Key Dates that Changed my Life

Men are made over time, little things, daily habits make all the difference. But there are a few days that define who we are, that set our course in life. Here are a few of mine, read through them then consider what key events brought you to where you are now.

• 1981 – My mom woke me up in the middle of the night and told me that my dad had just been saved. Not only was that one of my earliest memories, but it made a distinct impression on me.
• 1987 – In the 5^th grade, I entered and won the district 4-H speaking contest.
• 1991 – In the 9^th grade I learned to play guitar which got me in front of a lot of people and probably kept me out of some of the trouble I would otherwise have gotten into.
• 1994 – I heard Charles Stanley’s radio broadcast while sitting in the Kilby School parking lot across from the University of North Alabama waiting for my first college class to start. This was the beginning of my genuine understanding of the Gospel. I was saved within days.
• 1994 _ I became a member of (what was then called) First Baptist Muscle Shoals, AL.
• 1995 – The Church I worked at had some cancellations for the John Maxwell Lay Ministry Conference at First Baptist Gardendale, AL. I was invited to attend free of charge. This was my first exposure to the possibility of developing as a leader.
• 1995 – While preparing for a speech that I would be delivering for a class, I remember having the first realization that God might use me to be a preacher.
• 1995 – I acknowledged that God was calling me to be a preacher.
• 1995 – I met Julie, I have pursued her attention and affection every day since.
• 1996 – I preached a revival in Lawrence County, AL dozens of professions of faith. This one event opened many doors to preach and probably decided the next several years of my life.
• 1999 – I preached a crusade in Lucedale, MS – hundreds of professions of faith.
• 2000 – I married Julie, the second best decision I have made in life (second to becoming a Christian).
• 2001 – Carly was born. I remember how surreal it was to suddenly be a dad. I treasured the title.
• 2003 – God confirmed that the time was right for me to become a Pastor.
• 2003 – Cole was born. I remember his first cry and thinking that his voice might one day influence thousands.
• 2004 – Became the Pastor of Lancaster Baptist Church in Kentucky. Met some incredible people that greatly impacted my life, learned tons from them.
• 2008 – Caitlyn was born. Being a little older, a little wiser, knowing to slow down and enjoy this baby girl that wouldn’t be a baby long. God also used her birth to spark my thinking and praying about moving back to Alabama if the door was ever opened. I knew it was best for my immediate family to have the help of extended family in Alabama.
• 2008 – Became the Pastor of Capshaw Baptist Church in Alabama. While I wanted to be back in my home state, I also felt called to a larger city. Huntsville was the closest city to my family and Capshaw Baptist needed a Pastor. I pastor more carefully here. This is my home and I might very well die here. This is what my kids will know as Church. That realization causes me to take little things very serious, to lead with much prayer and leaning on God’s Holy Spirit.

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