humbled yet again

For those of you that haven't heard, or are wondering how I am doing, here's an update. Recently I have been having a lot of trouble seeing. There have been blurry spots in my vision that I was beginning to get concerned about. After spending all day yesterday in Dayton getting my eyes examined, the thought occured to me, if God wanted to take my sight away, he could. Thankfully, he didn't and hopefully, I will make a speedy recovery. Basically, my eyes are supposed to heal on their own in the next couple of weeks but it was humbling to think I could be vision impaired for the rest of my life. That is a harsh reality to face. Either way, it was comforting to think that I can rest in God despite my circumstances. I know that he does truly work everything together for good for those called according to his purposes (Romans 8:28) and even with bad vision, I can still glorify God. Even as I type this post, I'm having trouble seeing so I'll keep it short. I just wanted to encourage anyone reading this that even in suffering, pain, tribulation, discomfort, etc. God still has a plan. I'm just thankful to be a part of it.

The privilege of Christ

Last night I addressed this topic and felt like I should post this on my blog. Recently, I've been reading the book of Romans. The funny thing is, the verses that I've found to be the most challenging and meaningful, were the verses that I knew the best. I was reading out of Romans chapter three about the justification that is found in Christ. In v. 23 Paul writes that all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God, but he continues on that we have been justified as a gift by his grace through the redemption found in Christ Jesus.

Lately I've come to grips with the fact that, apart from Christ, I am nothing more than a worthless sinner whose righteousness is like filthy rags to God. Without Christ, without salvation, without being called by God and saved by grace, I am nothing! No wonder Paul claims that he finds his boast in the Lord. What do we have to boast about? NOTHING! Without Christ and his sacrifice for us, we have no hope. Thankfully, I have been called out of my life of sin into a relationship with Christ. I have been saved by grace. WHAT A PRIVILEGE! What a privilege it is to be a child of God. I don't want to be the person that takes his faith for granted. I don't want to be the guy that says, "well, I'll just goof around now and do what I want, but in a couple years, I'll get serious with my faith." If Paul were answering this he would say "May it Never Be!" I don't want to be defined by my own desires and fallen abilities. I want my life to be devoted to Christ is every aspect. I hope that you can see what a privilege it is to be a child of God and not take it for granted. Thank God today for calling you out of darkness and making you a part of his family!

wedding Pictures (some good, some just weird)

These are just some candid pics that I have from the rehersal and wedding day. Enjoy, especially the last one.

saying the vows:


Cool pic while taking pictures:


My bride walking down the aisle:


Just a downright weird pic with me and my father-in-law:

I'm back....and happily married

Sorry to all of you faithful bloggers out there. I haven't updated my blog for a week for one simple reason....I GOT MARRIED!!! Then I was in DISNEY WORLD for 5 days. So again, I apologize but I think I had a pretty good excuse for missing a week of updating. Thanks so much to all my friends and family that were able to make it to the wedding, and Isabel and I are truly excited to begin our new life together! WOO HOO!