Big Post

So this is what I learned in 2008.

- God's greatest blessing is free will, but sometimes our free will becomes a curse when we make poor decisions.
- You can't make someone love you. Love is a choice. It's also a testament to character.
- Whoever says time heals all wounds is pretty well full of...well stuff. GOD heals all wounds...over time...His time.
- God knows your needs...and is always faithful, even when people aren't.
- Forgiveness needs to be done daily....whoever said its a one time thing?
- Thinking you are ready to move forward doesn't mean you are ready...
- God never gives up on you....He's always there... It's all about Him. His story in our lives is a love story.


2008 was a year where I nearly gave my life away. When my world fell down around me, some friends and family abandoned me, and I was left broken and damaged, a wonderful and Holy God stepped in. He was the Superman I needed. He was and is the savior who redeemed me.

I was out with a buddy of mine, Isaac, roughly a year ago. While we were out he told me to lift up my hands to God and just receive Him...just receive Him. I felt embarrassed, but I did. Isaac turned and showed me his phone and in my name's place he'd typed in "Overcomer." He proclaimed that I was the Overcomer and that God had a wonderful plan for my life. On Christmas Day we spoke again. This time he's home in Kentucky and we were talking about how far we'd come in a year. It was here a whisper in my ear said...Overcomer. I reminded Isaac of what he said and we just thanked God. Through Christ, I've overcome the overwhelming loss of my marriage. There is plenty that still has to be taken care of in my heart, but I'm so thankful for the new life he's given me. He's restored HOPE. He's restored PURPOSE. He's restored TRUTH. He's restored ME.

I still have a long road ahead of me. I still have plenty of healing to do, as a wonderful person pointed out to me just yesterday. But as long as I can remember throughout all the trials of my life He's been there to comfort me, and he's always sent someone to comfort me. He sent Matt Valantine in 6th grade gym class to console me over my baby brother's death. (Its been 18 years, but thank you Matt). He sent my grandmother to me when a home was split and I needed a place to run to. He sent me to a church in Pinkerington, Ohio just as the world was going to fall on me. Now in the past year, people have surrounded me with such love and care. People stood the gap for me when life wasn't worth living. Anyone who dares to say that God does not exist simply needs to look at my life and others like mine. There is a living God and his Son saved us all. In this coming year may God fill you with unspeakable joy and peace. May his truth penetrate all that you are and will be. Goodbye 2008 and Hello 2009.

This year marks a change. I've spent the year receiving. Now there are opportunities to give. The big one on the calendar is April 18-25 when C3 is taking a team to Jamaica for a missions trip to work in an orphanage among other activities. Please pray that everyone God has intended to go is financially able to go.

Night folks...sorry for the rambling...well...not really but anyways, God Bless.