Feeling Like An Author—Whatever That Feels Like

Giving birth to my third child, I finally felt like a mother. I still didn't know what I was doing, but I had three little ones running around the house, which proved I knew how to produce.

Well, it's taken three books for me to feel like an author. My first book seemed like a fluke, but it's now in its third printing. My second book arrived unexpectedly. Now We All Married Idiots: Three Things You'll Never Change About Your Marriage and Ten things You Can releases next month. I don't know what I'm doing, but I feel like an author—whatever that feels like.

I'm not sure how an author is supposed to feel, but here are my feelings:

I feel responsibility to speak and write truth. Words influence and I am responsible to represent Christ and be like Christ in every area of my life.

I feel passionate about my Bible reading and prayer time because without this, I can do nothing.

I feel disciplined to exercise and eat right and sleep well so I can sustain the fast pace planned in the months ahead.

I feel trust that God Who gave me this book will give me the energy and wisdom to complete the tasks ahead.

I feel joy knowing that the words God placed in my heart will be read by strangers I could never have reached otherwise.

I feel festive. Writers spend months isolated in their little offices zoning in on the book they are writing. Now I want to celebrate!

I feel different. Writing two books on marriage has made me a more loving and understanding wife. The quality of our marriage skyrocketed.

I feel thankful. I'm in awe of God, Who called me to this ministry and Who teaches me so I can teach others.

I feel obedient to God's call to write and speak. There were other important ways to spend my days, but I said no to them and yes to God. 

I feel blessed by so many friends who pray for me and encourage me on this journey. I thank God for YOU! One of those friends sent me this passage. I love her for it. Sort of sums it all up:

"Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me." Psalm 71:18 (NLT)

I feel blessed that the God Who allowed me to get old and gray has not abandoned me. He allows me to proclaim His power to a new generation as I write of God's mighty miracles to all who come after me.


Splashes of Serenity and Joy to you today,

Elaine