July has been interesting. If you are a paid subscriber, you have probably noticed I haven't sent out the daily devotions for these two weeks. Don't worry, they'll be back next week.
Summer Camp
Last week, I took my youth group to summer camp. It's always an adventure and an opportunity for spiritual growth. It is not, however, conducive to keeping up with daily writing projects. If there's one thing that does not come in abundance at camp, it's time…and sleep. So, I guess that's two things. Let's move on before I think of more.
Sickness
Since Covid showed up, there is another thing that is all but guaranteed to accompany the annual summer camp. That is the post-camp sickness. And boy did it hit us hard this year. We are all sick. As I'm writing this, I am holding my youngest as he is finally breaking his overnight fever. Hopefully, it stays gone this time. Once again, not conducive to daily writing projects.
Book Release
I was able to do one productive thing this week. I finished compiling my latest book, Emptying the Sea with a Seashell: A Collection of Thoughts on Theology, Culture, and History. (.99 cents for the next few days). This book is the third addition to the Collections series. I hope to produce five of them total.
Each of these books is made up of articles from this site and my Medium account. They have been collected (hence, “Collections”) in book and chapter form. Each book in the series covers different categories. Reflections is made up of Scripture meditations. What's in a Word is a collection of poems and short stories. Emptying the Sea covers theology, culture, and history.
Why collect my articles into books if they are already available online?
Readership preferences: Some people prefer reading things in book form.
Wider readership. There are many people who may be interested in reading the content, but don't follow me on these platforms.
Ease of access. It gets annoying scrolling through internet archives. There is greater convenience in having articles in books according to categories.
Longevity. I like this writing platform, but I know it could change or crash any minute. Such is the fluidity of our technological age. Everything is constantly shifting. Having these in book form guarantees they will outlast those changes.
Upcoming
Next week, I'll be back to the grind with the daily devotions. Also, I will be adding an additional feature. I will be doing two short podcasts every month. Once a month, we will be walking beginning to end through the book of Revelation. This will be available for all subscribers. The other monthly podcast, thinking through politics, issues, headlines, and practical life as a Christian will be for paid subscribers.
I look forward to getting back to the grind! As always, I hope all my content helps to further the cause of Christ in your life and the world.