What’s the announcement? I’m taking some time off/a sabbatical from writing this monthly blog. Not to rest – but to work on a book! Truth be told, I have had a concept in my head for several years – now I finally have the framework to put it into book format. Writing a book is a love/ hate relationship. It is exciting to create something new from nothing. You also reach the point of: “If I have to stare at or correct or edit this manuscript one more time – I am going to punch a hole in my computer screen!”

What is the book going to be about? I want to keep it kind of a secret to build anticipation – but here are a few clues: I’m going to create in a devotional format a book that takes an insider look at The Navy Seals, King David and his Mighty Men, and often overlooked and unknown women during that time period like Tamar, Abigail, and even Bathsheba – and tying it all together with helping people grow spiritually no matter what level you are at in your walk of faith. Phew . . . I gave away too much! 🙂

When will this book be finished? Great question! I’m aiming for September of 2022.

What about the monthly blog “Still Waters”? What I’ll do is repost popular articles from the past each month. Maybe every now and then submit something new. Google has a complex algorithm that “likes” consistent, new, input. So I want to keep feeding the artificial intelligent blog monitoring robots. 🙂

However, like the rest of you – time is one of our most precious commodities. I know myself and that I can easily get distracted, waste time, procrastinate, and spread myself too thin. My goal is to channel small blocks of time, my creativity and imagination, and primary focus dedicated to writing the book instead of a monthly column.

What does the future hold? Again, it starts with on a daily basis winning the “war” against wasting time, priorities, motivation, complacency, and discipline – but also balancing out quality rest and down time. I have some more book concepts in my head. I want to keep polishing and presenting my speaking topics. I’m developing close up and stage magic shows (I get to practice them in front of PreK kiddos!). Maybe create a podcast, maybe something on YouTube, an encouraging weekly newsletter, and new blog entries. And keep growing spiritually, personally, and professionally. That’s my short term 20 year plan 🙂

Why do you want to do all that stuff? We all have been uniquely designed by God and given gifts for His glory, furthering His Kingdom, and blessing others. You and I have unique messages and experiences to share. You and I have different audiences that need to hear that message (it might be an audience of one). You and I have an enemy called The Devil that wants to put our messages on “mute” and “silent”. You and I have been given and unknown and limited amount of time on this earth to make an impact. Phew . . . don’t get me going! I just attended a 5 night online speaker bootcamp with Dr. Dharius Daniels and I’m fired up! Watch him speak on YouTube and you’ll see why 🙂

How about an encouraging word for today? Stay close to God, stay close to God, and stay close to God! We’ve had two of the most “unique” years in human history and most of us are drained. We can’t keep waiting for “normal” to get back. All we know is the unknown.

Besides hearing from God in your Bible – do whatever it takes to integrate what speaks to your spirit in small increments everyday. Walks, worship music, nature, reading faith based books, creating, gardening, praying, uplifting messages and podcasts, exercising – you know you. I leave you with these words that King David was giving his son Solomon as he was passing his kingdom on to him. However, it is like David is giving each of us his personal formula for success:

And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. So take this seriously. The Lord has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary. Be strong, and do the work.

(1 Chronicles 28: 9-10)

Blessings,

Dave 🙂

https://www.amazon.com/author/davidrische