Guest blogger Sharon Hinck

Captain’s Log, Stardate 02.08.2007

Today I have my very good friend and sister, Sharon Hinck, blogging with me!

Sharon's latest latest mom lit novel is Renovating Becky Miller!

Becky Miller's Guide to Home Repair

* Budget the gross national product of a small country--then double it.
* Never, ever invite your mother-in-law to stay with you during a remodel.
* Figure out how to heat the living room before inviting your Bible study group over.
* Stock up on Tylenol and chocolate and sandbags.
* Hire a professional to fix the plumbing.
* Sometimes renovation is an inside job.

In addition to being a young mom, Becky Miller is a daydreamer. Most recently, she's been envisioning herself in the happy endings she sees during her weekly movie nights with husband Kevin. But her real life feels more like a broken filmstrip, spinning out of control!

When Becky and her family decide to purchase a rundown farmhouse, Becky pictures a slower, simpler lifestyle in the pastoral countryside. Of course, it doesn't quite work out like she imagined...


And now, here’s Sharon!

Hi, Camy!
Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog during my “Around the World Blog Tour” for Renovating Becky Miller.

I’m so excited that the novel about Becky’s next adventure is releasing this month. I’ve heard from so many women who read The Secret Life of Becky Miller and related to her gung-ho and slightly askew view of life. I think this new chapter in Becky’s life will also resonate with women who are fulfilling a variety of roles, and trying to fix each problem that comes along.

To celebrate the book’s debut, I created some gifts for everyone who came to the first book signing.

The good news is, I figured out a way to share this gift with your readers.

The Becky Miller Tool Kit is a devotion experience. Since Renovating Becky Miller is set amid the chaos and surprises of fixing up an old home, I did a lot of thinking about tools. I looked in scripture for some of the tools that God provides us in our efforts to serve Him – and tools He uses to do His amazing renovation on our hearts. Then I gathered tangible objects to serve as symbols.

For a special devotion time, gather the small items on the list. Then read the Bible verses and pray about ways you see God providing that quality, and ask Him for guidance to use those tools to bless the people in your life.

I always loved object lessons when I was a child, and this is a grown-up version.
I’m including photos so everyone can see how the “Devotion in a Bag” was put together, in case they want to make some. Feel free to adapt this idea for use with women’s groups, retreats, or Sunday schools classes!

Camy, as a fellow rubber-stamper, I knew you’d appreciate my embellishments of paint-splattered hands stamped along the border. :)

Camy here: What can I say? The woman knows me too well.

Becky Miller’s Tool Kit

This “devotion in a bag” is my gift for you. Curl up with your Bible and savor the tender ways God provides all we need for every kind of renovation.


*Bandaid – Healing (Psalm 147:3)
*Paper clip – Love (Colossians 3:14)
*Rubberband – Unity (Eph. 4:3)
*Candy – His Word (Psalm 119:103)
*Stone – Sure Foundation (I Peter 2:4-8)
*Penny – Provision (Phil. 4:19)
*Postcard – Opportunity to Share! (Isaiah 52:7)


After your devotion time, come on back and share some comments. Which item do you feel the biggest need for right now? Which one of these gifts from God helped you recently during a tough time? How has God been renovating your heart in the past weeks?

Thanks again for letting me pop in to visit!
Sharon
www.sharonhinck.com

Camy here: Thanks so much, Sharon!

How has God been renovating my heart the past few months? I think I’ve been learning the true meaning of the phrase to “fear the Lord.” It brings to mind the power of God, but also the fervor of His love for me.

How about you? Any neat “renovations” God has done for you the past month? It’s only a few weeks into 2007, but has He spoken to you?