It’s time for an update on my book project. I completed the manuscript at the end of last year but my intended publishing route came to a halt a month later. While I knew this was a possibility, I still gulped and paused. Then pivoted.

Since I have published independently before (see Favored Blessed Pierced), I know I can do it. The good news is that this time around I know more about the process and where to find help. I just have to dig deeper for the motivation to take his book across the finish line. I have to be the project manager and invest some cash.

I chose to lean into the positives—I’ll have more control over the process (at the same time yikes) and a higher percentage of the revenues (meaning I can at least recoup what I’ll invest). I get to find, choose, and hire my own editor, designer, and formatter. In doing so I’ll meet some more wonderful people in the process.

I believe the Lord urged me to tell of how he showed up for us when we served overseas. Because when we fail to tell the stories of what God has done for us, people forget and go their own way. I want my next generation to know he is worth it all. So I keep going.

Currently my manuscript is being copy edited by Elizabeth Trotter at Stories Set Free. I have long admired Elizabeth’s articles, books and contributions to the global worker community. She also kindly wrote an endorsement for my co-authored workbook, Grit to Stay Grace to Go.

I did the interior formatting for Favored Blessed Pierced myself but that was a shorter, simpler book. I also know how much time it took. One day I noticed all the lovely handouts my church Bible study produces. I reached out to the woman who creates these and she has agreed to format my book after I am done with editing. We’ve discussed fonts, positioning of chapter headings, the liturgy pages—what the inside will look like. I’m excited about this.

I labored long over the title. I really missed the collaboration of the traditional publisher and resisted the full responsibility of choosing a title myself. I ran polls on my socials and consulted all those who read drafts of the manuscript. My husband and children weighed in. Ultimately, it was a combination of all the suggestions that I’m finally happy with:

In Every Moment: Recounting God’s Goodness in Overseas Life

This title reflects the devotional and liturgical (written prayers) elements of the book. The subtitle indicates that these stories come from my life in Indonesia and encourages us to remember God’s character and talk about what he has done for us.

From the Preface: 
As I have remembered my years overseas, I am convinced anew that the God who was faithful and good to me in every moment then is still with me now. And he will continue to act according to his character in the days to come.

From the Introduction: 
Every entry will prompt you to remember your own stories, reflect on what God has taught you, and tell someone else about God’s goodness in your life.

From the Epilogue: 
Remember, the one who calls you as faithful. Recall his good deeds and mighty acts in every moment of your life. And then find your own ways to tell your next generation.

Next up is to hire a designer for the cover. My son is painting an original watercolor for me and I’m collecting quotes now.

And I need a community—you. I need your prayers and help to launch this book. I need accountability to keep going. And, hopefully in a few months, you’ll even buy a copy and share it with a friend. Then I’ll need your book reviews as well. I hope that I can bless you in turn with some giveaways and sneak peeks.

For now, pray that I can find the right cover designer soon.

Thank you.

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In Every Moment: Recounting God’s Goodness in Overseas Life is a devotional-memoir remembering God’s character in every remarkable and routine moment of my former cross-cultural life so that readers (especially global workers) will be strengthened and the next generation won’t forget our God is worth it.