Life takes turns we cannot anticipate.

In 2022, I published my first novel. In the months preceding the release date, I scheduled book signings and speaking events two weeks before the release and several weeks after.

Two weeks before the release of my book, a member of my family became quite ill and needed my attention for several weeks. I canceled all events—and had no regrets. My family is my priority only behind my service to God.

In 2023, my second novel was scheduled for release. Again, I scheduled book signings and speaking events. Three weeks before the book’s release date, again, we had a family member who became very ill and needed my help for six weeks. Again, I canceled all the events.

This second round of cancelations reminded me of the verse from the Bible:

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.”  You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4: 12-15, BSB)

We truly don’t know what tomorrow will hold. We have no control over the future. Where we do have control is to thoroughly commit to our principles and use them for guidance to address what lies ahead.

Commit to putting God first.

Commit to putting your family above all but God.

Commit to loving your neighbors.

As Jesus says in Matthew 6:32-33:

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

What are your priorities? Are they in line with what God commands?

Align your life with His commandments, “and all these things will be added to you.”

These times are difficult. Many are experiencing financial stress, poor health, and family concerns. Several of you have reached out to me and requested prayer. It is an honor to pray for you. A few have requested money. As this is a non-profit ministry, we cannot give money directly to people. That said, there are ministries that we support that do give to individuals.

I also want to encourage you to consider placing your need on Give Send Go if you have exhausted all pathways to funds. Give Send Go operates in over 80 countries and allows people with specific needs to put them before the community to raise money.

Giving through Give Send Go is a way to love our neighbors—even if they live halfway around the globe. It is a way we as Christians can hold to our priority of loving our neighbors.

Let’s commit ourselves in 2024 to aligning our principles to those of God—and serving Him well!