Rosemary Hines

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Encouragement for Fathers

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Tuesday, May 2, 2017,

If you are a father, or are about to become one, your whole life has been an audition, and God has chosen you for the most important role a person can play. Your role has three parts to communicate on the stage of life ~ the love of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Congratulations, Dad! Now it’s time to hone your craft. Here is your cheat sheet for the character study you’ll need to fulfill your role. If you focus on these key elements,...


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40 Years of Marriage Does Not Equal 40 Years of Bliss

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Tuesday, May 2, 2017,

I was 18 when I met him—the man who would become my forever after. It was, of all places a sporting goods store, ironic because I was the last person you’d expect to find in a retail outlet that had to do with athletic endeavors. While Randy was at home among the gear of competitive games, it might as well have been a galaxy far, far away for this petite teenage girl. My world was one of books and an occasional craft, not of fields and stadiums and painted courts.

My vent...


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Finding the Peace of God

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Sunday, May 4, 2014,

Lately I’ve been realizing more and more that the peace of God can only be found in two equally important factors ~ believing in God and believing God. The initial step into a life of faith begins with the first of these. I honestly can’t remember a time when I didn’t believe in God ~ a divine being that played a key role in the creation and sustaining of the universe. But I lived much of my life in a constant battle with anxiety and fears about things that might happen i...


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Hidden Treasure

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Saturday, February 22, 2014,
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not us.
~ 2 Cor. 4:7

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.
~ 1 Cor. 2:9

Hidden Treasure

I sit and think about the things I treasure ~ family, friends, and so much more. 

God whispers, “And I treasure you.”

I pause. In the silence, I hear it again. “I treasure you.”

I think about that for awhile. Here in my quiet space at the kitchen...

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Not Good Enough

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Saturday, February 22, 2014,
Not good enough.

Ever heard that tape playing in your mind? At times I've actually awakened to the sound of myself moaning as those words played over and over.

What feeds that?

Probably a combination of life experiences and circumstances. 
Big life traumas and unavoidable barbs sent from the pit via people encountered along life's path.

Something as simple as what happened to me yesterday.

So I was driving down our street when a man backed out of his driveway. (Actually, I didn't see the driver, bu...

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Blessing God

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Saturday, February 22, 2014,
Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul; And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’
s.
~ Psalm 103:1-5

As I read these words, Strength lifts me out of the pit. Joy and Peace flank me on either side. And Ho...

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Time Travel Adventure

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Saturday, February 22, 2014,
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. 
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1

So, yesterday a small group of women assembled in our home to begin a five-week Bible study of sorts. We will be taking a journey with Ann Voskamp ~ the journey toward living a more grateful life, as we capture and count God’s gifts moment by moment. 

After grabbing some coffee and chatting for a few minutes, the seven of us sat down together as a group for the first time. 

Some of us know each other, so...

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Life Lenses

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Saturday, February 22, 2014,
You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.
~ Jesus 

Recently I posted a warning review about August: Osage County on my personal Facebook page. 

Here is what I said: 
They say, 'Don't judge a book by its cover." Tonight I add, "Don't select a movie by its actresses." Wish we would have walked out the first five minutes of August: Osage. I just kept thinking that Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts were too good to do a trashy movie with no redeeming element to the story. WRONG! Do not wa...

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Looking Forward

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Saturday, February 22, 2014,
Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. ~ Isaiah 43:18-19

I’ve been driving long enough to know that it’s not a good idea to fix my focus on the rearview mirror when I’m going forward. And I know the mirrors in my car sometimes deceive me. In fact, the side mirror has a warning imprinted on it that reads, “Object...

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Things Hoped For

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Saturday, February 22, 2014,
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 
~ Hebrews 11:1

Things hoped for. 

There are some I share openly. Some I hold in secret places in my heart. 

I’ve learned a few things about hopes. They open the door to vulnerability. Sometimes they lead to disappointment and even discouragement. Other times they bring a desired result. 

Hopes can motivate action, and God can use hope to move me further along His planned path. But at times, I charge ahead on my own, ...

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Bird Freak!

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Saturday, February 22, 2014,
Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. 
~ Isaiah 40:31

Ok, so I’m a bit of a bird freak. In various places around my home, you’ll find realistic decorative birds perched amid birdhouses, plants, and baskets. Outside the window near the table where I do my writing, I’ve hung a hummingbird feeder to invite my tiny neighbors over for a snack.

What is it about birds that attra...

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Best Friend

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Saturday, February 22, 2014,
I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you. ~ John 15:15

What a mind-boggling concept that Jesus calls me friend. Me. Someone with nothing to offer Him in return. He doesn’t say I’m His friend because I’m always there for Him, help Him when He’s in need, offer Him companionship, or even stand up for Him. 

He calls me friend because of what He’s done. Not what I’ve done. Because He’s entrusted to me everything He’s learned fro...

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Boot Camp

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Saturday, February 22, 2014,
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13

So I went to “boot camp” with a friend. The trainer listened carefully as I shared all my special issues — 3 bulging discs in the lower back, degenerative discs in the neck, and some shoulder/arm pain which may or may not be a pinched nerve.

Then we went to work. I mean work. We challenged muscles I didn’t even know I had. All the while, she watched me, correcting my posture and modifying my moves. She could see t...

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A Hope and a Future

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Saturday, February 22, 2014,
Reading the Daily Light devotional this morning, coffee cup in hand, my focus lands on my life verse. 
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~Jeremiah 29:11

This is my life verse because it literally kept me alive during a very dark time after my father ended his own life. Every morning before I could even lift my head off the pillow, I’d stretch my arm toward the nightstand, fumble fo...

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A Balanced Life

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Saturday, February 22, 2014,
No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. ~ Philippians 3:13-14

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. ~ Jesus 
(Matthe...

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Growing Old

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Saturday, February 22, 2014,
January 3, 2014
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. ~ Isaiah 46:4

Today is my mom’s 90th birthday. As I look at her in this picture ~ taken only two months ago with my son and with our granddaughter ~ it’s hard to believe she’s seen 90 years of life! Still looking so much younger than her years, it’s possible she’ll pass the century mark like her mother, who lived to ...

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A Broader Perspective

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Saturday, February 22, 2014,
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 
~Philippians 2:4

January 1st ~ Look up. 
January 2nd ~ Look out. 

Such a simple approach to life and one that Jesus modeled. The key? To remember that God has me fixed in His sight. The fulfillment of my needs, flow limitless from His throne. 

How many times I’ve found myself in a frenzy trying to do it all. A frenzy rooted in the simple lack of trust that the Creator of the universe, the very One who g...

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Look Up!

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Saturday, February 22, 2014,
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. ~ Colossians 3:1

As a child, I remember stretching out on the ground, the fragrant smell of earth and grass around me, and watching the clouds drift by, forming imaginary creatures on God’s limitless canvas. A butterfly would be come a dragon and then a mouse before my watchful eye. Anything was possible. 

There was a peace in the stillness of that child. A connecti...

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Blog review by Stacey Zink (Suburban Thoughts) ~ Out of a Dream

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Friday, February 21, 2014,
http://suburbanthoughts.wordpress.com/2014/02/20/book-review-out-of-a-dream-by-rosemary-wesley-hines

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Interview with Digital Book Today

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Tuesday, February 11, 2014,
Check out my recent interview with Digital Book Today. Here is the link:
http://digitalbooktoday.com/2014/02/05/author-interview-252-sandy-cove-series-rosemary-hines/

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A Christmas Memory

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Saturday, December 21, 2013,

December 1983 — Where have the past 30 years gone? Gazing at this picture of a very pregnant me with a toddler in tow, I’m transported back to a time and place of precious memories.

At the top of my wish list for “Santa” is an item I’m most hoping to see under the tree this year ~ a double stroller. I still shake my head in amazement as I waddle around swollen with babe and chasing our 16-month-old daughter. Though God is still just a mystical figure in my mind, some...


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Harvest From Heartache ~

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Monday, December 2, 2013,
(From my guest post on Rhonda Ritenour's blog, "Ritty's Writing Adventures" November 27, 2013)

November ~ a time of rejoicing over the harvest and all the blessings of life. But sometimes heartache blurs the blessings while God does a work we cannot understand.

When readers reach for a book, they are looking for a connection — a way to understand their own circumstances, to find hope in the midst of heartache, or perhaps a pathway of escape. I’ve found that writing very realistic, contempor...

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Interview by Juanita Nobles

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Monday, December 2, 2013,
Thanks for the great interview opportunity on your blog, Juanita! 
http://juanitanobles.blogspot.com/2013/12/interview-with-rosemary-hines-author-of.html

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Marriage with Fiction Guest Blog

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Monday, September 23, 2013,

Fiction with a Message

When you think of Christian fiction, what comes to mind? Romance, comedy, light entertainment? Or perhaps it’s something more. Some Christian fiction goes beyond predictable entertainment and escape by delivering thought provoking messages that can even transform lives. That was my goal when writing the three novels in my Sandy Cove series.

Growing up, I didn’t aspire to be a writer, and I wasn’t a Christian. So how did I end up becoming the author of novel...


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A Boy on a Journey

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Monday, September 16, 2013,

I sit on the couch and read about Islam as I think about a boy of 13 years with blond hair, blue eyes, a sweet but goofy smile, and a slew of baggage no one that age should be carrying. As a teacher, he made me crazy with his attention-getting behavior. As a mom, he captured my heart, and God gave me a glimpse into the purpose and plan for this unpredictable, unruly young man.

I’ll never forget the day he first called me Mom. In his usual no-holds-barred manner, he interrupt...


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The Dance

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Monday, September 16, 2013,

Ephesians 5:31-32

It’s a great mystery, but we the church are called the bride of Christ. One day we will meet Him face-to-face and will discover a new level of intimacy that is foreshadowed in a marriage relationship on earth.

Weddings always make me cry. Watching two hearts come together and wrap ribbons of love around each other in the presence of family and friends is such a joyous time. I love to watch the expressions on the bride’s face as she walks toward her man a...


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Radio Interview with Scott McCausey

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Tuesday, July 23, 2013,
Here is the link to a recent radio interview hosted by Scott McCausey. He invited me to be a guest speaker on Christian Devotions Speak Up, a broadcast out of Michigan. 
 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/christian-devotions/2013/06/20/christian-devotions-speak-up-rebroadcast-rosemary-hines

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Jesus and Facebook

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Wednesday, May 15, 2013,

Okay, I admit it. I’m addicted to Facebook. I can get lost for hours sending friend requests, sharing my author page, trolling through posts by friends and family, adding and viewing photos. Facebook provides so many enjoyable moments connecting with others and rekindling or building friendships.

Having taught middle school for fifteen years, I know the importance of friends. Nothing matters more to an adolescent than the right friends ~ friends who are faithful, who matter ...


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Radio Blog Interview

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Wednesday, April 17, 2013,
Dr. Diane Dike invited me to participate in a radio blog interview about myself and my novels. We had a great time talking about the hope and restoration God offers each of us. Check it out ~
Here is the link:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dr-diane-dike/2013/04/17/rosemary-hines-writes-stories-that-tackle-tough-topics
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God's Romance

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Thursday, March 21, 2013,

I’ve never been much for romance novels. Boy meets girl, boy falls in love, boy loses girl, boy wins girl back. Beautiful people loving, leaving, and refusing to speak out or reach out at critical times, going round and round until finally one turns to other and says, “Enough.”

Recently, I offered to review a romance novel by Carrie Turansky entitled Surrendered Hearts, and something occurred to me as I finished the last chapter.

Isn’t this the story of man and God? ...


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Life of Riley

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Saturday, March 2, 2013,

LIFE OF RILEY

Riley is our second golden retriever. We’ve fallen in love with this breed. Their sweet, playful nature makes them a pleasure to be near. Riley is no exception.

Although Riley and I are good friends, there’s no one he loves more than my husband. Randy will get down on the floor and wrestle with him evoking such response from Riley that he actually sounds like he is talking in some ancient, guttural human/dog language. Randy will typically respond with “I k...


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In the Word ~ January 4, 2012 ~ Romans 8:28

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Friday, January 4, 2013,

In the Word ~ January 4, 2012

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him... ~ Romans 8:28a

And we know…Do we really?

I’m challenged to ask myself, do I truly know that in all things God works for my good? Or am I just hoping or guessing or praying He does?

Reflecting on this, I think about the things I know. I know I am a wife, mother, and grandmother. I don’t wake up in the morning wrestling with the reality of these roles. I know da...


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Blog Book Tour ~ My Turn!

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Wednesday, January 2, 2013,

Big thanks to Sharon Cook Leaf for inviting me to join this blog book tour. Today is my turn, and I am answering questions about the first book in my Sandy Cove series, Out of a Dream.

1.     Where did the idea come from for the book?

I spent my teens and twenties immersed in New Age thoughts and beliefs as I searched for a spiritual foundation. When I was almost thirty, my father committed suicide. His death awakened me from the fog of the New Age and began my journey to fai...


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In the Word ~ January 1, 2013

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Tuesday, January 1, 2013,

JANUARY 1, 2013 

IN THE WORD

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

                                                            ~ John 1:1 (italics added)

I love words. They bring meaning to our lives just as God Himself used them to bring meaning to our existence – to create all we see, feel, know, and are.

How often I gloss over the words in His Word ~ shortchanging my understanding of God. Perhaps you do the same. A familiar ...


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Makeup for a Bride

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Wednesday, June 20, 2012,

This morning my daughter-in-law, Traci Hines, posted some makeup videos she made. A skilled makeup artist, she has transformed many girls into stunning brides for their special day. Being a follower of Jesus, I know she would agree that the most important beauty of all is inner beauty.

So today, I’m inspired by her videos to write a blog about preparing to be the bride of Christ.

As all makeup artists know, before you apply foundation, eyeliner, eye shadow, or blush, you must firs...


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Words with Friends

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Monday, December 26, 2011,

Ever gotten hooked on a game?  Several months ago, my nephew was visiting, and he introduced me to an online version of Scrabble – Words with Friends.  It sounded like fun -- an innocent form of brain-stimulating entertainment.  I jumped in with all ten fingers and began to play.  For weeks on end, my husband could hardly set his briefcase down at the end of the day without me throwing it open to grab his ipad and check on my games.  (Perhaps that is why the Santa in him decided to get me m...


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Remembering Joy

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Thursday, August 18, 2011,

This week our firstborn celebrated her 29th birthday.  Early that morning, I went for a walk through our neighborhood and ended up miles away in my mind.  Transported through time and space to a hospital “alternative birth center” in 1982, I was that young mother again. 

In my mind’s eye, I was lying in a hospital bed gazing at my tiny daughter asleep in the clear plastic bassinet next to me.  Her little ...


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Growing or Groaning

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Friday, August 12, 2011,
Since 8th grade, I’ve had a spinal condition called scoliosis.  Basically that means my spine did not grow in a completely straight line.  The muscles on one side developed in such a way that they pulled the back into a curve.  For ten months of my 14th year, I wore a back brace 20 hours a day.  It stabilized my rib cage and helped prevent further curvature.  Thankfully I have suffered relatively little back discom...
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Feeding on His Faithfulness

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Wednesday, August 10, 2011,
Late one night this week, I found myself out on the living room couch with my Bible in hand.  Another interrupted sleep cycle had my mind in turmoil.  As I prayed, Psalm 37 popped into my thoughts, so I flipped to that passage.  Verse 3 caught my eye.  Trust in the Lord and do good.  Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.

For the first time, I noticed a footnote explaining the end of that verse.  While I...


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A Dog's Tale

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Saturday, August 6, 2011,

In all my years of teaching, the classic excuse for missing assignments was “the dog ate my homework.”  When a teary-eyed third grade told me that, I’d believe it.  A junior higher or middle schooler – not so much. 

Now I have my own tale to tell. 

Yesterday I received two checks in the mail for orders for my book from friends out of the area who wanted to purchase a personalized/signed copy.  Keeping the opened envelopes and checks together on the corner of my kitchen island, I k...


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The Gift of Encouragement

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Thursday, July 14, 2011,
I received an email today from a friend.  It was a simple email -- only a few sentences in length.  But it touched a part of my spirit that was thirsty, and it provided a cup of cool water in a dry place.  

Everyday we encounter people who have hidden thirsts.  They may appear confident and strong.  But if we could see into their hearts and minds, we would see doubts, fears, and worries tucked deep in a secret place.  Doubts, fears, and worries that God never intended them to carry. 

As Christi...

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The Completion of the Journey

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Wednesday, July 13, 2011,
I have just received word that my complimentary copies of Out of a Dream are on their way for my final inspection!  My excitement is coupled with nervous anticipation.  After more than 15 years, I will finally hold my first novel in my hands. The vision for this story was a gift from God and it is to Him that I commit the results of this endeavor.  May He use Michelle's story (much of which is my own story) to open eyes, touch lives, and turn hearts toward Him.  If even one person finds comfo...
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Why I Write Fiction

Posted by Rosemary Hines on Thursday, April 14, 2011,
Writing fiction is a journey into the imagination.  It gives me the opportunity to look at life through the lens of someone else.  As my characters take on their own personalities and face their own challenges and decisions, they begin to tell me the story I had set about to write myself.  They come to life in my mind and begin to act and react in ways that I sometimes understand and applaud and other times cause me to cringe.  Their journey plays itself out in my mind like watching a movie o...
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