Long Time Coming...

My, it's been a long time since I've written on here. So much has happened and my life has changed so much since my last entry that there is no way to go in depth and explain everything, so I will attempt to just hit the highlights and important parts.

On January 8th, 2008 at 4:07AM my wife Brooke and I became proud new parents to a beautiful, perfect baby boy. It was an absolutely amazing experience; one far too beautiful and incredible for words. I've had lots of people attempt to explain what it is like to hold your child for the first time but until you actually go through that experience, you never really understand the depth of what everyone talks about.

The first time I held him after the nurses cleaned him off and swaddled him up, something deep within me changed. I suddenly morphed into a father. The very first thought in my head when they handed him to me and I knew he was really here and that he was really my son was a God-given deeper revelation of something I had always known. Jesus said that we as humans know how to give good gifts to our children; how much more will our heavenly Father give good things to us? That scripture had always made sense to me, but when I held my own son for the first time, it took on a whole new meaning to me. I love my son almost more than anything else...the first being God, the second being my wife. I would do absolutely anything to spare him from pain, sickness or heartache, and I long to give him everything his little mind and heart desire. If I feel that strongly about my own son and I am merely a human, what love God must have for me.

Not long after Quinn was born, we had another birth. Through a lot of prayer, talking, and brainstorming with different individuals, my dad and I birthed the idea of having a Saturday night service at the church that is geared for youth, young adults, and those who enjoy a little more modern style of worship. Tonight is the first one, and we are very excited about it. By some of the opposition key players in this service have faced in their lives over the last few weeks, I believe God is going to really bless it and cause it to take off and grow. Some of us have experienced physical exhaustion, financial stress, sickness, discouragement, distractions, etc., and I believe it is all because the enemy of our soul is trying desperately to stop the moving of God through this service, which leads me to believe that hearts and lives are going to be radically changed by God and that a massive revival for our church, community, and world is imminent. In spite of opposition, we are excited to see what God is going to do and if you are reading this today, I sincerely hope that I will see you at church tonight, next Saturday night, and/or some other Saturday night.

Lastly, I have discovered a great truth in life. We have a Savior who is truly touched by the feelings of our infirmities, be it physical, mental, emotional, or financial. If we will simply take the time to get everything in the way of our walk with God worked out and seek God, he hears and answers prayers. He restores faith and hope. He is merciful and full of grace. He deals with us not according to our sins but rather by the blood of Jesus that removes every stain. We've been facing difficulty in our mortgage business and in our finances and we have a mountain that is seemingly impossible to move or overcome. But after spending some time praying, studying God's word, and fasting, God showed me and told me that everything was going to just fine. He opens his hand and satisfies the desires of every living thing, and he promised that our hearts would be satisfied. Ever since God spoke to me my phone has been ringing off the hook with business and God is opening doors that were previously closed. God is good and full of grace, mercy, and abundant blessings.

Cheers, and God bless!

Hoss