tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142837822024-03-12T19:27:10.000-07:00Stories for the hero in all of usSharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.comBlogger584125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-63869097951392258742015-10-30T06:56:00.001-07:002015-10-30T06:58:53.498-07:003 Ways to Restore a Sense of Wonder<br />
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<h2>
Restoring Wonder</h2>
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Day to day life has a way of making us feel jaded. Many of the tasks that demand our effort can feel mundane or frustrating, and far from wondrous.<br />
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As I read Psalm 9 this morning, I stopped on the word "wonders" and pondered how to restore the joyous awe that can fuel my soul.<br />
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Three things came to mind from recent experiences.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">1. Noticing beauty in the world God created. </span></h3>
The photo is from a recent trip to the north shore. But we can spot amazing nature in our own backyards. A leaf. A cloud. A raindrop. They all coax us to praise God for what He's made.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">2. Marveling in other humans that God designed.</span></h3>
We have a new grandson, and each picture of him, each sound of his cry over the phone line fills me with awe. New babies are an easy source of wonder. But so are friends, family, even strangers. The relentless uniqueness. The precious points of connection. The mystery of love. Relationships also call us to praise.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">3. Worshiping the One who loves us completely.</span></h3>
Time spent focusing on God can work deep change in our spirits. In a gathering with others to sing and praise. As we read God's love letter to us in Scripture. In our quiet moments of prayer. Soon, like the Psalmist, we find we are once again praising Him with all our hearts.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i>Lord, open our eyes and our souls to Your wonders! Amen.</i></span></span><br />
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Would you like to move toward more wonder at God's interaction in our lives? I invite you to <a href="http://sharonhinck.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=3503cb8b1d78c74ed12baab96&id=29b785602e" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>download and explore this free devotional guide</b></span> </a>that digs into the amazing ways God uses ordinary people on extraordinary faith journeys.<br />
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Blessings!<br />
Sharon HinckSharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-68880633073033180932015-10-29T08:38:00.001-07:002015-10-29T08:38:19.755-07:00Bonus Scene - Restorer's Journey - Lukyan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mW6Sb59bQ68/VjI8iHgUnDI/AAAAAAAACIQ/Zuw1XOhPZnk/s1600/Restorer%2527sJourneyBonusSceneLukyan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mW6Sb59bQ68/VjI8iHgUnDI/AAAAAAAACIQ/Zuw1XOhPZnk/s400/Restorer%2527sJourneyBonusSceneLukyan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After Chapter 14<br /><br /><b>Lukyan:</b><br /><br />
Wade and Jake left my cottage in such a hurry they didn’t slide the door closed. Bracing myself against my chair arms, I eased to my feet. Each of my bones grumbled a reminder of my age as they took my weight. I was too old for all this chaos and danger.<br />
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I limped to the doorway and looked out at the trees. “Holy One, is it time for me to come home yet?” I whispered. “I long to serve where you need me, but the times are growing so dark, and my strength is growing frail. I’m ready to join You now. Look into my heart. It’s breaking with the knowledge that Your people are being deceived.”<br />
<br /> I slid the door, shutting out the view of Braide Wood, wishing I could shut out the vivid picture of the clans trapped in confusion and doubt. Why would the One have allowed Cameron to create false Verses? How could He expect the people to know whom to follow? Had my counsel to Jake helped? I rejoiced in the young man’s passion to protect the true Records, but could such an untried youth stand against so many powerful enemies?<br />
<br /> <i>You were an untried youth once, too.</i><br />
<br />The gentle reminder tugged a smile from my lips. “You’re right, Blessed One. Jake doesn’t walk alone, and neither do I. Will you join me for my meal?”<br />
<br />I took a small bread loaf from the basket on my table. Tara had brought them over yesterday. Always thinking of others, even when supplies were scarce. Indulging in a small luxury, I set the loaf on a heat trivet. Tara’s bread was already delicious, but warming it filled my home with a yeasty, nutty scent. Picking it up, I tore the loaf in half and lifted the pieces.<br />
<br /> “Creator of this fragile flesh, <br />Sustainer of my life’s brief length, <br />Provider of all humble needs, <br />I thank you for this gift of strength.”<br />
<br />The childhood prayer comforted me. Some songkeepers were sure that the longer we lived, the more we would understand the Verses, grow in character, and follow the One with faithfulness and purity. <br />I took a small bite and chewed slowly. A lovely theory. My love for the One did grow with years of knowing Him. But my failings became even more obvious to me, more frustrating, more ingrained. And the more glimpses I had of the One’s work, the more I longed to see Him face to face, away from the shroud of this troubled world. My old teacher often told me that straining to see around the next bend in the road would cause me to stumble over the stones on my current path.<br />
<br />Carrying my bread and a mug of lukewarm clavo, I settled into my chair. Each songkeeper felt a unique calling to various aspects of the Verses. Many loved teaching, studying, reviewing, and analyzing the meaning of the genealogies and the parts of the Records that looked to the past. Others drew joy from the practical counsel and rules for serving the One and others in each present day. But I’d always been most intrigued with the Verses that looked to the future. The Deliverer who would come.<br />
<br />As a young songkeeper, I asked the One each day when that promise would be fulfilled. As a grown man, seeing ever growing threats against our clans, I asked again, often with earnest tears. In recent seasons as danger piled upon danger, I continued to ask. Each time, I heard a quiet voice answer, “Soon.”<br />
<br />More of a habit than a new conversation, I asked again. “Creator of our land, Protector of our people, how much worse must we face before You come as our Deliverer? Isn’t it time?”<br />
<br /><i>Before you draw your last breath, Child. You will see the Deliverer.</i><br />
<br />The morsel of bread caught in my throat and I coughed so hard, I doubled over. Fumbling for my mug, I gulped some liquid, wiped the tears from my eyes. Had I heard correctly? I knew the only sensible response to the One’s words was, “Let it be so.”<br />
<br />But this answer was so unexpected, so specific. The skin rose on the back of my neck. My limbs trembled, as they sometimes had when the mist lowered on worshippers in the Lyric tower. “What? When? How can that be? Have you noticed how old I am? Do you mean I’ll see a vision of Him? You can’t mean . . .”<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1935929771/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1935929771&linkCode=as2&tag=sharonhinck-20&linkId=EFEQMX74AAURL5D6" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1935929771/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1935929771&linkCode=as2&tag=sharonhinck-20&linkId=EFEQMX74AAURL5D6" border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-21Y00rBleEQ/VjI82I4l5nI/AAAAAAAACIY/pnsQkZVDGxw/s200/RJBookCover.jpg" width="169" /></a><br />My objections finally stammered to a halt. Oh, the foolish babbling that overcomes us when we are in the presence of all holiness and wisdom and love. I eased from my chair to my knees and lifted my arms as far as my stiff shoulders would allow. Wonder and gratitude stole my voice. But my heart exploded in song, a song of two words, over and over in ever rising pitch. “Thank you.”<br /> <br /><br />Read more in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1935929771/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1935929771&linkCode=as2&tag=sharonhinck-20&linkId=EFEQMX74AAURL5D6" target="_blank">The Restorer's Journey</a> by Sharon HinckSharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-55367924461220663462015-10-14T08:47:00.000-07:002015-10-14T08:47:19.323-07:00His Voice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T710rKYmWaA/Vh54kdfoajI/AAAAAAAACH8/3uyaImcW5rM/s1600/waters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T710rKYmWaA/Vh54kdfoajI/AAAAAAAACH8/3uyaImcW5rM/s400/waters.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lord, You speak to us in whispers and thunders, through the might and beauty of nature, and the quiet compassion of a friend. Help us to hear You today. Amen.<br />
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Blessings!<br />
<a href="http://www.sharonhinck.com/" target="_blank">Sharon Hinck</a>Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-72882493883330808082015-10-13T09:12:00.000-07:002015-10-13T09:12:34.538-07:00The View From Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On a recent hike, my stamina was exhausted and I lay flat on the trail to rest. When I recovered enough to open my eyes, I was astounded by the view of golden birch leaves against a clear autumn sky.<br />
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There are times when problems flatten us and knock the stuffing from us. But even when we're prone, weak, and empty, God can coax us to look up. He can help us discover beauty from the midst of our pain. Those glimpses of beauty encourage our souls as they remind us of His power and love.<br />
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How is your view today?<br />
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Blessings!<br />
Sharon Hinck<br />
www.sharonhinck.comSharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-5579458897985876632015-09-23T08:43:00.004-07:002015-09-23T08:43:42.925-07:00Loud Clashing Symbols<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Loud Clashing Symbols</b></span><br />
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One Sunday we sang the hymn, "Earth and All Stars."<br />
<br />The second verse proclaims - "Trumpet and pipes! Loud clashing cymbals! Sing to the Lord a new song!"<br /><br />But the person who typed the lyrics for the screen projector wrote, "Loud clashing symbols."<br /><br />I
got the giggles. I poked my poor hubby and whispered, "It's like a
comment from one of my critique buddies telling me I'm mixing metaphors.
Clashing symbols. Get it?"<br /><br />I was giggling all day. Maybe it's
just warped writer humor, but I love the image of my writing being full
of loud symbols that offer the Lord a new song.<br />
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Do you ever find delight in a typo?<br />
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Blessings,<br />
<a href="http://www.sharonhinck.com/" target="_blank">Sharon Hinck</a>Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-34865710820849173452015-09-22T04:52:00.000-07:002015-09-22T04:52:24.679-07:00Schaeffer on Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-974221343324281802015-09-21T06:57:00.000-07:002015-09-21T06:57:06.882-07:00Conquer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When each day dawns with a new mountain to climb, it helps to remember that we are loved, that we never travel alone, and that our strength comes from the Savior who has conquered every evil.<br />
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What is your daunting challenge today?<br />
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<i>Dear Lord, we need You. Help us to more than conquer each hardship today because of Your love and mighty presence in us. Amen.</i><br />
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Blessings!<br />
<a href="http://www.sharonhinck.com/" target="_blank">Sharon Hinck</a>Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-69272375447625940402015-09-18T04:00:00.000-07:002015-09-18T04:00:06.165-07:00Bonus Scene - Restorer's Journey - Wade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After Chapter 11<br /><br />Wade:<br />
<br />The path from Braide Wood to the transport was rock-strewn and hard under my feet. Usually the sounds of small creatures created happy whispers throughout the woods. Today the silence was as cold as angry lips pressed together. Even the trees seemed to droop. So much had changed since Cameron became king.<br />
<br />I reached a familiar bend in the trail and rubbed the scars on my arm. Each time I strode past this place, I remembered the night the bear attacked our small group. A grin broke through my gloom. Now that was an enemy I knew how to fight.<br />
<br />Give me a bear over Council politics any day. I could carry a heavy load, or swing a sword long after everyone else tired. But the planning, the strategies, the heavy choices I’d seen Tristan have to make…those weren’t for me. These days, strength, courage, and loyalty were no longer enough. I wanted to help Jake, but was this the best way to do it? Would he be safe back at camp with the group of suspicious guardians? I wanted to serve the clans, but was it right to keep our men together secretly when the king had ordered the guardians disbanded? The questions baffled me.<br /><br />I hitched up my sword belt and clambered over a fallen tree branch in the path. Sorting out the answers was better left to smarter men. Yet here I was, on my way to skulk around the city of Lyric.<br />
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Again. When Cameron’s men grabbed Susan from Braide Wood that first season, Tristan sent me to protect her. I spent days prowling the back alleys of Lyric, asking questions in a way that I’d hoped was subtle, and poking around dark underground rooms.<br />
<br />When I finally caught up to Susan, I accidentally walloped Markkel over the head. That’s what comes of sending a simple guardian to deal with complicated plots. He’d eventually warmed up to me. Even asked me to be his house protector. The weight of my pack lightened. I lengthened my stride. Markkel’s family needed my protection. That much was clear.<br />
<br />When I reached the transport stop, I gazed up and down the tarred road. With so many other changes in our clans, I couldn’t assume anything. If they were no longer running, I’d have a hike of many days to reach Lyric. I paced the paved road, listening to the glum silence while I waited.<br />
<br />Thankfully, the midday transport glided up before the afternoon rains started. It was empty. Rendor families no longer traveled past Braide Wood on their way to the other clans. The emptiness was an eerie reminder that none of us were sure what had happened to all those families. Cameron said they were happily sharing their land with the Kahlareans. Even I wasn’t gullible enough to believe that.<br />
<br />I sank onto a lonely bench. Perhaps I’d find Susan rallying councilmembers as she did before the battle of Morsal Plains. Maybe she’d be able to convince the king to reinstate the guardians. If anyone could, it would be her. But our people were angry and confused. What if they blamed her for leaving? I rested my hand on my sword hilt. My head ached. I was thinking too much again.<br />
<br />Linette would remind me that problems were often beyond our intellect to solve, and that we were meant to rely on the One’s wisdom instead. I scratched my head. But would she tell me it was right to rescue a former Restorer from our current king? They were both appointed by the One, weren’t they? <br />I whistled an off key tune as wheels hummed a steady rhythm, and trees and steep ridges gave way to gentler hills. Gradually a melody formed, and the words spun free from the clutter and confusion in my brain.<br />
<br /><i>Awesome in majesty, perfect in power. </i><br />
<br />I leaned back against the bench. Of course. Cameron might be king, but even a king could make mistakes. The One was the only true king. This situation that was so confusing wasn’t too complex for Him.<br />
<br />“Show me my next step,” I whispered. “And protect the men while I’m away. Oh, and Jake. I have a hunch he’s going to need You, too.”<br />
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You can read the rest of the story in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1935929771/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1935929771&linkCode=as2&tag=sharonhinck-20&linkId=EFEQMX74AAURL5D6" target="_blank">The Restorer's Journey</a> (Book 3 of the Sword of Lyric Series)<br /> <br /><br />Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-38637479942944572902015-09-16T08:31:00.005-07:002015-09-16T08:32:17.331-07:00Refreshed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S_YlvxyRi5w/VfmKnR3Us_I/AAAAAAAACGE/_rqNX7SbEHs/s1600/Refreshed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S_YlvxyRi5w/VfmKnR3Us_I/AAAAAAAACGE/_rqNX7SbEHs/s400/Refreshed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dear Lord, on days when our bodies, minds, or hearts are weary, we rejoice in the gift of Your presence. You are the Water of Life, and today we invite You to refresh us. Turn our souls to You, so we are open to receive Your grace. Amen.<br />
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Blessings,<br />
<a href="http://www.sharonhinck.com/" target="_blank">Sharon Hinck</a>Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-79450088018736202922015-09-14T04:30:00.000-07:002015-09-14T04:30:01.546-07:00One Minute of Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OelI7pD6-jQ" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OelI7pD6-jQ" border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--JMK250jezc/VfYFqdyO3dI/AAAAAAAACFw/MEDY3KABZQ8/s400/book-clouds-873442_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OelI7pD6-jQ" target="_blank">Christian writers and readers who love speculative fiction</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OelI7pD6-jQ" target="_blank">,</a> here is a one minute video from my publisher at Enclave to inspire and encourage you. You might recognize a cover or two. ;-)<br />
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Blesssings!<br />
<a href="http://www.sharonhinck.com/" target="_blank">Sharon Hinck</a><br />
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<br />Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-69406871549501504662015-09-11T04:27:00.000-07:002015-09-11T05:30:25.120-07:00Bonus Scene - Restorer's Journey - Mark<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After chapter 6</div>
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Mark:</div>
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Dust floated uncaring from the rafters. I reached my arm toward the empty space where my son had stood seconds before. Gone. </div>
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My heart pounded, sending a jarring pulse against my broken ribs. I grabbed the nearest portal stone, shifted its position, and realigned it with the others. No subtle vibration, no tingling tug of the portal, no hint of life. I picked up the others. The stones were dead weight in my hands.</div>
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I’d been ready to die in the effort to reach Susan—but I hadn’t been ready for this. Shut out, facing horrible emptiness. And now Jake was gone, too.</div>
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“No!” The cry tore open my cut lip and I tasted blood. I crumpled to the plywood floor. Bones grated. Bruises throbbed. But the pain was nothing compared to the raw horror in my soul.</div>
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For weeks I’d contemplated destroying the portal stones, and then worked on ways to alter or control them. Anything to keep Cameron and Medea from returning to harm the clans. Even after Cameron and Medea invaded our house, I thought by purposely misaligning the stones I could hinder them. After they surprised me and dragged Susan with them, Jake had to snap me out of my shock. We formed another new plan. And now I faced another disaster.</div>
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Jake was gone, too. Lost, unreachable. In danger. Like Susan.<br />
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Susan’s journal rested on the chair we’d set up for her quiet refuge. It seemed years ago that she’d smiled at me, thanking me again and again for building this space, for finding some tangible way to help her with her inner pain. I inched toward it. My Council tunic caught on a nail head, and I tugged it free. I’d love to tear the entire thing apart, along with all the choices that had led to this moment. Instead I picked up her journal and hugged it against my chest. “Lord, bring her back to me.” The longing was so deep, I could only whisper the words.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I gently set the journal back on her chair. Time to find a solution.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
First, I tried every improbable trick I could think of to activate the portal. Placing the old plastic sword between the stones produced no reaction. Tossing a ball across the space triggered nothing. Stepping in and out of the space and re-positioning the portal stones again and again did nothing.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next, I brought the stones down to my basement workbench and pulled out my tools. I tinkered for hours, looking for clues in the hidden mechanisms that could bring them back to life. My worries swung between Susan and Jake. At least when Jake went through the portal, the stones weren’t misaligned. And he wasn’t in the company of Cameron and Medea. What was Susan going through?<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hours later, I rubbed my eyes, as my tools and the workbench slipped in and out of focus. My whole body was one throbbing ache, and now I was swaying on my feet from exhaustion.<br />
<br />
<br />
I took the stones and a sleeping bag back up to the attic. In the past, our sojourns through the portal had taken little time in this world. Susan and Jake could return at any moment. Or perhaps they’d be able to send a message somehow. Until they did, I needed to stay close. I unrolled the sleeping bag and curled up, ears straining for any hopeful sound. If I couldn’t sleep beside my wife, at least I’d sleep beside this fragile link that I had to her.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As the darkness settled around me, my desperate hope provided cold comfort.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-37634747697434323092015-09-10T07:24:00.002-07:002015-09-10T07:24:34.143-07:00The Deliverer - Giveaway on Goodreads<div id="goodreadsGiveawayWidget152233"><!-- Show static html as a placeholder in case js is not enabled --><br />
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<h2 style="margin: 0 0 10px !important; padding: 0 !important; font-style: italic; font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; color: #555;"> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com" target="_new">Goodreads</a> Book Giveaway<br />
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<div style="float: left;"> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25577214"><img alt="The Deliverer by Sharon Hinck" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1432236822l/25577214.jpg" title="The Deliverer by Sharon Hinck" width="100" /></a><br />
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<div style="margin: 0 0 0 110px !important; padding: 0 0 0 0 !important;"> <h3 style="margin: 0; padding: 0; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;"> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25577214">The Deliverer</a><br />
</h3> <h4 style="margin: 0 0 10px; padding: 0; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6779.Sharon_Hinck" style="text-decoration: none;">Sharon Hinck</a><br />
</h4><br />
<div class="giveaway_details"> <p> Giveaway ends September 29, 2015.<br />
</p> <p> See the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/152233" style="text-decoration: none;">giveaway details</a><br />
at Goodreads.<br />
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<br />
</div></div><script src="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/widget/152233" type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script>Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-62793069744993192742015-09-08T13:54:00.003-07:002015-09-08T13:54:57.383-07:00A Day of Encouragement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4oBEVzpFt4/Ve9JWZNEA3I/AAAAAAAACE4/txdhx2f0Gis/s1600/Photo%2Bon%2B9-8-15%2Bat%2B3.41%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4oBEVzpFt4/Ve9JWZNEA3I/AAAAAAAACE4/txdhx2f0Gis/s400/Photo%2Bon%2B9-8-15%2Bat%2B3.41%2BPM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I got to hold an author copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310347084/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0310347084&linkCode=as2&tag=sharonhinck-20&linkId=CYQIIDR2VBTUYGQK" target="_blank"><i>Mornings with Jesus 2016</i></a> today. So lovely to see the devotions I contributed, nestled among the wonderful insights and inspiration of other authors.<br />
<br />
And as if that wasn't enough blessing, I received a beautiful thank you card from a friend who was blessed by my new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1621840492/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1621840492&linkCode=as2&tag=sharonhinck-20&linkId=VRFV2SEF6Q57346O" target="_blank"><i>The Deliverer.</i></a> In part, she wrote, "I laughed! I cried! I grew closer to the One!" Her words were just what I needed today.<br />
<br />
Has God sent a special treat your way lately? Post a comment! I'd love to rejoice with you.<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Sharon<br />
<br />Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-50904023379881059862015-09-08T06:54:00.000-07:002015-09-08T06:54:11.904-07:00Mighty Fortress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span id="goog_1162401452"></span><span id="goog_1162401453"></span><br />Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-8852148259968368052015-09-06T08:03:00.000-07:002015-09-06T08:03:00.324-07:00Sabbath Prayer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Today I read John 5, where Jesus was criticized for healing on the Sabbath. I take great comfort in knowing that He is always available, always at work, always willing to hear our prayers.<br />
<br />
Blessings!<br />
<a href="http://www.sharonhinck.com/" target="_blank">Sharon Hinck</a>Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-28742710804542316692015-09-05T04:00:00.000-07:002015-09-05T04:00:00.623-07:00Restorer's Journey - Bonus Scene - Medea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After Chapter 2<br /><br />Medea:<br /><br />
Shelves crawled up the walls of the small shop, full of strange items I didn’t recognize and didn’t care to learn about. Cameron scowled at the lumpy man behind the counter, so I stepped closer. He obviously needed my help—as he had each moment in this strange place. Delicious warmth rose in my chest. Having this powerful man dependent on me was intoxicating.<br />
<br />Of course, he was just using me. Again. But at least Cameron was entertaining. Few people had such wonderful threads of darkness to explore. Most were dull vacant husks of basic desires and simple fears. Like the oafish shopkeeper who kept shaking his head.<br />
<br />
“Sir, you need to show me your permit to carry. And then you’ll have a waiting—”<br />
<br />
“We don’t want to wait.” My words poured like thick liquid, rich as lehken blood. The man’s eyes glazed. His thoughts froze, and I slipped through them and around them. There it was. Greed. Child’s play. So easy to work with. “Think of all the sales you might lose if you don’t help this important man. You’ll do anything to give him what he needs.”<br />
<br /> Not even a flicker of resistance.<br />
<br /> He didn’t speak, but lumbered to one of his crowded racks and pulled out the long, clumsy tool that Cameron was so obsessed with possessing today. Cameron stuffed it into his sack, along with the small heavy boxes that the shopkeeper pulled from behind his counter. Strange symbols traced across the box, the same strange symbols littering everything in this cluttered world. Unimportant.<br />
<br />
We left the shop and the light assaulted us again. Searing. Brilliant. A thousand lightwalls closing in on us.<br />
<br />Cameron steered me down the street toward the place we’d taken lodging. “I wish you could teach me how to do that,” he said.<br />
<br />“So do I.”<br />
<br />Then I wouldn’t need to be in this hateful place. As we walked along the street, noises welled together. Chaotic fragments of music. The clamor of odd-colored transports. The constant dull buzz of machines. Apparently these people couldn’t produce heat, light, or movement without all this noise. My head throbbed. I stopped, squeezing my eyes shut.<br />
<br /> Cameron shifted his bag over his other shoulder and took my arm. “Is it worse? Did that last encounter drain you?”<br />
<br />I wafted a hand through the air. “Don’t insult me. It’s the light. And the speed.” Everyone rushing. Sounds jabbing at my brain.<br />
<br />He drew me off the busy street and into a city park. Only a few trees and the prickly, violently-green coating over the soil and a few stone benches. Nothing like the nurturing beauty of Rhus. Not even as peaceful as the tiny parks in Lyric. But a place to catch my breath.<br />
<br />A hideous creature slithered up a tree trunk, then back down, in haphazard patterns. Cameron said the animals—squirrels?—were harmless, but their faces held menace, and they moved too much like rizzids. I tensed whenever I spotted one, expecting it to sink razor-sharp teeth into me, injecting its poison.<br />
<br />I grabbed Cameron’s arm. “This whole place is poisoning me. Take me back. Now.”<br />
<br />Cameron led me to a bench in the shade. “Rest first. Then we’ll talk.”<br />
<br />I leaned forward, running my hands over the soft fabric of the dress we’d taken from one of the many shops we’d explored in the past weeks… or was it years? “How long have we been here? Can we sit here until the rains? I want to feel the rain.”<br />
<br />His sigh was heavy as he took my hand. “They don’t have rain every day. Remember?”<br />
<br />Why bother remembering insignificant things like weather? The longer we lingered in this horrible place, the more my thoughts scampered away to hide or spun in dizzying circles. Nicco had warned me. At least I thought he had. Unless my memories were jumbled again. Nicco never understood how valuable my alliance with Cameron would be for Rhus. Now I couldn’t remember why, either. My head hurt. “You have enough weapons. It’s time to go back.”<br />
<br /> “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that.”<br />
<br />Not another change in plans. I was slipping. Another reminder I needed to get home to Rhus. He’d never been able to hide his thoughts from me before. But I’d been so distracted, coping with the irritations of this place, I’d missed the subtle shifts in his mood, his energy, his focus. I met his eyes, ready to intrude, to bend his will, to let him know exactly what I required of him.<br />
<br />He quickly held up his hands. “Wait. Think about it. We’ve already proven we can control the clans. Imagine what we could do here.”<br />
<br />I sprang from the bench. “And our arrangement? If you aren’t back in the Council leading the clans, how will you send Rhus what we agreed?”<br />
<br />“I’ve given my best years to those ignorant, backward people. They refuse every attempt at progress. Why don’t we leave it all behind and start fresh. Here. Together.”<br />
<br />A shrill laugh broke from my throat. “So you can become a king over this ugly world and I—” No. He couldn’t know. He knew I suffered when away from Rhus too long. But I couldn’t allow him the power of knowing the rest.<br />
<br />I stepped back, and the horrible light from the sky found me, searing me with its unnatural vibrancy. I clutched my temples, stumbling forward to the cool stone bench again. “It’s a fine idea,” I choked out. “You’re meant for bigger things.”<br />
<br />His chest lifted and he leaned back, surveying the park and streets beyond as if he already owned them. “Exactly. This is only the beginning.” He patted the lumpy bag at his feet.<br />
<br />“You deserve to lead people who will respect you. Fear you.” Unlike my conversation with the shopkeeper, this time my words were as soft as a caress. Direct assault rarely worked with Cameron. Instead I gave a barely perceptible nudge. Ultimately he would change direction. He would never know I had influenced him. I leaned against him and smiled sweetly. “But first, you deserve your revenge on Markkel and Susan for all the trouble they caused you.”<br />
<br />I watched the new suggestion rush through the tangled branches of his soul, felt it soak into the deepest roots of hatred. Recognition lit his face. “Of course. Now that I have weapons, we should go back to their home.”<br />
<br />“Today? So soon?” I widened my eyes. “That’s a beautiful idea.”<br />
<br />By the time we reached their home, he would decide his original plan was too important to abandon. I’d get back to Rhus, and Cameron would tear his people apart clan by clan to supply what we needed.<br />
<br />
(The rest of the story is found in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1935929771/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1935929771&linkCode=as2&tag=sharonhinck-20&linkId=EFEQMX74AAURL5D6" target="_blank">The Restorer's Journey - Book 3 of the Sword of Lyric series</a>) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br /> <br /><br />Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-81338245171149189952015-09-04T04:00:00.000-07:002015-09-04T05:03:32.315-07:00Encouragement for Parents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Feeling the challenges of parenting today? Treat yourself to a novel about the misadventures of supermom <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00INHYUF8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00INHYUF8&linkCode=as2&tag=sharonhinck-20&linkId=FNAASMYAT367URCX" target="_blank">Becky Miller.</a> She's the kind of friend who will share a few giggles, and also inspire.<br />
<br />
The e-book is only $3.99 now on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00INHYUF8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00INHYUF8&linkCode=as2&tag=sharonhinck-20&linkId=FNAASMYAT367URCX" target="_blank">Kindle</a> or <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-secret-life-of-becky-miller-sharon-hinck/1018202179?ean=2940149478217" target="_blank">Nook</a>. <br />
<br />
Blessings!<br />
Sharon HinckSharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-83970065358651656242015-09-02T04:56:00.000-07:002015-09-02T04:56:00.207-07:00The Door<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As a fan of fantastical stories, I've read many that involve portals, passages, or secret entries between worlds. It's not surprising that our imagination resonates with that longing to explore--to go from here to there. God has planted that desire in us for the "someplace new" where we belong. Jesus Himself is the Door.<br />
<br />
Blessings!<br />
Sharon HinckSharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-22638391097678328932015-09-01T04:59:00.000-07:002015-09-01T04:59:00.104-07:00Sharpening Pencils<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #006600;">Fall is a time that makes me want to sharpen pencils. Perhaps it's the</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">ingrained rhythm of back-to-school, but each September I'm driven by a</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">strange compulsion to clean closets, organize my desk, and buy new</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">office supplies.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #006600;">Writers often develop rituals of preparing to write. In all honesty,</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">sometimes we're just avoiding the hard, hard work of putting words to</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">paper. So we make sure the house is tidy, throw in a load of laundry,</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">defrost the freezer, sort coupons, clean out computer files, buy a new</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">day-planner, and sharpen those pencils.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #006600;">There's a deep-seated belief that if we can get our environment</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">perfect, the words will flow. Truthfully, we're stalling.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #006600;">Today I read Romans 5:6, "You see, at just the right time, when we</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #006600;">It made me realize I take the same approach to my relationship with</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">God. I want to get my act together. Get organized and tidy before I</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">spend time with Him. The truth is, I'm a sinful human mess in my very</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">nature--forgiven, holy and precious only because of Christ's great</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">love. He didn't wait for me to get organized and sharpen my pencils.</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">He came into my life when my soul's laundry was dirty and my heart's</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">desk was piled high with unfinished projects.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #006600;">Since Christ came into my messy life, I want to follow His example. I</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">want to serve a messy world. I want to grab a few minutes to write the</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">books He's called me to write, even when the circumstances aren't</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">ideal. Sure, I'd rather have hours of interrupted time at a tidy desk</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">with an alert mind and stacks of sharp pencils lined up at hand. But</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">if I have twenty minutes with a muddy brain and that's all I</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">have--I'll use it to give the best I can.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #006600;">Have you been waiting for circumstances to line up and conditions to</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">be perfect to serve God? I'm all for tidying and organizing life (and</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">desks) when we can. But sometimes life just won't clean up for us. So</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;">let's learn to serve God in the midst of the mess, too.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #006600;">Blessings!</span><br />
<span style="color: #006600;"><a href="http://www.sharonhinck.com/" target="_blank">Sharon Hinck </a></span><br />
<br />Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-33012735573163587652015-08-29T07:55:00.000-07:002015-08-29T07:55:10.536-07:00Goodreads Giveaway<div id="goodreadsGiveawayWidget152233">
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/" target="_new">Goodreads</a> Book Giveaway<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25577214"><img alt="The Deliverer by Sharon Hinck" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1432236822l/25577214.jpg" title="The Deliverer by Sharon Hinck" width="100" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25577214">The Deliverer</a><br />
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by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6779.Sharon_Hinck" style="text-decoration: none;">Sharon Hinck</a><br />
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<div class="giveaway_details">
Giveaway ends September 29, 2015.<br />
<br />
See the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/152233" style="text-decoration: none;">giveaway details</a><br />
at Goodreads.</div>
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<a class="goodreadsGiveawayWidgetEnterLink" href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/enter_choose_address/152233">Enter Giveaway</a><br />
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<script charset="utf-8" src="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/widget/152233" type="text/javascript"></script>Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-20861243103493591892015-08-28T04:40:00.000-07:002015-08-28T04:40:00.531-07:00Wings of the Dawn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4H6IOpnCwb8/Vd9LAJvI4LI/AAAAAAAACDE/PQoWwc9ipUc/s1600/gulls-663143_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4H6IOpnCwb8/Vd9LAJvI4LI/AAAAAAAACDE/PQoWwc9ipUc/s400/gulls-663143_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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"If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:9-10 (NIV)<br />
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<i>Lord, when I feel lost, forgotten, or invisible, remind me that You know where I am, that you remember me in your love, and that You see every struggle in my heart. Thank You for holding me today. Amen.</i>Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-84126139788065698392015-08-27T09:13:00.001-07:002015-08-27T09:13:24.500-07:00To Utter the Unutterable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HzOmEqD2vJA/Vd81m2mEO7I/AAAAAAAACC0/rBLxzHCqILw/s1600/beyond-602060_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HzOmEqD2vJA/Vd81m2mEO7I/AAAAAAAACC0/rBLxzHCqILw/s400/beyond-602060_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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On days when I ask myself (again) why I write novels, I try to remember this:<br />
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"As Christians, we constantly struggle to utter the unutterable. We long to share concepts beyond our human ability to understand--the transcendence of God's holiness, the potency of forgiveness, the depth of God's love for us. Fiction helps us find ways to express those truths of magnitude because it is relatable, symbolic, and engages the emotion--unique qualities that make it a vital art form."<br />
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---Sharon Hinck in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1414329946/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1414329946&linkCode=as2&tag=sharonhinck-20&linkId=UQDCLCYJ2SVREZSK" target="_blank"><i>A Novel Idea: Best Advice on Writing Inspirational Fiction </i></a>Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-89871687571023076592015-08-25T04:50:00.000-07:002015-08-25T04:50:00.841-07:00Ode to my Laptop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyRZD9KPEm4/Vds89FB9DoI/AAAAAAAACCQ/B8AliHiJN6E/s1600/wheelbarrow-71711_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyRZD9KPEm4/Vds89FB9DoI/AAAAAAAACCQ/B8AliHiJN6E/s320/wheelbarrow-71711_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My laptop is in the shop, and I miss it. So I wrote a little free verse about it.<br />
(With apologies to William Carols William's "Red Wheelbarrow" )<br />
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so much depends<br />
upon<br />
<br />
a silver<br />
laptop<br />
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sticky with<br />
fingerprints<br />
<br />
beside a blank<br />
page<br />
<br />
---Sharon Hinck<br />
Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-68843740388804314142015-08-24T08:48:00.004-07:002015-08-24T08:48:43.176-07:00Unworthy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yrVrfDIxipM/Vds8xqg9koI/AAAAAAAACCI/FcuB4XQ66X8/s1600/rsz_slide4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yrVrfDIxipM/Vds8xqg9koI/AAAAAAAACCI/FcuB4XQ66X8/s400/rsz_slide4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283782.post-17917335620808661162015-08-21T08:12:00.000-07:002015-08-21T08:12:43.043-07:00Winners!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjAsREIjQXo/Vdc-jFgJ5oI/AAAAAAAACBw/jUo4nTJV4y0/s1600/gold-medal-winner-381749_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjAsREIjQXo/Vdc-jFgJ5oI/AAAAAAAACBw/jUo4nTJV4y0/s400/gold-medal-winner-381749_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Two winners!<br />
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Thanks to everyone who participated in my recent contest by sharing posts about my new book, <i><a href="http://tinyurl.com/njt9eck" target="_blank"><b>The Deliverer</b></a>. </i>Since I appreciate your efforts so much, I decided to give away TWO prizes instead of one. Using a random number generator, one name was chosen from my blog post comments, and one from my Facebook contest. Congratulations Anjanette and Elizabeth! I'll be contacting you to get your address and will mail you your copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IY18U8Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00IY18U8Q&linkCode=as2&tag=sharonhinck-20&linkId=CZCQ42AO2ERYXS6F" target="_blank"><i><b>Renovating Becky Miller.</b></i></a><br />
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If you entered and didn't win this time, take heart! Next week I'll be starting a super deluxe giveaway on Goodreads, so be sure to look for that one.<br />
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Blessings!<br />
Sharon Hinck <br />
Sharon Hinckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01258643938461705900noreply@blogger.com0