Here are a couple of pics from our halloween party. We told the youth they could dress up as Bible characters or heroes from history. I think they bent the rules a little. ;-)

Sunday Morning At "The Way"

Yesterday, before our church service at Grace Apostolic Fellowship, we went to another local church called "The Way". The REMIX band had been honored with an invite to do the worship music for a special youth oriented service. I think this was our first time playing out at another church. We thought we were going to be able to play at REMIX Wednesday night but because of a conflict we didn't have our normal area. So we had only about fifteen minutes of practice in the main sanctuary. We weren't as tight as we have been in the past and my vocals sucked (Kim did awesome for 30 minutes of straight singing!) but then such a sweet anointed presence of God filled the place and we just ROCKED OUT for Jesus. I am so proud of Josh, Austin, Kim, and Jason P., who was there to show support and to introduce us to "The Way."

One of the youth pastor's, Jessica, preached a convicting message inspired by a Paul Washer sermon which deals with real Christianity and how real salvation or conversion produces real change in a converts life. No she wasn't talking about being saved by works but that faith in God always produces works in a Christians life. I have to admit that there were areas in which I felt convicted and had to come before God in my own repentance. During the altar call I wept as I remembered how God reached out and miraculously healed so many areas in my life just a few short months ago. Just the fact that I can weep and feel love towards others is a huge step in my life. I wept because he forgives each time I come up short in my walk and with his word, through friends, or mentors in my life guides me back on the correct path.

The service at "The Way" helped to remind me of where God has brought me from in just a few short years. Most of my personal growth has come in the last year as my pastor and fellow youth leaders have pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped to break my little shell that I had lived in for so many years.

Here are some excerpts from the Paul Washer sermon that Jessica preached from.

Emily and Matt

Here are a couple of pics of our children, Emily and Matthew. Of course we have thousands of pictures but these are as recent as a couple of days ago. Nothing changes life like a kid. Now that I have two I wonder what I used to do with all my free time.

I Won't Forget the Journey

Below is the last post of my old blog. After struggeling for years to try to get back to a place with God that I knew in my heart existed, I finally found a little of what I was looking for. After going back and reading my blog again I am so glad I took a little time to write so that I never forget the struggle and those dark days that God led me through.

Posted on July 9, 2007:

Wow has my life changed since my last post! I finally received the renewal of the Holy Ghost that I have wanted for so long. I finally got past the fear that has had me bound and imprisoned for over ten years. I was at my lowest point spiritually. There was nothing else I could do but take a giant leap (for me anyway) on faith. Words cannot explain the feeling that I felt when I was once again united with the God who created me! Emotions that I was not expecting flooded my soul, namely LOVE. I felt such a love for my fellow brothers and sisters in the faith. I don't ever recall being aware that such love ever existed or could be felt toward other Christians. See, I was not expecting this overwhelming flood of love to spring forth in my soul. It came as such a suprise to me. After I opened my eyes and looked around I saw so many who had prayed with me and had basically walked with me while Christ took the burden from my shoulders. I am forever thankful for my Pastor and I will NEVER forget all those, who for a few minutes at an altar walked with me past the gates of my darkest struggle and saw me into the light of God's everlasting grace and love!

Starting Over, . . . Nah, not really