Happy New Year Giveaway!

I am so excited that my author copies will be here in about a week! Eeek!

Let me tell you a little something about this picture…which I love because of what it represents.

A few years ago when the Lord put the title of There’s a Fly in my Tea! on my heart, I was reluctant to start writing (more about that in the actual study). Once I began writing, I knew I needed to ask for the support of my Pastor’s wife, Mrs. Twila Jones. I struggled with opening myself and my writing up to her. My writing had always been a very personal thing to me. The thought of admitting that I was attempting to write a Bible study–something I felt unqualified to do–terrified me. What if I couldn’t do it? What if I didn’t finish?

After a few weeks of wrestling with those thoughts and fears, I knew I had to step out in obedience. I contacted Mrs. Jones and a few of my closest friends and asked them if they would be willing to partner with me on this writing journey. They became my prayer partners and offered valuable feedback as they read the chapters that I wrote. Their support, prayers, and prompting kept me accountable when the writing became more difficult.

Mrs. Jones found the plaque in the above picture and gave it to me along with words of encouragement to keep writing and waiting for the Lord’s direction. The plaque sat by my kitchen sink and was a constant reminder that I just needed to trust the Lord.

My manuscript was accepted on July 13th. This picture was taken on August 9th. It took almost a month for it to feel “real” and for me to have the boldness to tell people my good news. Those doubts I had in the beginning about not finishing…well, the Lord took care of that. Now, I’ll keep trusting Him to give me courage as I open up myself and my writing to you all.

I decided to celebrate the release of There’s a Fly in my Tea! and the new year by hosting a giveaway. The giveaway starts today and the grand prize winner will receive a $30 Amazon gift card AND an autographed copy of my Bible study. Then I’ll choose two more winners to receive autographed copies of the study.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

See winners here.

Best of luck! Spread the word about the giveaway so that others have a chance to win too!

Happy New Year!

Crystal