Today, I’m joining the “Everything but the Kitchen Sink Blog Tour”. . .click the airplane graphic above to see a list of other bloggers on the tour.
I have discovered that attending writers’ conferences throws you onto a unique roller coaster. You pack your hopes and dreams and writing samples. There are moments you know exactly what God wants you to do, and you realize you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. Unfortunately, those other moments happen when you feel like a complete fraud— ready to pack your bags and quit writing altogether. All these emotions over the course of 5 days!
My first year at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference (in 2009), I was one of those “deer-in-the-headlights” first time attendees. Mary DeMuth was my Writer’s Boot Camp teacher. It was a divine appointment. I walked into that first conference thinking I knew a lot about writing and was a pretty good writer. Ha! I quickly learned how much I needed to learn. I still use so many of the notes I took during Mary’s class.
I’ll never forget the last morning at that first conference. In our little boot camp classroom with 40 or so people, Mary played a worship song. Actually, every time it comes on the radio, I think of her. She unabashedly led us in praise to the song, From the Inside Out.
It was obvious to me that Jesus was her everything.
Mary DeMuth has now written a book called Everything. As I read through the book, I felt like Mary was leading me in an act of worship. Pointing me to Jesus once again.
This book inspired me.
It challenged my view of God.
It allowed me to let go of some warped beliefs.
Here’s the book review that I posted on Amazon:
As a longtime follower of Jesus, I was challenged and inspired by Mary DeMuth’s book, Everything. Having grown up in church, I often find myself getting complacent about the familiar messages of Christianity. This book rejuvenated my faith and challenged me to see the Gospel in a renewed light. DeMuth’s words deepened my understanding and view of God while allowing me to let go of some warped beliefs about community, failure, and self-sufficiency. If you need an infusion of energy into your spiritual life, grab this book!
And here’s the book trailer (that I love and keep watching):
You know that recommendations from me on this blog are fairly rare, but I highly recommend that you read this book!
P.S. If you’re a fan of fiction (like me), check out some of Mary’s fiction books as well. I got absolutely hooked on her Defiance series (hooked to the point of staying up all night to finish reading one of them!)
Content Copyright 2012. Allison K. Flexer @ Anointed With Grace.
Photo & Design by Allison K. Flexer (Quote by Mary DeMuth).
Allison K. Flexer, Author 
Wow, I really needed to read this today! Your blog was so encouraging!! Thank you!
Amy,
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Thanks for the book recommendation.
How awesome that it’s so obvious that Mary’s life is all about Jesus….that alone is inspiring to me. Glad you two met!
Thanks Ally! Me too 🙂
I can’t wait to read that book! You have me intrigued 🙂
Kristi, it’s definitely a great book. Thanks for stopping by!
I can’t wait to read that book- you definitely have peaked my interest!
I have been looking for a new book to read – something that will talk to my heart and not just my mind. I can’t wait to read Mary’s books. It is amazing how God uses your blog to always meet me where I am. I want to think and say that Jesus is my everything, but giving up all of myself to Him can be very difficult. What a blessing that He does not leave me in the darkness, but “His light will shine where all else fades”!
I love this, Amanda…I agree that there is still a lot of “me” in the equation as well. Making Jesus my everything is a daily (sometimes moment by moment) surrender. Thankfully, his grace covers us when we fail! Thanks for stopping by!
So glad you posted this! I am definitely going to check out Everything! Also I want to read her fiction series. (PS the trailer was very moving)
Thanks Dee Dee. We still need to catch up soon. I miss you!!
I love getting a recommendation for a great new book; and I’m so looking forward to reading this one now! Thanks for the review–it worked on me! 🙂
Great — it’s definitely a great one to pick up! Blessings to you, Susanna!!
I love the blog tour idea. And how cool that you’re included 🙂
It’s so fun! Hope to be doing these one day for my own books 🙂 Maybe you can organize it for me? Haha!
I tend to think that I need “programs and plans” to make my walk with Jesus meaningful. This is a great reminder that I don’t necessarily need that for Jesus to be my “everything”. I can’t wait to read this book. Thanks for your post!
Susan, I struggle with that as well. Mary definitely addresses it in the book! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, sweet girl!
Will definitely check this book out. I could use some inspiration! Thanks!
Great, thanks Isabella. Love your name; it’s one of my favorites!
great! i’ll have to pick up that book and check it out. always great to get renewed spiritually.
Agreed! Thanks for stopping by, Robin!
Thanks for always sharing your jewels, Allison! I look forward to reading Mary’s book! I’ve noodled around through her blog. Keep cranking out those pages…your labor..for all the single ladies!
Thanks Elizabeth! I will do it…definitely a labor of love for sure 🙂
Love it! And loved the blog tour idea, but I have to say, I want to read your book, girl! 🙂