Turning a new leaf

Isn't that how the saying goes?

Well I guess I could say that I am doing that and/or have done that over the past year or so.

I got to thinking about these "changes," for a lack of a better term.

I bring this up because when someone says they are changing this brings to ones head that they are becoming something/someone different. And also to some, this change would appear to be something only temporary...in many cases that is true.

But when I say that now, that I am changing, I believe I am becoming closer to the person that I am intended to be. I don't just mean things like my profession, what I wear, or something almost superficial like that, I mean the whole enchilada. Don't get me wrong there are old tendencies that rear their ugly head now and again but now I see them for what they are.

I don't know what sort of point I am making or if there is one that can be dug out of this...other then, change isn't always bad, especially when it's for the Good.

Man, that refining fire really does a number.

"You cried wolf; the tears they soaked your fur
The blood dripped from your fangs
You said, 'What have I done?'
You loved that lamb with every sinful bone
And there you wept alone
Your heart was so contrite

"You said, 'Jesus, please forgive me of my crimes
Sanctify this withered heart of mine
Stay with me until my life is through
And on that day, please take me home with you.' "

Amazing because it is

I was so scared of everything you put in front of me
I've been arching every part of me
Just to see
See
Why you need me to be
The boy you need me to be

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saves a wretch like me
I once was lost
And now I'm found
Was blind but now I see

I just wanna see

I'm the type of person who lets fear drive
I'm the type of guy who lets it drive
Cause I'm addicted, I'm needy,
I'm lost without you
I need you
I need you

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saves a wretch like me
I once was lost
But now I'm found
Was blind but now I see

Just a quick note.

I know sooo many people have been waiting for a update and I will have one soon. But I just wanted to add this quick note.

This is a insert that was handed out at church that I wanted to share. The following was written by an African pastor who was thrown into prison for his faith. He was ordered to renounce his faith and confess his "crime" or he would be put to death. He wrote the following confession:

"I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The dye has been cast. I've stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished with low living, sight-walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals!

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotion, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence; love with patience uplifted by prayer, and labor by power.

My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, or let up, until I've stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me.

And when He comes to get His own, He'll have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear."

Boy, I can only hope and pray to go out of this world saying something like that.

"In my distress I called to the LORD,
and he answered me.
From the depths of the grave I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.

You hurled me into the deep,
into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
swept over me.

I said, 'I have been banished
from your sight;
yet I will look again
toward your holy temple.'

The engulfing waters threatened me,
the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head.

To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you brought my life up from the pit,
O LORD my God.

"When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, LORD,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple.

"Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grace that could be theirs.

But I, with a song of thanksgiving,
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
Salvation comes from the LORD."