Encouragement

Humble Beginnings

Hello world! This blog is the culmination of God’s leading and the urging of others to share encouragement of God’s faithfulness through brokenness and healing for the advancement of the gospel. It is my hope that what is shared here, whether it was birthed out of hardship or joy, will ultimately encourage people to be bold and confident in Christ and the Gospel. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul puts it this way:

12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.  ~ Philippians 1:12-14 (ESV)

Some might say I am an extreme person and I would agree with them in that I am extremely devoted to Christ. I did not grow up going to church but I believe God in His great mercy found me and drew me to Himself when I was 15yrs old and eventually drew me to His church.  I was struggling in my identity and was sinking quickly. I had been living a double life of straight A student and suicidal porn addict.  No one knew my struggles and I was carrying this great burden for a number of years. After hearing a message at Young Life’s Frontier Ranch in Colorado about what Christ endured for me, I went outside and looked up to God. I saw star upon star and realized these are the same stars that were there even in Jesus’ day. I had such a sense of my selfishness and sin, my need for Jesus, and at the same time God’s faithfulness through all my years. I broke down and cried out to God asking for forgiveness and sincerely desiring for Him to lead my life. I did not even come close to grasping what He was about to do. While I came to the camp because of the girls, I went home with God instead. I began spending time with my Young Life leaders, digging into God’s word, and asking a lot of questions. Over the course of the last 25 years, it has been one amazing journey after the next of love, joy, pain and healing. In that time God has brought me the most amazing woman to stand by my side, 20 children (not a misprint) to love,  5 (almost 6) grandchildren to spoil, and thousands to encourage.  I have spent over 23 years in youth ministry either part or full time.  Also during that time I have counseled hundreds of students, adults and couples.  I have served an an executive, a business owner, a pastor, as well as many other roles and now I willing walk into the mess and darkness of this world in the role of ambassador for Christ.  I pray that every post will encourage you in your relationship with God even if you don’t acknowledge Him at all.  I look forward to sharing with you!

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