Brian Stansell

Here’s the (More on that later)

I am probably about 30 years older than most of you guys and gals.  I was born during the Vietnam war, back when the modern perversities had not taken as much hold on American culture, though there were the drug culture elements beginning the moral decline.  Most of us still went to church and honored God’s day by…[Read more]

Lona (@lonathecat),

I deliberately wait several days between responding to this thread to ensure that I don’t just respond in the heat of an argument, but that I think through what I say and how to approach this topic.  It is planned pacing and there have been some very deliberate statements that I have made because I sensed where this…[Read more]

I have given this some time to allow reflection.

When Jesus uses an illustration to make an analogous point even on a slightly different topic, it does not invalidate the standalone validity of the parallel illustration.  I am fully aware of the four gospels being synoptic and complementary showing the same historical accounts with different…[Read more]

Lona (@lonathecat)

I think you are still misunderstanding the word strength.  A man can be disabled, yet still defend his household.  Some retired military men who may be disabled by their military service still know how to secure and protect a perimeter.  Singel moms do a good job, but they are still inadequate in teaching a young boy ev…[Read more]

Hi Tenshi (@tenshichispa),

That is a good question:

One thing I would say is that if “making progress” impedes your time of prayer, worship, and fellowship with the Lord, then it needs to be relegated back to a subordinate role.  God says to set no other “gods” before Him, so His proper place should be given in your time, focus and energies.  S…[Read more]

Hi Lona (@lonathecat)

Actually, I disagree with you.

Jesus often used one rational truth to illuminate another point in context.  Doing so does not invalidate the point but uses two contexts to make clear what issue He was addressing.

In Matthew 12, in the same way, Jesus, when charged with casting out devils by the power of Beelzebub, Jesus…[Read more]

Hey Noah, (@noah-cochran)

Story Ember did a podcast on POVs that might be good to check out.

SE Podcast #40: The Power of Point of View

Hi Noah (@kingdomfire7),

Welcome to the Story Embers Forum.  Feel free to poke around and use the dropdown in the top far-right corner to see what’s going on in the forum under recent activity.

My name is Brian.  I’m kinda one of the older ones out here.  Not “Gandalf” old or anything, but not “Pippin, Merry or Frodo” young either.  Sort of mor…[Read more]

I may need to clarify something that often gets misunderstood.
I very much agree with Noah (@noah-cochran) with the biblical standard is God’s design that works to the optimization of how He created the family to function.
I think there is a problem sometimes in how we as opposite genders treat each other with less respect and love than we ought…[Read more]

Hi @candide,

I have.  Make sure and take lots of pictures, making note of when the photos were taken and as much as you can remember about the feelings, atmosphere, and evocative aromas, giving yourself a full sensory experience to go with the photos so that you can recreate and experience the places you have been to more fully when you finally…[Read more]

Hi Emily (@emily-waldorf),

Thank you for tagging me! 🙂
we are about to go on a vacation, so I may be late getting to respond.  I hope that is okay.

I have been stuck for a bit.  I have a scene where there are twenty members in a traveling party who are strangers to each other, and only a few of them have given their names.  I am not sure how to…[Read more]

Hi Grace (@gbfruitbat)

Just curious, how is it that only girls answered this question.

Perhaps, because us guys thought it was about “Beta” males. 😆

“Mama’s boy” has a derogative connotation.  Kind of like saying a guy is a “sissy”.

We can love our mom’s but not be diminished by that.  The idea is men have an idea of what honor is and what r…[Read more]

Hi, Noah (@noah-cochran),

Here is a possible re-write for the first entry.  I think you should keep the concept, however, add a little more depth and reasoning to what Drastan may be thinking.  The line can read flat and does not seem to have much purpose other than observational data in its original casting.

Original text:

Drastan was d…[Read more]

Hi Tenshi (@tenshichispa)

Noah has raised some good points, but I would like to add that the creativity God has given to you is a precious gift and has a place within God’s plan.

It is not an either or thing.  It’s not an:”If I serve God, do I have to give up my enjoyment of creativity?”

God wants things in perspective and in proper,…[Read more]

Olivia (@olivia) I am so very glad to hear this!

It is not only novel writers that need input, but we need the voice of readers here too.  You are a gifted creative.  Do not think just because your preferences are not in story writing, that they are in any way less than.  Poetry and music are essential art forms that are powerful ways to ex…[Read more]

Hi Betty (@bettywoj)

I’m Brian.  Like Erynne said, we are the “good kind” of crazy around here.

Scripture says (Titus 2:14 & 1 Peter 2:9) we are a “peculiar people” and I am totally embracing that. 😁

My mom loved reading Christian historical romances, but her wayward son (me) currently writes fantasy, sci-fi, and some biblical historical…[Read more]

Dear Olivia ( @olivia),

I wish you would stay.  I understand life gets busy.  I understand that there may be other sites you wish to explore.
But I want you to know that there are writers, young and older, from many different places and backgrounds who may need to hear what you alone can share or say.  Each of us needs encouragement.  God has giv…[Read more]