If you had asked my ten year old self what I wanted to do when I grew up, these would have been some of the things I would have told you:
I want to be a mama.
I want to have Jane Pauley’s job on the Today show (with better hair).
I want to write a book.
As much as my strange little self loved to sit criss-cross applesauce on our family room floor to watch morning news shows, what I most enjoyed was writing. If my sisters weren’t around to play Barbies or I got tired of the swingset, I would grab my pink journal with the teddy bear on the cover, curl up under my Holly Hobbie covers or an oak tree, and write poems, short stories, and prayers. For me, writing wasn’t just the way I processed all the Big Things of elementary school and life, it was just plain fun.
When I was a little older, I had a poem published in a newspaper column that ran in the big city paper, the Tulsa World, called (I think) “Pennywhistle Press.” Here is a taste of that award-winning piece of art:
Sunshine and Rain
“Drops of rain falling in the sunshine,
They gleam and glitter, oh how they shine.
Falling atop the rays of light,
They sparkle bright with all their might.
Down, down they go without a sound.
Puddles of mirrors they make on the ground.”
Kristen O’Neill, age 11 (ish)
My writing talent was evident early on, obviously.
Now as a big girl of 39, I’ve signed a contract with Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group) to write a nonfiction book due to release in 2015. It’s exciting – in a terrifying kind of way.
True to my stoic nature, I handled the news like the cool professional I am.
Maybe not.
But I think the 10-year-old me would approve.
The jump-up-and-down phase has since worn off, and a whole lotta fear tries to bully into its place. I have bipolar moods where I fall to my knees and thank God for remembering the dreams of a little girl and then turn around and fall on my knees to question His wisdom in trusting me with this in the first place. But even in the fringe hours when the fears most hover, I remember that God wouldn’t have brought me this far without seeing me through to the end.
I know my business is obedience, not results.
I know my business is listening to truth, not lies wearing masks of fear.
And I know His business is turning my loose ribbons of ramshackle ability into something usable.
“God is looking for broken men who have judged themselves in the light of the cross of Christ. When He wants anything done, He takes up men who have come to the end of themselves, whose confidence is not in themselves, but in God.”
~ H.A. Ironside
No matter what my hands are working on or cleaning up or scrubbing down, it is fresh air to remember none of this is about me and how capable I feel in the moment.
I’ll tell you more about the book in good time, but for now I crave your prayers as I press ahead toward my manuscript deadline of this fall. The words have been tumbling out at a decent pace as I make the most of these last days before summer break. But I like to play in the summertime and with kids at home, I’ll need twice the focus.
If you would like to read more about the road I’ve traveled in all this, feel free to let me know in the comments and I’ll work up a post or two. It hasn’t been an easy yes journey, but it’s one I wouldn’t change.
So there you have my little announcement. Thanks for being a safe place for this wobbly-kneed girl to share. I couldn’t love you more.
{And in case you’ve never heard of Jane Pauley, here she is in all her ’80’s glory. The Today Show forever!}
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Oh this is exciting news! I can’t wait to hear more about the process and the book. God going to use your words in a mighty way!
Thank you for that, Kristin. You’re such a gift. xo
WOO to the HOO, mama!! I can not wait to read your sweet words in this book. Big big big hugs & a huge cheer for you today!
Thank you so much, Crystal. I’ll take your hug and give you another in return. xo
I couldn’t love you more.
I pray on.
xoxo
That’s the best thing you can do for me, Ann. I love you so much. xo
i am so happy and excited for you! can not wait to read!!
Thank you for your enthusiasm, Jennifer. It means so much. xo
You are an amazing woman and mama, I know that you will do a great job with this book, you are such a beautiful writer. We love you all and always are in our prayers. What a great journey to be on even if the valleys are low and the mountains are high, he will walk with you every step of the way. Love to you and the whole family.
Tricia, your comment means the world. I respect you so much, and any encouragement from you makes my heart grow as wide as saucers. Love you!
I am so happy for you!! I love your writing and can’t wait to pre-order your book. And yes’m I would love to hear about this journey.
Mary, I just adore you. Thank you *so* much for your enthusiasm and encouragement! xo
I’ve been waiting for this, sensing it in my bones!! Your heart is brave and bold, Kristen, and you have so much to share by the way you’ve lived and loved. This is such happy news, and I’m celebrating with you in heart. Congratulations!!
Also? YOU DID #TheRobin!! (ummm, the name one of my friends gave to jumping when we’re happy)
Love you, friend.
I was so going to call out #TheRobin in this post!!! I am so incredibly thrilled for you friend. tossing confetti and jumping up and down with you. I’d put on my boots, too, but it’s supposed to be near 90 here today. 🙂 Congratulations!!!
#TheRobin forever! 😉 Nobody pulls it off like you, girl, but I have a good time trying. (grin)
Thank you so much for your kind words, friend. You are a true-blue friend, and I couldn’t love you more. xo
YAY!! What exciting news. I can’t wait to read. You will be in my prayers. {Hugs}
This is exciting!! It’s also perfect that you have the new office set-up! Will be praying for you over the coming months.
Thank you, Laura. I need those prayers somethin’ fierce.
So much love to you…
I am SOOOOOOOO proud of you and happy for you! Jumping up and down with you!!!
Oh my word you are THE cutest thing ever! Cheering those pages on, every single beautiful word, love seeing this birthed from you and that gorgeous family. Love how they love on you and your dreams. Can’t wait to read it!
You forgot to post the photo of the herky? Because I’m sure there must have been one. 😉 So happy for you, sweet friend!
I have taken my virtual pompoms from my virtual pockets and am cheering wildly for you! And for all of us, who will someday soon get to hold your words in our hands. In an actual BOOK.
This is happening. I am thrilled. THRILLED!!
So happy for you!!!!! Excited to learn more as you can share and will be praying for the words to come heavy!
“praying for the words to come heavy” ~ love that, Ashley. Thank you.
Wildly jumping up and down with you, girl. Congratulations!!!!!!
yipppppeeeeeee!!! I am so excited for you!!! oh man girl, this is so fun. huge congratulations to you. xx
WOOHOO!!! Best news! Congrats and many prayers for you as you walk forward and write on in obedience!
Clearly the fly-over was for you yesterday, my friend!! Woohoo! I couldn’t be happier for you! And, I loved dear Jane, too. Such good memories (and hair). Love you. xo
Congratulations! I have been blessed by your writing, even in the short time that I’ve been reading this space. Can’t wait to read your book, and hear more about your journey in getting to this point. May God guide your words as you write, and may He use it to bless others and glorify Himself!
Thank you so much for telling me this, Lauren. Your prayer is exactly what I want and need, and your words give me courage! Much love. xo
So crazy excited for you. Baker is amazing to work with {I have loved my journey with them} and you and Jesus are going to rock this! Praying!
Ever since Holley introduced us and and said I would like you, I have been cheering for you! I am so glad the world will get to read your encouragement in this book!! I will pray for time and words and His message of grace to shine through! ♥
Kristen I am so so SO excited for you. <3
Awesome……yes please share how you got to where you are…..I am SOOO interested !
Kristen, such good news! For sure I’ll pray. I get this “place.” I really do. Love the poem. This 46 year old dreamer starts grad school in August.
Love from Kelly in Canada, like there is only one 🙂
Hooray for dreamers and grad school! Bravo to you, Kelly in Canada! xo
Congratulations Kristen! I’m so excited for you. I’ll be praying for you too. BTW, I love your boots and your apparent “calmness” 🙂 You have every right to be excited though. Can’t wait to hear more……
I’ve just started reviewing books for Revell. Will be fantastic if I get to review yours next year. Congratulations!
I’d love for you to do that, Sarah!
I really enjoyed your poem! How beautiful is that you decided to share with us your beautiful words 🙂 You are a talented writer my sister. I pray for you.
That is so exciting!!! Congrats!!!
How fun! I love the photos with your family – all so obviously in loving support of and thrilling excitement with you. Reminds me of the photos my mother insisted on for big events – driver’s license, marriage license, etc. What a big event for you!! Blessings!
Congrats on this super exciting news! Can’t wait to hear about your book and I hope the writing and finishing come together beautifully for you.
Robin,
I’m jumping up and down with you! Congratulations on getting the book deal! Prayers for your summer writing time! It’s gonna be hard with little ones wanting to play. Thankfully your hubby is home to help you some!
Big hearty YAHHHOOOO!
This is such wonderful news, Kristen! You inspire and encourage me. I’d love to know more about your journey. Blessings to you and your household!
I am so happy for you!!! And very excited to read more about this journey and your words. I love that you jumped up and down – may everyone be so enthusiastic when something their heart wants is placed! Prayers for you and a huge hug!
Thank you, Joy. I so appreciate your enthusiasm and encouragement! xo
So, so, so happy for you!! Now we’re (in)sisters and Revell family too! Happy dancing in my heart for you!
Praying and looking forward to hearing about your journey! I appreciate your words.
Fabulous! Good for you. Congrats and God Bless you in your efforts!
Monica
Soooo HAPPY for you! You have a special, tender heart and a true gift! Can’t wait to see and hear more about your book!
How exciting Kristen! I am so happy for you. Your words have made me smile, laugh, cry and strengthened my faith. Look forward to hearing more about your book. Yes, do keep us posted about it. Showering you with confidence and covering you with prayers!
Maria, you bless me beyond belief. Thank you so, so much. xoxo
Such wonderful exciting news! Congratulations I can’t wait to hear more about it