2012: a retrospective

Wow...2012 has come and gone, and 2013 is now upon us!  I have to say that last year was an incredible time for me in so many areas of my life.  For the record, these things would not have happened if not for God and His will for my life, so all praise and credit go to Him.  Here are some highlights:

• I celebrated 20 years of walking in God's amazing grace
• I turned 40...wow!
• I celebrated 15 years of marriage to an incredible woman and my best friend, Michelle
• I became a better father to my children
• I became a published songwriter
• I served as a worship leader and part singer during the World Discipleship Summit in San Antonio, TX
• I served as Music Director for the Spanish conference during the Summit, thus becoming a member of Proyecto Alabanza International
• I was a guest speaker at a worship conference, which took place in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
• I, along with Jheni Solis and Brandon Wolfe, wrote a song for The Power of Peace Project, which will be available for download soon

Also, I found out just how much God had me in His hands, even before I was saved by His grace.  I realized that, when we as human beings are given the power to choose, we no longer become a product of our environment--we become a product of our own personal choices.  Have we really considered how great and wide and long and deep God's love is for us?  If not, then we need to take some time and marinade on that fact.

As I look forward to 2013, I'm more determined to be God's man.  I'll treasure within my heart the good things that I've experienced, while letting go of the things that aren't pleasing to God.  Jesus said that those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for Him will save it.  Are you holding onto something in the past that God wants you to let go of for His sake?