This episode is sort of the period at the end of a sentence. The director’s cry of “Cut!” at the end of a scene.
I’ve never, in more than 12 years of podcasting done an episode like this. It’s sort of bittersweet, to tell you the truth.
The first time reading through the Bible with the Lifespring Family Bible began, I think, in January of 2007. I read through the Bible in a year, so there were approximately 365 episodes there. After that year, I published reruns for at least two years if I remember right. The New Lifespring Family Audio Bible began in March of 2013 with all new readings and commentary, and there were 611 episodes of the New Lifespring Family Audio Bible, for a total of 976 episodes in which we read the Bible together.
What’s next? I’ll get to that in a few minutes, but first I want to say thanks to each listener, and thanks to those who have supported the show financially, especially My Friendly Editor who, when many months ago I expressed the need for ongoing financial support, this person prayed about it and was moved to commit to a monthly donation. This really helped with some of the expenses associated with producing the podcast, but more than anything, it was an encouragement to me that this show meant enough to My Friendly Editor to make the commitment. And there have been others along the way who have helped with one-time donations, and those gifts have been very much appreciated, too. Sometimes you really helped me get over a hump when unexpected expenses arose. To all who have made donations, you have my gratitude.
For those that have prayed for the podcast, for me, for my family, thank you. Your prayers encouraged me to keep going. Producing 976 episodes of Bible reading and commentary represents thousands upon thousands of hours of work in the studio. I’m not gonna lie, there were times when I wondered if it was worth it. It was at those times that the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit told me to “Keep going. People are listening to My Word. What you are doing does matter.” So thank you for your prayers.
I want to thank my wife, the love of my life, the Lovely Lady LeeAnn, who has never wavered in her support. Many of those thousands of hours in the studio were hours that could have been spent with her, but she graciously and generously, without once complaining, relinquished our time together so that the podcast could go out on time. Honestly, without LeeAnn’s help and support, the Lifespring Family Audio Bible would never have been possible.
I also want to thank Pastor Mel Bennett. When I first heard about this new form of communication called podcasting way back in September or October of 2004, Mel Bennett was my pastor. When the Lord called me to actually do a podcast, Pastor Bennett allowed me to use the church’s sound equipment to do the recording. That’s where the original Lifespring! Podcast was birthed, and I used the church’s equipment for the first year or so. If he had not allowed me to record there, there would have been no Lifespring! Podcast, and no subsequent Lifespring Family Audio Bible.
Over the twelve-plus years since the first episode debuted, I’ve received lots of emails from around the world from listeners. I consider each person who wrote a friend, or even a family member. Believe me when I say that you really encouraged my heart. Sitting at my desk while studying and writing, and then recording, editing and assembling the podcast, then uploading the show file and writing show notes, are all solitary tasks. When someone takes the time to fire off a short note or write something longer, it truly is a bright spot in my day to see that email arrive in my inbox. Thank you to each one who has written.
Of course I’ve made lots of friends who are also podcasters. I’ve interviewed authors, musicians, singers, comedians, even a guy who was in the Mafia.
