Well, it's been said, "You can't judge a book by it's cover."
I'm glad for those who understand that ...but, a cover gets our attention. And I like to try my hand at making things better, but I have only a simple Chromebook, and no means to edit artistically. I wanted my content beyond the 'cover' to be available. I was locked out of Facebook for a few days, and when I was let back in, I was asked not to repeat my violations or I'd be locked out again. I asked what my violation was ...which I felt was necessary to know if I was expected to oblige. A couple days passed with no response, then I was told I violated the 'Community Standards' ...which I read, and it seemed rather clear what those standards were, but very unclear how I supposedly violated them. I ask them to please be more specific, and I did not get an answer. Their 'standards' said I could 'appeal', but only if I attempted to communicate with them first. So, for three days I asked the same question, with no response ...and then I was locked out of Facebook again. The 'standards' or rules they have stated they did not have to address every appeal ...and it was obvious they were not going to address mine.
But, I then went with my pen name ...like I've done with this blog by Shepherd Heath, and I can 'message' a couple of people, including mostly our oldest son (who keeps me updated on family matters ...because that matters). https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009308768037 ---but, now 'clicking' on this link doesn't work.
So, I could not communicate the way I would like to on Facebook ...and moving on, I looked into Draft2Digital, which would allow me to publish my ideas at no cost to myself. The first book, 'So Loved', I had designed a wraparound cover which I though was rather attractive ...but I was told my cover did not meet 'Metadata' standards. They mentioned about pixels ...and I did not have that capability on my Chromebook. And many of you may say I could have done this or that, but I am really ignorant with theses computers ...you tell me exactly what I need to do, and I will mess it up time and again.
So, I got frustrated, and even took construction paper and my own penmanship to scrawl something out for the cover ...as I wanted to get the content out. And late at night, into the morning ...I made many mistakes ...but, I am very thankful for Draft2Digital, as I have 'print copies'. And I have this new way to express myself ...if only to myself.
I read that no publisher will accept my work if it is rejected by Amazon, so I didn't even include Amazon. I was able to set my own price, and go with publishers I wanted to go with. Curiously, Amazon must have bought some of my books, as there is a listing under 'Amazon' that shows my books, and since I didn't go with them, they added $4 to $5 to the cost of each book. Perhaps Amazon is the only one who has purchased the books, but I also see my books listed where I chose to list them, with 'Barnes & Noble', and they are much cheaper, at my price. (Amazon $11.66, though it does say 'free shipping', yet Barnes & Noble says $6.99 and it says 'free shipping is also available ---both for 'Chain-Link Fences'. As for 'The Curious Whether and How', Amazon only charges approximately $1 more, but charges about $4 for shipping. Yes, marketing is very creative.)
That being said, and more I could say ...but the rest of this blog is likely not interesting, nor useful to anyone but myself, as I used it as a quick reference to back cover summaries which I had to list, and a few edits. God bless you all ...
**************************************first written description for book ads:
The world is filled with rejection, cruelty, and disappointment. This is not a book for the faint of 'heart'.
But, don't feel there is not another side. There is also love.
Questions of the Heart
(back cover)
Written by the world's most renowned psychologist?
Honestly ...not even in the same ballpark ...not even in the conversation.
Would you believe ...Psychology 101, Freshman year of college? Yes, that is about the size of it. (You got it right ...not even a psychologist.)
Would you believe ---'written by the world's most renowned mineralogist' ---and 'Questions of the Heart' will be digging into the 'heart' of the earth to find answers??
No, not that either.
Would you believe ---'written by the world's most renowned meinerologist???
Kidding aside ---rest assured, while writing this book, I will put my heart into it.
I just hope my mind follows suit.
Family & Friends
Children have countless questions at a very young age. Their inquisitiveness is priceless ...as likewise, their image of you may never quite reach the level that they have at this time.
Tammy's entire world at this young age is Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa.
Mom is feeling particularly tired today. She is experiencing her 34th week of pregnancy. But, 3-year-old Tammy is full of energy ...and questions.
Tammy: I heard Grandma say that Grandpa smokes pot ...and she says that's not good.
Mom: Grandma is right.
Tammy: Grandma is always right.
Mom: Grandma is right most of the time.
Tammy: Yeah, I remember she said it was going to rain soon ...and it didn't rain at all yesterday.
Mom: When older people say 'soon' ...well, it doesn't always mean right away.
Tammy: Grandpa said it needed to rain, and it is raining today. Why does it need to rain?
Mom: So things can grow.
Tammy: I like it when the sky is blue, but Grandma told Dad that you were feeling a little blue. And I asked Grandma what that meant because you didn't look blue ...to me you looked the same color as you always look, but Grandma said it meant you were sad. I guess the sky shows its feelings better than we do ...it was blue yesterday, and it's raining today. Is the sky crying?
Mom: Maybe ...
Tammy:Why were you sad, Mom? What does 'we can't afford it' mean?
Mom: That's not what made me sad.
Tammy: Are you sad because your tummy is getting bigger?
Mom: No, that makes me happy.
Tammy: Why is your tummy getting bigger?
Mom: Your baby brother is growing in there.
Tammy: Why doesn't he come out and grow like me? I want to play with him.
Mom: He will come out, it's just not quite time yet.
Tammy: Is that why you were crying ...'cause it was like rain, to help my brother grow?
Mom: Something like that.
Tammy: How did my brother get in there?
Mom: God put him there.
Tammy: Who is God? And why did God put my brother in there instead of out here? Did God give him a time-out?
Mom: No, God gave your brother a time-in.
Tammy: That's funny, Mom! But, you still didn't tell me about who God is.
*******************
Tammy also heard about Santa Claus, but when she found out that Santa Claus wasn't real ...she also remembered that Dad & Mom didn't talk much about God, and never really answered any of her basic questions. Was that because God wasn't real either?
When Tammy entered school, she felt that many of the questions she had were answered. She also hears about how babies are created ...and God is not mentioned. Tammy concludes that just like Santa Claus ...likely, God also is not real.
Each year Tammy's commitment to learning is shown not only through her many questions, but also through the grades she receives in school. Tammy is a straight-A's student.
Tammy's closest friend is Tonya. Tammy is a big reader, and she notices that Tonya is reading a big book.
Tammy: I know that it may take a long time to read ...but if you ever finish that book, can I read it?
Tonya: It so happens that I have another one ...and I had an inkling that you may ask, so I have one here for you.
Tammy: Wow, what a friend! And you had my name embossed on it! I have to think of something special to do for your too ...thank you so much!
Tonya: You are welcome ...but you don't have to do anything special for me, just read it.
Tammy: Not a problem ...you know how I love to read!
A week goes by ...
Tonya: Have you read any of the book I gave you?
Tammy: I see that there are books inside of the book. I read the Book of Genesis.
Tonya: What did you think?
Tammy: I feel like a child again. I have so many questions ...but, I'm sort of embarrassed to ask them.
Tonya: Don't feel as if any question is not a good question. I had countless questions when I first started reading it.
Tammy: Everyone says I'm a cinch for being the Valedictorian of our class, but I feel so inadequate at discussing things like this. It just doesn't make any sense to me. Evolution makes more sense to me ...but, I have this feeling like I'm missing something. All of my teachers feel I don't miss a thing ...yet, you're my best friend and you certainly are the most genuine person I know, and you believe the Bible. I know you often hear what the others say.
Tonya: You mean ...about me being stupid because I'm a Christian?
Tammy: That is so cruel ...and I in no way agree with them. Just because I get the best grades doesn't mean I think I know more. And it's not about ignorantly insulting someone else because that person doesn't agree.
Tonya: And that's why we are best friends ...though I get much lower grades than you, we both receive the highest grade in 'friendship'. I don't fault those who call me stupid ...they are acting like they've been taught to act, or they get support from friends who've not been taught right. I don't fault them for being taught wrong.
Tammy: Just because I believe in 'evolution' doesn't mean I think everyone else who doesn't believe in it is stupid. But, being true friends, I do wonder what is right to believe and what is wrong. And after reading the first dozen Chapters in the Bible ...well, it sort of had the feel of a decent children's story.
Tonya: You felt it sort of sounded like a fable?
Tammy: Not really ...but yeah, those fables that were mostly meant for children. The old ones were a bit violent at times, and you'd wonder why someone would write them for children. How many nightmares did they actually cause? I prefer the children's stories my parents shared with me ...they contained more hope, and they left me with an overall good feeling.
Tonya: And the Bible didn't do that?
Tammy: It was even more violent than those old children's stories ...and not just violent, but some of the stories were disturbing.
Tonya: Yes, I know what you mean ...but they are not stories to 'entertain'. They are true stories. I don't have to ask what grade you got in history ...of course you got an 'A'.
Tammy: And I also got 100% on our latest science test ...but, neither does that make sense to me. Scientifically, our existence is an impossibility.
Tonya: What do you mean by that?
Tammy: The first law of thermodynamics states that nothing can be created nor destroyed. So, when trying to find answers to the initial energy that could have existed, its only recourse is to admit that the physical laws which used to exist are not the same as those laws presently existing.
Tonya: Yes, it is beyond our comprehension to think God could exist ...yet, for some people it seems easier to reduce all thought to microscopic activity and energy, and just leave it at that.
Tammy: And the 2nd law of thermodynamics involves entropy ...sort of like what my straight-A brain seems to be experiencing at this time.
Tonya: We've experienced great benefits through science ...which have proven invaluable to us. But, we should not censor science to fit our agenda ...promoting certain select studies, and ignoring others.
Tammy: Yes, the foundation of the 'scientific method' includes: observation, forming a hypothesis from our observation, and then testing the hypothesis through experimentation. But, I have seen that we are taught that which cannot be observed at all.
Tonya: Or what is observed to be the opposite?
Tammy: Well, I don't know about 'opposite', but yes, the 2nd law of thermodynamics states that everything moves to a state of disorder ...so, how can we claim that all the order that we see came about through disorder. That doesn't make sense either.
Tonya: But, everything seems to be more easily accepted if we plug everything into a long time span ...like 14 billion years, or so.
Tammy: Yet, the 'End-Permian' extinction, or the 'Great Dying' was estimated to be only about 250 million years ago. So, yes, I do wonder how evolution could bring about the tremendous variety of life that we now see. I think scientists will soon try to correct all that ...and see that it would take trillions of years. But, that's just my opinion.
Tonya: I think my brain is going to experience entropy soon too. Can I change the subject?
Tammy: Sure.
Tonya: I'll stick to foundational thinking ...to observation. Do you observe good in this world?
Tammy: I consider you a 'good' friend.
Tonya: Do you observed evil in this world?
Tammy: Well, there are bad things ...and when I read what others have written, I'd say there's been evil. And yes, I do observe some rather terrible things on the news ...so, just because I may have it rather good, I realize others do have it demonstrably bad.
Tonya: If anyone answers 'yes' to both of those questions, as you did, then a value higher than 'evolution' is placed on life. There is nothing but 'survival of the fittest' with the evolution of humans ...regardless of whether or not we adhere to good or bad, right or wrong, morality or immorality.
Tammy: But, aren't we evolving towards being a more peaceable people?
Tonya: There always seems to be period of peace between great wars ...as if failures to conquer must come up with better strategies. Where does 'love' fit in?
Tammy: What young single girl doesn't fantasize about love?
Tonya: Well, yes, that can be a beautiful thing. But, it is also called 'love' when it is rather symbiotic in many relationships.
Tammy: Our science book calls it 'mutualism'.
Tonya: But, what about the love of Jesus?
Tammy: Whoa, you're jumping ahead of me there. Yes, of course, I've heard of Jesus ...who hasn't in our nation. But remember I've only read the first dozen Chapters ...and I'm still in Genesis.
######Chain-Link Fences ---change backcover details to 'bold' print. (and add the word 'it', making it say " ...about it!"*********
Listing this as fiction, or nonfiction ...actually, it is both. The first 5 chapters are about questions friends and family have brought up about the Bible. I also consider you a 'friend', so hopefully you can join others in the conversation too.
Many people like to start a conversation, then they tell me they don't like to talk about those things. I respect that and usually just leave it at that, but I laugh to myself, thinking, "You just don't want 'me' to talk about it!" After all, I didn't start the conversation.
But, I'm starting the conversation this time ...
If you don't like the conversation, the first 5 chapters are not that long, and you can go to the fiction part of this book with 14 chapters of 'short stories'. Perhaps you don't like my sense of humor either ...but, at least I tried. Hopefully this is not a 'trying' experience ...and I won't accuse you of having no sense of humor, if you don't like the second section either. But, I'm guessing you probably will.
I hope you enjoy ...both.
scan_20230321-123838_1 (somehow doesn't work, so go to 'new folders')
The Evolution of Confusion ...I. (The Essence)
or TEOC ...I. (The Essence)
It often makes us feel uncomfortable when we don't know something ...particularly when we are pressured to accept what we feel is wrong. Yet, to prevent conflict, it is often easier not to challenge the experts ...and it feels satisfying at times to be aligned with the majority.
Regardless where the majority stands ...it is not popularity nor acceptance I seek, but the truth. Yet again, there is a problem ...as truth is not always agreed upon, and it is often debated. And reality is close at hand, with the naysayers insisting that the truth is whatever we want it to be??
I don't think so ...
***********or
Is reality close at hand, with the naysayers insisting that truth is whatever we want it to be??
I don't think so ...
**********************
The Evolution of Confusion ...II. (Inevitable Outcome??)
So many people today are questioning 'Creation' as a reason we are here today.
Science advances the narrative, correcting where they feel Darwin was wrong, though still adhering to his general principles. So, 'evolution' is still primarily what is taught in schools.
This story tells of a school teacher who is taken to court by the ACLU for teaching about God in her classroom. Is it going to be the Scopes Monkey Trial all over again??
Not quite ...
*********************
The Evolution of Confusion ...III. (Train Up a Child ...)
***
How many times have you heard the Bible quote, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and he will never depart from it?"
But, at times it seems that he does.
Yet, there is a part that is often left out. Proverbs 22:6, says, " ...and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
It doesn't depart from him ...it will be in the back of his mind, and that can be a good thing as well as a bad thing.
Childhood impressions have more of an impact than we often think ...and sadly we don't even realize what impressions we are leaving. Don't make it so complex (as was done in this part of the story) that they miss what is needed most. Tell them that Jesus loves them ...and simply love them too.
Pray to God that He will bless the children ...in spite of ourselves.
***************
The Evolution of Confusion ...IV. (Where From Here)
***
Often we lose faith ...or think we do.
Yet, perhaps this is the time we learn ...and become more committed with what we believe.
Perhaps you've heard the saying, "Don't sweat the small stuff."
What we are going through may not seem small, but the 'big picture' is His promise to us.
*************
The Evolution of Confusion ...V. (We Should Know)
Finally, 5 of 5 ...
When the children were young, I recall traveling nearly 500 miles to my parents' home. They'd ask, "Are we there yet?"
We'd stop for ice cream many times along the way. And they got used to those places ...so, the trip didn't seem so long. Never did they say, "We've had enough ice cream, can we go back now."
Thanks for taking this long journey with me. Hopefully you were able to consume some ice cream while reading.
Don't turn back ...we are almost there!
***
If someone says, they ...
https://mycoverforfirstbook December 2022:
So Loved ...
//////////////////////change: (after 'Yet it is difficult to run away from every problem.' ---change the word 'but' to 'yet' in previous sentence & add 'away',then delete last sentence, and perhaps add, 'Sometimes trouble seems to find us wherever we go. And we also have to deal with that thought that we are being followed ...'
So Loved ...
This is an emotional play that is essentially about love ...and how devastatingly powerful its effects can be when it is absent in young lives.
Stephen and Ruth have a childhood friendship which causes two families to merge. Ruth's family moves away to the wonderful state of Michigan. It is often difficult to understand why things change, but when they change for Ruth, she is sent to a mental health facility ---then becomes a runaway.
Yet it is difficult to run away from every problem.
Ruth runs away from what she views as the source of her problems. And for a while things appear to get better.
At times, doesn't it seem like trouble finds us wherever we go? And how do we deal with not knowing for sure what is true and what is not? Maybe it's just Ruth's imagination playing upon her fears, but it also feels so very real ...and it seems someone is following her.
Copy of 4Draft2Digital#1 - Google Docs (pageless)
or with pages:
So Loved ... - Google Docs
or
___________ 'So Loved ...' ___________
****Book 1 ^^^
*********************************
The Curious Whether and How ...
I struggled with the idea of whether it is healthier to shelter my own children, or to discuss the many controversial issues, which they may not be going through personally, but perhaps they know someone who is.
Are some subjects too sensitive to discuss?
Our children may be begging for discussion ...sometimes not. Sometimes it's difficult to put into words how one feels. We certainly need to give others our understanding ...and sometimes that requires discussion, while others may only be seeking silent support. In either case, it's called 'love'. And what everyone needs foremost ...is love.
(beginning to edit, once again) 4Draft2Digital#2 - Google Docs
12/15/2022 ---pageless though page 33)
or with pages:
docs.google.com/document/d/1MM77Fl4ozP94LSQQOxTl-Sgoq5fGOjaQt7r__GWi0KI/edit
I cannot tell you what you need to know ...I can only tell you of Him whom you should know.
I hope you experience the good in life.
The bad in life is difficult to even read about, but perhaps reading about it may help ...and even help you avoid certain struggles. Or it may help you empathize with those who are hurting, and it may even encourage you to reach out to them.
I admit I don't always do this, but when I do ...it also brings hope to my life.
(356 characters?)
*****Book 2 ^^^
*********************************************************
Do the Birds in the Wilderness, Not Heard, Stop Singing Their Songs?
I cannot tell you what to know ...I can only tell you of Him whom you should know.
I hope you experience the good in life.
The bad in life is difficult to even read about, but perhaps reading about it may help ...and even help you avoid certain struggles.
Or it may help you empathize with those you know who are hurting, and it may even encourage you to reach out to them. I admit I don't always do this, but when I do ...it also brings hope to my life.
(not yet begun pageless), but here is:
Do the Birds in the Wilderness, Not Heard, Stop Singing Their Songs? - Google Docs
****Book 3 ^^^
*************************
The Evolution of Confusion (in 5 parts, saved as PDF file ---The Essence, Many Lessons, More Lessons, Intercession, and Celebration) last book in the series.
The Essence ... - Google Docs
The Lessons ... (1) - Google Docs (page 320 in the softcover textbook size 'The Evolution of Confusion' book is the same as 'The Essence' and 'The Lessons' through page 580, so to continue the story go to 'The Lessons' page 581-713) ...The Lessons in 2 parts, Many Lessons and More Lessons ---and the Conclusion becomes Intercession and Celebration.
The Evolution of Confusion ...Part III to Conclusion - Google Docs
edit page 1042 ...change even this below edit (don't use change in the gray rectangle):but first write book cover summaries.
The Essence:
It often makes us feel uncomfortable when we don't know something ...particularly when we are challenged by what we do know. Yet, to prevent conflict, it is often easier to trust the experts ...and it feels satisfying at the time to be aligned with the majority.
Regardless where the majority stands ...it is not popularity nor acceptance of the status quo that I seek, but the truth. Yet again, there is a problem ...as truth is not always agreed upon, and it is often debated. And reality is close at hand, with the naysayers insisting that the truth is whatever we want it to be??
I don't think so ...
2nd part:
So many people today are questioning Creation as a reason we are here today. Evolution is still what is taught in schools ...as science advances the narrative, correcting where they feel Darwin was wrong, but still adhering to his general principles.
This story tells of a school teacher who is taken to court by the ACLU for teaching about God in her classroom. Is it going to be the Scopes Monkey Trial all over again??
Not quite ...
3rd part:
The camera focuses in on the Bible resting on the table in front of Lisa,
"It may appear they are following Jesus' direction as described in the Book
of Luke, Chapter nine, verse five: And whosoever will not receive you, when
ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony
against them. We may say we have the same source of truth, but we still
pose great differences. Now, I have one more thing to say. Jesus instructed
His disciples to spread the good news of salvation, led in truth by the
Holy Spirit. And if the disciples encountered those who would not receive
their words of salvation through Jesus, there would be many others who
would gladly embrace the truth. Yet, what can be said of today? There are
those who say the Bible is outdated. They say there are new truths and
revelations. And if they are not received, they act as if the ones in error
are the ones who don't embrace what they say. And as time goes on, we
are asked to believe many other things. Be careful with your discernment.
Do you accept their self-ordained authority over Christ's? And I’d have to
ask one more thing: Are they judging beyond Jesus, as if there are qualifications
of salvation beyond His love, and beyond His Word? I caution you, the next time
they decide to move on, dismissing you are disciples, perhaps the vigor by which
they shake the dust from their sandals, may cause such a cloud of confusion that
the dust in their own eyes ---or a mote, or a beam may well be good reason for
good riddance, so as not to also cloud your vision, or have you blindly follow.
The disciples of Jesus did not blindly follow, and His Word in the Bible should
be our guide in Truth. To not hold the Bible as our authority for Truth, is not a
testimony to God, but merely to ourselves only."
Stephen and Maggie, …Cindy and Stephen, Shannon, Leah, Josiah, Samuel, …and Lisa Stone stand together.
1042
several pages later ...concluding, and a new dedication:
This is an obvious dedication to my wife and children.
They have put up with me and endured a tired Dad who stayed
up late at night, as not to interfere with 'time with Dad' during
the day. I guess the greatest sacrifice came from my wife whom
I missed so dearly during those long nights. That was supposed
to be our time ---our quiet time, together.
But instead of getting complaints, I get another gift. That gift we
have already decided to name "David". As I am finishing up this book,
he is only two weeks away from being born.
I was not able to write him into the story, yet he will be a wonderful
chapter in our lives. And there is one book that we count on him being
mentioned in ---The Book of Life.
Yes, I do appear to be an organized mess ...and I hope I did this somewhat right. Or maybe even I won't be able to figure it out. That would not be unusual.
Yes, I am Stephen Meiner ...a pen name I began using when we tearfully said goodbye to our German Shepherd, named 'Heath' ...is Shepherd Heath (and a family e-mail used at that time when our children were much younger, and thought Dad looked silly in a pirate costume).
While Homeschooling, we wrote a couple stories together ...but they felt I was doing too much of the story. Instead, they used their camera and the computer to film and edit a movie they wrote. They wish they could watch it and have a few laughs now, but it got lost when the computer met its demise.
God bless ...
(Great Vibes script)
(https://thispartisnotfunyetseemsnecessary.blogspot.com) ...my working copy
later, Playball.
Also Juice ITC script for headings ....not available here.
9
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