A reading and a review...

Last night’s reading at the River’s End Bookstore in Oswego was wonderful. I am thankful for this opportunity to share my writing with the community. Thursday evening when I heard my answering machine I started to think, “What do I read?” In one sense I want to share a snip-it of the book yet don’t want to disclose the book too much until I have a publishing contract and a book to share.

BUT I do want to share my story and the way God has worked in my life and this is best illustrated through the words in my manuscript. So in less than twenty-four hours I copy and pasted a synopsis of the book together for the reading. I skimmed it briefly to make sure the pasting together from the prologue to chapter fifteen meshed and would share my book without giving it all away.

I read it aloud to one of my biggest fans and she said, “Sounds great Mom. You’re a great writer.” I think there was shock in her voice, which brought a smile to my face. I invited her to join me and we were off.

Julie greeted us as soon as we walked through the door and thanked us for coming. Oh my gosh, thank you for having me. Thankfully I read near the end so my friends who came after dance were able to hear me read too. I read my synopsis but half way through I started to become choked up myself.

This is good. Wow! Thank you Jesus. As I read aloud, I was overwhelmed by my own writing. Each time I sit down to write I pray for God to guide my fingers and thoughts. Listening to my own story and hearing the thoughts spoken and making eye contact around the room as I read…powerful.

Please don’t misinterpret this as arrogance but instead…shock! It isn’t that I’ve thought my writing isn’t good or worthy yet I have underestimated God’s blessing, power, and flow in the words. I write from my heart and with my heart. God is organizing and orchestrating the details. As if this realization wasn’t enough, the conversations that followed warmed my heart and I drove home on emotional overload with an elevation of praise and thanksgiving for all God had and is doing.

I read a bit about the searchers. One gentleman came up and said, “I was one of those searchers…my faith has wavered over the years but yours is solid. You are an encouragement.” I was able to thank him in person for all he did seventeen years ago and hear his memories and thoughts of those first days. A true blessing, I have always written to glorify God and help others ~ this gentleman’s words are priceless and appreciated. This is why I write and speak…

I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart;
   I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.  
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
   I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
Psalm 9:1-2

Today’s Youtube video is of me and my friend, Amy Quonce following the public reading. The camera froze during our readings so we put this together afterwards for your enjoyment and viewing pleasure. Hope it brings a smile to your face