Press On Strong

As many of you know, I’m working on a new book that will release with Zondervan next year:

Jesus in my Room  

At least that’s what it’s called for now.  We’ll see if they change it or not.

Have you ever worked on something where you continually feel that streeeetch of the soul?

Then you know how I feel.

Sometimes I wish I could order a little more trust and patience.  Maybe press the “buy with one click” button on Amazon.

Here’s me talking to myself again:

[box] Did God call you to do this?

Yes. Absolutely.

Well, if he called you, you don’t have to worry. He’ll bring it to pass.

Phew. Good reminder, good reminder.

But you do need to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Yep, doing that.

And keep thanking God.

Thank you, thank you…. [/box]

And on it goes.

Truly, I feel so incredibly blessed to be the collaborator for this project.

Ema McKinley is an incredible lady with an incredible story.

When Jesus appeared in her room on Christmas Eve of 2011, he healed her deformed and crooked body from head to toe.   She’s a walking talking miracle!

People who knew Ema before and after her miracle naturally show emotion when I talk to them about what happened—even her dentist!

The other day, after getting a little boggled with writing, guess what came in the mail?

The sweetest letter from a seventeen-year old girl, who has a lot more maturity than I did at her age.

Anyway, I don’t think she’d mind if I shared her letter.   I want to encourage you with the encouragement I received.  I’m excited about how this will minister to you as well:

[box]  Dear Cheryl,

I’ve been thinking lately of how you’re probably occupied with the wonderful God-inspired story you are writing, and I wanted to make sure I wrote you to say – keep pressing in and pressing on!  The Lord has your back.  He’s giving you courage and joy (indescribable) that will fill your heart!  I am so thankful that my family has a friend like you and your family. You all have the peace of the Lord residing within you!

The other day I wrote a song called “Peace” and I want to share it with you.  So a recording of it will be coming your way via Facebook probably.  The song is based off of John 14:27.  “Peace I leave you. My peace I give unto you: Not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Be encouraged, Cheryl, that because the Peace of God resides within you, you can go through times that seem to occupy your every moment, or through any trial or fleshly temptation.  The peace of God will be your every step, for your shoes are laden with it. (Ephesians 6:15) You will be fully prepared with the Good News as you walk in Peace so that you may be a blazing witness of God’s marvelous Peace to the world outside your door!

This “poem” or “story” I wrote is about our call in life to save the lost.  Everyone answers that call in different ways based on their gifting, but the story portrays a lost person in need of a Savior and we are here to reveal the person of Jesus Christ to them.  [/box]

Oh friends, don’t you want to hear that recording?  I do, I do!   I can’t wait until she shares the link so I can hopefully share it with you.

But oh, the power of words to touch and encourage a heart…

May God strengthen you as you fearlessly follow that call wherever he leads!

I’m giving away a couple copies of A Friend in the Storm so please leave a comment if you’re interested.  One of them will go to a new blog subscriber.  Also, I’m looking for more prayer warriors as I work on this book.  If you’d like to be part of the blessing in this way, please let me know.   Thanks!

And, if you haven’t heard the story yet, here’s the 700 Club Story of Ema to share with your friends.