Robin Lee Hatcher's Write Thinking

the move: entering the final stage

The past week is a blur in my mind. I've put about 600 miles on my car, driving back and forth between old house and new house a gazillion times. Not only that, but my life is in boxes and I have no idea how to find what I need. The worst part is my office. While I was at the new house awaiting cable, phone, blinds, and water softener installation, my daughter had to quickly box up my office because the workman arrived to disassemble my office modulars (which will eventually be reinstalled in my garage). The rest of this week, I will attempt to get my office into working order. It won't be easy.

I am covered with bruises on my arms, legs, and hips. And I've kicked my bare toes into things about two dozen times at least. I never would have made it through this move without my #1 daughter's help (#2 daughter was out of town). Daughter #1 used her week of vacation to get me moved, and all I can say is, "She's Super Woman!!!"

The world continued without me. Let's see. I heard that Rosie left The View in a tiff. I never watch The View so it doesn't impact me. Jordin won American Idol. No surprise there. LOST ended its third season with some answers and more questions (although surely there isn't anyone who thinks they will actually get off the island). Daughter #1 was one of the flight attendants on Ellen DeGeneres's show that was filmed on a Delta flight and aired on Tuesday, May 22. She says she could be seen at the very end, but if so, I missed her, despite my DVR replays; she enjoyed the experience and said Allison Janney is a real hoot.

Oh, on Wednesday, not long after the professional movers left the house -- and with my garage filled with boxes as well as every room in my house -- the UPS driver pulled up and delivered three more boxes. These were filled with hot off the presses copies of Return to Me. My daughter and I looked at each other and said in unison: "Not more boxes!!" But really, I was glad they made it to my new address.

Well, I'd best tackle a few more of those infamous boxes before the day is over.

-rlh-

Technorati Tags: moving

Christian Fiction Monday

I love to feature Christian fiction on Write Thinking because there are so many wonderful authors writing for this market. My goal is to highlight at least one novel per week and sometimes two. Watch for the featured books on Mondays and/or Wednesdays. Most of the books I'll feature, I haven't read because they are new releases ( and besides, I'm way behind in my reading), but I have read and enjoyed previous books by many of the authors who are featured on this blog.

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About Sharon Hinck:

Sharon is a wife and mom who has had many adventures, though none have involved an alternate universe (thus far). She has an M.A. in communication and has spent her life working in the arts (music, theatre, dance, and writing). Her other novels include The Secret Life of Becky Miller (Bethany House, 2006), Renovating Becky Miller (Bethany House, 2007), The Restorer (NavPress, 2007) and The Restorer’s Son (NavPress, 2007)

About The Restorer:

Susan, a modern-day soccer mom, is pulled through a portal into another world, where a nation grappling for its soul waits for a promised Restorer to save their people. Can she fill that role? 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 learns that God can use even her floundering attempts at service in surprising ways.

Favorite PASTimes reviews The Victory Club

After a busy day of packing, hauling, and unpacking, I came home to relax on the sofa, watch a bit of TV, and scan through blogs I subscribe to via Bloglines. And that's when I saw a review of The Victory Club (my WWII novel) on Favorite PASTimes. It's always rewarding when a reader enjoys one of my books. This time was no exception. A nice ending to the day. And a reason to dash off a quick post, too.

-rlh-

idol results -- week 13

Well, talk about giving the #13 a bad name. America sent Melinda Doolittle home. Wrong, wrong, wrong. It's just plain wrong. I totally agree with Simon that Melinda has been consistent from show to show. And last night she was great three times over. Yep, America blew it. Maybe we all thought she was such a shoe-in we failed to call, huh?

Melinda, I'll be watching for your first album. You're gonna do great. Superb talent is going to take you places.

I will stick by my earlier prediction: If it is Blake vs. either Jordin or Melinda, then the gal will win. So my guess is that Jordin Sparks will be the next (and youngest) American Idol. See you next week.

-rlh-

PS Elliott was great. Just goes to show that a third place finish doesn't mean you aren't terrific.

Technorati Tags: American Idol

idol chatter -- week 13

I'm posting this before the results show comes on in Boise. Just didn't want to fall too far behind. Not after posting faithfully for the past twelve weeks.

I did get to watch the show last night. I think Melinda was the winner with Jordin a not too distant second. And Blake was definitely third. He should go home Wednesday night. If he doesn't, I predict that whichever gal is left standing will be the next American Idol. If the two finalists are Melinda and Jordin, I don't think I could name a definite winner. It could go either way.

I'll be back with final comments.

-rlh-

PS Did the walk through on my new house today and fixed the wrought iron back fence so Poppet can't slip through the rails. The little stinker. Tomorrow the security system gets installed and the new pieces of furniture get delivered.

Technorati Tags: American Idol

Marlo Schalesky: Veil of Fire

About the Author:

Marlo Schalesky is the award winning author of five books, including her latest novel VEIL OF FIRE, which explores the great Minnesota firestorm of 1894 and the mysterious figure who appeared in the hills afterward.  She has also had over 500 articles published in various magazines, had her work included in compilations such as Dr. Dobson’s Night Light Devotional for Couples, and is a regular columnist for Power for Living.  Marlo recently earned her Masters degree in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and is currently working on three contemporary novels for Multnomah-Waterbrook Publishers, a division of Random House.  She lives in Salinas, California with her husband and four daughters.

About Veil of Fire:

In 1894, the worst firestorm in Minnesota history descends on the town of Hinckley.  Heat, flame, and darkness sweep through the town, devouring lives, destroying hope.  In the aftermath, the town rises from the ashes, its people determined to rebuild their lives. 

But in the shadows, someone is watching.  Someone is waiting.  Someone who knows the secrets that can free them all.  A rumor begins of a hermit in the hills - a person severely burned, disfigured beyond recognition.  Doubts rise.  Fear whispers.  Is the hermit a monster or a memory?  An enemy or a love once-lost? 

Based on historical events, Veil of Fire beckons to a time when hope rose from the smoke of sacrifice, when trust hid behind a veil of fear, when dreams were robed in a mantle of fire . . .

For more information, a preview of the entire first chapter, and discussion questions for groups, please visit Marlo's web site.

the move: final stretch

I'm about to have a new address. Ten days and counting.

So much has happened in such a short period of time. It was March 9th when I posted that I'd made the decision to put my house on the market. And here I am, nine weeks and two days later, my house sold, a new home purchased. The next ten days are going to pass in a blur as I get ready for the movers. Before then, I hope to move as much stuff as possible with lots of trips back and forth between houses. If I'm absent from the blog, that's why.

I've got to say that my mom and I are so excited about our new home. It may be a bit of a challenge paring down to fit into a smaller area, but we'll get there. We had fun on Friday shopping for furniture. Some things are on back order, so we won't have our patio chairs or our dining room table until June. That's okay. We'll still be unpacking!

If you're of a mind to, please pray that I'll stay healthy and strong through the rest of this process. I'd be so thankful. Oh, and pray for some volunteers to help me unload the POD. I haven't managed to rustle up any guys for that yet.

-rlh-

Technorati Tags: moving

Guest Blogger: Rachel Hauck

 

Hi Everyone,

It’s great to be guest blogging on Robin Lee’s site again. She gave me space last November, too. Thank you, Robin.

Even though this is part of the Diva NashVegas blog tour, I had on my heart to share about my first impression of Robin when I met her in ’03.

It was October 2003. She was the keynote speaker for the second annual American Christian Fiction Writer’s conference. I was the inadequate conference coordinator. (Never, ever doubt God’s grace to help you do something you don’t know how.)

I’d heard a lot about Robin, but was not familiar with her work, or person.

She was gracious and lovely. Kind, soft spoken and very transparent. I’ve seen her once a year since then, and she’s the same.

Her opening talk in ’03 touched to every attendee. People still talk about it.

What did she say? In a word, God is good. Robin talked about her life that morning, highlighted her successes as well as her failures. Throughout, she reminded us of the Father’s love and grace.

God ministered to every attendee. There was such a graciousness in the room. Robin is an encourager and mentor.

Recently, I bought a Mac computer. Robin, bless her, answered many of my technical questions. For a brief time, she was my tech support. <G>

Robin exemplifies Jesus and wants others to succeed in Him. She is the real deal.

And, on a pleasant side note: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROBIN!

Colossians 4:6  “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”

---

Robin here: I'm not quite sure how to respond other than to say thanks for Rachel's kind words. I'm so blessed by the many special people God has brought into my life because of my ministry of writing, both writers and readers. Rachel is one of those special people. Be sure to check out Diva NashVegas soon.

Technorati Tags: Viva NashVegas, Rachel Hauck, Robin Lee Hatcher

three more seasons is it

Did you hear the news? The makers of LOST have announced that the show will end in three more seasons.

Will that increase viewership or lose viewership? Me, I think it is a good idea. With an end date to work toward, they can really plan the remaining seasons. Also, I read that each season will have 16 shows each. I think that means the show will air January through May, with no shows in the fall.

Tonight's show was mostly about Ben. We got a glimpse of his sad childhood with a dad who blamed him for Ben's mother's death. Plus Ben sees a man who isn't there. Or is he? Hmm.

If you were a LOST fan in the first two seasons, are you still a fan in its third?

-rlh-

Technorati Tags: LOST

idol results -- week 12

My goodness, the results show seemed extra bloated tonight, didn't it? They could cut it to a 30 minute results show and still get in everything that counts.

I predicted the bottom two would be Lakisha and Blake (as did almost everyone else who watches the show). Everyone who made that prediction was right. And when all was said and done, it was Lakisha's night to go home. Me, I think I would have sent Blake home first, but that's quibbling at this point.

It's possible Blake will go further than one more week. Someone predicted the final two would be Blake and Jordin. I'm still hoping for Melinda and Jordin. But we aren't far from finding out, are we? Just two more weeks. Gracious! I will be moving the week of the finals. Sure hope my cable is still all set up.

Wishing you great success, Lakisha, and a bright future for you and your little girl.

-rlh-

Technorati Tags: American Idol

idol chatter -- week 12

Final Four night. Three gals and one guy. Two songs each.

Love You Inside Out:  Melinda's first song impressed me more than it did the judges. They wanted more Wow Power. I guess I can see where they were coming from. It was a solid performance but not memorable.

You Should Be Dancing:  Blake did the beat boxing again. Last week he blew me away, but this week it fell flat. He should have left the beat boxing in the dressing room. Randy agreed with me as did Simon.

Staying Alive:  Lakisha's performance didn't do it for me or the judges.

To Love Somebody:  This was Jordin's chance to shine after three songs that didn't do it for the judges. And she pulls it off. Best of the night thus far.

How Can You Mend a Broken Heart:  Melinda came back a bit stronger this time. Simon said the second half has put her into the finals. (Psst. Simon. She's been destined for the finals almost from week one.)

This Is Where I Came In:  Blake can't seem to leave that beat boxing alone when he should. And his vocal wasn't particularly impressive. I think our only guy is in real danger this week.

Run to Me:  Lakisha needed a little more speed in that ballad. It really dragged, I thought. Good but not great. (Simon said almost the same thing as I was typing this.)

Woman in Love:  Jordin looked stunning in that blue gown and I loved her version of Woman in Love. Simon thought both her look and the song were old fashioned. Hmm. Maybe I'm just old fashioned because I didn't see it. She was the winner tonight for sure.

I think either Lakisha or Blake will go home tomorrow night. See you then.

-rlh-

Technorati Tags: American Idol

line edits

In the midst of all the moving "to do's" I'm trying to get done every day, I am also reading the line edits and making changes to my Christmas novella, A Cloud Mountain Christmas. This and another novella by Kathryn Springer will be released in October. The book is titled Hearts Evergreen. I'm glad this is a novella and not a novel because I don't know how I would finish in time otherwise.

I received the final cover proof for this book in yesterday's mail, and I think it is lovely and very appealing for the holidays.

So although it is only May, here's to a Merry Christmas.

-rlh-

Barna Report: Spirituality of Moms vs. Dads

The Spirituality of Moms Outpaces that of Dads

May 7, 2007

(Ventura, CA) - Mothers inhabit many roles inside and outside the family. Within the household, they are often counted on to be the emotional compass, organizer, and multitasking manager of the family. Add to that list another common function: spiritual energizer.

According to a new Barna study, women who are raising children are among the most faith-minded and spiritually active segments of the American population. The study explored faith-related activities, commitments and perspectives, relying upon nationally representative interviews among more than 10,000 adults and nearly 2000 women who are currently parenting children under the age of 18.

The study shows that more than three-quarters of moms identify "family" to be their highest priority. At the same time, a majority of mothers strongly agree that their faith is very important in their life. In contrast, fathers also tend to list family as their top priority in life, yet they are much less likely to equally attribute importance to faith.

Mom versus Dad

Men may enjoy advantages in physical strength, but they are much less likely than women to exercise their spiritual muscles. This gender gap extends to the typical family unit: mothers outpace fathers in terms of spiritual activity and commitment. In fact, the Barna survey examined 12 different elements of faith behavior and perspective. Mothers were distinct from fathers on 11 of the 12 factors.

When it comes to spiritual perspectives, a majority of mothers said they have been greatly transformed by their faith, while less than half of fathers had shared this experience. Also, three-quarters of moms said their faith is very important in their life, while this view was true among just two-thirds of fathers. Mothers were also more likely than fathers to be born again Christians, to say they are absolutely committed to Christianity, and to embrace a personal responsibility to share their faith in Jesus Christ with others.

Moms are also more religiously active. In a typical week, mothers are more likely than are fathers to attend church, pray, read the Bible, participate in a small group, attend Sunday school, and volunteer some of their time to help a non-profit organization. The only faith-related activity in which fathers are just as likely as mothers to engage is volunteering to help at a church.

Read the rest of the report. There's a section on Boomer vs. Buster generations that is very interesting.

-rlh-

Rachel Hauck: Diva NashVegas

About Diva NashVegas:

For the past decade, Aubrey James has ruled the charts as the queen of country soul. She rocketed to fame in the shadow of her parent’s death –  Gospel music pioneers Ray and Myra James. While her public life, high profile romances and fights with Music Row execs writes juicy tabloid headlines, the real and private Aubrey’s is a media mystery.

When a close friend and former band member betrays Aubrey by selling an exclusive story about the Diva to a tabloid, Aubrey knows she must go public with her own story.

Inside NashVegas sports anchor, Scott Vaughn, is not prepared for the assignment of interviewing a country super star. Especially not one he dated, then abandoned. Yet, his boss leaves him no choice. His career and the future of Inside NashVegas depends on the success of this interview.

When Scott shows up at her home for the first session, Aubrey threatens to back out of the deal. But, it’s too late. Instead, she bravely opens her heart as Scott probes into her life and discovers a future of faith, hope and love by letting God heal her past.

Meet Rachel:

Rachel Hauck lives in sunny central Florida with her husband, Tony, a pastor. They have two ornery pets. She is a graduate of Ohio State University and a huge Buckeyes football fan. Rachel serves the writing community as Past President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the Advisory Board. Visit her blog and web site at www.rachelhauck.com.

Leave a comment on her blog and be eligible to win a $25 gift certificate to Starbucks or Barns & Noble. Two names will be drawn.

Rachel will be guest blogging on Write Thinking later this week. Check back soon! And don't forget to pick up your copy of Diva NashVegas.

day by day

This morning's sermon at the Vineyard was really awesome. I'm so thankful the Lord planted me in this wonderful body of believers where we are encouraged to join with God in His work on earth. Anyway, the message this morning was on the difference between belief and faith. By the time the service was over, I was feeling supercharged. Here are a few of the notes I jotted down:

• The word "faith" is only used 15 times in the Old Testament (NIV) and most of those are in reference to "breaking faith." The word is used over 150 times in the New Testament, and these are mostly related to Jesus.
• Faith goes beyond belief. Everyone has a belief system, even atheists. They believe there is no God but it is a belief system. In the dictionary, faith is defined this way: "(1) Complete trust or confidence in someone or something; (2) Strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof; • a system of religious belief; • a strongly held belief or theory."
• The church isn't fragmented on matters of faith but on matters of belief.
• Faith is cultivated in crisis. When we let go, Christ picks up.
• There are many mysteries in the Bible. If you don't have mystery, you don't need faith.
• Faith gives us the confidence to respond to God's call to service, the call to adventure.
• We must be deliberate in living beyond our comfort zones.

I'm going to be pondering this sermon quite a bit in the days to come.

 

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Last week was a busy one. Wednesday, the inspector and the appraiser came to the house. During the three hours they were here, I ran errands. Thursday I reserved the day for the movers to come (household movers and the piano movers). Friday Shred It came to my home and destroyed 18 boxes of old files and checks and other records. That was also the day my new home was being inspected. I took my mom over with me to see the house for the first time, but let me fall back a ways before I tell you about that.

About a month or so ago, I took Mom to see a patio home. I took her to the closest one to where we live now. It was a couple hundred square feet smaller than the one I am buying. As soon as we were in it, I saw that we wouldn't be buying that one. The layout would have been very inconvenient for Mom getting to and from the bathroom, plus the bedroom was smaller than the one she has now. What I haven't known is that she got it in her head that she would have to be content with a very small bedroom. She's been promising God that she wouldn't complain and being very brave.

Now back to last Friday: When we walked into our new home and she saw her bedroom (bigger than what she has now) with it's big window and window seat and the built in bookcase, she was almost giddy with joy. She loves the whole house and walked through it twice. The only problem we have is that there is no place for her swing on the patio because it would back up to the great room window and obscure the view. I've got to find her a gliding patio chair but so far haven't seen one at RC Willey or Lowes.

After we left the house, we stopped at the furniture store so she could see the items I've picked out. They had wheelchairs just inside the store, so I was able to push her all over that big building. We had fun, and she found a petite recliner (electronic) that fits her better than the one she has now so she is going to buy it.

Yesterday, I was back to sorting, tossing, and boxing. Have done more of the same since getting home from church. I imagine that will be the pattern for the next couple of weeks. It's just a bit more than that until the movers come. Wow! I have a feeling those two weeks will rush past. If you're in the mind to pray, please pray that I'll stay healthy and have lots of physical strength throughout the move. I'd appreciate it.

-rlh-

Technorati Tags: Boise Vineyard

writing spaces on Charis Connection

My writing space pictures are up on Charis Connection. I was behind in my blog reading and didn't know it had been posted yet.

-rlh-

Technorati Tags: writing spaces

Book Review: The Dawkins' Delusion

From Publishers Weekly:

The Dawkins Delusion?: Atheist Fundamentalism and the Denial of the Divine
Alister McGrath and Joanna Collicutt McGrath. InterVarsity, $16 paper (144p) ISBN 978-0-8308-3446-4

When authors write books that criticize other books, they have usually already lost; the original book has set the agenda to which the critics respond, and the outcome is foretold. Not in this case. The McGraths expeditiously plow into the flank of Dawkins's fundamentalist atheism, made famous in The God Delusion, and run him from the battlefield. The book works partly because they are so much more gracious to Dawkins than Dawkins is to believers: for example, they write that Dawkins's The Blind Watchmaker "remains the finest critique" of William Paley's naturalistic arguments for deism available. The authors can even point to instances in which their interactions with him, both literary and personal, have changed his manner of arguing: he can no longer say that Tertullian praised Christian belief because of its absurdity or that religion necessarily makes one violent. The McGraths are frustrated, then, that Dawkins continues to write on the a priori, nonscientific assumption that religious believers are either deluded or meretricious, never pausing to consider the evidence not in his favor or the complex beliefs and practices of actual Christians. They conclude disquietingly: perhaps Dawkins is aware that demagogic ranting that displays confidence in the face of counterevidence is the way to sway unlearned masses. (July)

Technorati Tags: god delusion, dawkins delusion

idol results -- week 11

More craziness on the moving front. Today I vacated the premises for the inspector and the appraiser. I was gone for hours, longer than the more than three hours they were in the house. Took a wedding gift to a friend. Returned some fertilizer to Ace because I won't need it at the new house. Test drove a car. Ate fish and chips. Spoiled my dog.

Anyhoo ... got home in time to see the last half hour of American Idol. Sniff, sniff. Phil went home. I wanted him to stay. The past two weeks, he really came into his own, delivering on the promise I felt was always there. He's been better than Lakisha in recent weeks. The second one to go home was Chris. This one didn't surprise me. I thought he was good last night, but we're now down to four, and I never thought he would make it further than this.

Interestingly enough, the four remaining are the ones I predicted would be the four left standing at this point: Melinda, Lakisha, Jordin, and Blake. These should be some great shows coming up.

Best wishes to you both, Phil and Chris. May God bless your journey from here on out.

Technorati Tags: American Idol

idol chatter -- week 11

Excitement and the never ending list of things I must do in the days to come kept me awake for much of last night. Well, I fell asleep on the couch and missed the first three performances on tonight's Idol. I'll have to watch them on the DVR, but it's recording something else, so I can't do it yet.

I woke up in time to see Lakisha get a kiss from Simon. Then I saw Blake's performance, and I'll be surprised if I like anybody or any song better than his cover of "You Give Love a Bad Name." Wow!!! Chris and Melinda were both great too, but Blake was awesome. (And I liked his dark 'do, too.)

No promises that I will return to the blog tonight with comments on the first three performances. Too much else to do. So go ahead and chime in with your comments on Phil, Jordin, and Lakisha as well as Blake, Chris, and Melinda. Which two do you think will go home tomorrow? Gonna be tough.

-rlh-

Technorati Tags: American Idol

on the move

Well, mercy, mercy. I didn't think I would be posting this so soon, but I am cranking into moving high gear. This weekend I got an offer on my house and I accepted. Then I went out and made an offer on another house and it's been accepted. The buyers of my current home hope to close in two weeks but will allow me a bit longer to move out. Nonetheless, it's going to be a killer to be ready to move so soon. Deadlines and such don't like to make room for life, so here I am, rejoicing the sale/purchase/move on one hand and feeling panicked on the other for the lack of writing and lack of creativity.

Up next are home inspections, followed by appraisals, and all the necessary paperwork that goes with selling and buying. Last thing I need is more paperwork. I'm boxing up things for the shredder daily. Why do I still have receipts from more than a decade ago? Isn't it amazing what we hold on to? As I've worked my way toward this move, I've come across far too many things that I moved into this house almost 11 years ago and haven't been touched since. I don't want to fall into that trap again. I want to truly simplify by owning less and having less own me.

Off to sort some more papers.

-rlh-

Technorati Tags: moving, home buying