Jun 28, 2007

humbled cartwheels

I've wrestled with posting this, for hopefully all the right reasons. Nonetheless, after much prayer I've gotten the sense this is okay to celebrate with you... my blog readers who have tracked much of my journey for the past few years.

As you may or may not know, life was pretty tough for my family and I in 2005 and 2006. Somehow in that time of pruning and nakedness, though, I started writing... and I don't mean just this blog, but stuff I got paid for. Pretty soon, I was writing a lot... and a lot more.

One of those projects is this book... and I got my first "author's case" of copies today. I wrote it with/for SonLife ministries last year, and it is intended to take someone through 30 days of devotions on the healing miracles of Jesus.



Honestly? That whole experience was (and still is) so surreal that I never imagined it was even happening. I've never taken a writing course, and yet here I was enjoying such a cool opportunity. I mean, it's absolutely absurd in a lot of ways.

So to hold this book in my hands today felt weird.

Maybe I should have done some cartwheels or something, but instead I just found myself quiet... still... humbled.

I'm so small, and God is so big.


So again, I share this with you because you have been a part of that journey. When I was sitting on my couch in between four other jobs trying to write this thing, my blog was often times a place of sanity for me (as were your comments). I think it and you is as much a part of this book as anything I wrote.

Then there is my wife... and my boys. I swear so many people miss out on the amazing blessing they are to me. They have a sort of behind-the-scenes ministry of support that is often overlooked and unglamorous, and yet they keep praying for and encouraging me.

Of course, as these things often go another guy got involved editing the book, so we share co-author tags on it. That's fine by me... I've been a ghost writer before, so I'm just thankful for the chance to be a part of the ripple this might have across the Kingdom.
Which, by the way, is something worth doing a cartwheel about.
This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Celebrating with you!!! I have to say, though, that I am not surprised to hear of your current success...there has always been evidence of great things brewing just under the surface - with much more to come - just don't forget me when I'm in line to get a copy of your latest book signed at Family Christian Stores. :o)

Rodney Olsen said...

Congratulations. :)

The book might never make it's way here to Australia but I'm still going to keep an eye out whenever I drop into a Christian bookstore ... just in case.

Brian said...

Sweet! Congrats!

Out Of Jersey said...

Congrats on the book, I'll make sure to pick up a copy.

Carolanne said...

Congratulations!

I hope the book does come to Australia so I can get a copy too. :)

Well done.

Anonymous said...

Congrats Tony!

Understanding your desire to stay humble. Love that! However, for the curious blogger, can you give us some insight into the contents of your book?

Celebrating for you and the fam!

tonymyles said...

Thanks to all who have asked here and emailed. I hope the book is an encouragement to you, too. If you want a copy, you can order it off the resources page at Sonlife.com and I'm sure they'll send it out quickly.

Katie said...

CONGRATULATIONS! What a great tangible example of letting yourself be used by God (and probably used up quite a bit along the way) for something that will bring Him glory and will bring others closer to Him.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I wanted you to know that I just went on line and ordered one of your books! Maybe someday you'll be able to sign it for me! :)

Celebrating this great day with you!

. said...

Just found this! Congratulations! It's always a "humble cartwheels" day when you see how God has used you to advance the kingdom!