Ever since I’ve been actively writing and preparing for my Easter ebook, I’ve been feeling sick about it. I can’t really put my finger on why but it’s been a hard write. I alluded to this struggle a couple of weeks ago. A few times I’ve hid from my computer and prayed, “God, either this ebook is really you or you really don’t want me to do it because I feel like I’m going to throw up.”
The story of Jesus’ death and resurrection is not an easy story to tell, to teach or to explain. Clearly, I’m up for the challenge–I want my kids to know it. I believe kids can handle and know more than we think they can. I believe Jesus died for my kids as kids as much as He did for me or anyone else in the world.
So, this book…or rather, this message is a passion for me. But for some reason, it just hasn’t felt right. It hasn’t felt like the burning thing that Truth in the Tinsel was. And as much as I wanted to write a cool ebook that would be as popular, influence families (and yes, even make money), it’s just hit a wall day after day. Then, yesterday, my designer hit a road bump and had to back out.
What I’m trying to say is that the Easter ebook is not going to happen this year. I thought I could make it happen. But I don’t want to just “make it happen”. I want it to be a God-thing that has been planned for correctly.
I have been sick about this for the last 24 hours! What if everyone thinks I’m an idiot? What if I disappoint all these people? What if it’s just all my fault and I should have been more proactive? Why didn’t I start getting the book ready last May? Can you hear the turmoil in my heart?!
I’m not good at this stuff. I’m just a normal person trying to juggle kids, family, homeschool, laundry (ick), my inbox and the blog. So, I’m swallowing my pride and letting you know I can’t do what I said I’d do. I can’t make it happen.
*whew*
[swift transition into happy thoughts]
Never fear, you are my friend! I want to give you whatever it is I’ve got! I want to journey with you during Easter this year! My goal here is to share-life, remember?
So, I’ve set up an email blast with some great Easter traditions and ideas, including some of last year’s Sense of the Resurrection series. This series is the basis for the ebook and is what my kids and I will be doing this year.
If you sign up below, you’ll get 10-ish emails from me (once a day) with a fun, interactive idea to experience a part of the Easter story together with your kids. My kids have already been asking about celebrating Resurrection Day. They can’t wait–neither can I!
So, enter your email address below! It’s free and your email will start as soon as you click SIGN UP!
***Update: The Easter News Blast isn’t up right now because my Easter ebook, A Sense of the ResurrectionΒ is here! But, go ahead and sign up for my monthly newsletter, plus my FREE ebook, Praying God’s Word for Your Kids!***
Becky says
Don’t worry! I hate the thought that you felt sick about it. Love you bunches. xoxo
oh amanda says
Thanks, Becky! Love you & aloha!
a
Angie @ Many Little Blessings says
God bless you, Amanda. Thanks for keeping it real. I hope that it helps you to feel better to just get it out there and admit that it’s not going to happen right now. It just means that it’s not meant to be right now, and that’s okay. (((HUGS)))
ohAmanda says
Thank you, Angie! I *do* feel better. And that’s what made me know this was the better choice (even tho’ both choices made me want to throw up!). Love you, friend!
a
Kay says
At least you listened to God and didn’t continue to plow ahead doing what you wanted. It’s so easy to do. I feel like so many times in my life I tried to drag God along with my plan only to hear a donkey telling me to wake up π I love that you are excited about the Salvation story of Resurrection Sunday, and I am thankful that it may someday be written π Just not this year, eh??
ohAmanda says
Ha! I love the way you said that, “hear a little donkey”! π
Thanks, Kay!
a
Lauren says
While I’m disappointed, I’m so glad you’re waiting on it and God! It’s gonna be so good :0) Thanks for all you do to encourage us as moms in leading our children into God’s word!
mandi says
Oh I do hear the turmoil, and that makes me sad you wrestled with it so much. I agree w/ Angie – hope you have lots of peace now that the decision is made. And how awesome to share the emails that you …. those sound cool. Lots of love!!
ohAmanda says
Thanks, Mandi. π
Tricia says
I was looking forward to this ebook but totally understand. One of the things I’ve always loved about you is your heart for following the Lord’s prompting. If that hasn’t felt right then it isn’t time. Rather than be upset at you, I think more highly of you for following The Lord rather than social or self pressure. You are an amazing woman. When it is time this will be nothing short of amazing. Praying peace for you as you announce this decision.
Kathy @ House of Hills says
Oh my sweet friend. I can just hear the stress and confusion you went through. I’m so proud of you for listening to your heart and waiting. God will reveal His plan. We only need to wait for it. That’s the hardest part. Big hugs friend. Love you.
Dawn Habegger says
Thanks for keeping it real! You are an inspiring person and I love the heart you have for the Lord! You have been doing lots of cool things…the salvation series, the fund raising and the bible study. They are all such good ideas! Maybe God just wants you to enjoy Him this Easter!
Jenny says
Thanks so much for being real with us! When I see a “famous blog person” like you have roadblocks and hurdles, it helps me to accept my own roadblocks and hurdles. I love your stuff and will continue to make use of it with my kiddos! Thanks:)
Heather @ Cultivated Lives says
Been there. Following the Lord’s prompting isn’t necessarily easy, but it is good. I’m confident that God will bring it to fruition at the perfect time! I’m freshly inspired, today, to listen to His voice and follow HIS promptings. Thanks.
Erica E says
I’m so glad you decided to wait. While I would have loved the ebook I would much rather have you rest in Him and do it on His timing than try to force something on your own. From my own experience I can safely say that it never works that well when I try to do it on my own! π So what I’m trying to say is…absolutely NO judgement here! I have even more respect for you for stepping back then if you had just tried to push it through! π Love you and all the stuff you have for us! Keep it coming!
Thayer says
Thanks so much for offering the 10 e blast! It sounds really neat!
Marlleen Montelongo says
I respect and admire your decision to wait. You listened to God and there’s never anything wrong with that. I know it’s hard not to second guess yourself but I think you made the right call. Blessings to you for all you do for everyone!
Christy says
Oh, I just love it when people are transparent! Thank you for sharing your heart and struggles. Sometimes, I tend to put people on a pedestal and think they have it WAY more together than I do, and truth be told, most probably do. BUT, it’s kind of comforting to know I’m not alone in my struggle to try to get it all done amongst the laundry and lunches and carpool and dance classes, etc. Looking forward to whenever you get the ebook done. Can’t wait to see what the Easter email blasts hold. Have a wonderful day. π
Kelly says
You’ve made a wise and good decision! Being tuned in to what the Spirit is leading you to do is never a bad thing. You have such passion for kids…I’m sure God still has a plan for your Easter e-book idea. We’ll look forward to seeing it at some future time!
Thanks for a wonderful blog, and for the Easter e-blast…I was looking for some ideas for the kids this year, and this sounds great.
Susan Mitchell says
Thanks for ALL you do Amanda!! I love reading your posts and blogs. Please include me in your Easter emails, I’m always looking for fresh/spirit led ideas!!
Kate M says
Amanda, thank you so very much for all that you do. I know that your Easter book will be “great” in God’s time.
Wendy says
I haven’t read all the comments, so I don’t know if this has been said yet. I respect you a lot for deciding not to do the Easter ebook. it doesn’t seem that God was leading you to do it this year, and perhaps in the upcoming year He will give you an idea that will be really great! if we do things that are apart from His Spirit… it is just us doing it. so fear not and trust in His leading π
Jenae says
Good for you for following what God has placed upon your heart and being brave enough to tell us!
I loved the idea and couldn’t wait for it to come out, but I greatly respect you for following the Spirit on this! As always, you are an inspiration! π
Lindsey Whitney says
I still like ya! π
ohAmanda says
That’s all I needed to hear! π
a
Okaasan says
It’s okay — thanks for telling us! I have to admit, I still wonder why God lets us pursue things and put ourselves out there, only to yank us back. Is it because we were doing our own thing and not listening to Him? Or was that all part of His plan? I’ve been seeing that a lot lately and can’t figure it out. But anyway, have a happy Easter! π Maybe you’ll learn something important this year that you can teach us next year.
Holly Wilson says
I actually respect you for NOT going through with it. It takes a lot of guts to admit that you can’t do something, but more importantly, our job as Christians is to follow Christ. Not to be stubbornly determined to do what we said we were going to do. Good for you for not letting pride get in the way when God clearly has other plans! Maybe there’s something you need to do right now, maybe He needs this to happen at another time, may be He just needed to remind you why you’re doing this, maybe someone else just needed to see this confession. Who knows? But you’re listening. Good for you. And thank you for being brave enough to share with us π I’d love to get the emails that you’ll be sending out.
ohAmanda says
Holly. Thank you. I love your maybes. Seriously, I needed those words today!
a
Myra says
No worries, girlfriend. Thanks for sharing your heart! You’re awesome! π
QuatroMama says
I’m singing “In His Time” in my head *major dork* But He WILL make this beautiful in His time. I love you and I’m cheering you on even through disappointments.
ohAmanda says
I love you, you big dork.
π
a
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect says
I think you are following the Lord’s prompting and THAT is more important and eternal than any ebook. I know that your Easter book will be fantastic when it’s time for it to be fantastic. Until then, I for one will wait patiently and love you even more because of it.
Tanya W says
So glad that you followed the Lord’s prompting on this~ He’ll see this work through to fruition when it is His timing (and the best timing!) Looking forward to the emails! I have a super small preschool Sunday School class and I’m planning on using Sense of the Ressurection lessons as our curriculum for the next month or so π Thanks so much for your great ideas and heart for kids and the Lord!
Lisa says
You listened to the Lord for that you will be blessed.
Ticia says
I know how you’re feeling, and God will give you peace when it’s the right time to do it. You can’t force it in your time if you want it blessed.
Amy Fulkerson says
I’d love to receive the free Easter ideas! Sounds great! Thank you for sending those out!
Nerida Cuddy says
As a mum of 3 who is involved in ministry, I applaud you for saying NO, and leaving something in God’s hands – sometimes that’s a really hard thing to do. But we are the only mums these little people have – so the extra on top things need to be constantly weighed up in the light of them, and your own sanity! And God is well able to achieve His purposes, even through our limitations. I really appreciate the things you share with us, thanks – we’ve just started using the armour of God series in our Sunday School & the kids have loved it so far. God be with you & give you the grace to rest it all in Him over this easter period.
Beverly C says
It’s OK. Sit down and breathe. In fact, take several deep breaths, just don’t hyperventilate! I am amazed at what you get done! I enjoy your blog so much. Please don’t beat yourself up about it. When and IF God wants you to do it, He will take care of it. RELAX and remember, as you well know: God’s in charge; always has been, always will be.
Beverly C says
OH! And, by the way, I’d love to receive the emails!! THANKS!!
Andrea says
No worries! Stress and worry and confusion and doubt are not of the Lord…and yes, the timing seemed rushed, but when it is the PERFECT time, God will let you know and it will come to fruition and it will be wonerfully amazing and bring Him glory! Thank you for your creativity, passion and uplifting encouragement to all of us! Love, love, LOVE your blog, ideas and posts! π May blessings pour upon you!
Kathryn says
I’m still going to love doing the Resurrection Day activities like we did last year and so are my kids. It will be years before they need a new Easter book of activities and reflections so no pressure from this end of the world π And if you want to try something for your own reflections (for free!) that a friend of a friend here in Perth has put together for Easter then you could download this app from March 1st. Ihttp://www.easterpassionapp.com/
Thanks for all the inspiring to intentional and authentic living that you do, e-books or not.
Peace,
ohAmanda says
Thanks, Kathryn. Checking it out now!
a
Bethany says
Thank you for your transparency and sensitivity to God’s leading!
Tiffany says
Oh Amanda- don’t beat yourself up about it– grace to you, sister! Maybe next year, maybe not, right? π
Jen Stanbro says
So brave of you Sister! It takes courage to do what you did! You are like Stop-Sign Madaline π You made yourself do the right thing! π
And you also followed Christ’s example. Can you imagine when Jesus walked this earth, how ‘in-demand’ He was? Mark Driscoll once talked about how at each city Jesus visited, the synagogue leaders and congregations were probably lining up to have Him join their fellowship and be their ‘Healing Ministry Leader’ or some such thing. But Jesus knew that His calling was to leave those cities. At some point He had to stop preaching, stop healing, stop casting out demons, and move on to His ultimate calling: to go to Jerusalem and fulfill His purpose there.
For you to leave this city (Easter e-book Land) and follow God’s timeline sounds like a simple and beautiful act of obedience. And knowing it is the desire of your heart, I’m sure the Lord will bring it about when the time is right.
God Bless all your efforts Sister! He is using you mightily!
Jen
oh amanda says
Jen. That was the happiest comment ever. StopSign Madeline made me laugh and cry at the same time. THANK YOU!
a
Kelly says
My mother-in-law just this week was telling me about a book that her women’s group at church is reading called, “I quit” by Geri Scazzero. A little snippet from the beginning says
“Quitting has taught me to be loyal to the right things. Although “I quit” might sound like it’s only about leaving something, I actually gained a renewed commitment to persevere for the right things. I learned how to serve others sincerely rather than begrudgingly….I never dreamed quitting would lead to this kind of freedom and fruit. I used to try to produce, through my own efforts, the fruit of the Holy Spirit. But I found out when we do life God’s way, fruit simply appears in the orchard….I encourage you to find and rely on wise, experienced mentors to guide you through the complexities of quitting well. Knowing when and when not to quit are equally important!”
She goes on through different chapters~ Quit Being Afraid of What Others Think, Quit Lying, Quit Dying to the Wrong Things, Quit Denying Anger, Sadness and Fear, Quit Blaming, Quit Overfunctioning, Quit Faulty Thinking, and Quit Living Someone Else’s Life.
I just got it on my Kindle, and have started reading it. I know that I tend to be a “people pleaser” and am looking forward to reading it.
Anyway… maybe this is something that will encourage you too, and please put me on the email list to get the Easter emails. π
Blessings,
Kelly
oh amanda says
Girlfriend, I’m the same! Being a people pleaser makes it even harder to quit. You know, reading everyone’s (loving and gracious) comments have made me evaluate my own heart further. The last 2 months, I’ve guest posted on Family.YourWay.net about creating margin and quiet in your life. I guess it’s something that’s really been stirring inside me.
Thank you for reminding me again that quit and quiet are not bad words!
a
Rebecca says
Hello.
I’d like to sign up for your Easter News Blast, unfortunately the plugin website thingy you use to subscribe people doesn’t work here in Zimbabwe. It simply refuses to load, so I can’t sign up. (lots of American sites block African IP addresses)
Thanks much and God bless,
Geoff Westlake says
Hi
I was googling my webpage, http://www.easterpassionapp.com, to see if the domain name is working, and this site came up with what seems to be a bad link. However now that I am here, I can see that you’d probably like to see the iPhone EasterPassion app. So here’s the link: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/easter-passion/id604822920?mt=8
Meanwhile I can’t find the ‘bad link’ so I’ll just sign off, Cheering for you!
Geoff
Heather N. says
There is nothing to be sorry for Amanda! God has a plan, and it is inspiring to me that you would bravely yield to His will. I know there is a blessing in store for your faithfulness!
Amanda says
Awwww. Thanks for sharing your realness! And isn’t great to know that you are covered by Grace (regardless of what anyone else thinks). I bet your book will be better than ever imagined when your done. God’s timing is not always aligned with our timing, no matter how much we sometimes wish it was. Grace & Peace to you Mama!
Stephanie S says
God knows what He is doing in this so you should feel no guilt. It’s all in His timing whether that is next year or 5 years from now. Thankfully He always knows best, and especially when we think we do he has the habit of reminding us.
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