Saturday, May 7, 2011

To my readers

This week Melissa Taylor is wrapping up her online study of  It's No Secret. I recognize it's no small thing to purchase a book and then spend hours of of your free time reading it - so I'm honored that you've done that with us. I consider it a privilege to be able to share some of my life and some of the Word of God with you through these pages this spring.


Did you take Melissa's INS Super Challenge? I pray God fuels your efforts as you focus in on your chosen areas. Remember, your main task is just staying plugged into Him. Spiritual maturity isn't something we manage to produce for God, it's something He produces in us as we yield to Him. As Andy Stanley says, "God takes full responsibility for the life fully devoted to him."

As a writer who spills her guts, shares her stories and teaches scripture into a blinking black cursor on a white screen day after day - knowing it will be a year before any readers see it - it's been so rewarding to hear your responses to the book. On your blogs, on Facebook, over email, and here in comments. 

I'll let you in on a little secret. Writers - even "professional writers" - don't always know if what they've written is any good. If it will connect with anyone. If it will help anyone. Some days you are sure it will. Other days, well, you spend a lot of time pressing delete. It can be nerve-wracking to write something book-length with those questions bouncing around your head for months.

So I have a favor to ask of you. I'm working on another book right now, with those same questions and fears bouncing around in my head.  I'd love to be able to cover a bulletin board in my office with photos of smiling readers holding It''s No Secret, so that when I start to waiver or doubt, I'll remember you. And pray for us both.

If you're willing, email me a photo of you with the book - it can be you in your favorite reading spot or coffee shop, or you standing by a famous landmark in your hometown. Send to rachel@proverbs31(dot)org. If you'd rather, mail to the Proverbs 31 office.  I can't wait to see your faces!

I just wanted to take this time to say "thank you" to my readers.  And Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there.

7 comments:

  1. Thank you so much Rachel for listening to God's calling on your life to become a writer. Your book has touched my life and help me pushed ahead on the path of righteousness and bring me closer to jesus that I was at the beginning of the study.. I am like you and read multiple books at a time but after the 1st chapter I decided to lay other books aside so I could fully grasp the contents that were in the book. I also have started to re-read it because I feel that God speaks to us in areas that we need and sometimes when we re-read something we learn something new..Its those hidden treasures. As I read it while I was on the treadmill(note it made time fly on the treadmill ..hehe) I re-read chapter 4. Keep a Heavenly lawyer on retainer. and I felt moved to send that chater to my brother in law who is in prison on an unfair prison sentence waiting for his family to raise money to try to get his case appealed! It has been such a blessing I am anxious for the release of your next book! Thank you so much ..hugs,Savannah :)

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  2. Thank you, Savannah. When I find a really "rich" book, I lay the others aside to focus on it too. So you've paid It's No Secret a high compliment there.

    Hugs right back ~ Rachel

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  3. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and heart with all of us, Rachel! I hope you get lots of smiling faces to encourage you with your next endeavor! My grin is in your inbox right this very minute :-)

    I'm sure sad to have this study end! I've really enjoyed journeying with you and blogging along the way. Thanks for being so approachable and encouraging as we turned the pages of INS.

    Happy Mother's Day to you, too!

    Hugs,

    Leah

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  4. AnonymousMay 09, 2011

    Thank you Rachel for sharing yourself and the things you have learned from Our Father. Your book has been such an eye opener for me. Chapter 8 was really tough for me due to some hurts I experienced but I'm listening. I'll get the picture to you tomorrow. Blessings your way on your new endeavor. Darlene :)

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  5. Elosia ReynaMay 09, 2011

    Thank you Rachel! Your book is a success and I learned so much. I can see myself using it as resource to always stay connected. Can't wait to read your next book.

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  6. Thanks for commenting, Darlene and Elosia. God bless you both as you walk with Him.

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  7. I'm still feasting on the last two chapters but I'm going to miss coming here and connecting with you all. But I will come back, you all are apart of my morning coffee time.

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