My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Here it is! Daily Devotion #365! A whole year! I've made it!
Thanks to all the help that has come from the Lord.
But, now the time has come for a new direction in my blogging and here is why.
After many failed attempts to get my book published in the traditional way, I have decided to self-publish. That will take some research, dedication, and time.
Lots of time.
I have already conferred with my editor and am currently making the revisions necessary to improve my novel. That's the fun part!
What I'm dreading are the nuts and bolts of navigating the uncharted waters of self-publication. But, do so, I must, if I wish this to be a successful venture.
With that being said, I cannot maintain the pace of composing daily devotions.
However . . .
I will be posting two devotion per week, one on Tuesdays and one on Fridays, under the new heading, "Meditations of my Heart".
And, good Lord willing and the creek don't rise, I'll have a new look for the blog, too.
Will you begin this new journey with me?
I can't wait to be with you all this coming Friday for the debut of "Meditations"!
And, may the God of all grace and goodness bless you and keep you, my dear friends, this day and forevermore!
Amen!
Readings
Psalms (120), 121, 122, 123 or 124, 125, 126, (127)
Ezekiel 33:21-33
1 John 2:1-11
Matthew 9:35-10:4
#365!! WOOHOO Am so proud of you, in Jesus' Holy Name! I will be looking forward to the next Meditation from the Heart on Thursday!
ReplyDeleteBless your heart for all you do and the inspiration, therein, Martha! :-)
Thank you so much and have a wonderful day, amen.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Bernie.
DeleteLook for me on Friday, not Thursday, my friend.
Blessings to you for a marvelous day!
Awesome accomplishment. Now stand up and stretch a bit, you've been sitting at the computer for a while.
ReplyDeleteYou mean I don't have to wear the ball and chain anymore? Lol!
DeleteLove you, Baby!
Oh I'm having mixed emotions right now ~ excitement, happiness and at the same time, the thought of not seeing you everyday makes me sad. But I believe that you're taking God's road. It's like walking with a stick for awhile and now you're allowing me to walk by myself.
ReplyDeleteI'll still see you Tuesdays and Fridays and it's a date with the Lord :) through Meditations :D YEY!
Lots of love MArtha! I continue praying with you.
Thanks so much for your heartfelt words, Melissa.
DeleteThis is a difficult change for me, too. But, I see God's hand working mightily, and I have to follow His lead.
Yes! Continue to follow and to pray.
And, I think Tuesdays and Fridays will be the best days of my week.
Blessings always!
God is opening new doors for you, Martha! I'm sure He will be there to guide you (as He always did!) as you work on the publication of your novel.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to see your new blog layout! And with regards to the decrease in your posts per week, I'll still be here to read them, reflect on them, and pray with you. All the best to you, Martha! God bless! <3 :-)
Yes, Irene, God is opening up doors and I feel compelled to walk right on through.
DeleteThe blog change won't be much; just something new to set the Meditations apart from Daily Devotions.
Thanks so much for your kind words and I will look for you on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Blessings always!
First of all congratulations on accomplishing 365 days of heartfelt, inspiring and God-inspired posts. That took a lot of discipline, prayer and commitment and you've done such a good job of it. I'm so excited about your book project and the new blog. Meditations of the Heart - a beautiful name for what I know will bring a lot of inspiration to many. Lots of love and prayer, dearest friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Corinne, for your kind compliments. They truly mean the world to me . . .
DeleteI'm glad you like the new title and will continue to follow along this next leg of the journey.
Thank you for lifting me in prayer, sweet friend. I need all I can get!
Blessings and love to you!
Congratulations on meeting your goal. Self-publishing is very rewarding. It is a thrill seeing a book published with your name on the cover. I look forward to Friday. Peace and blessings.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sara! I am excited, though nervous, about this next leg of my journey, and glad to know you will continue to follow the blog in the weeks and months to come.
DeleteBlessings to you!
I am so excited for you Martha! The nuts and bolts are a handful, but nothing you can't handle if you take one thing at a time. I'm currently working on publishing my e-book. It scares the tar out of me but if I don't do it then it won't get done, hence the term "self-publish."
ReplyDeleteYou are going to be great. And please know that I am here if you need somebody to talk to. If I can help in any way let me know!
Blessings!!!
Leah
Leah, it means so much to me that you have offered to help in any way you can. I need to feel a safety net somewhere! :)
DeleteI know . . . e-books . . . causes the same sense of panic in me. But, I'm hoping the publisher I will contact today can help with those.
Blessings always!
Martha,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on reaching such a milestone...An entire year of daily posts is quite a feat!! I have often wondered how you have the time and energy to maintain such a wonderful blog and it can only be through the hands of God.
I'm looking forward to your self-publishing updates as well as your revamped blog...That's exciting news on both fronts and undoubtedly the outcome will be positive!!
Blessings and Good Luck, David
Thank you so much for your kind words here, David. So glad you will stick around for this next journey!
DeleteYes, I will be posting updates on the book's progress, for sure.
And, yes, all is in God's most capable hands . . .
Blessings to you!
Congratulations Martha and I am sure you are doing what is best for you. Reading your posts everyday is so important to me. I will miss my daily meditation and prayers, but I am very happy for you <3
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nikky, for your kind words. I, too, will miss the daily posting and hope one day to get back to it, or at least do three a week.
DeleteAnd, yes, I'm trying to go where I believe God is leading me.
Blessings to you!
Wow Martha! 365 devotions! That is dedication. I am sorry I haven`t been around much but I truly enjoy your dedications. This new venture will be a big step and I am sure you will find the guidance and peace to publish your book. Looking forward to be joining you on your next adventure. Have a wonderful and blessed week!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're going to stick with me during this next phase of the journey, Nelieta! This has been such a marvelous ride for a year, but I have to go where I believe God is calling me.
DeleteBlessings to you!
I'm in! :-) and about your self-publishing – I used to consider self-publishing too – but I'm thinking you should look into writing an e-book – there is no cost in writing an e-book – and if you already have your book written – there's very little effort. Do a little search for"Angela England" - she's got a great little e-book about writing an e-book in about a month. ( I got one) I don't really read novels – but I'd read yours. :-) God bless and keep you my friend.
ReplyDeletePS - if you go the self publishing way I recommend "Winepress" - I met them once at a writer's conference.
Godspeed!!
Thanks you so much for this great advice, Craig! I do already have the book written and am in the final editing stages. I'm calling this afternoon to meet with a company here in our metro area that two people have highly recommended. They print traditional books and e-books, too.
DeleteI will certainly look up Angela England and check out Winepress.
Yes, I would love it if you would read my novel - it's Christian-based. :)
Blessings right back at you, my friend!
I'm so excited for you! Even more, I'm excited to see what your novel is about. Many blessings to you Martha as you embark on your new journey! Happy to be following along! ~Hugs, xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind words, Mitzi, and for the blessings. I'm nervous, but excited, about this new venture.
DeleteBlessings to you!
Congratulations..... and wishing you loads of success in your book. I am super excited reading all this.
ReplyDeleteThough I will miss your daily lessons I can understand and will look forward to your weekly posts. Wish you all the best as you begin a new journey :)
Thanks for your kind words, Me, and for wishing me success in this new journey.
DeleteBelieve me, I will miss the daily posts, too, and hope, when the dust is settled, to at least get back to three per week.
Blessings to you!
How exciting for you, this new proverbial chapter opening up with the decision to self-publish! It's a big step, but definitely do-able. I have absolute faith that you will succeed. There are many bloggers out there who are walking a similar path (Leah Griffith comes to mind), so you'll have a lot of people to turn to with questions and requests for advice.
ReplyDeleteI think scaling back to twice weekly meditations here is a sound idea. You have to honor yourself and govern how you expend that creative energy, after all. I am enthusiastically applauding you, honey! Go YOU! :)
Much love,
Dawn
Thanks so much for these kind words, Dawn!
DeleteYes, Leah has been gracious to offer help and everyone has been so supportive of this move. Creatively, I had to scale back as I knew I'd burn out otherwise.
Your post today touched on many of the feelings I have experienced with making this decision, but I can't ignore a call from God!
Love and blessings!
I am amazed you posted daily - you deserve kudos. I only post twice a week, the rest of my time is spent writing and working the second novel. You do what you must - we all appreciate your daily inspirations but we will cope with two. Keep us posted on the progress. Hugs, Brenda
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind, encouraging words, Brenda!
DeleteI hope that when all the dust settles, I can add one more devotion to the week and work on my second novel, too, which I've put on hold for too long.
I will definitely keep everyone posted on the progress.
Blessings to you!
Wow, Martha! Congrats on making that milestone. I'll sure follow you in your next undertaking. Looking forward to seeing where you go next.
ReplyDelete--
Chris
Thank you so much, Chris! So glad to know you will continue to follow in spite of the "non-daily".
DeleteWhen God calls, we must answer, but, I know in saying this to you, I'm like the pastor preaching to the choir. You understand completely and without reservation.
Took me the week to say goodbye to the daily babies and the missing of them. Now, I am beginning to truly see the road ahead.
Blessings to you, my friend!
I hear you! I'm self publishing a book based on my blog this year. Now in the editing stage as well. More important, congratulations on a year of daily devotions. A daily spiritual practice makes the rest of our day go so much better! I'll look forward to your continued but less frequent posts. (PS--If you would like to compare notes on the publishing process, email anytime.)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind words, Galen, and so excited for you, too! We will definitely need to compare notes as this process moves forward for both of us.
ReplyDeleteI find the absolute best habit I got out of doing these daily devotions was being in the Word daily. What comfort and inspiration in knowing how much God cares for all of us!
Blessings to you!
Hi Martha, I just wanted to let you know that I have nominated you on My Blog for the Reader Appreciation Award, Much Love <3
ReplyDeletehttp://nikkysstrengthandweakness-nikky44.blogspot.com/2012/05/sharing-love.html
Thanks so much, Nikky! I did see that and was so honored . . . :)
DeleteBlessings!
Ahhh Martha...I will stay with you no matter what path the Lord sends you down. Congratulations on your self publishing journey! I think that will work out for you very well, and since I am venturing into a unique style of cookbook, I may be calling on you for some advice ☺ See you Friday!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to know you'll be staying on board, Mary! Yes, I will be more than happy to share anything I learn on this self-publishing journey. The cookbook sounds great!
DeleteBlessings to you!
Martha, whatever you put your hand to will prosper, and whatever presents itself to you, do it with all your might. I know you will succeed. The Lord is on your side. And I’m in your corner rooting for you.
ReplyDeleteXoxox
Thanks so much, Debra, for you confidence in me and your wonderful support. I am so excited about this new endeavor and know God is calling me to be faithful in completing it.
DeleteBlessings to you, my friend!
Wow! Martha, I can't wait to get in line for your autograph. That is exciting! Ya, I looked into self publishing a bit. What an exciting milestone, 365 devotions. You have my support!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Cathy, for your kind words and support! Autograph? Lol! :)
DeleteBlessings to you!
Martha,
ReplyDeleteLet me know what help you need. I don't think I would ever go the traditional route...takes to long even if you finally get a deal and in the meantime the other great stuff you could be writing is put on hold to keep querrying...Go for it, full speed ahead. You won't regret it.
Many blessings. I know you'll produce an amazing book!!
Thanks so much, Kathy, for offering to help - that means a lot! Yep, can't do the traditional route as it does take way too long.
DeleteI think I do have a novel worth reading, so it is time for that full speed ahead!
Blessings to you!
Good luck on your new endeavors...I know you will do great and have no real problems figuring it out...
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jan, for your well wishes and support. Means so much! :)
DeleteBlessings to you!
So that's why it looked different! Sorry I haven't been around all the time.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what else to say, everyone else has said it all.
If it's all right with you, I would like to pray with you that God will continue to be praised and your lives blessed with the new direction He is taking you in your walk with Him.
Praise be to God!
Best regards,
Mary
Oh, Mary, thank you! Your prayer made my heart soar this morning!
DeleteYes, may all praise go to our loving and gracious God!
Blessings to you!