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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 everyt...

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...

Opportunity (n): a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something. This year has flown by! I guess it is true that the older you get, the faster times seems to go. I can honestly say that 2017 has been the best year I’ve had. If I could review this entire year of my life, it might turn out to be more of a book than a blog post. I could focus on many things that happened in my life like graduating college, connecting with numerous people in my possible career field, starting school at UAB, meeting Dale Earnhardt Jr., or my many adventures. When I first started attending Gardendale on a weekly basis, one of the first sermons Pastor Kevin preached on was on a watch word. A watch word is a word that God gives you and uses it to grow you throughout the year. I deeply felt the word “opportunity” whispered into my soul. My final post of this year will focus on 3 opportunities that occurred in my life that I didn’t see coming. 1) God Gave Me the Opportunity to Get Connected ...

The Chavez Family has obviously been through a lot this past week with a tragedy that has occurred. I'm not here to talk about details about it. If you want more details, you can check the local TV station websites. I'm here to talk about how God has comforted us this week. This audio blog is a little long (close to 40 minutes), but it is worth listening to. Listen to it on the way to church, a loved ones house, or even in your spare time. Why can I have joy, hope, strength, and forgiveness in this hard time? I would pray that you would listen to the podcast and even follow along with the notes provided. Again, thank you for your prayers for our family during this tough time. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST/AUDIO HERE DOWNLOAD AN OUTLINE WITH REFERENCE VERSES AND TO FOLLOW ALONG HERE *NOTE: When I speak about "us", "we", or "family" and how we feel, I am speaking on behalf of the five of us, not necessary how the entire family involved feels.*

Everyone has their own way to work out and exercise. For me, I walk about half a mile every day I go to class. But on the weekends, things change! I have a collection of VBS DVD’s and VHS cassettes from every VBS I have attended (with the exception of 2005, 2008, 2015, and 2016). My favorite parts are the music videos. If you’re familiar with LifeWay VBS, you probably have heard of Jeff Slaughter. Jeff did the VBS music from 1996 to 2012. Every Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon, I grab a few of the VBS DVD’s or cassettes and go to the music section. Some people may consider these VBS songs just for kids. All of these songs hold a special place in my heart. Sure, they were written for VBS, but they are loaded with scripture and important truths found in the Bible. For example, there’s one song from 2009 that drilled the verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Another song from 2011 teaches about the Great Commission. I could go on and on. All th...