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Everyone knows Christmas is a busy time of the year. It’s also a crazy time! People going to Christmas parties, left and right. People crowding malls and stores to get the best deals on gifts for loved ones. Don’t forget all those Christmas movies on tv! And the lights! Don’t forget the lights! Don’t forget about the visitors that we’re expecting on Christmas day. If we’re not careful, Christmas can turn out to be a very stressful time of year. What exactly is Christmas? Ask people on the streets and you’re bound to get a variety of answers. “Christmas is about family.” “Christmas is about presents.” “Christmas is about parties.” “Christmas is about going to the amazing Christmas pageant at church.” When you examine Christmas closely, it’s not about any of the activities listed above. Those are traditions that surround Christmas. I’m all for those, but those events do not define Christmas.   A person does. This isn’t an ordinary person. This person would change everything

The beginning of June is the time of year I look forward to the most. It is VBS time! For me, VBS had a hug impact on my life and who I am today. You can watch my video testimony that is on YouTube by clicking on thislink. Overall, counting VBS’s at various churches during my childhood, I have attended 30 VBS’s in 17 years. This year, I will be doing double duty like I did last year. I will be assisting in teaching at Gardendale First Baptist Church and Cleveland First Baptist Church in the same week! One at morning and one at night. Here are my top 5 VBS themes of all time. I will put the theme verse and something I got out of that VBS. 5) Colossal Coaster World: Facing Fear, Trusting God (2013) “For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” -2 Timothy 1:7 This VBS stood out for a number of reasons. For starters, this was the first theme that did not feature songs written by legendary VBS music composer Jeff Slaugh

“So the governor asked again, "Which of these two do you want me to release to you?" The crowd shouted back, "Barabbas!" -Matthew 27:21 I wanted Barabbas! In my sinful, selfish nature, I wanted Barabbas. On that dark day over 2,000 years ago, While Jesus was hanging from the cross, I wanted Barabbas! You see, I related to Barabbas more than I did to Jesus. Barabbas lived a life where no one told him what to do. He lived a murderous life. Because of his lifestyle, He was chained up. I once lived like Barabbas. I was in control of my life, It was my way or the highway, It was all about me! I thought I was living the life, When in reality, I was also chained up in my sin and dying. You see, I didn’t want to let go of my control over my life. I was one of the people in the crowd saying, “Give us Barabbas!” Why give MY control over to this so called Savior, who was bleeding to death on the cross. When asked what to do wit

“…Your faith in God has become known everywhere…” -1 Thessalonians 1:8 NIV The book of 1 Thessalonians is a letter in the New Testament written to the people of Thessalonica. In 1 Thessalonians 1, Paul commends the Thessalonians in their work in the gospel and their reception to the gospel. As I read this chapter, a verse stood out for me…1 Thessalonians 1:8. I have many translations of the Bible. I love to compare each translation and try to get a context for what God is saying. The NIV says, “Your faith will be made known everywhere.” The CSB says, “For the word of the Lord rang out from you.” The NLT says, “You have become an example to all the believers…” Before I get deep into this, I don’t write this to brag about myself. I want this post to honor God and encourage you to live out your faith. During this difficult tragedy, I have done numerous interviews for TV. As you know, I am a broadcast student and I love to be in front of the camera. However, in this case, I di