Epilogues and Prologues

         I'll never forget the first book I read with an epilogue. It was The Disappearing Jewel of Madagascar and when I got to the back and saw the 'epilogue' I thought that it was like the rest of those "boring" pages that author's write at the end of their books. Since it wasn't marked as one of the chapters, I didn't read it. Weeks later, my sister made a comment to me about how the book ended and I went back to see because I didn't remember it. If you've ever read one of the Accidental Detective books, then you know that you HAVE to read the epilogues. When I realized that I had missed out on the best part of the book I decided to always read the epilogues.
       As you may know, Never Forget, ends with an epilogue and although it's not one of the 'chapters' it's just as important to the book as any of the chapters. So if you've never read a book with epilogues or prologues, here's a tip, ALWAYS READ THEM! I can understand if you don't read all of the acknowledgements and the notes from the author, but you HAVE to read the epilogues and prologues. Well... you don't actually have to, but if you don't, you'll miss out on part of the story. So if/when I write books with prologues and/or epilogues, please read them!
      
         If you're wondering what I'm doing now that Never Forget is published, I'm still writing. I'll tell you more about my current writing projects later, but for now, you can just know that I am writing.

Fiction vs. Non-Fiction

     I read an interesting article this last week about the battle between Non-fiction and fiction.
 You've all heard people say, "I never read fiction!" and you've heard people say, "I only read fiction!"
     Where is the balance? I mean we all know it's not good to live with our head in the clouds. It seems like the world is full of people who live in an imaginary world and because of it they have unrealistic views on life. We don't want that... we don't want to live for things that don't matter.
    Is reading non-fiction even worth the time? I mean when we're on our deathbed, are we going to regret having spent the time reading the books we read? Are we going to wish that we had spent our time reading more profitable things?
    Obviously everyone has different convictions and opinions on the matter. I know people who won't hardly touch a book besides their Bible, and others who will read anything they can get their hands on. So if you don't agree with my conclusion, that's okay.
    The Bible is without a doubt the most important book anyone can ever read.

I could give you a lot of quotes from the founding fathers about how important the Bible is, but I think the most powerful statements are in the Bible itself.

     If we have the Bible, we don't need anything else. So what does the Bible say about reading other books? The Bible is very clear that we're supposed to learn from the mistakes and victories of others. We're supposed to listen to the counsel of those who have served God before us. I don't know about you, but I feel like God has taught me a lot through the lives of others through the books that they wrote. So yes, I think it's okay if we read God honoring non-fiction. God wants us to learn from the wisdom of others.  Proverbs 1:5 "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:"

  So where does fiction fall in? I know people who regret having wasted hours reading books that were useless. They didn't learn anything from them, they were simply amusing. If all fiction does is amuse us, then it is a waste of time. However there are times when fiction teaches you lessons that reality obscures.

    When Jesus wanted to get a point across, He often used metaphors, or parables. Because stories are often easier for people to connect with. You can tell us to be kind to our neighbors, but until you show us a man lying on the side of the road from an enemy country that needs help, it doesn't mean as much to us. But when we see the man in need, we realize what it really means to love our neighbor as ourselves. Fiction that makes us think through Biblical things, is good. Fiction that tells us what to think, is a waste of time.

  I guess fiction or non-fiction, it all comes down to this; What does it provoke in your heart? If it provokes you to good works, then great! If it doesn't challenge you to do good, then it's a waste of time.

For me personally, I've found that I need both fiction and non-fiction. "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand." Philippians 4:5
    Non-fiction inspires my mind and gives me facts to work with. Fiction inspires my heart and makes me feel more personal about things.

    I've read a lot of books in my life and looking back, I've been changed for the better because of the books I've read. When I was young, I went through a stage where I actually didn't like reading. I felt too old for the picture books but everything else seemed boring. Then I read a Hardy Boy book. Now I know the Hardy Boy books are probably not going to inspire anyone to do great things so for the majority of people, they're probably a waste of time. However they did something for me that I'm very grateful for. Because I read that Hardy Boy book, I wanted to read more. I read all of the ones we had and when I was done, I had learned to enjoy reading. Because I learned to enjoy reading, I was open to reading other books, including some non-fiction books that inspired me and changed my life.
     It was through a fiction book that I got convicted about not reading my Bible when I was younger. It was through a fiction book that I first felt the need to hand out gospel tracts, and it was through a fiction book that I really learned what it meant to be completely honest.

    So what about you? Have you read any fiction books that have really inspired you?

   Until next time, this is Priscilla J. Krahn reminding you to keep your mind stayed on Christ!

  (Also be sure to take the poll at the top of the sidebar. Thanks!)

Favorite Non-fiction

     I came across a list the other day called 'Five Books Every Christian Should Read,' (or something like that.) Anyway, it got me thinking about the books I've read that have challenged me.
   Obviously, the Bible is the most powerful book anyone can read. I've never found a problem yet that the Bible didn't have an answer for.
   After the Bible, I think the following books are probably some of the books that have impacted me the most.
(Disclaimer: Just because I recommend the following books does not mean I fully endorse or agree with them from every point of view.)

    1. Do Hard Things - by Alex and Brett Harris

I first read this book at a time in my life when I was really struggling with doing anything that was hard, or out of my comfort zone, and God really used it in my life as a wake up call. I still need constant reminders to get busy doing things for Christ, but this book was a huge encouragement to me and very convicting. I highly recommend it.

      2. The Teenage Years of Jesus Christ - by Jerry Ross

I'm not sure how old I was when I read this, and honestly, I don't remember that much about it. All I know, is that after I read it, I felt convicted, and challenged. I remember feeling guilty when I finished reading it because I hadn't been living with the passion that I knew Jesus wanted me to have.

       3. How to Win Souls and Influence People for Christ - by Ray Comfort

We all need motivation to be bold and share Christ don't we? I know I do, and when I read this book, it lit a fire under me. I don't know about you, but I find it really easy to sit back and never approach anyone about Christ. It's easy to make excuses and to walk through life ignoring the lost, but this book will totally slaughter all of your excuses. It's been a while since I read it, but it's definitely a convicting book and totally worth your time to read.

   4. Will Our Generation Speak? - by Grace Mally

Much like the above book, this book was an extremely convicting and challenging book. It does a great job motivating you to share the gospel and she has some great ideas and tips to make it easier!

       5.  Ten P's in a Pod - by Arnold Pent III

This book was a real challenge to me in a lot of areas, but it especially challenged me to know my Bible. Not only is this book full of challenges, it's also very entertaining. I highly recommend it for the whole family! I actually read this one out loud on a road trip and it kept us all entertained.

              Okay, now that I've started, I can think of a lot more books that I could put down here. Maybe sometime I'll add some more. These aren't necessarily in order of importance and there are a lot more I can recommend as being 'life-changing', but for now, there's a few to keep you busy! Until next time, this is Priscilla Krahn reminding you to stay thankful! (In EVERYTHING!)

  (I'm curious, what are your favorite non-fiction books? Go ahead and let me know by leaving a comment.)