"Journey" -- a reality at last!!

What an exciting day! “Journey” is a reality!! …. The biblical novel I have been working on the for last 8 years is in print, ready for distribution! This morning, we discovered it on amazon.com, as well as several other online sites. I am so thankful for Advantage books, specifically for Mike and Karyn Janiczek; I hope my small offering helps to enlarge their publishing endeavors … Their company really does need to be a household name — like Tyndale, or Word…. I am also so very humbled and thankful for the many friends who donated funds to help make the book a reality — I have learned many lessons this year about the need for community…. What a blessing!

If you would like to see the book, it is available on amazon.com here.

Here is a little more information;

From the back cover –

Everyone loves a story; some we love because they make us laugh; some because they make us cry, touching our pain.
Everyone has a story. Many are untold. Some we remember for opening doors, presenting keys for adventure and discovery.

Some stories are true; some are not. Based on actual events, this story weaves a riveting account; drawing readers in, captivating our attention, making us part of the plot action.
Journey is the historical biography of the life of a young, courageous woman named Mary. Based on more than eight years of painstaking research, the author has drawn from more than fifty sources and a trip to Israel in order to bring actual Biblical events to life. Drawing from the lessons and stories of those she has helped in her counseling practice, the author paints a compelling portrayal of what it meant to live in ancient times.

Here are reviews from some of those who have read the book already… and let me just say in advance, ” thanks for listening….”

“Journey is a good read, with wonderful characterization, and a riveting plot. It makes the times and people come to life. The interesting thing is that the reader finds oneself identifying with the struggles and questions of the people – as though they are us.”(Sharon N.)

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“When I was reading Debbye’s book, I felt like I had been picked up and placed into the lives of the people who lived in Bible times. As I read, I realized that a lot of women, who have not been nurtured from an early age, feel the things that Mary Magdalene felt. I identified with her feelings. During one scene in particular, I felt the Presence of God draw close to me, bringing personal healing. It was a personal visitation because of the picture painted of Jesus’ ministry. I remember weeping for a long time, and emerging with a sense of healing. At another point during the book, I experienced being strengthened and empowered by the Lord; to accept the freedom to become the woman I was created to become; not afraid of the culture or of other people’s reactions and words.” (Dianne T.)

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“I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a good read, with a good story line. I loved the richness of the culture, customs and history. It was all so interesting and informative!” (Jean R.)

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“This story offers a number of benefits as it weaves history, healing and spiritual truths into its pages. I have gained valuable insight into the way that living a life in Jesus brings healing to the soul. I have been blessed and changed from reading it.” (Jill B.)

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“I love reading stories about real people. Journey made Jesus real to me. Reading this book has helped me to understand God better.”(Carol J.)

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“To whom it may concern:

“I have had the privilege to read Journey by Debbye Graafsma. I found it to be a compelling read. The following is an attempt to explain why I found this book to be so enjoyable. The first requirement I have when I read fiction, is that I must care about the characters. Debbye achieved this by presenting characters who were believable, who had depth, and to whom the average person can relate.

“She allowed you into their lives, warts and all. By doing so, the reader can identify with the characters and care about what happens to them. Another unique aspect of the book was the fact that the culture and architecture was so accurately and vividly portrayed. The reader could envision walking the streets as they existed in Biblical times.

“The discussion of business transactions was also very interesting. The caravans transporting goods, the purchase of linens and cloth, operation of vineyards, the presence of spas – all provided further insight into how people lived and earned money.

“To me, the most unique aspect of this book was how the common people reacted to Jesus. What they thought of Him; How they reacted to Him. This is evidenced by the description of how Jesus delivered Mary of the demons. This sequence was so vivid and moving that it brought tears to my eyes. Also, Mary’s anointing of Jesus’ feet with oil and wiping them with her hair was very moving.

“The portrayal of Simon the Pharisee gave me, for the first time, a clear picture of the mindset of the religious leaders at the time of Jesus’ ministry. I have a better understanding of why the religious leaders wanted to crucify Jesus.

“I am confident that Journey will minister to its readers. I believe both male and female readers would enjoy this book. It will minister to whoever reads it.” (Thomas R.)

provisioned

In the 1650′s, John Bunyan wrote a book. It was an allegorical novel, said to describe a dream. He titled it “Pilgrim’s Progress.” If you haven’t read it, it’s a great read – although the original version is a little harder to get through; old English and all. When I was about ten or eleven, I had an easy-read version that I read over and over again until the cover wore thin. I loved the symbolism, even as a child. If you haven’t heard of him, John Bunyan was a Reformation preacher who lived in England. During the difficult years of religious upheaval, when for a time it was illegal to even own a page from a Bible, this part-time tinker (repairman/handyman) gathered many together with his teachings about the love of God. He was a man who understood the compassionate side of Abba Father. His daughter, Mary, was blind. I have wondered many times if he wrote his allegory for her. In the years since it’s initial publication, “Pilgrim’s Progress” has sold more copies than any other book ever printed, except for the Bible. So, take my word for it; it’s a good read.

Which brings me to my story. This morning, the Holy Spirit reminded me of an experience I had when I was child, reading this old classic story. As I said, the book is an account of a dream. It describes the story of a man named Christian, who is making a journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Along the way, he meets many who help him, and many more who hinder him. He gains companions; he experiences pain; he loses loved ones; and he finally makes it to his destination. All along the way, he learns and grows, becoming the person he was created to become.

In the middle of his journey, Christian has travelled a long way. Everywhere he goes, he looks for indicators to show him the next step in his journey. He has a map, but sometimes he can’t decipher it well. Continually, he needs others to help him figure it out. But he keeps moving. He comes to a steep hill, and looks upward. Sadly, overwhelmingly, it appears that the road continues up this small mountain; so he sighs and moves forward. He is tired; he is forlorn; he is weary; he is hungry and thirsty; he doesn’t know if he can do it. As he climbs, the mountain becomes steeper than he anticipated. Finally, he has to clamber on his hands and knees just to make headway. It takes all the energies he has in his possession. But now he is committed. He can’t go back. He can’t stop. He must finish this part of the journey.

Soon, he comes to a clearing. He is close to the peak of the mountain. He sees a large house, nestled close to the summit. He thinks “I could get some refreshment there, if they will take me in.” So, he moves on towards the house. But then, as he draws closer, his heart sinks. The pathway to the house is guarded by two large lions, who, although shackled to rock posts with neck irons, look at him with menacing eyes. Fear rises in his heart. He stops in his tracks.

Now what?

Suddenly, a voice speaks from the front door of the house. The Caretaker shouts to him, “Don’t be afraid! They are chained to the posts! Keep to the middle of the path and they won’t be able to reach you!”

With a flash of hope, Christian slowly and carefully moves past the lions, who growl as he passes. He arrives at the front door untouched. He is safe. He breathes a sigh of relief.

“Welcome!” says the Caretaker. “We have been waiting for you.”

Surprised, Christian discovers a Place of Refreshment. He is bathed, and receives medical treatment for his injuries. He is given clean clothing. He eats at a banquet table. He laughs and relaxes in an atmosphere of safety. For several days, he stays. He finds his heart again. He gains direction. He asks questions. He listens. He learns.

Then, on the third morning, the King’s daughters; Faith, Hope and Charity, help him get ready to complete his journey. They clothe him in armor, hand-fit to his person. He is given a sword and a shield. He is provisioned, and given a scroll of promises. For you see, the House on the mountaintop was the King’s House. It was a place of refuge.

In the next chapter of the book, Christian faces the dragon Appollyon, his nemesis; the image of Satan in his own weaknesses. Because of his provisioning, he prevails victorious. He emerges from the battle battered, but wiser; stronger somehow. He would have died in the battle had he not been to the King’s House.

It’s my favorite place in the book. The House of Refreshing.

This morning, the Holy Spirit reminded me of an experience I had during one of my many readings of “Pilgrim’s Progress.” I was ten years old. I had just finished the King’s House chapter, and I was overwhelmed with a sense of the Presence of God. “When I grow up, Jesus, I want my house to be like that. I want people to go away from my house stronger than they came in. I want to help people.”

That hope has remained a center in me for the past forty-three years. When I met Bill, in our many conversations, building relationship, his heart resonated with that focus as well. (It’s wonderful when you marry someone who carries some of your same pages in their own instruction manual for living.) As as result, that same hope has filtered into the way we approach pastoring and leading people. “Let them leave stronger than they came in.”

It has become a personal mission statement for my counseling ministry as well.

All that being said, dear reader, I bring you a request for prayer. My Doll-House Toehead (see blog by the same title), and her mother (see blog titled “Peaches”), move away this weekend. They are on to the next step of rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of abuse, court systems and custody battles. I miss them already…

I sent my toehead away with a jar of Play-Doh… one we played with together…. small offerings. Someday, at journey’s end, we won’t have to go in different directions.

Pray for these two precious souls. Pray for their armor to remain strong; that they lose nothing — and gain everything.

The world is a learning environment. Some life-lessons come harder than others.

We all need safe places of refreshing.

Someday, I want to build a House of Safety for women in such stages of life….. God knows. Pray for our ministry as well.

Blessings.

(c)2010 atg/dcg. No duplication without permission.