BURST OF SALT

I must admit that, though I had taken a look at this work much earlier, I am just taking a closer look. It is indeed impressive and well written. I would, however, suggest further structural and conceptual development, especially considering the considerable number of similar 'competing' works. Since it is essentially a devotional, I would suggest a numbering of the of the articles and a guide for reading. For the same reason, I would recommend a toning down of the voice. People come to works like this for consolation and tact is imperative to the minister. Regarding structural and conceptual development, depending on the total number of articles - which could be rounded off anyway - you might want to consider packaging it as, say, a twenty-one-day devotional. You might also want to lump similar portions into sections - say, on faith, hope, sanctification, etc. You could also consider adapting the whole work to a particular readership, to give it a better chance among the pile. Grace be with you and blessings always.

I salute you for making God part of your story. Some people forgot who created this world and the things and people on it

Dear Julie,

I just wanted to stop by and briefly visit 'Burst of Salt,' but please know that I will be back when it's your turn in the CLF. First of all, I absolutely love your title! It's the kind of book one might scan on a bookstore shelf and pick up simply for it's lovely, creative title!

Also, you have developed such a wonderful tone in this piece. Even though you are consistently truthful in presenting the biblical subject matter, you manage to do so with an inviting conversational voice. For example, I love how you ask a question ("Are there many roads to Heaven?") and then answer with a simple elegance ("Or just one"). Your style beautifully anticipates what the reader might be thinking and then engages him/her to carry on.

In addition, you are able to deal with some pretty heavy topics (pride, obedience, heaven/hell) in a way which again brings the reader in. I think this has to do with the way you put yourself into the equation also, saying things such as: "What road are WE on?" Instead of talking at the reader, you seem to talk with the reader. I love that.

Finally, at the end of chapter two, your wise words brought such encouragement to my heart today. Thank you for the beautiful reminder of "a time for everything." I needed to focus on God's "bigger picture," and your wonderful words helped me to do that. Thank you. I look forward to returning to your piece and reading more. Wishing you every success.

All the very best,
Faith Rose
Now To Him

You have done a great job mixing life experience with Scripture to create an easy to read and highly valueable piece of literature. Every word and sentence carefully chosen to illustrate and portray your profound love for God. I like the shorter stories because they are quick to read and can either be read all at once or divided over time like a yearly devotional. You write very well. I rate you 6 stars. Great job, Lacy

Julie,

I love the title of your book!! I read the first few chapters and loved it!!! Keep up the superb work.

Very well opened. I love the way you add a personal story to this to share your life as you go along.
I like how simple you write this so anyone can read it and think about it.
It is very well developed.
I like the title and the cover for your book.
Wonderfully written!
Best wishes.

Shelby Z./Driving Winds

P.S. When you have time, please take a look at my Christian pirate adventure Driving Winds.

Julie,

I just took a look at your first 2 chapters. Your love for God shines through in your writing! I wish you all the best with this. I also appreciate your comments in the CLF forum. You clearly have a very sweet spirit.

Blessings!

Patti

The gentle, but direct, messages of this book are excellent. I am really enjoying it. Very thought provoking and challenging. I really like the way it is in short pieces which means it is a book you can pick up at any time and just read a little. A must-read for any Christian if they want to be challenged to walk closer with God.

Eljay

A Burst of Salt challenges and inspires the reader to be obedient to Christ’s word. Julie’s short devotions are easy to understand, bit-sized take-aways that the Christian can apply to their life in a very relevant way. This book is obviously written with the heart and knowledge of Jesus and is meant to change a believer’s ho-hum walk into something that is vital and attractive to the world. Six Stars!

Dianna Lanser
Nothing But The Blood

expand on this central theme of Christian being worth their salt. give us a deeper background of salt. bring it forward to today and give us stronger applications. really drive us with your pitches. they are very weak...
j
what every woman should know

Dear Julie,

BURST OF SALT is a beautiful exposition of Biblical truth.
Thank you for sharing this with us. The simple and lucid narrative can be read and appreciated by readers regardless of their faith. It provides ample food for thought to the atheist and is a pillar of support for the true believer. Well done, my friend.

Best regards,
AGC

Hi Julie, your book is very clear and well written and full of important truths. Any truly committed Christian would appreciate your message.

Hi Julie, thanks for your welcome on the Christian Lit Forum, and for taking an interest in THE GOD PLEASERS. I have 'Burst of Salt' on my Watchlist and will be reading it soon.

Hello Julie:

I read all six chapters of Burst of Salt and found it to be full of biblical truth.

My only suggestion is that you might want to work on sprucing up the cover a little.

Blessings to you as you share His truth.

James

Julie I love your thoughts and I feel that I know you as a person through reading this lovely book! I have read quite a lot of it although haven't had time to read it all - but I love it! Good for you for upholding our wonderful Christian faith without compromise!

The only (helpful I hope) criticism I have is that the grammar and punctuation doesn't always flow as it should but I am sure you could sort that out with a thorough review. For example, sometimes you use a capital H for He and Him when referring to God/Jesus and sometimes you use a small h. Whatever option you take you should be consistent. Then sometimes there are words missed out e.g. in chapter 5 - Knowing Truth - "And, let's say that a month later you've hit it off very well with staff." When surely it should say - the staff. And later in the same paragraph "based on overwhelming positive response." Should be "an overwhelming response."?

I know these are only minor things really but because your thoughts are so lovely it would be worth working on these I think.

Anyway, I was intrigued by your title which is why I read your book and I wasn't disappointed! I have put your book on my bookshelf.

Margaret Weston (Author of How do I know I know God?)

Thanks for the backing Julie. I have starred and put yours on my WL for now. I hope to get back to it soon.
God Bless.
Brian.

Hi Julie,

Yours is a work of God, beautifully written and sincerely shared. Burst Of Salt answers every none believer's theory and strengthens every believers' faith. Your writing resonates with all especially through the wonderful examples that you've given. Well done!

Best Wishes,
Shweta

Julie, yours is a book full of gems! I like the subjects you covered in the chapters you've uploaded. I think every reader will find something that resonates with him/her. Very well written and organized. Concise and clear. Flows well. You give just enough to spark the reader's mind to think deeper about these important issues. And incorporating the Biblical references will enable a new believer to find a starting point in his/her walk with the Lord. Excellent!
Donna Robison
No Kiss Good-bye

Just finished chapter 3..You have some beautiful reflections here that are very inspirational. I'm so glad that you are sharing them with others! Ruby

Hi Julie,

I'm here to read and comment on your book as promised. I have to say that the depth of your writing and your obvious sincerity make this a very encouraging, moving book to read. I'm so glad that you've taken the time to spread some salt of the word abroad. Don't be weary in well doing, because in due season you will reap if you don't faint. I'm happy to give your book a well-deserved six stars from one Christian author to another. :)

God bless you richly,

Nathan Maki
- A War Within

Hi Julie,

I'm here to read and comment on your book as promised. I have to say that the depth of your writing and your obvious sincerity make this a very encouraging, moving book to read. I'm so glad that you've taken the time to spread some salt of the word abroad. Don't be weary in well doing, because in due season you will reap if you don't faint. I'm happy to give your book a well-deserved six stars from one Christian author to another. :)

God bless you richly,

Nathan Maki
- A War Within

Julie,

I’m so glad I came across your book this morning. It was a great way to spend a little quiet time with God. I liked what you said in “The understanding of God’s love: The comprehension of God’s word comes directly from God but it has to be that one is in a receptive state of mind which cannot follow unless the heart is with God.” This is so true and you kind of reiterate that point in “Choosing Life.”

I totally agree with what you said about anger and forgiveness. The forgiveness element is what drives that anger away and is what we called to do because Christ first forgave us.

It’s a comforting thought to know angels are watching over us.

What you had to say in “Faith in Our Security” was especially encouraging. I know God sees our needs and has our best interest in mind, but just to be reminded of that, is exactly what I needed to hear today.

“Faith is a Gift” - My prayer, “God, work in my life like you did in Paul’s life. Give me more faith and more wisdom…”

I loved what you had to say in “Choosing Life”. I have come to understand that too. When people say they don’t believe in God, it’s just that they haven’t opened themselves to Him. He’s there patiently knocking on their heart’s door.

Julie, thanks for sharing your heart. I can tell it is passionate for Christ. May you be blessed today for the way you have blessed me through your writing (which is highly starred!)

Sincerely,
Dianna Lanser
Nothing But The Blood

Hi Julie,
Just read your first chapter. I enjoyed your writing, which is easy to follow and simplistic in a way that is not insulting to the reader, bur delivers the message effectively. Best of luck with this! Ruby

Julie,

Also, when you get a chance, it would be good to have an interesting book cover to help this book move up in the rankings. We sinners are so visual. *grin* ~Kady Colter

Hi Julie,

I enjoyed reading Burst of Salt and some of the examples you gave were so familiar to me. The one of the man being able to retire and the wife still having to work was one. And how sad for the man and the woman. Bitterness for the woman because the man gets to be head of the household yet he can't support the wife and family. No wonder he develops cancer, from guilt as well as the nagging. He must feel less than a man. And the poor woman and her bitterness about the unfairness in life. What a bitter pill to swallow.

At least God came down in the form of man and knows what it's like to walk in our shoes. Ha-Ha! That's our saving grace.

Anyway, your book is well written, an easy read, not too preachy, and I love the stories woven into the teaching. Like Jesus and his Parables. Wouldn't it be great if everyone could at least read this book on Authonomy. I wish you well with your manuscript and I'm starring you high. ~Kady Colter, Shakespeare's Pink Cadillac

Hi Julie,
I am enjoying your take on the Bible and your love of Jesus. I have only read two chapters. As an African Traditional believer, I always embrace the borderless love Jesus has brought to the people of the world, although some of his teachings still remain probably impractical to our fast consumption driven modern man and woman. Let’s take the world population for example, what percentage of the people on earth today do you think can forgive somebody, not just seven times but seventy seven times as Jesus told John?
I totally I agree that the message Jesus brought is the best thing that has ever happened in the world but it is so hard and even becoming more so to follow or live by.
I like your writing because it is straight forward simple and highly educative.
Respect from sharing your thoughts with us.
Chief Chebe. Please try the “A Glasgow Kiss” if you can.