By Sandra Kay Chambers @PrayWaves

I’m sure all writers can say “Amen” to that slogan—over and over again! And then when you finally get that contract and shout “Amen, Amen,” you think your work is basically over. Well, think again. The publisher is not done messing with you and God is not done messing with you!

In 2022, I received a contract from Ambassador International for my kid’s devotional, Fingerprint Devotions: 40 To Help You Realize You Are a Kid Uniquely Created by God for a Purpose (ages 8-12)

I was so excited to sign on the dotted line. . . . . . . . . .

Until . . .  I was required to do a bibliography and Notes. (College was a long time ago and so was my memory when it came to that). I realized I had not kept sufficient notes for all my fingerprint facts and spent three months re-researching and learning how to write a bibliography and Notes again. Whew. Now that they are done and turned in to the publisher, I’m ready to get going on this book! . . . . . . Six long months later, I’m finally assigned my personal editor. (And he was a great editor!). Several months and edits later, the final edit is submitted to the main editor. Yeah, done! Hold on—she has some corrections—back to my editor—back to me. Repeat this process three more times. Six months after being assigned my editor, the editing is finally done! It’s been one year into the process. Then comes the cover design (issues there) interior design, marketing (will my book ever be ready!) Launch team—book launch! Marketing, marketing, marketing!

Even though I learned so much on the practical side of writing the book, I learned even more spiritually. God used writing and publishing this book to challenge me in more ways than one.

Doubt vs Trust: “God did you really give me this idea and assignment to write this devotional for kids? Do I really have what it takes to pull this off?” (Prov.3:5-6)

 Perseverance vs. Throwing in the Towel—“Lord, I need perseverance and help to push through all these obstacles. Please help me to rely on you and not on myself to do this.” (Eph. 3:20-21)

 Endurance vs. I Don’t Want to Be a Writer Anymore. Do I really want to put myself through this ever again? “I’m tired God. Help me to remember that trials are part of your maturing process. You promised to walk through every trail with me.” (Gal. 6:9)

 Fruit of the Spirit vs. Fleshly Reactions—“Lord, in this devotional I’m teaching these kids how to grow the fruit of the Spirit in their lives and I fail daily—I’m impatient and unkind—I feel like a hypocrite! Help me grow the Fruit of the Spirit in my life.”

(Col. 3:12)

Patience vs. Impatience—“Lord, why don’t the editors and media team every answer my e-mails? Grrrrrr. I really need your patience and believe you have everything under control.”(Prov. 14:29)

Humility vs. Pride—I can’t wait to enter my book in contests. Awards will validate me as a good writer! “Lord, purify my motives for writing this book. Help me focus on your purpose to reach kids with the gospel and your love.” (Col. 3:23-24)

 Trusting God’s Plan vs. Taking Offense—I was on their launch, why didn’t they sign up for mine! “Lord, forgive me for taking offense. You know exactly who you want on my launch team. I will trust you.” (James 1:19-20)

It’s here—my launch team begins today!

What? I have COVID. Perfect timing Lord. Why?

Ok, I’ll just rest and trust you AGAIN! I guess the things I thought had to be done NOW don’t really have to be done now. The world will not stop. Your love will not stop. Your purposes will never be thwarted. Thank you God for always being by my side, no matter what. (Rom. 8:28)

With a personal goal to “Pray Often! Inspire Others! Create Beauty!” Sandra pens articles, blogs and books to encourage children and adults in their personal walk with God. She has a passion to help kids understand how uniquely created and loved by God they are and to help them discover their God-given purpose in life.

Sandra is the author of a brand new devotional for kids: Fingerprint Devotions: 40 Devotions to Help You Realize You Are a Kid Uniquely Created by God for a Purpose (ages 8-12) Ambassador International Publishers, Nov. 7, 2023. (Amazon link: https://amzn.to/p3Pz4I6y)

She is partnering with 7Homes—a NC-based Christian foster/adoption agency to donate books for their “care bags” for foster kids, for Christmas gifts and gifts for their camps. Consider purchasing a copy ($11.99) for your child or grandchild and buy an extra one to donate, mailed directly from Amazon. (Link to purchase book for 7Homes (https://rb.gy/uvsry)

Sandra is also the author of a small group/personal study on prayer: Lord, It’s Boring in My Prayer Closet: How to Revitalize Your Prayer Life. She is a contributing author to two book compilations: Pray a Word a Day (Guidepost) and Abba’s Lessons (CrossRiver Media).

She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI); Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA); Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers (BRMCWC); and Serious Writers Club.

Sandra lives in coastal North Carolina and enjoys spending time with her husband, their daughter, son-in-law and their grand-French bulldog puppy. When not writing, she enjoys traveling, photography, walking on the beach and curling up with a good mystery or historical fiction book. (Find out more about Sandra on her author website: https://sandrakaychanbers.com)