Let me start with this; I walked in peace during the whole process of writing and publishing the book. And. It wasn’t always easy.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
Writing as I was led to do so, the manuscript took about 9 months to write, although the actual time was about 3 months. It was now July and I needed to find an editor. It took time and a few negative comments to find the perfect editor; but each negative comment became a springboard for overcoming. I could not look to the right or to the left, but keep my eye on the instruction to write and publish the book. In the end, I used the first person I was led to contact.
The editing process took approximately two months and with the editor’s assignment completed, I found myself updating the content, as God showed me. But it was the Bible quotes that proved to be the thorn in my side. In the end, I quoted the scriptures directly from the Bible to ensure accuracy. Using the direct quote, punctuation and all, was the answer. There was no adding of detracting from the Word of God. I was pleased with the result.
Now, it was time for the graphic artist to begin her work. Her talent enabled her to take a basic painting and translate it into a book cover. The interior layout took time, as little things kept presenting themselves; things that needed to be addressed. Patience was the key for this part of the process. What I anticipated to be a 3 week process, took 3 months. I was learning the publishing craft. My mom could lay the foundation, but I had to build the business. Time was actually my friend, as I my knowledge base for publishing increased.
During the whole process, I walked in peace and trusted God. By December I came to the conclusion that the book was not to be sold in 2014. But as time progressed, I realized, even the printing had to happen in 2015.
When I received notice that the book was printed and shipped, I freaked out. Doubt tried to creep in, but I kept going back to the instructions I had received, acknowledging the ease in which everything came into being, even if it took time. I kept speaking the God inspired vision and having faith to believe.
For the first time in my life, something I did was now coming to fruition and no one else had a say in it, unless I asked for counsel. It was just me and God making sure this book came to pass. It became a reality. So the books were delivered and when I saw the picture of the stacked boxes my son sent me, my “freaking out” dissipated and I knew a new thing was upon me.
God also showed me something about the whole process. Fiesta Publishing and On Earth as It Is in Heaven, are God instructed and I am not dependent on man for the outcome of this season in my life. I was obedient to Him and now He will do what He plans to do with the book and the business. It is incredible how our own limitations or choices can keep us from walking into our destiny. I am now one step closer to the open door.
Then the LORD replied:
“Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:2-3 (NIV)