As I reflect back on 36 years of my life, I came up with 36 thoughts. Some of these are serious...some are fun...my hope is that you find encouragement and joy in my musings. So, here they are...in no particular order (except for the first few):
- I truly don't deserve to have the amazing wife that God gave me. My wife has stuck by my side for the last 14 years, and our marriage has never been better. We've been through tough times, struggles, pain, illness, near death experiences, and a boatload of other things. Through the grace of God, the patience of Job (which she has!), and perseverance, we have come out on the other side with a love that has been refined through fire. I thank God everyday that she is my partner for life! I love you G!
- I love my kids! It is so fun watching kids grow up. While parenting has its many challenges, I wouldn't trade it for the world. My kids teach me so much every single day. Usually, they show me areas I need to improve upon (patience, wisdom, etc.), but I also get to see childlike wonder and awe! I often forget what that is like. They bring me so much joy and happiness that I can't put it into words.
- I have the best parents in the world. Growing up, I had great examples of what thirst and hunger for God's Word looked like on a daily basis. Having that instilled in you throughout childhood is priceless! As I grew up, I felt loved and supported in everything I did. I know that my parents would drop everything to come help me with whatever need I have (which they have done numerous times). I hope that I can be that for my kids!
- I also have some of the greatest friends I could ever ask for. You know that God has brought the right people in your life when their first response to anything is to pray for you. I have never felt more supported by a group of people in my life. As I always try to tell my kids, be the kind of friend you want to have. I hope that all my friends feel the same support, love, encouragement, and prayer support that I feel on a daily basis.
- God has led us to one of the best (if not THE best) churches I have ever been a part of. My church family at Meadow Grove has been unbelievably amazing. It all starts with the pastor, Brother Steve. He is one of the most genuine, servant-hearted, compassionate, truth-preaching pastors I have come across. The rest of the staff follows right along with an attitude of service and love for everyone in the congregation. I've never felt more at home in a church!
- I have the privilege of serving under one of the best youth ministers I have ever met! Jamie tells his students week after week that they are part of a student ministry, not a youth group. Let me tell you, I have never seen a group of students serve as much and give of themselves more than this group does. They don't have big events and games, they serve others with the love of Christ. I think other youth pastors could learn a lot from Jamie. These students take years off my life every time I am around them. It is such an honor to be a part of each one of their lives.
- God continues to amaze me. I hope that my awe and wonder of God never ceases. He continues to blow my thoughts and preconceived ideas about Him out of the water. My journey to understand Him has never been more exciting!
- Samford University is a majestic place! I just returned from chaperoning a youth camp there, and it still feels like home. I received my education there, I met my wife there, and each time I return, I can't help but smile. This time, I got to share my University with a group of students (one of which is my son, who has already said that he's going there). I am proud to be a Bulldog!
- I love mission trips! Each time i go on a mission trip, I feel like a piece of my heart stays there. My most recent trips have been to Wales and South Africa. Let me just say that I would go back to both of those places in a heartbeat. If you haven't been on a mission trip, I would challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and see what God has in store for you. You will never be the same again. The connections I made with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in those countries are still priceless. I miss my family in Wales (the Bowkett's and Williams'), and my South African family (too many to name).
- I have this insatiable desire to drive a muscle car or sports car. I still haven't had the joy of experiencing yet, but I'm still young! To clarify, I want to drive something with a ridiculous amount of horsepower...I can't help it...I'm a man!
- Golf is one of my outlets to clear my head. I have this dream that one day I will have the opportunity to play one or all (since I'm dreaming) of the following courses: Augusta National, St. Andrews & Pebble Beach. Who knows...maybe one day.
- One day I hope to learn how to play the hammered dulcimer like Rich Mullins did.
- 13 will always be a special number to me...my favorite actually. I started dating my wife on the 13th of November, and we got married on the 13th of June. Enough said.
- Leading worship is food for my soul. I started playing guitar in college (taught myself in my dorm room). Since then, I have had the opportunity to lead worship in many different places (including Wales and South Africa). Understanding what worship is has been, and continues to be, a lifelong journey. It is one avenue of bridging the gap between us and our Creator. Worship is my response to what God is doing in my life. It could be praise and thankfulness, or it could be desperation and desire. Either way, God deserves to be glorified in all situations.
- My dream guitar is a McPherson 4.5 MG made out of Brazilian Rosewood. It is one amazing guitar. The only problem is that you could but a car with what it would cost to buy one...I can always dream though!
- My life verse is Nahum 1:7 - "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble, He cares for those who trust in Him." He gave me that verse when I was 17 years old, and I have leaned on that verse many times throughout the 19 years since He gave it to me.
- The Color Green by Rich Mullins has to be one of my favorite songs ever! Whenever I need to relieve some stress or allow my mind to rest, that is the song I listen to. Rich Mullins is, by far, my favorite musician of all time. He was an amazing lyricist and musician. He is truly missed.
- I love encouraging people! It is such a privilege to be a part of so many people's lives. I always look for opportunities to build up one of my brothers and sisters. Life is hard enough as it is...we need to look for opportunities to carry one another burdens and lighten the load.
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