MY BLOG POSTS

Jesus was a Servant.

I have heard that. I know that. Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, he hung out with the lowest of the low, healed those other peple wouldn’t even come near. But sometimes, when you grow up in church, it’s easy to just “know” stuff and not “get” it.

But this week, as I was studying the book of Mark, I felt like I was slowly beginning to “get” it. Jesus was a Servant. Jesus – who was the Son of God, the King of Kings – God with us – this Jesus served others. And when his disciples crowded around him and begged to have the best seats in heaven, he looked at them and told them to get over themselves. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45).

It’s hard to be a servant, to look for ways I can help others instead of thinking of all the ways others can help me. Being self-centered is just SO much easier. But a life where Krista McGee is the center of the universe isn’t a life that God called me to. And because of that, it isn’t a life that will bring joy. I have certainly learned that. Being “me-centered” just makes me cranky.

So in choosing a life that is full, a life of joy, an abundant life, I must choose to serve. To follow the example Christ gave.

Until a few years ago, I never really thought about how a book goes from someone’s head to a bookstore. I’ve always loved books and bookstores. A lot. In fact, if there were “frequent reader miles” like airlines have “frequent flyer miles,” I would never have to buy a book again. But the journey those books take? Never really cared.

Until it was my book making that journey. Suddenly, I wanted to know everything.

What I learned was that the author is just one-third of the equation. Once you have a book written, you need a publisher. And to get a publisher, you need an agent. Unless you self-publish. But that takes a lot of work. And a lot of money. And a lot of business savvy. I am 0 for 3 there, so I knew I’d need to go the traditional route.

So the first thing I did was send “queries” out to agents. There are several websites that have templates for query letters and proposals. I used those and put together a “snapshot” of my book. That snapshot went out to several agents. One was interested. But that one was – and is – fantastic. I am so grateful DC Jacobson and Associates took a chance on me! The process of finding and signing with an agent took about six months.

My agent (and some friends) helped me put together a very professional proposal that would go out to several publishers. One was interested. That one is amazing…

The team at Thomas Nelson took my book and went to work. The editorial team read it, re-read it and gave me lots of suggestions for how I could make it better. Then they read and re-read it again to catch errors. Then the marketing team went to work. They created that fabulous cover, and they created a “brand” for me as a writer. They put the book on different websites and gave me tips for setting this website up. Then they got it out to lots of people to read and preview and see. Finally, the sales team took all that the editorial and marketing team did with the book and they hit the streets, pitching the books to booksellers across the country, and doing so  much more than I will probably ever know. It took over a year from the time I signed with Thomas Nelson until the book was published.

I was just up at the Thomas Nelson headquarters yesterday, discussing ideas for a new series (more on that later :)), and I was reminded just how incredible this team is and how very blessed I am to be able to work with them.

Becoming a published writer is a long journey. But it is exciting. If this is something you’re interested in, the best advice I can give is to PRAY. Pray for the right story, the right agent, the right publisher, and the right timing.

Over the last few weeks, I have sat through at least four lessons entirely devoted to prayer.

Coincidence? I don’t think so.

I get busy. Really busy.  And what suffers? My commitment to watch “Once Upon a Time”? To catch up on my friends’ lives on Facebook? To (finally) read The Hunger Games? Nope. What suffers is my prayer life.

Ridiculous, I know. And that is why God sends these reminders. Because prayer is that important.

So here are some reminders for myself about prayer. What I’ve learned in the distant and recent past, what I need to remember. Because prayer is more important than Snow White and Prince Charming. More important than the raging Timeline debate. Even more important than Katniss clinging to a golden cornucopia while trying to fend off wolves.

• Prayer should be more about God than about me – praising Him, worshipping Him, listening to Him
• I need to devote a specific time to prayer – mornings are best for me – where I get on my knees and focus only on communicating with my Creator.
• I can also pray throughout the day. Paul says to “Pray without ceasing.”
• When I tell people I am going to pray for them, I need to do it. Right then.
• I need to seek forgiveness daily. Sometimes hourly.
• My Bible study times shouldn’t be separate from my prayer times. I should stop as I study and meditate on what I am learning, asking God for wisdom, praising him for what h is teaching me.
• I need to pray specifically. No blanket “God bless _________” prayers.
• I need to examine my heart. Am I praying “Thy will be done” or am I praying “Krista’s will be done”?
• I need to remember that with God, I can be completely honest. He knows what I’m thinking anyway.
• I should put feet to my prayers: If I know someone is sick or hurting or struggling, I should pray for them and then I should help them.
• I should be liberal with my thanks. God showers me with grace and mercy every day.  Am I recognizing that? Or am I just asking for more, more, more?
• I shouldn’t let a day go by without having a meaningful conversation with God.

I know there’s more. But that’s what has come to mind right now. What about you? What has God taught you about prayer? (bullet points are optional :))

It is officially Spring Break in the McGee household! And since I have a big smile on my face, I wanted the same for you. So here’s one of  my favorite Tim Hawkins’ sketches. “A hedge of protection??” Makes me laugh every time.