Why I Removed My Books From Amazon

It wasn’t a decision I made without much prayer and study, but I have taken the Miller’s Creek novels and LifeSword Bible studies and devotionals off Amazon.

The purpose of this post is to explain what prompted me to remove the books from Amazon and other online stores. I’ll also lay out a different plan for my books and writing, one that better glorifies God and serves others.

Why I removed my books from Amazon (and what I’m doing instead):
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The Reasons I Removed My Books From Amazon
1. Doing Lots, But None Of It Well

The problem started when I listened to the so-called “experts.” They told me I needed to do this, this, this, this, and that to be successful at my writing career. So I pushed myself to do more and better. I studied diligently, got up early and went to bed late, implemented strategies, tested them, and recorded the data, all while trying to also juggle other aspects of my life.

But as I added these new balls to my juggling act, other balls of my life fell to the ground. Some laid there. Others I tossed  back in the air, then raced back to the book business to keep those balls moving.

My health deteriorated–not enough sleep, an upper-respiratory issue that kept returning, weight gain, hip and back problems from too much sitting, a worsening eye condition from too much time staring at a computer screen.

The worst part was the feeling that I was doing lots of things, but none of them well.

Miserable, discouraged, and depressed, I couldn’t help but wonder if my writing was a ball that needed to fall to the wayside.

2. Searching For Answers and A Devastating Discovery

As I worked on STILL I WILL FOLLOW (the next Miller’s Creek novel and a story all about freedom found in following Christ), I prayed for God to break chains in my life. As usual, God convicted me through my own writing of ways in which I need to follow Him better.

Then this past weekend I read several articles in Decision Magazine (put out by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association) about so many who have been deceived, confused, and damaged by the LGBT movement. It broke my heart that the enemy has wreaked such havoc and destruction in human lives. This led to an internet search on companies and individuals who financially fund this confusion and destructiveness, in particular LGBT and Planned Parenthood.

What I uncovered both shocked and appalled me. Many prominent businesses (and the people behind them) fund this deception and sin, and one of these is the founder and CEO of Amazon.

I immediately felt both convicted and conflicted.

My stories are written for and about God. I want to use the writing gift He’s given me to share Him with others in story form. And I truly believe that has happened.

I receive emails and letters on a regular basis about how the books have helped others. A female inmate gave her life to the Lord. Another lady was able to let go of unforgiveness after ten long years. And there are many more examples of how the Lord has used the stories for the good of others and for His glory.

But how could I justify working for companies who used what they made off my books to fund agendas that were contrary to God and His Word?

In good conscience I had no choice but to do the unthinkable. I removed all my books from Amazon.

God’s Faithfulness
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An odd mixture of feelings exploded inside of me, like a multi-faceted chemistry experiment. Devastation. Heartbreak. Light-as-air freedom. Peace.

Our God is so good. So faithful. Since that decision, God’s Spirit has led me to verses and biblical examples of why my decision was the right move to make. I’d like to share those with you.

Live As Children of Light

During time in God’s Word, I came across this passage in Ephesians 5:8-11: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”  (Another verse along this same line of thought is 2 Corinthians 6:14.)

Don’t Conform to the World’s Pattern

Another verse that came to mind was Romans 12:2: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

Remember the Example of Daniel & His Friends

The entire book of Daniel shows the integrity and courage of Daniel and his friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. No matter what happened to them, they remained committed to following God in trust and obedience. After being taken into captivity, they didn’t cave to the  new culture in which they lived. They cared more about staying true to God than their very lives!

Trust & Obey

A spiritual lesson I learned several years ago (and the theme of A Path Less Traveled) is that sometimes the path the Lord calls us to take may not make sense. Biblical examples of this include: God commanding Abraham to take his promised son Isaac and sacrifice him to the Lord (Genesis 22); Moses, at God’s instruction, led the escaping Hebrew people on a route that trapped them between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army (Exodus 14); God telling Joshua to capture the city of Jericho by marching around it and blowing trumpets (Joshua 6:1-27); paring down the army of Gideon from 32,000 to 300 to defeat the Midianites (Judges 7); a young shepherd boy by the name of David going up against a giant named Goliath (1 Samuel 17); and many, many more!

In short, I trust Jesus. Obedience to Him is always the right choice, no matter how difficult.

So What About the Miller’s Creek and LifeSword Books?

As I’ve prayed through what to do and researched my options, I’ve reached peace with the following decision. Here’s the plan:

The eBooks will systematically be made available across many markets.
All the books will be set to perma-free status so none of the sites are making money off the books. (Of course this also means that I won’t make money either.)
My writing will now become a faith-based ministry sustained by donations from readers. (If book-writing is an avenue the Lord wants me to continue to pursue, I trust that He will provide the income to meet our needs. If He chooses to close these doors, I trust He has other work for me to do.)

This new plan will of course require many website, book, and other changes, all of which take time to implement. So please be patient with the process. I’ll let you all know when each book goes live on various sites via blog posts, newsletters, social media updates, etc.

Other Changes I’m Making

To hopefully alleviate my over-packed schedule, I’m using this time of transition to make other changes as well. This will include less time on social media and cutting down on group activity on Facebook. Please know that this in no way reflects a lack of care or concern for any of you. I simply feel the need to cut back to make time for my family, my health, and other responsibilities.

How You Can Help

I covet your prayers during this time of transition, and I thank you for those prayers. You all have been so faithful to lift me in prayer, and it doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated. Please know that I also pray for y’all, and I’m always happy to pray for your specific requests.

Please also help by spreading the word about the free books once the necessary changes have been made. This will help expand the books’ reach and this ministry.

A Special Note About STILL I WILL FOLLOW

I know many of you are anxiously awaiting the release of STILL I WILL FOLLOW, so I hate to deliver this next bit of news.

For now the book’s release is on hold. Edits and rewrites are almost completed, but the needed book and website changes take priority. In addition to all this, we own a mini-farm, and we’re now in the time of year that requires LOTS of work as we prepare/plant gardens and orchards and add new animals.

God is teaching me so much about following Him through this whole process, and I trust that the delay will only make this story better. His timing is always perfect!!!

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding. I know God can and will work all this for His glory.

Much love to you all,

P.S. Be on the lookout for another post coming soon about ways we as believers can impact our world through spiritual warfare and where/how we spend our money. I’ll also share my Internet research about companies that use their resources to fund destructive and anti-Christian agendas.

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