About the Book

Book: Psalms from the Sea, Volume IV: OPERATIONS

Author: David Reid Brown

Genre: Christian Devotional

Release Date: October, 2025

DID YOU KNOW? YOUR CHRISTIAN WALK HAS A LOT IN COMMON WITH THE LIFE OF A NAVY SAILOR!

Yes! It seems too hard to believe but it is true. Sailors experience hardship, trust, fatigue, worry, disappointment, joy–and so do you! A sailor’s life is filled with the common experiences you have every day of your Christian walk.

OPERATIONS is a compilation of over fifty devotional stories composed by DAVID REID BROWN while he served at sea. These stories present the life of sailors in a way that touches on topics that mirror your daily Christian walk. Each story concludes with a practical application section, relevant scripture, and prayer.

DAVID REID BROWN has first-hand knowledge in understanding the life of a Sailor because he lived it. As former Navy Chaplain, he also understands Biblical truth and how to identify spiritual principles and experiences that Christians and sailors share.

In this book, readers will be:

Surprised to learn the daily lives of Christians and Sailors are quite similar.
Inspired by sea stories that connect with Biblical truths.
Amazed by the selfless sacrifice of Sailors, Marines, and their families.

Still curious? Read this book and find out how God will meet your curiosity with a stronger faith in Him and a deeper admiration for the service of military members and their families.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

David Reid Brown is a retired Navy Chaplain and currently serves as a high school Government, Bible, and Art teacher at Grace Christian School in Mechanicsville, VA. He has authored nine books: Spirit Soundings: A Chaplain’s Journal of Life at Sea (three volumes), Lost Summer, and Psalms from The Sea (four volumes), and a book of poetry, Sophia’s Songs. These inspirational stories were born out of his global seafaring experiences, spanning twenty-one years of peace, war, and three overseas deployments as well as his service as a Christian educator.

More from David

Did you know? The art on the front cover of my book, OPERATIONS, was designed and created by one of my Ninth Grade Art Students. Yes, it’s true. I recognized that this young artist had the technical skill and artistic flair to create the unique cover art required for this book when he was just in the sixth grade!

FOR OVER TWENTY-ONE YEARS, I have had the distinct privilege of serving thousands of sailors, Marines, and their families across the nation, upon every major ocean, as well as overseas. I am most proud to have shared a common bond of service, sacrifice, and devotion. OPERATIONS is my patriotic tribute to them.

Interview with Author

How do you overcome writer’s block? Do you have any advice for others in finding their process to overcome it?

First, thank you for the opportunity to share these insights on your blog.

I never experience writer’s block. Here’s how I guard against it:

Multiple Projects: I am usually working on more than one book or journal at a time. Whenever I get to a point when I tire of a project, I switch to the other one(s) to keep my writing perspective fresh.
Take Breaks: A stall or pause in ideas can be a signal for me to “switch gears” and move on with other tasks for the day.
Read: I find that reading other authors’ work in my genre stokes my imagination and challenges me to improve my writing skills, which sends me back to the typewriter.

I would recommend using one or more of these tactics to combat writer’s block.

Do you read the genre you write? Why or why not?

Yes. I think it’s essential to improve your writing skills to read other authors in the genre in which you write. I always find it a challenge when I read authors who are more skilled and creative than I am. Also, I have a slight inferiority complex. I believe that every author I meet is a better writer than I am, or they have a unique perspective I need to learn.

What’s your favorite writing snack, drink, and/or music?

My favorite writing snack is mixed nuts with cranberry raisins, essentially, trail mix. This is far healthier than my number one favorite snack, potato chips.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

There are two pieces of advice that I have received that have been invaluable. First, join a writers’ critique group (not just a writer’s club). The critique group will provide you with the constructive perspective that all good writers need. Now, I will say that all of these groups are not created equal. So, I would recommend that you choose wisely when seeking to join one. However, getting others to see your work and hear their critiques will help you to become a more professional writer. Second, find a professional editor for your manuscript. The “cheap” way is to use Grammarly or another AI-based product. But an editor can help you craft “your voice” as well as check for mistakes in spelling and grammar. A professional editor may not be cheap, but it is worth vs. the cost of producing a professional writing product.