I've been out of town for a week, in Leavenworth, WA, and while I was gone, my book launched on Amazon!! It's available online, and it's sitting on my kitchen table! What a surreal experience to see my book in the flesh, so to speak.
My favorite thing so far, since it launched, was going to church this morning and selling a few to some in my church family. They were so excited with me, and they know how hard I've been working towards this. It was sweet to my soul.
I've been really active on Instagram and Facebook (@emwriting_) with giveaways and other fun stuff. We're in a season of remembering to give. To give selflessly and readily until it's uncomfortable. Next Sunday our church is throwing a giving party during which we'll have the opportunity to give to Andando, our sister organization in Senegal, Africa.
My husband and I were talking about how much we should give this year, and we realized how many ways God provided for us financially in the past year. More than once, we received an unexpected bill on the same day we got a random check for the same amount. It's mind-blowing and humbling. God provides for us when we trust HIM with every aspect of our lives, resources, and time. So we plan to give to Andando to an uncomfortable point because we know God will provide all our needs.
Your dreams AREN'T too big! We are literally capable of anything if we're relying on God to sustain and guide us. I don't mean to get preachy, it's just something that's been driven home to me over and over this year. To quite a regular job and pursue writing on my husband's small non-profit income seemed crazy. But we have been faithful, and it's worked. Well.
I am giving 30% of each book sold to support refugees. Buying my book for yourself or someone else, is a good way to give back.
This morning we sang O Come, O Come Emmanuel, which is one of my all-time favorite Christmas hymns. Have you really read the words and let them sink in? I'll just leave a few of the lyrics here for you.
"O come Desire of nations bind
In one the hearts of all mankind
Bid all our sad divisions cease
And be thyself our King of Peace."
That's my prayer. That we will experience true Emmanuel (God WITH us), despite all of our divisions.
Merry Christmas!