Losing the life of a Friend

This Sunday a friend of mine passed away at the tender age of 25, Amber Sabala (her husband Eric pictured as well). She was diagnosed with "Acute Leukemia" just a few weeks ago. The doctors gave her every reason to live. The battle would be long but she would win. The day she passed away I was preaching a sermon entitled "30 Days to Live - No regrets!" The precipice of the sermon is based on finding out that you only have 30 days to live, asking yourself, what would I do, and do it NOW i.e. repair broken relationships, pray more, give to the needy, give more to church, etc. No one knew that 30 days ago that this friend only had 30 days to live. Why she left so soon? I wish I knew. She loved, served, and knew God. The great part...she is in Heaven enjoying all of its benefits, best of all in the presence of her King and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amber....You will be greatly missed. The world was a better place because of you.

I pray that all who read this will take these verses to heart :

"LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath."
Psalm 39:4-5 NLT

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Prov 27:1

surrenderedlives: Season of Babies!

surrenderedlives: Season of Babies!

Season of Babies!

As the old adage says "When it rains it pours!" It has been pouring in an amazing way the last several weeks in our life. It all started when Krystal and I found out we were PREGNANT on Monday October 8th. Then that Sunday, my sister who was told that it was unlikely that she would ever have children due to physical concerns, SUDDENLY became pregnant herself (That my friends is a miracle)! Krystal and I actually kept ours a secret for a month. That is a miracle in itself! We finally shared it with our family the weekend of November 9th and 10th and then shared it with our Church on the 12th. That same day we also announced a "Spiritual Baby" that is to come in the form of another Abundant Life Church in Bucksport, Maine about a half hour from Bangor. We will begin having Friday night services in the next 2-3 months. I'm not sure who is glowing more....OK. Just Kidding. Krystal is lit up like a Christmas Tree. Matter of fact if you were to stand her next to one, she would probably outshine it!
Of course, it is crazy to me that I am about to become a DAD! Kinda awesome, scary, and exciting all in one. I am also thinking whether a boy or girl-the kid has got to be cute. I have a gorgeous wife!
It is no doubt that we have an awesome life! But it all belongs to God. Everyday we surrender our selves and our life (or give it our best shot...still have a ways to go. God still shakes his head at me sometimes like...is he actually going to get it right this time..LOL!) because we know that it ALL belongs to HIM. We are just the stewards/managers of what he has given to us. Even in the "Bad and Ugly" days, we still surrender it at HIS feet. There is nothing greater than to live a surrendered life before the one who gave you life, HIS ABUNDANT LIFE!

Kent Henry Weekend

I am so excited to have Kent Henry back at Abundant Life. There are few that are as authentic, genuine, with integrity, and anointed as Kent Henry. Plus the man can FLOW with the Holy Ghost. I hope to see other churches/pastors/etc come out to the Sunday night service. It's going to be awesome!