Listening and Dreaming
Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
 Every January I set aside a day to listen and dream. I sit down with my Bible, my journal from the previous year and a variety of devotional books. Then I listen. It always astounds me when I review the previous year and see how God answered some prayers and didn’t answer others. Have you noticed how many things we worry about that never end up happening?
During my day of listening I open to the first page of a new journal and inevitably end up writing a long, mushy thank-you/love letter to God. I tell Him how amazing He is and how grateful I am for all His goodness and kindness. I whisper confessions, receive His forgiveness and ask for wisdom.
That’s about the time the dreaming begins. With the words, “What’s next, Lord?” penned across the top of another page I start scribbling fanciful lists of probabilities and possibilities. As the year goes on I revisit the list and take notes on how God unfolds His purposes for my life. He always keeps me in awe by tossing in lots of unexpected twists and providing far beyond my wildest dreams. I have come to believe that our God is an extravagant God. He loves giving good gifts to His children. He comes close to us in times of pain and loss.
Whether you’re facing a frown-worthy beginning of this new decade or find yourself positioned for clear-sailing ahead, I hope you’ll find a tuck-away day so you can pause to listen and dream . . .
Re-release of Secrets
Come to Glenbrooke, a quiet place where souls are refreshed.
 New Cover! Available in stores February 15, 2010
Have you met the women of Glenbrooke? In Secrets, the first novel in this series of gentle love stories, you’ll meet Jessica, a 20-something teacher who arrives in Glenbrooke, Oregon, intent on hiding her identity and her past. What she doesn’t expect to encounter is the caring attention of a local firefighter named Kyle. This is their love story.
First released in 1994, Secrets is now available with a new cover and at a new low price of only $6.99. 113,000 copies of this book have sold over the past 16 years and I’m thrilled that it has gone into a new printing. Many Christy Miller readers have been excited to discover that two of the women of Glenbrooke are familiar friends. Whispers is about Teri from Surprise Endings and Sunsets is about Alissa from Summer Promise. Happy reconnecting!
Pre-order Secrets and Receive Free Shipping
To celebrate the re-release of Secrets I’ll be autographing 200 copies and making them available for PRE-SALE in my Online Shop.
Here’s the best part! Between January 15th and February 15th when you pre-order a signed copy of Secrets you’ll be able to receive free shipping* on your entire order!
*Free shipping is available only on USPS ground and all items ordered in this promotion will ship together on February 15th.
Upcoming Events
February 15
Secrets available in stores
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March 7
Salem Chapter Willamette Writers
7:00pm - 8:30pm
West Salem Roth’s Store
1130 Wallace Road NW
Salem, OR |
February 20
Salem, OR
Oregon Christian Writers One Day Seminar
8:30-4:00
Red Lion Hotel
3301 Market Street N.E.
www.oregonchristianwriters.org
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April 16-18
Alberta, Canada
Ladies Retreat: Camp Evergreen
(This is an open event. All women are welcome!
Contact director via website for info.)
http://www.camp-evergreen.com |
Shop News
I made an amazing discovery last month on facebook. I am friends with a REAL Christy Miller, a REAL Sierra Jensen and a REAL Katie Weldon! Of course I had to make sure all three teens connected and now they’re facebook friends with each other.  What’s really cool is that the REAL Katie Weldon lives in Ireland and came upon her name online from the cover of Peculiar Treasures, the first book in the IMAGINARY Katie Weldon series. Her mom ordered the book for her and now the REAL Katie Weldon has read all three stories about the IMAGINARY Katie Weldon. I asked the REAL Katie to say a few words for the newsletter and this is what she had to say:  "I love the Katie Weldon books! The novelty of sharing the same name with the main character is so crazy and fun. The books are beautifully written and let the reader inside the mind of a girl I found I could relate to and learn a lot from. Katie is strong and independent yet gentle with a heart of gold. She is also human like the rest of us which flies the flag for real teens. Robin, you have created such a great role model who is exciting to read about and still maintains her values. The message of hope simply oozed from every inch of what I read. I am blessed to have benefited from such a coincidence!" Are we friends yet on Facebook? Please come on over and join me via my fan page.If you’re looking for the Katie Weldon series for yourself or a teen in your life, check with your local Christian bookstore or pop in at the Online Shop where all three books are available in a gift set at a discount.
LittWorld Video
Have you seen the short video from my visit to Africa last November? Come have a look at http://www.youtube.com/user/RobinJonesGunn. A portion of the proceeds from all the sales in the Online Shop goes to various global ministries. Whether you knew it or not, those of you who have shopped with us since our Shop opened six months ago have contributed to Bloodwater Mission and LittWorld through Media Associates International. Thank you!
Watch for the next Robin’s Nest Newsletter. We have a book giveaway in the works! Until then, my prayer for all of you is that at the start of this new year you’ll have a chance to set aside some time to listen.
Listen and dream . . .
Robin
www.robingunn.com
www.sisterchicks.com
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