This episode, I talk about encouraging my main character for my NaNoWriMo project to share her tragedy. I dip my toe in politics talking about President Trump’s positive COVID testing and Pelosi’s determination to use the 25th amendment to further her dangerous agenda. I read an excerpt from this week’s book review, “Stories We Never Told” and offer my opinion and rating. Thanks for listening!
We did the unthinkable – we traveled during a Pandemic. Our family was nervous for us. Our co-workers thought they would have to quarantine when we returned. To be honest, we were a little nervous. Listen to hear our experience as we flew to Florida to spend a few days on the beach. Spoiler alert – we made it back and DIDN’T contract COVID.
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Take us on the go! You can hear our podcasts on the following platforms:
But don’t take my word for it, listen to John and learn more.
There is an interesting comment on the YouTube page:
“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. Isaiah 45:7Please interpret”
Answer: “I make peace and create evil.” God does not “create evil.” That would be against His character and contradict the fact that He is love. Love and evil are mutually exclusive. This is the common Semitic idiom of permission, in which God (or anyone else) is said to actively do something that they were only related to in some way. In this case, God gave people free will, and also gave them laws, rules and norms that made a distinction between good and evil. Thus, when spirit beings or humans did evil of their own freewill, by the idiom God was said to have caused it. [For more on the idiom of permission, see commentary on Romans 9:18].
I’m bringing this up because this is an excellent resource for anyone who would like to study the Bible in more depth and learn what it says as a whole as opposed to hearing snippets taken out of context in traditional churches in order to promote agendas. (Gee – sounds like our political environment, too. Everyone has an agenda – don’t forget that. My agenda is to promote TRUTH).
This resource is the “Revised English Version of the Old/New Testament” and goes through the Bible, book by book, translating from the oldest versions of the Bible available. I can especially appreciate this because every translation of the Bible that comes out seems to be get further and further from the true meaning of the Bible. Remember the childhood game of telling a person a secret, and then they tell someone, then they tell someone so that by the time it gets to the last person, it’s no longer the same secret but something else entirely? I believe the modern day Bible is something like that.
Here’s an introduction from the Review English Version website:
“Introduction
The Revised English Version® (REV®) is a new Bible translation produced by Spirit & Truth Fellowship International®. The REV translation project began by using the American Standard Version (ASV) of 1901 as a base text. Work began on this translation in the year 2000, and the first edition was released and printed in 2013. It is titled the Revised English Version because it is a translation of the ancient texts into English, and yet while it has much in common with other modern English versions, it also has significant differences.
In light of the continually increasing number of biblical manuscripts that contribute to our knowledge of the original text, there is a need for newer versions of the Bible to reflect these discoveries and the advancement in textual studies of the Bible. For example, the number of Greek New Testament manuscripts that the translators of the King James Version had to work from was quite small—a couple dozen at best—compared to the more than 5,700 manuscripts we have available today, thanks to the work of archaeologists and historians. In addition, the oldest Hebrew Old Testament manuscript before the mid-twentieth century AD was from the ninth century AD. But since the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest Hebrew Old Testament manuscripts now predate the birth of Jesus Christ and the writing of the New Testament.
Furthermore, with the discovery of more secular manuscripts from the biblical time period, our knowledge of the biblical vocabulary continues to develop. Also, the English language continues to change, making older terminology and expressions obsolete and confusing. For example, at the time the King James Bible was written, “by and by,” meant “immediately” but now it means “after a while” (Matt. 13:21). This is well known, and modern versions read “immediately” or an equivalent.
The REV is designed to be a more literal translation whenever the literal rendering can be accurately reflected and understood in modern English vernacular. However, there are times when the REV has departed from a strict literal translation in order to make good sense in English. Strictly literal translations can be more difficult than helpful at times because the mechanics of Greek and Hebrew differ dramatically from English. In addition to grammatical and syntactical differences, idiomatic expressions are rarely cross-lingual as well. In any translation, the objective is to communicate the meaning of the original language in the receptor language. Therefore, if a literal translation obstructs this goal, a more functionally equivalent expression is employed in the REV.
With so many other modern English versions of the Bible on the market today, the reader might wonder what differences in the REV make it worth reading compared to another popular English version. Since the beginning, the goal for translating the REV has been to produce a translation of the Bible that more closely represents biblical truth and textual accuracy than any other translation currently available. When translating from a foreign language, a person must correctly understand the meaning of the original text in order to be able to translate it correctly. Therefore, when it comes to a religious text, such as the Bible, the theology of the translator always affects the way he or she translates the Greek or Hebrew into English. In other words, the degree to which the Bible is accurately translated then is dependent upon the degree to which the translator accurately understands what the Bible means beyond attempting to identify merely an equivalent word in English. The fact is, every translation reflects the theology of the translator, sometimes more or less depending on the methods used for interpreting the Bible.
And so, producing a new translation of the Bible is always met with criticism due to the vast array of differing theologies throughout Christianity. But several reasons have eclipsed these concerns and have warranted the need for the REV. First and by far foremost, when concentrating on helping followers of the Lord Jesus Christ learn and grow in the Word of Truth, readers of the Bible are better served by reading a version that is accurate theologically instead of having to make mental corrections or skirt around verses that are translated with an alternate theology in mind. Ultimately, the goal of the REV translation is that, as much as possible, the Bible can simply be read and believed without the reader being burdened by having to cope with the inaccurate theological biases of most translators.
It is our prayer that the REV translation will be a great blessing to all readers regardless of their personal theological beliefs. We desire for it to help those who are truly seeking to understand the Bible to be able to understand it on its own terms, free from the compulsion of centuries of Christian tradition that has affected nearly every modern English version.”
I pray this is a blessing to you and I pray you take advantage of this resource. Do you have faith-based questions? Are you seeking the truth? Then perhaps this will help.
Here is my NaNoWriMo Playlist. These are songs that make me think of my story. Whether that’s the title of the song, the song lyrics or just the general mood of the song. You might be able to guess the direction I’m taking my story just from some of the titles.
Anyway, it’s another fun tool in my NaNoWriMo toolbox – and something else I can cross off my Preptober calendar.
Next up: character profiles …
Our weather has been perfect lately – low 80’s and sunny. Fall is my favorite time of the year. Enjoy the weekend!
I know a lot of people feel like the orange man currently running our country is bad, and though I intend to vote for him, I appreciate the fact that he is willing to be criticized and crucified by the media in order to get things done and make tough decisions. True, Trump is not the most eloquent speaker and he could use a large dose of diplomacy, however, I appreciate his toughness. He’s a New Yorker, so take what he says with a grain of salt. New Yorkers are brusque and sometimes rude in their presentation, but Trump is refreshing in the fact that he doesn’t play politics as usual. This, of course, drives the radical leftists and the media crazy because they are used to the right kowtowing to their thinly veiled hatred for all things constitution and how DARE someone backtalk them and/or display a backbone when they are criticizing Republicans and slashing the “antiquated” Bill of Rights.
I agree with D’Souza – the game has changed. Republicans can not approach politics the same way anymore. The rules have changed in that, there are no rules anymore. The left will spew and lie about anything and everything they can because they are desperate to regain the mindless control of the people like they had when Obama was in office. Now, people are starting to wake up and realize, the radical left is all smoke and mirrors. There is no substance to their “ideals or beliefs.” This is evidenced by the fact that NO ONE can tell you what they stand for, what policies they want to implement or how they would implement these phantom policies. And that’s primarily because they want a socialist country – they want to control everything and everyone but they haven’t quite figured out how to relay that agenda to the American people without coming right out and saying it. Which they can’t, because there are still enough red/white/blue Americans out there that DON’T want that for our country …. yet. So instead, they focus on pointing out how racist and evil Donald Trump is. The kicker is, they do it without providing evidence of these claims and people, being the sheeple they are, gobble it right up.
If the Republicans want to win and/or take/regain control, they have to fight back. I’m not saying stoop as low as the Democrats but they definitely have to stop allowing the left to walk all over them. They have to stand up and provide examples of the Left’s hypocrisy. Which shouldn’t be too hard to do as most leftists change their stances as often as they chance their underwear. Republicans must be the adults in the room. They must be strong, firm and calm and stop worrying about if they are perceived as “mean.” When you’re dealing with toddlers, SOMEONE has to be the adult in the situation.
Step up, Republicans. Take a lesson from Trump and fight back. He has been doing it for four years and that’s the reason the silent majority backs him, because he’s not afraid to stand up and fight for what’s right . It’s time to take the kid gloves off and give tit-for-tat.
Anyone thinking about participating in NaNoWriMo next month? I haven’t participated in NaNoWriMo in years and I’m not sure if I will be able to win this year, but I’m determined to try. I’m also determined to be more organized and dare I say it, outline my story. *gasp* Let’s work through this painful process together and hopefully, you’ll pick up some tips for your own writing along the way.
This episode I update you guys on Preptober goals and to-do list. I talk about setting up a personality survey for your character as well as the importance of setting realistic word goals in the month of November. I offer my opinion on “The German Midwife” (including a small excerpt!) and the importance of having difficult conversations about politics with your friends and family.
So what sort of gobbedly-goop am I spouting now?
It’s another personality test, but one that goes into more depth and will give her mixture of personality traits that could make your character more interesting.
First of all, what is an Enneagram?
The Enneagram system
The Enneagram is a personality typing system that consists of nine different types. Everyone is considered to be one single type, although one can have traits belonging to other ones. While it’s uncertain whether this type is genetically determined, many believe it is already in place at birth.
The nine types (or “enneatypes”, “ennea” means “nine”) are universally identified by the numbers 1 to 9. These numbers have a standard way of being placed around the Enneagram symbol. Enneagram authors have attached their own individual names to these numbers. On this site the type names by authors Riso and Hudson are used. They are:
After taking the test for myself, I’m a Reformer and a Peacemaker.
Let’s start with Reformer:
“Perfectionists, responsible, fixated on improvement
People of this personality type are essentially looking to make things better, as they think nothing is ever quite good enough. This makes them perfectionists who desire to reform and improve; idealists who strive to make order out of the omnipresent chaos.
Ones have a fine eye for detail. They are always aware of the flaws in themselves, others and the situations in which they find themselves. This triggers their need to improve, which can be beneficial for all concerned, but which can also prove to be burdensome to both the One and those who are on the receiving end of the One’s reform efforts.
The One’s inability to achieve the perfection they desire feeds their feelings of guilt for having fallen short, and fuels their incipient anger against an imperfect world. Ones, however, tend to feel guilty about their anger. Anger is a “bad” emotion, and Ones strive sincerely and wholeheartedly to be “good.” Anger is therefore vigorously repressed from consciousness, bursting forth in occasional fits of temper, but usually manifesting in one of its many less obvious permutations – impatience, frustration, annoyance and judgmental criticality. For this reason, Ones can be difficult to live with, but, on the high side, they tend to be loyal, responsible and capable partners and friends.
Ones are serious people; they tend to be highly principled, competent and uncompromising. They follow the rules and expect others to do so as well. Because they believe so thoroughly in their convictions, they are often excellent leaders who can inspire those who follow them with their own vision of excellence. Reform movements are frequently spearheaded by Ones.
Ones are often driven and ambitious, and are sometimes workaholics. But whatever their professional involvement, they are definitely active, practical people who get things done. They are natural born organizers, listmakers who finish everything on the list, the last one to leave the office, the first one to return, industrious, reliable, honest and dutiful.”
Huh.
I also tested as a Peacemaker:
“Keeping peace and harmony
People of this personality type essentially feel a need for peace and harmony. They tend to avoid conflict at all costs, whether it be internal or interpersonal. As the potential for conflict in life is virtually ubiquitous, the Nine’s desire to avoid it generally results in some degree of withdrawal from life, and many Nines are, in fact, introverted. Other Nines lead more active, social lives, but nevertheless remain to some to degree “checked out,” or not fully involved, as if to insulate themselves from threats to their peace of mind. Most Nines are fairly easy going; they adopt a strategy of “going with the flow.” They are generally reliable, sturdy, self-effacing, tolerant and likable individuals.
Nines tend to adopt an optimistic approach to life; they are, for the most part, trusting people who see the best in others; they frequently have a deep seated faith that things will somehow work out. They desire to feel connected, both to other people and to the world at large. They frequently feel most at home in nature and generally make warm and attentive parents.”
I would agree with some of this, not all.
I wouldn’t say I avoid conflict, I just don’t care enough to partake most of the time.
Of course, I found out about the Enneagram from Abbie Emmons.
Pretty interesting stuff, honestly.
Now, let’s run Maya, my main character’s personality through the Enneagram and see what happens.
She’s an Achiever and The Helper.
Ha! I knew it! When I was watching Abbie’s video and she was going through the various personalities I picked the Achiever for Maya because that’s how she appears in my head.
The Achiever:
“Focused on the presentation of success, to attain validation
People of this personality type need to be validated in order to feel worthy; they pursue success and want to be admired. They are frequently hard working, competitive and are highly focused in the pursuit of their goals, whether their goal is to be the most successful salesman in the company or the “sexiest” woman in their social circle. They are often “self-made” and usually find some area in which they can excel and thus find the external approbation which they so desperately need. Threes are socially competent, often extroverted, and sometimes charismatic. They know how to present themselves, are self-confident, practical, and driven. Threes have a lot of energy and often seem to embody a kind of zest for life that others find contagious. They are good networkers who know how to rise through the ranks. But, while Threes do tend to succeed in whatever realm they focus their energies, they are often secretly afraid of being or becoming “losers.”
Threes can sometimes find intimacy difficult. Their need to be validated for their image often hides a deep sense of shame about who they really are, a shame they unconsciously fear will be unmasked if another gets too close. Threes are often generous and likable, but are difficult to really know. When unhealthy, their narcissism takes an ugly turn and they can become cold blooded and ruthless in the pursuit of their goals.
Because it is central to the type Three fixation to require external validation, Threes often, consciously and unconsciously, attempt to embody the image of success that is promoted by their culture. Threes get in trouble when they confuse true happiness, which depends on inner states, with the image of happiness which society has promoted.”
And The Helper:
“Helpers who need to be needed
People of this personality type essentially feel that they are worthy insofar as they are helpful to others. Love is their highest ideal. Selflessness is their duty. Giving to others is their reason for being. Involved, socially aware, usually extroverted, Twos are the type of people who remember everyone’s birthday and who go the extra mile to help out a co-worker, spouse or friend in need.
Twos are warm, emotional people who care a great deal about their personal relationships, devote an enormous amount of energy to them, and who expect to be appreciated for their efforts. They are practical people who thrive in the helping professions and who know how to make a home comfortable and inviting. Helping others makes Twos feel good about themselves; being needed makes them feel important; being selfless, makes Twos feel virtuous. Much of a Two’s self-image revolves around these issues, and any threat to that self-image is scarcely tolerated. Twos are thoroughly convinced of their selflessness, and it is true that they are frequently genuinely helpful and concerned about others. It is equally true, however, that Twos require appreciation; they need to be needed. Their love is not entirely without ulterior motive.
Twos often develop a sense of entitlement when it comes to the people closest to them. Because they have extended themselves for others, they begin to feel that gratitude is owed to them. They can become intrusive and demanding if their often unacknowledged emotional needs go unmet. They can be bossy and manipulative, feeling entirely justified in being so, because they “have earned the right” and their intentions are good. The darkest side of the type Two fixation appears when the Two begins to feel that they will never receive the love they deserve for all of their efforts. Under such circumstances, they can become hysterical, irrational and even abusive.
Because Twos are generally helping others meet their needs, they can forget to take care of their own. This can lead to physical burnout, emotional exhaustion and emotional volatility. Twos need to learn that they can only be of true service to others if they are healthy, balanced and centered in themselves.”
I won’t say I’m as into this as Abbie, but I have to admit, it’s hugely helpful in shaping my characters.
As you can see, Maya is vastly different than my own personality – I hope I can pull it off. But at the same time, I’m excited to write her.
As for the rest of my characters:
Dree is the individualist
Jax is The investigator
Ava is the peacemaker
Damon is the challenger
I think I’ve settled on a theme: You are valuable – the character’s misbelief is, she’s worthless. Or at least not worthy of her family’s reputation.
I’ve also picked out some pictures of my characters from Pinterest:
Good looking people, no?
Anyway, I’m getting closer! This is more fun than I thought it would be. Next, I’m working on character profiles but these personality quizzes are really inspiring me to dig under their beautiful surfaces.
After taking the test for myself, I’m a Reformer and a Peacemaker.
Let’s start with Reformer:
“Perfectionists, responsible, fixated on improvement
People of this personality type are essentially looking to make things better, as they think nothing is ever quite good enough. This makes them perfectionists who desire to reform and improve; idealists who strive to make order out of the omnipresent chaos.
Ones have a fine eye for detail. They are always aware of the flaws in themselves, others and the situations in which they find themselves. This triggers their need to improve, which can be beneficial for all concerned, but which can also prove to be burdensome to both the One and those who are on the receiving end of the One’s reform efforts.
The One’s inability to achieve the perfection they desire feeds their feelings of guilt for having fallen short, and fuels their incipient anger against an imperfect world. Ones, however, tend to feel guilty about their anger. Anger is a “bad” emotion, and Ones strive sincerely and wholeheartedly to be “good.” Anger is therefore vigorously repressed from consciousness, bursting forth in occasional fits of temper, but usually manifesting in one of its many less obvious permutations – impatience, frustration, annoyance and judgmental criticality. For this reason, Ones can be difficult to live with, but, on the high side, they tend to be loyal, responsible and capable partners and friends.
Ones are serious people; they tend to be highly principled, competent and uncompromising. They follow the rules and expect others to do so as well. Because they believe so thoroughly in their convictions, they are often excellent leaders who can inspire those who follow them with their own vision of excellence. Reform movements are frequently spearheaded by Ones.
Ones are often driven and ambitious, and are sometimes workaholics. But whatever their professional involvement, they are definitely active, practical people who get things done. They are natural born organizers, listmakers who finish everything on the list, the last one to leave the office, the first one to return, industrious, reliable, honest and dutiful.”
Huh.
I also tested as a Peacemaker:
“Keeping peace and harmony
People of this personality type essentially feel a need for peace and harmony. They tend to avoid conflict at all costs, whether it be internal or interpersonal. As the potential for conflict in life is virtually ubiquitous, the Nine’s desire to avoid it generally results in some degree of withdrawal from life, and many Nines are, in fact, introverted. Other Nines lead more active, social lives, but nevertheless remain to some to degree “checked out,” or not fully involved, as if to insulate themselves from threats to their peace of mind. Most Nines are fairly easy going; they adopt a strategy of “going with the flow.” They are generally reliable, sturdy, self-effacing, tolerant and likable individuals.
Nines tend to adopt an optimistic approach to life; they are, for the most part, trusting people who see the best in others; they frequently have a deep seated faith that things will somehow work out. They desire to feel connected, both to other people and to the world at large. They frequently feel most at home in nature and generally make warm and attentive parents.”
I would agree with some of this, not all.
I wouldn’t say I avoid conflict, I just don’t care enough to partake most of the time.
Of course, I found out about the Enneagram from Abbie Emmons.
Good looking people, no?
Anyway, I’m getting closer! This is more fun than I thought it would be. Next, I’m working on character profiles but these personality quizzes are really inspiring me to dig under their beautiful surfaces.
Write From Karen 