Intro to my new life

My name is Derek. For years, I imagined that my life would be total termoil, for that is all I knew. In fact, I did not understand what it meant to be content, for my life was a continual pursuit of peace, hapiness and contentment. I was not looking to settle- but I did want to be happy with the cards I had been dealt, and had a lack of confidence in that that caused unrest by me always trying to get something that I wasn't even sure existed.

God revealed himself to me slowly. It was not a grand or great vision- there was no parting of the clouds in the sky. But I recognized that the thoughts in me must be inspired by a Creator, and the the answer would only lie in His created plan.

Now, it seemed to me that there were an unlimited amount of plans to choose from- much like picking a cell phone service and plan, or picking a city to go to for vacation. Yet I was consistantly struck by the idea that perhaps the Creator had one specific plan...

I did not want to be a Christian. Honestly, I thought there was an arrogance about the attitude of the whole "grace" and "personal relationship" thing. And being that the country I am born in has recognized Christianity over any other world religion made my desire for uniqueness want to look somewhere else.

Yet in the words of Christ I was completely changed. Transfixed. Purplexed. Challenged. Terrified. I knew my life had to change. Outwardly I was a good guy- got good grades, had a bunch of friends, succeded at work and in sports- but I knew inside that everything I did was an attempt to self satisfy. And every other religion I looked at was some form of that very thing. Then there was Jesus. Dang it. I seemed to know in His words and presence that I needed to change.

So I did.

I have never regretted it- although the timing seemed inconvenient when I wanted to do my own thing. How many people wish they could completely do their own thing in college? Yet Jesus saved my life by revealing himself when He did. I am sure I would have self destructed.

So now I sit, it my house, surrounded by a loving family (my wife Christina, daughter Chloe and cared for daughter Courtney), with great friends, and a great job. I do not deserve or understand. But I am thankful, so thankful.

This is the story of my life, my family and our adventures.

Welcome to Dubland.