Jesus reminds us we should choose our words with care. After all, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Our words are so powerful they can make the dying live or make the living die. “Reckless words pierce like a sword” (Proverbs 12:18a).

When I receive critical comments online or in response to my books, and when someone talks to me personally about their disagreements, I ask God to point out to me any truth they may contain. People are certainly correct that I’m very flawed. No one is more aware of this than I am.

Regarding readers or reviewers who don’t like my books, when I conclude that some people think worse of me than they should, I always remind myself that some think better of me than they should.

Next week, after New Year’s day, I hope to post some 2007 pictures. Meanwhile, people have been remarking to me offline that the comments on my blogs have become a battle zone. It seems I’ve offended people, for reasons sometimes apparent, sometimes not.  

Since publication, a dozen people’s input has prompted me to make a few dozen changes, mostly small but some significant, that will appear in future revisions. I always feel good about doing this.