A Warrior Never Rests

Our battle with Sam and his heart are more than a book to us.  The life that we have been called to is not chosen by me, and is not easy. Most people read the book "Sam's Heart" and are left with a sense of prevailing hope and faith, and I am glad because that is it's message.  However I also want people to understand that our battle is not over and until the trumpet sounds in victory, we can never rest and let our guard down.

It is true that I can rest in the promises of God yes, but resting in God does not mean throwing your shield and sword aside and laying idle in waiting.  You see we battle daily both in body and spirit against all manner of resistance and struggle.

In his body Sam has always struggled to gain weight.  It has been almost a year now since he has gained any weight.  Because of God's mercy and grace Sam has been  healthy and free from illness for most part of the last 18 months.  And for this we are thankful beyond measure.  He runs small distances but I sometimes notice increased breathlessness when he speaks and eats.  At his last review we were told that the valve in his heart is leaking more than the doctors would like.  Still he runs, climbs ,and strives to keep up with his brother.

Spiritually Sam speaks often of Jesus and the angels.  He tells me of the times when God speaks to him at night. Worship music is Sam's delight.  He has also had many encounters recently with 'dark ones' that come to him.  He has recently had to deal with that interference as well, and God is teaching him to be brave and courageous.  It is no mistake this is happening now so close to his review with the doctors.  Laugh if you wish, call us crazy, but this is the reality of life for our family. 

This battle is not over for us.  We cannot breathe a sigh and then go back to our normal lives.  This is our normal life.  Just like the hundreds of other families walking the same path we move forward each day with hope in our hearts, for we dare not embrace anything else.  There is a difference for us though we have peace in the midst of it, knowing that despite the challenges, the victory is won! 

Sam came running to me this afternoon wearing his little green gumboots, grasping a handful of sunny yellow dandelions, 'Mum, Mum, I love you!'

Picture source: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=yellow+dandelions+picture&view=detail&id=BC36AA4DF6C29B7A6E437853E9B4E94D60637F31&first=0

God, if today was only made for me to hear those words, I thank you.  I thank you for Sam's life that you have breathed your love upon Him and made him dance this side of Heaven.  And we will shout it out loud for all to hear.  How merciful you are!

Big Day and A Big Ask

I wanted to share with you some photos from Jack's first day of school, beginning Prep.  He had a fabulous day and happily chatted all of the way home. He was elated to have chocolate cake and milo for afternoon tea, and is almost ready to go to bed. 

Jack looks very handsome and grown up in his uniform. Sam had to be in almost all of the before school photos.  They are the best of buddies.

After we dropped Jack off at school Sam and I took a brisk walk to the bakery where he devoured a pink piggy meringue. Shhhh...don't tell Jack.

Sam is also fascinated with listening to tunes on my phone and has it on while we walk all over the countryside.  He sings out loud as we go, and gets the biggest smiles from passers by.

I am cherishing just having time with Sam.  It really is such a gift. 

On another note...

This month is Congenital Heart Disease Awareness month.  In an effort to raise awareness and funding, for every copy of Sam's Heart sold at www.samsheart.com.au for the month of Feb 2012, I will donate $5 to heartkids.  That is the profit I make from a sale.  I want to see Congenital Heart Disease become a distant memory. 

But I need your help.  I need you to spread the word, otherwise nothing will happen.  So far we have sold two books and raised $10. I am hoping and praying to raise a whole lot more and hand over a significant amount to Heartkids come March.  Will you help me make a difference for a child, a family, a generation.  Heartkids not only helps and supports families but they are directly involved in research to find a cure.

IMAGINE WHAT LIFE WOULD BE LIKE WITHOUT CHD!

Time to make a dream a reality.

A Small Voice In the Wilderness

Sharing your story is not as easy as you might think in Australia.  Even when your book has been published and marketed by a well known publisher, reaching the hands of readers is a difficult process.  This is especially so, if your book speaks of God.

Sam's Heart is the story of our medical journey with Sam and his funky heart, but is also our spiritual journey with God along the way.  The moment I revealed God openly in our book, I sabotaged any hope of getting my book into the mainstream bookshops.   Book buyers will very rarely take on your product if you speak of God openly.  I also received many cold shoulders from those in the 'heart' community, my family, and many others who may have read it if God was not mentioned.  You see people want to be told that my strength and theirs, comes from within ourselves, that we have some sort of chamber of untold strength that only emerges in times of crisis.  They want to hear that if they just trust in themselves and rely on those around them that they will make it through.  Unfortunately they fail to see that it is God that gives them strength and if they try to rely on their own strength for too long they will fall, into exhaustion, depression and anxiety.  Relationships will be tested and tried, broken and sometimes repaired.  The same is true with God, we are all human.  The difference is that

God will not let us fall...beyond where he can reach us.

If I was to sing the praises of surgeons and doctors and their amazing skills, not giving credit to the One who gives them the skills and mind to do their job, it may make reading it more acceptable.

It is often in times of great crisis that people look outside of themselves for someone or something bigger than themselves, when they come to the realisation that they are nearing the edge.

Unfortunately the stories and books that could encourage and help others are regulated to being available in Christian bookshops and are not readily available in the shopping centre book shop.  Thankfully Amazon and other bookshops are now selling online.

The sad thing is that our Christian heritage and our trust in God has been bartered for the sake of multiculturalism, in which Christians seem to have no place.  We have removed God from our schools and communities, even Christmas has not been spared, just in case someone is offended by our faith.  Bit by bit God and those who love Him are being gagged until we will be considered a little odd, those kooky Christians that believe in a God they can't see. 

Perhaps the reason that Sam's Heart is not received well by some is that they are afraid to read a little bit of truth.  Perhaps people no longer wish to believe that miracles happen, or that hope prevails.  Perhaps they don't want to hear that God is faithful, even when everyone else gives up on you.

Perhaps it might cause the world to think outside of the box they live in...

Perhaps they might find what they were looking for...


Perhaps they may find miracles do happen after all.

Just imagine that.

Faith, Flying and TV

Yesterday I was offered the opportunity to fly to the Sydney Foxtel Studios, and pre-record an interview for 'Wesley Impact!'  I was so excited, to be asked to do such thing.  As you would know by reading my previous post, it was also an answer to a dream that the God had given me.

For those who have been following, you would know that we had Sam's appointment the day before, and once again God brought me to a place where I was empty of myself.  Any control that I believed I had over Sam's future, or ours, was once again erased.  All I had left after that day, was my hope.  And this is my hope:

So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.(Heb 6:18-19, emphasis added)

Hope is not some intangible thing, something that we can possess. Hope has a name, His name is Jesus. 

So yesterday morning I arose to find that the previous day's nausea, had now emerged into a nasty gastro bug.  What would you have done I wonder, knowing that you have to travel in a car, aeroplane and taxi, to a place far from home, and the safety of your own lavatory? I made a choice to believe God's word, over the circumstances I found myself in.  So armed with his promise and a box of Gastro Stop, I drove the hour to the airport and boarded the plane to Sydney.  By God's amazing grace, I made it to the studios with my dignity.  He is so merciful!

The staff at the studios was amazing.  They were so understanding and prayed with me, and brought me to a room to relax.  It was here that I met a man who was sent by God.  He was also being interviewed that day and was a chaplain and worker with the homeless.  He proceeded to tell me that a homeless couple that he is working with are due to have their first baby and would be born with HLHS, the same condition as Sam's.  Oh, there is no coincidence, only God incidence! I was able to give him a copy of our story and encourage him in the amazing things that God can do.

I was given a good dose of make-up by a lovely make-up artist, who has worked on many different TV shows throughout the years, including Better Homes and Gardens, and Water Rats.  This helped to mask my somewhat less than glowing complexion on the day.

And finally the victory came, and I got to share with  Rev. Keith Garner, and soon whoever else may watch, the faithfulness of our God in every season.

I also had the privilege to share with both of my taxi drivers, and they also told me some of their stories.  I got to pray for one of them, and he was most encouraged when we parted.  He did not know God, but I could hear God calling Him. 

Late in the afternoon I flew home again, and though I was very weak in body, my spirit was at peace.  I had not been able to eat throughout the day, but God had sustained me and filled me with all that I needed to succeed in what He had called me to do.

That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.(2 Cor 12:10)

Because I know He filled me and sustained me yesterday, I know that the hearts this program touches will not be because of anything I am.  But instead they will see all that He is, and for that I am thankful.

Thank you for your prayers over the recent days.  I am still recovering from this illness, but it will not remain long.  I bless you all in the name of Jesus.  I can do all things because He is my anchor.

This program will go to air on Mother's Day 2012.  You can read more about Wesley Impact here.

Now Available on Amazon!

Sam's Heart is now available internationally on Amazon.  If you know someone that needs to hear an awesome story of hope and the miraculous, then feel free to pass on the great news.

 

Buy on Amazon

By the way, to say that I am slightly excited, would be a vast understatement!  Can you tell?

Who Do You Work For?

As some of you know Sam's Heart was shortlisted for the CALEB Writers Awards through Omega Writers.  It was such an exciting time and a surprise that I was grateful for.  Two days ago I found out that although the my book made the short list, it did not make the finals.  As my eyes scanned the emailed list, I hardly dared to hope it would be there.  Many of my other newly found writing friends appeared on the list and I quietly celebrated for them, as disappointment came knocking at my heart. 

Disappointment is a strange feeling.  I was actually quite surprised to find it entering my heart.  God was very quick to speak to me regarding my feelings.


Don't be disappointed. Your writing is not judged by these people, but by me.  I asked you to write the book, and it is doing that which I set out to complete. I always complete what I begin.  Your true value is not found here in the opinions of others, it is found in your love for me and your obedience to me.  You cannot yet see the fruit of your obedience, but one day you will see the hearts touched and lives changed by your work.  Be prepared  to be blessed, because your treasure is laid up in heaven.  Each word of truth that you write brings glory to my name.  Write, smile and praise me,  I love you more than anyone else ever will.

The next morning I received a lovely email from a friend, confirming everything that God had spoken the night before.  He really works in the most kind-hearted and intimate ways.

My disappointment stems from school days, when I loved to be the best at everything, loved to achieve and win all the awards, and I did many times.  However my reason for living has changed much since then, and God is still continuing his work to change my heart.  Little by little exposing the sin that hides there, as much as I can endure each time. Because as he spoke above:

What God begins he completes.  When God makes a promise to transform your life, he will see it through to finality.

And I for one, am so thankful for his patience and love.

And so now, I look forward to going to the awards dinner in November, and encouraging and supporting my writing friends, who's hard work is also touching many hearts.  Bring on the good times!

Battles of the Mind-Promotion

When you publish a book, it must be made available so that people can read it.  In order for people to know that your book exists, you must promote your book.  I love to share with others about our story.  I love to see the look on their face when I tell them that the three year old boy standing beside me, lives on half a heart.  I love to tell them how God has delivered us from one hardship after another, to bring us where we are today.  I love to give the glory to God. 
I enjoy speaking on the radio, probably a throw back to when I used to teach school of the air. One day I would love to have the opportunity to receive questions or comments from listeners. 
I love speaking to groups, large and small, seeing their tears and smiles of triumph, as they empathise with us. 
Book signings give a great opportunity to be able to share one on one with people and also allows them to share their story with you.

Today I found out that Word Bookstores, in their infinite wisdom, have decided not to go ahead with  in-store book signings any longer.  Whether this is a once off decision or a blanket affect, will be seen in time.

So today I was hit with conflicting feelings:

Rejection-do I take this personally?  I am sure if I was a big name American author there would not be a problem.  They do not value my work.  They do not value our journey.

or

Rationalisation- They are a business, they care about making money.  The problem is I was trying to help them sell books, so this makes no sense.  It was not costing them anything to have me in-store, so it is not about that at all.  It actually costs me in time and money to be there.

or

Realisation -This book journey is not about me, or bookstores.  It is about encouraging people and ministering to them with God's love.  Is is about believing that God has removed this opportunity for reasons currently beyond my sight, and I love him enough to trust Him. I am not out to make a name for myself, only give honour to His. 

And so I will pick myself up from this current state of confusion, lift my eyes to him, and know he has better things in the future.

God please give me the courage to keep putting myself on the front lines for you. You took all of the lashes, the shame and the death for me, let me endure this with your grace. 

Linking Up-A Book Review

Kelly, at Be A Fun Mum, has reviewed Sam's Heart today.  Click on the picture below and make my day by leaving a comment :).  You could even win a free copy of the book.

Bless you Kell. x

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`Nicole

One Month On

Well God has turned on the weather in the last few weeks, and we are delighted!  We have had warm days and cool nights, just like back in Pittsworth.  All of the locals here tell me that this weather is extremely extraordinary, and it is about 7 degrees above average.  Sounds like better than average to me!  Jack began Kindy on Monday, and is LOVING it, and I delight in seeing him so happy and settled. 

Don has been busy dong NAVS in controlled airspace, and flew into Essendon this week, first on SIM and then for real.  He is developing much more confidence in this area, which is great to see, because he is very hard on himself, which is both a blessing and a curse.  He is also studying Air Law, for which he will do the exam next week. CASA is still causing headaches for Don's medical, and have upheld their decision that he must go and get clearance from a cardiologist.  So Don is booked in on Thursday morning to go and do this, to silence them once and for all.  Please pray for breakthrough in this area.
I have been very busy orangising our new home life and looking after the boys (that takes up most of my day).  I have also been selling some of our un-needed goods on eBay, in preparation for our future.   The book promotion schedule has been organised between now and Christmas, so that will be full steam ahead soon.  I have an interview with Signs of the Times Magazine tonight, over the phone.  Then in the next few weeks I have a couple of radio opportunities with local Christian, and regular broadcasters.  I will keep you posted about those, as they can be listened to online.  Praise God that in the first month of sales Sam's Heart sold around 600 copies.  So people must be reading our story, which is awesome to hear! Promotion is great, but it is word of mouth that will get our story heard.  So make sure you keep sharing it with your friends.
Our days are pretty long and packed to the brim, but we are beginning to find our feet here.
Keep your eyes open when checking your inbox this week for the first edition of our newsletter.  If you are not on our mailing list, and would like to be, drop me an email (address in the sidebar), and I will pop you on.
 
I want to take this moment to tell you how much we appreciate, and love each one of you that love us, pray for us, support us and walk with us.  That's what this journey is about -relationship with Jesus, and for Jesus.  Mission is not just about helping people in a far off  lands, but affects every heart involved in the process.  Yes we are going to be the hands and feet of Jesus, but I can tell you that you travel with us in Spirit every step of the way, and it means more to us than you can imagine.

Book Club Sharing

 

Last Wednesday I had the honour of sharing at a Christian Book Club at a local cafe.  It was such an amazing event.  God really blessed me by being able to interact in an intimate environment with the group members and hear how the book has impacted them, allowing them to share their own God stories. I am looking forward to many more opportunities such as these as God provides them.  The following is part of the email newsletter that the group has just sent:

 

 

Now, about our get-together last Wed. evening - It was such a blessed time for us all as beautiful Nicole shared with us about her life, Don, Jack and of course little Sam and "Sam's Heart".  How her faith and trust in God inspired us.  Thank you so much Nicole.  We hope you keep in touch with us so we will know of your prayer requests and also because we would like to be part of the next stage of your family's incredible journey with our precious Father.  I feel in my heart that He has great, great plans ahead for you, Don and your precious sons.  Your book I have no doubt, will bless all who read it. ~Carolyn

I share this with you not to brag about my opportunities, but to brag about God who does all things according to His purposes, for his glory.  I love being the hands and feet of God wherever I am.  

 

If you have read Sam's Heart and it has impacted your life in some way, I would love to hear from you.  You can email me here.  If you would really like to help me in encouraging others to read it, you could bless me by leaving a comment/review on the Koorong or Word Bookstore websites.

Speaking Up to Cherish Life

Sensational, would be the word I use to describe the past weekend.  The Cherish Life Conference in Brisbane was well prepared, presented and was a blessing to all involved.  The speakers were excellent and I learned much and was challenged by some of the information put forward.  I do like a challenge. I loved speaking, it felt so natural and to share our story barely required me to look at my notes.  So I think it came over well.  I made people laugh and cry, so I believe it did. 

I met the most amazing people and God orchestrated many meetings that were God incidents (I don't believe in coincidence).  There was even a beautiful woman with whom I spoke, that was not told about the surgeries in Melbourne and lost her precious baby (who had the same heart condition as Sam) as a result.  This is why I must continue to speak!  This is why I want people to read our book.  We need to raise awareness and save more lives and more souls.
I met doctors, members of parliament, advocates, mothers, fathers and lovers of God.  Each has there own story to share of God's work in their lives, in the good times and the bad.  Each has their own gifts and talents.  However we all share one thing in common; a heart and purpose to see that all life is protected and cherished.  I will leave you with some photos of our time in the city. I am hoping to obtain conference photos and video sometime soon, and will upload that later. 

The country mouse in the city

Good times, just the two of us...

My big day, time to tell our story and speak up for those that can't.

Following is the final part of my speech from the day...

I imagine…

I imagine a day when life is considered precious in all of its forms.

I imagine a day when there are no more remorseful and regretful parents.

I imagine a day when pregnancy is considered a blessing and not an inconvenience.

I imagine a day when babies are recognised in the womb as babies.

I imagine a day when the elderly, and the ill are given every opportunity to live and not feel a burden.

I imagine a day when all of humanity celebrates and gives thanks for the time they have been given on the earth.

I imagine a day when the least important in the world become the most important.

I imagine a compassionate and loving humanity that knows how to cherish life.

Will you be bold enough to imagine with me?

One Voice Christian Women's Conference

I had the most beautiful and humbling weekend at the conference.  I was blessed by the setting, the beauty and love that was put into the organisation of the event.  I was blessed by the amazing speakers.  I was blessed by the new friends that I made, some of which we specifically placed there by God himself.  I can't possibly tell you all of the things that God spoke to me about over the weekend, but I will process it with Him, and hopefully be able to share some of it soon.

And not only was I blessed by all that God had to give me but I was able to bless others as well.  I was able to speak to many wonderful women; some hurting, others inspired, some searching, others rejoicing along side us.  Sam's Heart went to over 20 new homes.  It amazes me that God provided this opportunity to share our journey with others and I had an absolute ball doing it. 

Interview on Moments For Mum

Come on over to Moments for Mum and read my interview!  Click on the photo below to get there.

Make sure you leave a comment to brighten my day :)

A Great Review For Sam's Heart

To God be the Glory

Thanks Nicole for your honest and sometimes raw expression of the human spirit, throughout the trials and triumphs of this journey. Nicole shares that through faith and obedience, God's promises are real and He never fails to deliver on them. Continual prayer and unfailing trust, reveals the heart of God to this family, they and those around them see (sometimes in utter amazement)God working miracles every day. The smallest details, timed perfectly were crafted into the plans for the journey this family entrusted completely to God. Their are many times you can feel the pain and frustration this family experienced, then you read on to share in the triumph of God delivering them from the 'storm', saving them from the 'fire'. To God be the Glory! You will not be able to put this book down.

By Kellie.K, 10 May 2011

You can read this review and more online here.  Click on the reviews tab.

Five Mice and One Blind Woman

Last night we caught five mice in our trap.  I must admit I was shocked.  I knew we had one or two, but not five!  We are having a small plague at the moment due to the rain and now the cooler weather.  They had been frustrating me for weeks but we finally found out where they were hiding and caught them all overnight.  I do not like having mice indoors. They leave their tell tale signs all around the house, their smelly little calling cards.  They munch through wrappers to get to food and it unnerves me to see them scamper across the room while I type on the computer.

Sin is just like these mice you know.  Sin comes in quietly, sneaks in while you are not looking and makes itself at home, out of your sight.  But while you slumber, on the sly it begins to eat at you, a nibble here a nibble there, not so you notice too much, but it frustrates you. Then you start to notice the mess, the damage that it is doing in you life.  You may snap at a loved one, you may be worrying, tired, stressed and worn.  And then suddenly you realise what is wrong, there is something that has been left unchecked.  Something that has been let in and not dealt with.  Something that has been trying to get past you by being in the background but is really causing much damage. And not only that but soon it multiplies, just like the mice.

 I for one have had enough of these mice. Enough is enough I say!  I am taking care of you this minute.  The traps are set.  No longer will I ignore the little concerns on my heart.  I will take them to God and let Him deal with them, no matter how small they may seem. 

I wonder if you will pray for me over the next little while.  I have many new things happening in the next month or two.  I am speaking on the radio about Sam's Heart, I am attending a conference and speaking at one too.  I am doing magazine articles and speaking with and sharing with many poeple about Sam's Heart.  There are far to many "I"'s in this paragraph for my liking. Help me to keep my mind and heart focused on God.  These are all things that I have not done before and I know God will equip me to do what He has asked. I guess I would ask for his protection, guidance and wisdom to do all he has called me to do, so that he may be glorified. 

PS.   Sam now weighs 11.5kg.  Praise God with me!

Need to Share the Excitement

I had to go to Koorong tonight and just happened to see this really cool book on the shelves.  Something about a very cute little boy with half a heart, and all of the awesome stuff God has done in his life.  I know the photo is blurry, but I had to take the picture quickly to avoid looking like a rival book store spy.  Check it out, it's on the New Releases section right next to other big sellers!  Can you spot it?

Brave and Courageous

Publishing Sam's Heart has been the most courageous thing I have ever had to do.  It is true that our journey with Sam also requires bravery and endurance, but there is something soul baring, about sharing your heart with the world at large, and hoping and praying that it changes lives.  A big part of my heart is written in that book.  It puts out in the open, my walk with God, imperfect though it is, and asks others to trust him for their own lives. It asks people to close their eyes to the worlds lies and open their hearts to God, whom they may not know.  It encourages people to believe that God is who he says he is, and not doubt.  It shouts that God heals and restores and refines, if only we'll let him.  And it does these things using my family to tell the story.  My family that I love, adore and cherish. 
I risk being heckled and booed for my faith in Jesus, my blind faith that God is over all things.  I risk failing financially from the investment in the book and it's publication. 

but I will tell you this...

I will risk much more by not telling it! 

I will boldly share that God is mighty to save no matter what your circumstance may be.  He is the Alpha, Omega, Beginning and End.  He always has the last word.  He is full of love, and it pours out of my heart daily because I cannot contain all that he gives. He has the power to heal and restore and fix any part of your body, soul or spirit, if only you will ask him.  We live in his grace and by his power daily, and I believe there is no other way to truly live.  I have tried other ways.
So I will trust him with this book, as I have all along, and I will not fear.  He will not shame me, for his name is stamped on every page.
I trust him with my family and their complete health, healing and well being because he loves them even more than I.
And I delight in being called a fool for Jesus because I know who I am and where I am going and it's reward it unmatched. 
He emboldens me to stand firm.  He alone is my courage and my strength.  Of whom then shall I be afraid?

So I leap out in faith and trust him to catch me, because I know he planned this all along.

Book Launch Fun Day

This afternoon we had the most wonderful time celebrating the Community Fun Day with our Church. I was able to tell many people about Sam's Heart, some of them bought books, others didn't.  Two people in particular God sent for me to talk to, and I could see that God touched their hearts through our discussion.  I am always amazed that when we are obedient and do as God asks, there is always a reward. 
You see it all depends on the attitude in which we approach a task.  God asked me to share Sam's Heart at the Fun Day.  If I went out to try and sell a bunch of books and try and make money God would know that my heart was not right before him.  Because I went to speak into lives and touch hearts, my reward and treasure are laid up in heaven waiting for me.  The book will sell itself, God will take care of that.  It is my job to share a message with joy.  That is what has called me to do.  So that is what I do.

I guess in the eyes of many my sale of a handful of books would seem like a small reward for the time I invested.  Why then does my heart beat with the rhythm of peace, and a simple joy at having reached the hearts that needed hope.  I must be strange I guess.  I have been called worse things.  I delight in being called strange for the sake of Jesus!

Here are some more highlights from our day:

 Sam helping me tell people about the book.

 Hold on Sam...

The chicken in the animal petting zoo had to learn to like Sam, he rarely let her go.

 Jack didn't stop all afternoon.  And he had pirate face painting! 

My wonderful husband, who supports me every step of the way.  He is growing a beard for Winter.  I love it :)

It's Not About Money

Over the months that Sam's Heart has been published I have wrestled with the idea of 'selling' Sam's Heart (the book). 
God has called me to write this story and he has organised the publishing.  He knew what I needed.  I had no funds from which to fund the project-he provided it all in the form of my publisher Even Before Publishing.  Even Before publishing is a division of a small but growing Australian Publisher called Wombat Books.  It's Director, Rochelle Manners has a vision to see that quality Australasian Christian Literature has a voice.  And as such is keeping her eyes, ears and heart open to whoever God may send her way.  She and the company were an answer to my prayer.

I would love to provide the story of Sam's Heart free to everyone.  It shows the awesome power of God who is mighty to save.  Unfortunately I can't do that, it costs money to edit books, print them and promote them.  And so I wrestled with this for many weeks.  However through prayer God has shown me that this is all in his hands.

The book is $16.95 not a grand price by any means.  I have agreed to sell it as the same price as the publisher through our contract which is fair.  The $2.50 I charge for postage does not even cover the postage cost completely but I don't care.  I don't mind wearing some of that cost as long as people are reading the book. 
I guess what I want people to understand is that I haven't written this book to make money.  In fact we have  lost money in doing it.  I have written it so that others may be encouraged by our story and find hope when there seems to be none. 

If you would like to buy a copy of Sam's Heart it is available the following ways:

1. http://www.samsheart.com.au/ click on the book button and follow the prompts.  This is the quickest way to buy the book.  It is available now.

2. http://www.evenbeforepublishing.com/ and click on products to find my book.

3. http://www.lightthedark.com.au/ and follow the links.

4.  http://www.koorong.com.au/ or head instore and buy your copy from the beginning of May.  Books take a little while to get to bookshops once released.  That is why there is a delay.

5.  Christian Bookshops in your local area may stock it and if they don't they are able to order it in.

6.  All good bookshops will order it in for you if you ask, and one day it may be available on shelves if we pray :)

Sam Likes The Book

Just had to share.  Sam likes his book.  We just spent the last 15 minutes of so, looking through some of the pictures in there.  He thinks it was very funny that he was a baby.