Eternal Springs offers a devotional reflection on the Gospel of John and emphasizes that Christian joy is a steady current of peace, courage, humility, and love. What inspired you to write this book?

Though I was raised in the church, I don’t consider myself as being a Christian until I reached age 40.  My grandfather Oliver was a gentle, kind, humble, and devout Christian.  He did not talk a lot about it, but he lived “the way” exceptionally.  I loved him dearly and admired him tremendously.  During his life, I had strayed.  Even though I had made bad mistakes, he didn’t seem to give up on me.  Sadly, by the time I came back and was mature enough to form questions which I would have loved to present to him, he had died.

This book was written for my own grandchildren.  They are young, and I hope that there are more coming.  I realize that I’m not always going to be around.  My hope is that when they are old enough to have questions of their own, whether I am here or not, they have a record of my faith which they can resort to.  My prayer for them is that they experience joy and vitality in this life, and that they gain a sense that God is good and that life is worth living!  With this book, I intend to lovingly strengthen them so that they may succeed.

Some of the book’s most personal moments involve your reflections on sobriety, obedience, doubt, and perseverance. How difficult was it to weave your own experiences into a devotional centered on Scripture?

The beautiful thing about the Bible is that it speaks intimately to all people.  It is broad enough to include everyone, yet specific enough to relate individually within each person’s life experience.  It seemed natural, by way of example, to include my journey.  The book is grounded in the life lessons which God is teaching me.  It is practical, and I think relevant because it is a true depiction of one person’s formation.  Using examples opens the door to imagination and application. It is a personal testimony about a relationship with a God who is tender and kind.  Through all of my mistakes, He was yearning to direct me to healing and wholeness.  My aim was that, through my story, people could relate, and find hope.

Without choosing a favorite chapter, was there a passage in John’s Gospel that surprised you by revealing something new during the writing process?

In Chapter 14 Jesus implores us to the realization that he is the way and the truth and the life.  Related to this is a promise in Chapter 8: 31b-32: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  Jesus calls us to freedom!  For that he had come.  But it is the kind of thing that one doesn’t comprehend fully until you have followed Jesus for a time and gained some success.  To earnestly seek Jesus in our real, everyday relationships is the start.  To be honest about our own shortcomings and desire something better is the prerequisite. 

For a time, I was merely groping in the dark.  Carried by the tide of culture and my own misgivings, I was a slave to my own perspectives.  But God showed me that He is good in ways that were tangible.  Through the Holy Spirit he reached down and lifted me out of the pit.  Once on solid ground, Christ the rock, miraculously I was freed from compulsion and urges.  I could clearly see good and bad for what they are and maybe for the first time make a meaningful choice.  Know this: God wants what is best for you.  Everything that he asks is for your own good.  When you conceive his tenderness, his persistent urging, the grace that he gives becomes transforming.

God values free will because without it there is no genuine love or true worship. Interestingly, it isn’t until you’ve experienced that his most excellent way is superior, something to cherish and hold onto, that you gain momentum.  God graciously gives us instruction and leads us to the pivotal point of acceptance or rejection.  He helps us see clearly with a love that is infinite.  Only upon reaching this apex does life become meaningful.  Only then do we appreciate God, make a free choice, and run into His compassionate arms with joy and exuberance.   

During the writing of this book, this insight gained momentum and became more and more clear.  It is the cornerstone of joy, knowing that God respects us enough to give us free choice, and cares enough to free us of any bondage that might get in the way.

What is one thing you hope your readers take away from Eternal Springs?

God is good!  This life is important!  Heaven is the assurance that impels us to success and vitality here in this world making us joyful witnesses, which glorifies God.

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