Important Questions to Ask Your Spouse… An Excerpt from My Book on the Dallas Theological Seminary Website
Here is a helpful excerpt from my book that appears on the DTS website. It includes a variety of extremely useful questions for you and your intercultural fiance or spouse to ask each other. Check it out at http://www.dts.edu/publications/read/excerpt-from-your-intercultural-marriage-marla-deshong-alupoaicei/.
Thank you!
Great Article on The Do’s and Don’ts of Blogging
Hello! Here’s a great article on the do’s and don’ts of blogging from Michael Hyatt, who operates an “Intentional Leadership” blog. Since most of us have blogs, I thought I’d share it with my readers. Thanks!
http://michaelhyatt.com/do-you-make-these-10-mistakes-when-you-blog.html
Six Degrees of Separation…
“In 1919, a young man who had been injured in the war in Europe moved to Chicago, picking one particular neighborhood in order to be close to the noted author Sherwood Anderson. The young writer, impressed with the critical praise heaped on Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio, had heard the novelist was willing to assist beginning writers. The two men became close. They met every day to read together, exploring the writing of newspapers and magazines, and eventually tearing apart the inner workings of novels. The young man brought his own work to Anderson, who helped him see how he could improve his craft. Anderson even introduced the young writer to his network of publishing associates, and helped him publish his first novel, which was met with critical acclaim. Its title was The Sun Also Rises. The young man’s name was Ernest Hemingway.
Sherwood Anderson then moved to New Orleans, where he took another young author through those same paces, even putting up $300 of his own money to help that beginning writer’s first novel get published. The novel was entitled Soldier Pay. The author’s name was William Faulkner.
Anderson would then move to California, where he worked with a young writer by the name of John Steinbeck. Sherwood Anderson shaped modern American writing more profoundly than any author except Mark Twain. Most of the writing instructors of the late 20th century were, in one way or another, disciples of Anderson.
And the reason Sherwood Anderson was so committed to mentoring beginning writers? Because when he was young, a more experienced author by the name of Theodore Dreiser had invested in his own life and craft. It’s why I’m a fan of beginning writers finding a Sherwood Anderson to help them develop.”
What a cool and intriguing testimony to the power of helping others succeed! And Theodore Dreiser just happens to be from my hometown of Terre Haute, IN, which makes this story even more fascinating to me! Thanks for sharing, Chip.
What Makes a Successful Writer… or Spouse… or Parent…?
How do you define success in life? On his website, Christian literary agent Chip MacGregor has a thought-provoking blog on this topic. http://chipmacgregor.typepad.com/main/ He explains that from a market standpoint, most people define an author’s success in two simple words: book sales. If you sell a ton of books, you’re successful. But he goes on to expand that definition and explain how the real measure of success is SIGNIFICANCE.
It’s true that, even in Christian publishing, the bottom line (money) is the bottom line. Publishers are in it to make money, and the more books you can sell, the more money they make. And the more they love you.
But I think that the downturn in the economy has changed Americans’ values a lot. I know it’s affected me. Yes, my goal as a writer, editor and speaker is to be as successful as possible. But significance is more important. If I can help people, if I can influence and inspire them to live a better life, then I have succeeded. God has given my husband and me a dynamic and unique platform for ministry. We feel that it’s our call to share the message that the Lord has laid on our hearts in order to inspire, encourage, and uplift others in their spiritual walk and their marriage journey.
In my travels as an author and speaker, I’ve met many other authors who may never reach #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, yet they are warm, inspiring, godly and fun-loving people with fascinating stories to share. They have loved me and provided me with great encouragement as a young author. They have given me practical advice and helped me expand my ministry and build my platform. I’m forever grateful to them. And to me, they are all successes, whether they ever sell another book or not. Best of all, they are SIGNIFICANT.
In the spiritual life, not all success is measurable in dollars and cents. It’s not measurable in inches, pounds, or any type of numerical system. For example, Jesus said, “Follow Me.” This SEEMS to be one of the simplest commands in the Bible, but HOW PROFOUND. Man, to follow Him every day is not easy, is it? “Follow Me” means “imitate Me, love Me, sacrifice your needs and wants for Me, show Me to others, obey all of My commands.”
To me, success means following Jesus, no matter what.
Seasons of Life, Marriage and the Writing Journey
I’ve spoken to several men and women recently who seem to be trudging dolefully through a tough stage in their lives and their marriages, as though they’re dragging a ten-ton stone behind them. I understand completely. Our son, Evan, just turned one on July 6. Having him has been an unspeakable joy, yet this has also been by far the most challenging year of my life. (The fact that I’m eight months pregnant with our second child may have something to do with that!)
Life changes, big and small, cause upheaval. Maybe for you, it’s been a move, financial struggles, a marriage, a divorce, a death in the family, or the loss of a job. I don’t think that I’ve ever encountered so many people struggling with an identity crisis, a feeling of wondering what on earth happened to the person that they used to be. And yes, I’ve wondered that pretty much every day myself since the day my baby son was born.
What has gotten me through is the fact that even when I’m no longer sure how all of the complex aspects of myself, my family life, and my creative pursuits fit together, God is. He knows who I am. And more important, I know who He is. HE IS THE GREAT I AM. Isn’t it interesting and odd that when Moses asked, “Who should I say you are?” God said simply, “I AM.” His identity is in His being, His perfection, His holiness, His integrity. He does not have to DO anything to be Himself; He simply has to BE.
The truth is, you are. God made you. You are here on the earth, and you are here for a reason. No one has ever been like you, with your unique combination of characteristics, personality traits, quirks, sense of humor, gifts, and abilities. If you’re a writer, God has gifted you with a voice and a way to write and describe things that is special and particular to you. If you don’t write those ideas down and share them with the world, no one else will.
Part of loving God, loving yourself and loving other people is using your voice and your gifts to communicate your personal message.
FamilyLife Interview on Intercultural Marriage
In November, I had the privilege of traveling to Little Rock to be interviewed by Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine on the topic of intercultural marriage and my book, Your Intercultural Marriage: A Guide to a Healthy, Happy Relationship. I shared some juicy tidbits about the intriguing twists and turns of our romance and marriage journey, as well as practical tips and helpful marriage advice for couples. Here’s a link to the video feed if you’d like to watch it! http://www.familylife.com/site/c.dnJHKLNnFoG/b.5834071/k.14B6/Marla_Alupoaicei__Intercultural_Marriages.htm Blessings.
Bardwell Steps Down
On Nov. 3, Keith Bardwell stepped down from office as a justice of the peace in Louisiana. The governor as well as many other officials had called for Bardwell’s resignation after receiving complaints about Bardwell’s stance against granting marriage licenses to interracial couples. This is a victory for intercultural/interracial couples in Louisiana! See below for more details.
Quote for the Day
“A good marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” ─Ruth Bell Graham
Insightful Article for Those Contemplating Intercultural Marriage
A friend just recommended that I check out this article, written by an American man who married a woman from Japan. He shares some excellent insights about intercultural marriage as well as some important warnings and advice for those contemplating intercultural marriage. Here is the link to the site: http://www.larabell.org/cross.html
Thanks for the recommendation, J.!
Join Me for a Book Signing in Terre Haute on Saturday!
Hi! I am going to be holding a book signing for Generation Hex on Saturday, Sept. 6th (that’s THIS Saturday) from 2-4 p.m. at The Open Door Christian Bookstore in Terre Haute, Indiana. The Open Door is located behind Honey Creek Mall, at 3125 Third Place, Terre Haute, Indiana, 47802. You may also visit the website at http://www.opendoor-christian-store.com.
I hope you will join us! We will have a drawing for several GREAT door prizes and enjoy coffee and pastries from the newly opened Gingersnaps cafe located in the back of the bookstore. You’ll also have the opportunity to browse the store’s fantastic selection of gifts, books and music.
I look forward to seeing you there! I truly appreciate your prayers and your support for us and our book. If you have any questions, feel free to call me at (214) 497-4614. Thank you!
About Marla
Marla Alupoaicei possesses a God-given passion for sharing relevant resources and practical biblical truth with her readers. She provides specific information for artists, writers, married couples (including intercultural couples), and caregivers.
Read More about Marla
Poetry by Marla Alupoaicei
- The Things We Have Lost
- The Opening
- The Cutting
- Prodigal the Prodigal
- Ode to the Theory of Everything
- Mackinac Island
- How the Light Gets In
Subscribe
- Enter your e-mail address here to receive automatic updates from Leap of Faith.
Search
Recent Posts
- Take that Leap of Faith!
- Mealtime Help for Moms of Preemies
- How to Become a Prayer Warrior Mom
- Spicing Things Up: Being the Fragrance of Christ
- Give Thanks for Everything?
- ICRS, Here I Come!
- So What Do You Do?
- Hope for Hurting Marriages
- 7 X 70
- Helpful Blogs for Writers
Recommended Sites
Categories
- Activism
- Articles for Caregivers
- Children
- Christian Ministry
- Communication
- Faith
- Faith and Values
- Family and Friends
- flow
- Food
- Generation Hex
- God\'s Plan for Marriage
- How to Get Published
- Illness and Grief
- Improving Communication in Marriage
- Intercultural Marriage
- Interracial Marriage
- Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference
- Orphan Ministry
- Parenting Your Parents with Grace
- Poetry
- Poetry Information
- Poverty
- Prayer Warrior Mom
- Professional Editing
- Publishing Information
- Resources
- Sex Trafficking
- Social Justice
- Spiritual Encouragement
- Stress and Conflict
- Success
- Time
- Uncategorized
- Writing Information
- Writing Inspiration
Archives
- June 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- May 2010
- March 2010
- January 2010
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
Leave a Comment