Thankful!

Psalm 100:3-4 ESV

"Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!"

So many things to be thankful for. Family, friends, having work, a roof over our heads, food on the table, etc. 

I'm mainly thankful for all of the necessities being met in our lives. There are many things in life that I want but don't need. I want a Bose Surround sound in my den to tickle my ears with sweet music when I get home. However, I don't need it. There are speakers on my TV that can give me the sound I need. I want an iPhone 6 but my 4S is doing just fine. Those things don't provide for my family. Don't get me wrong, if I happen to be blessed with those wants I'm praising the Lord for it! If I don't ever have them, I'm still praising the Lord.

1 Timothy 6:8 ESV

"But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content."

Knowing that God is blessing me and my family with the basic needs in life gives me much comfort as a husband and father. Contentment with what God gives us is key. Also, contentment  to give to others in need that do not have the basic needs. This is what I want to teach our kids. Work hard for everything that you have. Have faith that God always honors your hard work, especially when you do all things with complete integrity. I pray this for my kids, grand kids, and generations after us. Thank you Lord!

God's Path is not Always Our Planned Path

I've learned something in the past 3 years. We never know where God will place us. I started this blog a few years ago because I had a passion for running and music. After our 2nd child, Brynley, was born that passion has slowly faded. Am I happy? Well... Yes. I'm happier than I have ever been. Not because I stopped running. I'm happy because I have experienced God answering prayers and leading me and my family into a total different direction in life.

I was a band director in the public schools for 9 years. I loved teaching the kids and was very successful at what I did. However, I was not happy because the demands of the school system took me away from my family. I then accepted a job in sales after my career in teaching. I have to say, being a salesman is not who I am. During those years I was the Orchestra Director at our old church. God then did something that I didn't see coming. He led me to The Ark Church where I am working as the Associate Worship Director. I've always had a passion for ministry, I just never though that I'd be in it full time. Full time music at that. I praise the Lord everyday for our church! Everyone has a true heart for spreading God's Word and serving the needy in our community. I've been a part of church for a long time but never a church like the Ark. I'm excited to see what the future holds. All I can say is that when you are living according to God's will, He will provide you with a life of abundance. Not so much financial but Spiritually! Thank you Lord!

John 15:5

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."