Minnesota Influence

A fellow writer and Minnesotan, Stacy Monson, has a fun and informative blog called Land of 10,000 Words. Today she posted a chat between us about some of the Minnesota inspirations in my books, about the writing life, and assorted other topics. Please stop by and feel free to ask questions or join the chat!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Seven Things My Granddaughter Taught Me

Last weekend, we spent some blissful days visiting my son, daughter-in-love, and our sweet granddaughter who is five months old.  Even at such a young age, she demonstrates a lot of wisdom.

Here are a few things I learned from her, some of which I plan to apply to my own life:

1. People are funny. Each time you notice that, squeal with delight.

2. Your smile can be gorgeous even if you have no teeth.

3. When you feel tired, rub your eyes a few times and let someone rock you.

4. When life gets boring on your back, roll over and look at it from your tummy.

5. If you do a Pilates V-sit and grab your toes, you can pull both socks off simultaneously.

6. Sometimes the best toys are just out of reach, but keep trying anyway.

7. Everyone adores you, and that’s just the way it should be.

 Blessings,

Sharon Hinck

A Little Prayer

 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

Something New

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,

Sharon Hinck

They Also Serve...

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 

Book Launch Thanks

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

Trusting Him to Multiply

"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

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