Meet the Blogger with Marja Meijers

June's Meet the Blogger features Marja Meijers, a talented author who lives in southern California and Holland. This globe trotting writer has written six books, which of course, are in print in the US and Netherlands. (How cool is that? :) 
  

Her latest book, Spirit of Truth, released this spring, asks "What is truth?" You might recall the Biblical account where Pilate questioned Jesus about this topic. Marja shares the historical background as she examines the definition of and the power within truth. Her gifted style resonates with readers across the globe, encouraging hearts as she challenges us to seek eternal truth.

Welcome Marja! Congratulations on your latest book! Can you tell us why you started blogging? How long have you had your current blog?  

Thank you, Karen, for having me on your blog, it is an honor and privilege. You were one of the very first bloggers I began to follow. When my first book ‘Sacred Sabbath’ came out my publisher recommended blogging. Believe it or not, but my first blog post is from May 16, 2006, I'm celebrating 10 years of blogging! 

Congratulations! What a wonderful milestone. Thank you for your kind words. It is an honor to hear that my blog was one of the first you followed. :) We have known each other for some time, haven't we? It's been a pleasure to follow your blog; I come away informed and refreshed. Would you share a bit about what your blog is about?  

The title of my blog, Fresh Insights on Ancient Truths, says it all: I am always trying to give a fresh perspective on certain Biblical truths and principles. Sometimes we have read a certain Bible passage so many times that we miss the clue. I always ask the Holy Spirit to bring a fresh wind and to help me to write about complicated things in a simple manner. From time to time I post news about my books. 

You do offer fresh insight and an interesting perspective. It always makes me think. What benefits have you gained through blogging? 

Well, first of all I receive so much encouragement from reading other blogs. It is amazing how often someone else’s blog post is timely for me! English is not my first language, so I also learn a lot from reading other posts, from the different words and styles. Being part of the blogging community has definitely helped me to develop my writing. I do feel a sense of belonging when I see how determined many bloggers are in their writing efforts, especially when it comes to the next step: publishing books. 

I wouldn't have known that English is your second language had I not learned that through your blog. I admire that! What projects are you working on right now?  

This month my sixth book came out: Spirit of Truth. Right now I am trying to decide what I should be working on next; another English book or a Dutch translation of one of my previous books. 

Sounds like you have many possibilities. I am sure whatever you choose will be a success. What might people be surprised to learn about you? 

Hmm…. Well, maybe that I sometimes struggle to hear from the Lord, because my head is so full of all the things I am working on. I then must force myself to let everything for what it is, grab my Bible and journal , go into my garden and let Him speak to me. Oh, and that we have no television in our house! 

It can be a challenge to get quiet and attain that peace and wisdom we need, I agree. What advice would you share with a newbie blogger? 

Keep your posts SHORT please and make sure to leave some comments on other people’s blogs. 

Excellent advice. Thank you for joining us, Marja! Wishing you well with your books and ministry. :)

About Marja 

Marja Verschoor-Meijers was born and raised in The Netherlands. She is a freelance writer, speaker and award winning author of several books on Christian living. Her books have been translated in Dutch, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish and Russian. Together with her husband Jan she is the co-founder of the non-profit organization Traveling Light. They offer practical help, financial support and spiritual encouragement to ministries all over Europe and the Middle East.

Find Marja 

Her blog, Fresh Insights on Ancient Truths 

Her Website 

Her Books
  

Spirit of Truth 

My Review of Spirit of Truth

Spirit of Truth begins with the Biblical account where Jesus stood before the Roman governor Pilate. Pilate asks, “What is truth?” It is an eternal and valid question, and Ms. Meijers examines it from numerous angles. She offers insight and a panoramic view of the topic, from Pilate and the Pharisees to those who knew Jesus from birth. Her fresh perspective reveals the deeper meaning and purpose of pursuing genuine truth.

Prior to reading this book, I had not considered interpreting truth from so many angles. I appreciated the challenge to examine how I view truth, as well as the encouragement to live accordingly. Readers will enjoy Ms. Meijer’s friendly, conversational style as she guides them on an insightful journey to define and apply Biblical truth in their lives. I recommend this book to anyone who is seeking truth, as well as those desiring a deeper relationship with the Lord.

Last Week's Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Susan Reinhardt, winner of Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin!  

Have you ever traveled out of the US (or your home country)? Do you have any questions for Marja?

If you have a moment, hop over to Marja's blog where she hosted me for her Blogoversary's Bloggers@Work celebration. Have a great week!

Happy writing, 

Karen



Lemonade photo credit: Free Images