Lynn Hobbs's Blog, page 10

God Does Provide!

     In the middle of  book signings and writing the next novel, I was finally scheduled for a long needed total knee replacement surgery on my right knee. It has been six weeks of healing and therapy, since that day in late February. Needless to say, I cannot drive yet.
     Roles are now reversed. I am caregiver to my 85 year old mother, who cannot drive, and has a balance problem due to inner ear issues.
     She moved in my home, and is now taking care of me. Cooking, washing clothes, etc., you name it- she does it.
     Yesterday, web worms had three sudden nests in my apricot tree. Mom walked to the garage, found a long pole, tied newspaper on one end, and burned the webs to a crisp.
     When she had to have an emergecy root canal at the dentist, my friend Patty Wiseman took her there and helped Mom, comforting  her during a bout of dizziness.
     Patty drove Mom with my ledger, out of town, to drop off my tax information  to be prepared for IRS. Hopefully, that will be completed before April 15, or get an extension. I will not worry.  It. is in God's hands.
     Patty also takes my books and poster with her to book signings I cannot attend, and sells mine right beside her's.
     My son, Jeff, and his wife Jannis, have gone above and beyond in helping. Coming from out of town for quick weekend visits-three in a row- buying groceries, cooking meals to put in freezer, sweeping, etc.; Jannis even stayed day and night with me at the hospital while I was so nauseated.
     My son Mike, and his wife Katheryn, were so encouraging to me with their visits. She could not get off work but one day Mike had too. He brought me a shower chair from a medical supplier that my doctor had wrote a prescription for. Mike took Mom to buy groceries after Jeff and Jannis had to leave, and has been great in helping me with tasks here.
     Virginia Summers, and Ann Harliss have also taken Mom to town for errands.
     Barbara Miller has been my driver to the doctor. Her van has room for my leg; it is still swollen and bent, though not as bent. It is not straight but excercises in therapy are stretching muscles, and it's getting there!
     Also thanks to Jan and Mead Bramlett for taking my trash off every week.
     All of these family members and friends are such a big blessing to me!
     I have learned to turn everything over to God, and I enjoy not going through the "what if" scenarios.
     Just last night I had to schedule another doctor appoinment and was thinking of who to call, when my phone rang. It was my friend, Sandra Colley, offering to take me anywhere I needed to go.
     Yes, we scheduled the date and time of this appointment!
     God does provide! I give Him all the Glory!
     No matter what your situation is, He will be there for you, too. The power of prayer is so strong, and I thank everyone for their prayers!

Booksigning Events-Busy days ahead for Sin, Secrets, and Salvation!

      Word is spreading about my new novel! The Christian fiction /suspense story of Susan Penleigh and the husband that belittled her. Her trials, and faith are indeed an inspiration! Sin, Secrets, and Salvation was released on 1-4-2012, and I'm busy with a schedule of booksigning! Thank You, Lord! :)
     On Friday, 2-10-2012, I have a speaking engagement and book signing at Reunion Inn, at 10:30 am, in Marshall, Texas.
     Monday, 2=13-2012, a book signing at Waskom Library, at 6-8pm, in Waskom, Texas.
     Monday, 2-27-2012, a book signing at Gilmer Library, at 10am-2pm, in Gilmer, Texas.
     Three are scheduled for March!
     Scroll down on my blog to: click on the orange trailer and watch the video, and read the blurb about the book.
     Sin, Secrets, and Salvation is available on Amazon.com, Kindle, Barnes and Noble, Nook, and Createspace. I have links further below for your purchase convenience. Or you can type in the title at any of those sites, and it will be available to purchase.
     I have an author page on amazon.com, where you can leave a review about the book, if you have an account with Amazon. If you don't, and want to create an account, you have to buy something. I would recommend buying a book for .99, and then you have an account from now on!
     I also have an author page on goodreads.com. Type in the title, or my name and it's easy to find. Only a few more days left on the book giveaway. Click on giveaway, to enter, after you join goodreads. I am giving away 5 copies. Don't miss out!
    The sequel I am writing to Sin, Secrets, and Salvation is well on it's way!
    Busy days, indeed!
    Ephesians 5:20 : Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

DEBUT BOOK SIGNING A SMASHING HIT!

                            CLICK ON PICTURE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

What a great feeling to look up from the table at our book signing at Books and Java in Marshall, Texas and see my mother and my sister standing there smiling at me. Rhonda lives two hours away and Mother can't drive. The support of family and friends means so much. Special thanks to all of those who drove such a great distance, Linda Duff Niermeir from Camden, Arkansas, Eddie Hancock II from Gilmer, Texas, Evelyn Byrne-Kusch from Gilmer, Texas, Gay Ingram from Big Sandy, Texas, and all the local supporters as well. We enjoyed the diverse group of authors and had a great day. I am so blessed!! :)


My Christian Fiction/Suspense book is now available as an e-book also. Go to the link, type in the title, Sin, Secrets, and Salvation.
Links for e-books
Barnes and Noble Link
Kindle Link
Paperback Links
Amazon Link
Barnes and Noble

Book Giveaway for Sin, Secrets, and Salvation!

Book Giveaway For Sin, Secrets, and Salvation!Sign up now for one of five copies in the giveaway of my new Christian fiction/suspense novel, Sin, Secrets, and Salvation. Go to htpp://www.goodreads.com and join. You can click on book, type in title (Sin, Secrets, and Salvation), and locate giveaways.

Exciting week! First book signing this coming Friday, 1-20-2012 from noon until 3pm at Books and Java, on Pinecrest Drive in Marshall Mall, Marshall, Texas! If you are in the area, stop by and visit!

My friend, Patty Wiseman has created a new trailer for the book. Check out the super video! Great job, Patty! :)
http://youtu.be/JBVZgMU+X U
If you are interested on purchasing the book online, click on this url: https://creatspace.com/3649854
It is available on Amazon.com, and will soon be added to Kindle and Books and Noble.

Exerpt you might enjoy from the book:
What an easy way to find out if the mole is still removed from the back of his neck, or if these are indeed two different men. Susan rubbed one hand quickly across the back of his neck while he laughed again. Oh, it is still there...it was totally gone three days ago.
     Chills raced through her, and she nearly whimpered with fear. Get a grip, girl, be defiant.
     "Set me down." Susan ordered.

Hope you enjoy my novel! I am busy writing the sequel now!

Sin, Secrets, and Salvation is now available!

To my followers, I have exciting news! It is official! My first novel is finally released ! Yaa! Sin, Secrets, and Salvation is now available to buy. Go to Amazon.com, click the first drop down button and click "books" and at the blank, search space type in Sin, Secrets, and Salvation. It will go straight to my book and you can purchase it there. Later, it will also be on Kindle. Please check out the great book trailer, also. It has a link at the bottom of this page. I am equally excited about it! Included is the blurb about the book:

Dave Penleigh belittled his wife Susan, until she could no longer tolerate the mental abuse. A Christian wife, unequally yoked with a non-Christian husband, the only unshakeable part of her existence is her deep faith in God, which sustains her despite the trials she faces.

Mysterious events arise to plague her, causing turmoil within her own family. "Good ol' boy" politics have her locked up. Finally, Susan obtains her divorce. Through prayer and strong faith, she is determined to be a survivor and rebuilds her life with gusto. Unusual events occur again with greater momentum. Is someone stalking her?

A new man enters the picture. What surprises are uncovered as she ties the loose ends together?

Scripture, prayer, and intrigue round out this Christian fiction/suspense novel.

Click on the link below to enjoy the trailer!
http://youtu.be/nKIKNV__b3I

Sin, Secrets, and Salvation coming this week!

To my followers, I have exciting news! It is official! My first novel is finally released ! Yaa! Sin, Secrets, and Salvation is now available to buy, just click on this url:  https://www.createspace.com/3649854   Later it will be on Amazon, Kindle, etc. I have to share the great book trailer with you, also! I am equally excited about it! Included is the blurb about the book.

Dave Penleigh belittled his wife Susan, until she could no longer tolerate the mental abuse. A Christian wife, unequally yoked with a non-Christian husband, the only unshakeable part of her existence is her deep faith in God, which sustains her despite the trials she faces.

Mysterious events arise to plague her, causing turmoil within her own family. "Good ol' boy" politics have her locked up. Finally, Susan obtains her divorce. Through prayer and strong faith, she is determined to be a survivor and rebuilds her life with gusto. Unusual events occur again with greater momentum. Is someone stalking her?

A new man enters the picture. What surprises are uncovered as she ties the loose ends together?

Scripture, prayer, and intrigue round out this Christian suspense novel.

Click on the link below to enjoy the trailer!
http://youtu.be/nKIKNV__b3I

Trust God

       A few days ago at a local restaurant, I couldn't help but overhear two men conversing rather loudly. I did not know either of them and had never seen them before. They could have been passing through town, or lived nearby. My point is that they were complete strangers to me.
       One was telling the other about what all he had been doing, since they had last seen each other. With solemn, expressionless faces, both rambled on, as they ate.
       Those at my table were waiting with me for our food to be served. We tried to talk but the men were very loud, so we politely smiled at each other as they continued.
       Our waiter suddenly walked around the corner with two huge trays, approaching our table. I turned my head to glance at the waiter and had to also look directly at the two men. To my surprise, one mans face quickly lit up, and a smile grew from ear to ear. His eyebrows rose upward, and he actually laughed in what appeared to be genuine happiness. He was staring at his friend and he spoke with a new softness that displayed affection about the person he was referring to.
        "We moved my mother-in-law in with us, and I even invited the pastor to come have dinner at our house after church Sunday."
        "At your house?" The other man spoke in a shocked tone.
        The first man nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, she likes to talk like that!" He smiled again summing up the conversation, and was obviously proud of himself to give her this opportunity.
       The other man changed the subject back to business, and I could not get that phrase out of my mind.
       She likes to talk like that.
       Wow. Brings to mind different scenarios, and so many ways to look at them.
       And no, I am not trying to judge either of the men. I do not judge, God does. I am a sinner trying to live correctly. None of us are perfect.
       Yet, the phrase keeps staying fresh on my mind. I have a strong belief in my faith and have strong convictions. I try to treat others as I would like to be treated also.
       Would a stranger think that I "liked to talk like that?" Or would my actions speak for themselves? Would they know me for my Christian faith, and my Christian values? I pray to be a friend and a Christian example to others.
       Was the first man telling his friend about his mother-in-law as a way to "break the ice" and discuss his spiritual beliefs?
       Was the other man having lunch to keep a "valuable contact"? A guess would be a waste of time. Never assume anything.
       How often have any of us, in our Christian journey, came in contact with someone who has ulterior motives for being your friend? Maybe to get information? Would we further their climb up the ladder by their being associated with a Christian friend? If so, I hope we "rub off" on them. :)
       Are they after what they can get from you? Are you being used? Would their "talk" be one of true, practiced, and strong; faith and convictions, or have we found ourselves with pretentious people? Pray for them just as strongly as you would pray for anything!
       When I pray for my enemies I always add that Christian's be placed in their pathways. I could be the Christian that God has placed in someone's path. You could be.
       Who do you trust? In today's sermon at my church, we learned through scripture that you can not trust man. You can only trust God.
       Psalms 32:10, "Many sorrows shall be to the wicked, but he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall compass him apart."
       Psalms 118:8, "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."
       Psalms 56:3&4, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God I will praise His Word, in God I will not fear what flesh can do unto me."
       Psalms 18:2, "The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my Deliverer, my God, my strength, in Whom I will trust, my Buckler, and the Horn of my Salvation, and my High Tower."
       Wherever this Christmas finds you, or whoever you encounter, pray earnestly for all to hear of our salvation by Jesus Christ.
      
    

With God All Things Are Possible

     In this busy life we sometimes live, it seems there aren't enough hours in the day. We multi-task, and cross out what we've completed  on our priority list while going at record speed.
     With deadlines, scheduled meetings, interruptions, etc; there are times when I have to laugh and admit I am amazed any progress is made at all.
     This month has been more productive for me, than any this year, and I have to give God the glory for it!
     There was something I had to do, or somewhere I had to go each day.
     How did I do it all?
     Simple. I gave myself to God, to work through my life, and I prayed earnestly. I prayed to give Him thanks for what was taking place in my life, I prayed for protection while I traveled, I prayed for wisdom to counsel others, I prayed for all people to experience a relationship with Him, I prayed for my writing to be a blessing and an inspiration, I prayed for my church, I prayed for my family, friends, and my church family; I prayed for non-Christians to have Christians placed in their paths at each step they take, so they could hear them and witness God's love in them, and hopefully want to accept Christ as their Savior. I prayed for our country, our leaders, and our military. I prayed and prayed and prayed, maybe not in that exact order, but I prayed nonetheless.
     Number one on my "to do" list was write daily, as much as possible, on my second novel. I did.
     I wasn't expecting  to attend my first speaking engagement with my friend Patty Wiseman this past week at the Lions Club, but I did, and totally enjoyed it! I talked about the story in my Christian Fiction/Suspense novel, Sin, Secrets, and Salvation; to be released in January, 2012.
     I didn't speak for a lengthy time, so imagine how thrilled I was to have a "one page sheet" to be passed out to the audience? Somehow I managed to write the stories info, my bio, and where to reach me just days before. My son put it all together for me, with my picture on it, just the day before and e-mailed it back to me in time for me to print copies.
      Who would ever believe I'd have time to submit 6 poems and two short stories to the ETWA anthology for review, and possible publication?
     I attended an out of town workshop at NETWO in Pittsburg, Tx., church business meetings, Bible study class, meetings with writing groups, doctor appts., had dogs groomed, had lunch with a friend, attended a book signing, stayed up late downloading 386 pictures from my camera to my slow dial-up computer, sent some to ETWA newsletter, met with a reporter at a newspaper, stayed up late again downloading the first draft of my book cover that my publisher e-mailed to me, went to our local, annual Area Wide Revival, attended the annual Baptist Association meeting as a representative from my church, and tomorrow I am excited to say I will attend the ETBU annual Christian Writers Conference in Marshall, Tx.
     Getting ready for Nov.1, 2011 as this will be a challenge for me! I enrolled in NaNoWri Mo. Check it out at NaNoWriMo.org. You have to write a 50, 000 word novel in one month, in order to win. This will be my first attempt. I am anxious to begin! :)
     Why am I telling you all of this?
     Because I could never have accomplished any of this alone. It would have been an overwhelming task. As it was, I sailed along, completly happy, and made great progress!
    Whatever you are facing, in this hectic world we live in, take time for God and for prayer.
    With God all things are possible. Matthew 19-26.
    

Are you where you're supposed to be?

     Unloading groceries from my car, I left the passenger door open in my haste to dump the bags inside on the kitchen counter. After several trips, the phone rang and I talked on the cordless while placing cold items in the refrigerator. Cans were next, these were stacked on top of each other in the pantry. Empty bags were gathered, and I walked past the kitchen window to stuff them inside a bag doll, when something moved outside.
     I retracked my steps and did a double take.
     There, inside my car, was Baby Grace-my grey striped 8 month old cat. She stood in the middle of the front seat with two paws stretched out onto the dash, and her face was pressed against the front car window. Eyes as big as saucers, she meowed pitifully as if in pain.
     Something else moved.
     Sitting on top of my car sat Sox-my black and white cat. He was meowing at me and did a great job of obtaining my attention. (Neither cat had ever been in or on the car before or since.)
     I ran outside and rescued both, and they happily ran off playing in the open lawn.
     It was funny, but I couldn't help thinking how much we can learn from their episode.
     Have you ever been where you aren't supposed to be, in your journey with God?
     No, we aren't perfect, sometimes we loose focus and get side tracked.
     I like to think Sox jumped on top of the car to get my attention...to help his buddy Baby Grace...so stuck inside the car, she had forgotten how to get out.
     Have you ever became so caught up in the moment that you didn't realise you are in the wrong place?
     Like the cats in and on the car, would you stand out like a sore thumb?
     In order to have a relationship with God, you must surrender... self. It can't be I,I,I or all about me, me, me. As His servant, He will then accomplish His work through you.
     If we are in the wrong place, it can't happen. It's never too late to return to a God centered life.
     "It is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose." Philippians 2:13

Opportunity Can Hide Behind A Disappointment, Look Around!

Plans to preview excerpts from my book are happily put on hold! I thought there were two books in line to be published before mine and found out three are ahead of me. Thank the Lord!
I had scanned over my book and found some mistakes, and began serious editing, when I learned I had more time for edits! Believe me, I needed this extra time to tighten and polish what I'd written!
How similar can that situation be with a personal one you may be experiencing?
Like the child learning to ride a bicycle, don't be in too big of a hurry to take off the training wheels!
Often we can set our heart on something only to be surprised when it turns out differently. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I pray for God's will and His timing in everything in my life, and try not to "jump ahead" without His guidance.
I'd like to encourage everyone to try and look "farther down the road" at whatever they are dealing with, and with God's help, you can put any "roadblock" behind you and turn it into something positive and constructive. Proverbs 15:22 is a great example,"Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established."