Lynn H. Blackburn

Where Fear and Faith Collide

“Lynn Blackburn’s done it again. She made me read way past my bedtime and owes me several hours of sleep! What a fabulous story with characters who will live in your head—and heart—long after the last word. I’m eagerly awaiting the second book so I can return to Gossamer Falls and catch up with all of my new besties!”Lynette Easonaward-winning, bestselling author of the Lake City Heroes series
“With an exceptional gift for writing relatable characters who touch deep places of the heart, Lynn Blackburn’s voice is unrivaled! I quickly fell in love with Landry, Cal, Eliza, and, in fact, the entire compelling cast of characters in this brand-new romantic suspense series. A must-read, Never Fall Again delivers the emotionally gripping romance, riveting suspense, and captivating characters readers love!”Elizabeth Goddardbestselling author of Cold Light of Day
“Lynn Blackburn is a rising voice in romantic suspense! This book had it all—a delicious romance, obsession, found family, redemption and reconciliation, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and the kind of ending we all root for! Don’t miss this first book in what I believe will be a fantastic series.”Susan May WarrenUSA Today bestselling and RITA Award–winning author
Malicious Intent has an addictive plot that delves into the dangerous underworld of digital crime, and the protagonists’ chemistry, brewed during a lifetime of friendship and romantic longing, positively sizzles.Booklist
This book will grab you from the beginning and keep you captivated until the end.Interviews & Reviews
Blackburn's Defend and Protect series is off with a bang in Unknown Threat. This heart-racing romantic suspense is one for the keeper shelf! Don your tactical vests and get ready to engage a compelling story that will forbid you from abandoning its pages. Do. Not. Miss. This. One! Ronie Kendig Bestselling, award-winning author of The Tox Files
Unknown Threat is a fantastic read! An action-packed opening and sharply drawn characters drew me right in and held me captive. Blackburn has an exceptional gift for weaving twisting plots with characters that walk right off the page. I absolutely adore Faith, the bright and stalwart FBI special agent. I love the attention to detail regarding Secret Service operations. The swoon-worthy romance between Faith and Luke is the perfect slow burn. Unknown Threat is an exciting start to a thrilling new romantic-suspense series!Elizabeth GoddardAward-winning author of the Uncommon Justice series
In Unknown Threat, Lynn Blackburn has created a page-turning novel with all the elements I've come to love in her books. The hero and heroine are unique and compelling, while surrounded by a rich cast that adds depth to the story. The suspense thread is intense and pulses with energy and pressure. And the romance? It's perfection, with tension to keep me rooting for the characters. It's a perfect read for those who love engaging stories that are threaded with hope.Cara PutmanAward-wining author of Flight Risk and Imperfect Justice
Lynn Blackburn has skyrocketed to the top of my favorite romantic suspense authors list! In Too Deep was much anticipated and it did not disappoint! I literally devoured this book in one sitting! Filled with suspense, action, and danger, this book kept me anxiously wondering what would happen next! I love the balance between suspense and romance! And this gang of characters, the dive team, is everything! BringingUpBooks
Leigh’s ability to rescue herself, Ryan’s respect and support, and a terrific cast of law-enforcement and hospital personnel make this vivid start of Blackburn’s Dive Team Investigations series a real page-turner.Booklist
Fans of Dani Pettrey’s “Alaskan Courage” thrillers will enjoy this nail-biter of a series opener, which will also be appreciated by romantic and psychological suspense fans.Library Journal
The author balances the personal relationships and the mystery well. Her descriptions are so vivid and accurate that you can see the scenes playing out before you . . . Lynn is definitely going to be a great new author to follow.More Than A Review
Watch out readers. Lynn H. Blackburn is a new voice on the scene of Christian Fiction and has a bright future as a successful author.Lynette EasonAuthor
Kept me on the edge of my seat...Mary GoodwinAmazon Reviewer

Mar. 26th, 2012 Mindful Mondays: Waiting to Arrive

If you haven’t figured this out yet, I have a serious geek streak.

I loved Calculus and I think Chemistry and Physics jokes are hilarious. I have several friends who make the guys on The Big Bang Theory seem normal.

And if that wasn’t enough, I love fantasy and science fiction.

I could watch Star Wars, Firefly, The Matrix, and The Lord of the Rings on a continuous loop.

In the story world of The Matrix, earth has been taken over by machines and they have enslaved the human race. Every now and then, someone is “freed” to live in the real world.

The real world is grimy and messy. They eat gruel and wear rags.

But when they enter the matrix? They are so cool.

Black leather. Trench coats. Sunglasses.

It turns out that when they enter the matrix, their bodies remain in the real world. But their minds project a digital image, and that’s what is seen.

Hang in there, I’m getting to the point.

Because I do the same thing.

I stand in front of my mirror and see all my flaws. I see the body that carried three babies and the shadows under eyes that spend far too little time closed.

But as soon as I get away from the mirror I’m incapable of seeing myself accurately. My “digital projection” is a Size 6 with perfect hair. She also wears cute clothes and I don’t mind telling you that I wish she was real!

I do the same thing when it comes to my heart.

I sit in church and I’m overwhelmed with my own sin and the enormity of God’s grace. I worship and proclaim “You’re all I want—You’re all I need—You are all my heart desires—you’re everything to me.”

But as soon as I get back into the real world . . . I want what I want and I want it now. My sin doesn’t seem all that bad. And I act like God’s grace is something I deserve.

The real world is grimy and messy.

I am grimy and messy.

And if I stay away from the mirror of God’s word, I can carry on, blissfully ignorant of the flaws in the real me.

But when I take a look, I see pettiness, pride, doubt, and anger. It’s not cute and I wish it wasn’t real.

Wishing never changed anything. But repentance—turning away from me and turning to Him—is the way we make progress in the Christian life.

I used to think that someday I would arrive—that I would mess up less often, so I wouldn’t need to repent as much.

But the opposite is true.

The more I grow, the more I see my sin, so the more I repent, so the more I grow, so the more I see my sin, so the more I repent…and on it goes.

Tim Keller says it this way…”The more you see your own flaws and sins, the more precious, electrifying, and amazing God’s grace appears to you. But on the other hand, the more aware you are of God’s grace and acceptance of Christ, the more able you are to drop your denials and self-defenses and admit the true dimensions of your sin.”

It’s been huge for me—to see repentance in this way.

What about you? Are you still waiting to arrive and frustrated by how far your real self is from the one you try to project—from the one you truly want to be?

Could I invite you to remember that you are beloved? You are accepted. There is nothing you can do to make God love you more and nothing you can do to make God love you less.

Whatever it is…repent. Turn away from yourself.

Turn back to Him.

You’ll find joy waiting.

Psalm 51:10, 12 ~ Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me…Restore unto me the Joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. (ESV)

Comments

Join the Conversation

5 Comments

Vonda Skelton says:

March 26, 2012 at 12:35 pm

What a powerful post, Lynn, and just what I needed this morning.

"The more I grow, the more I see my sin, so the more I repent, so the more I grow, so the more I see my sin, so the more I repent…and on it goes." Yes!

But as you pointed out, there is nothing we can do to make Him love us any more OR any less.

That means we've ALREADY arrived! Praise Him!

Reply
Sandra says:

March 26, 2012 at 1:22 pm

Great devotion! Thanks I needed that.

Reply
Alycia Morales says:

March 26, 2012 at 2:33 pm

I am so thankful that I have Jesus as my mediator, that when God looks at me in my sinful earthly nature, He sees only Jesus in His completeness, His righteousness, His sinless nature. And I am so overwhelmed and thankful I have a Savior who loves me unconditionally.

Great post, Lynn! Such a wonderful way to begin my Monday morning.

Reply
admin says:

March 26, 2012 at 6:52 pm

Vonda, Sandra, & Alycia – Thanks for reading and commenting! I hope you're overwhelmed by grace today!!

Reply
Cathy Baker says:

March 26, 2012 at 8:32 pm

Are you reading my journal? God is dealing with similar junk in my life as well. I had a very humbling, toe-bruising moment yesterday after church. I can't fathom what life would be without God's grace. P.S. I think we share dual "digital projections." I've always liked the number 6. 🙂

Reply