If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why?

Eliminate SHOULD.

As a psychologist colorfully says, “Don’t should on yourself!”

For example, I might say: “I should have sold 5,000 HORNED EDGE books in 2024. But I didn’t, so I’m a failure.” Or, “I should have walked a 5-K already! But I didn’t. Shame on me.”

Just a note about the famous Bible passage John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.3.16.ESV

… Jesus isn’t saying, “If you don’t have faith in me, you’re going to hell!” He adds verse 17,

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.3.17.ESV

In other words, Jesus is permanently banning the SHOULD-word. He took on the failures and the shame. He rose in victory. And he is giving me power so that I can take a deep breath and say, “I can!”

Speaking of THE HORNED EDGE … Try it out. Only $10.99 for the paperback on Amazon.com. Click here to buy the book.

What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months?

“I have so much to do, I need to pray another three hours,” quipped Martin Luther about 450 years ago. As for me, I’m writing three books and it’s like taking three graduate courses. I really need to know the love and strength of Jesus.

Speaking about getting needs met from Jesus, here is an example. It’s popular for some people to wear a t-shirt that reads, “God Is Dope.” Well, if God is dope, then I’m really fortunate, because I have gone through surgery of the soul, and he can comfort me, help me to heal.

If you want to read books about God and healing of the soul, here is a link to my Soul’s Warfare sci-fi series on Amazon.com.

Are you patriotic? What does being patriotic mean to you?

I immediately thought of the verse, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” (Psalm 122:6) Jerusalem means the country in which I live. When I’m patriotic, I’m praying and acting on behalf of my home.

What’s the thing you’re most scared to do? What would it take to get you to do it?

My biggest scary situation is being well-known. But, stepping out in faith in my creative work may bring that result. So I will trust God for ways to manage that fear.