'Lynne', Annie commented as she sipped her cup of tea! 'Why don't you write a book about your families All-in Nights because so many young parents want to know how it works'. After my friend left with her new baby, I laughed it off thinking how ridiculous it all was, me writing a book!
'God, You know I can't', I whispered, 'I'm dyslexic, we have 5 teenagers who need me and we have our own business. We're heavily involved in Ministry at church and I don't want to give any of that up, God, I just can't do any more'.
Twelve months went by and I had tried to push the idea of writing a book, into the back of my mind even though it kept coming up. I was attending a Women's Conference at Hillsong Church when
one of the speakers said something which hit me like a lightning bolt. 'When God asks you to do something and you don't do it, He will then go onto the next person and ask them'!
I sat there quietly and prayed, Lord, if you want me to share my experiences of All-in Night with other parents by writing this book, well You are going to have to guide me every step of the way!
I came home and began to put pen to paper and even though it took me 5 years to write and get my book published, God has kept His promise to guide me at every turn. He has taken me on a journey I could never have imagined. It really has defied logic that this book ever succeeded but when God is in charge, He makes things happen.
I've met many incredible people who are also on their writing journey and I'm now speaking to different school and women's groups about All-in Night and just loving it. If God is whispering something to you, listen carefully as He might just take you on the ride of your life!
**********
'God, You know I can't', I whispered, 'I'm dyslexic, we have 5 teenagers who need me and we have our own business. We're heavily involved in Ministry at church and I don't want to give any of that up, God, I just can't do any more'.
Twelve months went by and I had tried to push the idea of writing a book, into the back of my mind even though it kept coming up. I was attending a Women's Conference at Hillsong Church when
one of the speakers said something which hit me like a lightning bolt. 'When God asks you to do something and you don't do it, He will then go onto the next person and ask them'!
I sat there quietly and prayed, Lord, if you want me to share my experiences of All-in Night with other parents by writing this book, well You are going to have to guide me every step of the way!
I came home and began to put pen to paper and even though it took me 5 years to write and get my book published, God has kept His promise to guide me at every turn. He has taken me on a journey I could never have imagined. It really has defied logic that this book ever succeeded but when God is in charge, He makes things happen.
I've met many incredible people who are also on their writing journey and I'm now speaking to different school and women's groups about All-in Night and just loving it. If God is whispering something to you, listen carefully as He might just take you on the ride of your life!
**********
Lynne Burgess has raised five, now grown, children, along with her husband Chris. She successfully implemented her 'All-In Night' for over 16 years using many simple yet productive activities that included all the family. She now shares these ideas at speaking events and through her book.
How true! There have been times in my own life where I haven't acted, only to find someone else does that very thing.:)
ReplyDeleteYour book sounds like it's a blessing to many families struggling to stay grounded and together.
Congratulations!
Such a wonderful idea of a way to keep family togetherness, Lynne. I think that's desperately needed today. Anything that bridges the "generation gap" is a big plus. And isn't it wonderful the way God never lets up on us whenever we hesitate to do whatever He asks? There are so many examples from the Bible where this happens. Our human nature doubts, but the Lord says "Yes, you can...by My Spirit!"
ReplyDeleteGod whispers are great. You're living proof that when we're faithful to them, He will be faithful to us.
ReplyDeleteThat is very encouraging, Lynne, and reminds me to listen to the 'still, small voice' and trust that God knows what He can do through us better than we do.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story Lynne. That was a great read. So glad you have been on the ride of your life with writing the book and afterwards! God never does anything in small measures, does He?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip about God whispers. 'Listening to God' better is something I try to cultivate all the time and am far from where I should be. So thank you for that timely reminder.
Blessings,
Anusha
Hi Lynne, I've purchased your book and really like the idea - Thanks for following through on the project even if it did take a long time.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to giving the idea a try with my own children in the near future.
Penny.
Hi Lynne,
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to meet you in Brisbane, you sound like such an amazing, real and godly woman. God is very persistent when he wants something, I too have heard his persistent and patient whispers. I am so thankful for them.
In fellowship
Nicole
Hi Lynne,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post :) You're a treasure, and God has chosen to share your wisdom with many families through your book. Congratulations on its success and thank you for listening and obeying the whisper of God.
Blessings
Dotti :)
Hi Lynne,
ReplyDeleteYour book sounds fantastic.
Jennifer Ann
Hi Lynne, I'm glad you obeyed God's calling. This is a fantastic book for family members who want to connect at a deeper level. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your encouragement!
ReplyDeleteAfter writing my book, I think learning how to write this Blog was the next hardest thing for me to do.
I would love to thank my fellow writers Lee and Dotti for their consistent help and support!
I have learnt in life that you never, never give up and with God walking beside us, we can then move forward with a positive attitude! :)
Hi Lynne. So glad you listened and obeyed that voice! It's so true, if you don't take up His call, He'll pass it on to someone else. Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteLynne. How wonderful that god has directed you to share your creative ideas with the world. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteLynne, your blog was a wonderfully confirming end to my day. I re-discovered only this morning how God can work when we obey that still small voice. Hearing your experience of having listened to that call in your life has been yet another gift of the day.
ReplyDeleteAll-In Night is a book I need to read. Busy schedules and outside commitments seem to put a strain on the time we spend with each other. There’s great value in a reminder on the importance of family togetherness.
I'm glad you obeyed! Families need all the encouragement they can get these days! Wonder when the next book will be ready? :)
ReplyDeletePS: Love the book cover! Very inviting...
ReplyDeleteRose Im so glad my blog was a confirming end to your day! :)
ReplyDeleteMargaret, my next book will be
'All-in Night for Christian families'
Im so glad you like my book cover, I have been told by someone that I should have a
'non traditional family' on the front cover! I guess you cant please everyone.
My website has different families on it, as All-in Night can work no matter what your family structure looks like. :)
Thanks for your comments everyone!
Congratulations for having the courage to put pen to paper. Your book is wonderful. Xx
ReplyDeleteLynne, thanks for sharing the inspiration behind your book - it sounds like a wonderful resource for families :)
ReplyDelete