Have you ever completed something that you never thought you would?

My high school graduation day went something like that for me.. I mean, I never though the day would come.. it was just long day, after long day, after another long day. But I look back now and I realize that time was whizzing by so fast during those few short years, and I often wish I could go back to those simpler days.

But anyways, back to my point.

I thought of writing a DIY memory quilt book more than 2 years ago because so many people asked me for my secrets. I played with the idea for a while, ran it by a few of my closest peeps, and then decided, “what tha heck. may as well. how hard could it be.”

So, I did some research, watched a ton of “how to write a book” videos on YouTube, and realized that I would be wayyyy in over my head if I went at this alone.

I found a woman that explained her book building business so clearly – she made it sound like a piece of cake to self-publish. So, I signed up for her online course, Bestseller in a Weekend, and looked forward to the weekend I got to work with Alicia Dunams & her awesome team!

I passed up a beach day AND a day on the pontoon with my family to sit at the computer and learn how to write and publish my very first book… and it was SO worth it. It took a little (A LOT!) longer than a weekend, but I finally got it finished, edited, and published. I learned a whole lot through the process, and I’m so proud of how my little ole’ book turned out. 

It’s called Making Memories Huggable, and you can find it here on Amazon.com.

In it, I tell y’all a little about myself and where I started, how to find inspiration in hidden places, all the tools you’ll need, tips on getting creative with your design, step by step instructions, and the grand finale- hugging your memories!

I did create my own design and technique of building these quilts, so they’re truly one of a kind. I’m not big on fancy patterns or machines, so I figured out a way to make awesome quilts without all those bells and whistles. So now, anyone with very minimal sewing skills can create their very own t-shirt memory quilt using my step by step instructions. Yay!

 

So many people contributed to the makings of this sweet little book, and y’all can read all about them in the last chapter, “my whole heart.” But in short, my girl Allison at Savvy Alli Photography did ALL of the amazing pics. And her sweet little guy, Fin, (who’s the CEO of an awesome little homegrown t-shirt company called Fin First that y’all should definitely check out!) is the cutie on the front cover. And I can’t say enough about my wonderful husband, Cory, who really inspired me to make the very first quilt.. along with supporting every other wild dream I’ve ever had. He’s amazing, and I’m so blessed that he’s mine forever!

 

While thinking about what I was going to tell y’all about my little book, it sort of hit me that in life, if we choose to search and listen- God gives us step by step instructions to ultimately fulfill His plan for our lives also.

It seems that so many times, the path He has set our for us is unclear in the moment- but if we’ll just follow His lead, step by step, He won’t let us down. That’s what faith is, right? Following God even when we’re scared of what may or may not happen. Listening to His voice when we feel our backs are against the wall. And trusting that ultimately, His will is far better than anything we could ever imagine.

Along with the eight Beatitudes Jesus gave us on the Sermon on the Mount found in the book of Matthew, when asked which is the greatest commandment in the Law, he replied with;

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Matthew 22:37-39

If everyone in the world would follow these two simple steps to love God and love each other, this world would be a much more beautiful place. Sort of like an old patchwork quilt, made up of so many shapes, sizes, colors, and stitchings… but the quilt as a whole is almost too beautiful for words. Our world could look like that if we’d all put our trust in God, follow His instructions for our lives, and teach our kids these things from childhood.

I hope that y’all will check out my little book, Making Memories Huggable, and let me know what you think. But my great big prayer is that each person that reads this post will find interest The Book. A Book that teaches us all what we need to know, written by The One who knows us all. Put your trust in God, He’s waiting for you to answer His call… and if you’re not sure what His voice sounds like, open His great book, The Bible.

xo, Lauryn