Run in from the Storm by Brian Maunder

I wrote and recorded this song last week. It is my first "music video". It was recorded only using my phone and a microphone. I also added piano later to the sound. I love this song and just needed to record it. I hope you like the song too.

Links in the Chain... How I found the Lord 28 years ago.

The car was heading towards us at lightning speed and it seemed as though my strange premonition was coming true. Everything seemed to slow down. I turned to see the driver. His arms were straight, pushing hard against the steering wheel, forcing his body back against the chair. His expression of fierce determination began to shatter into an awkward grimace as the horrifying reality of the situation turned into naked fear. An impact was imminent. His eyes squinted as they looked ahead. His chin turned to his shoulder, bracing itself for the inevitable.

It was an overtaking manoeuvre gone wrong. Usually, only one car will merge out into the opposing lane to overtake a slower car. This time, two cars crossed the line simultaneously. I remember the ominous feeling of dread as we followed the car in front of us. He seemed to be taking forever to get past the slower car. “Why is this guy taking so long to overtake?” I screamed. Too late. He pulled back in front of the car he just overtook, leaving us on the wrong side of the road heading straight for another car at high speed. We had nowhere to go. Cars on our left and gravel on our right.

“This is it” I thought. “This is it”.

And then… nothing.

There was no sound, no tyres screeching. Something miraculous had happened. It seemed as though we actually went “through” the other car. What happened? We missed it? Somehow, two cars heading towards each other at high speeds on a single lane managed to NOT collide.

We stopped our car and trailer. It was fully loaded with music gear for a country tour the band had just done. Not a scratch on it. We looked over and could see the other car had stopped too. We walked over to see if they were OK. It was a long distance. I felt terrible as I approached the car because I didn’t know how they would react but what happened next would change my life.

“Praise the Lord, PRAISE THE LORD” the lady cried as she emerged from the car. She was waving her arms in the air excitedly. “Praise the LORD”. We were all laughing from relief but I found her words disturbing. I had never heard words like this before. Not like this. They were innocent enough, only words of thankfulness, but they confronted something within me and I did not like it.

“Oh no!” I thought. “God is real. God is actually real. What am I supposed to do now?”

The idea of “God” was not new to me. As a kid I went to Sunday School but I was never interested. I found it boring so I forgot about the idea completely. It was a silly idea anyway. I never thought about God and I never wanted to think about God.

“Aww man, why is this happening to me?”

There was a deeper meaning to this unbelievable escape and I knew it. My mind was racing as I began trying to piece together the puzzle of what had happened the night before.

The previous evening had been fun. I was a fill-in keyboard player for a cover band and after a night of music and laughs I went to the hotel room and fell into a deep sleep. Life was good. Suddenly I was awoken after having an extreme nightmare. “What? What was that?” I thought. Shadows of the disturbing dream reflected off my consciousness, as the image of the nightmare replayed itself over and over. I had had a premonition. ”Far out! I don’t believe in stuff like this”. But I knew that this dream was different. Tomorrow we were going to have a head on collision.

The dream was extremely vivid and I was shaken by it. I looked over and saw a Gideons Bible. After reading a few pages I said, “God, if you are real, please get us home safely”.  It was a strange thing, but I could not deny the reality. I had actually had a premonition, read the bible and also said a prayer. No one else knew about it. Only me.  Only me and… God.

The following weeks after the “near accident” were intense as I battled the idea of the reality of God and what it meant for me. I went to see an authority on the subject. My Grandma.  She gave me a book by Barry Goode and said “He will be visiting us at the Salvos on Sunday. Why don’t you come along to the meeting?” I read the book and decided to go with my Grandma to Church. By the end of the meeting I found myself at this little table thing out the front of the congregation called “The Mercy Seat”. I didn’t know what was happening but I was sobbing and confessing something called sin. I didn’t even really know what sin was. I just knew that God had saved me from a car accident, and apparently from something even worse, sin… and He was real. I needed to acknowledge His reality now.

Now I know we cannot always trust personal experiences as a basis to understand and grow with the Lord. We can easily deceive ourselves sometimes. We always need to refer to the revelation of his love as revealed through His Holy Word in the Bible. However, this experience seems to reinforce a few things to me. Firstly, God hears prayers. Secondly, older people are used by God in marvellous and powerful ways. Thirdly, spontaneous praise is powerful. Fourthly, a few words from a Bible left in a hotel room can be a pathway to faith.  Finally, everyone working together creates a ministry to embrace the lost. I am incredibly thankful to all those people who created those links in the chain for the Lord to work His miracle. He wants to save people. He wants to save you. 


Special thanks Julia Collings, Paula Vince and Rhonda Pooley from Christian Writers Downunder for their editing (and or willingness to help with editing) with this blog. :-)

This is the book by Barry Goode which helped me trust in the Lord - Too Tough For Tears. 

Brian Maunder is the author-illustrator of the 

children's picture book Polly's Little Kite.

Website: brianmaunder.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PollysLittleKite

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/book/show/20862325-polly-s-little-kite

Review: www.goodbookreviews.org.uk

Author's First Year - The highs and lows of my first year as a published author in Australia

Happy Birthday Polly's Little Kite

Last year, on the 7^th of January 2014, my first children’s picture book “Polly’s Little Kite” was published. It was an exciting and surreal time as I ventured into new uncharted waters and the year unravelled in ways that other writers and hopeful authors may be interested in.

I wasn’t sure of what to make of the new status of “published author”. Did it mean I would be rich and have thousands of dollars rolling in due to monumental sales? Would people stop me in the street and take selfie photos of themselves with me at their side? Would I be contacted by a shoe company and do commercials slam dunking books into basketball hoops? I didn’t know what to expect, however, I did know this opportunity was a once in a lifetime event and therefore decided to do whatever I could to help the book on its way.

The book was published and printed in America by New York publisher New City Press and whilst the publisher has a network around the world, it is limited in Australia. My relationship with the people at New City Press had grown during the planning and editing phase of the book, and they decided to send me a few boxes of books and leave it in my hands to see what I could do in my homeland. Given my limited experience and knowledge, this was a wonderful gesture of goodwill and trust from them towards me. This relationship has continued to grow throughout the year and has been a great personal blessing to me.

As soon as I received the book, I began the process of promotion and developing additional material to compliment the book. This required me to set up a website, create activity packs, make designs for kites, develop lessons for teachers etc. I also created YouTubes and songs for story presentations. As I delved into these creative projects, I sent sample books to bookshops around Australia, entered the book into a (US) competition, contacted libraries, sent it to be considered in the Premiers Reading Challenge etc. etc. This took a lot of time effort and yes...money.... and the responses were mostly negative or unbelievably slow. I was really shocked at the negativity of the Australian market.

It was quite disheartening and if it weren't for the story reading presentations I did at schools, churches and a library I may have completely lost faith in the project. The presentations and story readings gave me direct feedback from people who experienced the book first hand, and the encouragement and enthusiasm (mainly from kids) was a HUGE motivator. I also loved the awesome kite creations, pictures drawn for me, smiles and conversations. It re-enforced my belief that I should continue doing what I was doing even though i wasn't earning any money, and the doors of the Australian commercial market seemed closed to me.

There are many other things I could say about this year but to make it easy for everyone, I have summarised things into a list… the disappointments and the highlights. 

The Disappointments.

- When the Premiers Reading Challenge rejected my book for their reading list stating the “lack of evidence of quality design” and concerns about the “exclusivity of the language” as reasons. (that one hurt)

- When my local library denied me the opportunity to present the story at their library stating the Christian content might offend some people. (that one hurt too)

- When I didn’t score a mention in the Moonbeam Awards which I submitted at a price. :-((

- The slow response of bookshops around Australia to stock my book. Even now, there is not one bookshop in Australia that actually stocks my books. They are only available online.

- Writing to a number of Christian/Catholic schools with a loan sample book, with not one of them wanting to buy the book I sent them. In the end I just donated the books to the schools. :-?

- The struggles I had in setting up my website was also a lowlight (although getting help from my friend to set up the PayPal feature was a highlight… thanks Cypherbyte). 

The Highlights.

-The wonderful relationship I have developed with my Publisher.

- Receiving the books for the first time and seeing the story in print.

- Meeting other incredibly gifted authors and the ongoing friendships we have.

- Being approached by Inform’d Newpaper to have a promo/activity in the kids section.

- Speaking at the Salvation Army Home League ladies meeting. What a privilege and honour.

- Presenting the story (at Burnside Library with my Dad and Auntie)

- Presenting the story at a few schools, kids clubs and churches. (incredible experiences) 

- The radio interview with PBA-FM was an absolute thrill to be a part of.

- The Kids… they are AWESOME. Their enthusiasm and joy and seeing their response to the story is what it is all about.

- Seeing my own kids develop a love of art and books and being with them in the journey.

- The hope that these books will help children on a pathway towards the beauty and logic of the Christian Faith.

 

Conclusion. 

As you can see, it hasn't been plain sailing and a golden road this year and I have still not received any financial return yet for all these efforts (my first commission payment will be later this year). Yes... that's correct... I have done all this on zero income. However some wonderful things have happened, and it has challenged me personally in a positive way. 

SO… Happy Birthday Polly’s Little Kite… One year old today. You have blessed many people and taken me on a thrilling journey.

And a BIG THANKYOU to New City Press and all my friends and family, church brothers and sisters and all the awesome kids who participated and read the story. 

Also a Humongous Hug to all the people who left comments on Facebook and wrote Reviews for the story. Your feedback was incredibly refreshing and sent rays of sunshine beaming through the year. . .


And please don't forget to download the FREE eBook available in a few weeks. Polly's Little Bear.  


For updates, funny things and info please like the facebook page.


Peace and God Bless

Brian Maunder.

Website: brianmaunder.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PollysLittleKite

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/book/show/20862325-polly-s-little-kite

Review: www.goodbookreviews.org.uk

Blue Collar Prayers. (Part 2) by Brian Maunder

Blue Collar Prayers. (Part 2)

I wrote these 10 prayers about 8 years ago whilst working in a sheet metal factory with a bunch or awesome guys making doorframes. I scribbled them onto little pieces of oil stained paper as the thoughts worked through my heart and mind.  Peace.  

Prayers 1-5 are in the previous Blog.

6.

Father I thank you that you are big enough to take squarely the hard knocks of life. Like when people insult you and take you for granted, or want things from you that you know you cannot give. I pray Lord that today, I can be like you in this regard and if it gets difficult, help me face things squarely. May the struggles of life not negatively influence my heart, my actions, my drive or my passion, but may they spur me on to new levels of adoration of Your greatness.

Father, there are all sorts of people to deal with today, with all sorts of attitudes. Some may rub me up the wrong way. The work culture itself may seem a million miles away from your glory and appear to slam the door on your goodness. It all may seem a bit tough at times. However…Here in this factory, this is where I am and this is where You are, and this is where we all belong for now.  My workmates and me, we are all in it together and I’m so glad that by your example, you showed that it’s your intention to hang out with people like us.  Lord it’s your good intention for us to know the reality of your presence in the work environment. Raw humanity and truthfulness, jokes and friendly banter, does not scare you off or catch you by surprise. 

You’ve seen and heard it all before and you enjoy real people being themselves.  You understand the conflict that a human heart must sometimes endure as it deals with human limitations in real life work. You understand that this stress can overwhelm us at times. Lord, thankyou for loving us though it all. Fill us with understanding to realise that whereas human power has limitation, your power doesn’t. May we overcome in your name. Amen.  

7.

Father, thankyou that you are always with us, and that your presence permeates creation in every way.  Thankyou Lord, that you made me, dust as I am, to live to have my own identity; and you have surrendered your power enough for me to make my own choices and understand the power of these choices. Help me to remember that as I interact with others… that we are all created by you.  May even those people who turn away from you, remind me about how great you are. You allow us all free will and the opportunity to choose, and have made yourself vulnerable to be rejected and hurt by us. It is amazing that you care and respect us so much Lord.

With this in mind Lord, I pray that you teach me to choose wisely in the decisions and actions I make today. I pray that my choices do not work against the natural order of things but work in line with your will. Amen        

How did a LifeFM sticker end up on this machine? I don't know.  

8.

Father I thankyou for the example of your son. I’m so glad that he is one of us, one who knows what it is to use his hands to earn a living. I’m so glad that he provided for his family by the sweat of his brow and through his job. His example showed that ordinary work and the jobs that need to be done go hand in hand with your plan for us, which is constant friendship, reliance and companionship with you in every day things. This is the good life, what it’s all about Lord. Those moments in our day when we are content with who we are and what we are doing because we love you and knowing that you are working in us and through us. Co-workers with you Lord, the divine carpenter. Knowing you are with us fills us with joy Lord. May we have many moments like these today Father, and may we use our job, as an anvil to shape our character into Your likeness.

9.

Lord, your faithfulness to us had created another beautiful sunrise and we thankyou Father that you have given us another day.  Lord, we acknowledge the poverty of our fallen nature that is so weak that even those seemingly good aspirations and intentions that we can perceive in our sin weary state, even these things seem way beyond us, beyond our abilities. Father, we need your help, your goodness and purity to permeate our lives and actions to make up for our shortcomings.  Help us Lord in our strivings and bless our work. Help us achieve your purposes in our lives. Amen.

10.

Lord, even though life can seem secure and I feel in control of things, for me to think that I am independent and in no need of you reveals the pitiful state of my human nature. Pride can so easily blind me to your reality. There’s no doubt that you created the universe and all in it, and to think that I am something when I’m not is just foolishness. My time here on earth in only a blink of an eye compared to your eternity, yet I am so thankful that you have let me experience this moment. Help me Lord to experience time here, not in pride, but in adoration of you. Father help me this day to be a person who follows the way of the rest of creation, not in rebellion of your laws, but operating within them. This is your good will Lord, as it is the way that works best. Empower me to do it today. Amen. 

Brian Maunder is the author-illustrator of the 

children's picture book Polly's Little Kite.

Website: brianmaunder.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PollysLittleKite

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/book/show/20862325-polly-s-little-kite

Review: www.goodbookreviews.org.uk

Blue Collar Prayers (Part 1) by Brian Maunder

Blue Collar Prayers. (Part 1)

I wrote these 10 prayers about 8 years ago whilst working in a sheet metal factory with a bunch or awesome guys making doorframes. I scribbled them onto little pieces of oil stained paper as the thoughts worked through my heart and mind.  Peace.  

1.

Father, thankyou for the gift of another day. Thankyou for giving us another day to experience life.  We pray that today, as we work, we remember that there will never be a day quite like this one; it is a one-off, unique experience. May we treasure it as that. Help us to remember your love towards us, and your presence that can empower us.  Father, we know we aren’t perfect, we are human and have faults, but we pray that as we do our best, you’ll make up for the difference; you’ll pick up where we fall short and that today will run smoothly. We leave it in your hands. We know that even though we aren’t perfect, we aren’t just forgiven… there’s more to you than just forgiveness. Father, thankyou that you are our sufficiency. We pray that you protect us from injury in our work, be it physical, emotional, relational or spiritual. Give us wisdom and strength for the tasks ahead. Amen.

2.

Lord, sometimes it feels like we’re banging our head against the wall. Even as we do the job well, we get a sore head from the experience.  Father we pray today that we recognise that you are bigger than the walls we face, and that in comparison to your incredible universe, our problems are really quite small. However, to us, they are big, and we have to deal with them. Father, we pray that today we sense your presence in our lives as we work, and that we work in partnership with you.  We know that not only are you powerful, but merciful, so as we tackle today’s workload, may we treat others, as you have treated us; with kindness and respect, knowing that your power will enable us to do it.

3.

Father, thankyou for another day. We acknowledge that our lives are totally dependent on your goodness to us. The air we breathe, the food we eat, the ground we walk on; everything needed to live is provided by you.  However, we also acknowledge that we need to work to make provision available to ourselves and others. Father, we pray that you continue to provide for us the things we need so that we can do our job safely and efficiently. We pray for wisdom and a quick mind to solve problems with creative intelligence.  We pray for physical strength and endurance and a healthy body to resist and confront the physical stresses of the day.  We pray for emotional and spiritual strength to enable us to feel secure and free in ourselves and our actions, knowing that your presence fills our universe, and your grace and power works in, through and with us as we devote our work to you.

We pray that we maintain our true identity within our work culture remembering that our workmates, although made of the same stuff as ourselves, may tackle similar battles in different ways. May communication lines be open, and hearts strong as we embrace today’s work. Amen.    

4.

Father, these early mornings sometimes seem to kill me.  My body is still recovering from yesterday’s work and a sleep-in would be just excellent… but here we are again, pushing the grindstone.  Lord, give me strength, starting from the inside. Give me strength of mind and will to know that whatever I face today, I am more than capable of fighting it, because you are with me.  Thankyou Father that you are with me even now in my sleep weary state, and you are powerful and mighty.  Your fresh energy sweeps across the sky every morning and from it reflects the beauty of your creative genius. Father, I pray that your presence fills my heart like that sky, and that fresh energy from you fills my being, and that your glory may reflect in my life.  Lord it’s wonderful that I can call you Father.  I love you Lord.

5.

Father it’s hard to keep motivated at times. Here we are again, doing what we do, back here at the old familiar, pushing the plough, grinding the millstone.  It’s hard to keep motivated at times, because sometimes it seems as if all this hard work is for someone else’s benefit. With all the bills recently, I don’t have much to show financially for all this sweat, and my financial goals seem to be unobtainable. All I do is continue on this seemingly circular pathway of events, trying to make ends meet.   It’s wearing me down Lord.

I suppose that I could blame the way of my life on you, on myself, or on the systems of the world.  I could get “shirty” with my workmates or my job…but it’s just the way things are. These events that make up my day to day existence are not at fault. However, if I am not careful, all these stresses could culminate into a deadly brew if I see them incorrectly. All these “cares” could poison my heart... towards life and you. Father I don’t want this.  Help me see things from your perspective, not from a covetous, fearful, limited or human perspective. I must understand that all my needs will be met by you this day Lord. 

Father I want to be pure before you, so that when I look into your sky, or see your creation, I know with fullness, who it belongs to and who I belong to.  Father, keep my motivation high. May my work be a work of active devotion to you Lord, and not a way of passive acceptance for the way things are; not just a way to “pay the bills”.  Help me Father to remember that you are indeed bigger than all my problems and that in your hands, I am actually living the best life there is. Amen.

Brian Maunder is the author-illustrator of the 

children's picture book Polly's Little Kite.

Website: brianmaunder.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PollysLittleKite

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/book/show/20862325-polly-s-little-kite

Review: www.goodbookreviews.org.uk