Testimony

My Testimony

I grew up in a Christian home.  I had parents who loved me.  I went to a Christian grade school, and Christian high school.  We never missed Church, not even evening Church during the World Series.  I went to Sunday school, I went thru our Catachism class. 

None of that made me a Christian.

I knew that Jesus loved everyone. I knew that he died on the cross to save everyone from their sins. I knew that.  And I believed it.  I also believed that he was raised from the dead. 

That didn’t make me a Christian either.

It didn’t make me a Christian having Christian parents, nor was it my infant baptism that gave me my salvation. 

But it all helped.

The summer between my sophomore year and junior year of HS I went on a weeklong Young Peoples convention with a bunch of other kids from my Church, to Nashville TN.  It was great, it was like one long party.  There was games, music, and lots of hot girls.  What more could a 16 year old boy want. There was one girl that really caught my eye. We became quick friends. After the convention we stayed in touch over phone for the next year.

The next year the convention was in LA. And I knew this girl would be there. So I signed up.  Her and I spent most of that whole week together, on the 2^nd to last night we had a big concert event. All the kids were required to go. So my friends and I went.  We sat in the way way back, and didn’t plan on paying to close attention.

The first song they sang, was “Jesus Loves Me” it brought me to tears. There in front of my friends and girlfriend, I started to weep. The Holy Spirit, came down on me in that song and said, CURTIS YOUR MINE. STOP BEING AN IDIOT AND FOLLOW ME ALREADY! I then realized that not only did God love everyone, and die for everyone, but he loves me, and he died for me, me, personally. I got it.

  

I would love to tell you that since then, I have not sinned. I would like to say, I have never done anything intentionally against God. Or that my marriage has been perfect because I am a believer. Nope.

Life isn't going to be perfect as a Christian, so stop reading right here if that is what you thought. :(

I will skip ahead now 10 years or so.

I was comfortable in my faith, in my role as a Christian. I wasn’t sacrificing anything in my life for the Lord, I was sitting nicely on the fence. But my feet were dangling in the right side.

Church had just let out, and I was strolling around the fellowship area looking for someone to talk with. And I wasn’t having much luck.  Then out of the corner of my eye I saw a friend. Curtis and his wife Darcy sitting in a class room with some other people.  I wasn’t sure exactly what the meeting was about, but it appeared to be open to anyone so I went in.  I sat down next to Curtis and asked him what the meeting was about.  This is an informational meeting about a short term missions trip to Brasil. WHAT, oops, wrong room. That was way below my dangling feet. But, it had already started so I thought I would hang out till the end. Let the guy talking know I wasn’t interested afterwards and head home.

Well, after the meeting I remember saying something like this. “I am pretty sure I am going to go on this trip, sign me up. I’ll talk with my wife, but I think I am in.”  So I went home and told Adrian, and well. She didn’t know why I wanted to go. I told her, me neither. But God is telling me to go it seems so I think I should listen. Being an amazing wife, she agreed.

Over the next few months I prepared with the team for the trip, and I was excited, I had never done anything like this before. And I’ll tell you what, God used this trip to change my life, more than he did when we sang “Jesus Loves Me”.  During the training I realized that God was calling me to make sacrifices for him, to lay down my life for him, like he sent his son to do for me. And the first sacrifice was giving up 50% of my vacation for a missions trip. I was also sacrificing time with my family. I was traveling a lot for work at the time, and was home less than 84 hours for that whole month.

Like I said the trip changed my life. I thought for sure that God was calling me to be a missionary in Brasil, I spoke with Adrian about it, and she wasn’t sure that is what God was trying to show me.  But being me, I thought I was right, and with Adrian’s blessing, we started planning a trip for the following year to go back to Brasil together.

So last year, we went, Adrian and I went to Rio and worked with the droogsma’s as a couple. We worked hand in hand, side by side doing some amazing work.  And we learned something. We learned that God isn’t calling us to Brasil, at least, not right now.  But God did show me, that I need to start living a more sacrificial life, to get my lazy butt off the fence, and get on God’s side.  He showed me that I need to live every day for Him. Every day for Him, every day for Him.

So, that is what I am trying to do. Live one day at a time. With my focus on God, praying reading his word, and being prepared in any situation.

Most recently God has challenged me through my men’s group, to begin memorizing scripture, and it is awesome. I challenge anyone who dares to memorize scripture to do it. It is great.  I have also been challenged recently to raise my kids in a way that is pleasing to God. Not just better than I was raised. 

That is what God is doing in my life, what is he doing in yours?

wishin i was fishin

Yesterday i had one of the most exciting fishing experiences. I caught a 150lb fish. it was so exciting. it took me about 20 minutes to real in. It was awesome!

It makes me wonder though, why i don't do more fishing. 
why don't i go after those big ones more often. I think i would like to catch a 200lber next time.
I don't think i would use the same bait. Yesterday i used a salmon head.
I think next time i will use the Word of God.

There are many people that are with out Christ. In my line of work i get to expierence unbelievers everyday. i use the word unbelievers to speak kindly of these people.  They are probably, and mostly are, nice.  however they are also vulgar beyond mention.  i feel gross, just listening to some people's conversations.



While sitting on a coffee break yesterday i listened as one man was explaining to his buddies how him and his wife had gone to a strip club the night before. and how much they both had enjoyed it. WHAT!!
i know, that was my reaction.  what can i say to this group of 5 guys going around sharing about their different strip club experiences?

     "hey i had a great time at Church on Sunday!"

or

   "hey you should come to my Bible study."

i pray that God forgives my ears for hearing and my mouth for not speaking up.

the need is there people. we need to change our perspective. we need to make every opportunity, every conversation a Jesus Christ centered one. 

i am going to set a goal for myself and i encourage others to do the same.

take 1 normal everyday conversation and insert Jesus Christ. (yes we should do it in all conversations, but my dad told me don't set unrealistic goals)

so take 1 (one).  do it over lunch. supper.  at a bar. in a casino. in your office. in your home. hopefully not in a strip club.

the time is now!

i would love love love to hear about some of these conversations. I am going to start a google document. basically a word document on line. anyone can add to it.  please help me to document our trials.  without it, we won't be able to encourage one another.

please pass the link on to your family and friends. i want this document to be a paper of encouragement!! and also an opportunity for brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for eachother.

Here is the link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/19-GfDn2GdAhiraCEVfkObncUWJTGa-GYCsp1ezaM_Sc/edit?hl=en_US#

Heavenly Father, please give me the courage and strength and boldness to reach the nations within the communities you place me.  Amen.

8 Years of Joy!

When I Turned 21 I thought I was happy. I was an adult I was getting married later that year, I had my own place. Life was good.

But it wasn't until I got married that I began to experience real joy.

Adrian and I have now been married 8 years. Which have gone by quickly.  And have been great.

Adrian is Godly
Adrian is joy
Adrian is happiness
Adrian is loving
Adrian is caring
Adrian is beautiful
Adrian is patient
Adrian is kind
Adrian is amazing
Adrian is understanding
Adrian is sharing
Adrian is compassionate

Adrian is all this and more.


Adrian is my joy dealer. My joy is in Jesus and Adrian is my sole distributor. 

Thank you Adrian for loving me, and bringing me this wonderful joy.  Thank you for supporting me in my career, thank you for helping me raise our boys, thank you for being AWESOME!!!




cboom

missing my sibs

I am currently sitting in a small hotel room in Ft Myers FL. By myself.

How often do you feel lonely? Are you missing anyone?

Let me make something clear early on. I am not lonely.

God has blessed me with the love of my life Adrian, and two wonderful boys, Owen, & Logan.
On top of that, I have incredible family both Adrian's side and my own! Wow I am rich!!!

That said, I do find myself missing people.
I miss Adrian, Owen & Logan of course. But lately (meaning not just this trip) I find my self missing other people.

When I was little I had two sisters, one older super cool.  Her name is Nicole.  We hung out a lot together, doing normal brother and sister things. Playing with barbies. 
We were such play mates as kids, and then she went away to college in GA. where is that?  luckily she got home sick and came back after one year, then she went to Dordt. I was happier with her closer.

For a semester; I went to Dordt as well. However; I had never really figured out how to learn and my grandpa was diagnosed with cancer, and past away.  Basically all my first semester.  I had had enough.

My parents moved to DSM, so I followed.

I also had a younger sister. She was perfect, in all that she did. (not a bad thing, although that is how I saw it when I was younger)  Granted she tried immensely hard, and deserved everything she got.  But being "perfect" she wasn't as cool as Nicole or I, so I didn't spend many of my school years as her "friend".   She was constantly singing, playing piano, and I was sure; doing everything she possibly could to annoy me. Grrr.

So when Libby entered High School I told her that we could now be friends. She was thrilled. I think.
Libby had it rough that first year. I always knew she was picked on by certain people but never knew the extent of it.  As an older brother I did what I could to stand up for her. Even got into a couple fights for her, not that I told her about them.  After all she is my family.

So after Libbys first year; the year my family moved to DSM she went to Johnston HS. Which ticked me off bad.  I had gone to private school in Orange City; small Christian community, and wasn't allowed to go to the public school.  But now, in the big city my little sister was going to this huge public school. Grrr.

But she excelled there. Which was expected. And she made some good friends.

The one thing that was missing was my brother.

Oddly I got my brother when I was 23. Even more strange, he was 15.  I found it hard to connect with Jesse.  He came from such a different place than I had come from.  So I failed in that relationship in the early years.

Jesse graduated from Johnston HS, smart athletic with great ambition.  Went on to Faith Baptist Bible College; and I found another opportunity to build our relationship.  I failed again.

Then about Christmas time I started to make a concentrated effort of building a friendship with him.  I began calling from time to time, and talking more deeply than silly superficial conversations. 

However; a few weeks ago Jesse enrolled himself in Teen Challenge. Seeking heeling. Now he is gone for 1 year. And I find myself deeply missing him.  Jesse; I love you. I pray for you often, and I look forward to becoming great friends with the man you will be when you emerge from this trial.


Nicole; has never been real far away. always willing to talk and be an ear for my words.  But now I feel that living only an hour apart our relationship is widening.  We seem to be drifting apart.  We are each building lives and setting new foundations in our communities.  And as great as that is, it burdens our relationship.  Nicole;  I love you.  I am ok with being short distance friends.  Enjoy life in Marshaltown, grow your friendships, and grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ.  I, your little brother will always be available.


Then there is Libby.  My little sister.  My friend.  I love you.  I appreciate you more than I can express.  I now find myself missing your music which I despised so much growing up.  I miss you singing in Church. I miss you playing piano.  You married a great Italian man name Michael. who took you away to MASS. (not complaining).  You have been gone for not even a year, and I miss you.  Your friendly face that always has something encouraging to say.  I know you will do well in the NE.  your ministry will shine BRIGHT along with Mike's.  God bless you!!



I apologize now for rambling. No I don't. you could have stopped after the first paragraph. but you were hooked. HA!


cboom

My Best Friend...

My quarterly blog.

I apologize to my faithful 6 who follow my blog, it has been a long time since my last post.

When was the last time you talked to your best friend?

Did you know you can pray out loud?
Of course. how else would anyone here me?   J/K,  I know, yes you can pray out loud.

But did you know you can talk to Jesus out loud?
Now you are wondering what i mean. so let me explain.

The other day i was driving. it was late. nothing on the radio, and too late to call anyone.
So I decided to have a talk with Jesus. I turned to the empty passenger seat and said, "whats up?"

nothing....

"how you doing Lord"

again nothing........

I continued to have one of the most beautiful, most meaningful conversations of my life.
And the best part is. it wasn't one sided.

throughout the conversation God would remind me of different scriptures i had read. and of things people had told me.

I asked questions...I confessed sin....I cried....I lauged.....I felt better.

Our God is so great.  lets not limit our conversation with him to prayer with meals & bedtime.

Lets remeber that Jesus was human.  And lets talk to him.  If he is supposed to be our bff. lets treat him like it!
Talk to your best friend. don't hold anything back!




cboom

Questions?

My Hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ

I have hope, I have peace.
Can i share my hope? my peace?
How?

God calls everyone to be disciples.
Some he calls to be disciples locally others he calls away from comforts of home.
How do I know which catergory I fall into? can someone tell me? who?

If Jesus told me to follow him, would I? would I drop everything and follow him.
Or would I say, wait..let me go home and prepare, or let me go home and think about it.

What is the minimum age for a missionary? Education? life experience?
Can God really use me?

Sell all you have and follow me! excuse me? do what?
Go to all the nations, and spread the good news! Ankeny is a nation, right?

How can i reach people, i don't even have time to relax!




cboom
comments please

On The Road Again............

Clean sheets. Ugly paintings. Window air conditioner. Gideon Bible.

No, I am not at your grandma's house. I am in a hotel room.
Yes..Yes.. it sounds very glamours. And it can be. But not for me.

Tonite as I write this I am at a Best Western. Where that name came from I don't know. I am in Kansas City, not very western. And this certainly isn't the best hotel I have ever stayed in.  In fact, it is a good thing it is only a one night stay or I would have kept looking. But, the price was right and I just needed a bed.  Unfortunately all they had were smoking rooms...so, I was forced to start a nasty habit. Expensive too. But hey...everyone is doing it.... or they used too.  OK, I did not start smoking simply because I am in a smoking room. in fact, I didn't start. settle down mom. 

OK. Sorry for rambling. My hotel is sufficient.

Some trips I fly. Some I drive. This current trip I flew some, and drove a lot. On Wednesday, I drove from Ankeny to Kansas City, then flew from KC to Houston, then drove from Houston to Sulphur LA (about 2 hrs). Then, drove from Sulphur to Shreveport LA, about 4hrs. few, that was a long day. Thursday I drove from Shreveport back to Kansas City, 9hrs driving. Now tomorrow I will drive back to Ankeny.  Lots of fun.  So travel is fun. sure.

The actual best part about being on the road is the food. Restaurants! Need I say more?

Until the next trip.




cboom