As promised, here is part 2 of my announcement! (See here for part 1.) Thanks to all of you for being so supportive and encouraging—I am so thankful for each one of you.
So, I’m writing a book. (I need to keep saying that in the hope that I’ll start believing it. . . .)
Ready?
It’s a memoir called Was Blind Dating, but Now I See.
Here’s the premise: Eight setups. Eight awkward dates. Eight things God tried to teach me along the way. (A few of which I learned in a messy, roundabout sort of way, and some of which I’m still trying to figure out.)
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As my twenties slipped by, with the formidable 3-0 lurking around the corner, life didn’t look quite the way I’d imagined. I had a career, my own home, a queen-size bed, and bridesmaid dresses of every hue jammed into my closet. But notably absent was a wedding ring on my left hand . . . and the man to accompany it.
Although I’d never been one with visions of frothy wedding gowns and sparkly tiaras, I did figure I’d get married and have a family one day. But “one day” was starting to breathe down my neck, with no suitable suitors in sight.
In the decade after college, as my friends jumped into relationships, got married, and moved on with their lives, I couldn’t help but wonder if God had missed me somehow when he was dishing out the marriage and family blessings. Why would he be so quiet about something that was so close to my heart? And so I started praying in earnest for God to bring the right man into my life.
Instead, he brought me matchmakers. Eight of them, to be precise.
Thus began a five-year journey of blind dating mishaps, misadventures, and heartaches, in which I encountered the likes of the Professor, the Linebacker, Uber-Fundamentalist Boy, and Mr. Paper-Perfect. But along the way, a funny thing happened. While I was looking so hard for one thing, God snuck up on me and showed me things I hadn’t even been looking for—things like hope and community and gratitude and joy.
And perhaps most surprising of all, he revealed to me his grace. Grace so amazing that it left me lovestruck.
***
And there you have it—the short version! The book is scheduled to come out in February 2016 (think Valentine’s Day). Thanks for coming along with me on this adventure!
Your turn: Have you ever experienced God’s grace in a totally unexpected way or in a unique way during a certain season of your life? I’d love to hear about it.
sounds fabulous! will look forward to it 🙂
Thanks, Amy!
Oh I will so look forward to reading your book. Having been down a similar path.
Diane, I’d love to hear your stories too!
Sounds interesting. I LOVE memoirs and biographies.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Wow, awesome news! I am so excited to read your book! You have great talent as a writer, and I’m so happy the world will get to know your author’s voice soon. 🙂 Congrats!
Thanks, Brittany!
To say that I’m SO proud is a HUGE understatement. I’m get so giddy inside thinking about this and how excited I am for you!!! Thanks so much for allowing me the honor of being a part of this journey!
Thanks for creating a pretty space for my words, Sarah! You were a huge part of all this coming together.
I cannot wait to read this book. I’m not even going to ask about any of the dates because I don’t want to spoil it.
There’s a great story about that last blind date… 🙂
Knowing your husband, Daniel, I would say that you have learned your lessons and received an amazing blessing- Prince Charming materialized.
Absolutely, Nadia! He was so worth the wait.
Aw Stephanie, I LOVE how you wrote this–and can’t wait to read the longer version!
So to answer your gracious question above, I sure have. And am standing (and kneeling) in the middle of it right now. Was so blessed by Declare–met you AND snagged an agent. ; ) Gonna hold you to that coffee one day! 🙂
Hi Christie! It was great to meet you at Declare too! So thankful to hear that you are in the middle of a grace season yourself.
That sounds like a great read, and perfect launch time for a book with that content. 😉 Although I wasn’t single as long as you, I still felt there was mountains in the way of me meeting and marrying a guy (I was a shy, ultra-conservative who lived in the boondocks lol). But God moved every one of them. It’s always good for the soul to hear stories of God’s provision and His perfect timing.
Thanks for stopping by, Trina! I’d love to hear more of your stories too. Amen to God’s perfect timing.