I’m excited that Andy is blogging (I’ve wanted him to start doing that for a while now) and I’m even more excited to see the cover of his book which will be released soon!  He is an awesome guy that has quietly become a pretty significant person in my life.  I feel blessed to know him and am excited about the doors that God is opening for him and the message that he’s bringing.  It’s almost 3AM and I need to get some rest, but I had to mention at least a few words about this wonderful guy.  And to top it all off… he knows the power of GREAT HUGS!!!

Be Blessed!

I hope to get around to blogging more about all of it later, but to put it quickly

Thursday – Day 1 of the 2-day Willow Creek Leadership Summit.  Great and challenging teaching and insights into leadership.

Friday – Day 2 of the Leadership Summit.  I had the opportunity to lift my voice in the choir closing session of the summut reaching tens of thousands across the country live via satelitte.  I had the opportunity to meet Bill Hybles and share a portion of my story and how God has blessed me through Willow Chicago.  I also took a risk and became a bit more transparent with someone at my church and I was accepted.

Saturday – given the opporunity to lead worship at my churches Lakeside Baptism. In wittnessing that awesome event I was overwhelmed with the beauty of what Baptism is – and its significance in the body of Christ.

Sunday – Had a great time of worship and teaching at church – hearing from one of my recent favorite authors: Dr. Henry Cloud.  After that spending the rest of the day with several friends having a great time.

These are just little ‘tidbits’ of my days, but it all adds up to me realizing that God is makinging something beautiful of my life.  There are some very difficult times, but on days like these – though money is tight and so many things are uncertain -  life can still be enjoyed and God is still providing reasons for joy.

I just need to take a minute to give my God praise for all the things that he has done!  As you may see in my previous post, I wasn’t feeling so great late last night, but today has been a great one all the way through.  I still need Him more than anything, but I’m happy to know that he’s making a way for me — despite my current situations.  I’m most happy that I was simply able to enjoy the day… a day that He made!

I really enjoyed service at church today… that means alot because I’ve had a difficult time at my church in the past several months.  But this is the second Sunday in a row of really encountering God in our service.  It was like he’s showing me that NOTHING can stop him… and confirming that I can trust him for everything.

I’ve recently had some major financial setbacks, but I’m seeing God increase my favor to match what I’ve lost… he’s still making a way for me.  It’s tough right now… but God’s grace is sufficient!  I have what I need, get where I need to go, and it’s all according to HIS goodness.  I’m looking at my heart… and the very prayer that I’ve prayed “Lord, give me a clean heart… change my very desires so I want what YOU want” — God has been doing just that… quietly… I’m not running out after the things I used to just about break my neck to get to!

Lastly, I want to give special thanks to my new friend Nate.  I was hired to take pictures for his debut concert, but I was BLESSED by the event.  This is the second time I’ve walked away from this man’s pressence having a God encounter… and we’ve only met twice!  I really appreciate it when someone allows God to speak out of their life and into mine– and this not with mere words, but with a lifestyle that is pleasing to the Lord.

I Love God… and I’m happy to be called a Son and a Friend.

Sunday March 12, 2006 – 11:47pm (CST)