What’s on your table for a Thanksgiving launch?

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

The month of November is a great time to celebrate the launch or recent launch of a book, because November encourages hearts and minds to be grateful for every small blessing and all those monumental ones, too. And what could be more monumental than launching a much-awaited book? 

Here are my nine offerings for a Thanksgiving launch buffet that I hope can also remind you to keep a spirit of gratefulness in your heart as you launch or prepare to launch a manuscript! 

Launch Menu!

1) A heaping serving of LOVE

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7.

Dear God, thank you that you love me big! Thank you that you love me so much that you’ve allowed me to use my words – your words – for your kingdom purposes.

2) A large helping of JOY

May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Thank you, God, for the joy that comes from the launch of a manuscript or publication. Help me put my trust in you, so that my words overflow onto the page that others might know the joy and peace that only you can provide.

3) A healthy dollop of PEACE 

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Thank you, Lord, for peace amidst the chaos of a book launch, peace that surpasses all understanding. Guard my heart and mind during the challenges of a launch such that my focus remains on Christ Jesus, not numbers, success, nor acclaim. 

4) A lengthy dash of PATIENCE

…and be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 

God, it takes a village to launch a book. Thank you for my village, my tribe, my friend-group, my people. I’m so appreciative of them all! Give me the patience that I need “with everyone” to ensure the best possible outcome of my book, so that you will be glorified and honored.

5) A hearty sprinkle of KINDNESS 

Be kind and compassionate to one another … Ephesians 4:32

Thank you, Father, for the kindness that fellow writers and mentors have shown me throughout my journey to publication. Remind me often to show the same kindness to others in the industry. 

6) A gracious touch of GOODNESS

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10 

God, thank you for the opportunities that you give me to do good to everyone. Let me never miss one of those opportunities, in my written words, spoken words, or physical actions. 

7) A hefty portion of FAITHFULNESS

Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2

Dear God, thank you for your faithfulness, for it is indeed great. Thank you for giving me the words that now reside on the pages of my book, and help me to be a good steward of those words and prove myself faithful to you. 

8) A plentiful pinch of GENTLENESS

Let your gentleness be evident to all. Philippians 4:5

Dearest Heavenly Father, thank you for the gentleness of those who have patiently encouraged, supported, and assisted me with my manuscript, from concept to completion. Sometimes, it’s not easy being gentle “to all,” but your words instruct me to do so. Help me honor those words and let my gentleness be apparent to those around me.

9) A spilling-over scoop of SELF-CONTROL 

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

God, thank you for your spirit that resides in me, giving me power and love and self-control. With everything I do for my book launch, let me be guided with power and love and self-control, so that all praise and glory points to you. 

A buffet of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control is most certainly a recipe for a great book launch! 

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! Whether your launch is taking place now or in the days or years ahead, may you have a launch that’s bubbling over with thanksgiving and gratitude to the One who made that launch possible! 

(If you’re in the middle of a book launch, would you share your title below? I’d be honored and grateful to pray for you!)

TWEETABLE

What’s on your table for a Thanksgiving launch? - @JLavenderWrites on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Julie Lavender is so grateful that God chose her to write 365 Ways To Love Your Child: Turning Little Moments Into Lasting Memories, published by Revell, and she’s especially thankful for the love and support that others have shown to her during her recent book launch. She’d love to pray for your writing and connect with you on social media!