Visit with Author B.J. Robinson --Third Stop on the 2011 Summer Blog-String Fest

Today I am delighted to welome author B.J. Robinson to the Summer Blog-String Fest. B.J. has treated us to an essay, “Oil of My Heart,” as well as info on her new Desert Breeze Publishing novel, “Last resort,” available this Friday July 15th 2011. Welcome!

Oil of my Heart

by B. J. Robinson

A broad-shouldered man with sandy blond hair leans across the motor in my van. “This thing needs an oil change and a new filter. You need to check it more often. And use good oil.”
The mechanic straightens. At nearly 6 feet, he giraffes my 5’2” frame. “You know, you can take your van and have it serviced at one of the local shops.” Serious blue eyes stare hard into mine. “Take the time to do it. Proper maintenance is less expensive than having to buy a new vehicle.”
“Yes, sir,” I said. “Your mother hears you.” I give him a maternal smile. “Just because you’re the manager of your own station, you think you know it all, don’t you?”
“I knew more about cars when I was 12 than you ever will.”
“You should with as many as you tore apart in your younger days.”
“What do you mean my younger days? I’m still young.” He bats his eyes and tries to look innocent.
“Oh, excuse me. You’re a young man now,” I playfully tap his chest.
Just yesterday, this hefty man in a navy blue shirt and pants etched with grease smiled at me from the baby bed. His little fingers winding themselves around mine, I called him Momma’s little man or my little football player because of those broad shoulders.
Too quickly, he turned into a teenager, tearing apart broken lawnmowers or bicycles and using the parts to make workable ones. He loved tinkering. I should have known he’d grow up to become an automotive mechanic.
“I’ve never known anything about cars other than how to drive them, so I’m glad to have a mechanic in the family. Till this day, I still don’t even know how to change a tire.”
“You really should learn, Mom.”
“I’m such a small woman, and the tire is so big I don’t think I could handle it.”
“Maybe you need a smaller vehicle, one you can handle.”
“I’ve got you.” I give him a knowing smile and a slap on the arm. “This is what I can afford. I just have to make do.”
“Well, take care of the vehicle, Mom, and it will take care of you.”
Every Sunday morning my son and his wife picked me up for church. Squeezing in behind the front seat of his little Chevy S-10, I asked, “Son, don’t you think it’s time you got a family vehicle? After all, you’re a married man.”
“This is what I can afford, and I’ll just have to make do.”
As I listened to my own words flung at me, I thought of all those years I made do, and I realized God blessed me with the gift of a strong, dependable son. We all know mechanics repair vehicles, but mine repairs so much more.
Now as I look at Rod, though it hasn’t always been easy, especially when he was younger, I know for certain no job is worth giving up a child. My precious gift from heaven is my joy on earth. The words of my co-worker thirty years ago ring in my ear, and I’m glad I listened to my heart.
My waitress friend hurled ultimatums. “You just got the head waitress promotion. You don’t need another child. Three’s enough. The timing’s all wrong. Get an abortion.” She stalked off, waving her arms in the air.
“This job is not worth killing a child.” I stuck my time card in the slot and punched out for the last time.
I strolled out into the crisp fall air and Louisiana sunshine feeling at peace with myself. I looked at the heavenly blue sky, reassured I was doing the right thing.
These memories wrap around me like a blanket of comfort I snuggle into, as I realize how perfect God’s timing truly is and how God has always had His hand on my life.
I gave up a job as a waitress to become a mother again, answering God’s calling. When His timing was right, He called me to a career in teaching. I have a Bible verse that expresses the way I feel about my children, how I rejoice I gave birth to them, and how they are part of God’s plan:
. . . he who has a wise son delights in him.
May your father and mother be glad;
may she who gave you birth rejoice!
Proverbs 23:24-25 NIV

God sent me a mechanic who oils his mom’s heart with his love. Rod is the refreshing change and new filter who adds to my life as he lubricates it with love. The hero of the greatest love story is Jesus, and the greatest romance of all is motherhood.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
NIV: Jeremiah 1:5

Author Information and Last Resort Debut

B. J. Robinson is an educator and novelist. She makes her home in Florida with her husband, two dogs, and a cat named Frankie. Barbara says, “There is no one in life as capable of encouraging and motivating one’s soul as the blessed feel of the Holy Spirit, like a hand on my shoulder reassuring me. I have never felt closer to God than when I feel the touch of the Holy Spirit in times of need. That slight touch lets me know that I do not walk through this world alone. I have a heavenly Father who meets my every need. That heavenly touch makes all the difference in my life. I thank Him most of all for the blessed gifts of my children.”

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Visit B, J. Robinson at http://barbarajrobinson.blogspot.com for book reviews and news of her writing and new releases. Her debut Christian romantic suspense novel Last Resort releases from Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. July 15. http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/StoreFront.bok and will be available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com as an eBook. It will also be available in all other eBook formats. She recently signed contracts for two others: Southern Superstitions, releases January 11, 2012, and Whispering Cypress, releases August 11, 2012.

LAST RESORT is set in Bridal Wreath, Florida, a fictional town, Key West, the Panhandle, and Plant City, Florida. Faith Grace Roussell vows to hide her heart so deeply in Christ that to find her, a man will have to find Him first, but will the true hidden treasures in God’s Word be enough when she collides with Matt Allen? Faith is stalked and forced to search her conflicted heart. In a battle of love, loss, and raging jealousy, she strives to build a new life with peace and contentment, but Matt Allen has eyes like magnets she could get as lost in as unknown woods. Will he prove to be a helpmate or just another strawberry cull? She’s pursued by an ex-fiancé, shattered dreams, an awesome God, and a cowboy farmer. There’s only one place she can turn . . . .There’s only one last resort.

Faith left the city to return to the country home where she grew up, but someone wants her to pack bags, not berries. A series of incidents take place to try to force her to leave. When she doesn’t budge, arson, attempted murder, and murder kept the reader turning pages.

What early Readers Had to Say…
“B. J. Robinson’s Last Resort is an inspirational romantic suspense story that keeps you hanging on the edge of your seat — both to see if the villain is overcome and to see if Matt and Faith end up together. You don’t want to miss this one with its twists; it’s a great read!”
Deb Haggerty, Author and Speaker

“The warm, sweet romance, yet insightful story, will touch your heart with its simplicity and charm.”
Janet Perez Eckles, Author and Speaker

Long Ridge Student and Book Reviewer Valerie Strawmier says:
What a great story! I loved how you drew your readers in so quickly and then constantly threw in twists and turns for them to deal with. Many women deal with losing what they thought was the love of their life to a failed relationship—it’s their attitude that determines how they proceed. By letting God lead her through the fiery trials that came her way, and trusting Him in the most difficult of times, Faith found her true destiny in life and love and it was everything she had ever dreamed. This is a fabulous story of love, real life and how a positive attitude in Christ can lead you through even the most difficult times! I highly recommend it and know you will leave the book feeling inspired and encouraged in your walk in the Lord! Last Resort is available in all eBook formats and may be purchased directly through the publisher at http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-184/B-J-Robinson-Last/Detail.bok
Read a free excerpt from the publisher here: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-184/B-J-Robinson-Last/Detail.bok

LAST RESORT, a sensational strawberry romantic suspense story, will be on sale as of July 15 at Desert Breeze Publishing. http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/StoreFront.bok or Amazon and Barnes & Noble.com