“How do you feel as it is getting close?”

As I wake up this morning, realizing  the book launch/signing  is two weeks from today, my mind starts to spin. A sweet friend asked me recently, “how do you feel  as it is getting close to the  book launch?”

That  made me dig in and really think about it. I know with each week that goes by, it is getting closer to the actual date.  I know I still have many things to do to get ready.

I know I need to be organized and list those things and then check them off.

 

In the busyness of getting things ready,  I have not really taken the time to just sit and think about how I am feeling.

The process has been such a big part of my life these last few years.  The thinking, the dreaming, the planning, the meetings, the rewrites and many specific prayers were all a part of each day.

I really don`t know  exactly how I feel as  I think about this project being done. It is hard to put into words.

It has been an emotional  journey from the beginning.   The writing, creating the art and putting them together with stories have each played into the process. When it was finally all edited and I heard it had been sent to the printer, it was as if a small weight had been lifted.  A feeling of excitement flooded over me.

The call came a few mornings later, that the proof book was ready for pick up.!!

I remember as I drove to the printer that day to pick up the very first copy of my book and realizing that I would actually be holding it. very soon.  At that moment, the emotions came  from nowhere as I was alone with my thoughts in the car.   I felt elated at the reality of actually seeing the book.  A few tears were shed as I  wanted so bad to share this moment with Mother and I couldn`t.  I felt nervous  and a bit anxious  about being vulnerable as I was about to put my  words out there to be seen by others.

I also felt  hopeful that people would  be inspired through the words that He gave me as they would read it.

Today, as I  am seeing  these September days being marked off until September 23, I feel blessed that He can use me in a small way, to share His story, not mine. His story of how He brought all  the pieces together and the message they would tell.

I went to our Women`s conference this weekend and heard  DawnChere Wilkerson speak from 2 Corinthians.  It  really spoke to me and reiterated those words  about His story, to me.

“Our very lives are letters that everyone can read, simply by looking at us. Circumstances don`t dictate the context of the letter in your heart, the Holy Spirit does.   If we do it alone, our letters will be lost but if we let the Holy Spirit write it, it lasts forever. as His story.   The letter of your life will become a message when joined with others.  May it always be the name, Jesus, who gets credit for our  letters.   May our letters not be lost  but  be LOVE letters  sent from Heaven  for others to read.

2 Corinthians 3:2   “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.”

Circumstances have not changed from when my friend asked me that question but my heart has had some time to be still , to think and  to listen . I am  honored to be sharing this part of my letter through my book, “Expressions”. My jumbled words, my sketches… He can take all of my  junk and use it to create more than I could ever imagine.

14 days and counting!!!