This is It … Love Idol Is Born (One Week Early!!)

March 24, 2014 | 51 comments

My firstborn was due December 3, 2001.

But then, life happened — because that’s what life does.

I woke up in the middle of the night three weeks before my due date, and I felt something I’d never felt before. So, I dialed the doctor. He confirmed what I assumed:

I was in labor.

I was, at once, completely ready — and wholly unprepared. I mean to say: the bags were packed, but I had more than a sneaking suspicion that I had no idea what I was in for.

We grabbed the pink Samsonite and the camera. Then, we drove to the hospital, under all those gleaming stars shining above us, and I didn’t need the stars to tell me what I knew in my heart: I was already in heaven. An empty blue Graco car seat was already strapped — rear-facing — in the back. (We were certain we were having a boy.)

I told Scott how “at peace” I felt.

And then I promptly rolled down the window and threw up at a stoplight.

A few hours later, Lydia Margaret Lee was born.

lydia3
lydia5
lydia4
lydia1

Releasing a book is a lot like having a baby. (Pardon me, while I roll down the window, because, umm ….)

Yeah. Sometimes, books are completely like babies. And they decide that they want to born earlier than expected.

That’s the way it is with Love Idol.

Love Idol was due April 1, but for reasons that would take too long to explain here, I went into labor last night.

I can tell you this:

The nurse forgot the epidural, and I think I dug my fingernails into my poor husband’s hands, and I may have been a wee-bit demanding and bossy, and parts of me hurt that never hurt before … and I never, ever, ever want to forget this feeling for the rest of my earthly life.

Here’s the baby. I think it’s safe to say she’s definitely a girl:

This book is my heart’s cry. It’s my journey, but it’s also every woman’s journey – even though the details of our stories differ. And I know this for sure … This book is for about all of us, standing together, saying–

We’ve had enough of the not-enoughs.

I’d love for you to watch this video and share it with your friends.  This is why I wrote the book:

(Email subscribers: If you can’t see the video for Love Idol, click here: )

 What The Book is About

Love Idol is about letting go of our need for approval … and seeing ourselves through God’s eyes. It’s about laying down every scorecard and tally sheet. It’s about believing we are loved — as is! It’s about knowing, heart-deep, that we already approved. That we are the preapproved!

What People are Saying

“That endless, exhausting crusade for approval? Ends here. A brilliant writer, Jennifer Dukes Lee takes you to the foot of the Cross—and takes one stunning hammer to the foot of the Love Idol. Read this book—and walk free.”
~ Ann Voskamp, Author of the New York Times bestseller One Thousand Gifts

“Love Idol is a book that is going to set a lot of women free. It’s a journey of grace, truth, and beautiful freedom. Jennifer Dukes Lee takes her readers by the hand and leads us to the home our hearts all long for deep inside—a place of true acceptance.”
~ Holley Gerth, Bestselling author of You’re Already Amazing

“I am so excited about the book you hold in your hands! You are about to embark on a journey of soul healing and emotional freedom. I love how Jennifer poetically crafts each sentence; I love her transparent heart for us, her readers; and best of all, I love the way she communicates the love of our Savior. Love Idol invites you on a journey that will change you from the inside out. Jesus has set His heart on you, and you’re worth everything to Him. Today is a brand-new day to believe it, receive it, and walk in that treasured freedom.”
~ Susie Larson, National radio host, speaker, and author of Your Beautiful Purpose

See what others are saying about Love Idol in early Amazon reviews being submitted here.

GIVEAWAYS

No baby should be born without a baby shower. And I brought the presents. 🙂

If you order the book between now and next Monday, we will enter your name into a drawing for one of FIVE exclusive #preapproved necklaces created for The Love Idol Movement. (Created by the amazing Krafty Kash.)

Simply send your online book purchase receipt or proof of purchase to [email protected] for a chance to win.

If you order ten or more books for a book study, your name will be entered into a drawing for an hour-long Q-and-A Skype call. Jennifer would love to chat with your group. Three winners will be selected.

To enter, send  your online book purchase receipt or proof of purchase (of 10 or more books) to [email protected] for a chance to win.

ORDER

Order Love Idol at your local bookstore, or at online retailers, such as Amazon, Barnes&Noble, ChristianBook.com, and Givington’s.

Join the movement.

You weren’t thinking about taking this journey alone, were you? Oh good. We’ve got you covered. Join us here, on Facebook. Share your story. Lay down your idol. We’re here to cheer you on. 

 

by | March 24, 2014 | 51 comments

51 Comments

  1. Jacque Watkins

    Oh my! As a labor and delivery nurse, almost nothing makes me happier than the birth of a baby. . . especially one of a dear and special friend. I am so very thrilled at all God has been, and will be doing, in and through you as this message is delivered today to the world. And I am praying for you as you marvel. As you hold her, and show her to those you love–hearts who I know you long to help understand how very pre-approved they already are. I’m bringing you a BIG glass of orange juice poured over those crunchy hospital ice-chips, and celebrating the goodness of God as He has so faithfully delivered this message through you. No more worries or morning sickness, just pure joy. So much joy. May you know how very much you are loved…xo

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Ok. How perfect is it that the first commenter on this post is a labor and delivery nurse. (That OJ tastes GREAT by the way! …)

      When Lydia was born, the nurse who tended to me immediately afterward was a woman named Angel. Yes, that was really her name.

      And you, Jacque? You’re like an angel. You really are. I love you, friend!

      Reply
    • dukeslee

      I know, right? #snoopyspin

      Reply
  2. Michelle DeRusha

    I think I woke up this morning possibly more excited about this than you did! Ok, maybe not quite…but suffice to say, this is big, and thanks be to God, it is happening! So proud of you, Jennifer.

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Thank you so much. It’s been a joy, taking this parallel book journey with you, friend. You’ve been an incredible prayer partner/cheerleader/cliff-talker-off-er/Jesus-sister. Love you.

      Reply
  3. Lynn D. Morrissey

    Jennifer,
    I’m breaking my Lenten blog fast and am emerging to become an aunt–a very proud aunt of a very special baby. I didn’t have anything to do with it obviously (no aunt does), but it will be my joy to boast about the baby, and rest assured I will. (I’ve had this book on order with my local bookstore since I learned it was “due.” I’ll call them today to let them know the baby had a will of its own and arrived early). When I wrote my books, I used to wonder if there were another way to describe writing than the birth metaphor. But when you’ve been through it, you realize that this is the best one and perhaps the only one that really makes sense. You put your whole heart, soul, and even body into the writing process. You also realize that the whole thing is impossible without God. I can see the Lord’s fingerprints all over this baby, and He will help you raise her to be one of His chosen vessels to help women truly understand His love. I canNOT wait to read your heart’s cry, and I have a feeling I will cry (all aunts do), and I’ll shed tears of rejoicing. I’m sooooo happy for you…….and I’m so happy for the preapproved who don’t know they are. What a treat is in store!!!!!! Youy go, girl!!!!!!
    Much love,
    Lynn

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Yes, the birth metaphor really is the best one, isn’t it? I just got a message from a friend, saying: “All the joys of childbirth, … without the stitches!”

      That was so sweet of you to break your fast on account of the book, Aunt Lynn. 🙂

      Speaking of breaking fasts, I had apple pie for breakfast. 🙂

      Reply
      • Lynn D. Morrissey

        Okay, Jennifer, let’s not snitch on each other! =] I’ll bet babies # 1 & 2 are very, very proud of their mama and new sis!

        Reply
  4. Arabah Joy

    Oh Jennifer, I am so excited for you… for us all. I keep checking it on Amazon and over the weekend noticed it was HERE!! I can’t wait to see how the Lord uses this in our lives. This is a book I’m going to savor, like good wine and good chocolate. Thanks for all the hard work you’ve put into it. Here’s a huge virtual high five, (with corresponding woots) my friend!!

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      It was crazy! All the online retailers were doing their own thing, so it seemed rather silly to release it on April 1 — after it had been out for more than a week already! LOL! … Thanks for your encouragement and kindness.

      Reply
  5. L. Willingham Lindquist

    Very happy to see this well nourished baby girl come into the world. She is already so well loved and cared for. Congratulations, my friend. (I expect my copy tomorrow, and look forward to it very much. 🙂 Enjoy the day (and days to come). Love you, my friend.

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Reading your comment, I’m remembering how you held very-early words, on that flight back to South Dakota from Texas. Thank you for sticking so close during the journey. So grateful for you, Lyla. Love you.

      Reply
      • L. Willingham Lindquist

        Yep. 🙂 I can still see the leather-bound journal you were making notes in, and remember how many times the flight attendants had to break into the conversation across the aisle while they went about their work. Proud of the race you’ve run here. 🙂

        Reply
  6. Sandy

    Usually we bring our babies for dedication or baptism, but this baby has been already dedicated to The Lord. Well done good and faithful friend;)

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Mmmmm… Yes. I love that, Sandy. Thanks for that image today.

      Reply
  7. DeanneMoore

    So happy for you Jennifer and for all those who will be blessed by your words—including me!! Ha!

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Thanks so much, Dea. Love you.

      Reply
  8. Lisa-Jo Baker

    Welcome beautiful beautiful baby! May you go out into the world to change the lives of so. many. women just like your mama has done! Much love, Aunty Lisa-Jo xoxoxoxox

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Aunty Lisa-Jo! You’re the best-est-est-EST aunt ever. And you also wrote the most beautiful foreword that an author could ever ask for. I love it that yours are the first words that women will read when they pick up this message about God’s love and approval. I have read and re-read your words, and they really are the just-right words for women everywhere. Thank you, a million times over, for all of your love and encouragement.

      One more week, babe! Can’t wait to celebrate your own baby. #foolsforChrist

      Reply
  9. Shelly Miller

    I’m so very happy for you Jennifer. We’ve gone through the pre-natal, the labor and delivery and now the christening as we see you commit these words and the outcome to Christ. May your book be a place of deep comfort, transformation and healing to many. I’m so glad to be in the delivery room with you.

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Thank you so much, Shelly, for your kind words and for your friendship and support on the journey. I can’t wait to walk with you toward the publication of your book. Cheering for you, all the way, friend.

      Reply
  10. Laura Rath

    Congratulations Jennifer! Praying for you and for your new arrival…that the Love Idol message will speak into the hearts for women (and men) all over the world. May God work mightily through your words!

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Thanks so much, Laura. God bless you and your #preapproved heart!

      Reply
  11. S.Etole

    Sending you a bouquet of the heart as you celebrate. Congratulations.

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      So fragrant, coming from you, Susan. Much love. Thank you.

      Reply
  12. Simply Darlene

    Congrats miss JDL! Seems like a long time ago, and only an instant, when I first met you out here in BlogLand because of a prayer request for a gal who’d been in an accident.

    BLessings.

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Wow… That long, has it been? Love you, Darlene. Thanks for your friendship and encouragement on the journey.

      Reply
  13. ro elliott

    Yeah!!!! Congrats….I must say…I preferred a healthy baby a little early than my long overdue pregnancies. May these truths spread freedom In the hearts of women.

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Ha! Agreed, Ro. I was overjoyed when Lydia came early. I had to wait until Anna’s due date to meet her. Both times, I thought I was having boys. I love surprises.

      Reply
  14. Ann Kroeker

    Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. May this message speak into the lives of women, both young and old, and men, too. Everyone needs to know he or she is preapproved!

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      It was 2010, when we first talked about this book, outside the bathrooms at Laity Lodge. This baby’s been in our hearts a long time, friend. Thank you for being a part of the journey — a very important part.

      Reply
      • Ann Kroeker

        I remember so well. We stood and sat and talked so long that Lauren W. came out and asked, “Have you been here this whole time??” Other people had been out hiking and canoeing and making art. We were outside the bathrooms, dreaming up THIS!

        Reply
  15. Kelly Greer

    Congrats Mom! So excited to watch this baby change the world!

    Reply
  16. soulstops

    Congrats, Jennifer! Praying your book will bless many woman…I have your printable up on the wall and I am reminded of this truth daily 🙂

    Reply
  17. lindalouise

    Joyful tears Jennifer. I am so thrilled for you. I know this book, the words you’ve lived, will minister to so many of us. It is a reflection of your beautiful heart.
    I’m expecting a delivery tomorrow. Can’t wait!

    Reply
  18. Kris Camealy

    You KNOW how happy I am about this, but I will say it again, YAY!!! God is doing a great work in and through you, this book is proof of His goodness. It will bless ALL who read it! LOVE YOU!

    Reply
  19. Ashley Tolins Larkin

    Wooohooo! She’s beautiful! So happy for you, Jennifer. Women are hungry for this message. Praying blessings all over her entry into the world. And for you — bless you, friend.

    Reply
  20. Megan Willome

    That video made me all teary!

    And your voice!

    Reply
  21. Martha Hupp

    Congratulations! She’s lovely and I am so desire to write “preapproved” on my heart and carrying its truth with me every. single. day.

    Reply
  22. Elisa Pulliam

    Celebrating with you! May God get all the glory!

    Reply
  23. Lisha Epperson

    So beautiful Jennifer…. We met briefly at Allume in October and you shared what your book was about. I think you were working on delivering a concise message. You did it beautifully and your sweet spirit shone through those few words. Since then we’ve connected a few times on line. I’m grateful to call you friend. And now your baby’s here. And I’m rejoicing with you over this important message. The video is gorgeous. Congratulations and continued blessings as you walk it out, all fabulous and preapproved for Christ.

    Reply
  24. Andrea Noelle

    Proud as ever, Jennifer – CANNOT wait to get my hands on a copy! – xo

    Reply
  25. Being Woven

    The video above brought tears to my eyes. I have lived with these thoughts of “not enough” most of my years and those years are many. Thanks for writing this (just for me : ) I am sure!) My heart and should look forward to reading it. I need to remember that I am “pre approved” as I am being woven.
    From one sister to another ~ linda

    Reply
  26. Jennifer Camp

    Jennifer, I am so very grateful for your heart, your words, your wisdom, your courage. This baby is changing lives–in ways you hear about, but also in ways you may never see. I love how you have delivered it, grasping fast to your Father’s hand. Beautiful and powerful, sister. Celebrating with you!

    Reply
  27. Charity Singleton Craig

    So very, very excited for you and for this, Jennifer! You are such a wonderful hostess, and the book is lifechanging. Thank you.

    Reply
  28. Rebecca LeCompte

    Jennifer, this is so exciting! I can’t wait to read Love Idol! Congratulations!!

    Reply
  29. Shelley

    Congratulations on the birth of your baby (book)! I just ordered it on Amazon, and I’m looking forward to reading it!

    Reply
  30. Jennifer Bush Dorhauer

    I am so excited for you and can’t wait to get to my local Lifeway! Congratulations!

    Reply
  31. VanessaCHooper

    And now your baby’s here. And I’m rejoicing with you over this important message. The video is gorgeous. Congratulations and continued blessings as you walk it out, all fabulous and preapproved for Christ. http://qr.net/rtcX

    Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Love Idol | Out of the Ordinary - […] You can also read more about her book at her blog here. […]
  2. Lessons Learned in 3-D: March Madness | Lyli Dunbar - Keeping the Faith Day by Day -3-D Lessons for Life - […] unread pile is really hard when two of your favorite bloggers publish new books (I am coveting Love Idol…
  3. Love Idol | Lydia M. Lee - […] You can also read more about her book at her blog here. […]

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Pin It on Pinterest