"Wisdom and love are better than arms and legs"

About a year ago, a friend emailed me a video of ‘Nick’s testimony.’ To say I was inspired by his story and wisdom would barely scratch the surface of how that video impacted my life. Since then I’ve often reflected on his words and shared them with numerous other people who needed encouragement during difficult times.

This week I got the opportunity of a lifetime! I met one of most amazing people I will probably ever meet in my life! Through some special circumstances and a lot of planning, one of the local business owners, Chef Audrey, worked out a long term goal of having Nick come to GA. (Nick is originally from Australia.) ...He was right here in Warner Robins!

At only 26 years old, Nick Vujicic has become one of the most sought after inspirational speaker in the world. His assistant told me they literally get 300 requests a week for him to speak around the world!

His inspirational message matches his solid attitude of joy and confidence. Which is absolutely amazing when you consider the way he was born - No arms, No legs. Check out Wikipedia for more information about his story. (Even how his ‘mum,’ who is a nurse, was able to help change the laws in Australia so that Nick could be integrated into a main-stream school.)

Great Quotes:

“If you put your happiness in temporary things, your happiness will be temporary.”

“Wisdom and love are better than arms and legs.”

“You have excuses … look at me!”

“I used to ask God, ‘If I got married, why didn’t You give me arms to hug my wife?’ … God answered me, ‘Nick, You don’t need arms to hold your wife’s heart.’

“I stand before the gates of Hell and redirect traffic.”

“It’s going to take some more pain before we truly and fearfully humble ourselves before God.”

“What God doesn’t change, God will use.” (Romans 8:18,28)

“What is your time? – Time is your kingdom. Where are you investing?”

Snow Day in Middle GA

Yesterday morning we woke up to a white Christmas.. er.. pre-St Patrick's Day / post-Mardi Gras for everyone back home. Ironic that it's snowed more in Louisiana in the past 5 1/2 years I've been in GA. (Three times more!) Anyway, we actually got snow twice. Morning sleet turned into snow then eventually rain. The afternoon brought a fresh layer and new snowmen! Here's my backyard on YouTube.

Christmas Blessing

On Christmas Eve, I received a very special gift - I made it home alive. I've made this trip countless times in the past, yet this time has given me a memory that I can't seem to shake or stop replaying through my mind. Every time I play it, I see His miracle. Here's an excerpt from my journal that night:

God's angels are real! After pulling over to try to help a guy with a flat tire, I got to the long bridge in AL before Mobile. It had started to rain and now was pouring down. I turned off cruise control and slowed down - my truck felt like I slightly skid - I slowed down from 70 to 60 and got in the right lane. A van came down the left lane approaching me fast. [He came so close to my truck], I got scared he may lose control and hit me. I hit the brake and tried to get over more - then I hydroplaned. I held on straight - scared to correct to the left into another car and scared to hit the right side of the bridge. I slid right, then caught traction and punched the bridge - I spun in a 360° - truck died - still in the right lane, some on the shoulder. I prayed then called State Farm. As the windows fogged up, I got scared another car would hit me. Most got to the left lane, some stopped behind me. - No time for accident report - Every car could have hit me. I got out to survey damage - Wow, everything was fine except my bumper pushed in! Praise God! wow, I had to move! A girl narrowly stopped between my truck and [side of the] bridge - she *almost* hit me - Truck wouldn't start - then it did! Praise God! Drove away to the shoulder as God diverted traffic around me in pouring rain and wet pavement!

I stopped at the next gas station to check everything out and still amazed as I hit the side of the bridge going around 50mph. I took this picture... Wow!

Merry Mi Casa Christmas

" Jesus said, 'Therefore I tell you, do not worry...' " - Matt 6:25

This past Monday, our small group had a Christmas party for the Mi Casa house. This home provides a safe haven and wonderful opportunity for mothers to choose freedom from past addictions which will inevitably lead to a better life for their children.

The Christmas party went better than we could have ever imagined! When we first heard about the need, we wanted to help but didn't think that it was possible for our small group to meet such a large need. Well, as Jesus answered His disciple Peter, "What is impossible for man is possible for God." And that certainly became true over the past month as gifts showed up for all of children's needs to be met.

At one point I received a call from Erich that someone had donated so many gifts that his car was unsafe to drive! Immediately after he received this blessing, we found out that 4 more kids were added to the list and everyone was unsure as to where we could get last minute gifts for these kids. Yet, God knew and the need had already been met! Wow!

TJ's Birthday Party

We had a fun time with our friend TJay celebrating his 24th birthday!

Snow Day on the Bayou

Check out the email I got from my dad today (in Louisiana)!!!!

Logan Woke to a heavy snowfall - over 4 inches accumulated. Rather coolish - BR shut down - also all interstates and bridges. love dad

Happy Hotdog Halloween

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"This is the best house so far"

"WOW... This place is awesome"

"More hot chocolate pleeeaaase"

These were just a handful of comments kids and adults shared last night as they stumbled upon my driveway during their halloween candy trek.  My friends and I were trying out a concept that my college professor said he started in his neighborhood. Each year, he pulls his BBQ pit into the driveway to grill out for the trick or treater's and their parents. 

As most parents rush home to dress up their kids before hurrying out the door, they end up eating dinner from a candy bag. So this year, we provided hotdogs and chips, as well as hot chocolate, instead of the usual candy. We also gave away Hot Wheels and Chick comic books which were a big hit. Several times my driveway filled with kids and parents who took a break to eat while the kids excitedly read between bites. 

Check out the pictures I posted of my friends who helped out. These were taken as the night wrapped up and we got into the costume cheer.