Magnificent Mansions centers on hope for lives that feel unfulfilled. What moment in your own life first made you realize you needed to write this book?
I can’t say there was a precise moment. Much of the book was written essentially in a “real-time” fashion over a particularly transformative period of about three years. During that time, I came to believe and accept that God had been coming through for me after all. I was moved, so much so, to share a message of hope, and one that seemed to be developing within me "along the way." Likewise, I believe He can come through for you, too!
You grew up on the wide plains of Texas and spent much of your career in Houston’s concrete corridors. How did those flat, enclosed environments shape your longing for something more?
Rather than shaping me so much, I saw them as more like reflecting what was going on within me. As I allude to in the book, I began to view those literal places and experiences as also being allegorical of what seemed to me to be a significantly wasted life that apparently lacked much of anything meaningful. But through such things, I somehow began to grasp there was “something more.”
In the book, you describe years of prayer that seemed unanswered. How did those seasons of waiting deepen or challenge your faith?
I realized the waiting itself was the very expression of a faith that I already had, that it was worth holding on to, and that it would be most beneficial to keep moving. Somehow In the silence and the darkness, I recognized that I did indeed have hope. — And that the hope I had was in Someone Who I believed was worthy to follow and that He would rightly lead me, . . . albeit I didn’t have a clue where exactly I was going nor even what the next step would be.
Mountains and oceans play a powerful role in your spiritual awakening. Can you share a specific experience in nature that profoundly changed your perspective on God?
Again, I will mention that I recognize what comes across to me in them as allegory. And that such things apply to my life with respect to God. Mountains and oceans reflect elements of ascension, descension, and freedom. For example, I recall being overcome with joy and moved beyond words upon reaching the top of Denali. I saw such within and as expressed by the laughter and tears of other team members as well, and as we all hugged one another and enjoyed the view of, or what we could fathom as, the magnificence we found ourselves within together. Perhaps that moment is best portrayed as simply recognizing my being so small within such a place. I believe that perspective also applies to my relationship with God.
You write about encountering God’s sublimity while engaging in activities like climbing, surfing, and sailing. How does physical movement help you connect spiritually?
The movement itself reflects the faith to keep going despite not being sure of exactly what’s ahead. Many of the activities involve great freedom to move in the first place and to make many, even some dangerous, mistakes — just like much of life.
The title Magnificent Mansions evokes Christ’s promise of rooms in the Father’s house. What does that promise personally mean to you today?
I still have that hope. And it’s fresh. Just about every day I am reminded of what I believe Christ is preparing and doing within such rooms as expressed through many of us mere humans.
You suggest that the most spectacular views aren’t found in landscapes, but in what God is preparing beyond this life. How did that realization transform the way you see your present life?
As per what God is preparing, my point in the book was more to suggest that that spectacular view can be found in THIS life, the very life one has now. — That Christ is already at work within us. And I provide many examples in the book. That is also my hope that I have presently, not just some future one.
Family clearly plays a central role in your gratitude and outlook. How has being a husband, father, and grandfather influenced your understanding of hope and purpose?
Through my family, I believe I have had the privilege of seeing the love of God expressed through them to me and others. And that in turn supports the hope I have, and that I may too and in such roles express that very love to them and others.
You balance adventure sports, photography, and writing with family life. How do these creative and physical outlets feed into your storytelling?
Being outdoors helps me to live more in the moment and has definitely contributed much to the story. Family life, the joys of being a husband, and a father add to that as well. So all seems to “feed” into the elements of what I write about in one way or another. Even the “lows” I experience around Houston are integral to this peculiar tale I find myself within. One which I see as having a gallant plot, but one I doubt I could rightfully credit myself with.
Was there a particular Scripture passage that became the spiritual foundation for Magnificent Mansions?
I refer to many scriptures throughout the book, but I see a particular passage from the 14th chapter of John as being the most foundational. Or, perhaps as better stated, the words I’m referring to point to the very foundation of the book and much more.
Many readers feel trapped in “aimless” seasons of life. What would you say to someone who feels stuck and unseen by God?
Most of the book discusses that very topic. I offered many scriptures and experiences that I believe point to God’s very work addressing such within one. So I will just say here that I confidently believe I have good reason to have hope for anyone who is looking to God, and that He does see and will come through for you.
Photography appears to mirror your writing—both capture perspective and light. How does seeing the world through a lens influence how you write?
A lens is also used to crop out unwanted parts and focus on things more clearly. So when the right lens is between my eyes and the world, I tend to see things more clearly. Likewise, when the “lens” of Christ is effectively between my eyes and the world, things seem to be clearer to me as well, especially about what really matters.
Writing about faith can be deeply personal. What was the most vulnerable part of yourself you had to share in this book?
Part? I would say that I felt like pretty much all of what I consider myself to be was vulnerable and yet perhaps not vulnerable enough. As I suspect my natural self, which tends to lean toward abject cowardice, came into play regarding the latter. In any case, I intended to point consistently more to Christ than myself. So neither did I want the book to be about me, nor did I have any intention of vulnerably exposing myself or my shortcomings in explicit detail.
How has writing Magnificent Mansions changed you as a believer and as a man?
I think it would be more accurate to say that the writing was about the changes I observed as a believer and a man, more than the writing itself changed me in any way. And in my view, the changes that I wrote about and experienced had little to do with anything that I did.
What has your AllAuthor experience been like so far? What are some highlights?
My experience has been very fine so far, though I’ve only occasionally utilized some of the basic plans that feature my book through mockup banners. I much appreciate the increased awareness of my book by those. Likewise, I am grateful for this opportunity to share more directly about Magnificent Mansions; hopefully, this will be a highlight!
