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26 August 2012

Carrie Fancett Pagels Interviews Ronie Kendig

Ronie Kendig

RONIE KENDIG  is the author of Trinity: Military War Dog and of the four-book Discarded Heroes series, Dead Reckoning, and various novellas.
I met RONIE  through some online groups, including ACFW.
  
RONIE, welcome to Overcoming Through Time – With God’s Help.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers.  Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help?
Thank you so much! I am delighted to be here with you and your readers!
Probably the most challenging thing for me to overcome—and something I continually work on—is being a people pleaser. I just want “everyone” to be happy. This was born out of years of abuse as a child, and I believed that if I was just “good enough,” the abuse would stop. The Lord gave me strength that was not my own to stand up to my abuser—my father—but that tendency to try to keep the peace, keep everyone happy is a daily struggle. I believe that this nurturer-style tendency is also a part of my personality and gift, which is being sensitive toward others.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?
I suppose it’s not too ironic that my favorite verse is one that arose just in the last few years and, I’m sure, is tied to the years of abuse I suffered—Exodus 14:14: The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still. This verse came to be my favorite during an especially dark hour in my life, where I had really lost hope, was smothered in defeat, and didn’t know why I should go on. A friend prayed over me, and while she was praying, I noticed that she seemed really distracted by something behind me. Honestly, I started getting angry—“Why isn’t she listening to me? Nobody ever does. I shouldn’t be surprised.” But then she said something that stunned my angry, broken heart into silence: “I see flashes of light, like sparks from two swords clashing, over your head. The Lord is fighting for you.” I stared into the air and asked, “He’s fighting—for me?” I sobbed. Nobody had fought for me before. I’d always (going back to the days of being abused) had to do the fighting to keep myself “alive.”
Discarded Heroes Series
Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print? 
To my knowledge and dismay, none of my publishers have secured agreements for my books to be available in audio or large print.
MB: Ronie's books are available in Kindle format which allows print size to be increased and also audio capability of text-to-speech.


What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?
Through most books, there are two primary goals when I write: for readers to sense the Hope of Christ, and to open dialogue about the book’s theme or message. For instance, with the Discarded Heroes, my purpose/goal was for readers to gain an awareness of and greater respect for the things military heroes faced and dealt with on a daily basis.

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?
While researching for the A Breed Apart series, one of the most touching and grievous things I learned was that in Vietnam, most working dogs were left behind. That meant these handlers who’d witnessed their canine best friends save countless lives (estimated to be tens of thousands in Vietnam alone) had to leave that four-legged hero in a war-torn country, most never knowing what came of that beloved dog. That broke my heart.
Trinity: Military War Dog
In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  
Yes, there are several issues that my various books address and suggest help for. In the Discarded Heroes, combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is addressed, as well as the ways it presents. The soldiers learn that talking about the issues, seeking help, and sometimes certain methods (varies by book) can be beneficial and help them on the path toward healing and wholeness. In TALON: Combat Tracking Team, Talon—a yellow Labrador—has PTSD and there is a scene where they must work with him, helping both the handler and Talon overcome his fear through a series of training techniques.

Thank you RONIE  for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!
Thank you so much, Carrie! It was a delight to talk with you! 


Ronie's book can be purchased at CBDAmazonBarnes & Noble, Lifeway,  and other book stores.




GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week's contest. Drawing will be late Saturday. Your choice of Ronie's books and choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners will only receive the book in ebook format, not as a paperback.

68 comments:

  1. RONIE, thank you so much for being with us this week on OTT, and for sharing your moving testimony with us! Your words especially touched me this morning, as I was a victim of extreme child abuse myself, by my father as well. You can search this site and read my testimony if you would like.

    I just love that about the angels and the swords; I got the Holy Ghost bumps as we like to say around here. :) Thank you for sharing that with us! God really does have our backs, doesn't He? It's just that we get discouraged b/c we don't see Him working alot of the time. Thank God for revealing Himself to you through your friend!

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  2. Thank you RONIE for sharing your testimony with us! Like DIANA I also got the HG bumps reading about the angels and swords. So great to know God is fighting for us!!

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  3. DIANA - Thanks! That moment changed my life, and I pray I never forget that night.

    MARIAN - Doesn't it help--knowing He is there, knowing He is fighting (even when we can't see/feel it)? Sure helps me!! Thanks for all your hard work on reading/reviewing my books. I appreciate it!

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  4. RONIE: Your testimony is one of encouragement and hope!!! Thank you for sharing it with us. It's always a blessing to see how God works in someone's life, and how He uses others to confirm His work.

    You know I love your books. I don't think anyone writes better Christian Fiction Military Suspense than you do! I'm thankful that God has allowed you to live your dream :)

    Thanks CARRIE, DIANA, MARIAN and TERESA for featuring Ronie! I am SO in for a book ;)

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  5. ANNE, thanks for stopping by! I know how much you love RONIE's books. :)
    We are so happy to have Ronie with us this week!

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  6. RONIE, it was my pleasure to read and review your books. Thank YOU for writing them! :)

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  7. Ronie, you are an inspiration to us and I pray you remember that and feel God's peace with you always! Thank you!
    Susan
    farmygirl(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  8. Ronie, thank-you for each book you have written and are writing. I have enjoyed every book and I love the uniqueness in them all. I have learnt from each of them and look forward to reading Trinity and the whole new series. God Bless you. Thank-you for your faithfulness and your hard work.

    Sarah

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  9. SUSAN and SARAH thanks for stopping by and supporting RONIE!

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  10. Once again I really appreciate your post. Awesome testimony of Praise. I would count it a privilege to receive one of your books.

    Blessings,
    Kim J.
    Breath of Life
    http://breathoflifebookreviews.blogspot.com/
    breathoflifebookreviews@yahoo.com

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  11. KIM, we'll add you in the contest. Good luck!

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  12. I am back from our big journey up north! Enjoyed our trip immensely. Looking forward to having RONIE with us this week.

    Thanks MARIAN for holding down the fort and am looking forward to your reviews!

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  13. DIANA, Thanks for getting the word out, too!

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  14. RONIE welcome to OTT, thank you for the wonderful interview. I love the part where GOD reveals to you that HE IS FIGHTING FOR YOU!!!

    My husband and I are the worship leaders at our church and I was reading my Bible one night and came across Zephaniah 3:17 "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing." When I read that I was so overjoyed to think that GOD sings over us! Isn't that the greatest?!! Can't wait to read your books they are at the top of my TBR pile! :)

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  15. CARRIE, welcome back! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip!

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  16. This is Finding Hope's Book Club Pick and we are SO EXCITED about Ronnie speaking to our group in November of this year. OHMYGOSH!! This is thrilling. I've been hooked and Fascinated by all the books that this author has written!!

    Thanks for giving us an opportunity to get to know Ronnie better!!

    Waving to you Ronie!!

    Nora :o)
    TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

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  17. ANNE - You are such a beautiful encouragement to me. Thank you, friend, for visiting here and sharing with us!

    SUSAN P - Thank you! Writing is often a very lonely profession, so thank you for that note of kindness and encouragement!

    SARAH - Thank YOU! God is faithful to us, even when we aren't, so I try to keep that before me each day.

    Kim J - Thank you! Pray you are blessed!

    TERESA - Isn't it amazing to think of those things? It's hard to fathom, sometimes, but when we allow ourselves to take a moment to embrace those things...wow! It's FREEING!!

    NORA - You are such a gem! Thank you, friend, for your generous words. I am so excited about coming out to see y'all in November. Woot!!

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  18. Just back from the eye doctors for an emergency appointment for edema and inflammation of my left eye. Very scary, esp. with having RA. Makes me really grateful for the everyday things in life.

    RONIE, I want to keep putting up prayers for you with this big move you made and starting home schooling this week. Stressful. Am praying for peace and clarity for you and your family. Going to find the rest of our school supply list online now. Blessings!

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  19. The books and your own personal story, Ronie, sound like they can help bring a lot of healing to others. Thank you for your outreach!

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  20. Ronie, thank you so much for being so open with your testimony. You are an inspiration! You've been through a lot and lately with your move and all, how do you do it? And on top of that, you are homeschooling! I homeschooled my three kids from k-12, so I know the stress it can have on a stay at home mom, but you have your writing to do as well. You are in my prayers. I would love to read Trinity!
    Please enter me in the drawing. debsbunch5@jesusanswers.com

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  21. Carrie, praying about your eye, hope it's better. <3

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  22. I have not read any of Ronie's work yet. Sounds like I am missing out! Thanks for letting us know you better, Ronie. Carrie, hope you get better soon.

    Amy C
    campbellamdyd at gmail dot com

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  23. CARRIE, praying your eye will heal soon!

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  24. KATE, DEBBIE and AMY, thanks for your support! Wish you all luck in the giveaway.

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  25. MARIAN, KATE, DEBBIE, and AMY--thanks for the prayers! One blessing already is that I didn't know my eye drops had expired and I needed new prescription. so now I will get those.

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  26. I really enjoyed your interview. I came from an abusive background and I love the flashing swords. I know what you mean about no one fighting for you. Thank you for a chance to win your book and God bless you with your up coming one.
    Glenda Parker
    parker.glenda@ymail.com

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  27. Bwah hahaha! I have the Discarded Heroes Series ~ woot woot, thank you Ronie for sharing your immense talent with us. I'm truly inspired! And, thank you Carrie for hosting her here today. I hadn't realized Ronie had another book out (how I missed it, I have no idea...)

    Thanks for the fun! Always a pleasure to visit your wonderful blog!
    amanda38401 at gmail dot com

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  28. Awesome testimony. Thanks for sharing.

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  29. RONIE, my son wants to know if the dogs were brought from America to Vietnam or if they were Vietnamese dogs. That is so sad that they were left behind.

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  30. GLENDA, I LOVED that too!!! Wow, I bet RONIE can now visualize those swords flashing when she get in a tough situation. I am going to try to do that for myself as I feel certain God has to fight for me every day. What a reassurance that must have been!

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  31. AMANDA, RONIE has two novellas out with other authors, too. Our winner this week can pick one of the pre-orders of those, also!

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  32. CAROLE, Great to see you here! I really enjoyed meeting you earlier this month!

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  33. I would love to read this book especially. This is a sad thing about what happened when our military left Vietnam and had to leave behind those faithful dogs. A very difficult thing for those handlers and the faithful friends who helped them.

    Please enter my name in the drawing. Blessings!
    spangldlady(at)gmail(dot)com]

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  34. It does seem rotten. I wonder what my friend, and Hound Blogger, would say about this. Will enter you!

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  35. I've been wanting to read one of Ronie's books for awhile! Can't wait to!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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  36. Thank you so much Ronie for writing about Wars and Writing about our Lord. My husbands name is on the Vietnam Wall. God bless youand what you do. Chris
    granville@frontiernet.net

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  37. MARISSA - you have lots to choose from!!!

    CHRIS - oh, I am so sorry about your husband. I imagine RONIE's books are a special blessing to you.

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  38. Oh Miss Ronie, you already know that I LOVE your books, but this interview was heartbreaking and hope-giving. Thank you so much for sharing your gift of words!

    Jenny
    say.it.loud01@gmail.com

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  39. One of the greatest things about Ronie's characters are their "realness". They struggle, they serve God, they fail, they repent, they serve...you get the picture. They're a good likeness of all of us in that respect, and she shows, through them, how and why God forgives and redeems us. She paints with words exquisite pictures of sacrifice and redemption!

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  40. Oh, and at the same time keeps you absolutely 100% GLUED to the edge of your seat :)

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  41. I have very much enjoyed Ronie's writing, this blog actually reminded me I need to get and read Firethorn. Would love to win a book.
    maryannfrerichs@yahoo.com

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  42. JENNY, we are glad to have the talented Ms. RONIE here with us this week!

    ANNE, I am going to pray RONIE's books go to audio format so more people can have access to her work. So glad to hear you love her work, too, like Marian. Maybe I need to break down and try to listen on the Kindle but it sounds so tinny.

    MARYANN, welcome. We will put your name in for the drawing!!!

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  43. I think I have every one of Ronie's books except the last one--Trinity. Would love to win it to add to my collection!

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  44. I think I have every one of Ronie's books except the last one--Trinity. Would love to win it to add to my collection!

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  45. NANCY--do you have her new novella? And she has another one coming out soon!

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  46. Oh my gracious! So many comments. Let me try to catch up. :-D

    KATE - Thank you. That is my prayer, that God can use my pains and sorrows to help others.

    DEBBIE - Thank you. It's been a rough few months, but God is faithful.

    CARRIE - No, for the most part, the dogs were actually brought over from the States. There's the occasional story of dogs from Vietnam adopting soldiers (LOL).

    GLENDA - from one broken heart to another--praying God continues to show Himself faithful and mighty in your life. Letting go so He can fight is probably he hardest part of the journey. Hugs!!

    AMANDA -- Thank you for being such a loyal reader. Does my heart good.

    CAROLE - thank you, and thanks for stopping by!

    SPANGLDLADY - Yep, it was a rotten element. I can't imagine having to leave my dog, who'd protected me and my buddies, saved thousands of lives. Thankfully, there is more awareness these days.

    MARISSA - Thank you. I hope you get the chance.

    CHRIS - I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for your sacrifice and for his ultimate sacrifice. Praying you get the chance to read TRINITY!

    Thank you, JENNY. I pray it does infuse with hope! :-D

    ANNE - Love you, sweet lady. THANKS for the kudos!

    MARYANN - I hope you love Firethorn. I sure loved writing it. :-D

    NANCY - Yay! Thanks for being a loyal fan. That's awesome! Hope you get a chance to get/read TRINITY.

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  47. I had to get up out of my rocking chair at Colonial Quills and come see my buddies over here at OTT! What a good time y'all are having...really interesting comments! Love it!

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  48. Great interview Ronie and Carrie :) Ronie, you are such a giving person, through your fabulous stories and in life! Trinity is a terrific tale - I'll be posting my thoughts on it today.

    Please don't enter me!

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  49. Great interview! No one writes the kind of books she writes better than Ronie. I am truly amazed at the intricacies that she develops in to her stories. I have a lot of respect for canine officers, so I would love to win Trinity: Military War Dog, to learn of how they were of help to the men in war.

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  50. Great interview, thanks Ronie for sharing your testimony! That breaks my heart about the military dogs =( Thanks for a great giveaway!

    ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

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  51. I haven't read any of Ronie's books . . . yet, but I would love to! Thank you for entering me!

    Michelle
    scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

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  52. ABSOLUTELY love Ronie's books! The discarded heros series was my favorite, couldn't put them down! Wish the series could go on forever! : )

    jeconley@live.com

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  53. REL, We are so glad you came by! Love your blog! Feel free to post your website link next time you come by as readers might want to hop over there, too, to read. Marian Baay has her review up today and more this week.

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  54. http://relzreviewz.com/trinity-military-war-dog-by-ronie-kendig-with-giveaways/#comment-25665

    That is the link to Rel's review. She has a giveaway, also!

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  55. LINDA and JORDAN, I am sure RONIE will love to see her fans over here! Thanks for visiting with us!

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  56. LIZ, I know what you mean--that disturbed me enough to share it with a friend of mine who does a hound welfare blog. She also is an equine expert and explained the same thing, and worse, happened with horses used for military purposes. So sad.

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  57. MICHELLE, maybe you will win one of her books and be able to get a chance to read. I am glad RONIE is able to write about these heroes.

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  58. DIANA, You are so funny! Getting out of your rocker at CQ :)

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  59. DIANA, You are so funny! Getting out of your rocker at CQ :)

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  60. CARRIE brought a goose down pillow for my rocking chair as well, ANNE! So, I have been quite comfy over there.:)

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  61. And I used DIANA's rocking chair and goose down pillow when I was visiting overthere some time ago. They're very comfy!!

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  62. I need one of those comfy chairs for rocking my new grandbaby, if she ever makes an appearance!

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  63. So glad to hear another Kendig series is available. Hope to win a copy, but I will be owning them one way or another :o). cbalmony(at)yahoo(dot)com. Kindle version is good.The image of God in battle for you is mind-blowing. What a picture to keep in mind. He's sacrificed so much for His children!!!

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  64. My gracious, you are a chatty bunch. How fun!!

    DIANA - So glad you could join us! :-D

    REL - thank you for coming over and visiting, friend! XOXO

    LINDA - thank you for that high praise! The good thing is that they are making changes and people are fighting for the MWDs!

    LIZ - thanks for stopping by!

    MICHELLE - I hope you get the chance to check them out soon! Thanks for stopping by to enter.

    JORDAN - Hear, hear! I wish the Discarded Heroes could've kept going. I had at least three more books I wanted to do. Maybe someday...

    So glad to hear that rocking chair is getting some use, MARIAN. LOL

    CONNIE - Thank you! So glad you've stopped by to enter. Isn't that amazing, to think that *HE* fights for *US*?!? It still gets me choked up.

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  65. YES, we are a chatty bunch, lol! We like to engage in conversation with our authors and each other! I told DIANA that I need to put a couch up there on the blog because it is like we are all in the living room together!

    I need to get a down pillow for the couch over here, too, ANNE and DIANA! At CQ we have that wood furniture but it is all over-stuffed recliners at OTT-WGH lol! Right MARIAN?

    CONNIE I will count you three times even though you didn't put "MA" in the comment. I KNOW you are in the MA because you are our AWESOME Area Coordinator for Maryland!!!

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  66. ANNE, how is your daughter doing? Hope your grandbaby will make an appearance soon!

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  67. Yep, we LOVE to chat! Someday we'll sit on the same couch, CARRIE. I have to start practicing speaking English tho... ;)
    And I'd love to have some big pillows!

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  68. KATE DOLAN!!!! CONGRATS!!! You are our overall winner this week!

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