Author: lynnh

I am a semi-retired pharmacist and an outdoors adventurer, living in Northern Ontario. We have lived and played in the north for over 40 years. Most of the stories that I write are based on very real events that we've experienced. My goal in writing is to share some wonderful adventures with you-adventures that have helped me to grow in faith. To trust, that God is with me wherever I go.
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The Wednesday Word – 5 Never alone

Taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Psalm 34:8

A psalm of David when he was fleeing from Saul.

Hi Everyone;

Have you ever gone over a falls? I have. It was not a joyful event, although I suppose that you could call it- memorable! Bob and I were on our very first canoe trip, together. We had decided to paddle the Spanish River. The river has numerous challenging rapids and a small set of falls called the Graveyard Rapids. We went over those…not on purpose, not because of good judgement or planning…just because we didn’t evaluate the situation very well. When I think back, I shiver, because that one event could have changed our lives…in a blink one or both of us could have died or been seriously injured.

Life is littered with moments like that…moments that change your lives, that challenge your courage, that leave you hovering in the depth of despair. Well, todays Word is a reminder that you are never alone. The Lord, our Maker is always there for you and He asks us to trust Him. He, alone knows the future and He provides the refuge, when moments seem too tough to handle. He doesn’t always remove the issue, but He never leaves you to handle them by yourself.

Until the next time

Lynn

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The Wednesday Word – 4 Strength in Weakness

The power of wind and wave – Victoria 2025

Hi Everyone;

Here I am today on the road to becoming an author. Yikes! This is scary-very unfamiliar territory and the enemy is assailing me with doubt. Afterall, who am I to consider myself an author…someone like Max Lucado? By education, licensing and experience I am a Pharmacist. I’ve been that for nearly forty-eight years…piece of cake! No doubts at all.

But this is relatively new ground and suddenly fears and doubt surround me. I ponder- why? Ah…I wonder if that’s because my reason for writing books and blogs is to glorify my Lord. To announce to the world that God (and Jesus) are alive and active in my life and yours? I do this through all my storytelling, so Satan is on the attack.

Hallelujah! That must mean that I’m actually on the right track. So Satan, I am an author…so there! Get out of my way…flee, because the Lord is my strength.

Philippians 13:4 – I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.

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Wednesday Word-3 Rise up on wings like eagles

 

Hi Everyone

In today’s Wednesday word, my mind was directed to my main source of strength when times get tough…God.

Isaiah 40: 31 says;

“but 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.”

The Lord is my ever present help in trouble. Is He yours? Unlike human friends, He is everywhere, in every place, at every time. So He is the perfect help in trouble, because calling 911 is not always an answer. He made me, so He understands me. He loves me, no matter what I do and forgives me is I ask. What better friend could I ask for?

But some might say…”God is just a thought, a figment of your imagination.” But I say, “not true.” For I have seen the work of the Lord in my life. I have seen Him literally cause my canoe come off of the rocks – three times in different times and places. I have seen this with my own eyes and bear witness to the fact that God is alive and active in present day lives.

So, when trouble finds me…I look up, to my source of help in all situations. Do it and it will change your perspective on life.

See you next time

Lynn

 

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The Wednesday Word – #2

 

 

Scruffy Finds His Way by

Life is about changes

Hi Everyone;

Last week I shared the story of how I became an author…how God nudged me- hard, so that I couldn’t resist His request. If you recall, it took a major illness for me to pay attention and dedicate the time to do the task assigned to me. God can seem tough sometimes.

So…how about you? What is God asking you to do? Are you listening for and being obedient to that persistent urging in your heart and head? Are you listening to “Little Voice”, as I call the Spirit in my book: Disaster! Around the Bend.

When I think back on my life, I realize that there were many moments when a Little Voice would enter my head about doing something. Sometimes something so simple as calling a friend, or saying sorry for a mistake or for me to forgive my husband for not picking up his socks. And sometimes it was something life changing…like making a move. A move to a new place, a move to a new job, a move to a new church, a move to a new school…A move. I don’t think that many of us like change. Familiar is comfortable. Familiar seems safe, while change is scary…it often means action, uncomfortable action that can upset you and your family and possibly countless other people. But it appears that God is okay with change – even likes it, because it’s always an opportunity to learn something new…to grow. And it has been my experience that when God wants me to make a change, He persistently shows me through the events happening in my life and the lives of those around me. He subtly plants an idea in my head, then sometimes not-so-subtly allows events into my life that support that idea.

Here’s a story that shows this process.

Years ago, my family lived on a farm in Manitowaning. A lovely farm, with a large century barn, cute little house, forest and fields…just perfect! As the years went by and the family grew, it seemed to take more money to keep this farm going then my husband and I were able to make.  I am a pharmacist and at that time in history, there were only part time jobs available on Manitoulin. Each week I would work a day in Little Current, a day in Gore Bay and often a day in Espanola, but nothing regular or fulltime.  God planted the thought that I would have to look for off-island work. Yuk! I had a young family with 3 children under 12 and an active farm to run. How could I find the time to travel for work? My husband nudged. Reluctantly and grumpily I looked for work in Espanola which was only an hour away- there was none. What were we to do? We were broke. Suddenly a job was posted in Elliot Lake. It was a perfect job for the family – Monday to Friday, no nights, nor weekends. But it was a long, long, long way from Manitowaning. I said, “No.” God said, “Yes”. My husband encouraged me to go for an interview. I sighed and headed out. In Little Current I stopped to fill up the tank, but my debit card said, “insufficient funds”. Now what? I had $20 in my wallet- not enough. So, I swallowed my pride and went over to the store that I worked in and asked for an advance on my next pay cheque.  I shuffled my feet, face beet red…he gave me the cheque. I ran off to the banking machine and put the cheque in and asked for a modest $40. Smiling I put out my hand to get the money…the machine blew me a raspberry and said, “insufficient funds.”

“What!” I kicked it. “I just fed you over $300 and you can’t spare me $40?” I hung my head and cried. “Why God?” That Little Voice whispered in my ear that He had this situation. I was assured that $20 would get me to Elliot Lake and back home again. I knew for sure, now, why I had to get this new job. I meekly went to the interview. I got the job and life changed.

I have learned over the years to listen for the voice of God…Little Voice. I don’t always obey…but I’m getting better as I age. Listen to Little Voice this week and see what God has in mind for you.

See you next week.

Lynn

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The Wednesday Word – #1 Why did I decide to become an Author

The Wednesday Word

Living My Life with God in View

 

Hi Everyone;

Today, I’m going to start a weekly series of blogs called,

“The Wednesday Word”

In this blog, I will give you a peak inside my mind…a chance to get to know me. Gee, I hope you want to do that…if not, it’s okay.

Let’s start with the first big question, ‘Why did I decide to write?’ Why did I, a pharmacist start along this pathway? I certainly didn’t major in the arts, but in science, so I wasn’t exactly prepared for writing, in terms of education. But that didn’t seem to matter. I liked to read, but up until that point in my life, I never wrote anything, because that would require me to sit and sitting was something that I rarely did. In fact, the only reason that I started writing was because God nudged me to do so. I know that sounds weird, but I believe that God plays an active role in all our lives and part of that role is to nudge us to do things that He wants us to do. That nudge comes via “Little Voice” (aka Holy Spirit), His Word (the Bible) and Christian friends.

Somewhere along the path of my life, I learned to listen to Little Voice and to obey (just do it). Hence, my first book, Stuck on the Rocks, again evolved from that initial nudge. Oh, I didn’t enter this project willingly, no…I argued and fought with God about writing a book. Afterall, I was busy. I had a full time job as pharmacist, I was a young mother of 3 children and we lived on an active farm, with horses, sheep and goats. Oh, I had all the excuses necessary to say, “no” to God. But God is patient and He waited for me to make the right decision (which is ‘yes’). He waited, then allowed me to have a medical event, that put me off of work, unable to do any of my normal activities in the home or on the farm. Suddenly, I had time! Hmmmm, God opened up the time for me to do the task that He had assigned me. Rats! Excuses gone, I reluctantly sat down to write and found…much to my surprise, that I could do it and I even enjoyed it. God sent the words, brought back the memories and I wrote them down. That was my beginning as an author.

Writing stores is a precious gift that God has given me…to use for His glory, not just to amuse friends. Hence, all of my stories are reflections of my life-both fiction and non-fiction and all include the presence of God at work.

Next edition, I will share background stories of God’s intervention in my life-my journey and will connect the dots to the various books that I have written.

Join me on this journey…make comments…share your journey with me…I can’t wait to hear.

Until then…Lynn

Don’t forget…my latest book is now available. Disaster! Around the Bend and download your free copy of Donkey love, which is a prequel to Disaster! Around the Bend. I promise…the two books are connected, just read and see…haha.

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Is believing God, just Donkey Love?

Hi Everyone;

I’m sure that the title of my blog, today has raised a few eyebrows. Who would ask this question and why?

Well, I have found that many people in this world  believe only in things that they can see and hold. They believe that their jobs will get them the money and acclaim that make life worthwhile, or that having a beautiful home will showcase their success or having a fancy cottage or a new car…all ‘things’ that they can grasp. It seems to be human nature to ‘trust’ that it is ‘things’ that will satisfy us. But it’s not. Obtaining things only makes you want more things…it’s an endless journey that leads to nowhere. And the things that we obtain, blow away like chaff in the wind.

Take Jan for example…she is the star in my new book, ‘Disaster! Around the Bend.’ Jan is a pretty typical, quirky twelve-year-old who is trying to figure out just who she is. She is a bit insecure, despite having a terrific family around her. In her mind, something is missing in her life. She things the thing that’s missing is a friend. A friend that is absolutely trustworthy, steadfast and sure. Someone who will guide her in making the important decisions in life. Who does Jan turn to? A donkey, named, “Gaston.” Ridiculous you say? Well you would be right, I mean who would pick a donkey as a friend? Well, a kid might, because a donkey can’t tell tales, so he is safe to tell all her secrets to. A donkey is accessible… he lives in your barn and a donkey always agrees with you, because he has no idea of what you’re saying (in real life, not in imagination).

But what can a donkey really do for Jan? Nothing! And that’s the point. What can ‘things’ really do for us? Nothing! And that’s the point.

In my story, Jan finds out that trusting in Gaston, is like that chaff in the wind – here today, gone tomorrow. She moves and can no longer sit for hours speaking to Gaston. Through this ordeal, Jan grows to understand that the only person that can do something tangible for her, who is utterly reliable, who is always present, who always gives wise counsel…is God.  Believing in God is way better, than Donkey Love!

Find out how Jan discovers this truth, in ‘Disaster! Around the Bend.’ Coming very soon.

In the meantime…if you want surety in life? Find God…find Jesus!

Until the next time

Lynn

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God Intentionally designed us

Hi Everyone;

Have you ever wondered why you are the way you are?  Have you ever looked around and said, ” If only I was like Jane, or George or Sally…because they have red hair and mine is brown or their eyes are green and mine are blue?”

As humans we are always comparing ourselves to someone else. Why? Because we have failed to grasp that we have been intentionally and uniquely designed by God and have been placed where we are, at this specific time for a unique purpose.

God has put us here to shine for Him…to share His love, in a way that only we are can do. In God’s perspective, there’s no one on this earth that He has not designed for a reason.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ , Jesus to do good works which He has prepared in advance for us to do.”

In my new book, “Disaster! Around the Bend”, I introduce you to Jan, who is a quirky little twelve-year-old girl. She is the youngest member of her family and feels like she has missed out on the genetic material that she needs to make her special. She hasn’t got the brains of her sister Susan nor the confidence and skill of her brother Brad. She is fearful of everything new and now she is faced with moving away from familiar friends, her family farm and her best friend, Gaston. She looks up to God and asks, “Why?”

But God has made her unique, for a special purpose that she will only discover through trials. You see, just like these majestic mountains are formed through the impact of catastrophic events like volcanoes, and tectonic plate collisions, so, too are we molded and shaped through adversity and trials…for purpose.

Our God is not random…He designs with a plan in mind. Each step chosen to achieve the goal for which He has made us. Never doubt, that our God has a purpose for all of us. Big or small, God loves us all. No matter what the trial…look up and trust, that God is in control.

See you next time

Lynn

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Be Intentional about God

Be INTENTIONAL about God.

Hi Everyone;

I was studying Philippians 4:6,7 this morning in my devotionals and I was struck with the thought of how often I let my worries take over…to dominate my thoughts. They interfere…because I let them.  I realized that I need to give my head a shake, because I know that God has a plan for my life, I know that I am His, I know that I can trust Him. So…I half-heartedly give my woes to Jesus, and He doesn’t instantly take them away. Why not? He is able…the Bible says so. For that matter, why do I have troubles anyway. I am saved, I am assured of eternity…then why am I still burdened?

Because God knows that I need them to grow!

So life goes on…full of troubles, worries and concerns. If allowed, these things can take over our lives. They can dominate our thinking and leave us weak and weary, unable to function. They can swallow up our joy, destroy our relationships and poison our attitudes towards home, work and people.

They can carry us along on a river of despair.

Well, it’s time to jump out of that river…swim for shore, my friends.

But this is Not the life that we are designed for.

This is NOT what our God has planned for these momentary trials.

YES…God is involved in our troubles…He is aware of our problems…

He is not absent when DISASTER strikes.

He says in Romans 8:28

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

We do not control our own destiny, God does.

When worries threaten to sweep us away…

Be INTENTIONAL…give them to God…

And the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds (Phil 4:6,7)

By guard, I think that God means protect…shield from the fiery arrows of Satan, who will blow our problems all out of proportion, so that they dominate our lives. By giving them to God, we take this weapon away from the evil one.

Romans 8:31,32

“…If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Think about it…I certainly will. I am going to be Intentional about trusting God with my problems.

See you next time. Lynn

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Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus


The majesty of God’s Creation

Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His Word, just to rest upon His Promise, Just to know, thus saith the Lord

(Lyricas by Louisa Stead)

Hi Everyone:

I started writing this blog, this morning to share a little bit about the new book that I have written, entitled, ‘Disaster! Around the Bend’. But this song was mentioned in my devotions, earlier and I just can’t kick it out of my head.

I bet most of you have sung this hymn at some point in your lives. It’s a classic, written over 100 years ago, but I think that the words still ring true, today. The world we live in is filled with struggles…wars, famine, family breakdown and financial ruin. But so was the world 100 years ago…even 1000 years ago. Mankind has always struggled and likely will continue to do so.

So that begs the question, “How can I go on, how can I live well in this world?” The only answer lies in this song…JESUS! He alone provides the wisdom to go on (The Bible), and The gift of peace (His promises).

Things will happen to you, that you won’t understand, just as they have happened to me. Often I have looked up (because somehow, I always picture God as sitting in the heavens) and asked God…Why? God, generally does not answer that question in the way that I expect, but directs me to His perfect answer…found in Jeremiah 29:11

“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.”

In this passage, God asks us to trust Him…so today, I’m once again going to try to JUST DO IT.

I’m going to try…I know I won’t be perfect at this, since I’ve tried before, but God does not give up on me, nor on you.

So, how does this tie in with my new book? Well, Jesus and faith, tie into practically everything I write and the new book, ‘Disaster! Around the Bend‘ is no exception.

Picture an adventurous family – the MacLeans; a family with a mom, dad and three children. It’s got all the regular family dynamics going on – a brilliant older sister (Susan), who simply knows everything, a middle brother (Brad) who considers himself an expert in all outdoor skills and the youngest sibling (Jan) who is funny, quirky, clumsy, chattery, loud and weird (she talks to donkeys…and all other critters). This is Jan’s story…told by her. Under all of her external characteristics lies a little 12-year-old girl who is afraid. Jan has hidden this guilty secret under her bubbly-blustery veneer for years. But suddenly she can no longer hide it…it spurts out for her whole family to see on their annual canoe trip…then the journey begins!

This book is a story about Jan’s journey from cowardice to courage. It’s a journey that changes her life perspective and her siblings as well. Join the fun…discover the secret that saves.

Disaster! Around the Bend

coming soon

See you next time

Lynn

 

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News, News, News

My editor and friend is launching her third book in a series and has a great give-a-way offer…just look!

Happy birthday to Book Three in the San Antonio series! Want to celebrate with me?
Quenby and Jonathan have been causing their readers’ hearts to beat harder for the past 365 days. Enough to place third in the 2023 Selah Award contest and earn a gold in the 2023 BookFest Award. Take advantage of this sale to grab a copy for yourself.
And if you like what you read, go back for seconds with Protected and A Father’s Gift. They’re available as a paperback, eBook, or audiobook.
First six to respond showing their Amazon order for Accepted will receive a free audiobook download code (three for Protected and three for A Father’s Gift). Just in time for you to take care of some Christmas shopping.
Click the buy link here: https://tinyurl.com/44cb9adc

Enjoy!

—

Respectfully yours,

Paula Peckham – Author
Real People with Real-life Faith Struggles

plynnhallidaybooks.ca

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DONKEY LOVE

introducing you to Jantastic—the quirky hero of Disaster! Around the Bend

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