My "marked change"

The year 2008 will be remembered forever as the best and worst year of my life. It is the year of my "marked change". You see, I was saved at the age of 9. I remember the date and everything about it. It was genuine and I can remember the change in my heart. I was baptized 4 days later. Somewhere along the line, I decided to live my life for me and not God and remained that way until this year.

2008 was the year I made it to the final 30 of a reality show called, "The Mole". Had about a 50% chance of making it on the show and having my life change. When it didn't happen it was a huge letdown for me. I also totaled my car and hurt my back 3 days before I was going to run a half marathon. After 6 weeks of physical therapy, I then dislocated my knee cap and was right back in therapy for 12 weeks. Medical expenses drained me and the year was only halfway over. Something was going on with my "luck" this year.

It wasn't all bad though. I met a young woman and feel head over heels for her. I have never experienced a connection with someone like I did with her. It was real and emotions ran high very quickly. I was sure that this was it, and was on top of the world. What I didn't realize is that God was about to use that situation and come calling for me once again.

My "marked change" occurred in the depth of complete brokenness. Laying in my bed and having no where else to turn, I finally asked God for help and admitted that my way of living wasn't working. I gave him complete control and haven't been the same since. I claimed Romans 12:2 as my life verse - "Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

I have learned more about God and myself in the past 4 months than I have my entire life. Discovering and experiencing God has been a journey of enlightenment that I never expected. Being able to share most of it with someone has been priceless.

Which brings me to Christmas. As I sit here, it is almost midnight on Christmas Eve and I am so thankful. Thankful for my family and friends. I don't believe I have ever truly appreciated family more than I do right now. Thinking back on my Christmas morning experiences growing up and remembering the sheer joy and happiness is something I will cherish forever.

I absolutely cannot wait to experience that one day with kids of my own. God is preparing me for the next chapter of my life and I am so ready for it. I desire to be a godly man more than anything.

As I look back on a year where I cried more tears and was at my lowest point, I can only praise God for it all. A "marked change" is something only God can do. I don't know what my future holds, but I know that God will be the center of it and that is the greatest blessing of all.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Happy Birthday Jesus. Thank you for your perfect example and the ultimate sacrifice for my sins.