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Is the Apostles' Creed even relevant anymore?

 

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.

Amen.

 

(Flash, all by his lonesome.)

 

In my book Walking with Henry, I relate how my donkey Flash didn't know he was a donkey.

I think Flash thought he was just another human...or at the very least, a horse (like the ones next door).

Let's just say he had "identity issues."

Suddenly, Henry showed up. Henry is the miniature rescue donkey we brought in to be Flash's companion. I thought the two donkeys would immediately be best buddies. The thing was, Flash HAD NO IDEA what to do with this small, long-eared intruder!

 

(Henry always has food in his mouth.)

 

Flash didn't know how donkeys were supposed to act, how they played, or how they communicated! He couldn't figure out who was supposed to be in charge, or how to even get along. Flash was pretty confused.

But the first time Flash heard Henry bray, it was like a light clicked on in that big ol' noggin of his: "HEY! You sound just like me!"

 

It took getting to know another donkey in real life for Flash to realize his own identity.

 

Like Flash, I was having some identity issues. I needed to find my own identity as a believer. I needed to peel back the layers of my modern evangelical sensibilities to find the DNA strand that connected me with the very first Christians, as well as Christians on the other side of the world...or across the street from me.

 

I found it in the Apostles' Creed.

 

Now, I grew up in church, but the Creeds of the church were not part of my particular faith experience. In the non-denominational settings of my childhood (Charismatic) and adulthood (Bible Church), I have few if any memories of reciting the Apostles' Creed as a congregation. I have to reach all the way back to summers spent with my Lutheran grandparents to recall being exposed to this set of core Christian beliefs that were assembled by the earliest believers in Christ.

I love my background and I do treasure the wonderful worship and teaching I've experienced throughout my life. But when a mid-life faith crisis of sorts hit me a few years ago, I found myself searching for the central tenets of what I believed. I decided to put everything on the table and start at Square One: who is God, who is Jesus, and what makes me a Christian? What do I have in common with other believers in other denominations and cultures?

I felt like I was starting over. It was both scary AND frightening. :)

That's when the Apostles' Creed came to my attention.

The Apostle's Creed has been in existence (at least orally) since the first-century Christians began to share their faith. It was what new converts to "The Way" would recite before their first baptism to show that they understood the crucial story, unity, and themes of the Christian faith. We had the Creed long before we had a canonized Bible.

Each line of the Creed tells us what we agree upon as Christians, and I love that these words have stood the test of two thousand years.It is the "good bones" that the rest of our faith practice is built upon. As I began to make the Apostle's Creed part of my daily prayer time, I felt my roots growing deeper..and my fingers loosening on some of the unnecessary dogma that had been become burdensome to hang on to. I began to see walls that I'd built between other "kinds" of Christians and me start to crumble.

 

You see, if we can affirm the Apostles' Creed, then we share the same spiritual DNA. We are all one family.

 

Far from being irrelevant, the Apostle's Creed still holds true and still defines what it means to be a Christian.

 

I found my spiritual identity after all.

 

Here are a few resources that can help acquaint you to this creed, if you would like to learn more:

 

What Christians Ought to Believe, by Michael F. Bird

 

 

A Deeper Christian Faith, by Ted Campbell

 

Online Article:

Why "No Creed But the Bible is Misguided"

 

What are your thoughts about the Apostles' Creed?

Is it something you are familiar with, or is this new to you?

Is the Creed something that you could commit to memory?

 

 

 

 

You can read more of my faith journey in Walking with Henry.

Celebrate World Animal Day with 50% Off + Gift

Happy World Animal Day!

Today is the perfect day to hug your furry (or feathered) friends.

Our pets, and all of God's creatures, are such a source of joy and delight, aren't they? Over the past tragic days especially, I've experienced a sense of calm and peace when I've been outside with my donkeys....and it's made me appreciate the gift that they are to me.

I know you probably feel the same way about your animals. It's hard to explain, but they just make life feel better, softer somehow.

My publisher wants to help us celebrate World Animal Day by offering my Flash books, and my friend Dave Burchett's dog-themed books, for 50% off today!

 

I love half off!

Just go to Tyndale World Animal Day Special to get the discount.

This might be a great time to stock up on books to give, or to keep for your own pleasure!

As an added gift, I've created a mixed media art piece that you can download and print.

 

 

This piece was inspired by the adorable birds that frequent my back yard. I absolutely love to watch them - and they remind me of God's infinite creativity in our beautiful world. The tiny chickadees are among my favorites.

You'll find the link to the download at the Tyndale page.

You will also be entered to win an exclusive signed canvas print of this art.

After you order the books at the Tyndale site, just follow the link to my special page and leave your email address in order to be entered and to receive your printable art. Super easy.

Celebrate your animals today....and give them a special hug from me, Flash, and Henry.

 

 

You're Invited to a Pajama Party!

When was the last time you went to a pajama party?

Well, that's too long.

WAY too long!

 

I would love for you to come to my PJ Party on Friday night (Oct. 7) at 7 pm!

 

Now, not everyone will fit into my living room, so this will be a VIRTUAL party, via Facebook Live! All you need to do is hop over to Flash the Donkey's Facebook page, and I'll be posting live video so you can join in!

There will be music, games, food, and a special book reading...and of course Real Life Flash will be there too.

So, gather your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, and any other kids in your life, and let's have some fun together! 

Please wear your jammies!

PS There's a video invitation on Flash's page with a sneak peek at the "party set" we've been working on! (hint: there are life-sized storybook characters involved)

 

 

The winner in yesterday's drawing for Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends is Robin Brantley. Robin, send me your address via email and I'll get a book to you asap!

Watch out world, here's Jed!

 

Well, what can I say about Jed? This guy...

 

 

Jed....well you could say he wears his heart on his sleeve.

You never have to guess what he is feeling because it's written all over his face.

 

And then there's his body language:

When Jed is excited, he leaps on top of tables.

When he is mad, he harrumphs up a pile of hay bales.

When he's annoyed, he crosses his arms and looks away.

 

 

When he's happy, he grabs a ukelele and belts out a tune.

 

Jed is the goat who shoots from the hip, speaks his mind, jumps to conclusions, and commands the room. 

He's just like that "annoying little brother" that reeeally drives you crazy sometimes.

 

 

 

But you can't live without him because, after all, he's the one that brings the party with him wherever he goes.

 

 

 

 

 

Today, we celebrate the "Jeds" we know and love. Who is it that makes you laugh, drives you nuts sometimes, and lives life to the hilt?

Please share your own special "Jed" story today for another chance at a signed book!

 

I loved hearing about all the special "Rubys" in your lives yesterday! I got emails, blog comments, Facebook comments and tweets, telling me about the wonderful mother-hens who take care of everyone around them. The winner of the signed Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends book is:

Jane Carver! 

Jane, honey...send me your address and I'll get your book to you!

 

 

Meet Ruby

You know how awesome it is when you get to introduce people to each other that you just know will be instant friends?

That's how I feel about my friend, Ruby–and you.

See, when I wrote Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends, I knew that Ruby had to be a central character. A mis-matched collection of companions MUST have someone who's in charge!

 

 

Everyone should have a chicken for a friend, right? A mother-hen type who seems to know just what to do in any situation.

 

Feeling faint?

Ruby will direct you to a chair so you can sit down.

Have an injury?

She will produce a bandage and ice, almost out of thin air.

Hungry?

Ruby happens to have a pot of soup on the stove.

Sad? 

There, there. Ruby knows just how to cheer you up.

Has someone done you wrong?

Well, that ruffles her feathers just thinking about it.

 

 

Ruby fusses. She clucks. She talks to herself as she bustles about. 

And always stylish, she is never without her earrings and necklace.

You can be assured that Ruby is a fine feathered friend, who will forever believe in you, worry over you, and make sure you've eaten a good breakfast. She's always got your back.

See, I knew you'd love her!

 

Since I'm counting down the days until you meet Ruby in real life, (when my book releases on Oct. 1,) I'd like to do a little PRE-CELEBRATING!

One lucky commenter will receive a signed copy of Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends today.

Simply let us know: who is a "Ruby" in your life? Do you have someone who fusses, clucks and bustles about your life, making sure she knows all the details?

Let's cheer for all the Ruby's of this world! Where would we be without them?? (Mine is my daughter, Lauren - a first-rate mother hen of the finest sort!)

It's Almost Here....

My friends, I'm so excited I'm about to bust.

 

My brand new book, written especially for children and starring my dear friend Flash, will be out on October 1!

 

 

(Pause for nervous giggles!)

Here is the official synopsis:

"A Stray donkey with a penchant for inventions is taken in by a mismatched collection of barnyard friends. Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends is the heartwarming story of a not-so ordinary donkey who needs a special place to belong. Flash is the inquisitive type who loves to invent things and solve problems, but his curiosity sometimes gets him into trouble! With the help of his new-found friends–Jed the goat, Carson the pig, and Ruby the chicken–Flash manages to turn problems into adventures and learns valuable lessons along the way.

Inspired by Rachel Anne Ridge's memoir, Flash, names one of Publishers Weekly's Best Summer Books of 2015, kids will fall in love with this endearing donkey as they learn to appreciate the value of true friendship."

 

 

This book was both harder (and more fun) than I could have imagined. As a mural artist, I went into it thinking, "Pfff, how hard can it be to create 9x10 inch pages?"

Turns out, pretty hard.

I drew and re-drew. I painted and repainted. I Photoshopped and re-Photoshopped.

I obsessed. Fretted. Gave myself hip bursitis from sitting in my chair for weeks on end.

And of course, I fell in love with my characters.

Above all, I wanted to create a story that kids would genuinely LIKE. One that pulled them in and made them laugh. I wanted a book that parents would enjoy reading out loud, possibly over and over again. You know how that goes, right? LOL

 

Between now and October 1, I'll introduce you to the characters and tell you why I chose them!

Until then, here is one of my favorite pictures of Flash:

You can pre-order Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends on Amazon – and I'll be honest, I'll love it if you do! Buy it for your kids, grandkids, students, and friends. You can even buy it for yourself, just because you know Flash personally and should probably have one of your own!

Here's a link to a bit more about the book. Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends.

Now, Where WAS I? Let Me Retrace My Steps.

Good GRACIOUS.

I can't believe it's been a couple of months since I last posted! I can hardly remember what I was doing in February. I did not mean to leave you hanging, but I sort of dropped everything to work on some stuff. It's that unitasking syndrome again. I can now actually ONLY do one thing at a time. Multi-tasking isn't even an option. You'll have to forgive me while I retrace my steps so I can figure out just where I am right now.

Some of you might already know about this, but I've been working on a children's book. Well, it's not "out" yet, but it IS done.

Ta Daaaa!

 

 

Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends will be out on October 1, and (amazingly) is already available for preorder on Amazon. I LOVED getting to write and illustrate this charming story! Here's the official description:

Children will fall in love with Flash the Donkey as they learn the value of true friendship and what it means to be a good friend to others.

Hee-haw! A stray donkey with a penchant for inventions is taken in by a mismatched collection of barnyard friends. Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends is the heartwarming story of a not-so-ordinary donkey who needs a special place to belong.

 

Flash is the inquisitive type who loves to invent things and solve problems, but his curiosity sometimes gets him into trouble! With the help of his new-found friends―Jed the Goat, Carson the Pig, and Ruby the Chicken―Flash manages to turn problems into adventures and learns valuable lessons along the way.

 

Inspired by Rachel Anne Ridge’s memoir Flash, named one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Summer Books of 2015, kids will fall in love with this endearing donkey as they learn to appreciate the value of true friendship.

And although I loved it doing it, I literally had no brain cells left by the time I turned in my last illustration. Not one. Somehow all that drawing and coloring was waaaay harder than I thought it would be! I found myself living like an old crazy hunchback woman who never bathed or changed her clothes, up in the bell tower (ok it was my upstairs office), only coming down for food and to squint at the light every now and then while I finished it. 

Other than that, it was a piece of cake (wink). I should probably tell you that it's geared for children ages 3-7, aaaand the adults who love them! The story makes me smile, and it's one I hope you'll enjoy, too.

 

Now, stepping back through my mental fog...

This past fall I quietly wrote a book called Made to Belong: A Six Week Journey to Discover Your Purpose. The final edits got done during my blog hiatus, and as I've re-read the words in this workbook, I've gotten really excited about it all over again!

This is something that is SO DEAR TO MY HEART, because I think all of us struggle to find "that thing" we were made to do. 

 

The book (which is really like a workbook) is going to be a resource for the Belong Tour, (formerly Women of Faith) which features these amazing ladies. The tour will be coming to a city near you:

Made to Belong is also available for preorder on Amazon, and I'll tell you more about it (and the Belong Tour) as we get closer to the August 1 publication date!

 

Phew. I started to add to this post all the other stuff that went down but then my hunchback tendency came back and I thought, hey why pack all of this "retracing my steps" into one single post? Give these poor people (and your spine) a rest.

Okay, next post will be about the other happenings during my (previously unannounced but now completed) blog break.

I'm off to take a shower and find some clean clothes.

I'VE MISSED YOU!!!! Thank you for waiting.

 

Is it Possible to Struggle Well?

Yes. Yes, I believe it is possible to struggle well.

I mean, I know I've struggled poorly a lot, but as I reflect, there are the good kinds of struggles as well. You know, the kind where you say, "Oh, good, that struggle is over!"

Hey, you know what, I just noticed the earrings I'm wearing in this picture:

 

WHERE ARE THEY??? These earrings are my favorites, and I didn't even realize they'd gone missing! HOW LONG HAVE THEY BEEN GONE?

Now I want them back.

Okay, back to my subject. I'll try not to think about my earrings. The earrings that are my favorites. The ones I can't find.

I'll stop.

On to my point: I want to introduce you to Emily Thomas, a friend of mine who I met through blogging. She is a talented artist, blogger, mom and podcaster, who loves to encourage moms in their journeys. She's honest, funny, and sweet, as you can tell from her About Page!

 

 

Emily asked me to be a guest on her podcast, Mom Struggling Well, and I loved getting to share a bit of my own story as a fellow struggler..who is just far enough ahead to be able to reassure others coming along behind that it's going to be all right. 

I hope you'll listen to our conversation! Spoiler: you'll learn one unexpected way I show love to my husband. You can find our conversation right here:

 

Mom Struggling Well: Interview with Rachel

 

Don't forget to subscribe to Emily's podcast on itunes or your favorite podcast platform!

Flash the Donkey: A Children's Book? Yes, Please!!

 

I have such exciting news...I've been busting at the seams to tell you about it!

 

Flash the Donkey is becoming a children's book!

 

My wonderful publisher, Tyndale, will publish the book next fall so it will be in stores well in time for Christmas 2016.

 

 

 

I am both writing and illustrating the picture book, geared for children ages 3-7 or so.

 

And, I probably don't need to mention this, but this is an absolute lifelong dream come true.

 

Flash will come to life as an homeless donkey who is taken in by an engaging group of barnyard friends: a chicken named Ruby, a goat named Jed, and Carson the pig. Together, they have adventures, learn life lessons, and have a fun time doing it.

 

 

The story is really cute, and fun to read...and you'll find wonderful lessons to share with your child. I cannot WAIT to read this aloud to my granddaughters, who love nothing better than to sit on someone's lap and read books about animals.

What a coincidence, because I love nothing better than to hold them on my lap and read books about animals to them!

If I've been quiet around here, now you know why. (Confession: I'm also deep into another writing project, with a looming deadline...and truth be told, that's the REAL reason I've been holed up for the past several weeks.)

So....

Beans: officially spilled.

Arms: black and blue from pinching myself

 

There you have it, my friends. All the beans.

Well, most of them anyway. :)

 

With a grateful heart, Rachel

PS You can find out all about Flash the Donkey–the true story version–right here.

 

Let's Have Fun: Announcing #Flat Flash!

So, people have been telling me that they've been enjoying Flash with their kids and spouses, often reading aloud to each other, or stealing the book back and forth. I've gotta say, 

 

I LOVE THAT!

 

It just so happens that Tyndale and I had this idea to do a "Flat Flash" contest, you know, like the famous Flat Stanley activity that nearly every elementary age kid loves to do? We've had it on the calendar, and what do you know but one of my long-time Company Girls, Joyce Moy, beat me to it!

Joyce and her daughters made their own Flat Flash and took Instagram pictures of their adventures! Seeing her photos just makes me smile! Check it out:

 

 

Now, it's YOUR chance!

Let's all be kids again and do some Flat Flash adventures, too! If you have kids at home, I hope you'll let them in on the fun. After all, Flash would love to travel your world with you! It will be a contest of creativity, and a great way to spark conversation.

 

And guess what: We'll even throw in some prizes to sweeten the pot! Here's how to participate in the Flat Flash contest:

 

1. Download and print off your choice of Flash images. 

Hard to choose, they are both so cute...so maybe both?? That's what I'm doing.

 

Download FlatFlash1

 

Download FlatFlashEars

 

2. Take your Flat Flash on an adventure this week!

How creative can you get? Umm, take him to work, on a plane, mail him, take him for a bike ride, pack him along on a trip to a museum! Make it as silly or inventive as you want!

 

 

3. Document it on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

You can also post it to Flash's Facebook page! We'll be following all the #FlatFlash activities!

 

 

4. Be sure to use the hashtag #FlatFlash! You can also add #FlashTheDonkey if you want.

 

You'll have until Monday night (5/25) to post your #FlatFlat photo, and the winner (with the most inventive photo) will be announced on Tuesday.

 

Now, the winner will receive:

Prizes! Prizes! Prizes!

 

1. Gift Card of Your Choice

Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com, Amazon, or Lifeway

 

2. My new book, signed by none other than Flash hisself.

 

 

3. A gallery-wrapped, signed print of my latest art - "Savor" in mixed media, 11x14.

 

OFF YOU GO!

 

 

Let the #FlatFlash adventures begin! Print, get creative, take pictures, post...and have fun!

Be sure and follow #FlatFlash hashtags, and check Flash's Facebook page for Flat Flash sightings!

 

Tomorrow: I'll announce the winner of the trip for two to visit Flash. Remember that?? OH YEAH!!!! 

 

PS I'll be interviewed by Debbie Chavez today, and you can listen live at 9:05 am PST (12:05 ET) at FaithPlace.org, or a recorded version afterward at The Debbie Chavez Show. Join us!