“How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!” Psalms 139:17, 18

It was a busy week…actually, they are always busy. We settled in for our GFC monthly staff meeting and Pastor Dale was up to share for a few moments. He read the scripture above and then he showed a picture of a beach. He said that he Googled how many grains of sand are in a cup. According to Google, there are between 3 – 5 million grains of sand in a cup. He said, “Look at this picture. How many cups are there on this beach. Take it out further. How many grains of sands are in the state of Florida. Take it further – all of North America? Around the world? (Honestly, he had me at Florida…but it was an amazing picture). He said, “that is how much God is thinking of you.” He went on to different thoughts but when it was over and I was reviewing my notes, that one line just hit me straight up. How often is God thinking about me?

I am pretty literal when it comes to things in the Bible. I do believe that Jonah could live in the belly of a fish for 3 days and that Jesus could miraculously turn a couple of fish and bread into a feast for the thousands. So, could God be thinking of me that much? In my literal mind, it would mean that he would be thinking of me all the time. He would have to be so tuned into my thoughts, emotions, feelings, frustrations, victories, challenges and accomplishments that he could actually put me in the “crosshairs” of his attention. He would have to focus in on where I have been, where I am now and where my path is leading me. He would have to construct a purpose and a will for my life that He could form and instill the desire in me to go after it. He would have to love me a lot because I make mistakes all the time. So, forgiveness will have to be part of those thoughts. He will have to add grace, mercy, compassion and understanding when my words and thoughts don’t line up with what He knows is true. He will have to think about me from afar when I need the space to acknowledge Him and he can’t just “make it happen for me.” It is going to cost him something for Him to think about me that much…maybe even something dear to Him so he can think about me in the context of a personal relationship.

In writing this, I took a break and scooped up a handful of sand in my yard. As I let it sift through my fingers, I thought, “Oh how He thinks about you and me.”

Over the years, I have been asked many times, “Why don’t you start your own church? Why do you want to be an Executive Pastor?” It is a fair question. I have a simple answer. “Everything I have ever desired to see in a local church, I see at Grace Family Church.” It has been true for the entire nineteen years I have been here. There are a number of other things that other churches do that I like, but the overall heartbeat and vision of GFC is built into my core. After all those years, it makes sense that I would fill almost every role of leadership and ministry – eventually becoming Executive Pastor. As Executive Pastor, here is the challenge – can you lead from the back of the room?

Know the Vision. I have known Pastor Craig for twenty-nine years. (It blows me away to write that – I have only been married for twenty-six.) Even as a college kid, I admired Craig and Debbie’s passion for Christ and people. When I heard they were starting a church, I knew it would be about those two things. Having been with them since the one year anniversary, the core values that define GFC have never changed. Methods, events, people have changed but not the message. I have developed a strong conviction for the same vision in reaching people for Christ. To lead from the back of the room, you have to know the vision of your pastor and carry it like your own. If you have ideas on how that may be improved, feel free to share them…behind closed doors. Craig is one of the most secure men I have met in my life and he welcomes feedback and new insights. Yet, I would never do that in an open forum. Always in a setting where he can react and question freely. People ask if we ever disagree. Probably more than you think we would – we are two distinct personalities and mind sets. But it is extremely rare that we would leave a meeting on opposite sides of a conflict. We work it out. That type of “open dialogue” demonstrates his strength as a leader and makes it easy to get behind his vision, while making it my own.

It’s about others. If you want to be in a place of recognition and importance, than I suggest you DO NOT go into ministry. Notice that I started the sentence with “If you want.” Ministry is about other people and you will always be giving out. In this position, it rings true even more. You are serving the Lead Pastor, staff, volunteers, congregation and the community. Each aspect takes different skills and mindsets. You have to learn their gifts, talents and personalities so you can lead appropriately.  You learn the power of “servant leadership.” It is truly the only way I see this position being most effective.

Walk in humility. Can I be honest? Sometimes, it is painful to see others in the front of the room get accolades when you are the one in the back of the room. Do I have an ego and enjoy hearing praise from people? You bet I do. As I have grown in my ministry, this has lessened over the years. I am not a young leader needing the affirmation of others to feel good about myself. Leadership can be a lonely place. As an executive pastor you are supporting others in the spotlight. You want people to see the vision of the lead pastor and connect with him.  If you are going to be a solid executive pastor, you need to do the “inside work.” Insecurity, fear, people pleasing, and lack of “ownership” are all big factors in limiting your effectiveness. Do the hard things today and get rid of that junk so you can lead in genuine humility and strength.

Know you make an impact. Here is my “job description” using an illustration from Deadliest Catch. I am an ice breaker boat for all the people on my staff. (Yes, all of them should get the benefit of me doing this.) My job is to break as much “ice” in front of my people which keeps them stuck and prevents them from moving forward in their vision and ministry. I will break up as much ice as I possibly can so we can see the greatest forward momentum. Then, I get behind that staff person and push, push, push giving them the resources available to make as much forward progress as possible. Until they get stuck in the ice pack…and we start all over again. Impact is not seen every day…it is seen in growth. Growth in the church and growth in people. I love seeing our staff impact lives and knowing that my role helps them to accomplish that. If I continue to break “ice,” we will reach more people for Christ while growing ourselves into spiritual maturity.

All these things are important if you are going to lead from the back of the room…and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.

Maya Angelou

I have compiled a lot of life lessons over the years. It is my own “book of Proverbs” filled with wisdom and life application that guide me on life’s journey. In this group, is a small subset that rise to the top and I find myself sharing in all areas of my life. “Use your voice” is one of them.

It has to start with your heart. You have to know what you believe on the inside and what you willing to commit to, so all can see. There is no reason for you to use your voice if you are not willing to back up your words with your life. If you want to find your voice, ask yourself this question – “If I was to die right now, what would I want people to know about _____.” Sounds morbid but it really is a way to clarify what you believe about a subject. It can be as silly as who is your favorite football team to deeper topics like politics, family and God. I am amazed at how people will just say things and think by saying “Just Kidding,” it makes it all good. I realize this might take some time and thought. Take the time because you are worth it. You don’t want to misrepresent yourself just because you are flippant or didn’t want to take the time. You need to discover own your beliefs before you use your voice.

Use your voice in all directions. One of the things I taught my kids when they were young was to shake an adult’s hand and look them in the eye when they spoke to them. It is tremendously intimidating for a child to do that. Over time, they developed the confidence to respectfully speak with adults and others with confidence. The concept is true in using your voice in all directions. When you firmly establish the foundation of what you believe, you want to communicate this with others of all ages and life experiences. It is may seem easier to use your voice with someone younger than you – you have more wisdom, experience and life stories. Yet, I work hard to know more about the person so they can receive the thoughts with the least amount of hindrances. There are even different qualities associated with age groups that will help you understand how to communicate effectively. Using your voice “upward” is always a little difficult. Here is one tip – always be respectful and honoring with someone older than you. Even in direct disagreement, you can give someone respect. You need to use your voice up in all areas of life – family, relationships and business. You have important principles to share that will make a difference in their life. Be true, genuine and straight forward. Even if they don’t agree, older people will respect your approach and sincerity.

Finally, use your voice with God. Before I get accused of being sacrilegious, let me explain. Prayer is nothing more than you communicating with God. It should be a dialogue – not a “Christmas List” of needs or a debasing of yourself because you are not worthy. (Through Christ you are worthy.) If I went through twenty-six years of marriage with Kristin and communicated like either one of these two ways, both of us would be miserable. Talk to God like he is sitting right next to you and will see the difference. It will cause you to listen more as well. Last thought, it is ok to use your voice with God when he disappoints you. I think it is healthy to share your frustrations with God and even “argue” with Him. There have been some big challenges in my life where my and God “went at it.” I told him how I felt…but then I had to listen to what I thought He would say. I never won an argument with God but I cherish that part of the journey because I felt the genuineness of our relationship.

Have you been silent for too long? Have you held it in when you really needed to share what was on your heart? Can you imagine what that circumstance or relationship if you could really share your heart and what your foundationally believe? It is time for you to “use your voice.”

I was looking at the picture above for quite a while. My sister posted it in her blog – it was my family when I was just a kid. I am the one in the middle, with the dapper jacket. I kept looking because it seems like so long ago – I don’t even remember taking the picture. My mom and dad look so young…like they have their whole life in front of them. As I looked, the thought came into my mind – “What would I say to them then, based on what I know now?” Below is my letter to David and Susan…

Dear David and Susan,

Looking at your picture, you have a beautiful family. A girl and three boys. You are going to have your hands full. I can’t imagine your thoughts as you look at all your life’s dreams and realize you have a family too. There are going to be times when all you will see is the sacrifice of those dreams so those four little ones can have a chance to achieve their own dreams. You will wonder “Is it worth it?” Let me assure you that it is definitely is. Those four will look back on your decisions and actions and say “Thank you” more than you know. Your sacrifice will be the foundation for their success.

You strike me as young and energetic. I bet you won’t sit around too much. I encourage you to play with your kids and get them into sports, music, drama and other activities. You will want to coach them and teach them the finer aspects of sports. Have fun with them – they will look back and remember the victories and laughter. As they get older, you might even challenge them to a foot race every so often…that’s a story that will last a life time. Something might come out of all this. It may be a great love of challenging themselves physically and mentally. Now, that would be a great principle for them to instill in their own kids.

You also look like you aren’t afraid to work hard. In fact, David, you look like you are a common sense, every day wisdom kind of guy. You will find a way to match your gifts and skill sets to your love of horses and provide for your family. It will be an amazing example for these tykes. And Susan, when you go back to school to become a dental hygenist, they will see your discipline and determination as something they have in themselves as well. You both will want to instill in them all a strong work ethic. (You know how kids just want to watch cartoons and not pull weeds on a Saturday morning.) I know this will come true and in hindsight, they wouldn’t want to approach a project any other way.

Finally, you are going to have to answer the “God” question. What are you going to “own” as your beliefs about God? Are you going to just be a church goer or are you going to accept Christ as your own Savior, leading your kids to do the same? I would go for the latter for a simple reason. If you do that…you will change the trajectory of each of their lives in such a way that you will be blown away with what God does for them. Who knows…one might become a minister someday. (It could happen!) In your walk with Christ, be real and genuine and don’t try to know all the answers. Finally, remind them to listen to the Lord – He will lead them well if they stay in close relationship with Him.

Last thoughts, David, being a dad isn’t easy. You give a lot of yourself but in the end, you will have three men who will carry on your legacy of family, wisdom and faith. And stay away from ladders…just not a good idea. Susan, your daughter will reflect your joy and love of family. You will bring a whole new meaning to the name “Happy” and it will go on for years to come.

Go get em! I believe in you! And don’t forget, I love you.

Christian

“You need to date your kids.” The words just hung there. I was new to Tampa, with not a lot of “discretionary income” and my kids were 5, 6 and 7 at the time. “Why would I do that…they are so little?” He smiled and said, “You will get to talk to them and hear what is going on in their lives.” I said, “They are so young, not much is happening in their lives. And where do you take a kid on a date?” He smiled again, this time a little more smugly, “You need to date your kids.”

I took the challenge. Once a month, I would take one of our children out to Burger King. I would order them a Happy Meal and hamburger for me. I would eat my burger and some of their fries and ask this question, “What do you want to talk about?” Taylor would talk about her books (she loved to read) and her friends. Abby was sly – she would take any question I ask and turn it around on me. “Abby, how are you doing?” “Dad, how are you doing? “Abby, what is fun in your life right now?” “Dad, what are you doing that is fun right now?” Casey would just talk…about everything bugs, sports, Thomas the Tank engine…anything that crossed his mind, he would say it.

Can I be honest? I really didn’t want to hear about all that stuff, especially Thomas the Tank Engine when I started dating my kids. But, I really did need to hear about all of it. It was important to them at that time in their life. After a few dates, I got my bearings and began to really find out more of what was important to them. Here is the nugget. If you set an environment to talk to your kids about anything at this time of their life, then you create an environment for them to talk to you about anything later in their life. I remember when boys, music, sports, friends, God, disappointment and victories started becoming our discussion topics with the girls. Casey moved into music, dealing with CP, girls, friends, sex, marriage, etc. Because Kristin and I created a “safe place” to talk about the “little things,” our kids knew that they had a safe place to talk about the “big things.” I also remember the first time Taylor said, “Dad, here is what I think about ____.” It was the moment we moved from just answering questions to finding out what they think. This was huge! Over the years, we have had extensive talks about what they believe is true and what they are going to “own” in their lives.

I still date my kids. It has changed a lot. Once a week, I take out one of our kids or one of their spouses. We left Burger King a long time ago and moved into restaurants. (I still remember the first time one of them who shall remain nameless asked if they could order an appetizer and a soda…) I have it set in my calendar and treat it like an appointment. Unless I am out-of-town or a true crisis comes up, I am dating my kids. These days, I ask fewer questions and they usually will come with stuff on their minds to discuss. I listen a lot and am amazed how wise and insightful they already are at such a young age. In my mind, I have become a support to them instead a parent leading the way. Finally, I enjoy just hanging out with them. They all have unique personalities, giftings and eating habits (fun to watch).

I sometimes wonder what all of our lives would look like if those words were just brushed aside…”You need to date your kids.”

(This post is nugget #5 in a lesson I shared about the 7 things I have learned at Grace in 20 years)

At Grace Family Church, people are more important than events.

Recently, I asked our video department to prepare a video of the “2014 Year to Date.” Our tremendously gifted Video Director asked, “What do you want to include in it?” I said, “Well, this year we have done our Vision series, a 1,600 person marriage seminar with the Dungys, Daddy Daughter Dance on two campuses, our 20 Year Anniversary at the Forum, the biggest Easter in GFC history, the Family series, five missions trips, a whole semester of adult small groups, Summer Camp with 700 people, Summer Showcase with guest speakers and Summer Explosion will be in the books before we show it in August.” After that whole statement, we both just let it hang there for a few seconds. Bryan broke the silence with a very slow, deliberate, “O…K…, we can do that.”

I can remember very early in my time at GFC having a discussion with Pastor Craig. I was discussing with him some of the numbers of the week – adult attendance, children’s attendance, financials and growth percentages. He stopped me as I was ramping up and he made it a very strong point. He said, “This is good and I know how you like numbers but I want to hear more stories about people. In the end, people are more important than numbers.” That was the seed the germinated into so many areas – numbers, events, procedures and policies are all tremendously important. In the end, people will always be more important.

Craig has always had a passion for our campuses to impact lives each day of the week. Not busy work – intentional things that reach people for Christ. This can be done through small groups, classes, services, recreation, outreach, and a myriad of creative ways. Then, you add to the mix the fact that we do large events that impact lives on a larger scale. We evaluate each of these events to ensure we are not just doing it but it still has “value” to the overall vision of GFC. These require a tremendous amount of strategic planning, administrative work, creative resourcing and man hours. In the end, I am always amazed at the excellence our staff and volunteers achieve in the events.

Having said all that, all of excellence and joy of reaching some tremendous results in an event doesn’t compare to what it means to see God move in the lives of the people. Many times, these events impact people individually or their families. We have seen life trajectories move closer to Christ. This is the true gold of anything that happens at GFC. It has to be a catalyst in seeing someone know God more and grow in Him. Ironically, the big events are great but the day to day life of doing church is even more effective. I love to hear when we help someone with a kind word, a hug, a visit or a timely call. In fact, we set aside time each week in our 15 minute Value Meeting and our monthly Staff meeting to give our staff time to share “God Stories.” It is so cool to hear how God is working through so many people to bring a tangible expression of God’s love. When we started doing this, you felt like your story had to be a big and bold move of God. But we helped our staff see the power in all steps taken – big and small. It is like “rocket fuel” for our staff – to see their daily efforts impact lives.

Do you have a God story? Even if you don’t go to GFC, find someone and share it today. Your story could be the catalyst they need today to grow in their relationship with God!

I get asked this question a lot – “Do you really get up at 4am?” The answer is “Yes, I do!”

When people meet me today, they see the culmination of a lifetime journey. Many do not know that when I was engaged to Kristin twenty-six years ago, I worked at United Parcel Service. I did the PreLoad shift which loaded all the famous brown trucks that deliver to your door every day. The shift started at 4am, so I would get up at 3am to do my devotions, eat, etc. When I became a pastor in Orlando, I would try to sleep later but would often get up with our kids because they were early risers. As GFC grew in Tampa, it just became more convenient to get up early and in the last 10 years, 4 am became the time!

So, the next question is “Why?” The answer is very simple – “It creates margin in my life.” Let me walk you through my typical Monday – Thursday mornings. Get up at 4am. Make my breakfast, do my devotion, review my day/night at GFC, write my social media entry for the day, read my news articles, personal project time, prayer/worship/solitude, workout – shower, at GFC 8:30 (M/W) or at breakfast appointment at 7am (T/T). You see, it’s not exciting or something to shout about. It’s routine and boring. But, it works for me. Do you realize in those morning hours, I am ready for anything that I need to do that day? Also, I have prepared my heart spiritually to face the myriad of challenges or questions that I will need to address. I even get to keep myself physically fit and have lost 15 pounds since the beginning of this year. It became a perfect time slot for me to work on this very blog and I am loving it! Finally, my phone never rings and very rarely will someone be awake in the house. As Madea says, “It is ‘Me’ time.”

What is the price I pay to achieve this. I go to bed early – usually no later than 9:30pm. Honestly, if you need ministry after 9:30, you would want Kristin anyway. Ironically, people ask more about the TV shows I miss more than anything. I DVR a couple of them and don’t mind missing the rest. I enjoy reading and found it to be the perfect way to fall asleep. Of course, if you get up at 4am, falling asleep isn’t too hard to do in the first place.

Parting thought…If you could give yourself a three-hour head start every day, what you do with it? More importantly, what would you be able to accomplish with the rest of your day if you had “margin?”

Today is another wedding day in the Bonham house! We have been blessed to have my niece, Chloe, live with us for four years and today she is marrying Ian. It has been an amazing time watching her grow from a high school graduate into a great young lady. This is her day and we are so happy for them both.

Having been in ministry for over 24 years, I have done a lot of weddings. Each one is unique and I can honestly say, I have enjoyed them all. I have done weddings at farms, the beach, churches, courtyards and even homes. Brides and grooms have come formal, casual, younger, older, and even a special one in a wheelchair. There have been some huge family gatherings and some where people have come with just each other to remember the day. They have been in all times of the day, used different languages and one even made it onto Spanish MTV. (Yep, I made it onto MTV before my children did.)

Here are some random thoughts about some of the weddings.

~ Special moment watching a father walk his daughter down the aisle. (Done it myself, it is humbling, emotional and the lifetime of moments before it doesn’t make it any easier.)

~ Long speeches in any venue – do not work. Less is more. Say it and let it stand.

~ Alcohol at a wedding is usually a great contributor to something you didn’t want to happen on the special day.

~ Remind the wedding party to smile the whole time they are on stage. It is a happy event and they should reflect that.

~ I will never forget watching the first dance of the couple where the bride was in a wheel chair. I wept openly and proudly during the song. Still remember it today.

~ A good wedding coordinator is worth every bit you pay her or him. Give a little more than expected -they deserve it.

~ I always tell the couple this one thing before the wedding…”If anything happens during the wedding that is unplanned for, look at me. I will make sure we get through it.”

~ I ask the bride when I arrive that day, “Are you sure you want to still do this?” They always smile and say “yes!”

~ The last words I say before I go out with the groom and groomsman into the ceremony. “Check your flies, check your ties, smile and let’s have fun out there!”

~ Before you “decorate” the get away car, make sure you have the right one.

~ Finally, I have been asked many times about why I do not do my own children’s weddings. The answer is simple…I am their dad. I want to enjoy the whole celebration as their dad and not as a pastor.

Travis Hafner, the slugger for the Cleveland Indians, was truly an impact player. When he stepped to the plate, pitchers knew he could hit a home run off them. He is tremendously strong, big and has a menacing glare…he can literally cause you to take a step back. Over a year ago, he took on another role…he became family.

Not literally…but in many ways, he, Amy and the boys joined our family in a special way. They asked our daughter, Abby, to be their nanny for his season with the Yankees. Travis and I connected pretty quickly – almost like two brothers who challenged and spoke into each other’s lives. I am amazed how this happened in such a short time.

Having just spent a few days with the Hafners in Cleveland, I am grateful for the “Impact Players” in my life. These are men and women who add to my life in many ways. Some have tremendous wisdom, experience, and common sense that give me a great foundation for looking at life with balance and perspective. Others cause me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things. There are people who make me think because in observing them, they are maximizing their gifts and talents and it is invigorating to watch them live at the highest level. Finally, joy and laughter characterize the last group – I need them in my life to remind me not to take life so seriously.

Are you an impact player? Whatever role it is, are you causing people to take the next step in their growth. On this trip to Cleveland, I learned how to swing a bat like a Major Leaguer, I got refreshed physically and mentally and I want to know Jesus more. Now, that’s an impact!

Every step I take, I am reminded that I am getting older. My arch and forefoot have taken the hit over the years. All the years of pounding in athletics, standing for long periods and genetics have caused me to need treatment on my feet. Over the years, stitches, broken bones, pulled muscles, punctures, and surgeries – this body has experienced some pain. It heals slowly and in its own timing.

Pain caused by others is no different. It is naïve to think that a pastor doesn’t experience pain in relationships. I am not exempt from causing others pain through my words or actions. Conversely, people will do and say things that hurt. I consider my “pain threshold” to be pretty high. Yet, there are times when it just flat out hurts and it gets you. There are other times when you have expectations and things get personal really quick. It is easy to internalize pain and become a “victim.” If not dealt with head on, that hurt will begin to take root and your life will be impacted by it. Instead of healing the hurt, you enable it to grow. It could even grow into resentment, bitterness and isolation.

There is one word that is the catalyst for dealing with hurt…Forgiveness. Of course, I am a pastor; that should be my answer because it’s in the Bible. Yes, it is a great biblical principle. Yet, I say forgiveness for another reason…it works. I have seen time and again, that after all the rationalizing, thinking and processing, forgiveness is the step that begins the healing process. The following three areas of forgiveness are crucial to dealing with the roots.

Forgive Others.

This is the biggest source of pain and the most obvious place to start. Recently, I was challenged in my leadership style. We are all unique in our style – that is a good thing. Yet, the words still dug in and lingered for a while and I had to deal with them. I extracted the “gold” by learning that I could grow in my leadership. I saw ways they could grow too and was able to communicate that in a healthy way. Even with all that, the hurt lingered. I was away from Tampa and had a chance to get away from the “noise” of day-to-day life. I knelt down on my knees and spoke out loud that I choose to forgive them. Here is the kicker…I had forgiven them in my mind numerous times before that day. But, I didn’t forgive them in my heart. I was going through the motions. On that day, I resolved in my heart to do it “for real” and not go back. True forgiveness flowed and I could feel the hurt lift. Please realize that it doesn’t take away the consequences or actions following the incident. Forgiveness does allow you to move forward with a clear mind and heart.

Forgive Yourself.

This is one of the most intriguing areas of forgiveness that I see on a pretty regular basis. Tremendously gifted and talented people will be “stuck” or carrying extra baggage that cause them to minimize their ability to perform at a higher level. Many times, it is because of something in the past they haven’t dealt with yet. They allow the hurt to shape them instead of getting rid of it. I know I am going to make mistakes and blow it in situations. Guess what…so does God. If He is willing to forgive me, why should I continue to beat myself up and keep myself hostage to a situation? In those times, learn from your mistake and forgive yourself. Then, move on with confidence that if God isn’t going to remember it, you don’t have to either.

Forgive God.

Yep, I expected a couple eyebrows to rise on this one. How could I hold God accountable for hurt in my life…He is God, after all? When God doesn’t meet my expectations, I get hurt that he didn’t do what I wanted. There have been some big things that I believed that God had put on my heart and they didn’t come to pass. I pray fervently that God will work mightily and nothing happens.

My son, Casey, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of 18 months. It began a yearlong dialogue with God that brought our relationship to the most raw and real place ever. I poured my heart out asking God to heal him. During the whole time, I felt like God would end our conversations with this question – “Will you accept it if I leave him like he is?” It took a whole year of battling, pleading and stubbornness, but in the end, yielded by saying, “If you never change him, I will accept it.” Over the years, God has shown me so many tremendous insights about that part of our relationship. I truly believe that God has used all things including CP in Casey to develop him into the musician, worship leader and man he is today. It isn’t a liability to him; it is a catalyst for the calling God has on his life.

Here is the kicker…I recently was in a Freedom class at GFC. The biggest lesson I learned from the class – I never forgave God for the pain and hurt with that whole journey. I was able to experience a time of expressing my forgiveness toward God. The healing process since then has drawn me closer to him and given our relationship greater depth.

Are you in pain? Is there a hurt in your life that is causing you to “carry a backpack” or shape your life to accommodate it? Today is the day for forgiveness in your life. Let the healing and freedom begin to wash through you.

It’s time for the pain to stop.