That Pesky Thorn

When you write a book, there is a whole lot more to it, than seeing it published.  You see unless you speak about your book and share your story with others, no one else will ever know about it.  I must say I actually enjoy this part of being a writer.  I know many do not, but I love telling others our story, asking them theirs, and praying for them.  I get to do really cool things like appear in magazines and even on TV, for the sake of spreading the word.  Sometimes when I sit at home in my leggings and t-shirt watching Playschool with my kids, I have a nagging voice that challenges me:

Look at you now, imagine if those people that read your book could see you now.  You are nothing special. 

and do you know what, the enemy is right to a point.

I am nobody, but I am more than he can contend with because I know Jesus.  Jesus uses those who 'don't look like much', to do things for Him because He knows they are not in it for the glory.  I would rather be reminded by the enemy that I am nothing each day, than puff up with pride and fall prey to his schemes.  Maybe God even allows his pestering to keep me humble, kind of like Paul's thorn in the side.

I have learned to use what the enemy would use to tear me down, to challenge me to act instead.  When I don't feel like doing any more promotion, or contacting media, or even writing, THEN I KNOW I MUST DO IT.

And when I do, I know I have overcome his annoying overtones.  What the enemy intends to destroy, God uses for my good and His glory.

So today I have set up an author page on Facebook, so that I can share all about writing, speaking, and the like, while giving my personal Facebook friends a rest.  Come and 'like' it and share it with your friends. Click the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nicole-Watson-Author/181785301923586

This month our story about Sam also appears in the Signs of the Times magazine.

Our lives must shout about God, and whisper about ouselves.

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. 

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.

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.

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

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

A New Season

As the last day of Summer comes to a close, our family is also seeing the changes of a new season.

My darling husband celebrated his 31st birthday.

I have been busy doing the last proofing on Sam's Heart, before it heads off to the printers in the next few weeks.  It is absolutely amazing to see our story finally come together as a book.  Very exciting and very humbling all at the same time.  I know God is going to use this book to do mighty things.

This afternoon we received news that the contract on our home is not going to go through.  We hadn't actually signed it yet, which is a good thing.  The other party pulled out, they really wanted our home but couldn't make it happen.  And although I thought I would be disappointed, I actually feel relieved.  Now I know we can finally say that we will be in Pittsworth for the remainder of the year.  I can settle that in my mind and heart and live accordingly.  It means we are not leaving our church family, Jack's schooling will be more settled, I don't have to pack yet, we can settle in to enjoying another winter in Pittsworth.  We had been praying about it constantly and so we know what has happened is God's will. All of this was a result of us asking God for confirmation; if we were to move to Melbourne and serve with MAF. So this is in essence what it was - a confirmation.  We are so at peace with that.   Thank you to those who prayed alongside us.  One day at a time, onwards and upwards.  We are looking forward to what this new season of our lives will bring.

Sams Heart-book update

Their has been a flurry of activity in the last week of so regarding Sam's Heart.  The cover for the book has been designed and hopefully I will be able to give you all a sneak preview soon :) Book release is looking at being late May 2011.

Sam's Heart, the website, is in the midst of design, and it is exciting to see it all coming together. The website will also feature a link to the Sam's Heart Facebook page so that people can share their stories, comment on the book, ask for prayer and provide a listening ear.  We are hoping to be able to offer some people who need hope, a place where we can believe with them in prayer for God's provision and faithfulness.  The Bible says:

....If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.  For where two or three are gather as my followers, I am there among them. (Matthew 18:19-20)

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don't doubt, you can do things like this and much more.  You can even say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea', and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and have faith, you will receive it." (Matthew 21:21-22)

What an amazing opportunity to be able to offer help and support, share the message of hope and with God's grace save some lives, both here and in the eternal as well.

Now I am hoping and praying that people will read it!  Pray with me if you would like.

Fight the Good Fight

This year ushers in many new beginnings for us.  Jack begins Prep this year with me as his teacher.  I am in the midst of publishing Sam's Heart.  Don is working and waiting on God to direct his path for the year.  Will he  be working at Boeing or will he be studying in Melbourne?  Perhaps doing a bit of both.

Sam is growing up fast and faces many challenges, the biggest at the moment being weight gain. Will you please pray for him to eat?  He seems to have very little interest in food at times.  God certainly gives him strength because I know it doesn't come from his food.  How can a little boy live on three cups of milk, a quarter of a piece of toast, some chocolate, some corn kernels and handful of fruit loops each day? He runs around continually and takes like a fish to water in the pool.   ANY suggestions on getting him to eat would be much appreciated.

As always when we are walking the path God has us on, we come under attack from the enemy.  For me of late is has been worry.  It comes as little thoughts or words that pop into your head. 

 How are we going to pay the bills this month?  How will you get Jack to sit long enough to learn anything at school?  No-one is even looking at buying your home?  Perhaps you should lower the price.  You do want to get to Melbourne don't you?  You are setting up a web page for a book that no one is going to read.  You are trying to hard.  You are just trying to make yourself into something.  You aren't really doing this for God's glory.

I got a point last night where I was T-I-R-E-D.  Tired of the constant barrage of negative thoughts.  Tired of feeling less than what God says I am.  Tired of feeling angry, confused and lonely and trying to cover that up with a happy face.  Last night I shared my burden with both Don and then we prayed.  Don led because I felt so worn out and unworthy.  Last night I slept soundly for the first time in a week.  I had been fighting the good fight through the week but I have to admit I was battle weary.  I had been rebuking the thoughts with scripture but still the barrage came.  I saw a picture of myself hanging with white knuckles onto the hem of Jesus' tunic. 

After my refreshing rest last night I received new revelation that the battle was over for now.  I felt peace and the thoughts have ceased.  I learned an important lesson though.  Ask for help! God has placed people around us to hold us up, and fight with us.  We were never meant to be alone but are a part of a much greater body with Jesus as the head.

Always be humble and gentle.  Be patient with each other, making allowance for each others faults because of your love.  Make every effort to keep yourself united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.  For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. (Ephesians 4:2-4)

Book Contract Signed

This week we have returned from a glorious week away, celebrating our anniversary in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.  The views from our little bungalow were magnificent.  A very special and wonderful time.

I am excited to share that I received and and accepted the contract for Sam's Heart (the book) from Even Before Publishing, an imprint of Wombat Books.  Even as the ink dries on the contract, I can not help but be amazed at the way God opens up all the doors needed to fulfil his purposes. 

Let me give you an example.  We needed to get a cover organised quite quickly because we need to be able to send it for promotion to Koorong etc.  As it turns out Koorong Christian Bookshop prepare their catalogues nearly six months in advance.  This meant that we need photos as soon as possible.  It just so happens that we were able to find a photographer to do a cover shoot only 9 days from now.  I thought this wold be very difficult because of Christmas, New Year, School Holidays and the like.  But nothing is too hard for God to organise.  How exciting!

I am so excited because the messages contained in the book are finally going to be out there for people to be touched by them.  Please pray that God will open doors to allow me to share this wonderful story of his grace and mercy.  I am so humbled that he would choose to use our times of great trial to glorify his name.

The Book-an exciting development

Praise God in Heaven!

A publisher is interested in publishing Sam's Heart-the book.

I am extremely excited to the point that I am speechless.  Those of you who know me, this is  very rare.

He has made a way.

I ask you to praise God with me, for making a way. For opening the heart of the reader. For sending out this work, which was inspired by him. To touch the lives of others who need to hear words of encouragement and hope.  Pray to keep communications between the publisher and myself open anoint the whole process with his Holy Spirit.  Pray that the Lord will make time in the days ahead for me to complete this work while looking after two little boys.

What an amazing day.  I will celebrate today with singing and dancing.  And I will be busy preparing the book for it's next step.