new member..Spamohan... was enjoying reading..

I had a spectacular time, Michelle & Bellas. What a great, great group of gals you are. Very welcoming. Very insightful. Very fun. Thanks for having me. I'd love to come back anytime. Just say the word.

Blessings, girls! Love ya, Dee

Buongiorno, Bellas! Thank you, Claire, for being a regular Bella, and for delurking. I'm really moved that you chose to join us in the conversation in response to this topic. Your words are very comforting, I'm with you on what you feel; I am completely honored to be part of this community of women.

Dee, I appreciate your pointing out that we've all got our weaknesses. I am not great at forgiving immediately. It's one of my greatest weaknesses, because I'm a ridiculously loyal person, and expect it from others, perhaps unfairly. Definitely something I work on regularly! :)

I'm so pleased we've had this oportunity to think on and discuss things spiritual and religious. I know they're such a big part of so many of your lives. And while I never use RBTB as a vehicle to express my religious or political beliefs -- as it should be -- I'm glad Dee's being here gave us an opportunity to consider new things.

Grazie mille (thanks bunches) to those of you who wrote me privately to share your love of Dee's novels, etc. I hope you'll feel free to drop comments here, too. This is such a great bunch of chicks. Once you get your nerve up to comment, it's kind of hard to stop. I won't name names, but those of you who've had that "epiphany,' sure know what I'm talkin' about.

I'm off this morning to meet with Bella Jenna Petersen for lunch, then her book signing. Last night, hooked up with Bella Stacy and some new friends to attend Bella Colleen Gleason's book signing. I'll report back later on all these fun things and more!

So, grazie, Dee, for joining us. YOu're welcome ANY time. Can't wait foryour next book. Promise you'll visit to chat about it!

I usually just lurk here but felt the need to comment. Some of the most wonderful people I've met are Christians and some of the most dishonest, reprehensible folks I've met are ones who constantly tell people what great Christians they are. I live in the Bible Belt where people worship one way and drink whiskey another.

In the past few years, the evangelical groups had the largest percentage of growth among Christian . But a recent study showed that the fastest growing group is the "unchurched." They are the folks who have grown tired of churches who build huge mega-congregations at the expense of meeting the needs of their members at the face-to-face level.

I love that all these women are willing to express their feelings and problems so openly and honestly. This is tremendous sisterhood.

Marilyn, I agree with Michelle. No need for apologies around here. I, for one, love it when you girls feel comfortable enough and free enough to share what you REALLY feel. Because you know what? There are others reading your post who have felt or are feeling exactly what you are and it is comforting and validating to know they aren't the only ones. (Our very own Michelle is a case-in-point.) So ... thanks for participating. It has been our pleasure. And I really mean that.

And when I hear stories like Marilyn's and Michelle's it is a grim reminder that even though God calls us (as Christians) to higher standards, we really fall short of the mark (myself included). I've done some horrible things and said some horrible things and I've been in love with God's Son since I was 4 yo. [sigh]

Guess that's why the characters in Christian novels need to be pretty rough around the edges, eh? :)

Didn't mean to publish that twice! :)

Buongiorno, Bellas! drsmiel, welcome! You know, there are plenty of great books out there that may really please you. Have you tried more of the romances from authors from Bethany House? Also, Tamara Alexander is marvelous, Lauraine Snelling writes a lovely family-centered series about generations of a family in the midwest. I think they're Scandanavian or Swedish. It's satisfying for romance fans who love to get "everybody's" story. :)

Play, this is not the place you need to apologize for talking about that. I'm only sorry I forgot to comment about it at the time. Your experience was nigh on tragic. Too many folks have that type of experience trying to practice their faith in a way that is 'down to earth.'

I had a miserable experience last year with a Christian radio station I listen to. I love it cause I can have it on with the kids in the car. They were talking about things that make Christians not feel like they belong. And I thought, well, dayum, I'm gonna call in and tell the guy about what it's like being Catholic and feeling like a second-class Christian. I mean, when will folks give up on the whole "they worship the Pope thing, anyway?" The only Italian I worship is Fabio Cannavaro.

Anywayz, I told the dj how horrible it feels to be Christian your whole life, but to be excluded. I'm thinkin, now here's a guy who can make a difference and make a statement, in the same way he did for the previous caller. That guy had complained about being ostricized by his prayer group because he felt a little more kindly about non-Christians. So what does the dj say to me? "um, yeah. Well." pause. pause. pause. "You know -- not me, or anything, because most of my family are Catholics, but, you know there are lots of folks who think Catholics can't get into Heaven cause they're not saved." And I'm like, This guy did NOT just give me the 'some of my best friends are Catholic" line, did he?

So, apparently, this is how far this guy was willing to be a Soldier for Christ: Only as far as his fellow, more conservative Christians would approve of. He had a chance to make a difference, to teach instead of judge and he did...nothing. Way to spread the Word, brother.

So, Marilyn, I walked around for days like I'd just broken up with a boyfriend. It really hurt. For you and me -- and many, many folks like us -- faith is important, but we don't wear it on our sleeves to make a point, nor do we use it as a weapon of division. But the good thing is we keep the faith. We just moved and have to find a new church, which will be hard, but we'll keep looking. But even if we don't find a new one -- and you don't find a new one -- the only being who can truly tell us we ain't Christian enough -- or aren't believers enough -- may not be coming around anytime soon to make the case in person. So we'll just have to keep the faith among ourselves and our families.

Buongiorno, Bellas! drsmiel, welcome! You know, there are plenty of great books out there that may really please you. Have you tried more of the romances from authors from Bethany House? Also, Tamara Alexander is marvelous, Lauraine Snelling writes a lovely family-centered series about generations of a family in the midwest. I think they're Scandanavian or Swedish. It's satisfying for romance fans who love to get "everybody's" story. :)

Play, this is not the place you need to apologize for talking about that. I'm only sorry I forgot to comment about it at the time. Your experience was nigh on tragic. Too many folks have that type of experience trying to practice their faith in a way that is 'down to earth.'

I had a miserable experience last year with a Christian radio station I listen to. I love it cause I can have it on with the kids in the car. They were talking about things that make Christians not feel like they belong. And I thought, well, dayum, I'm gonna call in and tell the guy about what it's like being Catholic and feeling like a second-class Christian. I mean, when will folks give up on the whole "they worship the Pope thing, anyway?" The only Italian I worship is Fabio Cannavaro.

Anywayz, I told the dj how horrible it feels to be Christian your whole life, but to be excluded. I'm thinkin, now here's a guy who can make a difference and make a statement, in the same way he did for the previous caller. That guy had complained about being ostricized by his prayer group because he felt a little more kindly about non-Christians. So what does the dj say to me? "um, yeah. Well." pause. pause. pause. "You know -- not me, or anything, because most of my family are Catholics, but, you know there are lots of folks who think Catholics can't get into Heaven cause they're not saved." And I'm like, This guy did NOT just give me the 'some of my best friends are Catholic" line, did he?

So, apparently, this is how far this guy was willing to be a Soldier for Christ: Only as far as his fellow, more conservative Christians would approve of. He had a chance to make a difference, to teach instead of judge and he did...nothing. Way to spread the Word, brother.

So, Marilyn, I walked around for days like I'd just broken up with a boyfriend. It really hurt. For you and me -- and many, many folks like us -- faith is important, but we don't wear it on our sleeves to make a point, nor do we use it as a weapon of division. But the good thing is we keep the faith. We just moved and have to find a new church, which will be hard, but we'll keep looking. But even if we don't find a new one -- and you don't find a new one -- the only being who can truly tell us we ain't Christian enough -- or aren't believers enough -- may not be coming around anytime soon to make the case in person. So we'll just have to keep the faith among ourselves and our families.

My hat is off to you Dee. I love your books. My only complaint is how few there are! I am a romance junkie and Christian romance has spoiled me for the other ones. I'm sure you've found more out there now. I read Karen Kingsbury but they're so draining and sad that I have to gear up for her.

I just want to apologize for coming across like such a negative Nelly. We just happened to have a bad experience that has shaken not our faith in God, but our faith in organized religion. We're working through it and are looking for a new church home where we'll feel comfortable. Just like books of all genres to meet the needs of all readers, there are denominations and subtle differences within denominations to meet the needs of all believers.

Anyway, my hat's off to Deeanne's willingness to push the envelope within her own set of beliefs. From the success of her books and the awards she's won, I can see it's paid off for her.

Marilyn