Christian Goodreaders discussion

Agape May's recent post (and welcome to the group, A. M.!) prompted me to think that it might be a good thing to have a discussion thread where both new members, and those of us who have been members for awhile, can introduce ourselves. It might encourage more group interaction (which, you've probably noticed, we don't have a lot of! :-) ) if we get to know each other better --we recently initiated a thread like this in one of my other groups, and it's definitely been an ice- breaker.

To start the ball rolling, I'm a 56-year-old librarian in a Southern Baptist college; I'm married to the love of my life, and we have three daughters, all grown and married, and three grandchildren. I became a Christian in high school, and became really serious about it while I was in college; Barb and I are active in our local church. Reading has been a major part of my life ever since I learned how; and my faith plays a central role in what I read and how I react to it --though not all of my reading is "religious" or written by other Christians. And if there's one thing I love as much as reading books, it's discussing books! :-)

Rachel, as group moderator, you have a link that will let you designate this discussion thread to appear first on the group's list, if you want to. The advantage of that is that it makes sure new members will always be able to see it. In the other group I mentioned above, I did this after our "introduce yourself" thread had gotten buried on the second page, and went without any postings for awhile. Just an idea!

I just joined and this is the post I always hesitate to make. I really dislike talking about myself and usually prefer to listen to what others say.

But, as requested, here's the scoop on me:

I'm 44 (just turned that a week ago today) living in northeastern Kansas, within 50 miles of where i was born. I've been married 22 years and have two children in college. My husband is chronically ill (but that's depressing and I won't go into that just yet). We get by on my income, at least for now. Tomorrow may be a different story in this economical storm!

I've been reading for as long as I can remember. My favorites include epic fantasy, fantasy, historical fiction, Christian fiction, science fiction and some non-fiction (studies related to growing closer to Christ).

Looking forward to meeting you all virtually here at GoodReads.

God Bless!

Hi, I don't know if I ever introduced myself or not, this group has been so inactive I've forgotten I joined it most of the time. I'm called tootall, as in too tall, but most of my online friends wind up calling me toot. Unlike most of you, I'm not a Christian writer. I'm trying to help a friend get her Christian Romance published, so I joined to further that goal. My own stuff is definitely not something most of those who like Christian literature would read, with the possible exception of my latest work. It's not heavily Christian, but isn't my usual shoot 'em ups either. In fact, I'm hard pressed to put it in any category that I'm aware of. There is a hint of mystery, but that's not the main theme. I guess it's more of a young girl coming of age and dealing with the hard lessons her life has doled out so far. As if you can't tell, this book is mostly guided by my wife, though I do the actual writing.

I don't even consider myself Christian, at least not as most people would define it, at this time. That's a discussion we won't have here.

I'm 51, physically disabled, so I'm trying to write and get the books published as a way to help myself. I help others that I meet that have similar goals, because I do believe that what goes around comes around, good or bad.

Im such a people person so I am so excited about this thread, i finally get to see who I am talking to, in a manner of speaking.
My name is Glenda Rouxel, and I am Australian, a mum of 5 (one from foster care) and husband to only one (thank goodness because men are such a handful!). My husband is a paramedic, and I was previously a Kindergarten teacher, now I classify myself in the author catergory (and MAN i love to call myself that).
Brand new book out just August this year, won't go into it here but find me later if you're interested. I LOVE Christian comedy, but it is far to few between books. Adrian plass rocks, Karen Scarfe Linamen, the list goes on. God made me to laugh so I'm going to honor him and do it as much as I can.
Also love to grow into God, so really tough teaching books make me zing, the Bevere's, Joyce Meyer and Phil Pringle to name a few.
Attending a beautiful little country church that is on fire for God and yet so loving and gentle in its approach, in a small Australian mining/farming town in Blayney Australia where it is as close to heaven as earth can get.
Love being challenged by tohers perspective and love the struggle to disagree gently, love meeting people different from me and also yet still the same in Christ. Be blessed !

Hey all! My name is Allison O. from South Carolina. I am a mother to a 7 year old son, an 18 year old step-daughter, and a 17 year old step son. I have a wonderful husband who is my soul mate! I attend a little country church, which is my family. I taught 1st & 2nd graders Sunday School for 8 years, just recently switching to an adult class. I am a Youth leader, which is a wonderful experience! God has blessed me so much, and I am so undeserving. I pray daily for this country of ours to have a revival! People have forgotten that the USA was founded upon the principals of Christianity. My favorite Christian author is Karen Kingsbury. If you haven't read any of her books, I emplore you to do so. You will receive a blessing...I guarantee it!

Welcome to the group, Allison.

I'll have to investigate the books of Karen Kingsbury. Thanks for bringing her to my attention. Which book would you suggest I try first?

Hope you have a great day. And it's Election Day no less! :)

I guess since I'm the moderator, I should probably post something about myself. I'm 16 years old, and I really enjoy playing classical piano (I'm an aspiring professional classical pianist). I'm currently in my senior year of highschool. I have been a believer for about 7 years, and I really enjoy Christian books, whether they are fiction or theological.

I am so happy to find this Christian book discussion group. My step daughter introduced me to Goodreads and I am totally enjoying my interactions and book sharing with my group of friends on Goodreads. So, I am hopeful that this discussion group will add to that enjoyment. I have been a Christian since 1972, am married and have 5 grown children, lead book group discussions in my home, travel often, and love Christ above all else.

Hi all! Not sure how I found this group but i like that its so small, at least for now. I am a 49 yr old husband and dad of 2 boys, 23 and 18, and a girl, 10, living in Colorado. I had a nonfiction book A River Calling, published in '08. Its available in all the usual places but perhaps the biggest thrill was Focus on the Family contacting me and interviewing me for a possible interview on the radio program. The reason I'm writing is I have just finished a first draft of my first novel and I am looking for a few folks that might want to read it to let me know what they think. I'd have to send it electronically though. It is a Christian romance novel, concerning a 17 yr old atheist snowboader from Denver and a Christian 16 yr old girl travelling with her parents on the Oregon Trail in 1850. It's obviously a time travel story as well, but the ultimate theme is Romans 8:28. Its a wonderful story, but I fear my writing doesn't give it justice! Anyway, let me know if anyone is interested. Again, Hi to everyone and Happy New Year.

Glenn, welcome to the group! Another Goodreads group you might want to join is the Author's Society; they have a discussion thread where you can promote your books, and other threads that deal with publicity, marketing, etc. It's not Christian-oriented, but I think Christian writers need to promote their work outside of the Christian bookstore ghetto! Another publicity venue you might try is ShoutLife, an Internet social networking site that caters to Christians. Like Goodreads' Authors Program, they have a feature that lets you promote your books on your page. A Goodreads friend got me to sign up there, though I'm not very active, and my page has gotten several hundred views in six or eight months or so. That URL is www.shoutlife.com.

I wish you all God's blessing in your writing ministry!

Werner wrote: "Glenn, welcome to the group! Another Goodreads group you might want to join is the Author's Society; they have a discussion thread where you can promote your books, and other threads that deal wit..."

Hey Werner, Thanks for the heads up on Shoutlife. I have come to realize just how new I am to the world of reading and writing! I feel like a slug reading and corresponding with real authors. its interesting how many have loved reading and writing since they were kids and always dreamed of being authors. I, on the other hand, never read as a kid or and adult, until the Bible and have only in the past 5 years discovered my love for the written word. I seem to have no real desire to be an "author" and feel very out of place at the booksignings I've done for my first non fiction book. Its more just a desire to honor God with what He's put on my heart. Now this love story I've had in my head is becoming a reality and again I struggle with what to do with it. Quite an interesting journey, one I surely never expected.

Hi guys! Wow, it's really great to know that there's a group here of Christians. It makes me feel a lot better knowing there are so many people out there who are trying to live for God, just like I am! I've been having lots of dramatic problems that I'm trying to get help from the people at my church about, and it's great to be able to take a break and chat with other Christians.

Hi I just joined goodreads yesterday night and I found this today. I adore books but I thought it might be good to get some feedback from some ppl before diving into a book I might later regret reading.

Welcome to the group Lauren.

Hi all. I am Bryce Anderson, currently residing in Lexington Kentucky. I've been on for about 4 months now, and just discovering the whole 'group' concept. Thought I'd throw in my hand and see just what it is we 'do' in groups. I'm always open to good recommendations, leaning mostly toward what I would deem 'realistic fiction'. I like being Entertained, Educated, and Enlightened, roughly in that order. That's enough for now. Glad to have found this place.

I am really late in my introduction. I'm Danielle and I'm an avid reader and a Christian. I'm always looking for good recommendations for books, especially Christian fiction, since I probably could stand to read more of it. I'm glad to be a part of this group.

Welcome Danielle. And God Bless You. :)

Recent Christian fiction I've read include:

The Shack by William P. Young
Fireflies in December by Jennifer Erin Valent
Blaggard's Moon by George Bryan Polivka

My uncle recently read, reviewed and recommended The Fallen A Novel by Robert Don Hughes which I hope to read next month or in August.

Hello!

I don't visit Goodreads often and was excited to find Werner's invitation to join.

I am a Christian wife, mother, grandmother and writer. I write "Inspirational with an Edge!" romantic & women's fiction and non-fiction.

I've read The Shack and loved it also read/enjoyed/definetely related to "So You Don't
Want to go to Church Anymore" by Jake Coleson.

I love to read mostly romance genre - secular and Christian.

Looking forward to visiting with you all!
PamT

A warm welcome to Pamela, and to all of our new members who've joined recently, whether you've introduced yourselves here or not! We're glad to have all of you with us! I hope you'll all feel free to jump right in and post on our discussion threads (or start one), add books to our shelves, etc.

My name is J. J. Hebert, and I'm the author of Unconventional. Glad to be part of the group.

Elizabeth wrote: "J.J. wrote: "My name is J. J. Hebert, and I'm the author of Unconventional. Glad to be part of the group."

What is "Unconventional" about?"

Hi Elizabeth,

Unconventional centers on James Frost, a janitor determined to retire the mop to become a published author. The novel is ideal for aspiring writers and unhappy workers.

My name is Bode Ososami. I'm an author and have written 2 christian books. My recent book "Wealth out of ashes" is to help people cope better and even thrive in the Recession...The central message I want to share is that crisis is God's way of taking His own higher...
see my website
www.recessionproofchristanlife.com

I am new to goodreads...

Hi. My name's Elizabeth. I'm a mother of two; 14 year old son and 11 year old daughter. My daughter has severe medical and developemental disabilities. God prepared us for this walk, as my background is in neuroscience and child development and my husband works in pharmaceuticals. I currently work part-time (school hours) as a manager at an independent Christian bookstore. My reading is very eclectic, usually focusing on theology, apologetics and Biblical studies, although I have read many Christian fiction novels.

It does Elizabeth. I'm trying to figure out where I can post some books I'm reading. I'd like to know also, what others are reading and how they are growing.

Elizabeth, you can post books you're reading on our group's "Currently Reading" shelf. To do that, click on "bookshelves" on the group homepage (one of the options in the list near the top, on the right side of the screen as you face it); use the search function to bring up the Goodreads record for the book you want; and click on "choose shelves" to get a menu of the choices. (When you're finished reading it, remember to move it to the "Read" shelf.) Glad you've joined us!

Hello, I am Mary Jl. Like Bryon, I like to be entertained, educated and enlightened. I have read very little in "Christian" literature; thought many books thought of a secular can be uplifting as well.

Glad to have found this group.

I am 59 years old; s native Nebraskan and a lifelong reader. Looking forward to interacting with you all.

Hey all, today is my first day here at Goodreads, but I'm excited about it! Not sure yet how much I'll be on. I'm Baptist, and so glad to find a Christian group here! Love to read, especially Christian fiction! Looking forward to getting to know you all and God bless you!

Welcome to the group Juliette and welcome to GoodReads.

God Bless you as well. :)

Hello, my name is Mikayla, I am still in Elementary School, and am a Methodist Christian.
God Bless

Welcome Mikayla and I'm a fellow Methodist as well.

Jon wrote: "Welcome Mikayla and I'm a fellow Methodist as well. "

Thank you! I'm new to the group and am trying to catch up. :)

Hi. My name is Kelsey , and I'm in Jr High.
I actually joined a week or so ago, but I was busy. (Ok, maybe I wasn't, I was a little lazy. I feel a little guilty now.) Anyway, this looks like a good group.

Kelsey, don't ever feel guilty for not posting on here. We've all got busy lives outside of cyber-space, so we know how that is. Post whenever you want to; and we're glad to know that you're a part of our group! Welcome --and welcome to everyone else who's joined recently!

Hey, 52 here in Northern California. Currently studying for my master's degree in Christian Counseling, and looking for a pulpit that needs a minister. Really enjoying this site.

Rev Wayne wrote: "Hey, 52 here in Northern California. Currently studying for my master's degree in Christian Counseling, and looking for a pulpit that needs a minister. Really enjoying this site. "

Welcome!

Hi, I just joined the group. I am in Durban South Africa. I hope I will enjoy my stay here. Remember, Jesus is Lord.

Hi guys
Im Yassemin, I'm 21 and Im from the UK. Always had thoughts of becoming a christian but finally officially became one during college, at about 18. I love whats its all about. Im inexperienced with christian authors though so I hope this group will help me rectify that! Nice to meet ya all :)

Werner wrote: "Kelsey, don't ever feel guilty for not posting on here. We've all got busy lives outside of cyber-space, so we know how that is. Post whenever you want to; and we're glad to know that you're a par..."

It's a shame so many other groups don't take that into consideration...you can even get kicked out for not posting like every day..very rude. Glad this group doesnt seem to follow that approach!

Yassemin wrote: "Hi guys
Im Yassemin, I'm 21 and Im from the UK. Always had thoughts of becoming a christian but finally officially became one during college, at about 18. I love whats its all about. Im inexperien..."

Hi Yassemin

I am glad you accepted the Lord as your Saviour. You don't need to worry you are in good company. If you have questions about anything please do not hesitate to ask. If you need useful literature to help you grow spiritually I will be more than glad to help you. Remember always: Jesus is Lord.

Thank you :)

Its nice when we can be here and discuss things here although we all come from all over the world.

Hello, I'm David McCleary and it's nice to be a member of this group. I am from Connecticut, USA. I'm a Christian, a husband, and a father of 4 daughters. I also recently wrote the book Leaving Prisons: Release Your Trapped Value! ( http://www.TheFlawlessLeaderPapers.com ) The book explores some deeply disturbing personal questions that guide us to clarity on where and when we get “stuck” in imprisoning thoughts and behaviors. More importantly, it is a compass for walking out of our prisons and tapping into limitless maturity and possibility. It is not expressly a Christian book, but it is written from a distinctly Christian perspective, and a few Church groups are reading it already.

I'm relatively new to Goodreads, and it is nice to find a group like this.

David, welcome to our group, and best wishes for success with your book! Be sure to post it here on the "written-by-group-members" shelf. Do you have yourself listed as a Goodreads author yet?

Werner - yes, I am listed as a Goodreads author

Hi, I'm from the Northwest part of the U.S. I have 4 kids and am married to Mr. Wonderful. :)

I'm happy to have found this group here on Goodreads and looking forward to getting to know some fellow book-lovers.

Hi, I'm Sandy from Minnetonka, MN, and I live with my husband, four dogs (350 pounds of "dog"), and our kitten TAG (Time Alone with God). We have three children and four grandchildren and everyone will be spending Christmas with us this year (plus one of their dogs). After working as a clinical psychologist for more than 31 years, I retired in 1992 to write children's stories and children's books (7 published books so far and a new one coming out 10/10). Writing my books has been the "dessert" of my life and I invite you to visit my Web site: www.kidscandoit.com
P.S. Giving your books away on the Goodreads Book Giveaways is a great way to get your books noticed! I've done three so far and I'll do another one in January.

Hi, my name is Kayla and I am 16 from Texas. I've been in a Christian home as long as I lived, and I gave my heart and soul to Jesus when I was about 8 or 9 years old. I go to a little baptist church, and I love the word of God. I live with my Grandmother and my Step grandfather on my Dad's side because when I was 2 my parents died. So I was adopted. I am the baby of the family, my nephew about the age of 25 just got married back in August, so now I have a step step great nice that is 13 years old. I know its kinda weird to ask this already but can you please pray for me? My life is right now in the valley of death so to speak and I know God is right there for me, but I don't know if I have the emotional strength to hold on to his hand to lead me out of there. Any way God Bless, and I hope you have a safe and a happy New Years and in 2010!:-)
~Kayla

Hi Kayla,

I will most definitely pray for you! :) Remember that God never gives us more trials then we can handle.

Hang in there!

Kayla, what Lynnette said! I said a prayer for you just now, and we'll all be praying with you in the days ahead. May 2010 be a safe and happy new year for you, too!

Hi, Kayla
I've added you to my prayer list and will be praying for you every day. If you would like me to send you an autographed copy of one of my books, I would love to do so. You can send me your mailing address at Sandra305@aol.com
Sending up many prayers!
Sandy