Interview with John Hyde, author of "What's the Problem with Jesus?"

John Hyde is the kind of man that inspires nations and generations with his integrity to Christ. I've read his book, What's the Problem with Jesus?, and I can tell you that he has truly tapped into some of the most challenging questions that hinder people from coming to Christ. Please, take your time to read and respond to this interview. This one is powerful!

1. John, could you tell my readers a bit about yourself?

I'm on the downhill side of life, most likely, unless I live to 120, then I'm halfway there! I experienced a severe attack from a deer over 3 years ago that almost took my life, 19 wounds, legs and arms pierced completely through, chest ripped open, holes everywhere. I have not and will not fully recover. But, it started me on another tangent to life.

I graduated from Texas A&M in 1972, taught Vo. Ag. a bit, then with to the Air Force, where I flew for six years. I completed my service, and shortly thereafter, God called me into the Christian Camping ministry, where I've been for nearly 30 years now. I'm serving in my fifth camp, been here 13 years, and have built most of it from scratch myself. The first year it was opened, 450 attended. Last year, 8500 came through. I am the only staff, but am praying that will soon change.

I have seen thousands of kids (and many adults) come to Christ while at camp. The atmosphere is truly unique. You are separated from the world for a while, no distractions, surrounded by friends who love God, and when the mix of music, worship, teaching, fun all comes together, lives are changed.

I hope to make just a few more years to get this camp, Messiah's Ranch Christian Camp, up to a certain point. Right now, I am constructing a new dining hall and kitchen. It will have a school bus within it as a mini-diner, a tree or two, cascading waterfall, whatever else I dream up.

My wife, Lydia, and I have been married 35 years, we have four grown children from 19 to 32, two grand daughters, 4 and 2. My wife is very involved as events planner for the Chancellor of the Texas A&M System.

2. What is your writing inspiration? And, how has your life experiences enhanced it?

My father always wanted to write, dabbled with it a bit, wrote many short stories, but could never quite take the step of trying to get something published. I determined years ago that I would write "someday", and would follow through. That "someday" came as I was healing from the attack, thinking about how precious and short life is, and how I could somehow sum up all I live for and thereby inspire others to seek the truth of Jesus Christ. My many experiences in life will serve me well as I write, hopefully, much more. In fact, there have been many brushes with death, but the deer was by far the most severe. Out of those close calls, I have come to understand well how God indwells us and sees us through.

3. Tell us about What's the Problem with Jesus.

I wrote What's The Problem With Jesus? in an effort to simplify the gospel as much as possible, and to appeal to the millions of empty hearts that have perhaps flirted with the idea of following Christ, but always seem to come up with some kind of excuse so as not to. And, there is so much misunderstanding about who Jesus really is and what His mission was while He was here. We're not much different than the people who were with Christ, yet rejected Him. I wrote the book in a conversational, almost in-your-face style, yet gentle enough so as not to scare the reader off. The idea was to confront the reader with their need to make their choice now while there was still time.

4. What do you think readers will gain from reading this book?

Hopefully, readers will gain eternal life after reading the book. That's the main objective, I think, of any writing that attempts to point people to Christ, wouldn't you think? I know that we live in very challenging times. I have seen such a decline in our country over my short life. People are searching for answers and coming up empty. The answers are right in front of them, but they choose not to see. Generally, a major crisis in one's life will eventually drive someone to come to terms with their mortality. I want them to experience the fullness of life all along the way after they have made that step of following Christ. I hope the book will inspire Christians to give it to their lost friends. I've already seen that the book has confronted a few Christians with what they thought they believed. As I said, I tried to make it so simple that the message is impossible to miss.

5. Are there any other literary works coming up in the near future?

I have many books swimming in my head, all waiting for me to sit down and get started. The demands of running a camp alone are much more daunting than anyone could possibly understand, so time to write is scarce. If I can ever find the right help at camp, I can write more. My next book will likely be about the Church, Lord knows how messed up it has become and is the reason so many people won't accept Jesus. Then I will likely start one that is staunchly about life, directed at those who accept abortion as no big deal. The rest I will save for now, but I think there are about 8 books at the moment.

6. What advice do you have for other authors?

Advice for other authors? Like I know a lot about being one?? Well, mostly I would say that people need the truth more than ever. Fiction and fantasy reading is ok to pass the time, but does it change one's heart? That's all I want to do is point people to the One who will change their hearts forever. I used to read a great deal in my early Christian years, seeking to grow into a mature Christian. The older I get, the more I realize I don't yet know. The mysteries of God are unfathomable, but worthy of our pursuit.

7. Please give us purchasing information.

The book is currently at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, a few other places I'm not sure of. It came out in January, I am learning how to market it, and it's not easy when you are not an established author. But I did notice recently that the book went from something like 1,655,000th place on Amazon to 840,000. But maybe that's because I purchased 50 books to give away in marketing efforts.... I don't believe it is in any stores yet as it may be print-on-demand. I long to see it there some day soon!

Foolish Ideas Cover in the Clothing of "Literature"

I can't stand to get those books that are mostly propaganda. It irks my spirit and frustrates me to no end. It seems that some reviewers are actually fooled by these books and ascribe the title literature to them. It's nonsense and dangerous to our children's young, developing minds.

I actually read a book whose title I can't remember. The entire book was about why children should be allowed to have public fits and tantrums. The book was about self-expression. But, at the heart of the book was the idea of discipline. The propaganda was that children who are allowed to be themselves without too much parental restraint grow up to be more independent and more useful to society. I wanted to ask the author, "In what world?"

Please take time to read books your children are reading so that you can address silly teaching and the propaganda that they will undoubtedly bump into in this literary society called New York Times reviews. You review books for your own family. Just because some big wig gives a glowing review does not mean that the ideas expressed would meet your approval.

The Shack by William Young

While The Shack has met with many mixed reviews, the general consensus is that the book is pretty good. I finally got around to reading it and enjoyed every moment of it.

I think the weaker points of this book were the storyline could have been better developed, and the ending could have been better. Still, even with those issues, the book is worth a read and I think Christians should make a good faith effort to get a copy from the library or bookstore and read it.

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

I've read The Purpose Driven Life about five times now. I'm a big fan of Rick Warren material, even with his issues.

We recently did this book again at church in the new membership class. I enjoyed it thoroughly, especially the feedback from some of the new Christians. This book comes highly recommended by tons of pastors and I add my recommendation to theirs. This is a great starting and finishing place for believers.

"What's the Problem with Jesus" by John Hyde

Over the past three weeks, Tonya over at Living Waters Publishing Company has been constantly pestering me about actually sitting down and reading this book as soon as possible. I had so many others that I wanted to get into, but decided to see what all the fuss was about.

This book really put me on my toes. First of all, let's just say that the author didn't pull any punches. The book is straight-forward, common sense, logic about the truth behind this new age movement away from Jesus Christ. The theme throughout the entire book is basically a comparison with what we hold acceptable to what we find unacceptable about Jesus Christ. I passed the book along to another reviewer, hoping that I can do my part to spread the Word about probably one of the top ten books I've read in the past four years.

I wouldn't hesitate to get over to Amazon and order it now if I were you. I promise you an excellent read that will excite you and reignite your fire for Christ.

Denver's New Readers' Club

I love Colorado. I love the snow, the fairly mild summers. I love everything about this state, and particularly Denver. Still, in all the time I've been here, I couldn't find any reading groups. I searched high and low. Just when I'd given up hope, I got in on one that had become practically dormant over the last few years.

Last week, a new reader's group started at my church. It's called Eden's Reading Women. I love it. We've already met twice and most of us call each other daily just to see what's been read and if it had any biblical significance. If you're in the Denver area, check us out. Hopefully, we'll have a website soon. Praise the Lord for this wonderful gift!

The Twilight Series

Seems everyone is talking about Twilight. To my astonishment, some of my church sisters are even applauding the books. Of course, I refuse to actually purchase the books. I am very careful about where I put my money, but curiosity got the better of me and so I borrowed a copy from one of my sisters.

Now, the books are tintillating. Obviously, they would be. They are constantly ranking on the bestseller lists everywhere. Still, I was disturbed to know that my sisters that I pray and fellowship with at church every Sunday were not disturbed by the contents of the books. At some point, we have to make a stand. Of course, the book was entertaining, but there was a ton in it that was contrary to Christian standards, like most books in that particular genre. I don't fault the world for reading what they find entertaining. However, I do wonder how most Christians can stand firm against certain things, but then watch it and enjoy it in movies, books and magazines. I'm just wondering and looking at myself at the same time.

Alcoholism and the Need to Write

The hard times of today's reality is working its magic. People are starting to seek help for depression and addictive behaviors at alarming rates. Alcoholism is often overlooked for other more destructive drugs, but it is still around and is as dangerous as ever. If you're having problems with alcoholism or know someone who is, here are some wonderful books to give:

No More Letting Go by Debra Jay
Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
Different Roads by Joyce Scarbrough
Marriage on the Rocks by Janet Geringer Woititz

C.S. Lewis and More

Though I've never read Chronicles of Narnia, I have the movies. I'm very impressed with them and plan to read the books eventually. The other day, I stumbled upon a group debating Christian Sci-fi and decided to join in. Needless to say, some felt that Christian material should be nonfiction only. Some debate that making up a lie (novel, etc) to represent Christ is an oxymoron. To those people, I say you're missing the point. Christians have a right to read both fiction and nonfiction without it taking them away from their beliefs. Therefore, I'm all for Christian genres expanding. In fact, I'm an avid reader of Christian Romance. Keep writing and hopefully we'll have more C.S. Lewis' pop up somewhere with spectacular stuff!

Leigh Laurence and Her Ebook, Uncommitment

I was nearly thrown aback by the cover. Luckily, I read over the synopsis first. Leigh Laurence, the syndicated relationship article writer, has now moved further out in the water into books. I got this download, Uncommitment: Dealing with a Predator, only two days ago. I was absolutely stunned by how deeply spiritual this book was without even mentioning spirituality much.

Leigh is a Christian, I found out, but she doesn't use it in her writing much. So, this book is really a treat. She pulled off a crossover book her first time out the gate. No easy feat!

Chaplain Daniel Langerock

When I first heard of Chaplain Dan, it was through a group we're both a part of ~ FCW. I was delighted by his news of having a publication contract.

Chaplain Dan has written several bible studies and some poetry journals, all due out this year. What's amazing about this author is his level of sacrifice. He lost his wife not long ago, but there's not even a hint of sadness about him. He's the picture of a man, a Christian, a Christian man and an author.

Words Have Power

Life and death are in the power of the tongue, according to Proverbs. We will either succeed because of our words, or we will fail miserably. Don't forget that whether words are spoken or even if they are written, they are words and they can create or destroy.

Celebrating Christian Authors

There are a lot of authors who write well. However, the special ones are those who can include a wonderful message in their writing. To me, writing without a message is just entertainment. I prefer television if I want entertainment only. I like hidden and blatant messages in books. I like to read things that can change my life, help me grow and more.

This month, I'd like to salute some of the authors whose books I've read, loved, learned from and changed with. The first and my favorite is Beth Moore. Lately she's been featured on Life Today with the Robinsons and she's dynamic. Secondly, I'd like to acknowledge Joyce Meyer who is equally anointed and dynamic.

Now, some of the others may not be as well known, but they are just as excellent. I've been watching Alton Gansky, Joyce Anthony and Marvin Wilson, Michelle Sutton, Lacresha Hayes and Lynn Austin, and many others. Their books are good and their messages are powerful. Some of them are hidden, some blatant, but always there. Support your local Christian authors because they are the lifeline of our beliefs, bringing us the things we need to excel in our walk.

An Alert! Children's Book for Dealing with Breast Cancer

I found out about this book, MY ONE BOOBED MAMMA, today and I wanted to call everyone's attention to it. If you have breast cancer or know someone who does with children, this book is necessary. I've requested a review copy and will get more information to you.

From what I'm told, the book will be available for sale through all the major book retailers by November 17, 2008. Keep this book and the author, Jeanette Patindol, in prayer and hope that it can help children deal with this travesty in the body of their moms.

Writing Powerful Words

Words can be powerless, meaningless, scribblings on a piece of paper. They can be things spoken in haste and for nothing. I started the blog for the opposite. I started this blog for the power of words.

My mother and I spoke on the phone. She said that the power of words are found in the heart of the person who is speaking them, whether it's God's Word or ours. Remember to make your words count.

Jim Copeland ~ Author, Motivational Speaker, Role Model

Today, I happily feature a man who has proven himself to be a real man of God and an inspiration to young men. Welcome Jim Copeland to our blog.

Mr. Copeland, tell us a bit more about you?

My name is Jimmy H. Copeland III. My father is a retired Lt. Colonel and practicing psychologist in Virginia. My mother is a practicing social worker in Virginia. I'm married to Tiffany, who is a Independent Beauty Consultant and Freelance photographer. I have two girls, Essence and Trinity and a little one on the way. I received my Bachelor and Masters degree at Texas A&M University-Commerce. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Communications and my Master’s Degree in Secondary Higher Education. I also obtained my certification in Special Education in the state of Texas. I am certified to teach Early Childhood through 12th grade. I consider myself blessed and fortunate to have an opportunity to encourage others wherever I go in life.

What was you inspiration behind Life is a Game?

While working in the prison system, I noticed how inmates and staff become desensitized to the violence all around them. It’s a normal day to see someone stabbed to death or to see 6 people kick a person in the head, arms, and torso repeatedly for 5-6 minutes at a time. Its normal for a person to run at the drop of a dime, to assist a staff member being assaulted 100 yards away. It is also normal to hear the ground shake underneath your feet because grenades are going off around you and shots of an M-16 shotgun are rattling your ear. In my job, it is easy to be plagued by fear. You have to be positive yet aware of your surroundings. My goal is to inspire people to take back control of their lives. You can use fear to make you stronger or fear can destroy your life. God has blessed me with a gift of exhortation. I love to encourage people and exhort people in achieving God’s best in their lives. I woke up one morning last fall, and started typing. It was like a flood being released within me. Thoughts and ideas came to my mind and I wrote them down as fast as I could.

What do you hope to accomplish with this book?

I pray people are exhorted and motivated to get up and be all that they can be. I hope that this book gets them on their feet in pursuit of their passions in life. My goal is for people to be encouraged and sharpen the tools (gifts and talents) that are within them. I long for people to stop looking down in their lives at all the problems and situations that surround them. We all will have problems and situations. The question is what are we going to do about them. Somethings in life we can’t change. However, we can reduce our anxieties and worry by not focusing on the things we can’t change but on the things we can. Our choices dictate our world. What choice will we make in life? I hope people regardless of where they are and what they are doing are motivated to make good choices that don’t simply help themselves but impact generations to come.

How did prayer play into the book?

I believe that God answers prayer. I also believe that God can use people to do his will. All He asks for is a willing vessel and obedient spirit. God laid this book on my heart, and I sought God on what to do and how to do it. To be honest, when I finished writing the book, I sought to simply print it out, self publish and give it away. I just wanted people to be blessed. A question was posed on why don’t I get it published, so I sent the manuscript out on the internet to publishing companies to see what happened. Living Waters Publishing Company liked the manuscript and agreed to work with me. It gave me joy to know that I was backed by a company who lifted me up in prayer and was equally dedicated to my vision and cause.

Do you have any other works in the making? Tell us about them.

Currently the book Life is a Game is almost finished with its revision. I pray that this revision touches even more lives and encourages people to maximize the passions of their life. The revision expounds on Life is a Game by exploring the different aspects of through segments called Winning Life’s Battles and Living Victoriously. Winning Life’s Battles explores the battles that we face in life and how to be victorious. It allows us to look at what kind of person we are and what is needed to be a champion. Living Victoriously will catapult the reader into I can and I will, versus I might, maybe, and I’ll try.This will all be in the revision.

I am also working on a piece called, Where’s the Love? It is a letter to the church. The design is not to condemn or judge, but for believers to do a self check. The Bible says to judge yourself. Sometimes in life we get so caught up in the world that we lose track of who we are really serving. The question is posed, "Do we really love God." I believe this book will be a dynamic life changer which will cause believers to get back to the basics within their faith and hopefully out of the snares of traditionalism and religion.

Take a moment to speak to our readers from the heart.

I appreciate your support and investment. My goal is to inspire you to be successful in all your endeavors. This book is for everyone, however, I have a special message for young people, teenagers and pre-teens alike. I do understand how hard it is to find yourself. I know how it feels to be forgotten. I know how it feels to be alone, and trying to fit in. Through my trials and transitions, I found that the harder I tried to fit in, the more I lost myself. When I say losing myself, I mean I lost my identity. I was so busy trying to fit in that I became more like them for acceptance and less like me. I slowly began to see through negative and positive choices that all I need is within me, and all I have to do is to be myself. Being who God created me to be is all that is necessary for me to have joy and peace in my life. There is nothing wrong with being an individual. All great men and women in the past had to stand alone for a season. After standing alone, people gravitated to them. People gravitate to strong people because they have something that they need. You have what they need, so be that trendsetter and strong person.

Give us some contact and purchasing information.

The book is available at Books-a-Million, Borders, Target.com, Amazon.com, and Powell's.
I would encourage the reader to purchase it from the publishing company because it is cheaper there. At this time it is on sale for $8.95. I really want readers to get the book in their hands so they can be motivated and encouraged. The publisher’s website is www.livingwaterspc.com and their store site is http://store.livingwaterspc.com

Please feel free to learn more about me at www.jimcopeland.org.

Jimmy H. Copeland III, M. Ed.DOJ-Federal Bureau of Prisons
FCC Beaumont-USP
Special Learning Needs Coordinator
Assistant Team Leader Crisis Support Team
SCR Crisis Support Team

Inspirational Interview with Sabriena Williams

I was very happy about this interview with Sabriena Williams, author of the upcoming book, Wait on the Lord, I Say Wait. She's a true inspiration to women and to Christians.

1) What inspired your latest work?

The inspiration behind Wait on the Lord, I Say Wait was my hasty decision to choose a mate for myself without waiting for God to send me the man he ordained for my life. In 2004, I was going through a period of loneliness and depression. I was struggling with low self-esteem and didn't know who I was in God. I had a strong desire to be married and fulfill my fleshy desire of being a bride. I thought that if I had a man, I would be complete. I thought the feelings of loneliness would subside, but it didn't. It got terribly worse. I took God's Word in Proverbs 18:22 lightly. "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord"

In my search, I found someone who did not have the ability to make me whole. The lesson I learned was Jesus is the only man that can complete you. I was trying to cover some emotional wounds. I was trying to appear normal. I was trying to beat my biological clock. I was in a mode of wanting to please the flesh. As a result of me being disobedient to God, my marriage lasted only 8 months and the experience was really painful.

2) How do you expect this book to speak to the Christian population?

This book will speak loud and clear to the Christian community. This book deals with church issues, family issues, work issues and of course relationship issues. There is not one christian that won't be able to relate. I really would like the single christian woman to know that even though the spirit of loneliness and depression may try to suffocate her mind into believing that God had not heard her prayers for a mate, He has. Women have to realize that singleness is not a curse. It is a time to spend time with Christ and prepare for the ministry of marriage. This book will show the walk of faith. As a Christian, you have to be ready for a uphill faith walk.

3) Tell us about your writing process. What was the most difficult and what was the easiest?

I am a self-taught writer. I have been writing since grade school. As a child, I enjoyed writing short stories, plays and poetry. I'm not a classroom writer. I never took any creative writing classes or anything. My weakest areas are grammar, punctuation and all that technical writing stuff. Thank God for professional editors.

God gives me a clear vision when writing so the easiest for me is developing the characters, though it isn't always that easy to do. I can see each character come alive right before my eyes. This was my very first book published that included characters and I am very excited about that.

4) What role did prayer play in your writing?

I prayed through each and every chapter of the book. There were many times when I wanted to give up. I was struggling with developing the characters, but God continued to remind me that he was with me every step of the way. I also had praying friends and family that offered tremendous support. I'm now asking God to make provisions for this book to be placed in major bookstores all around this world. The word and vision God imparted into me for this book will be a blessing for all.
5) Is there a Christian witness in your book? If so, is it obvious or hidden?

There is definitely a witness in this book. She tries to live a godly life and share her love for Jesus with others on a daily basis. Throughout the book, she holds on to faith and prayer. In this book, you will see God move.

6) Tell our readers about the beauty of saving themselves for marriage.

The beauty of saving yourself for a God ordained marriage is the assurance that God will bless it. God gave marraige as a gift to Adam and Eve. They were created perfect for each other. Marriage is instituted by God. Anything that God creates has a purpose. The beauty of waiting for God to bless you is all the time you can devote to God basking in his marvelous glory.

As single Christian women, we have to position ourselves to be found. We have to get our spirtitual houses in order. We can't expect God to send us anything we aren't ready for. We have to let go of jealousy, cut the cord on selffishness, divorce pity and shame, release depression, bury that lust spirit, evict our past and press forward to the destined place God has ordained just for us. God hears your prayers and wants to bless you, but you must be ready. My advice to all is Wait on the Lord.

To purchase this book pre-release, please visit http://store.livingwaterspc.com

Email Ms. Williams at aninspirationaltouch@yahoo.com

Everyone is talking about Barbara Walters

Everyone has been talking about Barbara Walters and her new book. However, I have to say that it was entirely too long. In a time when people have two jobs and families, books that are long like that are better put in two volumes just for the convenience of the readers. Some love it and wish it was long, and some do not. I am one of those who do not.

"Where is God, Grandfather" by Candy O'Donnell

The children's book of this month is one that has been newly released by Living Waters Publishing Company.

Children, like adults, have questions about God's existence and how they can find Him. This book shows children how to relate to God in everyday life. Candy O'Donnell shows great promise as a new author. Illustrated by Rosemarie Gillen, each illustration adds to the overall effect of the book.

I highly recommend this cute little read for your adorable tykes.

Title: Where is God, Grandfather
Author: Candy O'Donnell
Illustrator: Rosemarie Gillen
Publisher: Living Waters Publishing Company
ISBN: 978-0-9814532-1-7
Purchase now at http://store.livingwaterspc.com

Marilyn C. Morris, Powerful Book on Lupus

Marilyn Morris deals with the sensitive and all too common illness, lupus. Definitely, this book is for anyone with that diagnosis, who suspects that could be the problem, or who has family wrestling with this disease.

Get your copy today at www.amazon.com and support those who have and will get this debilitating illness.

Title: Diagnosis: Lupus

Author: Marilyn Celeste Morris
Availability: Available anywhere books are sold!