When I was in fifth grade, I wrote a short story that made my teacher cry. She laid it on my desk with a whopping “100%” and told me she almost called my house to be sure my father hadn’t actually died because it was so convincing. I couldn’t believe it. I was ten years old, and from that moment on, I wanted to be an author.
Two decades later, I’ve finally produced my very first book! And let me just tell you, this time, I want to cry! This book is like my fourth baby. I’ve watched it come to life straight from my heart. It’s simple, really. It’s the best of my blog, revised, updated, and compiled to reflect my journey as a young wife and mom.
And here’s the honest truth: releasing it feels a bit like stepping outside in my underwear. Despite my best efforts, I can always find flaws. I can always find reasons to say, “Maybe it’s not ready yet. Maybe I’m not ready yet. Maybe next year.” But that’s exactly what I thought three years ago when I started blogging: “Maybe this is stupid. Maybe this will embarrass me. Maybe I’m not ready yet.” And then I thought, “So what?” and with the click of a button, I created this blog.
And I learned two things:
1. Being vulnerable doesn’t kill you.
2. In fact, it frees you.
Sometimes, the only way to become brave is to simply do that thing we’re so afraid to do. And in so doing, we just may discover joy unimaginable.
I have.
I have found such happiness walking this road of motherhood and marriage and mundane moments with you. You have pulled me through some very painful seasons and helped me see God with fresh awe and affection. And now…I’m gonna ask for a favor. Would you do me the honor of reading my book and sharing it with the women in your life? I chose to publish it in April so that it would be available for Mother’s Day. Perhaps there’s a mom on your heart who is struggling to embrace her lot, and who longs to see Jesus in it. She’s the mom I wrote this book for, and maybe you can help me get it into her hands.
All that being said, I apologize for the silence on my blog lately. I’ve been busy putting this project together, and also working on another one (surprise, surprise!) Oh, how I wish there were more than 24 hours in a day! But God is faithful. I will be MIA a lot in the next few months, popping in and out of your newsfeed with awful irregularity, as I try to finish this second book God has laid on my heart. In the meantime, thank you. Thank you for listening to me. Thank you for encouraging me. Thank you for journeying with me. I am better because of you.
With love in Him,
Jeanne
Loving My Lot 
Congratulations! I am writing on my ninth chapter of my first and my blog is a baby of nearly five months, so I relate to that whole stepping out in your underwear thing. But, God’s grace guides us all! Blessings and prayers your words spread far and wide! 🙂
I am super excited for you. I will check this out for gifts to young mothers for sure. And you know, even “older mothers” like me have read your blog and loved it.
Congratulations on your book! 🙂
How exciting! I can’t wait to purchase it. Your blog has been a huge encouragement to me and I am looking forward to having a “hard copy” of it. 🙂 congratulations!
I just ordered a copy and am looking forward to reading! Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment!
Jeanne,
I am SO PUMPED for this!!!! I had been hoping you would write a book! Now I can buy it (for myself!) and to give my friends, instead of just trying to tell everyone about individual blog posts, that just happened to be so life changing for me. 😉 I look forward to giving this as a gift to new mom’s as well. Because, I remember how much reading your writing helped me laugh and breathe again when I became a mom. Thank you for all the labor and time you poured out into crafting it together. I’m sure it was no easy task. I’m so proud of you for doing this! Also, I would love to promote this on my blog after I get and read my copy! Please let me know what I can do to help promote it more, reviews, giveaways, etc.
Blessings with joy,
Rebekah:)
Oh, I so appreciate it, Rebekah! You have been such an encouragement to me as a writer and as a mom. I would LOVE for you to review the book and run a give-away. Let me know when you do (there’s a “contact” link at the top right of my blog), and I will gladly send a couple books to your give-away winners.
You are so welcome! I will certainly let you know once I do that!! 🙂
Wow! Congratulations! I love reading your blog and look forward to reading your book. You write in the most beautiful way that touches my heart. I almost always cry as I read your words, but it’s what I need! God bless you and your sweet heart and beautiful family!
How exciting for you. i have enjoyed your blog and it has encouraged me to love my lot as I am now raising two of my grandchildren. I’m going to get your book for one of daughters that is struggling as a new mom, trying to be perfect.
Wonderful! I hope it is such an encouragement to her. I can certainly relate to that struggle. Thank you for writing me & may God bless you for faithfully raising your grandchildren!
Awesome! Congrats! I look forward to reading it 🙂