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. 

It's Here!

Sam's Heart (the book) has arrived!  I am so excited.  The boys and I have been happy dancing all around the house. 

When I opened the boxes and showed Sam, he reaced out and grabbed the book and said, "It's Sam, my book Mummy", holding it close to his chest.  Then I got out another and another, and he just smiled and laughed.  He thinks it's hilarious that his picture is on the front of so many books.

And here I am grinning from ear to ear holding the fulfilment of God's promise to me in my hands. "Write the book." He told me, over and over again. "I will see it through, my hand is upon it. Tell the world what I have done for you and your family. Glorify my name!"

I would be lying if I told you I wasn't nervous.  Our story is out there now for everyone to read.  Praise God with me that his faithfulness is unending.  Pray with me that our story will touch hearts and that God will be praised through it. 

Sam's Heart is available now through http://www.samsheart.com.au/

All pre orders will arrive in your letterbox soon.  If Sam's Heart speaks to you in some way, please send me an email at nicolewatson.livingfortheword@gmail.com or join us on Sam's Heart Facebook Page and leave a comment.  I would love to hear from you :)

xx

Nicole

Whispers To My Heart - I Fight For You!

...If Father God fights for you then who can ever be against you?  He gave me up, his only son, to save you. That is the ultimate expression of  love.  He will do whatever it takes to look after you and fulfil his purposes.  Who dares to condemn, mock and ridicule God's children?  No one-you have been declared guilt free, sons and daughters of God.  I died and was raised to life and I am sitting next to Father God reminding him of his great love for you. Smile and stand firm.  I too was rejected on earth, I know how you feel.  I love you. (spoken to Nicole from Romans 8:31-34).

Sam's Heart Book Launch

Usually when a book is released, the author/publisher organise some sort of gathering by which they can officially release the book.  I haven't organised a book launch for Sam's Heart.  I figured it was my first book and I don't have a lot of funds to organise a venue, many guests to invite etc.  I am not exactly a well known author.  

I am excited to tell you that God has provided a book launch for me.

I will receive my copies of Sam's Heart this week, and this coming Saturday our church is having a Family Fun Day which was organised months ago.  God has provided this event as an opportunity for me to share our story and promote the book!  This Saturday at Harvest New Life Church Pittsworth, I will have an opportunity to share with not only our church but also many from the local community, as we host a free Family Fun Day.  There will be rides, food and music as well as me sharing my story of God's amazing work in our lives.  I couldn't have planned this. I have been so blessed!

I saw my lack of credentials, lack of experience and lack of funds.  But I was willing, and I placed it all back in God's hands. 
He saw my faith, his book and a story that needs to be told, and said "Here is my gift to you.  Touch hearts for me.  Share your story.  I have organised it all for you.  Do not be afraid.  I have gone before you.  When I start a good work, I complete it.  I love you."

Excuse me while I cry.  I cry with joy because he is so faithful, so wonderful and holds everything in his hands.  Mine are not tears of sorrow but tears of joy.

Will you celebrate the release of Sam's Heart with me?  Praise God for all he has done and will do.  To God be the glory!

If you would like to come to the Family Fun Day:

Harvest New Life Church-Pittworth

Saturday 9th April, 2011

1pm-5pm

Have Peace and Joy

In trying times it can seem almost impossible to have peace and joy.  God's word tells us that there is only one way to have peace and joy, even in the hard times.

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat and drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God...(Romans 14:17-18)

Knowing God is not about what we eat, drink, wear, drive or where we live.  It is all about resting in his hands and letting him guide you, and when you do, his perfect peace and joy will fill your soul.  You cannot buy his peace, you cannot fake his joy, it is like nothing on this earth.  Many people try to attain joy by filling their lives with activities and keeping busy. Many try to attain peace chasing religion, health and rest.  Ultimately though, there is only one place you will find both of these, and it is by knowing God, through your new life in Jesus Christ.
Knowing Jesus is not a religion, in fact if you have ever read the bible you will find that Jesus hated religion with a passion.  What he did desire, is that he could bring people to know God and restore the relationship that was broken way back in the Garden of Eden.  He did that by dying on the cross for our sins so God could accept us once again.  God is just, he will not put up with sin.  When Jesus died, he took all of our sin to the grave with him, past, present and future.  He didn't stay there though.  He is alive and mighty!

In the times that are coming, it will be harder and harder to find peace and joy, if you don't know Jesus.  Spending time with him is what makes me free, lightens my heart, floods me with peace and makes me overflow with joy.

When was the last time that your heart and soul flooded over with joy?

Whispers To My Heart-True Beauty Lasts Forever

You have been given new life, one that will never end.  You will live forever with me because God has promised it .
'People are like grass; their beauty like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and dies and the flowers fade and fall but God's promises never end.'

You are my precious eternal flower, beautiful beyond compare.  I hold you gently in my hands for eternity.
(Spoken to Nicole from 1 Peter 2:23-25)