By Sharon Hinck Fun frightens me a bit. As a product of a strong work ethic from both sides of my family, I grew up believing that all work must be completed before indulging in play. Since the work never seemed to end, a time for play rarely felt appropriate. Even when I worked hard enough to earn a little relaxation, I tried to justify this free time to be sure it wasn’t “wasted,” by focusing on activities that were educational or strengthened me for more work. Because of this predisposition, when I’ve spoken about the value of fantasy and …
Interview with Sharon Hinck
Today we have our own Sharon Hinck with us. Award-winning author Sharon Hinck writes “stories for the hero in all of us,” about ordinary women on extraordinary faith journeys. She has been honored with a Christy finalist medal, and three Carol awards for her novels. Sharon’s undergrad degree is in education, and she earned an M.A. in Communication. She has been a church youth worker, a choreographer and ballet teacher, a home-school mom, a church organist, and a bookstore clerk. One day she’ll figure out what to be when she grows up, but in the meantime she’s pouring her imagination …
The Restorer: Now Free on Kindle & iTunes
This week, we are spotlighting The Restorer, by Sharon Hinck. It’s now free on both Kindle and iTunes! About The Restorer: A Soccer Mom in Our World. A Promised Deliverer in Another. Susan Mitchell thought she was an ordinary homemaker. She was wrong. Pulled through a portal into another world, she finds a desperate nation waiting for a promised Restorer. While she struggles to adapt to a foreign culture, she tackles an enemy that is poisoning the minds of the people, uncovers a corrupt ruling Council, and embraces a profound spiritual journey. Will this adventure demand her life? Can she …
Kathy Tyers and Sharon Hinck talk with USAToday about the Modern Woman and Romance
Our own MLP Authors Kathy Tyers and Sharon Hinck share their thoughts on romance and the modern woman in a 5 part series by USAToday. Check it out! Exploring Romance and the Modern Woman
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Sunday Devotional – Breakthroughs
“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron.” – Psalm 107:15-16 (NIV) As a writer, there are days when the story gets stuck, when finding words is like fishing in oatmeal, when our own doubts become a bully holding us under the water as we choke and gasp for air. What a gift it is to run to Jesus, to know that He has the power to free us and give us the breakthroughs we need. Lord, we …
Sunday Devotional – Approval
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people?If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 (NIV) As a writer, if I focus too much on pleasing my critique group, my editor, my agent, my readers, reviewers, or some amorphous “them,” I end up paralyzed, defeated, and ineffective. Whatever our calling, Jesus invites us into the beautiful freedom of focusing on Him instead. Lord, I confess I so often hunger for human approval. Change my appetites. Make it …
Sunday Devotional – Lasting Fruit
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” John 15:16 (NIV) I think it’s a longing in every heart to make a difference, to accomplish something each day, to allow God to create something of worth from our lives. We can distract ourselves with chasing activities that feel important in the moment, but Jesus has appointed us for more. He invites us to bear fruit that will last. Lord, show us where …
Sunday Devotional – By Sharon Hinck
“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV) Whether we work as writers, or serve God through any other means, we need the gift of “by” – the place where our work, labor, and endurance come from. Faith motivates our course, helps us hear God’s call and move. Love fuels the effort as everything in us longs to respond to the grace He pours out to us. And when the road gets tough – and it …
Sunday Devotional – Extravagance
“While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. ‘Why this waste?’ they asked. ‘This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.’” Matthew 26:6-9 (NIV) In a world full of real human need, art is sometimes seen as an extravagant gesture. Artists spend hours, years, decades, honing their craft and producing their work. Time …