Today is my birthday. As I begin my 46th year, I can’t help but count my blessings. I serve a wonderful, merciful God who perfectly loves me just as I am while shaping me into who He wants me to become. I have a supportive family, an opportunity to attend seminary, and I’m living the dream of writing books. I have the privilege of homeschooling our kids, meaning that we get TONS of time together to make memories. I love my current season of life.
September also marks another birthday. A half birthday. September is the six-month birthday of Chasing Holiness. Initially, Chasing Holiness was set to release in August 2020. But for reasons unknown to me, the publishers launched it in March—one week before the world shut down.
I don’t usually celebrate half birthdays, but this one is pretty special. Had I been in control, I would have waited to release Chasing Holiness. I like schedules, and even more, I like sticking to schedules . But it was not up to me.
The change of dates ensured that I spent the months before COVID-19 saturated in the Word of God as I worked through final edits for this book. It burned deep into my mind truths that I needed to remember during the shutdown. It challenged me to live out what I just challenged my readers to do: allow the Lord and His Word to overwhelm me more than the world and circumstances.
So on this ‘half-birthday’ book birthday, I’m celebrating that perhaps the person who needed to read Chasing Holiness the most was me. I thank God for His perfect timing, and I thank you – my wonderfully encouraging readers – for your private messages and social media comments about the impact Chasing Holiness has had on your life.
It is truly a privilege to run this race together.