Dear Lord,
Surprise us throughout the day with new glimpses of You…
Even in the midst of the “not rightness” of life on this sin-sick planet,
let us laugh, and sing, and dance for the joy of being loved by You.
Amen.
Blessings,
Sharon Hinck
Happy New Year!
As I think about the coming year, and my writing goals, I’ve been thinking about adaptation and change.
I have visceral memories of writing one of my first stories in pencil on multi-lined paper in the second grade. In fourth grade I typed a story about a horse on an old manual typewriter using onionskin paper and a carbon to make a spare copy. Anyone else remember working with carbon paper?
I was thrilled to upgrade to an electric typewriter in eighth grade. But I also filled blank journals with dreams and musings using a ballpoint pen.
Computers and word processors revolutionized the work of writing, but required more adjustment. I’ve used a computer to write all my novels, and don’t know how I would have managed revisions without one.
Yet I wonder if my writing voice changes with each medium.
One of my grad school professors believed that poetry should never be written on a computer or typewriter all. Poetry required a fountain pen and quality paper.
I continue to look for ways to adapt as a writer.
I’m writing this blog using my Christmas present: voice recognition software. Can I adapt? I’m not sure. This brief blog has taken many minutes of grappling with the software’s misunderstandings. Yet if I can adapt this may be another helpful step forward.
As I have practiced storytelling aloud, letting the software notate the words, I told my computer this was very Star Trek, and I was gratified to discover my computer recognized and knew how to spell, “Star Trek.”
On the other hand, my earlier reference to onion skin was typed as “masculine.”
So I fear I have a long way to go.
How about you? Anyone else trying a new skill in the new year?
Blessings,
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For several years now, circumstances have required me to pull back from activities that make me feel like I’m contributing. God whispers, “If my purpose is for you to wait, will you trust I love you no less?”
John Milton explored that struggle.
On Blindness
When I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He returning chide,
“Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?”
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need
Either man’s work or his own gifts. Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o’er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait.”
Advent is a wonderful time to ponder waiting. Has a life situation caused you to feel like you can’t contribute as much as you’d like? Have you felt God’s call to “wait,” in some area?
Let’s celebrate that our thoughts, our praise, our trust in the place of waiting can all be our service to Him. Let’s also celebrate that He is faithful to love us and never leave us.
Blessed Advent Season!
His,
Sharon Hinck
I’m still feeling the warm glow of gratitude–a good state to be in as Thanksgiving approaches!
This Saturday, friends stopped by to help celebrate that the entire Sword of Lyric series is back in print, with extra material, and new devotions guides included in the back of each book. The work has been grueling for me — in part because of the health challenges that made the project feel impossible each and every day of the last several years. That’s why seeing the books stacked on the table was a visual reminder of God’s generous and tender grace.
He did it!
The day was also special, because I was so touched that friends, family, and readers of the books, took time in a gorgeous weekend to stop by and visit. I soaked in the wonderful chance to catch up with people, hear what they are up to, and share joy (and relief) that this project is now completed.
I’m also feeling thankful as I think of the various friends who helped. Some spread the word, some brought treats, some brought friends, some prayed for me consistently these last few years. The people at the open house were a small representation of all the people whose love and support went into this work.
Here’s one example. My friend Joyce created these fun “book cover chocolates”:
She printed labels with book covers and wrapped those around small candy bars. One of the children who came said “Restorer’s Journey” tasted the best. I haven’t decided my favorite yet. Each book has a unique flavor. Hmm… guess I’ll need to do more research on the leftovers. 🙂
(I realize most of my readers don’t live in my neighborhood, and can’t drop by to have a book autographed. But I can still sign and personalize your book at Signed by the Author. Check it out! It’s a super fun concept.)
Have you faced some long projects recently? Building a house, remodeling a kitchen, writing a novel, teaching a class, fighting an illness? Has God comforted and strengthened you in the midst of the work through the encouragement of friends?
He’s so good that way.
Let’s give thanks!
Blessings
Sharon
“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
“Bring them here to me,” he (Jesus) said. (Matthew 14:17-18 NIV)
I sit in my little office, sighing over my two small fish and rather dry loaves of barley bread, feeling the futility of the offering in the face of the world’s needs. Do you ever feel that way?
We do the work in front of us,
love the people around us,
stay alert for tiny ways to help someone,
sing an off-key melody of praise . . .
. . . and wonder if we are making a difference.
We often don’t glimpse the results. All the better. We walk by faith. Called to serve–not necessarily to succeed. God is producing fruit, “fruit that will last,” but it is often growing in secret. It’s not for us to tally.
I like to imagine there will be a time in heaven when God will page through a scrapbook with us, and He will trace the impact of some of the simple acts of love we offered. Remind us of the hours of closet prayer we weren’t sure He heard. Show us the second act of the story. How He breathed power and life into a word, a prayer, a gift – and multiplied it until baskets were needed for the leftovers.
It’s a recurring theme in all my novels. God can make a difference through our lives. Not because of our greatness–relying on our own resources would lead to stinky fish and moldy bread. But because of His ability to multiply. To imbue our simple lives with His grace so that we can tear off a piece of barley loaf and pass it to a friend. And they can break the bread and hand it to another. And somehow it doesn’t run out.
Can you sing Him a chorus of praise today, even if your throat is hoarse from tears?
Can you listen to a friend, even if you can’t solve her problem?
Can you pray one more time over a need, even when it seems your prayers bounce off the ceiling?
Can you do the simple act of love that no one sees and no one appreciates?
“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
“Bring them here to me,” he (Jesus) said. (Matthew 14:17-18 NIV)
Jesus may be planning a miracle. Let’s trust Him to multiply.
(adapted from Sharon’s Book Buddy Newsletter, 10/07)
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Thank you to everyone who visited my blog during the Scavenger Hunt!
The grand prize of a Kindle and 31 books goes to: Jennifer Friedley
The 2nd and 3rd prize $50 gift certificates go to: Laura McEwen and Gretchen Michels Garrison
The BONUS prize of four of my contemporary fiction titles goes to: Betti Mace
But EVERYONE who participated is a winner because we all got to find out about new releases by terrific Christian authors in a variety of genres.
Thanks for participating!
Blessings,
Sharon Hinck
…stories for the hero in all of us
Follow the clues in red on each post, beginning from Stop #1. Along the way you’ll have the fun of getting to know the 31 participating Christian authors, and reading unique articles found nowhere else. And I’m offering a SHARON’S BLOG BONUS PRIZE, as well – with details at the end of this blog post.
It is 1811, and the prosperous port city of Charleston is bustling with plantation owners, slaves, and immigrants. Immigrants such as the raven-haired Adalia Winston. But Adalia has a secret: her light skin belies that she is part black and a runaway slave from Barbados. Skilled in herbal remedies, Adalia finds employment with a local doctor and settles into a quiet life, thankful for her freedom but still fearful that her owner will find her.
Born into one of Charleston’s prominent families, Morgan Rutledge is handsome, bored—and enamored of the beautiful Adalia, who spurns his advances. Morgan’s persistence, however, finally wins, and Adalia is swept into the glamorous world of Charleston high society.
My copies arrived! I love the smell of ink and the feel of crisp new pages. Holding a new release is always an exciting day, but especially for this book. You see, the past several years, working on the new expanded editions of the Sword of Lyric series has been my labor of love.
It’s been a gift to have this project to work on, and a true miracle of God’s provision as each of the three has been completed and put back into print. I put my heart into the new devotional guide (included in the back of each book), and put my love into each bonus scene. Much like my characters experience, the road has felt difficult, but the One has revealed His goodness in many ways along this adventure.
Places to find The Restorer’s Journey-Expanded Edition (Book 3 of the Sword of Lyric series):
Marcher Lord Press (paperback and ebook)
Barnes and Noble Nook
Amazon Kindle
Kobo ebook
About the book:
Blessings!
Sharon Hinck
Hooray! The Fall Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt begins at noon on October 25th. I’m jazzed to be participating again. You can read about the hunt here, and mark your calendar. We did this event last spring and it was a blast.
As a BONUS treat, I’m giving away a set of ALL my general fiction paperback novels (The Secret Life of Becky Miller, Renovating Becky Miller, Symphony of Secrets, and Stepping Into Sunlight) with a drawing from THIS post.
Here’s how to enter for my personal bonus prize.
I’m looking for folks to help create Book Buzz for my new release, The Restorer’s Journey-Expanded Edition. You can tweet to let your friends know about the book’s release, or post on facebook, or blog, or ask your local library to order the book. OR you can get extra creative and think of other fun ways to let your friends know about the book’s release.
Just leave a comment to this post from now until the scavenger hunt ends on October 28, telling me how you created buzz for The Restorer’s Journey-Expanded Edition, and you’ll be entered in the drawing. Extra creative and enthusiastic ideas will be entered twice – doubling your odds. Please also leave an email where I can reach you if you win. Thanks!
I hope you’ll have fun with both these contests, and enjoy discovering new Christian fiction!
Blessings,
Sharon Hinck
Normally on Bookshelf Wednesday, I share a favorite treasure sitting on my shelf. I’m cheating a bit this week, since I don’t have this one yet – but I know this will one I’ll WANT on my shelf.
Some of you will remember that I’ve done some book tours with other Christian fantasy authors. One of the wonderful writers I was privileged to get to know on a west coast tour was L. B. Graham. Here’s some info about his new release.
–>
Paperback and Kindle at Amazon
Thanks so much for visiting, L.B. and blessings on your new release!
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