it seems like i shared this forever ago…
but it still amazes me that my story was redeemable. is redeemable. continues to be redeemed.
the context of the story was a message called “Stolen,” and we talked about how God wants to Redeem all of the things that have been stolen from us by the world, by Satan, by our bad choices…etc. [we used “Stolen” by Dashboard Confessional for the offertory.]
from a worship design perspective this video was way too long…even though it was shown in two segments, now that we’re older and wiser (ha ha) we would have probably edited it to around 5-6 minutes (as is, it’s 9.) we used this on the day we launched: April 8, 2007.
it’s crazy to look back on the last 12 months and see how incredibly the Lord has blessed our family since the launch of The Vine and since Tanner was born….it’s completely amazing. i don’t have adequate words to describe the amazingness, except to give Glory to Him!
What’s your story?
you are amazing. it is an honor to have you as such a close friend ( neighbor rpg ). love ya
Comment by shawn — May 16, 2008 @ 10:12 am
Thanks again for being so open about your story and for giving God glory in your life. I have prayed for you guys for the last 8+ years and it is awesome to see what has been done through your family. Thanks again for letting Allen use this video.
Comment by Stephen — May 16, 2008 @ 10:48 am
wow. i knew all that, and I still loved hearing it again.
It’s almost time for our little ones to turn 1! Remember how you made me find out I was preggo this last time?!
Comment by leah — May 16, 2008 @ 3:04 pm
rockin’ video . . . AWESOME GOD! who redeems us . . . O’ how He longs to use us and this is just a reminder to me . . . I too was in a similar situation before marriage (mine was at 16) . . . and we gave the baby up for adoption, but God is always redeeming those things stolen by the theft who comes to steal, kill and destroy. Keep shining for the Light of the World.
Comment by Jason — May 16, 2008 @ 4:58 pm
I never knew this story, but I am so glad you shared. [And, by the way, I think you and your family are incredibly blessed, and Katelynn and Tanner have the most fabulous mom ever!] I was most touched by your statement (and I’m not quoting exactly) that most people’s sins are dealt with internally, but yours was external and evident to the world. That is such an obvious thing, but when you actually verbalized it, it made me think about all the times I’ve unfairly judged someone before really knowing or understanding that person. In actuality, if my sins were exposed, I might look a million times worse. I don’t know why it hit me so hard today, but sometimes a little reminder keeps us honest and humble before God. Thanks for that.
And, thanks for all the amazing things you share on your blog. You can’t imagine how many days your entries have completely lifted my spirits, opened my eyes, or brought me to my knees in prayer. That, my friend, is a testimony to your ministry.
Comment by Jennifer Hill Watson — May 16, 2008 @ 10:52 pm
Yea. That was rad. Redemption is great!!!
Comment by Los — May 17, 2008 @ 7:51 am
nice
Comment by heather — May 17, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
Wow, rebecca. I knew most of your story but hearing it through the eyes of redemption is amazing. Like you said, we all struggle. All of us who made the same bad choice and didnt have to deal with the external consequences have had to deal w/ the shame on the inside. And i know that God has allowed me to work w/ the impact program (abstinence program in h.s.) to redeem my own sin and to share it with others. God knows just what we need to be held accountable to and more than anything HE knows how to use what satan means for evil for HIS GLORY. I am so grateful that you allow him to do that through you. He is so good, that He allows us to go through things and that he takes on our hurt just because he knows that redeeming us will be worth it. Wow. Seriously, i’m crying at the incredibleness of God. Wow.
Comment by Kelly — May 18, 2008 @ 3:55 pm
Well, I finally heard your story. You told so much and brought such honor to God. Redemption is free and you are an amazing witness to that. I am so very proud of you and Nick and your witness to others. I am blessed to have a very, very special daughter.
Comment by Mom — May 28, 2008 @ 9:17 pm