Then the angel showed me the river of life-giving water, shining like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb through the middle of the city’s main street. On each side of the river is the tree of life, which produces twelve crops of fruit, bearing its fruit each month. The tree’s leaves are for the healing of the nations. 

Revelation 22:1-2

Q & A for Readers:

As we launch this amazing and unprecedented opportunity (also known as 2024), I want to take a few moments to answer some of your questions about this blog.

Here are a few of the most helpful that have come up recently:

• Q – Why do you write, and why write almost every day? A: Writing is how I process what is going on in my head, my heart, and the world around me. I write almost every day because it is good for me, because I enjoy the process, and because I believe I have a message worth sharing.
• Q – So what is your essential theme, your message? A: There it is, in the scripture above: I want this blog to be “a river of life-giving water….” 1) Exploring my own relationship with God. 2) Encouraging you in your faith journey. 3) Inviting anyone and everyone to engage in such a journey.
• Q – What is your reach? A: 2023 saw record levels of activity, with 34,000 visitors along with over 200,000 views. More than 7,000 readers have signed up to “follow” this blog, and the count for all-time views now stands at 1.65 million.
• Q – Can you or will you change the appearance? A: Style/format is a challenge, because while designers often offer new templates that may prove more effective, readers tend to value a familiar format they recognize and know how to navigate. January is a good time for change, right? So you will likely see something new coming soon.
• Q – What does this blog cost? A: Nothing for you! But I do pay WordPress (my hosting service) a premium so you won’t have to see any ads. You’re welcome!
• Q – Can I use your Photographs? A: Absolutely. Yes, feel free! But please credit, “Image by Derek Maul,” preferably including a link to my site.
• Q – How Can We Help? A: Thanks, I am glad you asked! There are several very specific things you can do that will make the world of difference for me. If only 10% of my readers do the following, the impact will be beyond spectacular. Please check out the bullets, below.

This is How You Can Help!

Social media is only powerful to the extent that it is passed around. You could be the link that makes all the difference!

1. SHARE: Please, please, please use the “like” and the “share” buttons. Use them here, and use them on your social media page. The more people you invite to read, the greater the reach. Simply put, I believe I have an important message that is worth sharing. Your help is critical.
2. Email this link to your friends – especially when you read something that helps or inspires you. People read a lot that is false and damaging, so why not share some good news instead?
3. Buy my books. Buying my books is huge! Sales are the most compelling reason editors have to publish me again. So please click on my “Author Page” at Amazon. A book costs less than a coffee and bagel – sometimes just a coffee! Plus, they are really good books!
4. Pray for me. Pray that my writing will help more people to understand the Good News message, and to live as followers of the Way of Jesus.
5. Again, share. Or, as one of my readers often writes on his Facebook page, “Don’t read that, read this!” followed by a link to one of my posts.

So I believe we are all caught up. Feel free to send in more questions, either in the comments or to my email, derekmaul@gmail.com.

Here is to an unimaginably positive New Year, repeated every day for all 366 we get to enjoy in 2024 – DEREK