"What is Your Last Name?"

  Just was thinking about all of the messages that we have seen about prayer recently, and I've been thinking about all of the times that God has shown himself true through prayer. I just wanted to share a really awesome story that I have recenly been reminded of.

  I had been at various rallies for Sen. Santorum all day, I was worn out. The HQ van wouldnt be heading back till later that evening. So when I heard Johanna Feehan say that she was taking her car back early, I quickly accepted the invitation to go back. It was an interesting trip...about a 4 hour drive. I hadnt ever even really talked to Johanna at all, much less told her anything about my past. We got to talking about our siblings, and our parents, etc...it was neat to learn about where God had brought her from. Then she asked about my story. I really didnt want to tell this stranger who I had been. Haha. But I did...I am so glad for that decision. She listened as she drove, asking an occassional question. Just nodding. When I was done, she said, "Wow, God really has brought you a long way! I am so glad to hear that!" We talked some more and then she just randomly asked, "So, what is your last name?" "Hall." "Wait...do you have a sister named Bethany that went on a journey 2 years ago?"
"Uhm, yes, do you know her?" She just started crying! I was like...okeyyyy...this is...weird...maybe she thought I said something that I didnt. Strange. A minute later, she said, "You know, I was your sister's journey leader. She told the team about you...about the bondage in your life, and how it was hurting your family. We prayed, and we cried out for your salvation. We begged God's intervention. I NEVER thought I'd ever hear the result much less meet you. And here you are, a growing believer, serving in a ministry. Wow...He hadnt forgotten. He heard us."
It blew my mind!! I thought that I was all alone in that. But the truth is, I had people praying for me. It was the prayers of that team, the prayers of my amazing, wonderful mother, my sister, and the listening ear of our merciful God that brought me home. Thank yall so much!! I'll never be able to repay you!

I am a good example of God hearing prayer. Pray for your loved ones, yall. He DOES hear you. Prayer brought me to my knees before I even knew Him.

Lord Bless yall, Its getting late,

Josh

Good ol' time...

   It has been a crazy last couple of weeks here at HQ, but its been a good past few weeks. There is lots going through the graphic arts department these days as the year is coming to a close. I have found myself working pretty late sometimes on personal projects, which has been a good experience as well. I have also begun learning web design in the last couple months. And its been great working with my good friend, Josh Clark, in learning as much as I can in auto mechanics. Just trying to learn as much as I can while I am still here, seeing that I will surely use it in life later down the road. The Lord has really blessed me in that, yea, I dont necessarily like everything, but he is teaching me in both the things that I enjoy, and the things that I dont really enjoy at all. Ya just keep smiling and push on through it! :)
   A few days ago, I was just talking with some of my buds here, and we were laughing and just joking around. I have no problem with laughing, and having a good time...I love to laugh! :D I easily become the one laughed at because I laugh at my mistakes and enjoy watching others get a laugh out of it too. Just ask anybody here at HQ, "So, according to Josh, should I go to 'arrivals' or 'departures' to drop my kid off at the airport?" Or you could ask them, "What kinda ID does Josh need to get on a plane...being a Texan?" Lol! So yes, I love a laugh. But God just seemed to guide my gaze across the room to someone who I could really tell was hurting. They werent laughing. On the face of that person written across it, "Dont these people have anything worth saying? I dont want to listen to a bunch of young people laugh about nothing: I need for someone to care..." I looked away like really fast. I felt very ashamed at all of the things said. Nothing wrong was said! But nothing right was said, no encouragement was given to any of the guys to seek Him more. It was all a big joke. There that person stood...just watching us...wishing we would "take life seriously". I got up and walked away. The Lord just asked me, "Where are you going? Why are you disappointed in how you acted?" That must be how Adam felt when God called him in the garden: "Adam...where are you?" Its like He knew the answer already, and He knew that I finally understood...but He asked me anyway. He just put a picture in my mind of me standing there on Judgement Day:

God: "Josh, do you remember that day when you were having a good ol' time with those guys?"

Josh: "Yes Lord, I do."

God: "Tell me one thing that it did to push them toward Me...did it push them toward Me? Or did it take   their eyes off of Me? Its time for you to give an account..." 

Josh: "Lord, now that I think about it, it took any thoughts of you out of their mind, and put in its place something worthless...I said nothing worth saying."

God: "Josh, what you didnt know was, there were several people that walked by that really just needed encouragement, and a friend. And they would have let you help them had they not seen the way you acted. You damaged My name. As a professing believer, you gave Me a bad name. And you made your testimony useless to them. I was no longer able to use you as a tool in their lives like I could have."

Its weird, cause all of that ran through my mind in several seconds. I had not only given Him a bad name, but I had damaged my reputation (Gods reputation) in the eyes of those people. Man...
I am really coming to know the power of the tongue. He is teaching me that the tongue is indeed mightier than the sword. I realize now that I wasted 15 minutes of my life saying things that had NO value whatsoever. And on top of that, damaged His name. Wow....I am so thankful that He has reminded me that I will indeed give an account for what I say.
Like I said, I love to laugh, God made all people to love to laugh. Thats right. But "There is a time and a place for everything under heaven."
For God's sake, and for sake of those around you...be careful with what you say, people. You will give an account.God bless you all...






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