Just Indie Art recently got a chance to interview Author Anna Arapakos aka Dimitria Christakis in regard to her book Connecting The Dots. We got insights into her book, her source of inspiration and much more.
Q. Welcome! How are you doing? Your book is now available on Amazon! Please tell our readers about your book Connecting The Dots.
My Connecting the Dots… is a book that is more of a personal journey. In it, I show how often unexpected circumstances in life can lead to an opportunity to take the leap of faith — if we so choose. I reflect on those pivotal moments and areas in my life to show you how I came to a saving faith; it seemed an unlikely prospect, a modern-day miracle even. But that wasn’t all; in fact, it was just the beginning! I wanted to share what the first few fledgling steps of faith looked like for me, including selected trials, my many questions, and immense joys.
Q. What motivated and inspired you to write this book?
I was invited to watch a baptism of the child of a friend of mine, and upon going to church, I listened to their pastor. Quite unexpectedly, I couldn’t get what he said out of my mind, so I emailed him and ask him bluntly if he was for real. We met and just chatted, and, well, one thing led to another, and the rest is a story of His amazing grace in me. I took that chance, and Jesus said Yes! The motivation was a burning seeking and a spark of hope within me, and the inspiration was a person who introduced me to Christ that led to a transformed heart and life. How could I not share?!
Q. Any tips or advice on how one can cultivate faith?
Don’t stop seeking, and try to read the Bible every day. Surround yourself with like-minded people who can support you and love you. You then return the blessing to others seeking the same. Develop the habit of prayer, and it will become as natural as breathing. Be gentle and patient with yourself. You may come to Jesus in a moment, but your change in the way you live is an evolution.
Q. What’s next? Which book or project are you working on now?
Two years after I wrote Connecting the Dots…, I published Living Stones. It is a collection of 52 “love letters” I wrote to people that, were I to die, I would want them to know exactly how much they have blessed me. I took my time and counted the unique ways they are special. Ultimately, I challenge the reader to do much the same. Less than a month ago, I published a two-volume book called Labor of Love: Understanding Hercules and Helping Hercules. It took me three years to write this. It is about my caretaking experience with my father, who had Huntington’s disease. This story weaves the myth of Hercules, features of this disease (including heredity and neurology), and my father‘s life into a fascinating kaleidoscope that will help the reader understand this neurodegenerative disease and how to take care of one who has it. I am working on my fourth book, but I am just in the beginning stages.
Q. Finally, as we ask all our guests, do you have any closing thoughts that you would like to share with the world and our readers?
Never forget that you have a divine purpose in life, and that is to express God‘s love through the unique fashion that He made you! Love deeply and don’t waste a moment of your life!
About the author: Anna Arapakos is a retired high school teacher of English and Russian. She taught for 32 years in the same school, but not only that, she led 16 trips abroad with students. She earned her master’s degree in Russian studies at Indiana University after getting her bachelor’s degree in Russian at the University of Tennessee. An educator to her core, she garnered several accolades for her teaching. Currently, she is a substitute teacher, which has afforded her the time to continue her writing. As of now, she has three books to her name, the most recent being two volumes. She also has led half a dozen trips with her church, namely, the Footsteps of Paul in Greece, but also two trips to Jerusalem. Anna is proud of her Greek heritage (on her father’s side) and spends many of her summers in Greece. She is passionate about her faith and is a real “people person.” She is curious by nature, and loves the intricacies of understanding human nature. In her spare time, she enjoys being with friends and family. To keep young at heart, she maintains Mediterranean lifestyle, listens to an eclectic range of music, reads, and enjoys humor. Anna lives life to the fullest, and, as she tells her students, she lives “for their questions!”
The book is now available on Amazon. Order your copy now: Connecting The Dots
