it was for Luke. We will read the scripture and answer questions that you may have about it. In the meantime, reread Luke’s account and comment below, if you have any questions.
A fun thing for a reader to do is pick up a favorite book and read it again. At Christmas, there are many stories that come to mind. One of these for this Springfield boy brings the true meaning of Christmas home. This year’s experience has brought back some insights not thought of for many years while reading “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens.
If you’ve never read the book and only seen the thousands of video versions of the story, it is well worth a read. Copies are available almost anywhere and you can even find free downloads for some devices and computers. It takes only an hour or two to read completely. Some families make reading a Christmas tradition.
The main character is Ebenezer Scrooge. We all know Mr. Scrooge in his many forms. Since his creation, he has been copied, degraded, analyzed, and referred to as an old fart or worse. However, the main subject is the Bob Crachet family. The most memorable line of the book is uttered by Crachet’s son Tim, aka Tiny Tim, who says, “God bless us, everyone.” The illness that has crippled this boy is not identified. The Ghost of Christmases to Come shows Ebenezer a scene referring to the boy’s death. The lead character’s death is also mentioned, but no one mourns for him.
Dickens was endeavoring to illustrate the plight of the poor, downtrodden, ordinary Londoner. To illustrate what his culture lacked he chose a typical lower-income family. They worked but could not get ahead unless they were treated better than Scrooge treated them. The plight of the poor is not necessarily the fault of the wealthy. They can, however, improve others a lot by being fair and honest.
Charity is not required to help the working poor. Decent wages and proper treatment by employers go a long way. As Bob Cratchet shows us, hard work can be rewarding, if your boss wants it to be. The moral is more that kindness as exhibited by Tiny Tim is rewarded, than that those who lack concern for others will die and be forgotten.
Human beings were created separately by God. We should demonstrate human kindness and not animal unconcern. Pets or even inanimate objects are shown more love than some people are shown. Even Mr. Scrooge was shown kindness by the spirits. His greed must be corrected not punished.
Dickens used many of his books to promote the harsh conditions in Victorian England. He criticized orphanages, poor houses, businesses, the criminal justice system, and the French government. I hope when you read “The Christmas Carol” you will focus on the story and not get hung up on contemplating the motivation as I have.
My friends call me Chuck. There are also some derivatives of it that the more creative find interesting. Jim refers to me as Up-chuck. Chuckles is my clown name. My mother said my name was Charles and that was what people should call me.
When I began to publish my writing, I decided to use Charles for all non-fiction and Chuck for fiction. My true name for truthful stories or columns. The name that I like for the stories are my own creations. Look at the name to recognize which you are reading. I hope that is simple.
Authors often use names that are not their legal titles. In business, I never signed purchase orders or sales quotations with Chuck. I do not sign checks with that name. Most people can’t tell because my signature is difficult to read.
Nom de plumes are common with creative folks. My great++ uncle Sam called himself Mark Twain. He used that moniker when writing for newspapers and then short stories and novels. He is also known for saying “Start with the truth and go from there.” I want you to be able to distinguish between real and fictional.
Do you use a pseudonym in your writing? I have not written romance novels. I am considering this genre and others but have not dipped my toe in, it yet. My attempt at 50,000 words for NaNoWriMo was not completely successful. I am proceeding with that project and will share it with you when I have gotten to a point where I am comfortable with it.
I want to encourage you to write your stories. If you need a place to publish, contact me and I might be willing to give you space on my page. You can remain anonymous. I know that we writers are often insecure about sharing our work. I will not take credit or payment for someone else’s creation.
Examiner.com gave me the opportunity to begin publishing my work. I can tag what you send me with your nickname or list you as a friend like I did for Tuesday. If what you sent me is not something I want to publish, I will tell you. Let’s write.
Welcome my friend Tuesday. She is not an author. She shares stories on Facebook. She said I could share this. I hope it speaks to you as it does to me.
By Tuesday Welch
Just had a God experience and wanted to share.
Something I can’t stand is when people comment on my grocery cart, I have a family of 5 and I cook my own food, so I buy lots of ingredients. I was unloading my cart and a man made some comments about how much food I was getting. God clearly said, “Be gentle, be kind, let him speak.”
I firmly believe that if God gives a command your only response should be, “Yes, sir.” So, I did, I spoke to him and was kind. And after a little bit more of him chatting he revealed he had had a stroke and the left side of his body didn’t work right.
At first, I only responded, “Aw, I’m so sorry, that’s awful.” And then I heard God again, “That’s why. Now pray.”
I asked the man if I could touch his arm and pray, he seemed excited! He slightly raised his bum arm and I prayed. As I was praying, I felt Holy Spirit nudge me about the man behind us in line, that he was also supposed to be blessed somehow by this prayer.
Afterward, when I was outside putting my stuff in the car the man with the bum arm said to me, “God Is real and He loves everyone doesn’t He?” And he RAISED his left arm, WHILE holding a gallon of milk!
God puts people in our path, if we can learn to shut up, and shut out the noise of life we can be more open to seeing those people God sends to us. I saw God heal this man today. Maybe the man behind him in line is struggling spiritually and witnessing someone pray reminded him of a God who saves. A God who looks after and takes care of His own. He saw David alone in the field. He saw Elisha alone plowing with oxen. He sees you too, even when no one else does.
This isn’t a brag post (that would be gross) this is simply a testimony and a reminder:
Love on others, because God uses us when we let Him. Don’t give up on the strangers around you, they aren’t strange to God.
Some of you will not relate to this column. Others will understand and some may have had similar tragedies in their lives. Thirteen years ago, our daughter’s family adopted a kitten. Their oldest girl gave it the name Meow. This was what she answered when asked what a cat says. They had a new baby girl at the time. She is now in Middle School.
meow has been slowing down the last few years. As we all must, she died tonight. For those of you who have fur babies and children, you know how this family is hurting.
I’ve buried a number of pets over the years. My wife did not grow up with dogs or cats around the house. When we moved into our second rental house and discovered that we could keep a dog in the fenced yard, we got our first dog. Our home has been blessed with many furry friends for over forty years.
Our daughters know the pain of losing a loved one because they have had these friends die. We have lost cats, dogs, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, bunnies, lizards, fish, and even a chicken that I called dinner. That last one left our home alive. We never asked the farmer who took him what happened after he went to the farm. The first chick we took in died a few days after it was brought home.
Life goes on even when we lose human loved ones. Being able to cope with this grief can be learned by children if they suffer the pain of losing a pet. Losing a cat is not as bad as having a family member die. For children, it can be as traumatic.
My grandmother and President Kennedy both died in 1963. I do not remember being that upset by either of those deaths. When we lost our cat, princess, weeks later, it bothered me a lot more. Dealing with death is difficult for anyone. Children can have trouble coping with these feelings.
Raising children and grandchildren is often challenging. I ask that you remember this family as they teach the kids how to cope with emotions that they have not experienced before. If your family is grieving over a loved one or a pet, I would like to say that I am sorry for your loss and hope that this article has helped in a small way. God bless you.
We have all been rejected. Everyone has had others in their lives that they have not accepted. That means we are all on both sides of this scene. When I was in college as a ministerial student, I had a person that rejected me. Not just as a friend. This was someone who did not like me at all. Fortunately, we were around each other for one summer and have never met again.
When I was growing up, I was raised in a Southern Baptist Church. Our pastor was forced from the church by a group of members. This was not the first time it had happened. Some in the church left. When I was a teenager, it happened again. I was graduating from high school when the third pastor I knew was pushed not just out of the church, but out of the ministry completely. His two sons were friends of my brothers and I.
I stepped away from that church. I was not rejecting Christ. I had a problem with church people. I don’t want to call them Christians because that would be rejecting the Messiah. I did not want to do that. I did not trust any gathering of people. I was certain that something must be wrong with those folks because all those pastors could not be the problem.
I spent about a year running from my faith. I wanted to acknowledge the creator God and His son, Jesus. I did not want to support an organized congregation. I attended a couple of other churches where friends were members. They did not seem any different from the body I had left.
I wanted to know who Jehovah was. I needed to be sure He was real, and that Jesus was His son and the savior that I had accepted as a child. I studied ethics, psychology, and other subjects in college that did not give me any answers. Other students were from different denominations or religions. I continued to pray that I would be shown what the truth was.
My old church called a new pastor, and he was visiting all those that had left the church. He came to my house with a friend who had taken me to another church with him. They invited me to a young adult Bible study that met in the minister’s office before the morning service.
I decided to give that church another chance. I had come to believe that God did in fact exist. That He had come to earth as a baby, grown into a man, and was executed by the Roman government. I was not sure that Baptists were always correct.
I believed that if I was going to believe in Jesus, I needed to trust the Bible all the way. I wanted to read it more critically than I ever had. If it was inconsistent as some claimed, misrepresented our world, or had an incorrect view of humanity I wanted to determine for myself what the truth was.
A short time later I had my mind made up and felt that I was being called to full-time gospel ministry. I changed my life plans, my college and major, and most of what made me who I thought I was.
I finished my degree at a Baptist liberal arts college. I spent the next two years studying the Bible and what ministry was. As graduation day approached, I had to decide if seminary was in my future. I felt that my ministry would not need an advanced degree.
When I graduated, I had a job and pursued a career in business while I waited for direction on how my ministry should proceed. Over the next forty years, I learned that there were other workplace ministers out there and that many employees and managers needed someone to talk to in a non-threatening manner.
I am now retired from business and changing my life work from a hands-on direct contact ministry to an internet writing career. I am not writing to make money, gain fame, or be an influencer. I want to give anyone interested an opportunity to realize that all of us are imperfect and need a savior.
If you have rejected God, Jesus, or the church, I hope that you will give my Lord a second chance. Don’t base your belief on those who follow Him. Read His word and ask Him to show you the truth as I have. Let me know if you need more information.
Charles (Chuck) Kensinger 