Tremendously Grateful
Hello Friends,
Well, it was kind of odd to have a book premier party with only one book (since Amazon has not shipped my author copies), but we pulled it off last night. Several members of my local book launch team attended. Everyone present received an entry for the gift basket pictured here. A friend I have known for nearly 40 years but do not get to see very often was thrilled that my husband drew her name!
I did not have a set agenda for the evening, but knew I wanted to share some background stories for some of the entries in the book. There are several that are close to my heart, or, I should say, closer to my heart than some of the others because of what I was experiencing at the time the words came. For instance, the Lord whispered these words to my spirit while I sat in my mother’s hospital room in 2017, exhausted and concerned we were losing her:
My Jesus is King over and in me no matter what is happening around me.
You will find that declaration on Day 309.
Another back story is for Day 64:
My Jesus is present and powerful in both happiness and sorrow, speaking through each as He draws my heart to His.
It was the morning of January 28, 2018, and my mom’s husband, Hairl, was very sick after complications from surgery. The words wove through my weary soul and gave me peace. He passed away that evening.
I also read the following entry to the group because it is almost Christmas:
My Jesus willingly stepped into humanity, His glory veiled in skin, His majesty marked by humility, and His power in absolute command of every action against Him.
I do not have any words to add to that. I recommend just pondering the wonder.
The book contains two poems, one as a sort of introduction and one as a summary at the end. I did not write them with the intention of including them in the book, but that is how the Lord arranged it. He also worked ahead of me (of course) by inspiring the drawings Kaylyn created. At the time she drew the praying hands (and other drawings not used this time), I had not planned to place a prayer on every fifth day. But again, that is how God put it together. He has created a truly beautiful book.
I humbly assure you that the digital mockups do not do the real life book justice. My daughter’s artwork makes the book uniquely lovely, and the skill of the professional designers made it classy. I cannot and do not wish to take credit for any of that. I am tremendously grateful to my Jesus for the beauty He inspires and the gifts He has given to the people He has placed in my path for His glory.
When you finally have the book in your hands and read my words of testimony and praise, I would like for you to think of this verse:
Come and hear, all who fear God,
And I will tell of what He has done for my soul.
—Psalm 66:16 NAS95
To Him be the glory and honor,
Janice
Website: janicekpowell.com
Email: wordsbeyondme@cox.net
Facebook: Words Beyond Me and Blessed is the Nation
Amazon Order Link: My Jesus - Reflections of the Redeemer
How great is it that we can look forward with such anticipation the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior. Such a special time of the year. Wishing you, your family and loved ones a Joyous, safe, and Blessed Christmas.
Looking forward to my copy. Blessings to you and a Merry Christmas, dear Janice!