How Has God Amazed You Today?

“God just did something amazing!” When is the last time you stopped in your tracks and spoke those words?

This past month, I’ve gotten a lot of emails and letters from readers letting me know that something I’ve written has been used by God to give them encouragement and hope. C.S. Lewis said, "We read to know we're not alone" - and I always hope for that connection in my books.... that readers will think, "Yes! Someone else GETS it."

Still, it amazes me when God allows that to happen.

In the past several years I've been grumpy, frustrated, lonely, despairing, and often hopeless.. Yet God has been faithful, patient, merciful, and creative in finding ways to comfort and guide me.

If anyone felt their spirit lifted or heart encouraged when they read one of my novels or devotions or newsletters, then it’s only because I’m a fellow sore-footed traveler on rocky roads, able only to point to Jesus.

When I read letters from folks grappling with difficult situations, I wish I could lift the load from other’s shoulders. I wish I could take away their struggles. I wish I could open the doors that have been closed to them. Time and again I’m faced with the truth that in myself I have little wisdom or power to offer. But I know the One who has complete love, total knowledge, and limitless power. And I know His purposes and plans are wonderful (although He doesn’t always divulge the specifics– hence my bouts of grumpiness).

So let’s watch for what God is up to in the coming days. I can vouch for the fact that He is able to do amazing things. More than we ask or imagine. Sometimes I’m so busy looking at what I wish He would do (based on my plans for improving the universe) that I miss the cool things He actually IS doing.

Back to my original question – how has God amazed you recently?

Sharon Hinck

NEW: The Restorer-Expanded Edition

More Restorer Art from a Reader

And these two drawings of Kieran are by Elizabeth Wallace. I love the depiction of the scene of Kieran losing his sword fight with the One.

Restorer Art from a Reader

My heart was warmed recently by the gift of art work from some young readers of the Restorer books.





Tristan and Kendra walking - by Hannah Wallace

Kindle Version - Restorer--Expanded Edition

Hooray! The Kindle version is now available!

For readers who prefer e-books, you can find the newly released expanded edition here:

Now Available - The Restorer-Expanded Edition

I'm delighted to share the brand new cover for the brand new The Restorer-Expanded Edition.

The new book has the full original text of The Restorer plus so much more.

Bonus Scenes:
Ever wondered why Mark built the attic room? Some of his thoughts and motives are explored in a bonus scene. Learn how Tristan really felt after achieving revenge. Get a peek into Tara's impressions of the strange visitor to Braide Wood. Live through Kendra's experience as she's called back to awareness. Delve into Nolan's life as he is drafted to travel with the Hazor army. Other bonus scenes give insights into a first-year Council delegate, Wade, Linette, and even Cameron.


Devotion Guide:
Have you been curious about how the story of Deborah in Judges inspired elements of the book? The new ten-part devotion guide digs into the parallels as well as other themes found in the novel. The guide provides scripture, places to journal, questions with which to interact, and prayers.

Special Features:
New musical score for one of the songs, audio files, and links to recipes and other fun bonuses.

Last winter I spent many months developing all the extras for this book. It was a labor of love for the readers who have appreciated the Sword of Lyric series. I've completed and turned in all the bonus material for The Restorer's Son, which will also release with Marcher Lord Press, and am beginning work on the expanded edition of The Restorer's Journey next. Hooray!

Let me know what you think of the new cover. I was skyping with my daughter when the file came through and whooped and hollered with excitement. :-) I think they did a great job.

His,
Sharon

Fawns in the Garden

Even though I get exasperated at the damage hungry deer cause to my vegetable garden each year, when these twin fawns recently snuggled down next to my potato beds, I didn't have the heart to chase them away.

New Devotion Book

Last spring, I was invited to write 45 devotions for an upcoming book:

Mornings with Jesus: 365 Devotions to Start Each Day

These short, heartfelt devotions were a blessing for me to work on. I know some of the other authors who were involved, and they are terrific, so I'm sure the book as a whole will be great.

This would also make a great Christmas gift, for folks who want to have a daily devotion book for 2012. You can pre-order now at the link above. Enjoy!

Happy News

I know I haven't been able to blog much this past year, but for those who still pop by occasionally to see what's new, I wanted to share some happy news.

I've signed a contract with Marcher Lord Press to release new editions of the Sword of Lyric series books. While it's great to get the books back in print, I'm especially excited about adding some bonus scenes, behind-the-scenes notes, and other surprise features that will make the new editions extra special.

And - to answer the question I find most frequently in my emails each week - yes, I have been working on a fourth book, as well. I had several chapters of the fourth book written a few years ago before health issues sidelined me. Whenever I'm able, I do a bit more work on it, and have made a tiny bit of progress. It's slow going, but I'm not giving up. :-)

Meanwhile, have a blessed Christmas, and may you feel the presence of Emmanuel - "God with us" - throughout each moment of every day.

His,
Sharon Hinck

Mom Hinck

I met her first when I was about fourteen, and a gawky mess of braces and braids and nervous energy. I was applying to join "Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ" and she was volunteering with the organization and doing interviews with each teen applicant.

I was also sweet on her youngest son, Ted. Perhaps that added to my nerves.

I remember how calm, warm, and strong she was. How safe she made me feel as we talked about some tough theological questions. She approved my application, and in all the years since, I've treasured her approval, because my respect for her was so deep.

Once in college, Ted and I fled to his home to talk with his mom and dad about some upsetting things happening on campus. She made cocoa - with real milk - and listened, and cared, and reassured.

She had a gift for reassuring, because her own assurance was so strong. Assured of her Savior's love. Assured of where she was heading.

Yesterday, Mom Hinck finally got to meet the Savior she served all her life - for 92 years - face to face. What a glorious meeting that must have been.

She touched so many lives - as a Lutheran school teacher, as a church organist, as the co-manager of a Christian bookstore, as a member of many boards and organizations, as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She has been one of my dearest role-models of what a Christian woman can be.

In recent years, her memory became confused. Yet, her spirit was so firmly cast in a path of sweetness, that the sweetness still showed through. If there were times she was a little fuzzy on who I was, it didn't matter - she still opened her arms and welcomed me with a delighted smile.

I hope that my spirit can learn to be as firmly entrenched in a place of faith, trust, joy, and love as hers was, as I walk out my remaining years.

What a beautiful celebration she is enjoying today - in the presence of our Lord.

Mom-casting

I am glued to the Olympics. So much so, that I create my own running commentary. "She caught too much air there. She needs to hold her line. He nailed his quad, but his musicality just isn't up to the other competitor."

My patient hubby shakes his head and says, "You should be a broadcaster."

Which makes me imagine what perspective a "mom-caster" would bring to sports commentary.

What would I say during the half-pipe?

"Jim, I wish he'd tighten that helmet a little more. That's a dangerous drop."

Or short-track speed skating?

"Korea is favored, strong team this year -- OOH, the Australian just cut in front. Where are her manners?"

Figure skating?

"Oh, his lace came untied. I told him a million times to check that before he goes out."

Ski jumping?

"I can't look. Tell me when it's over."

And of course for all the sports, and all who don't medal:

"It's okay, honey. You gave it your best. We'll always love you."

And that's pretty much how I feel about all the Olympians. Thanks for your passion, commitment, and sharing your talents with the world.

Gotta go. Biathlon is about to start and I need to remind the athletes not to point guns at people.

Mom-caster Sharon

www.sharonhinck.com

Oh, That I Had a Thousand Voices

I recently rediscovered a hymn that spoke to my writer's heart.

When our lives are transformed through Christ's relationship with us, there aren't enough ways to express the wonders, challenges, and new discoveries.

Artists search for ways to convey something that often seems to transcend normal communication--to utter the un-utterable. This hymn captures that longing and is the song of heart these days:



"Oh, that I Had a Thousand Voices"
by Johann Mentzer, 1658-1734
Text From:
THE HANDBOOK TO THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL
(St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1942)



1. Oh that I had a thousand voices
To praise my God with thousand tongues!
My heart, which in the Lord rejoices,
Would then proclaim in grateful songs
To all, wherever I might be,
What great things God hath done for me.

2. O all ye powers that He implanted,
Arise, and silence keep no more;
Put forth the strength that He hath granted,
Your noblest work is to adore.
O soul and body, be ye meet
With heartfelt praise your Lord to greet!

3. Ye forest leaves so green and tender,
That dance for joy in summer air;
Ye meadow grasses, bright and slender;
Ye flowers so wondrous sweet and fair;
Ye live to show His praise alone,
With me now make His glory known.

4. All creatures that have breath and motion,
That throng the earth, the sea, the sky,
Now join me in my heart's devotion,
Help me to raise His praises high,
My utmost powers can ne'er aright
Declare the wonders of His might.

5. Lord, I will tell, while I am living,
Thy goodness forth with every breath
And greet each morning with thanksgiving
Until my heart is still in death;
Yea, when at last my lips grow cold,
Thy praise shall in my sighs be told.

6. O Father, deign Thou, I beseech Thee,
To listen to my earthly lays;
A nobler strain in heaven shall reach Thee,
When I with angels hymn Thy praise
And learn amid their choirs to sing
Loud hallelujahs to my King.


Amen!
Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

Restorer Farewell Party!!

All three Restorer books are going out of print in two weeks.

Although I feel sad of course, I'm also using this time to remember the stories, reread all the precious letters from readers, and be grateful that the stories had such a great run.

So let's celebrate! Share your favorite moment from one of the books, or something that made an impact on you, or a favorite quote.

More than any of my other books, I've received the most heartfelt mail for these stories, so I know God used them.

I remember walking with a friend week after week during the time I was writing the books. She listened to my angst as I talked about how much the stories burned in my heart, and how frustrated I was that the odds of this strange genre-blending story finding a publishing home were near impossible. She reminded me that if God had called me to write the stories, I could trust Him with what He planned to do with them.

I also remember the moments that certain plot twists just "happened" as I was writing, and took me by surprise.

The second book is my favorite. I loved watching the characters develop and deepen, and loved catching a glimpse of how the One was steering events to bring grace, hope, and help to the characters. But all three touched my life.

The stories also led me to plenty of interesting places...the Christy finalist's dinner, book tours, book clubs, college classrooms, the ACFW awards banquet...and to precious new friendships. What an adventure!

I have a limited number of books on hand, so if you want autographed copies, you can order those at Signed by the Author. They are also still available at CBD while supplies last. You can do some online Christmas shopping. :-)

Now, please share a farewell thought for the books!

I Love When God Shows Up

God is omnipresent. He is always here. Yet sometimes He opens my eyes to become more aware of Him - of specific ways that He is "showing up."

I love when God shows up.

This morning I made it to church. During the past two years of health challenges, that has been a rare treat for me. Then our pastor sheepishly shared with the congregation that he had accidentally mixed up the planned dates for sermon outlines and prepared a sermon on Romans 8, which was supposed to be next week.

Hooray! Romans 8 is absolutely PACKED with strength and comfort.

THEN, after the service, he shared that a visiting pastor with a spiritual gift of healing was available to pray with people.

(For some of you, that might be a common occurrence, but in our reserved, buttoned-up denomination it was a precious opportunity.)

As my teen daughter put it, "That was sure a God thing."

My hubby helped me forward for prayer. The words this pastor prayed over me gave me spiritual goosebumps. He specifically prayed in praise that God is able to heal that which scientists don't understand and doctors don't know how to fix. Those words of faith were exactly what I needed. More than anything, I needed the reminder that my life and health and future are completely safe in God's hands. But most of all, I'm rejoicing that God understands the cells of my body. They aren't a mystery to Him. And I know He will provide exactly what I need to accomplish His plans for my life.

Limitations have made my life very quiet and small in recent months. I've had to redefine what "my purpose" looks like. But God continues to show up. I love that about Him.

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

A Novel Idea!

If you are interesting in writing fiction, teaching fiction, or even interested in the role of the arts in a life of faith, this is a tremendous resource!

Last night a friend dropped by for a visit and brought her copy of

A Novel Idea: Everything You Need to Know about Writing Inspirational Fiction

I'd heard it had released, but my copy hadn't arrived yet. What a treat to see! The book is a compilation of articles by many different Christian novelists.

I was honored to be included with an essay, "Why Fiction?"

One of my passions is the value and purpose of the arts in a Christian's life, so this article is close to my heart.

It was a double treat to see, since illness has kept me from being able to write this past year. I miss the adventure of creating so much, and have an even deeper appreciation for the joy of story-telling since I wrote the essay a year ago. If you dream of writing and have the physical and mental ability--do it! And get your hands on a copy of this book. It will be a great resource and inspiration.

Take-away Value

What is "Take-away Value?" And what happens when your life is full of TAKEN away, and it's hard to find the value?

Today I'm sharing a few thoughts over at Faithchicks.

Please pop by!

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

Three Books Final - and my weird realizations

I was deeply touched yesterday to find out that my three novels that released in 2008 were each named finalists in the ACFW Book of the Year Awards. I felt so warm and grateful that the judges appreciated the stories, and that my books were in the company of so many amazing authors.

It also spurred a few realizations.

First, I had to shake my head at myself - because the books are nominated in three different categories. It just reminded me how totally inept I am at doing things the way you're supposed to. It really isn't practical to write in different genres while trying to build a reading audience. It wasn't my plan. I just wrote the stories I cared about, and they were very diverse stories. I hope one day to figure out where I best fit, but in the meantime I'm so grateful for each of the stories and that there even EXISTS such a variety of genres in Christian fiction.

Another realization I had was that a lot of my warm happy feeling about this honor came from being happy for my characters. I fell in love with the characters in these three books (Stepping Into Sunlight, Symphony of Secrets, and Restorer's Journey) - and I'm happy for those characters to get to stand up and wave and say "hi!" - for them to have a moment of recognition. Is that weird?

Oh, well.

At any rate, I'm also thankful for ACFW - an organization that is doing so much to support, educate, and NOURISH writers. If you aren't familiar with them, be sure to check them out here! Honors come and go (or often don't come at all) but the fellowship of other Christian writers is a treasure that remains on all the hard slogging days.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck

All Quiet on the Western Blog

Writers probably don't say "Thank you" often enough to our readers.
I've treasured each person who has read one of my books, followed my blog, received my Book Buddy newsletter, or even wanted to follow my occasional Twitter updates.

I'm so sorry I haven't been able to keep up with this blog in recent months.
I have LOVED communicating with you through this forum. But sometimes life takes turns we don't expect.

Until I'm able to get back to sharing devotional musings here, if you miss hearing from me, please feel free to explore various posts from the past several years, and dig around on my website.

For those who have followed this blog - THANK YOU. Just wanted to let you know, I'm still here, God is faithful, and I hope to get back to this one day. :-)

HUGE blessings on your day! Thank you so much for visiting!

His,
Sharon Hinck

A Challenging Question

I love chatting with various bloggers about the writing life. Blogger Annette Irby just posted a new interview she did with me at her site.

You can find a question no one has asked me before, that I found very challenging . . . and see how I answered it by visiting her post.

Thanks for letting me visit, Annette!

Blessings,
Sharon Hinck

Why I Love Lent

Many of my Christian friends don't come from a tradition that follows a church-year calendar, but in my denominational background I always loved the special seasons of Advent and Lent.

Over the years, my husband and I have prompted things to give up as a family during Lent, or other times encouraged our children to each chose something individual. (The kids sometimes offered to give up broccoli or homework, but I digress).

We've given up television, pop, candy, shopping (only buying necessary groceries and nothing else), and various other things...and added disciplines of more Bible reading time, prayer, and giving.

I find I'm so easily distracted by the bright shiny things of life, that I need times where I can focus more effort and attention toward my walk with God. Fasting of various kinds can really help.

This year, I decided on Ash Wednesday to give up something that I enjoyed daily - Facebook and Twitter. I had no idea that many folk around the country where doing this, too. After I posted my note saying "Stepping back from Twitter and Facebook for Lent - see you after Easter" I received a call from Molly Millet, who was working on an article for the St. Paul Pioneer Press on this topic. You can read it here:

Pioneer Press Article

I love knowing that so many people are interested in putting God about some of the treats or distractions of life.

And that's truly why I've always loved Lent. Because no matter how uncomfortable some days become (whether I'm longing for a can of pop, chocolate, or a game of Scramble on Facebook) there are so many blessings. The thing I'm missing becomes a trigger to remember all Jesus suffered on my behalf, and I learn that while I thought I was totally committed to God, He can draw closer still as I focus more time and energy on Him each day.

Anyone else giving up something during Lent?

Blessings,
Sharon

Unemployment

Job loss is hitting several of my friends and their families. It stirs fears I've tried to bury - of the challenge our family has gone through several times with long stretches of unemployment. The experience is so potentially isolating and frightening, that when I wrote my first contemporary women's fiction story a few years ago, I chose unemployment as the major dramatic conflict for the family.

The Secret Life of Becky Miller is full of Becky's whimsical day dreams and desire to do something big for God as she tries to hold together her "super mom" ideal. But some of her bravest scenes involve quiet choices to support her husband after his job loss, instead of give way to panic.

If you have friends who have been "downsized" or are fearing lay-offs, or if you are job-searching and wondering if this journey means you've "missed God's will" somewhere, I suspect that The Secret Life of Becky Miller might provide some encouragement, and a fictional character you can relate to.

Right now, Christian Book Distributors is offering copies of the novel at their site for $2.99! Now that's a great gift in a time of tight family budgets.

Here's an excerpt:

We continued to pray as December moved along. I'd always been good at pinching pennies, but now I had to squeeze them and wring them out.

Selling the van brought in some money and lowered our car insurance. Kevin swallowed his pride and admitted to broader circles of friends that he needed a job. He called it networking, but I knew he believed it was begging. I saw the strain growing in him as each day passed.

My fear grew at the same pace as our pile of bills. Kevin swung between honest discouragement and a more frightening self-containment and withdrawal.

My attempts at cheerleading sometimes slipped into nagging. "Have you checked the bulletin board at the unemployment office again? Did you go through today's paper? What about the Internet? Did you submit your resume to companies that way?" No wonder he seemed more irritable every day. I hadn't realized how much strain his job loss could put on our marriage.

No matter how much I reassured him, he admitted he felt like less of a man.

No matter how confident his swagger as he headed out for another interview, I worried we'd lose the house and end up in a cardboard box on skid row.

We both put our best faces on for each other, but the effort was pushing us apart.

---
Whatever job situation you are facing today, I pray that God will send you reassurance that He cares about you deeply and is absolutely capable of providing for you.

Blessings!
Sharon Hinck