Gentle Reader,
They say that sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came. (Thanks, Gary Portnoy).
That’s the #FMFParty for me.
I’m coming up on two years with this crew. Never let anyone tell you that God can’t use the blogosphere to bring His people together to encourage and uplift each other as they seek to glorify Him.
This week, Kate says: surprise.
Go.
I wrote a book.
And now I’ve been starting at a blinking cursor for a million seconds because I don’t know what to say about that. The final word scooted across the final page on Monday around 4:30 p.m. It’s a first draft. It’s not ready for human consumption. I’m not going to tell you what it’s about.
But I wrote a book.
It’s funny what happens when we choose obedience. I fought this book. It deals with a controversial topic. I didn’t want to “go there.” I don’t want to make people mad. But when I quit fighting, quit stalling…surprise. The words came. The puzzle pieces fit together into one complete picture.
It’s hard, but joyously hard.
The strain of doing something that you love. The reach to make it better. The pulling and twisting of muscles. The agonies of doubt and the ecstasies of the perfect turn of phrase.
God is full of surprises. His plans are so very good. Even if this thing never sees the light of day, I’m glad I did it. Am doing it, really, because now the self-editing process begins. Hacking the beloved thing to pieces. I have seen a new part of Him. I have felt the sheer delight of the Holy Spirit as He dances in my soul, happy because I walk in accordance with His will. I have discovered a new part of myself. I am a fighter. I am a finisher.
And I am surprised.
Stop.
I am NOT surprised, dear Marie!
Well done!!!!!!
#3 at FMF this week – http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2016/03/your-dying-spouse-131-jedi-way-fmf.html
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Thanks much, dear friend!
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Oh MARIE! I’m so delighted you were ahead of me in the Five Minute Friday link up so that I could come and discover this beautiful blog and your SUPER EXCITING NEWS! So let’s start there – HUGE CONGRATS!! The discipline to tap a whole book out on a keyboard is HUGE. Oh yes and amen to this line: I am a fighter. I am a finisher. YES YOU ARE! I am passing you virtual brownies because this moment deserves to be celebrated in STYLE.
Thrilled! Confetti! Balloons! Toasts!
How exciting and wonderful and yes, here’s to the courage to be willing to be ruthless with the thing you’ve loved as you make it better.
And then let me finish by saying I got all the goosebumps to hear how much Five Minute Friday community has come to mean to you. It’s a gift to me too. Some of my dearest online friends come from this link up and I hold them in my heart and in my head on the hard writing days. So here’s to us – all of us willing to show up vulnerable and put the truths we’ve learned on paper.
Here’s to the writers!
Much love
Lisa-Jo
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Oh, Lisa-Jo! The fact that you’d celebrate with me means more than I can say. That, right there, is exactly what Five Minute Friday is. No competition. Just joy and love for each other. Thank you!
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WOO HOO! Go, girl! You DID IT! I’m SO very glad you shared this news, and so eloquently, at that! I’ve learned much from you and your words, and do hope and pray that I’ll get to read the book someday, too! WELL DONE for persevering and wrestling out those words, and now for wrestling some more. You’re an inspiration. Keep up the great work, and do keep us posted! (And as Andrew said above, I’m not surprised. I knew you had it in you.) 😉
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Thank you so much! I’ve been cheered on by everyone in the FMF community, and that means so much. I love how we just all surround and uplift each other. And I can’t wait to read your book!!!
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What is the title of you book called? I can’t wait to read it!! and that is a big surprise
your fmf friend parked at number four this
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I don’t really have a title yet. Not a good one, anyway. Thanks for celebrating with me! 🙂
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Congratulations Marie. How exciting! Enjoyed that beautiful picture.
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Thank you!
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It does not surprise me at all. You are a brilliant thinker and writer. Political twist? Need someone to read it before you take the hatchet to it???
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No politics were involved in the production of this book. 😉
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Marie, I’m excited with and for you. But I’m not at all surprised that you finished the book. I understand every emotion you’re feeling as I’m feeling that too as I write my book. Oh and yes indeed the FMF community is the real deal. Good does come out of the blogosphere. I’m in the 43 spot this week.
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Oh, girl, you go! You can do this! I want to read those words!
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Congratulations Marie! May God continue to bless and reward your efforts. I look forward to learning more about your progress and would love someday to see the results of your hard work and obedience to God.
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Thank you!
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Can’t wait to read it!!! Way to go Marie. Your obedience inspires me.
Gods bless
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Thanks, Peggy!
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You ARE a fighter! You ARE a finisher! Way to go, friend! I am celebrating with you. I’ve started mine, but I stopped. You’ve spurred me on to keep going. Thank you. Thank you. Much love to you!
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Love to you, too, Julie!
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Marie!
Oh I’m so excited for you! My first response didn’t save and it logged me out. Oh well.
If you need a proofreader, I’m gifted that way. I’m not an editor. And I’m really nice about it if I find something. Mostly I just catch grammar and spelling errors if there are any to be found.
All my friends who have published a book seem to have something in common-they don’t want to do it. They wrestle against it.
And that your topic will not be popular is a second confirmation that God wants it to be told. I actually laughed at 1 Kings 22. There’s a prophet the king doesn’t want to see, because he always tells the truth. I think you’ll find it funny as well.
Thanks for stopping by and encouraging me too!
Love,
Tammy (#76)
(tammysincerity)
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Thank you for the offer, Tammy! I may take you up on that one day. Now I have to go read that chapter!
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Wahoo! Way to go, Marie! I remember praying with you about this a few months back. 🙂 I couldn’t be happier for you, friend! And I look forward to reading your words one day. I know they will be profound. 🙂
Happy dancing for you!
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Thank you, Jeanne!
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Marie, You are a fighter and a finisher. “Hacking the beloved thing to pieces. I have seen a new part of Him.” That is what it is about. I can’t wait to hear where God takes you and your words. p.s. your words on my blog meant so much this week. I am constantly amazed at how the vulnerable and risky connects us. Your willingness to tackle a controversial topic, to GO THERE will be a gift to your readers. (hugs and gratefulness welling up)
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