Saturday, May 30, 2009

Since I was little I have had a very crazy imagination. This imagination was a perfect babysitter as I could entertain myself with a rock and stick for hours. I know this because my sisters and parents have told me that all my life. Now that I am 27 and still playing with ordinary objects while bored, I believe them.

My imagination has created many stories and adventures in my young adult life. Usually they were stories leading from day to day fun, and often they were acting out real life history. Since my young age I was dragged to church every Sunday. Week after week of Sunday school trying to memorize the same passages for so long and having no luck. My imagination couldn’t do it but that was okay for me. I did memorize some.

I learned about the creator of the universe and how He came to earth in human form to die on a cross for my sin. My sin would be any evil thought or action done that would violate the good, the pure, the right. I could not imagine how this could be so. But I believed it. I believed it because when I would sit alone and speak out my words of faith to the air. I felt comforted that I was not just talking to air but to God.

My church background has been various and multi denominational. I grew up in a atmosphere where the Pastor took the Bible seriously and believed everyone should know how to read and study the Word. Worship was always a good time for people to express their hearts before God and get ready for the sermon. There was never any jumping up and down in the aisles and doing cartwheels. Up until Jr. high the Church was good and conservative in their approach to Christian behavior.

From the middle of Jr. High on through into college I attended a Church called Water of Life. They came up with that name because most non-believers are turned off by the Church these days. They are also backed up by Jack Hayford and Dan Sneed, both strong leaders in the Foursquare faith. Water of Life taught me how to be real in worship and how to connect my heart to the living God who wanted more than just memorized songs. I began to lift up my hands in worship and even stand on my toes to get to the throne of Heaven. The Church itself is non-denominational and I would rather be known as a totally devoted follower of Christ than anything else.

When I changed churches (to Water of Life) I really began to grow closer in my walk with God. I would attend more prayer meetings and enjoy them more then before. I was getting used to the gifts of the Holy Spirit and learning more about the Bible every day I could. I believe that the gifts are given by the Spirit to be used by Him in our lives to bring Glory to God. There is no limit to the amount of Gifts the Spirit has or gives, but no one person will ever possess all the gifts all of the time.

I grew up on a radio series called Adventures in Odyssey with Focus on the Family. They along with other teachers and Pastors have disciple me from my youth. I credit Chuck Missler of Koinonia House, and Kay Arthur of Precept Ministries as well as my Pastor at Water of Life for much my education. When I moved to Water of Life I got involved in the High School youth group. I was one of those kids who sits on the curb reading or minding my own. I would sit at tables eating lunch trying to make friends and yeah I had a couple here and there. But no real good ones. I always thought back to my good friends from grade school and Jr. high school. I wished and prayed God would send me a best friend in high school.

I prayed every day throughout my freshmen year for a best friend. Soon the year ended and a new one started. I started journaling the first day of 10th grade, which I am very thankful I did. This is because I have record of God answering my prayers. In Tenth grade I met my best friend and still is my best friend. Jon came into my grade from a life of home schooling. Jon was always a very bright kid and also was unlike most kids; like me! I got along well with Jon and his brother Ben. They became my best friends throughout the rest of school. Ben was one year ahead of us so he had to graduate before us, which was fine since he was still around. We had all sorts of adventures together and marveled that God would put a “David” and “Jonathan” together. This is because of the two Bible Characters who had the greatest friendship known in the Old Testament. We as well were great friends.

I mention Jon because he is just one of the major things that prove God is working in my life. Another is my beautiful wife Holly! I had prayed for her for so long even before I knew who she was. Only God’s leading could have brought us together through the internet and chatting. We became friends and in December 17, 2001 I asked her to marry me. Our wedding was June 14th 2003, and with each passing day I love her more.

The Bible is the most influential I have ever read. It is also the only Book I will read more then once over and over again. Bible teachers have revealed so many amazing things found in the scripture that I desire to find them myself. It is a dream of mine to study ever word in the Scripture some day, and teach it to people. The Bible has the answers to life’s real questions and is always there when you really need it. Studying this Book should every Christian’s priority. I have a Christian background and a promising future with God in control. My life is in His hands and I will go where He leads me next. In May of 2005 I graduated with my BA in Pastoral Ministry and Bible from Life Pacific College in California.

On October 19th, 2006 our beautiful daughter Avery was born. Watching her grow brings so much joy to our lives. We continue toward what the Lord has in store for us knowing He has great plans. We will have ups and downs, better moments and worse moments, all in all we are together in this grand adventure of life. I am anxious to see what the Lord has waiting for me and my family.

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