A Turning Point

One of the greatest blessings in my adolescent years was to have Rick Brown as my youth minister in San Angelo, Texas. He was my mentor, minister, and friend from 7th-11th grade. He left me (well, technically the entire youth group) for a new ministry in CO. shortly before my senior year. No, I have never forgiven him for this wrong. Actually, I have, but it is fun to hang this 'abandonment' over his head every now and then.

Recently we have gotten back in touch and I feel immensely blessed because of our communication. I plan to see him and his wonderful wife, Karen, this summer. By the way, Karen is the sister of my oldest/dearest friend, Theresa. We actually set Rick and Karen up on a date and the rest is history! Did I get a kid named after me for this love match??? NOPE! (Of course, their children were boys so all is forgiven!)

I digress. Bunny Trails tend to be my friend! (Or enemy!!)

Rick is the Preaching Minister at a church in Tomball, Texas. www.christbridgefellowship.com. I highly recommend you visit the church website and listen to a sermon. I came across Rick's blog on the lessons he prepares and was hooked. Rick has a way with words (and life) that are both humorous and inspiring. Rick makes you want to be a better person and witness.

Below is one post from Rick's blog. Please read and then check out his other posts. It is well worth your time. One Life2Love

Turning Points Lead You to New Directions in Life

Alfred’s life had been a series of blow-ups. One explosive encounter after another. Until he found a definite turning point.

You see, Alfred’s father owned a torpedo works factory. To help the family business Alfred devoted himself to the study of explosives. His experiments were earth shattering. He invented dynamite when he mixed nitroglycerin with silica into a paste. He made a fortune as construction and mining companies and the military ordered large quantities of this new product.

You might think his discovery of dynamite was his turning point. But it wasn’t. His turning point came while reading a French newspaper. He came across, of all things, his own obituary. One of his brothers had died and a careless reporter had used a statement prepared not for his brother but for Alfred.

What he read disturbed him. “The merchant of death is dead.” This was not the way he wanted to be remembered. So he made a U-turn in his life.

Need to make any U-turns yourself? The biblical word for this is “repentance.” Literally it means “to change one’s mind” or “change direction.” It’s the first word Jesus preached: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). You can go your own way. Or you can turn and follow the way of Jesus.

Maybe you need to repent of the big picture things like thinking your way is right, you have all the truth, your life is yours to do with as you please. Then turn. Turn to Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the life.

Maybe you need to repent of the daily things of life like:
• Insisting on being right in your marriage? Have you considered you may be wrong? Turn to Jesus.

• Always playing the victim? Then stop making excuses. Turn to Jesus.
• Being a negative person? Then become more positive. Turn to Jesus.
• Gossiping? Turn to Jesus. Then learn the art of silence.
• Causing destructive results around you? Turn to Jesus. Then begin to pursue peace.

Which is what Alfred did. He rewrote his will and left his vast fortune so that those who pursued peace could be rewarded. The first awards were given in 1901, just five years after Alfred . . . Alfred Nobel . . . died.

Jesus is your turning point in life. Repent. Go his way.

It could prove to be a dynamite decision.