Times, They Are A Changin!

As most of you know by now, this past Easter marks a life-changing milestone in my life. After turning my back on God for the past twelve years, I consciously made a decision to re-dedicate my life to Him. This came after an Easter Worship Service at Cypress Wesleyan Church, in Galloway, Ohio.  God has been working in my life a LOT since then. He is changing my heart a LOT. My love for football could no longer be number one in my life, as it had been. It's okay to enjoy football, but not to make the sport a god higher in priority than God almighty.

Many of you are also aware of Jeremy ... quick update ... he has recently relapsed, and is no longer staying in my home. He continues to remain in my prayers. I urge you to be praying for him as well.


I just got off the phone with a friend of mine who lives out of town. This friend will be visiting in less than a couple of weeks. He started talking about things he wanted to do while he's here. The casino ... I explained to him that I no longer have a desire to visit the place ... not condemning those who do, but I no longer feel as though God approves of me gambling away His money. Yes, His money ... everything in my possession ultimately belongs to Him!

He then talked about wanting to go to Thurman's Burgers ... thumbs up from me on that idea! He even mentioned the possibility of Der Dutchman (a nearby Amish restaurant) ... double thumbs up on that one!

He then went on to start asking my opinion on the 3rd weekend of September. You see, this friend, as well as another friend who now lives in Virginia, started a tradition several years ago. They would meet me in Cleveland that weekend, and the 3 of us would go to a Browns game, to celebrate my birthday. I explained to this friend that to be honest, the thought of going to a game right now just does not get me excited. Whoa, did I really just say that! But honestly, yeah ... then, after talking about that for a bit, I realized that God is wanting me to take some time off from actually going to a game ... in order to help break my addiction. Perhaps it's okay to watch on TV for now ... but going to a game does nothing for me at the moment. Once my priorities are truly in order, then perhaps in the future we can go to a game together again ... but just not right now.

The friend understood completely, says he understands and respects my decision. He then came up with an alternative idea ... each friend would visit me here in Columbus, and each one would go to church with me. A smile came across my face, and immediately these words came out of my mouth, "Yes, that would mean much more to me than any football game!"

I hung up the phone after that conversation ... and immediately I looked up at God above, and prayed ... "Lord, I have no idea what all you're up to in my life ... there's been tons of changes going on lately ... I still don't understand the Jeremy situation completely ... but you're definitely working in me. I thank you and praise you Lord Jesus!"

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." ... Luke 22:42 (NIV)