After Death

Cross as grave marker on green grass against blue sky

In the book Less of More by Chris Nye, the author poses the following question regarding how Christians can live their lives in the midst of spiritual abundance: "What are you participating in right now that will matter in ten thousand years?"

This is a question I've deliberated in my head based on the time I spend reading books, reviewing them, and creating content to promote them. At this point, it's been a major passion project for me, one that, admittedly, takes up some time and financial resources as I do all of it outside of my work (contrary to the statements I have about Amazon on my blog, I've been booted out of the Affiliates program several times 😂).

Although I don't feel called to stop, I also feel like I need to be more intentional about investing in what matters. Books, as lovely as they are, cannot substitute the place of the Bible in my life. I also can't let my time online affect my real-life relationships or involvement in other pursuits.

After death, all that will be left is how I invested into people. My ongoing prayer is that I can be a blessing no matter what I share, and that others will feel encouraged or edified after an encounter with me. That's why I've striven to steer clear of controversy unless it's something that rubs up against a clear biblical conviction (though, I have to admit that this can be challenging!).

At the same time, I recognize that loving and blessing others can't always be done on my time table. There is a sacrificial cost at times, but it's one that I've happily borne because I want to pour myself out in others and have that outlet to do so.

I don't know if my output will necessarily change yet as a result of reflecting on this question, but I want my inputs to change as they feed into my approach with books and reviews. Though I pray and feel led to share the things I do on here on my blog or on my Instagram, I want to ensure that everything is done with Christian love and charity.

It's a reminder that what I can become concerned about today won't ultimately matter. If I'm becoming more preoccupied about the things that will pass away, it's not the best use of my time or focus; thus, I need to be aligned to what God wants me to be doing.

I won't have much to show after I pass, but if I can make the slightest difference in spurring others on toward the things of God, my hope is that God will use me as an instrument even when I'm just sharing about the things I've read 🩷

Comments

Shortcut-Less

I recently saw a carousel post from someone whom I don't follow that stopped me in my tracks. Essentially, it was about some of the issues found on Instagram; however, the slide that stood out most to me was the one stating, "I am not convinced Bookstagrammers actually read." While I certainly don't need to take the time to defend my actions or activity, I'm saddened at this thought. I've written before about The Privileges of Reading and Aspirational Reading , but things seem to have taken a turn for the worse with the proliferation of generative AI (not agentic AI—see Stop the Slop for the distinction) since I first wrote these posts. I'm careful not to make blanket accusations or pronouncements as many of the people I follow are both genuine and impressive in what they share, but it seems to be a sentiment that is growing in popularity. Whether people believe that I fall into the same category or not is something I cannot control. I can shout until ...

Review: Her Surprise Vacation Date - Unexpected Dates #1

This is a new series from Liwen Y. Ho that sounds like it will be full of the unexpected, including the first book titled Her Surprise Vacation Date . Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis I was supposed to go on vacation with my best friend… not my best friend’s little brother. It was going to be a fun girls-only trip to Solvang, CA… before it turned into me dressing up like the Michelin Man, getting a call from my bestie telling me that she’s too sick to come, and losing my luggage. Now I’m at the airport waiting for my best friend’s little brother to pick me up. After all the unexpected twists and turns of this morning, you’d think nothing would surprise me, that is until nothing turns out to be a six-foot-tall hazel-eyed man with a beautiful smile. Wow. Shane Morgan’s grown up a lot since I last saw him in high school. A hunky EMT now, he’s still sweet and funny, but also a lot bol...

Review: The Battle for Heaven and Earth - A Story of Scripture #1

When I saw this book being offered for #CampNetGalley this summer, I knew that it would be an excellent opportunity to try biblical fiction with a twist on it. The Battle for Heaven and Earth by Mark M. Yarbrough and Jerry B. Jenkins is a book unlike what I've read before and it's already whet my appetite for what's next in the series. It's riveting with fast-paced scenes while plunging me into scenes of much spiritual depth. Since it won't be published until November 3, 2026, I am grateful I didn't have to wait that long to enjoy this title. Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis In the beginning—before Earth, before humanity, before sin--there was Heaven. And it was perfect. This is the story of creation as you've never imagined it. Once united in worship and purpose, the angelic realm is shaken when Lucifer—the most beautiful a...