Words to the Beloved Update-Final 12/9/2013

Dearest Beloved,

It brings me great pleasure to share with you that Words to the Beloved, the book whose parent is this very blog, has successfully been released. This past Saturday, December 7th, friends, family and loved ones gathered at the O'Fallon Church of Christ to launch the book.

I must say that it was quite a humbling experience to have so many well wishers take time out of their busy schedules to come and spend a couple of hours with us. There was food, fun, Christmas music and fellowship. It really was a great time. If you were there, you have my heartfelt thanks for sharing this life achievement with me and Michelle.

Now that "The Word" is out, it is my prayer that it will accomplish the work for which it was designed: "...to be the perfect companion to assist you in your devotion, supplement your study, bolster your faith and help you spend time with God at work, home or school."

If you are interested in obtaining a copy, it can be acquired at wordstothebeloved.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and various other online outlets.

I pray that it will be a blessing to your life.

Committed,

Lee

Here is the link to a few photos I hope you will be able to access: https://www.facebook.com/lee.lewis.7509#!/lee.lewis.7509/media_set?set=a.10152077045104049.576434048&type=3

Words to the Beloved Update III 11/20/2013

Beloved,

I won't bore you with all of the ins, outs, backs and "forths" of getting a book published.  Suffice it to say that it reminds me a lot of what Michelle and I went through bringing children into the world (and yes of course she went through more than I did).  Suffice it to say that the baby has finally been born!

I received the author's copies yesterday and am now rejoicing that I can finally hold in my hands what God placed on my mind and heart more than three years ago.  You will find, faithful reader, that you are part of the story.  Here is an excerpt from the book's introduction:

I must tell you, faithful reader that this started out as a God and Lee thing. It was an opportunity to avail myself of His knowledge and to open myself up to really being taught by Him.  By forcing myself into the Word and into prayer on a DAILY basis, my hope, trust, and prayer was to become closer to Him and to better perform His will. Though, like Paul, “I count not myself to have apprehended…”Philippians 4:13a (KJV), there has been growth through His admonition, teaching and nurture.  Since I have not yet apprehended completely, again, like Paul, “I [continue to] press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:14 (KJV).

As I journeyed, it occurred to me that others might benefit from this very personal walk.  I then decided to make it available to all who desired it. Rather than just sending it to people, I informed the congregation I serve that the Daily Devotional was available on the blog that had been established for it.  Those who were interested were added to the distribution list and began receiving it via email every Monday through Friday with the exception of holidays.

After a while I began to receive quite a bit of feedback that let me know that I was not alone on this journey in pursuit of discovery, revelation and spiritual maturity.  It turned out that there were and are many on the narrow path striving simply to know God better and to be more like His darling son Jesus. It seems that as He deals with me, He likewise, speaks into the heart of those who came along side. Furthermore, many of the “beloved” began distributing the Daily Devotional to family, friends, and acquaintances. Some of those to whom it had been distributed asked to be added directly to the distribution so that they could receive it right away.  Still others began publishing excerpts into their weekly church bulletins. It truly seemed that God’s word was not returning to him void (Isaiah 55:11).

As you can see, this has truly been a journey.  I thank you for your companionship, your prayers, your interest and your support.  It has been a lot of work, but everything worth doing or having is.  I thank God for His surpassing goodness and I thank him for you.

To obtain your copy, please visit www.wordstothebeloved.com (official release on 12/7/13).  It is also available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.  If you obtain it from either of the latter, your feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Committed,

Lee

Words to the Beloved Update II 10/28/2013

Beloved,

I promised to keep you updated on the progress of the book so here is the latest.

We have set an official release date of December 7,2013. This will also be the date of our book release celebration to be held at the O'Fallon Church of Christ located at 8576 Veterans Memorial Parkway, O'Fallon, MO, 63368. You are all cordially invited to attend. Soon, e-vites will go out and there will be an event set up on Facebook to announce the event to the rest of the world (who are NOT a part of our devotional group). I know, however, that some of you are located great distances from this address and would not be able to attend.

For this reason, I am also pleased to announce that a home on the web has been developed for Words to the Beloved. The book's website can be located at www.wordstothebeloved.com. On the site, you can find a synopsis, an author profile and book excerpts. You can even pre-order from the site. The book also has a social media presence. Check out www.facebook.com/wordstothebeloved!

Through the grace of God, things are coming right along. My next update will be to let you know when I actually have books in hand from the publisher. As always, thanks for your prayers and your support.

Your brother in Christ,

Lee