Thankful

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms hymns, and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

- Colossians 3:15-17

This time of year, there is much to be thankful for. As God is using me in astonishing ways for His Kingdom, I continue to be thankful. 

Thankful that He called me out of the dominion of darkness and into His marvelous light. 

Thankful that I get to talk and impact students lives daily for His gospel. 

Thankful for a loving family and supports me in whatever my life adventures are. 

Thankful that I have a band of brothers that surround me and show me love through their words, actions and prayers. 

Thankful that I have a host family that loves me and brings me so much joy. Oh, and they feed me!

Thankful that I have ministry partners that spend time to pray for me, ask me what I'm learning, how I'm doing, and they read my blog! 

Thankful that I work on a team of great people who toil and struggle in their labors but do it with great joy. 

Thankful that I have a girlfriend who is open to me and has a teachable heart.

Thankful that my girlfriend likes mustaches.

Thankful for a best friend who is about to marry the girl of his dreams. 

Thankful for the wise leaders in my life who are humble and desire to pass on the truths of scripture.

Thankful that you are still reading this post and care enough about me to share your lives with me.

A couple of weeks ago, some friends from CSU got together in Steamboat Springs for a bible study reunion.

These guys have been walking through life together for years and did it around a weekly meeting of studying God's word. Now that's pretty awesome. I was fortunate enough to come in at the end of our college careers and be apart of this band of brothers.

As we were up in Steamboat, we shared stories of what God has been doing in our lives since we left Fort Collins. We also had healthy discussions about our futures and accountability in our (future) marriages and how we can continue to sharpen one another. Overall our time was great as we ate lots of meat, played poker, played tackle football in a foot of snow, ate meat, watched football and ate more meat. 

As I think of our bible study leader, Adam Sperling, and the impact he has on our lives; I am again just thankful to God as he put Adam in our lives and used his gifts to bring us closer to Christ. Adam is the handsome, ruddy and red-headed stud in the blue in the photos above. Adam has since left Colorado State and is still serving with the Navigators just an hour north at University of Wyoming.  Will you join me in prayer for Adam as he is continuing to share his life and the gospel with students in Wyoming. Students who will turn into men walking with God that are out in the world shinning the Light of the world.

As I write this post at Panera Bread, we have 2 short weeks left in the semester. Would you please pray that I can be diligent in these last 2 weeks in closing the semester and preparing for the next?

because He reigns.....

The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! -Psalm 97:1