Thanks so much for the post! It's encouraging to have some folks with like minded faith around the mess of a world that we have to live in. I am constantly amazed by what a personal relationship with Jesus has done in my life. Growing up, I was always in church. Didn't have much of a choice, as my dad was a pastor. I started to rebel pretty hard as a teenager and started hanging with a rough crowd of folks. Developed a problem with alcohol and got a dui at 22, which probably saved my life looking back. Had already flipped a car on its top and it burnt to the ground and my parents thought I burnt up in the car because my car was found on fire. God has been with me through many hard times in my life, and I finally made the decision a few years ago to stop running from Him. I went from being broke all the time and down in a pit of darkness, anger and depression, to being blessed beyond measure and full of joy! Jesus can and will change your life, if you let Him. It takes full surrender, but so worth the reward. John, I will be praying for you with whatever you are going through brother. I hope each and everyone of you have a great New Year's day and be blessed!