Tag: Faith

Family

Family: Defined By Trial

by Robyn Hook14 Comments on Family: Defined By Trial
Family: Defined By Trial

This is dedicated to all my brothers and sisters in Christ.

1991

A high school sophomore, I sit at my desk. The teacher asks the class, “How do you define family?” A twinkle in her eyes signals she’s looking forward to a good debate, but I can’t imagine a reason for conflict.

I’ve read our textbook, and I agree with its broad definition family.

Andrew sits next to me. He’s a handsome guy. Polite, but curt in the face of my friendliness. I can’t blame him, he is a senior stuck in Health.

Andrew answers the teachers question with the traditional definition of family.

My heart gives a little pang. In addition to my mom, it would be awesome to have a dad, brother and sister. No wonder he seems to be have it all together—designer clothes, new backpack, stylish clean-cut brown hair. Lucky guy. I bet he doesn’t ever use his babysitting money to purchase shampoo and toothpaste. He probably doesn’t even have to work. Not that I mind babysitting or my part-time job at Kmart. Actually, I rather enjoy them.

Continue reading “Family: Defined By Trial” →

Devotional, Guest Post

Do You Have Fiddler Faith?

by Robyn Hook9 Comments on Do You Have Fiddler Faith?
Do You Have Fiddler Faith?

I’m excited to share a devotional thought set in one of my favorite places—the beach! Many of you will remember the author from my post titled, Wasted Time and God’s Blessings: The Writing Dream I Ignored. In addition to his historical novels, Jack has a new devotional book out and was kind enough to allow me to share an excerpt here.

Continue reading “Do You Have Fiddler Faith?” →

Movie Review

Summer of ’67 Movie Review

by Robyn Hook12 Comments on Summer of ’67 Movie Review
Summer of ’67 Movie Review

Summer is the perfect time to catch a movie! And I’m so excited to share my thoughts on the awesome inspirational, historical movie— Summer of ’67!

 You know that feeling you get when you’re reading a novel, and the words make the visual come alive before you? Almost as if endorphins have been released, you gaze upon it and sink into it? That’s how I felt as I watched The Summer of ’67, as though art unfolded before me. Continue reading “Summer of ’67 Movie Review” →

Book Review

Five Ways Janette Foreman’s Historical Novel Touched My Modern-Day Struggles

by Robyn Hook4 Comments on Five Ways Janette Foreman’s Historical Novel Touched My Modern-Day Struggles
Five Ways Janette Foreman’s Historical Novel Touched My Modern-Day Struggles

At first glance, Last Chance Wife may look like any other mail-order-bride romance, but it’s so much more. This novel touched my real-life struggles at the soul level like only excellent Christian fiction can. Continue reading “Five Ways Janette Foreman’s Historical Novel Touched My Modern-Day Struggles” →

Devotional, Psychology

Insight From my Favorite Neuropsychologist

by Robyn Hook8 Comments on Insight From my Favorite Neuropsychologist
Insight From my Favorite Neuropsychologist

After I completed my graduate counseling classes, I worked as a Psychology Intern for a Neuropsychologist who often worked 10-hour days.

For those of you not in the field, let me explain. This is outrageous! Few can manage that sort of face-to-face, emotionally draining work for more than half a day. Hour after hour of meeting with clients, performing assessments, listening and helping them process their problems, doing cognitive rehabilitation, or teaching college students. Simply functioning at that level should earn him superhero status, but he did more than get by, he excelled.

One evening at the end of a long day, I took a seat across from his oak desk like I often did when all was quiet and I could soak up his wisdom. Only this time, he didn’t acknowledge me with a twinkle in his eyes, instead he rubbed his chin offering only his profile. Tears welled in his eyes.

Continue reading “Insight From my Favorite Neuropsychologist” →

Book Review

Book Review: Justice by Emily Conrad

by Robyn Hook10 Comments on Book Review: Justice by Emily Conrad
Book Review: Justice by Emily Conrad

I became an Emily Conrad fan when I read a pre-published novel inspired by the Biblical story of Joseph. In fact, if you know me in person, you may have heard me praising it and her writing style. Emily has a way of phrasing and crafting characters that makes me want to prop up my feet and become immersed in her world. So when I learned she had an earlier story inspired by Mary and Joseph, I had to get my hands on it! Continue reading “Book Review: Justice by Emily Conrad” →

Writing

My Ride from Sceptic to Writer

by Robyn Hook19 Comments on My Ride from Sceptic to Writer
My Ride from Sceptic to Writer

I’m leaving for my first writer’s conference this Thursday. Gulp. Yes, it’s the conference that inspired this ridiculous story about my fears. I’m not really worried I’ll make all those mistakes and I know I’ve been blessed tremendously by experienced authors who have helped me create the materials I need to pitch my story to agents and acquisitions editors, but I’m nervous! And this will be the first time I leave my kids and husband alone together for three consecutive nights. So please, please pray for all of us.

In honor of this conference—where I’ll put on my writer-hat and announce to the world I have a story for them—I’m sharing a little of my journey from sceptic writer. Hope you enjoy! Continue reading “My Ride from Sceptic to Writer” →