I remember inviting Jesus into my life in 4th or 5th grade at a summer VBS at the local Baptist church. Unfortunately, there was no followup to that. I wasn’t brought up in the church. Ever since that day however, though I ignored it most of my life , I have always felt God’s hand in my life.

Most of my adult life I had an arrangement with God. It seemed to work pretty good. He didn’t bother me and I didn’t bother him. I went through life with the attitude that if it doesn’t hurt anyone it must be O.K.. You live your life and I’ll live mine. To each his own.

I didn’t have any Earth shaking epiphany or life threatening experience. Nor did I witness a miracle or some inexplicable situation. I was, however ,weary of life. Of banging my head on the wall and never seeming to get anywhere. Doing the same things over and over and never getting a different result.

I remember the night God called me back. He brought me to my knees in repentance. I remember the freedom of that moment and the joy of hope that was given to me. I was saved from life’s emptiness and shackles of sin. I had been reborn into a new life.

I’m sure this story is common and the question that follows is even more common. How do I know I’m saved?

I would answer that question with a question or two. (These questions assume you have been born again and believe Jesus to be the son of God and the only way to the Father in Heaven.)
1. When you sin, do you feel compelled to bring it to your Father in Heaven and ask his forgiveness?
2. Can you intentionally sin without repentance?

A man who is born again, made new through repentance (the turning from the old ways and seeking not to repeat them) and the forgiveness of Jesus Christ, will answer no to both of these questions. If you can answer no to these two questions than rest assured you have been saved.

Here are a few pictures of some of the things we did 2011.

I’m not sure what the deal is with the sound, but it’s  not bad. It makes a father proud to watch his child serving God with a beautiful talent he gave her. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. (Of course I’m Biased:)

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This is the first time in 25 years I have had a regular work schedule. Now working  banker hours and off on the weekends. It’s taking a little gettin used to, but I think I could like being off on the weekends. 

IT’S NOT FAIR!!!

In a recent Bible Study that I was in we explored the characteristics of SATAN and how he sells his lie to the masses. We found a common ploy used by Satan was to tell us we deserve better and that we have been dealt a raw deal.(Like Eve in the garden) He makes us believe that we are being duped by someone (God) and that we could do better.(eat the apple and be like God) “Life is not fair” is his battle cry. Why? Because while we are trying to get our “fair share” we loose focus on the one who created us (God) and provides for our every need. We make our needs our focus.

If you believe that you are being treated unfairly or that God has abandoned you than you have lost perspective of who you are and who God is. God sacrificed his only son so that we, his creation, could be equally and fairly loved. A “fair share” is not what you get out of life, but what you give to preserve it and make it better for others.

When your child comes to you for advice you know you are doing something right as a parent. (I didn’t say everything right.)

Recently my daughter came to me and her mother about dating. She asked our opinion about a certain relational situation. We both expressed our disapproval and told her that we didn’t feel that this was a relationship for her to pursue. We strongly expressed we felt she should direct her energy in looking elsewhere for a relationship.

As you can imagine, from a 17 yr old girl, we met with strong opposition. We, of course, being in our 40′s and obviously never been in love, just didn’t understand the situation. However, knowing my daughter and the light that shines in her, we took a chance and told her that although we don’t approve, we weren’t going to forbid her to pursue this relationship. We told her to do what she thought was right.  They really hate that. We were a little disappointed that she decided to go ahead with her plans anyways, but as I figured the relationship has fizzled and the light in my daughter has brightened.

As parents we tend to worry that our children will make dumb mistakes as they get older. We remember how we wish we hadn’t gone certain places or done certain things. We hope that they will listen to our advice and avoid the same problems, but the fact is they have to figure it out on their own. It builds character and gives them the wisdom they need to impart to their own children later.

Time will tell weather we as parents have done the best we could, but we should be encouraged when they seek wise council from us now and utilize our advice in their lives.

Well I just spent the first 3 hours of my day scanning the past onto my hard drive. I was surprised by the emotional roller coaster I enjoyed. Laughing and crying as I scanned pictures of family and friends from past events. I only got through about 70 pictures because after I would scan it I would try to remember the event and the year it was taken and try to organize it (as per my 2011 bucket list – to get my pictures organized). I hope you enjoy some of these as much as I did.

Courtney used to be so scared of loud noises. This one reminded me of how she would always cry for dad during thunderstorms.

This was a summer scavenger hunt that I took the kids on @ Pilcher Park. We all had a great day just discovering God's creation. They each got a disposable camera and took pictures of the things that interested them and then we made little albums.

Two of my favorite smiles. Kirsten and Courtney.

This one made me remember what a great kid Justin is. Such a handsome young man.

How cute they are.

This picture reminded me of all the wonderful years that I have spent with my beautiful wife.

This one reminded me of what a beautiful daughter I have and how lucky I am.

Family is such an important part of  life. Thank God for those memories that keep you going and make life worth living. Without memories we have no past and without a past we just are and God can do so much more with a man he has developed through his past than one who just is.