Monday, December 31, 2012

A New Season, A New Life...



Tonight is the last night of 2012.  I have not posted anything to this blog in about a year, I would have to check the date of my last post, but that sounds about right.  A LOT has happened in the past year, and though I am not in the position I would like to have been in on this night, I do feel in my heart that I am in the position God wants me to be in, and I have made a commitment to Him to follow where he leads, from now on, through thick or thin.  I will filter my decisions through scripture, and do my best to act in a Spirit led mindset.

I have made a couple of new years resolutions, and one of them concerns this blog.  I am involved with Narcotics Anonymous now, and December 29th marked my 6 month anniversary clean.  My sponsor, as a Christmas present, gave me a blank journal and a pen (hint hint).  I got to thinking about my need to start doing some pen work, and then I remembered this blog.  I hate writing with a pen, and my writing is horrible, so I have decided to use this blog as a daily journal of sorts.  I don't really know what direction it might take, I only know how I plan to start.  The first thing I know I am going to use this page for is a morning and evening journal.  I will journal here in the morning, voicing feelings, concerns, where I'm at etc., and then at the end of the day I will review my day, and compare it to what I wrote in the morning.  This is a technique that I learned in yes, a rehab.  Another of my resolutions is to start doing the NA step working guides.  I will say up front that my sponsor gave me a copy months ago and I haven't even looked at the first page.  Yes, I procrastinate very well.  I may do the work online here, as blog entries, but that sounds kind of scary and depending on the nature of the questions may not work out in practice.

I do want to say up front that this blog is for me.  I haven't yet decided what I will do concerning whether or not to let people reply to my posts, make posts of their own, or simply make it a read only type of thing.  I am trusting God to dictate the flow.  Heck, I don't even know if anyone else besides my sponsor will read it.  That isn't really my concern at this point, like I said it is for me (so ironically, I am talking to my self right now, that's gonna take a little getting used to).  The grammar won't always be correct, nor the spelling, nor is that important.  I want to capture my thoughts as they flow and not be bogged down wondering if someone is going to think I'm an idiot because I don't get sentence or paragraph structure right.  Let me clear it up for you right now; yes I'm an idiot.  The important thing is that I am exploring who I am under God and through Narcotics Anonymous.  The important thing is that I see who I am, or at least who I think I am in black and white.  I would ask that if I decide to allow other posters here, please keep it clean, and positive.  I'm not saying I'm not going to talk about negative things, just that I do so looking for a positive and fruitful outcome.  If you are a family member, and you happen to read something about yourself, or how I am dealing with you etc., please do not get offended.  I am trying to be as honest as possible about how I am doing and feeling, and I will be as respectful as I can.  This will not be a place to do any bashing of any kind, unless it is bashing the devil, and yes, I do mean the actual devil, you know Satan, Lucifer, etc., and not someone I perceive as acting like the devil, unless I perceive them to be openly bashing God, then yes, I might have to have a go at them..

So I will end this post by saying hello and welcome back to me, and a big hello to anyone else who just happens to have nothing better to do with their time than read this blog. May this coming year be a year of growth, both spiritually and economically.




Thursday, February 24, 2011

Newspring Church - Greenville Campus

Well, I'm officially offended.  I took my family to visit Newspring church this Sunday, their Greenville campus anyway.  We have never been there, and don't know anyone there.  We were greeted at the entrance to the sanctuary by a very perky greeter who proceeded to tell us about the childrens church.  Us being new, we had allready decided to stay together as a family for the service, at least on the initial visit til we felt comfortable with the place.  We explained to the greeter that we wouldn't be handing our daughter off to people we didn't know on our first visit, and would worship as a family.  We were told that staying together wasn't an option.  We either hand her off, or we sit outside the sanctuary in the overflow, or we leave.  I told her never mind, we would go to our own church... (North Hills Community, they like families)  Anne pointed out to me that it is a good thing we were already saved and have a church, because something like that would sure turn us off of church, and even hinder us from getting saved.  I can understand having a general rule for members that children attend childrens church, but to turn away a newcomer rather than let their child attend the service is just pathetic, and if this is your church, oh well...

Saturday, November 20, 2010

The Monster In Me

I am often asked what I was like when I was drinking.  It is an integral part of my testimony, and remembering the person I can become if I get back into the flesh helps me to  stay sober today.  You know, it's kind of hard to put into words just what comes out of me when I am using, so I thought I would show you with a visual interpretation.  And just so you know, THIS IS NO EXAGGERATION!  If you don't believe me, just ask my wife...


Love you all, and may this never be you!  (or ever be me again for that matter)

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Open Door Christian Center Promo Video




Hello all, I finally finished the promo video I have been working on for the center.  I tell you what, Sony Vegas is an insanely wonderful video editing utility.  Anyway, this video gives an overview of what the Open Door is all about, and that is being about our Fathers business.  Places like this exist all over the country, saving lives for Christ.  I owe this and other facilities like it my life, because it is only through Christ and these ministries that I am here today.  I love Jesus.  I finally know what it is to actually love Him and not just fear or know He is there.  I owe a debt of gratitude to Pastor Charles, Melinda, and all the other staff and interns who have helped me during my time here so far.  I thank God every day that He has been able to use my problems to help my wife grow strong in her relationship with Christ as well.  I know I am sort of rambling, but hey, when you you are in love you want to talk about the object of your affections, and I hope I never stop.  God bless you all (whoever "you all" may be ;-)

Almost forgot.  Tony, it was great getting back into contact with you.  I am proud of you, and very glad to hear that you are working in an area that you love.  You can do great things in life, but always remember that your Father in heaven has all the answers, and if you will just submit yourself to him always, you will grow to be happy and content, and He will pour blessings on your life.  I am living proof.  When I do things His way, my life becomes blessed, my way and... well you know.  I love you son.