Endings and Beginnings…
Better is the end of a thing than the
beginning of it, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Ecclesiastes 7:8 (AMP)
Beginnings and endings are inextricably linked. As we say good-bye to one year, we welcome another year one moment later. Whenever one door closes, another opens – even if we do not see it immediately. When human life ends on earth, those of us who have called on Jesus to be our Savior and Lord, understand that a different dimension of that same life begins in heaven. Beginnings are special. Endings are too.
On this final day of 2018, I want to share with you that I have completed a significant project in my life. But, to understand it, you have to know a little about the beginning. An entry written in the kente cloth patterned journal that I used in college is the first time I recall articulating that I would write a book. It was 1997. That was the year that I ended my college journey and began law school. At the time, I did not know what I would write about. I only knew that I was destined to be a published author. As the years passed, and I started in ministry, I knew that the book I would write was to be a devotional. Well, today I am delighted to announce that I have accomplished by goal!
I published my first book, a 20-week topical devotional, entitled Vantage Point (Redemption Press) earlier this month. It was a project that I started in earnest back in 2015. I cannot say exactly why it took three years to complete. When I was writing, it felt as if I would neeevverr be done. But now, as I look back, all I can say is that it took the time that it took. And, I am better for having struggled, pressed, and strained to get through to the end.
So what about you? What dream do you need to complete? The start of a new year is a perfect time to plan for how you want the year to end. Now is the time. My word of encouragement for you today is simply this, BEGIN! Start small, but start. It is only by beginning that you will be able to get to the end. And, take it from me, the view from the end is pretty sweet!
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin… Zechariah 4:10a (NLT)
To purchase a copy of Vantage Point, please visit www.joy4lifeministries.org. If you live locally in the DMV area, mark you calendar and please plan to join me for my first book release event on Sunday, January 13, 2019 at 5p.m., at the Church at Clarendon (1210 N. Highland St., Arlington, VA 22201) You will be able to purchase copies and have them signed at the event.
How WONDERFUL!!
Congratulations for completion and accomplishment. Looking forward to celebrating your first (of many) book release.
🙂
Thank you, Soror! I hope that you can still make the new date, February 10, 2019 at 5pm!
I look forward to reading your marvelous work every single day!
Thank you!!
Awesomeness💜. Congratulations!!!!
Thank you so much!
Awesome post and timely as always! Congratulations on the book. Thank you for continuing to be an inspiration. I’ve got some dreams I need to begin :-). Much love!
Thank you, Soror! I am praying with you and ready to celebrate you as you achieve your dreams as well!