When I began blogging six months ago, it was largely because I held the understanding before me:
God is always there.
This blog’s very name — Draw Near — sprung from the truth that when I draw near to God in my everyday light through branches, little fingers on face, dishes in sink moments, he draws near to me.
I wanted to write down the glorious and mundane moments of life in order to remember and appreciate them, and this seemed a good place to do it. At least it did once I got over the downright fright of being exposed and writing consistently and knowing people would know if I didn’t and what would they think and what if no one cared…
On my way to starting Draw Near, I heard about a project — a devotional for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). The book would be split into sections, outlining places of God’s presence in the lives of mothers.
In the firsts. In the mundane. In our sacrifices. In our marriages. In our friendships. In our work. When we feel overwhelmed.
Stories of God drawing near to us and us recognizing the peace and power of his presence in daily life.
For some crazy reason I thought I’d send a few pieces to the book’s editor.
Never had I submitted a shred of writing that held the potential to be rejected, and I was scee-ee-eerd. I sent my pieces off with the click of a mouse and waited.
After many weeks passed, I received word that two of the pieces I wrote were selected for this collection.
My mercy. What surprise. What joy.
Fast forward a few months. Now, the book, Always There: Reflections for Moms on God’s Presence, is hot off the presses, and my pieces (on God’s presence in marriage and God’s presence in friendship) share pages with devotions by great writers, including Ann Voskamp (the New York Times bestselling author of One Thousand Gifts, a stunningly beautiful and life-changing book, if you’ve not read it), Renee Swope and my dear friend, Alexandra Kuykendall.
For me, seeing this book in my hands is a sweet little piece of a dream and represents a continuing walk of trust in the one who is always there.
I am enjoying reading a story or two whenever I can snatch a few moments. I read a whole bunch before I got too carsick on the long ride home from our visit with family down south. Some of the vignettes are lighthearted, others serious, but I’m finding this book filled with wisdom and encouragement applicable to mothers in all kinds of places on the journey.
I will be giving one copy of this new book to a commenter on today’s post. If you’d like to be entered, just reply with ENTER ME. In addition, I’d love to know: When have you felt the fear and done it anyway? Any words of advice you can give to a girl who’s still shakin’ in her boots? Where are you recognizing God’s presence in your everyday life?
If you’d like to order a copy of Always There, you can do so through me if you’re within meet-up distance of Portland (as I won’t be able to ship to you, sorry). As a contributor, I will be able to order them from the publisher for 50% off ($6.50 per copy). Let me know if you’d like to order one by next Wednesday, the 18th, and I’ll include you in my order — if you don’t win the free copy, that is. For those a little further away, I know you can also find the book on Amazon, here for $10.28 — still a few dollars cheaper than the cover price.
Thanks for sharing my joy, and thanks for showing up to read what I write. It is a gift that continually humbles me.
Connecting through the power of stories written, spoken and lived
Congratulations! I’m so glad you were brave enough to send them your work.. you are a beautiful and inspired writer, I’m not surprised they chose you:) God has big plans for you, I think!
Thanks so much for the encouragement, Smidge. I love the courage I see every time I read your blog. Such fearlessness in your approach. Always trying something new — you inspire me!
It’s the same for me.. I love your blog:)
So very excited for you and proud of you, Ash! Loved having the book in my hot little hands, even if only for a few minutes. :) God is always faithful.
As for feeling the fear and doing it anyway, that was last September when I chose to jump out of perfectly good airplane at 13,500 feet! Unforgettable experience and I LIVED to tell about it. Because I’m learning that it really is all about the living.
Enter me! XOXO!
Mags, thanks for always cheering me on! I have to say that picture and that video of you skydiving is one of the most beautiful snapshots of brave, joyful freedom I’ve seen. You are living, girl!
I love getting the email notifications of your new posts. I started following when your posts was on Incourage not too long ago. Your writing is lovely. I would be thrilled if you would enter me for a copy of the book!
As for feeling the fear and doing it anyway—after being a stay at home mom for the last 5 years, I was able to go back to teaching part-time. One of my favorite things is to teach composition to college freshmen men and women, but I still get some big butterflies in my tummy before every class! Even though I’m finishing my second year back. I feel silly even saying that, but my confidence took a big hit I guess.
Thanks for all you share!
Stacey, I’m so happy we’ve found each other here through (in)courage. Thank you for your comment! I’ll definitely put you in the drawing for the book.
I so relate to the fear you’re talking about. Putting yourself out there, as you say, after the relative anonymity of stay-at-home mom life can challenge our beliefs about ourselves/our purpose/our calling in some pretty intense ways. So glad that you are able to press on in your gifts in all the places you find yourself. Way to be brave. :)
How very exciting for you, Ashley! Congratulations on being published! I would love to purchase a copy of the book when you place your order. Thanks for sharing your beautiful gift…I am not sure if you saw the comment that I left some time back, but I shared your post about the sinful woman with my bible study group when we were doing a study of women in the gospels. It brought many to tears and all were thankful for your wonderful writing and beautiful perspective. Your words are being heard!
Katie, thank you again. I did see that comment previously and was so touched! I appreciate your congrats and am putting you in the drawing. Either way, you’ll receive a copy. We can work out the details later. Sending love!
Congratulations!
How exciting to have your work published we are all so proud of you.
Mom
Thank you, Mom! Couldn’t do it without you!
Ashley I would love to be entered to win your book. If I don’t win I would like to buy one.I scan my e-mail everyday for a post from you! When I find one you make my day better. I felt the fear and did it anyway when I wrote my first book about people’s quilt stories and included my own stories and quilts. It was terriffying for a quilter, not a writer, to write a book and to write about my difficult personal history and also to
include my faith journey neither of which I have talked about with very many people. Barb
Barb, you’ll be getting a book one way or another. :) Thank you for your words. I treasure them. I have thought so many times, since finishing your book, about your story and about the power of God demonstrated through your testimony. What a gift you’ve shared. Thanking God for your courage!
I am so proud of you. Never a quitter. Always seeing the sun in every day. Running for school office, making dance team and cheerleader. Smart, warm, personable, compassionate, generous to all you meet. Your writings reflect who and what you are. An immeasurable treasure to me and the ones who love you. CONGRATULATIONS on being published. I am smiling.
Thank you, my Papa. Always an encourager. After these words, especially, I am smiling too.
Congratulations, Ashley! You are an amazing writer! I have been so encouraged in reading your blogs and definitely look forward to reading this new devotion. It is a challenge to step out of our comfort zones for sure. My Bible study yesterday noted Deut 31:8 and talked about how God goes ahead of us and sets us up to win…I love that!
Hi Darcy, I will enter you. :) Thank you for sharing your encouragement, along with that passage from Deuteronomy. God goes ahead of us — what peace.
Congratulations! i will order a copy from Amazon and can’t wait to get it. :)
I’ll enter you in the drawing, but am so glad you wanna read it. :) Thanks for your comment, Lori.
Congrats Ash! My reading this morning took me to Luke 24 where it says, “Jesus himself drew near and walked with them.” May he continue to draw near and walk with you as you continue to share this wonderful gift.
Thank you, Ronn! I so love that picture of walking with the One who draws near, from Luke. So appreciate your support.
Enter me!!
I see God using my kids each day to reach me to slow down, breathe Him and them in!
I will enter you, Krystle. Yes, you are so right. How beautifully God uses our children to slow us to receive the gift. Thank you for that.
UM YES….Of course I want one. What is best for YOU, Amazon, direct? I am super proud and excited to read it. Congrats Miss Ashley…..xxxoooo
I’ll enter you in the drawing. Either way, I’ll make sure you get a copy. We live in the same ‘hood so delivery shouldn’t be a problem when I get my stash. Thanks, Tiff. :)
Ashley!!! This is wonderful!! Congratulations. I love that you shared your motivation for your blog – to be honest I have had a love/hate relationship with blogland for a while, but your blog is so refreshingly humble, honest and not about self-promotion in any way. And THAT is a gift to your readers. Thank you. :-)
Fiona, I am so touched by your comment. Thank you, thank you for that.
Enter me! I’d love to buy 3 copies, Ash. I think continually showing up to relationships when I don’t feel successful is a strong place of facing fear and seeing God show up. It’s great to see the fruits of your standing in courage. Heartening.
You got it, Shel. And yes, I can relate. Continually showing up to those painful/challenging relationships — what a powerful example of choosing faith over fear. Thank you, friend. Loving you.
Oh, Ashley, congratulations! You are reaping the blessings of trusting God and overcoming your fears. I would love to be entered and ordered a copy as well. So exciting . . . :-)
Thanks so much for your words and your joy, Deb! I’ve got you entered. :)
So exciting, Ash!!! Congratulations!! I would LOVE a copy of the book (especially if that means we actually get to see each other:-). Put me down for one copy and know how completely proud and overwhelmed with joy I am for you!!
Nancy
Thank you so much for your support, Nanc! I know…how long has it been anyway? Ridiculous, I say. Let’s change that soon. I’ve got you down for a copy. Love you.
So proud of you Ashley…keep up the good work! Enter me & I would love to buy one if I don’t win. I have recently seen God’s presence in his answering of long-time prayers, and also in the strength he gives to get through each day (even when I’m totally exhausted)!
Thanks, Becca! I’ve got you entered. :) So thankful for those answers He gives! And for just what we need for each day.
So proud of you. You inspire me to do more. Write more. I just wish my words were put together as beautifully as yours. Thanks for the shout out. You do realize you have more entries than I do. Any chance you are going to the NW Christian Writer’s Conference in Seattle next month?
Oh, Alex. Thank you. You have (and do!) inspire me. Knowing you’d been published made me want to admit to having the dream myself and send those pieces in. I do feel so honored to share space with you. Mike and I loved your story — what a great way to open the book. :) No, no plans for the conference, though I do want to do some in the next year or so. Are you going?
Yes I’m going. I’ve thought of you in the last year. There are a few conferences I think would be good for both of us. Maybe we can coordinate for one this year. Let’s talk.
I would love to take with you about this! I’ll message you. How fun would it be to do a writing conference together?
Enter me
I feel God’s presence in my children’s faces looking to me with such unconditional love. Reading your comments made me feel inspired to actually start back to blogging and maybe even publish it instead of keeping it private. Thank you. Have a fabulous weekend.
Thank you so much for your comment! I’ve got you entered. Enjoy your weekend, and enjoy your writing. :)
Enter me! Thanks!
Got it, Deb. Thank you. :)
Congratulations Ashley on publishing your writings in this book, but most importantly WAY TO GO in sharing your observations in the day to day with others who can gain strength for the journey. ~~ Keijo Bollinger
Keijo, thank you so much for the words of encouragement and congratulations! I know congratulations are due for you and Joe and your beautiful baby girl! Such wonderful news. We’ve been praying for you and hope all is going well for you and your family.
Congrats Ashley! WAY TO GO in pursuing your dream!