CLICK HERE FOR THOUSANDS OF FREE BLOGGER TEMPLATES »

Sunday, December 14, 2008

So...My dad is a Doctor...

These past few years, about 6, my dad has been working on finishing his Doctorate from Southern Seminary. He finally fnished everything this semester and finished his paper, project, and examinations. So him, my mom, and I traveled up to Louisville, KY for the weekend to take part in the festivities of graduation! My aunt, uncle, cousin, and momaw made the journey as well. So it made for a great time of reunion and celebration for the Smith family, usually trouble! We got to see a little of Louisville and the beautiful history of the city! There were so many places that had been restored and rebuilt to original looks and it was amazing! The town was a very urban area with nice places to eat and chill and read, we just didn't have the time to actually enjoy them. We had to go to a lot of receptions and congratulatory gatherings for all the seminary grads, regardless it was still lots of fun to hang with the fam. Hopefully this Christmas will have many more good times and laugh filled evenings!

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Is The End In Sight

Is the end in sight? I find myself asking that, among many other things, here lately. My mind wanders between the events of here and now to times of the past and the possibilities of the future. So things bring a smile while others bring forth a never ending stream of tears. Possibilities of the future seem all to overwhelming at times. Some days my soul feels like a vessel in the vast ocean waters with no coordinates or stars for navigation. I simply float along with whatever direction the waves desire to take me. So are gentle and refreshing and others are giant and overpowering, each with thier own characteristics and purpose.

I am not at all where I thought I would be 3 months ago. After losing an important part of my life things have been different. Day after day I wake only by the Grace of God and by taking joy in the God of my Salvation. If it were not for the sovereignty of God the waves would be without purpose or reason. By God seeking Himself and by humbly submitting to that sovereignty each toss and turn offers a glimpse and the Glory of God.

The Mountain Top Experience has been an amazing blessing to take part in and experience. To sit in a great cloud of witnesses of such people as Linda, Rita, Shine, and Linda, and John has brought me to the point of realization that I am called to be a washer of feet.

While mentoring at Anna K. Davies Elementary my mind has been opened to the vast amounts of suffering among young children in our world. Children live without the warmth of heat and the comfort of food and water. During the cold bite of winter some children walk to school without a jacket or coat. These are the children that are the victims of drug abuse, violence, a culture that offers no alternatives, and an apathetic generation of Jesus admirers. The little boy I meet with feels as if he is alone in his world and struggles to experience the love from God.

The death of a friend never seems to get easier. Miss Alford passed away last week. I did not know because I was sick last week and missed visiting her. Her roommate talked with me for a little while and we prayed and I left the room. I had only spoken with Miss Alford a few times and each time her smile touched my spirit. Her laughter pierced the toughest of skin. My heart was broken at the hearing of her passing. But I am thankful for our short time together and pray that her spirit was as encouraged as mine during our conversations.

God is good. The Father always has His wings open wide. His words of instruction and rebuke are comforting. Jesus the Christ is the manifestation of the person of God to me. He is a true High Priest that allows for communion with God. I pray that I may be counted as a follower and disciple of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is empowering, comforting, convicting. Each day the leading of the Spirit is my prayer and desire. To experience the power of the Holy Spirit and sense the comfort provided is indeed a blessing from God. God is great.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Dangerous Roads

I have been cycling for awhile and I seem to be enjoying it. There is a special sense of peace when riding down roads with mountains and valleys and the rest of God's creation. In Floyd county there are some amazing roads that wind through some steep mountains and they provide an excellent view of creation. The same is true in Bartow county, though not as many mountains at all. I absolutely love a long climb with a breathtaking view at the top. Then the descent is also an adrenaline rush, sometimes I can get up to around 50mph. Very fast and fun. But these roads are dangerous.

This summer I was hit by a driver in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. Thankfully there were no serious injuries, just bruises and a little emotional trauma. I got back on the bike the next week and rode like nothing happened, I was still a little sore though.

Thankfully I have had no accidents like this summer, I really haven't had any at all. But I have had a lot of close calls. So drivers simply forget or don't look when they turn or come around a curve. I have had to hit the brakes a few times to avoid breaking my face on the side of a car. There are also plenty of idiots that seem to make it their goal to get as close as possible and lay on the horn. I rode today and had a few of those on the same road! It is very dangerous and ticks me off unbelievably. Even when there is room in another lane, some people just do not move. I usually offer them some fine Christian words and a wave and get over it. Remember, grace, for those that might judge.

But people need to slow down and simply watch what is around them. I did not realize the beauty surrounding me until I started walking and biking to places. People can experience the same if only they would slow down. So world, slow down please.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Intensity in Ten Cities

I'm not the one that you want, I'll only let you down.
And I'm pretty sure that you've caught on.
And you can say that 'Oh, I'm just feeling sorry for myself.'

I think it's every time I walk into a room
a silence so sudden that I seem to hear it
Smiles turn to frowns
Contact saying that you are the rain on their parade.

And how long could you hang on to a word?
Tell me, how long could you hang on to a word?

I'm not the one that you want, I'll only let you down.
And I'm pretty sure that you've caught on.
And you can say that 'Oh, I'm just feeling sorry for myself'

Or maybe it's all eyes on him
in love with ego and intention
the eyes that are just begging me for more.
This is gone and I can see it
your head is full of words,
full of words that don't mean anything.

And how long could you hang on to a word?
Tell me, how long could you hang on to a word?

I'm not the one that you want, I'll always let you down.
And I'm pretty sure that you've caught on.
And you can say that 'Oh, I'm just feeling sorry for myself'

I'm not the one that you want, I'll always let you down.
And I'm pretty sure that you've caught on.
And you can say that 'Oh, I'm just feeling sorry for myself'

If that's how you feel, then what's there to do?
I'll keep this feeling in my heart
but when you look in my eyes, you will know the truth.

Pretty much this is how my heart feels at the moment. It's tough sure, but it's just an accurate description of what I am incapable of expressing. I read a decent article dealing with loneliness today. It said that many many people experience loneliness. The thing is that they do not tell anyone about it. So, I'm telling people how I feel. If you find that you feel the same way then you are certainly not alone in your struggle. Crazy how people write exactly how you feel sometimes. Many thanks to Chiodos for their wonderful gift of writing. Enjoy.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Shot to The Soul

So, I've been taking part of a bible study here at Shorter these past few weeks. It's called T-Cell. Short for Transformation Cell. Also, T-Cells are in our body and they fight diseases and other things that destroy our bodies. It's a really cool biology/spiritual thing that worked out.

Anyway, tonight we met for 2 hours and only covered 4 verses. Not much progress. But it was some Holy Spirit led studying of the Word. It was, as the title suggests, a shot to the soul. We began looking at the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 tonight. And it cut deep, very deep. I will be chewing on everything that was said for a good while. But it was some good stuff. So I challenge you all, whoever you may be, to go and read the beginning of Matt. 5. Allow the Spirit to lead you and teach you and meditate on the words of Jesus. Let me know what happens. Seriously.

Peace.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Abingdon, VA


This weekend I will be spending the weekend in Abingdon, Virginia. The Cross team is up here and we are spending the weekend hanging out and training. It's been a lot of fun so far. The drive up was pretty bad because it was so stinking hot in the van. But we are able to run on one of the most beautiful trails in the Southeast. It's called the Creeper Trail and it used to be a railroad track that ran across the state and now it's a 33 mile cinder track across the southern part of the state. It is absolutely beautiful with trees and fields and all kinds of wildlife. Tonight we had some amazing Bar-B-Q chicken and everything that should go with it. We as seniors got together and got the food and cooked it all together and then got some "gifts" for the rest of the team. It's been a lot of fun just spending time with my teammates away from school and people and just in nature, it's almost like a short camp of sorts. We've got a workout in the morning that going to be great and then we're just hanging out for the rest of the day and spending time with each other. And then we will be heading back to Rome and I will spend the rest of the weekend reading and studying...lots of fun.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

North Avenue Community

The Spirit of God is moving in the city of Rome, Ga. Many things are happening that are bringing the Kingdom of God down to earth just as Jesus did. Things are by no means perfect and there is no secret or revelation specifically here. Just the Word of God and a community of FOLLOWERS of Jesus. That's all. There is an amazing woman of God, a prophetess, working in South Rome. Her ministry is called the Mountain Top Experience. I have never before experienced the Spirit of God at work within a persons life. Miss Linda is truly a woman of God that is following wherever Jesus leads her. Through her the community of South Rome is being transformed by the power of God. It is a blessing to be able to take part in God's work in South Rome.

A few of my friends are also working in North Rome, hence the title. They have started a community house that is committed to enacting the Kingdom of God as best they can. Lives are lived simply and the people of North Rome are loved as Jesus would love them. I believe that it is the manifestation of the Church that was mentioned in Acts. They are the Body and the Bride of Christ. A beautiful picture is what it is. They have started a blog to allow those that are not here to take part in their ministry. So I put the link on my page so go check it out and see what God is doing. Hopefully He will speak to each and everyone of us through His work in North Rome and South Rome.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

The Marathon

Tonight was the men's marathon of the 2008 Olympics. I was ready for Ryan Hall to put on an amazing show for the US and surprise a few of the world's best runners by taking a medal in the race. Hall demonstrated some amazing ability in his marathon debut's and at the US Trials. He is an amazing follower of Christ and an excellent runner. So I was pumped that the States might actually get a medal in the marathon. But things didn't seem right soon after the start. Hall was 1 minute back as soon as the leaders took off. He didn't have the usual stride that he does when he is running his best. He soon dropped to 3 minutes back before the half. The leaders just kept raising the level of intensity throughout the race and Hall could not keep up. He eventually finished 11th behind fellow a fellow American teammate. Both ran right around the previous Olympic marathon record but the winner from Kenya destroyed the old one. So I was a little bummed that Hall didn't run as fast as we thought he would. But he is young and has a good many years of great training ahead of him so there is plenty to look forward to.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Beginning of A New Year

This week was the beginning of a new year. Classes have started, the cross team has got things running at full speed, and life is busy already. I haven't even had stuff to read or write and I've already had some really late nights! It's crazy! But it's all good times. I am excited though about the year ahead. Things wont always be easy and it will be tough but I am excited about the places God will take me and the things that He will reveal to me. My fraternity has started getting things ready for rush and we are ready to get some really great guys in as brothers! The cross team is looking really good and we are fit and ready to get the season started. Classes are going to be good but I've got a ton of papers to write this year. I have to write my senior thesis and it's got to be at least 20 pages! On top of that I have 5 classes that have at least a 10 page research paper! So pretty much I will be writing a small book this semester. Look for it in all major bookstores. Right now I am sitting at the BCM Cookout running sound and doing all that jazz. It's good to be back at school and be with my community of believers and followers of Christ. We've already had some quality times of worship and praise and prayer and scripture study. I am blessed to have some of the greatest friends that you could possibly want! This week I have been nothing but surrounded with love and support and encouragement from all of them! I thank God for everyone who is a part of my life, I am truly blessed! But since I am at a cookout I do believe that I must go get a burger and some chips and a drink. Later.

Friday, August 15, 2008

In A Good Spot

I haven't written anything in a good while. And I probably should have but things have been a little hard for me these last few days. I don't want to get into too much detail about things but the girl that I have been dating for almost 2 years ended things this week. So I have been dealing with that this week and have not had the desire to write and all that good stuff. But God has graciously kept me in His wings and allowed me to grow in Him. A very good friend of mine who I consider to be one of the greatest men I know gave me a sermon to read. It's called The Expulsive Power of A New Affection and it was written by a guy named Thomas Chalmers. And it is one of the greatest writings I have ever read. One paragraph holds more spiritually sound doctrine than a years worth of sermons by most of todays pastors. You can Google it and find a pdf file pretty easily and read it if you want, which I suggest. So, as the title suggests I am in a good spot. I am in a vulnerable spot where God can direct and lead me in the journey that He has for me. Things are not always easy but I have a few good friends that are helping me find God and are helping through this difficult time. I am thankful for those who have listened to me cry, yell, and just talk about where I am. They are truly some of the greatest friends in the world and they know who they are. It's going to be a good year and I am sure that there will be much to write about. So, get ready. It's going to be good.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Yesterday

Yesterday I rode my bike. For 50 miles. It took a little under 3 hours so that put my average speed around 20-23 mph. It was one of the toughest things that I have ever done. We climbed a mountain called Fouche Gap and at the top you can see the entire area of Rome and the surrounding country! It is beautiful. I don't ride with my camera, I should but wait, I don't have a camera! But maybe I will try and go up again and take some pictures so you guys can see how high we were. Then we flew down the mountain and had rolling hills the rest of the way. Long ride short, we finally got back into downtown Rome to the bike shop and just sat down in front of the fan to cool off. I then went to a place in Rome called Schroeder's Deli. One of the best pizza places that I have ever been to. We had some good eats there. But after that I had to take care of the things in town like going to the bank, paying rent, and so on. So I rode my bike through Rome all afternoon doing the things that I needed to do. And I finally got back to my apartment a long time after I had wanted to and I sat down and felt good about myself. Instead of driving around in air-conditioning I rode my bike. I didn't do the convenient thing. And it was simple. Anybody can ride a bike or walk to get things done, it just takes a little more time. And that was the nice thing about it. It slowed me down and I wasn't in a rush to make it to the next light while it was still green or not be sociable with the people I met. I guess what I'm saying is that I think I caught a glimpse of what could be if people just slowed down. If we all just walked or biked to places how much more happier would we be? Our air would be cleaner, we would be more physically fit people, we might smell a little but who cares! We would not be so caught up in getting things done by a certain time but rather we would just be along for a ride or walk. I don't know if I'm just too much of an idealist but I think it would be an amazing transformation of the Western culture if it came to fruition. If we all just enjoyed life without the pressure of time or any of that it would be such a blessing. But anyway, that was yesterday.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

My New Place

I have spent the last few days moving into my new place and getting things set. I'm trying to make the place fee like home. It's a little difficult at time because my roommate isn't here yet so setting an apartment up alone can be boring at times. I'll be living here for about a year and then moving on to grad school or something different. Don't have that part figured out yet. But for now I will be here. So I apologize for the bad quality of pictures but it's the best I can do with a camera phone. Don't complain. So here's the goods and enjoy! It's a little like Cribs but without the fancy camera shots and the sexy bathroom scene and awkward bedroom scene either!





Here is the extremely small T.V. that I got for my room. It's small but it will work for me. And the corner of the bed.



And here's the bed with the empty bookshelf beside it. Hopefully I can put all my books on here without it falling. Cross your fingers.

And another shot of the bookcase/desk. I didn't want to buy a desk so I'm using my Fender Amp and my Mesa Boogie cabinet. And I stole the chair from Katie. So, it's rigged but it works for me!


And we now have the dinning room. Complete with folding metal chairs! And it will also serve as a bike shop for myself. Don't make fun.








The best part! The half full living room! Complete with the most comfortable recliner in the world! But without a T.V. or any other furniture. Hopefully they will get here this weekend with my roommate.

And the back porch! Complete with camping chairs and Cutter bug repellent. My favorite part of the whole place. It's a great view of pine trees 4 feet from the deck! Ha!

Hope you all enjoyed the tour and all are welcome to hang out. Just call me.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Farting Bubbles and Losing Nipples

So. I spent the weekend up in Franklin, TN. And it rocked! We had some stinking good food and plenty of laughs to go with it. I got to meet some of the most amazing people in the world and share a road trip with a good friend! I really enjoyed the town and would love to move there and enjoy life! But back to the title...

We did a slip and slide on Sunday afternoon and it almost cost me my life! We had four 25 ft. sections going down what I would call a freaking steep hill. And to top it off we put a ramp at the end of it that would shoot you into the air to land not so safely into a kiddie pool. Needless to say it was crazy fun. But we put so much soap on it that it got all in everyone's shorts! And I said that it put new meaning to the phrase "farting bubbles!" I sweat that I had enough soap in my butt that I could really fart some bubbles! The slide was tons of fun even though I missed the landing a few times. One time I was flying down the hill and started to drift to the side. Everyone was standing there so I thought that they would catch me. WRONG! Everyone moved out of the way and I went in the air and then straight to the ground! But it made for some good laughs so whatever.

Now. Losing nipples. Not fun. We had been doing the zip line about halfway so that people could get used to it. A few people had gone and everything was going well. Someone asked who was going to do it from the very top and without missing a beat Shannon and Brock both said that I would. So I did. Not a good idea. I thought everything would be alright because we had engineered the thing to work perfectly. So I go flying down the thing and when I hit the bungee lines one of them snaps and hit me right across the nipples and chest! I screamed out that I lost a nipple! People didn't get it until I raised my shirt and has some pretty huge welts and bruises on my chest! Somebody has pictures but I don't know who. When I get a hold of them I will put them on here. But it's still sore today. But this past weekend was a blast and I had lost of fun! But now it's time to go nurse my wounds and get some sleep. Yes, sleep in the middle of the day! It's a blessing from God, naps that is!

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Here's To You

So a few of my friends have complained that I don't write in my blog enough. And it's probably true. I just have a hard time remembering to sit down and write all the things that I do! I guess the reason is that I feel like I never do things that are worth people taking the time to read about them. But I give the people what they want, so here you go.

Today was day one at Brock and Auny's house. Shannon, Mallori, and I drove up to Franklin, TN last night. It was a pretty fun ride with lots of funny stories and laughs that come with them. We met everyone at Starbuck's and spent a good while talking and catching up with everybody. But back to today. We worked on Brock's zip line that he put up at his house last week. We thought we had it fixed but after 3 times we broke it! One of the bungee cables snapped! It was crazy! But we eventually got it fixed to where it will work and be fairly safe.

This afternoon I learned how to ride a dirt bike! We went to a local track and I learned how to ride. I didn't do any of the technical jumps or anything but I did a few loops around. It was a lot of fun! I looked a little goofy trying to learn everything but once I got the hang of it I was able to ride around fast and hit a few little jumps and got some air! I rode for a little while just in circles to get comfortable. But now I know can ride a motorcycle!

Tonight was a lot of fun with everybody! We had some AMAZING Thai food and then some AMAZING chocolate! It was some of the best food that I have ever had. Almost as good as Red Fish from Marina Cafe and Chocolate Stuff from Barbara Jeans! That's how good this stuff was! But it's late, I still haven't adjusted to Central Time at all. Tomorrow is going to be another fun filled day! Good food and dangerous fun! Look out!

Friday, April 11, 2008

When Things Become Real

Going through the Old Testament can sometimes become boring and pointless and even frustrating as the repetitious nature of it becomes evident. The pages are filled with Israel fleeing Egypt being led by Moses and Aaron. The laws are repeatedly laid down by God for the Israelites to follow. The sacrifices that must be done in order for forgiveness to exists are explained countless times throughout the Old Testament. The transformation of Israel also is seen through the books. Israel begins to drift away from the will of God and soon follows the religions of the people around them. As enemies gather around them, the people cry out for a king just like the earthly nations, forgetting their purpose as a nation set apart by God, without the need for a king. Israel continually learns the consequences for allowing sin to go unchecked and they also learn the greatness of God's forgiveness and redemption. Each time a sin was committed, an animal had to spill its blood and die. But also, the person guilty of the sin had to come in contact with the animal to be sacrificed on their behalf. I wonder if we, who call ourselves believers and followers do the same today? Do we understand that for each one of our sins, Christ is brought forth and we are touched by Him and then His precious and perfect blood is spilled for us? And after reading further into the Old Testament, the stories of the judges becomes clearer. Israel needed continual direction from God in order to continue living as a nation set apart. And the funny thing is that the judges were from all over, but they all had a desire for the will of God to be done. Samson is praised by churches in Sunday Schools and from pulpits across the nation as being a warrior for God. But Samson didn't even pray to God! Each time he destroyed the Philistines he took credit himself, disregarding the fact that his strength was directly from God! But he still was used by God in order to fulfill the will of God. And only after being caught and blinded did Samson cry out to God! In his moment of weakness he remembered God and cried out for strength not to glorify God but to get revenge for him being blinded! And God granted the request! How amazing! And Israel finally appealed to Samuel for a king to placed above them so that they would not be defeated by the surrounding nations. They instantly forgot of the great things God had done for them as they left Egypt! They had no faith in God! And guess who they chose as their king? The best looking man! How often do we still do the same today? We "pick" those with the highest seminary degree to be our "kings!" How dare we have no faith or communion with the Holy Spirit as the Israelites! No! We should understand and grasp the significance of Christ's sacrifice on our behalf, we should have the faith in God and daily commune with the Holy Spirit and allow for Spirit led living that can only be done the strength and power of God!

Sunday, March 16, 2008

God's Hand and the Love of Christ

New Orleans...the city of sin. I spent a week there. Yes there was sin and sin that I didn't even know was possible! Bourbon St. was a little weird for me. The Lower 9th broke my soul. The story of Red and his USS Budweiser brought tears of laughter and pain. The work ethic of Gail broke my back. The love expressed by Tim brought encouragement. Liz showed me that love is for everybody. Jr. taught me to be thankful and patient. New Orleans Seminary showed me to not accept the standard. The city of New Orleans is amazing. The people are still hurting. The work of the church is not being done or it is being done by celebrities from Hollywood. Why? Where is God's hand and the love of Christ? Where is the church? Where is the bride of Christ? And how does she look? Where are those that profess to believe in God? Why is there still people living in houses that have not been touched in 3 years? This week will be me writing out my thoughts and questions as I spent a week working with people in New Orleans rebuilding their lives. I have many questions and many thoughts. They are too many to write without writing a book. But they will tell the stories of a few people that I met and helped out and they will also present some questions for the church. Take them seriously. God is ready to reveal himself, but will we let Him?

Friday, March 7, 2008

Rain

Today I drove home in the rain. It has been raining every other day it seems like. But we need it and God is providing. Next week is spring break! I came home to rest and sleep...and eat real food...before I leave Sunday. A group of us from school are heading down to New Orleans to work with people from East New Orleans. We will be working with people in their yards, building houses, playing with kids, and so on. I am pretty excited to go down and share God with people. I pray that God will do amazing things this next week while we are there. I pray that people will see the glory of God through our lives and actions and words. And because the glory of God was revealed to them through our lives they well see Christ and experience His love! That is my prayer! So I ask all of you...or anyone of you who reads my blog to pray that as well! Thanks to all!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Is This It?

Is this it?
Is this the world God loves?
Is this the church
That is his bride?
Is my life
the one Christ lived for?
Is this it?

Friday, January 11, 2008

It Has Started Again

So, school has started up again! I just finished my first week back with classes and practice and it was pretty tough! I'm already stressing out and running around doing all these things and somehow already getting behind! I don't know how I am going to catch up with classes...each one requires a research paper of at least 10 pages! But I guess it's part of it! But it sure does get stressful! But it's great to be back on the hill and have so many people that need to just hear the love of Christ and feel the grace of God! I recently shared my heart and read some scripture at our BCM meeting this week and my heart broke at how simple it was to love people and how so often we refuse to do so. I read of how Christ sat with the woman at the well and how she drank of the living water and how her life was forever changed. My prayer is that I will have the strength and power to love people as Christ did and to show them how great a life of following Him really is!

Friday, January 4, 2008

New Layout

New layout...hope everyone likes it!

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Neon?

So...I was looking at my blog page and I realized that it was all bright neon colors. It looks weird and goofy but I think I like it! Anyway, I've been home resting from YEC this weekend! I came home and slept for 13 hours and 10 hours the next night...I think I was a little tired! But YEC was a blast and God worked in some awesome ways! David Platt spoke all weekend and God worked through him to reach youth! His messages were based only on scripture and God was in everyone! Matt Papa led worship and as usual he did such a great job of providing a time for youth to reach God one on one! Third Day and Barlow Girl played the concerts at night and they were pretty good! I worked the stage all weekend and it was pretty stressful and tiring. But it was really fun to meet everybody and talk with them about all the things that God is doing in so many lives. It was such a blessing and encouragement. But it was really cool to see God working in the lives of people but it also opened my eyes to the fact that so many people do not have a clue what it means to have a personal relationship with God through Christ! So many kids seemed oblivious to the fact of their need for salvation! It was good to hear Platt speak about how God is seeking to make is name great and because of that He sent Jesus to live and die! It is as simple as that! But so many people have been distracted and taught so many wrong things that they do not understand that and it broke my heart! So I am beginning to pray for God to reveal himself to people who so much need to meet Him face to face! I am praying that people will come to the point that they realize the greatness of God and his love through Christ! That is my prayer!