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

Stop the Slop

One of the reasons why I've been spending more and more time offline has been due to seeing so much generative AI infiltrate the creative space. I won't necessarily repeat my previous Thoughts on AI blog post where much of what I shared in 2023 still holds true today regarding ethics, discipline, and discernment. Little has changed for me as I continue to refrain from utilizing these tools and instead rely on my own visual and written abilities, flaws and all. However, the difference between its emergence a few years ago and now is astounding where over half of what we see online is generated by artificial intelligence (source: Over 50 Percent of the Internet Is Now AI Slop, New Data Finds ). I'm not one for fear-mongering or sensationalism; however, I am concerned for the effects this may have on my short-term enjoyment of the Internet and my long-term walk as a disciple of Christ and my cognitive skills. First, I have found it difficult to enjoy being online when a lot ...

Review: Movie-Made Romance: Christmas in Garland Collection #4

For anyone who has played bingo along with Christmas Romance movies, it's clear that there are definite (and repeated) themes. Movie-Made Romance by A.M. Heath plays on that idea, bringing a story within a story to life. Book Synopsis He wants a second chance. She wants him to get lost. Carleigh St. John is tired of watching everyone else get their happily-ever-after, and her little sister’s engagement is the last straw. Stewing down the overused plot lines from Christmas Romance movies, Carleigh creates a dating playbook. With a marathon of Christmas dates ranging from picking out a tree with her first crush to volunteering with her grumpy co-worker, she’s bound to find her perfect movie-made ending. … If only her ex will stay out of the way. Joshua Price has spent the last four years trying to outrun his past and the ex-fiancé he had hurt, but now he is back home. As he strives to help his grandfather, he keeps bumping into Carleigh. The pull between them is undeniable, and Jos...

Review: Blind Date with the Hero - Heroes of Freedom Ridge #18

It feels so bittersweet now that I'm finished the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series ! When I first started, I wasn't sure if I could make it through all 18 books, but what a pleasure and delight it has been to get to know the town and its stories so thoroughly. Reading Blind Date with the Hero was both exciting and wistful; however, I'm thankful I got to travel to Freedom, Colorado this past year and get to know so many great authors! Book Synopsis She’s on a series of blind dates, but all she can think about is her Secret Santa… Alexis would rather skinny dip in a snowbank than make good on the bet she lost. Ten blind dates? As though the holidays weren’t hard enough, now she has to sit at awkward Christmas parties with men who were more likely to be intimidated by her military experience than infatuated. At least her Secret Santa was keeping things interesting. K9 Specialist Jared Keen couldn’t believe his luck when he got his best friend’s name in the Secret Santa pool. Af...