Prayers for Steven

12:51 p.m. Today's project is to pray for our youngest son Steven, qualifying at this very time for a berth in the evening lineup of the Orange County Muscle Classic in Anaheim! I am also enjoying Mercy Me's Almost There album on iTunes, my all-time favorite!!

Steven has been competing as an amateur since 2008, from teen, where he won all the trophies, to novice, light heavyweight, men's novice and men's heavyweight. He has always placed first or second, not easy when you complete with men older and bigger, benefitting from mature development!

His progress and perseverance, discipline and diligence are a testimony to the Lord, without a doubt. Our family has been blown away by his focus, especially for a kid who had severe ADHD. His "up-and-coming pro" work ethic and success has garnerd him a sponsorship with Muscletech bodybuilding products, who supply his food supplements in bulk. A photo shoot last winter should lead to a magazine spread later this year. The amazing thing about that photo shoot was that Steven drove down from Fresno in the snow, slept here, then took care of business in LA (witnessing to street people while he waited for his appointment), and made it back to Fresno in time to board a bus for the citywide high school retreat, where he was one of the leaders. What's the saying? "Nothing ventured, nothing gained!" Mom was praying him safely through the night, texting to keep him going through the storm...isn't that what God made mothers for?

Steve and I have been blessed beyond measure with the spiritual growth Steven has attained in the last two years, spurred on by the Truth Project group he helped lead, and nurtured by the Christian university he attends, Fresno Pacific. Thanks to the pastoral staff at the People's Church in Fresno, Steven has developed his spiritual gifts, leadership calling, and knowledge of God's Word. As track coach for Fresno Christian High School, he gives a devotional before practice, five days a week. Talk about needing to get into the Word and learn it!

Sometimes I feel a bit teary when I realize that Steven now calls Fresno home, but where Jesus leads, a Christian must follow!! I remember the call to Bible teaching ministry I received in 1980, and after the initial shock, never hesitated, but prayed, planned, prepared, and learned, learned, learned!! "Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, " 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) says, and I can testify that the privilege and excitement of studying the Bible never fades. The word of God has become Steven's delight as well--fresh and new at every reading.

We are all awaiting an exciting competition tonight, and pray God's hand will be on our son for good. May God use him in the world of bodybuilding, as he progresses from one ministry to another, propelled by the Spirit of the Lord!!