God is Good!!!!

Following email was sent from someone in our small group who is going through a death of a grandparent...

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to give you all an update. My grandfather is now at home with Hospice taking care of him around the clock. Sunday night, he prayed for salvation and Monday, a cousin who is a minister came and baptized him at his request. He understands exactly what that means and can't remember much, but reminded me yesterday that he's been baptized :)

So, as horrible a time as this is, I'm reminded that God's grace is so amazing! This would be completely impossible to get through if not for Him. I want to thank all of you for your prayers and please continue to pray for his peace and for God's grace in his life and for strength for our family.

Since this email, the grandfather has passed away and is now looking down from Heaven.

I'm always amazed that regardless of what a mess we are, He is always pursuing us...

My Boyz Part Sixer...

About three years ago, I met Jim. I didn't meet him at work...I didn't meet him through mutual friends...I didn't meet him on mySpace...I met Jim at an event call GroupLink...An event which brought seven strangers together to meet once a week for fellowship, bible study and prayer...We've been doing that one Wednesday nights for the last three years...Some changes to the group but Jimbo's been there the entire time...

Jim has seriously been a huge part of my life over the last few years. He's a great listener and has a huge heart for people. When Amanda and I had our brief sabbatical, Jim was there. I was bummed and he was by far my best bro during those times when I just wanted to revert to making bad choices, he held me accountable... Thanks so much Jim...

I'm actually chillin' in his house right now writing this because he's been gracious enough to let me crash on his couch the past few weeks as Amanda lives in our place...

And I'm super stoked for the guy because he just got engaged to a totally awesome chick...Just like two weeks ago...Way to go Jimbo-Dini...He's marrying way out of his league...Don't worry dude, I totally know the feeling...

The rest of the gang...

Ridiculous...

Almost a year ago, I posted this...And up until last night, it's been used a grand total of zero times...

Last night the small group finished up our study of John and I felt it was necessary to cook a little redfish,,,Southern Style...Or fried as most people call it...

I love this fryer...Everyone should own one...


Redfish sandwiches with a special creole sauce just didn't cut it and we had to throw down a few sides...

Crinkle cut fries with some Tony's...

Sliced Green Tomatoes...

Dill pickle spears...

All of us had to see the cardiologist today because of the amount of grease intake last night but it was well worth it...

If you have anything that you want to eat fried, let me know...I'm in the full on experimental mode now with this thing...Bring something over and we'll batter it up and throw it into some grease...

My Friend Curt

Let's turn the clock back to July of 2005...

I headed into a thing called GroupLink at Buckhead Church where I was getting into a "small group" with 6 to 8 other dudes...Well, I did and right now there's one on a plane headed down to La Paz, Bolivia as a long term missionary serving God with a passion that I've never experienced first hand.

My buddy Curt is one of the most amazing dudes I've ever met and I feel so blessed that God put him into my life for the past couple of years. I can't say enough great things about the guy and he doesn't want any credit for anything. His faith absolutely dwarfs mine and is a constant inspiration.

Here's what he says about what his next few years is all about...

"I went on a short-term mission trip to Bolivia in the summer of 2006 and God called me there long-term. I currently live in La Paz and I am serving the marginalized children in the city - the orphans, the abused kids, the abandoned kids, the kids who live in the sewers, the kids who nobody wants because they have AIDS and the kids who have no model of Christ in their lives."

Check out his blog here for updates...

His last post while waiting for his plane knocked me down..."Whatever you are doing right now, please just stop and count your blessings. If you live in the United States you have been blessed beyond imagination. We are not just blessed when things go well. We are blessed. Period. It’s what we decide to do with our blessing that counts."

Thanks Curt for teaching me so much...More than you'll ever know...