The blog tour for Every Window Filled with Light is almost over and words fail me as I attempt to express my relief and gratitude. As of today, there are 77 reviews (85% five-stars and 11% four-stars). I appreciate your kind words more than you will ever know. A book signing event is scheduled for Friday evening, June 25, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at The Gallery on the Square in Franklin, KY, my hometown. My community has been so supportive and encouraging. What a blessing. Now that my marketing plan is almost complete, I can get back to my first love – writing.
As I typed the sentence above, I remembered Jesus’s warning to the church of Ephesus, But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.” I think the Holy Spirit just gave me a big nudge. So many times through these past weeks, I’ve let my writing goals and marketing plan encroach on my morning quiet time with the Lord. Father, forgive me.
I’m goal-oriented. It’s my habit to make a plan and work the plan. Unfortunately, this practice can lead me astray. I know God called me to write, but I should never let my writing goals come first, especially when I’m doing this with the hopes to grow His Kingdom. I’m reminded this morning that my time alone with Him in scripture and in prayer is the most important thing I do every day. May Jesus always be my first love.
It’s time for me to revisit one of my favorite Bible studies, Live a Praying Life by Jennifer Kennedy Dean. Jennifer Kennedy Dean was the executive director of the Praying Life Foundation. A few years ago, I had the privilege of hearing her speak. I highly recommend her books. To learn more about her or her books, click on this link. https://www.newhopepublishers.com/jenniferkennedydean/
At the conference, Ms. Dean held up an empty glove. She said, “Apart from a hand, the glove can do nothing. Apart from Jesus, I can do nothing. We are the way Jesus will express himself in our world. Working without the Holy Spirit is about as effective as a glove without a hand in it.” I wrote down, “Power praying: pursuing a present-tense relationship with the living and indwelling Jesus. Yes. That’s what I want my prayer life to be.
Ms. Dean unexpectedly left this world on June 12, 2019, yet her work is still producing fruit. That’s my hope for my books, too. I pray that someone who does not have a right relationship with God will lift a prayer after reading my book and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. God is the one who will decide who will read the words I write, in spite of my marketing plan. To Him be all honor, glory, and praise.
Father, please forgive me when I get so focused on my goals, I forget to ask you what I should do next. I am nothing without you.
(23) “Search me, Oh God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts: (24) and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24 KJV
Please let me know if you have a prayer request. It is my honor to lift petitions on your behalf.
Warm regards,
Shelia
Your words always encourage.
Thank you. Right back at you. You are so kind. Hugs.
Your faith and joy are beautiful to see! And I can’t wait to read the next book!
Thank you, sweet friend. I can’t wait to read your new book too. Hugs.
Matthew 6:33
Thank you for sharing that scripture Marion. Yes. “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…” I am determined to get back to starting my day with prayer and Bible study. May His will, not mine, be done in all things. Hugs.
Loved the book I give it 5 stars
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. More Weldon stories are in the works. HUgs.
Your words spoke to my heart. Thank you for sharing about life and our goals getting in the way of prayer life.
Thank you, Sally. I know you can appreciate the difficult balancing act of doing everything authors are expected to do to promote their books, find time to write books and blog posts, take care of our family and have a rich spiritual life. I am determined to get back to starting my day with prayer and quiet time. Everything else will work out as long as I keep God as my first love, and surrender my will to His will. Hugs.
Loved your book from start to finish! If I could have given more then 5 stars I definitely would have. You write from your heart and that makes a good book! 🥰
Thank you. I am finally at peace with the book release. I feel unworthy of the praise, but then I remember who asked me to do this hard thing, and God has been faithful to send me so much help, and people like you who encouraged me from the first few blog posts. God is so good to me. Hugs.