ASK THE AUTHOR

This is a new initiative where from time to time, we will feature our authors to find out a little more about their behind-the-scenes backgrounds and interests.

Our author today is: Alina Mathews

Ed:       When did you first start writing?
Alina:  I remember writing my first story at the age of 7. It was a short storybook that I even drew pictures for!

Ed:       Do you remember what sparked this interest?
Alina:  Because I was quite young when I wrote my first story, I don’t remember exactly what the motivation behind it was. I did love to read stories written by other people, so when I had an idea for a story of my own, I just decided to write it down.

Ed:       Where do you get your ideas?
Alina:   My ideas come from all sorts of places—the main ones would be my Bible, writing by various authors and my own experiences.

Ed:       What are you passionate about?
Alina:  I would say my main passions are my relationship with the Lord, worship, being as involved as I can within my church, reading, fitness, and the relationships I have with my friends and family. 

Ed:       What types of books do you enjoy reading?
Alina: My favourite book is the Bible, of course, but in my free reading time, I will most likely be reading a fantasy or mystery book.

Ed:       How do you handle tough times?
Alina:  This is something I’m still figuring out, but I’m working on my first response to any sort of trial to be opening my Bible, prayer and discussing what’s going on with my closest friends.

Ed:       What would you describe as your greatest accomplishment so far?
Alina:  Probably the fact that I’ve grown hugely in my confidence and general outlook on life which has led me to so many opportunities that I never could have imagined saying ‘yes’ to, even a year or so ago. And that’s all glory to God, 100%.

Ed:       What are your current priorities in this season of your life and why?
Alina:  Loving the Lord because that’s how I want my whole life to be, working so I can set myself up for opportunities in later years, running training because I’ve set myself the goal of a half marathon this year, relationships with Christian friends because of how much stronger I am in my faith as a result of them, and more recently singing has also become a priority because I’ve had the opportunity to join my church’s worship team.

Ed:       How has your upbringing influenced your worldview?
Alina:  Because I grew up going to church, having family devotionals and praying every night before bed as a kid, I was set up with a strong Christian foundation. That has led me to how I view the world, and my life and experiences now, as someone in love with Jesus, working to give Him everything about my life.

DOW would like to thank Alina for her willingness to share a little bit about herself apart from her Bio which you can view on our website: www.dancing-on-water.com

Lesley Mathews
Editor

The Oxford dictionary describes Humility as: the quality of having a modest or low view of one’s importance….”he needs the humility to accept that their way may be better”.  Today our Youth Author, Alina Mathews, gives us the best way to avoid having an over-inflated opinion of oneself. The voice of wisdom speaks through Alina today. Ed.

“God opposes the proud but
shows favour to the humble”
James 4:6 (NIV)

Something that I am sure we have all experienced before is pride in ourselves—whether that be pride in an academic achievement or excelling in our workplace or praise that has been given to us by others.

While recognising our accomplishments is one thing, it can be so easy to let self-pride creep in and take over our hearts.

We can begin to view ourselves as idols – above others and even above God. We can start to search for validation from others to boost our ego even more, instead of seeking the perfect love, mercy and peace we can receive so freely from the Lord.

1 Peter 5:6 (NIV) tells us to “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.”

And from Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV):  ‘”Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.’

I encourage you to check your heart today, to humble yourself before the Lord in all areas of your life. I know this is a process I have to consciously go through myself each and every day.

Alina Mathews
October 30, 2024