You’ve heard the story of how I knew it was time to write a book and you’ve seen the cover reveal and the heart behind the message. Today let’s take a peek inside!
Freely and Lightly combines word and art is such a beautiful way. My publisher gave me total creative license with adding in full-color art throughout the book, giving the nod of approval when I asked if I could create special endsheets (you’ll see those in a second!), adding in a journal-y touch with hand-lettered Scriptures and making each page feel special with watercolored borders.
The story and words found on the pages are so dear to me and I hope they will be encouraging to you. AND ALSO, I hope you are delighted by the pretty art.
Let me show you around the pages.
endsheets
The endsheets are those first and final pages that hold the hardback cover together and the perfect place to set the tone for the whole book. One night, inspiration struck and I pulled favorite illustrations found throughout the book and created a collage. I really love these pages.
dedication page
Most books have a little note at the beginning with a dedication. I love reading these in other books and knew I wanted to include one in this book. I went round and round thinking and praying about who this one is really for. Many people dedicate their books to their parents or spouse or children and I contemplated all of those. I am grateful, of course, for the support of Ryan and the love of my parents and I truly hope my kids will learn the truths found in the book and avoid many of the struggles their mother experienced. But, honestly, that’s not really who I wrote the book for.
I wrote it for the one who is just like me and who needs to know she is not alone and there is hope. When it came time to turn in a finished manuscript with dedication, the words came quickly and my eyes filled with tears: For the one who is tired and weary. He really will make good on his promise.
the chapters
There are 20 short chapters in all and each one begins with an illustration that relates to the message and a hand-lettered chapter number (I sort of love the chapter numbers!).
We wanted each page of the book to feel special and included artwork, hand-lettered scriptures, and watercolor borders.
I hope that as you read the story, the art will enhance your time with the book. May each creative element offer a chance to pause, be still, enjoy and bring a smile.
The book releases on March 2nd. I can’t wait for you to hold it in your hands!
Gosh, Emily, this is perhaps the prettiest book I’ve ever seen just by what I’ve seen with sneak peeks you’ve been showing on your IG and now here. I truly cannot wait for this book. I am just struggling so much with identity and purpose (and have for so many years) and I’m hoping this book can help me navigate through to the other side.
Also, off topic a bit…I’m wondering if you could talk or write about how you’re dealing with all that’s happened in the past year? It has only amplified my anxiety and search for purpose and I’m really struggling with my response to it all. Thanks so much.
Thank you Lisa. It is very pretty and I hope it will bring joy to so many.
I hope my story and the scriptures shared in the book will help you find deep peace and a secure sense of identity. it is a process, for sure, but I know He wants us to thrive and it requires trusting – truly trusting – in him.
As for this past year … I would love to write about it. From the very start when things began to shut down, my prayer was that the Lord would use this time to wake us up. To reveal the things we cling to for comfort, for control, for distraction. That he might make us so uncomfortable that we would turn to him and find him to be trustworthy. He is in control and aware of all things. Our best posture is to trust him, to remember his goodness and our purpose which is to bring him glory and offer ourselves to the world for the good of others. There have been big issues that have been really difficult to know how to best understand and live with. So much division and conflict, worry about saying too much or saying too little and I have for sure struggled with how to best offer myself to the public. I think I’ve learned to listen and learn and process quietly, to pray and journal and ask questions and be okay with some things being bigger than I can grasp. It’s learning to let there be differing opinions and still loving (which is hard for me because I want everyone to just get along). So, yes, it’s been hard, but also I feel so grateful for a God who does not change, who is not suprised by what’s going on and who will make all things new some day.
Thank you so much for your insight, which is very helpful.
Oh Emily I can’t wait until I have your book in my hands. You are such an inspiration. Thank you for everything you do. Do you know if the Christmas scripture cards will be available again? I missed out!:(
Thank you Dawn! Yes, we will offer the Christmas Truth for Today cards again next year (probably around November). I am working on a set for kids and can’t wait to share that one!
It’s lovely, Emily! Can’t wait to share it with all those that I love!
The artwork is beautiful and the first chapters were inspiring. I have been trying to write a devotional for ages but keep .procrastinating….maybe I will pick it up again and finish it this time.
I am so excited about this book! I can’t wait until March 2nd finally gets here and my pre-order ships. The photos of the book are so beautiful and the words I have read so far (Amazon’s Peek Inside) spoke to me, to my struggle, and to my heart. I am sure that I will read this book quickly. Sort of in the same way that you speak, Emily. Then, I will reread it slowly and really think deeply about what is being said. Thank you for this Emily Lex!
🙂 I do speak quickly. But I’m glad you’ll be able to savor it as well!
Very beautiful Emily ♥️ I’m so excited to hold the book in my hands soon!!
My three books are preordered!!!! and I can’t wait. Meanwhile, we enjoy a verse a day with watercolors from you!!!
Blessings
Irene Talaasen
I cannot wait to get mine. Pre ordered a long while ago…
The Art work looks beautiful….love the end pages!
It’s a Good Thing I am waiting for….thanks, Emily!
I can’t wait to see, hold and read it! Thanks for your labor of love.
Your dedication is beautiful! thank you for sharing the thought process. I ordered 3 books not exactly sure who I was going to share them with but as soon as I read your dedication the perfect person came to mind. Thank you!
That is beautiful. I hope it is the perfect gift.
I just pre-ordered this! I came across your blog recently, and this has been calling to me ever since!
Thank you Roxanne!
So excited that I’ve preordered. I can’t wait until I receive It.
Hi Emily, Love your writings and your shared creativity! I’ve pre-ordered your book, and am so looking forward to savoring every page. Sadly, just received an email from Amazon saying that my pre-order has been delayed to sometime between March 15 – April 9th. Has there been a delay in the release date? Wondering if perhaps you can offer some explanation or details. Thanks so much. Lynn Siewert
Hi Lynn! I just sent an email to my publishing team and they are checking into it. The release date is still March 2nd. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear!
Dear Emily, I can’t wait to hold this book in my hands. I also want to get a copy for my Pastor’s wife. Are you still offering the extra goodies along with the order…or has that extra bonus ended?
How kind of you! My publisher just added 500 additional preorder prints so there are more available while supplies last! Claim one here: https://emilylex.com/book-preorder/
I ordered your book as soon as I knew about it! I can’t wait to receive it! It looks wonderful!
Thank you so much Susan!
Such a beautiful book!! You are an amazing artist and I can’t wait to read it.
So excited to receive your book! Thank you for sharing your wonderful talents!
I can’t wait to get my copy and read it!
Your book resonates with all ages and confirms your relationship with Jesus. So many think they are Christians yet choose stress, panic while seeking answers to our challenges from the unqualified which ensures discontent will continue to mount. You hit discontent between the eyes because you know the truth and trust yourself to trust Him. Yes this has been a true journey of faith and will continue to be each and every day…but now He walks with you and needs all of us todo our part to make this life better for all who seek truth. Congratulations the journey has just begun!
Hi Emily!
I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas morning! ( March 2nd )
Can’t wait to hold this gem of a book in my hands!
I have to tell you that I have framed so many of your
Truth for today watercolors!
I have them placed in each room of our home!
Your gift of painting has made each scripture verse come to life for me!
I have given so many away, and have been known to leave a framed one on a friends desk, or kitchen counter for them to find after I have left.
Thank you for helping us all draw closer to the Lord through your art and words.
I was wondering if the beautiful tissue paper with your watercolors might be something we could purchase down the road? Hint hint! LOL
Thank you!
The tissue paper is something I’d love to offer down the road! I need to find a less expensive vendor and then I’ll sell it for sure!
Oh Emily, this Auntie loves everything about this book and I haven’t even read it all yet.
So, so proud of you. ❤️🥰😘
Emilyyyyyy! I pre-ordered my book the first day it was available! Your talent and words are such an incredible gift from God to everyone! I’m go grateful that you choose to use how He has gifted you for His Glory! I’m considering March 2 as the first day of spring this year because I know the minute your book is in my hands my heart will be lifted and lightened! Just so stinkin’ excited!
what a beautiful comment. Thank you!
so so excited for the release of your gorgeous book emily! it will definitely be a happy mail day when it arrives. i ordered your truth for today cards last spring, when the pandemic had just started…they soothed my soul…and i’ve given a few away to friends, tucked into a hand-written note, and they have brought much joy to hurting hearts. congratulations and thank you for your willingness to share your journey!!
Emily, I’ve pre-ordered your book and love the bonus gifts (my desktop and phone lock screen are a delight!). I blew through the first 3 chapters that were sent to preview, and I’m just so glad you wrote this book. Thank you. May God truly bless you and your family with those only-He-could-know-about treasures for a job well-done. Sending hugs from Phoenix, AZ!
Thank you so much Lori! Praying it will be a soft place for people to sit and be still and leave the book knowing just a little more that God is good and they are loved.