I Published My First Book, & I Owe thanks To My Fellow Freepers For My Success

TRFMF ^ | 12/3/22 | OneVike

[OneVike]

I've been a Freeper for 25 years come next February, and I must admit that my knowledge and understanding of things has been immensely effected by the many great minds who are part of this great forum. Whether it's about politics, science, history, or religion, FreeRepublic has been to me, what many Colleges used to be. I have witnessed many a great mind debate other great minds, and I have witnessed my share of knock down, drag out, leave no prisoner, fights between Freepers who would die on their cross of beliefs. Probably the biggest was the battle of the long-knives. This is not an insult, but rather a compliment to the way this forum has truly effected me, and many like me, in our understanding of the world throughout the last 25 years.

It's been an somewhat unorthodox education, but it has enabled me to gain the knowledge, experience, and courage to write the book I published this past week. My book is titled, “Sleuthing The Scriptures.” It is a Christian book that contains many commentaries I have written over the years. Most deal with topics I have dove deeply into for the purpose of helping others understand GOD’s Word. It has long been my passion to open up the Scriptures and explain them in a way most Christians can understand. Too often theologians write in a way than only seminary students and other theological professors can grasp.

Many who have read my work, understand that I try to write in such a way that it makes it easier for Christians who are still drinking milk to understand. I try my best to explain things in a way where the reader will not need a lexicon or dictionary handy to understand what I am conveying. If something needs a deeper explanation, I will do so with proper notes to help bring the point to a solid understandable conclusion.

As I do with all my writing, I try to emphasize the importance of doing one's own investigation by reading the Word to be sure I am not taking Scripture out of context just to force a point I wish to make. I'm only human, so I pray for guidance to keep me humble, and above all, I fear leading others astray more than I desire recognition for my writing. Too often wolves in sheep’s clothing will twist Scripture to sway gullible young Christians away from Christ, because they are children of the devil who only wish to destroy one’s faith.

In the book I just wrote I have added some devotional Psalms I have written over the years along with a short story I pray will bless the hearts of those who read it. As a bonus, I have included something I have never published before. It is a theory I have pondered for many years about the day our Lord visited His father’s House when He was 12 years old. If I am correct on my theory, then this a portion of Jacob’s was fulfilled on that very day Jesus was baffling the religious scholars in HIS Father’s House.

This theory is one I have been working on for 35 years. I do plan on writing a separate book on this, but I offer my theory as it is in a 29 page chapter near the end of my book. There are a quite a number of good friends I have shared my theory with, some are Freepers, along with some pastors from various different denominations who have weighted in on my thesis. Its these well respected men who have suggested I expound upon my thesis in a book so I can offer a more in depth explanation than a mere chapter can offer. Which I am in the process of doing.

I share the information below as a way to thank FreeRepublic and my fellow Freepers for my success, because if FreeRepublic never existed, well then I never would have reached the point where IU could write, let alone get a book published.

As of this morning when I woke up, my current paperback book was ranked #34, while my Kindle e-book was ranked #17 on Amazon's New Releases for Christian Education.  They were ranked lower at #9 and #13 respectively, but Amazon numbers change quite frequently, and the sale of one or two books can make a big difference in the ranking of the competition. When I consider the millions of books listed by Amazon, I will accept my ranking in this category. Over all on the actual best seller list, I have been as low as 145,000, and as high as 490,000 . This only 5 days after I published my book, a new book is eligible to be ranked in the new release categories for 30 days, so that's free advertising as long as I can stay in their top 20 list which is on their first page. True, it's a niche category, but hey, I get the free advertising.

[minnesota_bound]

Here is the title of your next book:
“It was a Dark and Stormy Night” : )

[MeganC]

I know. But he does mean well and he cares passionately for Jim Robinson and FR. That buys a ton of credibility and patience with me.

[pax_et_bonum]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

You just sold a paperback and I can’t wait to receive it!!

[gas_dr]

Congrats!!
A member is the 20 year club here. And best wishes as you add published author to your CV

[sasquatch]

effected?

[Prince of Space]

I’ve been here since April 1998 , so I’m obviously a retread. When I first joined FR, I rarely posted because I was so intimidated by many of the great minds here. Over the years, I timidly ventured forward into the debates and learned how to organize my thoughts into a cogent argument instead of resorting to my usual emotional responses. I’ve learned so much from this site and it’s still the first place I go to get my daily news fix.

[OneVike]

Thanks brother hey if you get a chance could you leave me a review on the page on Amazon

[OneVike]

Well thank awesome I’m stoked

[blueplum]

Congrats 2 u !

[combat_boots]

Congrats

[zeestephen]

Re: "Probably the biggest [FR debate] was the battle of the long-knives."

Anyone know what that specific FR debate was about?

Thanks...

[OneVike]

Amen. God gave us all an addictive gene so we would search Him out. Instead we search many of the wrong places doing the wrong rings to fill that empty spot in our soul.

Some find it when they are 10, some at 14, and yet others may take years before they find it, even into their 90s or on their deathbed. Sadly, most humans never find it until it’s much much too late. However, each and everyone of us are in search of it, even though we don’t realize it.

This search could take us on journeys far from home and away from loved ones, or it could consist of a life long search in the little town we were born and never leave from. As we search, we will go through many trials and tribulations from thinking we found it. Just to realize, that which we search for has yet to be found. So we try to fill that empty cold spot with things like drugs, alcohol, sex, eating, television, work, money, shopping, and sports. We will go from one addiction to another, never feeling as fulfilled or satisfied as we were created to feel.

Throughout our human bodies, we have the power of Christ holding us together, with the Holy Spirit moving us to yearn for our Father.

The Holy Trinity is at work in us, and through us. Is it any wonder we have a craving to once again walk through the garden during the cool of the day with our Father?

From the moment Adam and Eve lost communion with God, because they ate of the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, man has been yearning to get back to Him.

[OneVike]

Thanks

[OneVike]

Great idea, didn’t think of that, but now I will.

[OneVike]

Yea, maybe I’ll quote Biden and add Winter to it.

[fr_freak]

Congratulations on the book, OneVike. Hope it does well.

[gas_dr]

You earned it!

[OneVike]

Thank GOD I had a few good friends who helped editors my book.

My retired sister was a school teacher, a Freeper helped who is a retired secretary for the pentagon, and one of my close friends is a retired secretary for a corporate lawyer.

[Jim W N]

Sorry sniper humblegunner. Had my handle changed.

[KevinB]

effected?

Thank you.