In the year of our LORD – twenty-ten, I had some life changing experiences. It all began towards the end of 2009 when I ended my stale and dull relationship with my girlfriend of 3 years. Our relationship wasn’t going anywhere, and after expressing her feelings, I had no response. No solution, no answer. I told her what I wanted to do; invest in others lives, lead bible studies, and further my relationship with GOD. So we ended it, and I began praying to GOD for resolution and reconciliation in my life. I spent Christmas alone (with GOD) and on December 26th, He called me to step out of my box, to get out of my comfort zone, and dedicate the year to His will.
2010 has been a ride and a journey for sure. I rededicate my life to GOD, left all my insecurities & imperfections behind to pursue holiness & walk in righteousness. I decided to surround myself with positive and influential men of GOD. Justin Doyle was my main comrade in my refreshed walk. We would fellowship and hang out with the South Salem Young Life kids.
After 2 years of being asked by Corey, I finally joined Young Life, and began volunteering my time to South Salem High School students. Young Life has been a journey and a calling to something I didn’t think I wanted and something I didn’t expect. It caught me off guard, and I am thankful it did. Thanks to Young Life I have learned so much about ministry, relationship, unconditional love, mentorship, and discipleship.
I also volunteered to be a bridge from Wyldlife to Young Life. Currently I am building relationships with middle school kids that will end up in high school where I do Young Life.Young Life needs it’s own post/update. Coming soon…
In the music scene I did some big things for Christian Hip Hop aka Holy Hip Hop.
I opened up for GRITS and Cookbook (formally of LA Symphony). I also ended up opening for Braille again this year. He has been though a lot, and to be there as he performed his hit songs was a blessing.
My church West Salem Foursquare Church had a UNITED service where everyone from each of our three services was invited to join a huge service at Riverfront Park to share picnic and worship. There were about 1500 people that showed up. At the last minute I realized I should have asked my pastor to allow me to perform a song before we began. People were just hanging around talking and eating; they might as well have some entertainment in the background while they wait too.
I ended up performing two of my fan favorites live for 1500 or so people. It was freeing and uplifting and inspiring. Just doing it for fun, I had kids come up to me telling me how much they enjoyed my performance. They asked if I had CDs, and I realized I did have some in my car. Always being prepared, I grabbed a box of CDs and started handing them out to anyone and everyone that walked up to me. It was a blessing all around.
(To see this live performance visit HERE)
For about half the year I volunteered to help DaSouth.com by writing reviews on music projects. This was a great opportunity to help the music scene – behind the scenes. Plus it helped me with my journalism skills.
The biggest thing that happened in 2010…
I met the love of my life - Courtney at church. Never did I know she was related to people I knew and worked with. I ended up doing a lot of volunteer work with her and we began making new memories and sharing new experiences. She has opened my eyes to many different aspects of life that I haven't seen in the past.
It's been a blessing through every challenge and obstacles we have had to face. If we have learned anything, it's that God is faithful and true. We can always rely on him and ask him to meet our needs. I have never prayed for any person (not even myself) as much as I have for Courtney. I care about her so much and I love her unconditionally. She is a mighty servant for Christ and continues to grow and learn each week. It's been such a blessing to be apart of her life and witness God's work in her.
It has been such a great year. Through everything I have done and experienced, I have learned a ton about God and even a bunch of things about myself. This has been the year of my life & I am looking forward to what God brings next.
Thank you Jesus for using me to help so many people. Even without my knowledge. I am filled with joy to be apart of the body of Christ. Praise the Lord. He is sovereign!
