A "Blog Hop" or a "Treasure Hunt"? You decide...

Welcome to my FIRST "Blog Hop"

For those who aren’t familiar with a blog hop, to me it’s kind of like a treasure hunt –

Once you find something on one blog you hop on over to the next blog link for more treasure. In this case, the treasure is a wealth of new and exciting books. Some are still being written, some are just being released, and some have been out for a little while. Either way, for book lovers . . .  It’s a treasure hunt and I’d like to thank Dr. Barbara Lavi for tagging me to participate.

Dr. Lavi is the author of The Wake Up And Dream Challenge, How to transform your life & change the world. There are 21 versions of the book, since it is more than a self help book. Each version is the same, but 1/2 of the profits from each book sold go to a different charity. The charities help people reach their dreams

To get more information on Dr. Lavi, "Hop" on over to her Blog here: http://wakeupanddreamcatalyst.blogspot.com/

In this particular hop I answer 10 questions . . . you get to learn about my current book (Another Second Chance) and some of the “behind the book” Q&A.

When it’s all said & done . . . comments and questions are always welcome.

　
　

HERE ARE THE 10 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What is the working title of your book?
My book is called Another Second Chance. The sub-title is …God’s Story


2. Where did the idea come from for the book?
Through my experiences of tribulation, suffering, near death, and ultimately.. Victory! God created this AMAZING story through my life and the lives of everyone involved! This modern day bible story (of God’s awesome sovereignty) will bring Hope and encouragement to others going through their own struggles in life. This story is proof that God is always in control, He is still creating Miracles today, Power of prayer works, and that blessings can come when you least expect them… Even in the most bleak situations.

I know, because I am living proof.


3. What genre does your book fall under?
Non-Fiction - Memoir - Christian Living - Inspirational


4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Oh WOW! Lets have some fun with this one! lol
My wife would definitly be played by Jennie Garth. Since she has always been told "that's who she looks like"

Me? Oh I don't know.. Maybe Matt Damon or Brad Pitt? lol

5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
How a stranger’s kidney saved my life… And my brother’s too!


6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Another Second Chance is self published through a Non-Traditional Publishing company called “Writing Career Coach Press”.


7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I started writing in February of 2011. Started and stopped a number of times… But once it was in full motion and the writing was consistently being crafted, the first draft was completed in two months. The final draft was completed by October of 2011.

I held the book in my hands for the first time on December 7, 2011


8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I have been told that it has the same feel to “90 Minutes in Heaven” and others of that style.


9. Who or What inspired you to write this book?
He has many names... Elohim, Yahweh, I am, Jesus, Jehovah, Hope, Love, The Sovereign Creator of the Universe.. The one who gave it all for me, so that I could live. I call Him God!

Imagine yourself for a moment.. You have battled for your life. Your exhausted and tired of fighting... It seemed as though the odds were always stacked against you..  Things looked absolutely hopeless as you lay in intensive care.. waiting on the inevitable...

Then 48 hours later, the "Giver of Life" reaches down and hands you a second chance at life in the most dramatic way! And with it... A Story that only He could of created!...

What would you have done?!

I decided to write this book!!


10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
The fact that it is not just my story, but is every ones story! Because it's God's Story! A story that He creates in all of our lives through the trials and sufferings that we are chosen to endure. Through these trials come God's 2nd greatest gift... Our testimony!

This book will be a resource of inspiration and encouragement to read over and over again..



I would like to thank Dr. Lavi once again for inviting me to this "Blog Hop"

Be sure to check out these great Authors coming up next week!! Visit all of their Blogs and see what they have to offer!!

Vanessa Hancock - Author of Friday Lunch
http://sandcastlesandsnowforts.blogspot.com/p/about-us.html 















Jeannie Pallett - Author of Beckoned by the King
http://psalm119greaterthangold.net/

















Kristi Burchfiel
Http://blog.Kristiburchfiel.com






















Doreen McGettigan
http://www.doreenmcgettigan.com
















Lynn West
http://laniedillspublishing.com/


Carol Murphy Natoli
http://natolifreelance.blogspot.com/

21 Ways to Celebrate Gratitude

 

Idea #6: Create a Thanksgiving Paper Chain

 

Guest post by my friend Shelley Hitz

Thanksgiving season is soon approaching and this year, I encourage you to take the opportunity to celebrate gratitude.  In the midst of the hustle and bustle of this holiday season, take a moment (or two) to celebrate gratitude. 

Don’t forget to check out the free book giveaway below.

 

 

 

Idea #6:  Create a Thanksgiving paper chain by writing down what you are thankful for between Thanksgiving and Christmas on strips of construction paper.  Use a variety of colors to make it fun and create a paper chain with them by stapling or gluing each strip of paper to the previous one.  Watch and see how long this chain gets!

See all 21 ways to celebrate gratitude this Thanksgiving at Shelley’s website: http://www.bodyandsoulpublishing.com/21-ways-to-celebrate-gratitude-during-thanksgiving-this-holiday-season/

Free Gratitude Resource:

On November 14, 15 and 16^th, 2012 you can download a FREE Kindle copy of the book, “21 Stories of Gratitude:  The Power of Living Life With a Grateful Heart.”  

Get your copy here:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009YWM3WI

 

Book Description:

 Are you living life to the fullest? Or are you merely surviving from day to day?

One way to live life to the fullest is to live each day with a grateful heart. In this book, we share 21 stories of gratitude to give you encouragement and hope in your own journey. Gratitude is possible! Even though many times we cannot change our circumstances, we can change the way we see them. We can ask God to empower us to change our thoughts.

Our prayer for you is that you find encouragement within these pages. And we pray that you will ask God for His strength to renew your mind with His truth and the hope He offers each one of us every day. It is only through Christ renewing our minds that we can truly live each day with a grateful heart.

 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

 

 Other Gratitude Resources:

·        21 Days of Gratitude Challenge:   Take the 21 days of gratitude challenge to celebrate Thanksgiving this year.  You can do this by yourself or as a family.

·        21 Prayers of Gratitude:  Read a prayer of gratitude for 21 days to focus your heart on God and all He has given us.

 

About the Author:

Shelley Hitz has been writing and publishing books since 2008. She is also the author of the website, FindYourTrueBeauty.com, that reaches thousands of girls each month around the world. Her openness and vulnerability as she shares her own story of hope and healing will inspire and encourage you.

Shelley has been ministering to teens since 1998 alongside her husband, CJ. They currently travel and speak to teens and adults around the country. Shelley’s main passion is to share God’s truth and the freedom in Christ she has found with others. She does this through her books, websites and speaking engagements.

You can find more about Shelley at www.ShelleyHitz.com or invite her to speak at your event here: www.ChristianSpeakers.tvhttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B009YWM3WI

Walk with me and see. What a difference a miracle makes!

Here is a trip down memory lane. Or should I say valley... Would you walk with me? In celebration of this special day.. 


I can remember it like it was yesterday…

Stephanie and I were waiting patiently, in what was an all too familiar place. My hospital room It felt like forever since I had been home. Even when I had been, my mind was always in a fog and all I did was sleep. But now things were going to be much different. I was heading home with the ultimate do over.. Another chance at life!

As we waited, I gazed at Stephanie., thinking about all that had taken place in the last week…

Just a five days earlier… My body was shutting down, it had seen it’s limit. I was dying.

Chapter 19 - Walking in the valley

Page 165

“A new sensation now grabbed hold. Panic followed by something odd. It was a cold, hollow, empty feeling. With no frame of reference that was the best way I can explain it. Tied to it was a sense of pain and panic. Was this what death felt like?

I sat up on the edge of the bed and I looked down. Sweat continued streaming down my arms. I felt weak. Maybe I really was dying. I didn’t know. I’d had so many different ailments and feelings by this time. This was very different. This was a scary emptiness.

Something was very wrong.

My kidneys were shutting down and my body was going into defense mode. It had been pushed to the brink.

“Steph-a-nie.” My voice was barely more than a strained whisper.

How she heard me, I will never know…”

Page 167

“Then, they put me into an ambulance and hauled me up to Toledo Hospital.

Things blurred past. From one hospital to the next. From the dialysis unit to my own room. The next 14 hours I struggled to stay awake and alive. At 4:00 a.m., I was moved from the room I’d been in over to the ICU where I was put on nitroglycerine to control the blood pressure. It had been 22 straight hours of shuffling.”

　

I surrendered to God, accepting defeat to death. Laying in intensive care, I new my time was finished unless a miracle happened..

"Lord If you take me I’m yours.. And if you leave me here I’m yours Lord. So whether you take me or leave me, I’m yours”

Those were the words I prayed to God as I lay there…

48 hours later.. God gave my life back to me. And I have pledged to make sure it was worth saving!

I remember leaving the hospital that day. It was a hot, dog day of August. The sun was making it’s way down to dusk. I had a feeling of complete peace, freedom, and tranquility. It felt as if I had been cleansed and given a new beginning..

As we pulled out of the parking lot, I reached over and turned on the radio. The Lord had provided the perfect song. A victory song for this very moment..

This is the song that was just starting on the radio… Born Again by Third Day. Click Play and imagine for a moment as you keep reading…

I just gazed out the window at the sun setting, with a smile on my face that would not leave. Tears began to well up… Till they over flowed. My heart was humbly overflowing with love and appreciation of everyone that had ever prayed and believed, and even those that prayed and doubted. You were not alone, there were many times I did too..

I thought about those that were tested and the ones that couldn’t. Though I don’t know who you all are, your courage, generosity, potential sacrifice and Christ like love was a gift from God. You were my inspiration at dire times of need, just when things seemed hopeless.

There were those that called to see how I was doing, those that would just sit with me and give me there time and friendship, and those that sent cards of encouragement.

To my family, friends, my brother Tony, and a Stranger who is now a friend. My life would not be the same with out you!!!

I praise God for you all!! May you all be blessed abundantly!! Because you have blessed me more than you will ever know…

　

I am now off this morning to run my first 5K for the Transplant Games of America.
Who would have thought… Two years ago I finished a race for my life, one that I shouldn't have. But God seen me through to the finish line..

Now I will be running another Race to commemorate and celebrate the first... 

What a difference a miracle makes!!

Thanks for walking down the lane with me..  Will you say a little prayer for me today? And praise God for your own blessings.


Praise God for Romans 8:28 on this date of 7-28!

Rom 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Rom 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Rom 8:31 "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

The walk continues…

A Tribute and Prospective from the Wife and Caregiver...

On July 28, I will be celebrating my two year anniversary of God's gift of the ultimate mulligan.

My second chance at life. The two year mark is a major milestone for any transplant survivor. It's a sign that you've made it out of the woods (as long as you take care of your self)

I will be posting a number of amazing and touching "back stories" in celebration. I hope you will join me in celebrating God's story! Be inspired and touched as we journey together. Not just through my life, but through some of the people that made it possible!




Julie Julian & Stephanie Lewis

This is a follow up to Chapter 14  titled  Hanging in there ! My wife Stephanie, was my caregiver and always there for me. This post is for the caregivers and wives out there..  It is also a Tribute to my donor FAMILY. The Julians...


Another Second Chance ...God's Story 
-Page 124

"You'll understand that when you go through extreme moments like this, it's worse for the people looking in.

When I was going through it, I was in the eye of the hurricane. It was almost peaceful. Everything around me was completely chaotic. There were tests and trips, emotional highs and lows, but in the middle  it was both agonizing and peaceful.

My sole focus was on getting well. Stephanie shouldered the burden of what I couldn't do. If you are, or have been a caregiver to someone going through a major illness or disease, your support means more to them than they can ever express to you."


You may have read the book and heard the story. You may know about the "Stranger from a Thousand miles away",  BUT YOU HAVE NOT HEARD IT from his WIFE'S prospective!!

Read below how God was working back then, behind the scenes!!  I WAS BLOWN AWAY!!...

Julie Julian (Donor's Wife) wrote:

The months prior to July 28, 2010 seemed to move at a snail's pace. Life moved along as normally as it had been except for a monthly drive to UC Hospital for another test, evaluation or "sample" delivery. One day in early May, Jay got the call from UCH saying he had been approved...to be an altruistic kidney donor.

There was nothing other than sheer joy in Jay's voice when he told me the news. It was as if he had won the lottery except he wasn't getting a dime. He was willingly and joyfully giving- taking on the risk of death to save the life of a man he did not know. To this day, I am still amazed by my husband's selflessness.

In the hospital on July 28th at 7:00 am, doctor after doctor came by to shake the hand of a man who was a "hero" in their words.

I kissed Jay, told him I loved him and walked to the waiting room. I waited alone for about an hour before our friend Tony came to wait with me. Around 8:45 am, Jay's doctor entered the waiting room to tell me Jay was out of surgery and doing well AND that his kidney looked great and was on the way to Ohio.

At 8:30 pm that night, I left the hospital and drove the short distance to the hotel I was staying at until Jay was discharged. The moment I got into the hotel room I let go and a rush of emotion took over me. Tears came flooding down my face. Jay was okay. I still had my husband to share life with AND now a wife in Ohio had her husband too.

In the days that followed, I was all about taking care of Jay and getting him home. All Jay kept asking about was the recipient. Was he doing okay? Was the kidney working for him? He didn't complain about his own pain or discomfort at all.

Jay has always been a risk taker. He dreams big and speaks honestly. As a result, he has been criticized and judged by those who saw what they wanted to see. Those of us who are not risk takers think that they are "loose cannons" or don't think before they act.

In reality, Jay's "risks" are fueled by a passionate, adventurous spirit that is moved to action while the rest of us sit and wait for a "sign".

Yet after walking through the fire of criticism and getting burned, Jay quietly and courageously listened to the grace filled, loving voice that said, "I know who you are, what you have done for Me and how much you truly love people, so I want you to do something that most people are not strong enough or willing to do."

There is a saying that our true character is revealed when no one is looking.

On July 28, 2010, I believe that the One who was looking knew all along that He needed a risk taking, selfless and brave "maverick" to step up to the plate and demonstrate love and grace in a powerful way. That is the man of character I am privileged to call my husband.

Jay~ thank you for being passionate about life, speaking honestly when others won't and showing me that when you give generously we always have enough.


I was so blessed when I read this the first time! And I have been every time since! I Hope you were as well..

I would be honored, if you would hit the "Follow" button to keep up with the posts. I would also encourage you to "share" it on your facebook pages.


Rom 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

The walk continues...

The First "Lost Story" that didn't make the book!

The first "Sequel Chapter" to Another Second Chance ...God's Story!!

There were many small interesting God stories that didn't make the book. Over the next year I am going to write many of them (and the new ones that continue to happen). So be sure to hit the "Follow" button to be notified every time a new one is posted. And if you haven't gotten the book yet.. What are you waiting for? Hit the "Buy the book" button to the right! (you won't be disappointed)

This is a follow up to chapter 11 with the nurse (Heather) at dialysis. She (in the white coat) just bought a copy of the book and sent me a review. I was blown away...

Another Second Chance - Page 98:

Three nurses stood in front of me, alternating between glances at me and then my numbers. They had something like a coy smirk. It was similar to that of an older sister who understands something her little brother doesn't.

Finally I couldn't take it anymore, and smiling I said, "What!?"

A Woman I later learned was named Heather said, "We are looking at your numbers and we are looking at you. We know that you are still going to work and getting around. By the look of these numbers, you should look a lot worse than you do and be in a bed somewhere."

I just smiled.

Stephanie immediately seized the opening to tell them about the journey we had experienced so far and how we continued to beat the odds-even with the disease's progression...


1-14-2012 - Heather wrote...

"I told you I would read your book in a day! I just got done with it. Awesome! It made me laugh, cry, think, and get inspired! Your writing was great. I loved the verses, as each one was so fitting for that chapter.

That alone was God inspired!

So, I had to let you know that today is the 2nd time your story has touched me personally. Let me explain...

I don't know if you and steph remember this or not, but when you were getting dialysis, I talked to you alot about how I was praying for you two.

Its a little scary to discuss God with my patients because there are so many rules in my line of work. We are never to push our personal beliefs off on to others of course, but also because of the setting there, we have to be careful we don't offend those around us who might be listening.

I felt like at times I was a little bolder than what was allowed, as I talked about how I was praying for a specific day for you to get a transplant and how I also felt an urgency about it.

Dialyzing you was a little nerve wracking! I needed strength and wisdom from God just to do it because you were so sick. I feel honored to have had an opportunity to have met you both, God coordinated me working those evening hours that summer, as I trained a new nurse. If I had worked the hours I usually work(3:30am-4pm) I never would have met you!

Anyway, Steph took the time one evening in the middle of your hard times with dialysis to find my home phone number. She called me and said I was an angel for praying and encouraging you guys. That meant so much to me and I will never forget it!

When you pray for those you don't know super well, it's a bit hard to know if its okay with them or not. I needed that encouragement to know I was doing the right thing and hadn't passed over my professional boundaries! In fact, I still use that call from her to encourage me to pray for others to this day!

Her voice was so sweet and sincere! Thank her for me.

So, today, I was so looking forward to reading your book. I have been in a bit of a spiritual rut lately. I know it and God knows it and He has been patiently waiting for me to get closer again.

I love how single verses can say so much. I used to look up verses every morning and send them to about 35 people on my phone each day. I stopped doing that and my bible reading suffered for it.

There was something so inspiring about the way those verses were woven into each part of your story. I'm feeling a renewed sense of strength tonight I haven't felt in awhile!

So, thank you for sharing this amazing God story! He is so good!! How does He do it?! God bless!"

-Heather


Who could have known that this was going on behind the scenes?? I know that I didn't!

But GOD did!!

I feel that I should write a verse that fits this story. Just for my "Angel" Heather...

1Corinthians 2:9 - "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

The walk continues...

Confirmation at the Book Store II ...God did it again!

1-8-2012 Confirmation at the Book Store II ...God did it again!

A week ago I wrote about an encounter with Phil Dinovo at the Holy Family Book Store. Well! God went and did it again!

Last week I cold called and spoke with a lady named Jane, from "The Bookshelf II". She's the owner of this new & used book store in Fostoria, OH. I called to ask if she would put "Another Second Chance" in her book store.

"Can you give me a little bit of information?" Jane asked.

"About me or the book?" I said laughing since I wasn't sure.

She laughed "Well, lets start with the book". I began to tell her about the book, myself, and why I wrote the book. How God had worked through the whole experience and that I would be doing an interview in a local publication.

"I would love to sell them here! Bring your books in and a flyer that sais "Another Second Chance Sold Here". I will post your flyers in the front window." She said. Jane informed me that "The Bookshelf II" would be open on Saturday and I could drop them off then.

When this Saturday (Jan. 7) rolled around, I found myself winding down Rt. 12 on a beautiful sunny morning. There was a parking spot rite in front of the store with my name all over it! I opened the passengers side door, grabbed my box of books, flyers for Jane, then walked into the store.

There were 2 ladies standing in the front of the store looking at me as I walked in with looks on their faces of "who are you and what do you want". I smiled and chuckled as I asked "Is Jane here?"

"No. She is in Pennsylvania and I am going to pick her up. That is why we are closing early today" The one lady answered nearest to the cash register. It became obvious to me at that point, she was in charge.

"Oh, I didn't know you were closing early today." I said, not being sure what to say from there.

"What did you need?" She asked. I began to explain who I was and that I had spoken with Jane earlier in the week.

She looked over at the other gal and said "Oh, he's that local author she spoke of." She looked back at me "Yeah she told me you might be coming." She told me to put the books on the counter. Then she went on about how busy her schedule was that day.

It appeared that she was the daughter of Jane (I never did catch her name). She told of her upcoming trip to Pennsylvania and all that she had to do to get ready.

She began to talk about her father and the fact that he was at dialysis. Her story went on about her father. He's around 75. She told of how the doctors had written him off, that he had only a certain amount of time to live. The doctors told the family that dialysis wouldn't help him much longer. Then they got a second opinion and took him to a different dialysis center. That was 3 years ago...

I just looked at her as I struggled to get my box of books open. I finally pulled the lid open as she continued. Her dad was at the Fremont Dialysis Center. The same place that I was at for my dialysis treatment. She went on about how great the staff was. She told of a lady that she deals with all the time that she just loves. She told of how her dad has a goal! He wants to see his granddaughter graduate from high school...

The granddaughter is in the 6th grade ...

She paused...

I just stood there looking at her in disbelief, knowing that God had done it again!

I turned to her, my face expressing my amazement, my voice was almost pleading "Do you have any idea what this book is about?..." I asked. She just stood there shaking her head no slowly with a strong look of compassion on her face. Waiting intensely for my reply.

"This is about a kidney transplant..." I said as we paused for just a moment. I could see the look on her face evolving to amazement. "This is a story about a God directed journey that led to a miraculous kidney transplant. My transplant! That saved not just my life, but my brother's too! We were saved by a stranger who stepped forward to give his kidney to someone he believed needed it. He was led by God! That's why it's called "God's Story".

"Oh, my." She said. "So I need to read this and I'm going to need a box of hankies?" she asked.

"I believe you will." I said.

She then reached across the counter, next to the cash register and grabbed a book off of an easel. Then said "Down goes Glenn Beck's book". Then grabbed my book, smiled at me and said "Up goes "Another Second Chance ...God's Story"

I was just beaming with excitement, shaking my head, as she went on about the new book.

As I got ready to leave, I looked back at her and said "You know that lady you told me about at the Fremont Dialysis Center that you just love?"

"Yeah?"

"That's my sister-in-law Debbie..

God used her in a mighty way during my journey. I wrote about it in the book."

I could tell by the look on her face that God had created another fan of his story. The one that is still being written through the lives of people just like YOU.

I walked out of the store into a beautiful January day, blessed.

Knowing that God had done it once again!

 The walk continues...

It just hit me... I really wrote a book.

It was Saturday morning on December 31st. New Years Eve! I was feeling a little lazy and trying to get enough ambition to drive around and deliver books to some of the book stores that were going to carry "Another Second Chance". The morning was creeping towards noon when the phone rang.

"Hi Troy, this is Cindy Auxter how are you?" she said with the sweetest voice.

I've known Cindi for a long time, but hadn't spoke with her for years. I was friends with her kids in the small town that we grew up in. (Lindsey, OH) My mind began to race, wondering why she was calling me. Cindi began to explain that her husband had just read an article in the LifeStyle monthly publication that is distributed along the north cost of Lake Erie.

"I didn't know that you had a kidney transplant! How are you doing now?" she asked.

"I'm doing great!" I said in a hurry. I was immediately more interested in where and how her husband got ahold of the January publication in December. I was suppose to have the books in the book stores before the publication came out. Here I was sitting in my lazy boy. For the next few minutes, we began to exchange questions and answers.

Then she asked "Troy, I was wondering if you had any extra books that I could sell here at my store "Thingamajigs?"

"Yes I do" I said with out hesitation. "How many would you like?"

"How about 24? I think I could sell quite a few. I have had 3 people come in this morning asking for them." She said.

"Really?!" I said in disbelief. Her store isn't even a book store and it's not listed in the article. Why would people come in asking for it? I wasn't going to continue questioning, what appeared to be a huge blessing, so I told her "I will be over in a little while".

I got off the phone, showered, and got dressed. Then started running through the house like a crazy man, getting ready! I was throwing books into boxes and boxes into my truck. I looked like someone evacuating for some kind of national emergency. When everything was loaded, I leaped into my truck and fled from my house!

I began to make my rounds to each store on my list. I arrived at Thingamajigs in a flash, carried a box of books in, and set them on the counter. Cindi was so excited for me as I pulled the books out of the box. I showed her the cover.

 "Wow! That must be quite a feeling to hold your own book?" she said as more compliment than question.

I had heard this question a number of times. Each time I heard this, I had a hard time replying to it. It isn't that I am not excited, because I am! It's just that I hadn't had "THAT MOMENT". The one that I have always heard about. You know, you open the box and it's like giving birth to your baby. You hold it for the first time. Your so proud, you want to cry. I hadn't had that...

 I worked so hard to produce this book. Then began a race of labor, campaigning through IndieGoGo to help pay for it. Then the books showed up and I was in a hurry to get them signed, delivered, and mailed to the Contributors of the campaign. Then began a search of book stores that would put them on their shelves. Now I am on a race to deliver them. While doing all this through the Christmas season.

There just hasn't been a moment to smell the roses...

Just as I was saying my goodbyes to Cindi, she said "Oh wait! I have that publication of LifeStyle! Let me give it to you!" So she ran back to get it and brought it back to me. "Here it is Troy. It's a great article!"

 "Thanks Cindi!" And off I went.

I threw the article in the passengers seat and began the half hour drive to J & R Gospel Gift Shop in Sandusky, OH where my next stop was. My mind was racing with all of the things I still needed to do. I glanced over at the stack of boxes, as I hit the last stop light exiting Fremont. I sat waiting patiently. It was as if God said "Son, take a breath."

So I did.

I pulled away and drove for a little while. Listening to nothing but the humming of the tires rolling along Rt. 6. I watched the harvested fields on my right and the marshes on the left . There was very little traffic, it felt like I was the only one on the road. I glanced over and the article caught my eye. I picked it up and began to gaze at it. I had written this 3 weeks ago, but that was the last time I had seen it. It looked different in an actual publication.

I just stared at the bold red heading "Local Author Troy Lewis Book Release and Signing" I started to read the article. One paragraph at a time. Then I made it to the part that said "Miracles still happen and there is always "Another Second Chance". Troy Lewis will be having a book signing at Davinci's Gallery & Coffee House (115 S. Front St., Fremont, OH) on Saturday, January 14th from 10:00am-2:00pm.

I glanced back to the books for a moment, then back to the bold red print at the top of the article.. I just stared at it. 

My eyes began to well up. It was happening. That feeling.

It came over me. Much like winning the championship game, when you didn't stand a chance.

A joy, like that of my daughters being born. A pride, like that of my Father in Heaven telling me "Son, I'm proud of you."

My emotions got the best of me as I cried out "I did it. I really did it. Thank you Lord Jesus." 
God had chose that moment to allow me to realize this feeling of victory. When it was just Him and I. On the last day of 2011.

Thats when it hit me... I really wrote a book.

Praise God that I didn't quit!
The walk continues...