“Studies show that 500,000 books a year are now being published. Of those, over 98% will sell less than 500 copies. If you’re just starting out, shooting for 500 is a good start. After that, I would say you’re moderately successful and ready to strive for the thousands.” (Terry Cordingley)
Last year my book God Made Me Pick Up Underwear, Finding Faith in Unusual Places was published and it has already sold over 500 copies. My book isn't a best seller yet but at least I can say that I AM part of the 2% that succeed.
My wrestling coach, Jose Campo, always says “What the mind perceives, one can achieve.” I strongly believe that this book will continue to sell. My belief comes from knowing that this book is God inspired. I can honestly say that that 2.5 years ago I had trouble putting a paragraph together. “Where I am weak, He is strong.”
I AM is such a powerful phrase. When Moses asked God what shall I say is your name. God replied, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14) When Jesus described Himself in Revelations He said, I AM the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last.” (Revelations 1:11)
If to be a Christian means to be Christ like. Then we must be Extraordinary like Christ. So I claim that I AM a child of the Utmost High! I AM forgiven by the blood of Jesus! I AM a national best selling author! I AM!
Change Me!
Day in and day out I am given the greatest opportunity to step into the lives of my friends and family to hear of their struggles and their victories of life. One constant in most people's lives is a longing to see change but most are using the wrong tools.
The other day I tried to file down a sharp edge off my daughters ceramic bowl with a nail file. As you can tell where this story is going, it didn't work. Why? It didn't work because I was using the wrong tool for the job.
So what is the correct tool for change?
Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Be the change you want to see in the world."
Early in my prayer life I prayed that my wife would change. After many so called unanswered prayers God showed me that my prayer shouldn't be to change my wife but my prayer should be, "Change me!"
Once I realized that I only have the power to change myself I began taking action. I prayed the prayer, "Change me!" and God revealed to me areas of my life that needed adjustment.
Many times I didn't like what He had to say but it is the truth that sets us free. Is it easy? No! But God didn't give us a life of ease, He allows trials and tribulations in our lives so we can be better (James 1:12) so we can be Extraordinary.
God is Extraordinary and He has created us in His image. If we accept good then we are not in His image. We need to strive for a life of Extraordinary and it begins with, "Change me!"
To an Extraordinary Life!
Orlando Javien Jr., Author
God Made Me Pick Up Underwear
I AM an Award Winning Author!
"God Made Me Pick Up Underwear" is the inspirational story of Orlando U. Javien, Jr. I have read many books written by men concerning their faith. When I read this one I knew it was written from the heart. It takes a courageous man to admit his faults. Mr. Javien is a courageous man. It is easy to admit your faults and failings to your friends, but much harder to share them with the public. He relates to us his struggles with addictions. Everyone will be able to relate to at least one of the chapters in this book. The writing style is simple and conversational. I felt as if Javien and I were sharing a cup of coffee, as he shared his story with me.
This book will benefit everyone. It would be ideal for a small group Bible study or simply for a couple to read together to strengthen their marriage and home life. I found the book to be quite inspiring and it made me look closer at my own faith and Christian life.
God Made Me Pick Up Underwear
In his book, "God Made Me Pick Up Underwear," Orlando shares his powerful journey to faith through tales from his life. The book shares the struggles in his marriage and how a game of golf taught him how to be a better husband.
The author even illustrates that picking up underwear can be a test of faithfulness, and how his death on the television show CSI led him to live a fuller life.
"This book is meant for those who have made the confession of faith, and need a map to continue their journey with Christ," Orlando writes. "This book is also meant for the Christian who is struggling with their faith – one foot in the world, and the other foot with Jesus. Most of all, this book is meant for the Christian that wants to take their walk to the next level, beyond the ordinary."
In "God Made Me Pick Up Underwear," readers ultimately will see that faith can be found if they truly look and listen – even in unusual places.
Now Available On Audible.com
God Made Me Pick Up Underwear is now available on Audible.com. If you, like many have a long commute to work you can listen to this book in a few days. Download it and listen to Sean Kilgore of Tate Publishing narrating the story of finding faith in unusual places.
Audio Book Available
Tate Publishing has just released the Audio version of God Made Me Pick Up Underwear. If you have already purchased a book you will now have access to the audio version. Look at the last page of the book and visit Tate Publishing and enter the access code.
Download the files and add to you IPhone, IPod or burn to a CD. This is another great way to spread the book that God birthed in me.
To God be the Glory,
Orlando Javien Jr.
I'm Podcasted!
http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/rolfc-podcast/id349389945 - June 27, 2010
On June 27, 2010 I attended River of Life Church in San Jose and had the great honor to share my testimony and sell my book. The church gave me a warm welcome and even posted my message on iTunes. That is so cool! I've always wanted to be podcasted. It was such an amazing event and I can't wait to go there again.
At the end of the day I sold 28 books and I am now 140 books away from the magic number 500. I thank the Lord for using me as His instrument and for shining His bright light upon me and the church that I call my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Borders Book Signing
The book signing at Borders was a huge success. Over 70 people showed up and 35 books were sold. Out of the 35 books purchased 3 were from strangers that were just in the store. The numbers are Extraordinary especially since the average book signing event only sells 6 books.
I want to send my utmost thanks to Borders of El Cajon for all their help and to all my friends and family that attended. I am truly blessed to have you all in my life. To all those that couldn't attend, it's okay there will be more and I know you will be there when you can.
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