Over the past year, as the Lord has renewed my strength and my life, many people have suggested that I write a book about my journey through cancer.  When I began writing on this God-given website nearly two years ago, I had no idea that my messages would become not only a ministry for others, but to me as well.  Where I sought to inspire others, I became inspired.  When I sought to share the blessings in my life, others began to share their own blessings with me.  In the process of teaching, I became the student.  Day by day, during this process, I began to realize that I truly enjoy writing!

But write a book ---Me? 

 The enemy’s lies began to bombard my mind. ”Oh everyone’s heard this story before.  And who’s going to believe you?  Just what eternal value will this have for His Kingdom?  Bla-bla-bla.”  The problem was that I believed those lies and put off what truly had become a desire and a passion --- to write!  And write for a real purpose, so that others may know they have a choice when they or a loved one comes face-to-face with cancer --- a choice!

 So, I did what was easy and kept writing these “blogs”. I have truly enjoyed writing them because they are a part of my life.  In them are things with which we all can relate.  In a way they are Everyman’s story.  But I continued to procrastinate against what seemed to be the impossible, writing and publishing a book.

 Below is an message I received from a man I have never met, yet through emails over the past few months he has become my friend and brother. Through God’s divine providence, he has offered to help me accomplish my goal. He lives in Texas, and has been a writer most of his life. He has the experience and the connections one needs to produce “A Book”.  Here is what he recently wrote to me:

 Dear Patty,

          We all know the modern-speak phrase of 'multi-tasking'.  We get swallowed up in the belief that we, too, must be multi-taskers as a means to achieving our desired goals.  It may be hard at first, but you’re going to have to give up some things in order to accomplish others. 

          If you are going to write a book, a meaningful, honest-from-the-soul book about what God has done for you, it will take sacrifice on your part.  The wonderful thing you might not be able to see just yet is the wonderful reward  --- the book will last.
It will be read by those whom you've never met, and they will pass it on to others whom you've never imagined, and those will pass it on to others.  A book has a life of its own.  A book is truly the gift that keeps on giving, to person after person, going to places unimaginable --- and doing things in people's hearts you will never even know this side of heaven.  Look at your own bookshelf!  Look at the inspiration you've drawn from the words written by people now long gone from this world, words which even today still inspire courage, grace, devotion and consolation in your life.

          Yes, your daily blogs are important.  But they are consumed all to briefly on the internet. They inspire, they touch, they move people's hearts, but then they vanish.  Doubtlessly there are those people who turn back the pages of your blogs for inspiration from one of your messages which especially touched them.  But it is human nature to reach for a printed volume, a book in which the reader has underlined passages of inspiration and comfort they found in times of need.

           We are allotted X number of days in life.  God alone knows the number of those days.  I share your same experience in receiving replies from many of the things I've written on the internet, poignant, heart-rending replies.  My messages --- your messages--- were and are important.  But we are passing out mere cups of water when we could be digging the well.  You can't devote your hands and your back and your heart to digging that well, when you are passing out cups of water.

 
             Those people suffering in cancer wards across the country this very moment will likely never read your blogs.  Those families sitting in waiting rooms, despairing, mourning, defeated, will likely never read your blogs.   But there will be books in clinics and by the bedsides of those in pain, in those moments of desperation, provided by Christian comforters, promoters of God's healing power, advocates of God's salvation --- and those books will give the victims and their families strength and hope, and point out the glorious road to salvation!  THAT'S WHERE YOUR STORY BELONGS --- in places where you're likely to never know.  Cast your bread upon the waters!  Have faith that God will put your story into the hands of those who need to hear it most!

            Sit down.  Write a temporary farewell to your blog followers, with an explanation of what your absence means both to you and, perhaps, to them --- but what it will mean to others by devoting your precious time to the hundreds, maybe thousands of others "to whom you “just might be the only Bible they ever read".  Have faith that God will use your story to reach so many more who need your words.

             Then, take a sabbatical from the blog and let's get your book written.  God will make a way!  I will be beside you every step.  I will not neglect to insist that you commit yourself to your story.

            I will also add this little note.  I believe in you.  I KNOW the miracle Christ has performed in your life.  I have devoted much time in advising you in an editorial sense, and I am not a quitter.  All the years of writing experience I have, all the knowledge I have about the publication world, is free, without strings, without obligations or expectations.   I ask not one thing in return.  Nothing.  I just want to see that book in the hands of someone who needs it.

 
             Oh, I'll get paid big royalties, first in the sheer pleasure of helping you because I care that your story will be told.  The payday will come on the Great Day of Judgment.  I'll be proud to stand behind you and say, "It was her story, Lord.  I was just a helper."
            

Trust in the Lord to guide you along the right path.  He will!
David…

 Upon reading this email, my heart strings once again were tugged upon, and my decision was made. I will write this book.  I will tell my story, and I started today. I spent the morning writing the first 500 words, per my editor’s request.  The sad part of this decision is that in order to see this project to the end, I will have to stop writing daily on this site.  I will, however, post a weekly note so that we will not be out of touch and you can follow my progress as I begin my walk on this new road.  I will also give you the information through which you may contact me at any time, and if you would like your name and contact information to be on our mailing address for future correspondence, then please feel free to send it on.I thank those of you who have walked with me thus far and offered your prayerful support and encouragement. I do not take encouragements lightly, but accept them as a gift dropped down from the Lord of heaven itself. I will keep you in my prayers, and I covet yours as well as I embark over uncharted waters!

 Because of Jesus,

Patricia Layton (Pat~Patty)

Please contact me at:

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10553 Big Canoe

 Big Canoe, Georgia

30143

770-893-7300