I Didn’t Want to Write This Book

But God Had Other Plans

Hey friends,

It’s been a little quieter here than usual, and there’s a reason for that. I’ve been deep in the writing (and now editing) process in the margins of my days—early mornings, late nights, and weekends—and it’s taken just about every spare moment outside of work and life’s usual demands.

But I wanted to give you a quick update—because the book is officially real.
This Isn’t the Life I Prayed For: A Study of the Book of Job is headed to design soon, and Lord willing, it’ll be available this fall.

If I’m being honest, I didn’t want to write this book. I thought I was done writing about suffering. I was weary of it—tired of circling the same questions and emotions. But God had another plan.

Job’s story has been quietly pressing on my heart for years. Not loud or dramatic—just steady. Persistent. The way God often works when He’s not done with something. I couldn’t shake it. And when I finally sat down to write, I realized this story still had more to teach me.

This book is for the one holding on by a thread.
For the person sitting in a hospital waiting room, staring at a closed door.
For the man who’s lost his job and is too proud to say he’s scared.
For the woman who’s been strong for everyone else—but secretly feels like she’s coming undone.

It’s for the ones who believe in God—or want to—but can’t make sense of how hard life has become. The ones who don’t want a pep talk. Who are tired of shallow answers. Who need permission to be honest. To wrestle. To question. And to still find hope.

This Isn’t the Life I Prayed For is a 15-week study that moves slowly, intentionally, through the book of Job—section by section. It doesn’t sidestep the hard stuff or pretend the pain isn’t real. It sits with you in the questions and points gently to truth.

It’s written in a conversational tone—honest, kind, and grounded. I use the King James Version throughout, both for its beauty and its depth. If you’re someone who appreciates that, I think you’ll love the rhythm of the language. If you usually read another version, don’t worry—everything in the study is explained clearly, with plenty of context and encouragement to help you follow along.

Here’s what you can expect:

• A guided walk through the entire book of Job, over 15 weeks

• Honest questions and thoughtful reflections—without the pressure to have it all figured out

• Encouragement that meets you where you are

• Hope that doesn’t flinch in the face of real suffering

If you’ve been looking for a study that sees you—in the thick of it, not after the dust has settled—this was written with you in mind.

I’ll share more soon… cover image, sneak peeks, and preorder details. But for now, I just wanted to thank you. For reading. For caring. For sticking around even when updates slow down. I haven’t forgotten you—I’ve just been finishing the book I didn’t plan to write.

It wasn’t the project I started with (that’s coming, I promise!), but it’s the one God kept nudging forward. And I’m so glad I finally said yes.

Gratefully,
Tami