In 1982 bull riding was my life. It seemed as though I was invincible, winning a little and staying on what I rode. At Fort Collins, Colorado I drew a bull with a notorious reputation which scared me, he bucked me off then proceeded to dance on my back. I screamed "God, save me", I ran to the chutes and was hauled to the Hospital. This was the point in my life I knew God was real. He protected me, I didn't die. and I went to church occasionally, I thanked God for life however, I was afraid of becoming severely injured. Still I was a rebel running from responsibility, hurting Kathy along the way.

In 1984 Kathy and I were married, we graduated college, and moved to California. Kathy and I established a family, worked for a living, bought a house, and rarely went to church. I thought I was a good person, going to church once that year to thank Jesus for dying on the cross, was good enough for me. I was a weekend cowboy and a mid week fertilizer salesman. Habits such as exaggerating, alcohol and chewing tobacco, nagged at me, I couldn't figure out why I it was so difficult to not fall prey to their temptation

Cody was born in 1986. Chelsea was born 1990, we bought another house, and the business was doing well. Arguments continued to escalate, Kathy and I were not communicating, the picture was not perfect, life began to be painful. I drowned my sorrows daily turning to my inward strength to fight the battle. My will kept me independent, apart from Christ. I became President of Kellogg Supply furthering my quest for control.

December of 1991 I attended the funeral of Tommy Kiehl (my cousin's son) who died in an accident at the young age of 14. I couldn't understand how Don (Tommy's father) could stand up and eulogize his son laying below him in a casket. Something was different about this family.

Then Scott (Tommy's uncle) stood up to eulogize him. Scott told a story of two sides of a football team and challenged the audience whose team were they on. Scott said "either your on Gods team, [submitting to His authority] or you're not only you know the difference".

This was the point in life where I realized I knew about God, however, I did not know God. Realizing my son, Cody could die before me troubled me greatly.

At the funeral people noticed the conviction on my face and many people prayed for me earnestly without my knowledge.

During a February 1992 church service I again felt conviction to the point I did not partake in the breaking of bread. I knew I was not following the principles which God gives us in His Holy Bible. I felt compelled to get the kids involved in church. At least if I died, the kids would be able to make the decision for themselves (whether or not they wanted to know God and be obedient to Him). The kids were enrolled in Awana (Youth for Christ) and Kathy and I began attending a marriage enrichment class.

At this point, I did not have any fruit in my life (love, joy, peace, long suffering - Gal5:22). In August 1993 I began attending a Bible study which Lou Whallon (a business consultant) taught. I was still rebellious, not believing some of the things which were said. Lou encouraged me to purchase a study bible which explains the context of each book of the bible. In October 1993 after attending two bible studies a week for several months I finally realized God is in complete control I was not. I had submitted to His authority and received Him(Jesus) as Lord and Savior. He is Almighty, Holy God of the universe. Over all of His creation. Set apart. We are called to serve Him. Obeying His word. Bringing Glory to His name.

Salvation occurred, however, the understanding of His word had not occurred. Over the years He continues to strengthen and teach me.

December of 1993 was a difficult time for Kellogg Supply. Many hours of prayer were involved in the decisions of restructuring the company. It was a time to learn the difference of forcing my will verses waiting upon the prompting of God, the Holy Spirit. When it was my will there was usually a lot of pain and tribulations involved. When it was His will love overrode wrath. I can reflect upon the difficult times we have experienced, realizing there is a reason behind all things. Slowly and surely He has brought me around as I have slipped and slid on the path of life. His word and His Holy Spirit guide me. He is teaching me to enjoy things in moderation.

In January 1995 He revealed to me the importance of worship. He instilled in me a desire to attend services and listen to praise songs. He is teaching me we never arrive. Life is a journey to be enjoyed. He constantly challenges us. He teaches us through life's trials and tribulations. He wants us to be obedient to His written word and His guidance rather than our human tendency to do it ourselves.

He is teaching me what the abundant life is all about. Material things are not what he is referring to. There is an abundant spiritual life in which we can each participate if we choose to do so. The ups and downs of the 3-dimensional realm we live in are a small part of the invisible make ups which are inside and outside of our bodies. He wants all of our attention and its up to each of us to give it to Him.

May this little miracle richly bless you. A big thank you to each of you who know Him and those of you who know about Him. He uses each of us to further His plan whether or not we know it. Thanks for playing a part in His plan of saving my soul from the pit of Hell.

In April 1995 He inspired me to be baptized, an outward expression of the inward commitment to serve Christ. This is not a religious step [religion is man's way to God with many parts not pleasing Him] Christ is God's way to man, focus on Him.

There is a spiritual battle which exists at all times. We cannot see it. It is real ! Each of us must challenge ourselves frequently with the question "whose team am I on?".

Jesus said " If you abide in my Word, you are my disciples indeed and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free ."
John 8:31-32

If you are interested in a personal relationship with the God of the universe, read the following verses from the bible. The book of Romans has several key verses to guide person through the basics of Christianity. Verses 3:10 says " Therefore there is no one righteous no not one ". 3:23 " We have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God ". 5:8 " But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us ". 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord ". 10:9-10 " that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation ". I pray that you give consideration to these powerful verses.