From There to Here

Well, it's been a big year in 2008 for me. I learned how to be a little more handy around the house. All the men's projects the group does has really helped me grow there. I know even more so now of how I'm influenced by the people around me.

I look at what God has done for my marriage and a decision I made in 2004 when the Passion of the Christ came out. I left the movie thinking, "If He did that for me, then I have so much I want to do for Him." After making that decision, my marriage improved, my life changed.

I've watched the Small Group that I know God led me to, grow into this great group of people. I have a family reunion almost every Wednesday and you can't beat it as far as people go. It's been a great run for me, full of ups and downs. People come and people go from the fold, but until God tells me not to, I will be here.

I guess that leads me to 2009. What's next? I don't know specifically to be honest. I've learned we have 5 general responses to God's grace and I'm going to continue to do those things.

• Fellowship: Sharing God's love with others
• Outreach: Serving and witnessing
• Worship: This is both posture and praise
• Prayer: Communication with God. Praying & fasting to God
• Study: Implementing His Word in my life

That's my guideline for each and every year. I want to make a difference for the Kingdom of God. I think I can take 20 or 30 people (or more) who are on fire for God and make a difference in His Name to the world around me. How do we do that? I'm not so sure yet. But I start with F.O.W.P.S. and I go from there.

I know we will face so many different things in our lives this year, but I have a family of people to face it with. I have a God who has never abandoned me, even though He had every right to choose to do so. In return, I choose Him. Knowing that alone, it's going to be a great year!

God bless,
Dave