As time progressed, I skirted writing like that awkward bump into your ex. Whenever the urge to compose surfaced, I told the Lord that unless I could find a way to write for him, I wouldn't do it. And I sure didn't see how space battles and aliens could glorify Jesus. That's why up until now you only found Sunday school material and non-fiction Christian work on this website and available for purchase here.

Then I went to a Christian education conference. One of the key speakers—in reference to C. S. Lewis' work—commented that fiction can pre-Christian the world. Huh, I thought. The underlying argument is that when confronted with a new idea, a person is more likely to accept it if he already accepts or is familiar with a similar notion.

Why do we cry when our hero dies to save the one he loves?

Our hearts are stirred when we see images of heroic sacrifice because it reflects the beauty of the ultimate price Christ paid for us. Therefore, whenever the arts portray one or more element of the Gospel, it prepares the audience's mind for the greatest love story ever told. In a more general sense, by capturing an element of beauty, truth, justice, or self-sacrifice, an art form softens the heart of the audience to the idea of a beautiful, truthful, just, and sacrificial God.

So, with that in mind, I once more opened a blank document. The result is the redemption of my writing talents and love of a good story.

Birth of a Guardian is the first book in a sci-fi fantasy series. Aimed at young adults, the protagonist is a seventeen-year old atheist girl who losses everyone she ever cared about in a sudden attack on her planet. The story draws on themes of coming of age, coping with loss, and wrestling with vengeance.

The book is, at its core, just a good story. But behind the scenes, the Christian world-view saturates the plot line. My aim is that a lost person will be gently introduced to the concepts of a loving, all-powerful God through the witness and lives of the support characters. Christian readers, however, will catch foreshadowing and references to the Holy Ghost and God that deepen the suspense of the novel. But unlike C. S. Lewis—and more in lines with Ted Dekker—I will be bold in my proclamation of the Gospel when it comes, whenever it comes. I honestly have no idea how long the series will be, but I know the direction of the story and already composed the epic finale.

***Update***
Since writing this post, I have won two honorable mentions in the Writer's of the Future contest and finalist in Page Turner Awards. Furthermore, a literary agent has accepted Birth of a Guardian and is querying publishers!

Enjoy this study of Hosea as it follows the unfaithfulness of Gomer to shed light on Christ's relationship with His bride, the Church. You can access the individual lessons here, and in just a few days the print version and eBook will be available here.

Melissa

The first volume of a study on Isaiah is almost complete. The eBook is out and the print version just needs minor tweaks.

Covering the first thirteen chapters of Isaiah, these studies include take-away lessons and verse by first analysis. There is a column dedicated to personal notes, so feel free to scribble down all those fleeting thoughts!

On a personal note, I have begun earning my Master's degree, so I am thrilled the Lord allowed me to find the time to squeeze out these studies. Hopefully, the remaining volumes will be out before too long.

Until next time, God bless!

It's been a long process of editing, checking Scripture references, and creating worksheets, but the year-long Sunday School Curriculum is almost ready to roll out. Comprised of 52 unique lessons, the course will:

• Cover all major Biblical accounts
• Lay the foundation of Christianity
• Challenge students with faith-building questions
• Strengthen retention using built-in review
• Encourage students to recognize themes and similarities in Scriptures
• Identify God's plan of salvation throughout the entire Bible
• Include downloadable activities for each lesson