Monday, April 25, 2016

Chloe's First BOOK!!




This blog originally started out as updates for family and friends on the journey we suddenly found ourselves in after an ultrasound that rocked our world.

It evolved and became a sounding board, a little devotional, seasons of reflection, and often raw rants about life as we knew it on this mostly unbeaten path.

And all the while, God's been putting this little dream on my heart to write. To write more than the blog. I've picked up the pen multiple times to outline ideas for a book. And then I'd quickly close the journal with a sense of now is not the right time on my heart. That, and where in the world do you think you'll fit in time for that? sat alongside thoughts like a book? Really? Come back down to earth, sweet mama. 

I've wrestled and prayed and dreamed, and honestly felt embarrassed at such a dream, and thought and considered what angle, how to write, and how to share our story with the world, yet not expose too much of our precious daughter. I still have dreams of writing a non-fiction book about our journey, our struggles with this life as unexpected special needs parents, the balance of it all, or {insert comments below for your thoughts on what aspect you'd most enjoy reading and learning about from us}.

You see, the Lord will sometimes take you through waters so high that you cannot fathom wading through them, only to get on the other side of the wave and look back knowing there are others who will face that same billow of sea, and press onto your heart the desire to share your story for their sake to show how the Lord was steadfast and faithful and provided hope. We find that Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too."

I thought I'd write about that first.

But lately, I'm realizing more and more it's time to write. To take a step out in obedience because the Lord is truly placing this on my heart. But the direction took an unexpected turn.

I penned a children's poem. It was a simple five minutes of jotting down an idea that came to mind to better help my four-year-old daughter understand why her sister is different than her. And then I shared it here on the blog, and the comments and response to make it into a children's book was BIG.

Didn't see that coming!!!

And you probably didn't see this coming either...






So there ya have it! A children's book that helps answer the many questions little ones have about other children with special needs.

And it doesn't end here. There are ideas rolling around in my head just itching to get on paper {er, screen} and dreams of future books that will introduce the characters of Chloe and her siblings as they learn to help and love their sister with special needs and teach their friends about special needs kiddos, as well as other fun adventures!

Keep your eyes peeled for the release. I'll get my proof copy soon and then shortly after that it'll be ready to order online and into your hands!!


2 comments:

  1. How wonderful! I would love to know where this book will be available to buy! In a non fiction book I would just like to go a little way on your journey with you, to understand more so I can empathise more with others in similar situations. To cry with you as I read, to laugh with you and to praise God with you for His wonderful loving kindness and mercy to you all in it.

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  2. How wonderful! I would love to know where this book will be available to buy! In a non fiction book I would just like to go a little way on your journey with you, to understand more so I can empathise more with others in similar situations. To cry with you as I read, to laugh with you and to praise God with you for His wonderful loving kindness and mercy to you all in it.

    ReplyDelete