“They faced death and chose life.”

If you see just one movie this year, I urge you to see The Firing Squad! And I do mean that. This gripping movie will have you reaching for the Kleenex and thinking about it long after you finish watching it.

The Firing Squad is a faith-based film dedicated to the Christians who were executed by firing squad in Indonesia on April 29, 2015. Starring Kevin Sorbo, James Barrington, and Cuba Gooding Jr, this movie shows the power of redemption and how prisoners facing death by firing squad find new life in Christ. This true story will make you marvel at the power of God’s amazing grace to transform a bitter, hate-filled prison warden into a broken prisoner of Christ. The romantic element brought in near the end of the film will also move you to tears.

The movie, supported by the marketing teams behind “The Passion of the Christ,” “Son of God,” and many faith-based organizations, including Campus Crusade for Christ, will be in theaters nationwide on August 2nd.

To learn more about The Firing Squad, please follow this link: https://bit.ly/TheFiringSquadFilm

I do hope you will take the time to watch this film. Whether you are a Christian or not, it will leave an indelible impression on you.

Angela is a blogger and author of Christian women’s fiction and Christian romance. Her latest release is Making Music Together.

Did you know that July is Read an Almanac Month? If you belong to the younger generation, you may ask, “What is an almanac? What is it used for?”

An almanac is a yearly publication that provides all types of information, but it is well known for its weather forecasts and predicting the phases of the moon and the seasons, high tide and low tide.

The first printed almanac appeared in the mid 15th century. Benjamin Franklin began his famous Poor Richard’s Almanacs in 1732. When I was a child, I would hear my parents discussing the best days for planting as outlined by the McDonald’s almanac, and I believe they implemented that advice for planting vegetables as well as flowers.

Then when my father passed away, my mother no longer bought the almanac, and I never thought about it until many years later when I began receiving free copies of the Old Farmer’s Almanac from a charity I donate to. This almanac was founded in 1792 by Robert Thomas. In addition to the usual weather forecasts, planting guides, and astronomical data, the Old Farmer’s Almanac has taken on a new look by featuring trends in fashion, food, sports, technology, and even jokes.

I just received three Old Farmer’s magazines — one with recipes, another with gardening, and the third with birds. Here is a recipe from one of the magazines:

Creamy shredded potatoes

Think of a potato omelet served in squares … this is it. The top is crisp and crunchy, the bottom is nicely chewy. For best results, make enough egg mixture to almost cover the potatoes in the baking dish.

Ingredients

• 5 medium russet potatoes
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 ¼ tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Method

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
• Peel potatoes and place in a bowl of cold water to prevent discoloration. Set aside.
• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and saute for 5 mins, or until limp. Add milk and bring to a boil. Remove from heat .
• Shred potatoes by hand or in a food processor.
• Beat eggs, salt, and pepper in a bowl until frothy. Add shredded potatoes. Stir to combine. Add milk mixture. Add ¾ cup of cheese to potato mixture and mix well.
• Pour into prepared baking dish. Bake for 1 hour, or until egg mixture firms up. Top with remaining cheese and bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese melts. Cut into squares and serve hot.  Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Enjoy!

The next time you visit your library, search the periodicals section. You may be able to browse through a few almanacs. If you can’t find one and you think an almanac may be a valuable addition to your library, you can always pick up a copy by clicking on the link below: https://amzn.to/4cMFyvm

This is an affiliate link and if you do click on it and make a purchase, I would receive a small commission. Thank you!

To learn about my books and other great reading material, please sign up for my newsletter below:

Angela is a blogger and author of Christian women’s fiction and Christian romance. Her latest release is Making Music Together.

In her latest book, Sarah Jakes Roberts, bestselling author, speaker, wife and mother of 6 uses her influence to inspire and equip women to embrace their purpose and revolutionize their lives. She states, “When we do the work of embracing where we are, we create space for God’s love to meet us in our most raw form and then polish us to shine like never before.”

With beautifully crafted prose, Roberts shows us that power does not lie in what you have, nor in success, achievement or performance, but in honesty, humility and in who you are willing to become.

Here are some of the nuggets you will encounter as you read this book:

If you are interested in learning the principles that will help you live authentically and become your best self, I recommend you get a copy of Power Moves today. To purchase a copy, please follow this link: https://bit.ly/4d7K1K4

To learn more please go to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-jakes-roberts-a609821a4/ and on Instagram @sarahjakesroberts

Angela is a blogger and author of Christian women’s fiction and Christian romance. Her latest release is Making Music Together.

Many, many years ago, while I was still in high school, I read my first Christian fiction book. At that time, my dream of becoming a writer was just a faint speck on the horizon. But I was an avid reader, I read everything I could put my hands on, and so it was inevitable that I would stumble on a Christian fiction book. I don’t remember the author’s name, but I think the title was In All These Things. I couldn’t put it down, and before I’d finished reading it, I’d convinced myself I would one day write a book like that.

So, that’s my first reason for writing Christian fiction — to fulfil a long-ago promise to myself.

I think what drew me to that book was the protagonist. I don’t remember the story or the character’s name, but I think the author developed her character in such a way that even though I don’t remember her name, I remember the impact she had on me. Through that work of fiction, I began to develop a desire to get to know God better and to get closer to Him.

And that’s my second reason — to create a memorable character(s), so memorable that even when readers don’t remember the story, they will remember the one who drives the story. In the same way they remember Huck Finn, Elizabeth Bennet, or Katniss Everdeen. Characters from Christian fiction novels can be just as captivating as those mentioned.

My third reason for writing Christian fiction is it gives me the freedom to express who I am and my view of the world. I don’t think any writer, secular or otherwise, can write a story without revealing something of his/her beliefs. That’s the beauty of art — freedom to express oneself. Everyone may not like it or agree with it, but for those who do, Christian fiction provides a format in which readers can develop their faith and understanding of God as they follow the characters on their faith journey.

If you regularly read Christian fiction, you may know the answer to this question. Is there a large market for Christian fiction? Publishers Weekly states, “Steve Oates, v-p of marketing for Baker Publishing Group’s Bethany House and Chosen imprints, estimates annual sales for Christian fiction at about $20 million and says that has even trended up in the past two years.” That’s pretty large, don’t you think?

The article goes on the say that while many of the large houses publish Christian fiction, some of them have cut back on their fiction lists, but still continue to depend on a backlist from Paul Young (The Shack) and regular outpourings from author Karen Kingsbury. In addition, indie authors of Christian fiction are also holding their own in what is a steadily growing market.

From what I’ve written above, you can see that I love writing Christian fiction. I believe God has blessed each of us with talents and abilities that we should use to bless others and bring glory to Him. And if I can do this by creating memorable characters, building plots that will help to draw readers close to God, and fulfil my long-held desire, then I will continue to do so.

Do you read Christian fiction? If yes, please state why and what you love about it in the comment box below.

Angela is a blogger and author of Christian women’s fiction and Christian romance. Her latest release is Making Music Together.

Fairy Tale Retellings, Book Two (standalone)

Historical Romance (Medieval)

Date Published: 04-10-2024

Little Red Riding Hood reimagined with a dark and realistic twist.

Princess Blanchette’s world shatters when the Black Wolf tears apart her castle and everything she holds dear. All she clings to is the vow she made to her grandmother on her deathbed.

Hailed as the people’s champion, Sir Rowan Dietrich liberates the capital in a quest for vengeance. He takes Winslowe Castle with an army at his back and his wolf, Smoke, at his side.

United by a shared cause and powerful attraction, Rowan and Blanchette embark on a journey of self-discovery and redemption—a path filled with loss, transformation, and ultimately, the healing power of love.

Can Norland’s resplendent princess, with her captivating beauty and spirit, tame the fabled Black Wolf?

Inspired by the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, Red Kingdom is a passionate historical romance about the enduring quest for love and the longing for a world at harmony.

*Red Kingdom is a standalone installment in a series of reimagined classic fairy tales. Due to adult content and themes, it is not intended for readers under the age of 18. 

What you can expect from Red Kingdom… 

Dark, Medieval Setting

Enemies to Lovers

Slow Burn

Broken Alpha Hero

Strong Heroine

Wolf Companion

He Falls First

Redemption

Warring Kingdoms

About the Author

I live in Sunny California with my dashing husband, who inspires my romance novels every day!

Writing has always been an integral part of my identity. Before I physically learned how to write, I’d narrate stories to my mom, and she’d record them for me.

I graduated from Chapman’s film school, where I often received the feedback on my scripts, “Your stories and characters are great, but this reads like a novel!” That’s when I realized my true calling.

In my free time, I frequent reptile expos, lift double my body’s weight, and indulge in dinosaur trivia.

I’m passionate about writing stories that explore what it means to be human and to be loved. My books focus on hope, courage, and redemption in the face of adversity.

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Red Kingdom – ExcerptSelections.doc

Blanchette spots the Black Wolf during the siege. Death at her feet.

Death in her home.

Death in the air.

Death screamed in every corner of her mind.

Then she saw him. Rowan Dietrich, the fabled Black Wolf of Norland, strode through her castle like awaking nightmare. His armor was crudely made, black as the surrounding night, the helm’s dark metal twisted into the shape of a wolf’s snarling head. But the most striking thing about him was his height. He towered above the other fighters and battled with a chilling methodicalness.

How he moved and fought frightened Blanchette the greatest. He looked collected. Even mildly amused. As if this were nothing more than a game. Blood soaked his sword as the blade whirled, whipped, slashed, and claimed lives in a macabre dance of death. And that wolf clung to his heels, its muzzle wet with blood, snarling and leaping at any man who dared come close to its master. Monster. Demons.

The Black Wolf of Norland had always had a mist of legend around him. She remembered the stories her mother and governess had often whispered after the feasts and in the dark of the night. “To me,” the Black Wolf called to a soldier a few yards away, his deep voice effortlessly carrying above the tumult. He didn’t need to yell, not even over the mayhem.

The force of his tone was enough. One of her father’s guards raised his blade, but too slowly. Rowan Dietrich’s longsword cut his head off, then came flashing back in a terrible two-handed slash that took another soldier in the leg. With quivering anger, she realized that this man—this wolf, this beast—was the reason the sky was falling on her family. She clutched the dagger, wishing she could stand a chance against him. How good and right it would feel to plunge the blade deep into his heart and avenge what would likely be the end of her family’s dynasty. Of course, she’d never survive him or his demon wolf. avenge her family, if she was to keep her promise, survival meant everything.

Angela is a blogger and author of Christian women’s fiction and Christian romance. Her latest release is Making Music Together.

February, my birth month, and the month of love is almost over. I have been posting about the love shown by women of the Bible and today I want to focus on the unselfish love of Mary Magdalene.

I couldn’t let the month end without writing about this well-known woman of the Bible, one who has been so misrepresented and so misjudged. In fact, of all the Marys mentioned in the Bible, Mary Magdalene is the only one who is given a last name. It’s as if the authors wanted us to know exactly which Mary they were writing about. And as if that weren’t enough, she also has the handle, “out of whom went seven devils” (Luke 8: 2).

But after Jesus healed her, Mary Magdalene became one of his most devoted followers. On the day of His crucifixion, she, along with His mother and other women, stood at the foot of the cross, sorrowful and unable to do anything. Since it is the Sabbath, they cannot embalm the body, but bright and early the following day, Mary Magdalene and another Mary return to the tomb where Jesus had been buried.

Here she exemplifies one quality of love according to 1 Corinthians 13: it is not self-seeking. She has nothing to gain by going to the tomb to perform this last rite on her Savior. It is her last act of love, and she gives it without reservation.

But even though Mary Magdalene expects to gain nothing, God has already prepared the greatest reward anyone could ever hope to have. The tomb is empty, Jesus is risen as He said He would, but where is He? She sees a man standing before her, and He calls her name. It is Jesus. How does she know it is Jesus? Because He calls her Mary, not Mary Magdalene, not the one out of whom went seven devils, but simply Mary. She is the first to see the risen Lord.

Want to learn more about this fascinating woman of the Bible? Please go to Women For All Seasons at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TM6TWX4  

Still in the month of love, this series would not be complete without including the love story of Ruth and Boaz. It is one of the best-loved stories in the Bible.

Ruth, a Moabite woman leaves her home country to accompany her Jewish mother-in-law to Judah after their husbands died.

Ruth has no idea where she is going, and being a foreigner, she faces persecution from the Jewish people. Naomi tries to persuade her to stay with her people, but she says: “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee; for whither thou goest, I will go, and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people and thy God my God:”

So they arrive in Judah, and Ruth sets out to find work gleaning in the barley fields. As fate would have it, the wealthy owner of the field sees her and falls in love with her.

Ruth and Boaz marry, and she later gives birth to a son who is the ancestor of Jesus Christ.

Like Esther in the previous post, Ruth acts out of loyalty and devotion to her mother-in-law. We also see that God’s love does not discriminate. Ruth was a Moabitess, outside of God’s covenant, and Boaz was an Israelite, of the chosen race, but not only did God bring them together, he caused His Son Jesus Christ to be descended from David who was a direct descendant of Ruth and Boaz.

What are your thoughts about Ruth? Would you be as devoted to your mother-in-law if your husband passed away? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.

To learn more about Ruth and other women of the Bible, please go to Women For All Seasons at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TM6TWX4  

February is the month of love. In this month, we celebrate Valentine’s Day through the giving of gifts and expressions of romantic love. But there are others in our lives with whom we share deep feelings of love, and we can use this opportunity to express our love for them as well. But we don’t have to wait on Valentine’s Day. We can demonstrate love on any day of the year.

In these posts, I use the Scripture passage from 1 Corinthians 13, popularly known as the love chapter, to show how some people in the Bible expressed their love for others in accordance with this scripture.

Esther was a young orphan girl who became queen almost by accident. She was chosen from among a bevy of young ladies after the former queen fell out of the king’s graces. Not long after Esther became queen, Esther’s uncle Mordecai discovered that Haman, one of the king’s officials, was plotting to annihilate all the Jews because Mordecai refused to bow to him. Mordecai sent word to Esther asking her to use her influence as queen to save the Jews. But Esther has a problem. She cannot go in to the king unless he invites her to do so, and he does not know she is a Jew.

Her response? “If I perish, I perish.” She and her servants fast for three days before she approaches the king. When she reveals the plot to him, he orders Haman to be hanged, and the lives of the Jews are spared.

Which of these qualities of love from the Biblical love chapter does Esther display? Please leave a comment in the box below. To learn more about Esther and her courageous act, please go to Women For All Seasons at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TM6TWX4   

Langston Hughes photographed by Carl Van Vechten, 1936.

We are already in February, the second month of the year, which means it’s  Black History Month, a time when we celebrate the achievements of black folk here in America. Every year, I take the opportunity to feature a few famous African American authors, and as I was about to make my pick, I came across a list of famous Black authors born in February.

One of them is Langston Hughes, famous playwright, novelist, poet, and social activist with whom I share the same birth date – Feb. 1. This illustrious scribe was born of mixed heritage – his paternal great-grandfathers were of European descent, while his maternal great-grandmothers were African American – Hughes took pride in his African-American identity and stressed this in his work.

Langston’s early years

While in high school in Cleveland, Ohio, Hughes wrote for the school newspaper, edited the yearbook, and began to write short stories, poetry, and dramatic plays. He wrote his first piece of jazz poetry — a literary art form in which the poet responds and writes about jazz — “When Sue Wears Red” while still in high school.

Hughes’ first book of poetry “The Weary Blues” (1926) features the poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” which became a signature poem. In 1930, he won the Harmon Gold Medal for Literature for his first novel, Not Without Laughter. Hughes went on to write many short stories, novels, essays, works for children, autobiographies, and plays, and later formed a theater troupe in Los Angeles.

Langston’s influence on young black writers

Although a major influence during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, Hughes was highly critical of other Renaissance men such as W.E.B Du Bois and others who, he felt, were too accommodating of Eurocentric values and culture. In addition to his literary prowess, Hughes’s racial consciousness inspired and united black writers not only in America but around the globe.  He had a major influence on writers  such as Jacques Roumain, Nicolás Guillén, Léopold Sédar Senghor, and Aimé Césaire.  Hughes was greatly admired by young black writers whom he discovered and introduced to the publishing world. One such example is Alice Walker author of The Color Purple, who was also born in February.

Of course, I don’t believe in astrology, but I’ve heard it said that people born in February are creative, and this list certainly seems to bear this out. So, let’s take a look at some of the better-known Black authors and some of my favorites born in February :

Black authors born in February

• Feb. 1 – Langston Hughes, Angela Joseph
• Feb, 2 – Joseph S Cotter – one of the earliest African-American playwrights to be published.
• Feb. 6 – Bob Marley
• Feb. 9 – Alice Walker
• Feb. 12 – Jacqueline Woodson
• Feb. 14 – Frederick Douglass
• Feb. 15 – Beverly Jenkins, Elizabeth Acevedo
• Feb. 18 – Audre Lorde, Bebe Moore Campbell, Elizabeth Nunez, and Toni Morrison
• Feb. 20 – Trevor Noah
• Feb- 23 – W.E.B. Dubois

It would not be fitting for me to end this article without leaving you with a few lines from The Negro Mother, a poem by Langston Hughes, which I find very touching and which, I believe, is so pertinent to these times.

Tackling Racism and Inequality in Education and Beyond

Education, Non-Fiction

Date Published: June 1, 2023

Education is a cornerstone of society, one that shapes the future of our communities and the world. But despite its importance, the education system is riddled with challenges and inequalities that prevent many individuals from receiving a quality education. This book aims to address these challenges and offer practical solutions for improving education outcomes.

About the Author

Dr. Rodger E. Perkins Jr. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 22, 1979. Raised by a single-mother in upstate New York, he later attended Temple University in Philadelphia, PA where he received a B.A. in Psychology, and a B.A. in Criminal Justice. He also holds advanced degrees in Law/Public Policy and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from California University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Perkins is a veteran of both the United States Army and the United States Air Force. While in the Army, he served as an Infantryman with the 10th Mountain light Infantry Division located at Ft. Drum, New York and with the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. While in the Army, he attended Air Assault School, Airborne School and Ranger School prior to his separation in order to complete his academic studies on a full-time basis.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Perkins commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 2006, and served as a law enforcement Special Agent and later as a Counterintelligence Agent. He has conducted and supervised multiple operations in Germany, Qatar, Ethiopia, Italy, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Turkey, and France. He has multiple deployments in support of both Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

In 2014, Dr. Perkins was assigned to Quantico, Virginia where he supervised world-wide espionage, counterintelligence and criminal investigative operations in the Integrated Collections and Operations Nexus for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. In 2015, Dr. Rodger Perkins received a promotion to serve as an Intelligence Liaison Officer to the Defense Intelligence Agency, located in Reston, Virginia.

Before his military separation in 2018, Dr. Perkins served as a Senior Military Advisor to the senior leaders of the Department of the Air Force. He has advised on over 250 critical oversight issues, oversaw a $5 billion program budget, and authored policy recommendations pertaining to sexual assault investigations in the Department of Defense, policies concerning Special Access Programs and sensitive Department of Defense agendas.

Currently, Dr. Perkins is a private consultant for an international security company based in Tel Aviv, Israel. Additionally, he is an educational administrator at a charter school in Washington, D.C. and a humanities teacher.

Awards & Accolades:

2 Air Force Meritorious Medals, 3 Air Force Commendation Medals, 3 Air Force Achievement Medals, Army Combat Action Medal, 3 Overseas Deployment Medals, 4 Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Top Gun Award & Sharpshooter Medal.

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