Life, Discipline, and Divine Interruptions
An Update on Where We Are with Fifty Shades of Grace
There’s something simmering in my spirit.
I know it.
I feel it.
And I keep hearing the Lord gently ask:
“Are you ready to bring Fifty Shades of Grace to a full boil yet?”
To be honest? It was almost done once.
We were nearly ready to publish—pages in place, prayers written, direction clear—
and then came the interruption that changed everything.
Divine Interruptions
One of the biggest detours was also one of the greatest blessings: Elsie.
For about three months, I stepped away from writing to be fully present with her through a tough season.
And God came through—completely. She’s doing fantastic now.
Honestly, I think that time wasn’t a delay at all—it was a holy assignment.
A grace-filled interruption that mattered more than hitting a word count.
But with that pause came a shift.
The book stalled…
but my heart didn’t.
I launched the Fifty Shades of Grace website in the meantime—because something had to keep flowing.
Something had to keep the conversation going.
Holy Renovation (Literally)
And then came the dust. And the paint. And the tile.
We remodeled the guest bathroom. Then the hallway. Then both back bedrooms.
And just when I thought I could breathe again…
We signed a contract TODAY with an architect for a major addition and master ensuite remodel.
Because of course we did.
Not sure how soon construction will start—but soon, I’ll be knee-deep in demolition, nail guns, and strange odors all over again.
And in the middle of that chaos, I keep hearing the Lord’s gentle whisper...
And Matea—not whispering at all—saying:
“Don’t forget the book.”
“We need to get on the book, Patty!”
And she’s right.
I need to bring it back to the top of the prayer list—not out of pressure, but because I’m finally ready to say yes again.
The Stirring Has Begun
Reflections from the Edge of a Change
You know when you feel a shift coming?
That little holy rumble under your feet that says:
“Things can’t stay the way they are.”
“Something has to give.”
“It’s time to rearrange the room so the most important thing has a seat at the table.”
That’s where I am right now with Fifty Shades of Grace.
I haven’t abandoned it.
I haven’t even stopped loving it.
But I’ve let too many beautiful, powerful, Holy Spirit–filled things take center stage around it, instead of building everything around it.
Blacksmiths has been incredible.
Vacation is on the calendar for September.
Life is full—renovation dust, ministry fire, and a hundred glimpses of grace every day.
But God is stirring me.
And I’m realizing...
The priority doesn’t get “fit in.”
The priority gets put first—
and then everything else learns how to dance around it.
A change is coming.
I don’t need to force it.
But I do need to say yes to it.
So Here’s the Plan:
For the next couple of weeks, I’m going to enjoy the journey—
Soaking up the last part of Blacksmiths.
Listening.
Laughing.
Letting the Spirit speak however He wants to.
And then?
It’s time.
Daily writing time for Shades is going on the calendar.
Not as a leftover.
Not squeezed into the corners.
But as the heartbeat.
Because this book isn’t just a project.
It’s a mission.
And it deserves the seat God’s always meant for it to have.
Thank You for Walking With Me
If you’ve been following this journey—whether since the first spark or more recently—thank you.
Your prayers, encouragement, and yes, your gentle nudges (I’m looking at you, Matea!) are a huge part of why this book will come to life at just the right time.
Stay tuned.
We’re not behind schedule.
We’re right on grace-time.
Hungry for more?
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