Maybe I didn't beg, but I know that I asked please many times. Over a 100 people have visited this site since I posted the previous post, and I have only gotten one comment. Didn't you watch it? Didn't you get all excited for the guy? It is not about me wanting attention folks-- but come on-- can I hear a Hip-hip hooray!? I mean--- even the non-believers gotta be cheering for this guy whose life was on the brink of death from drug abuse and disease and now has totally turned a new leaf. And people say present day miracles don't exist! I admit that even I would have probably not prayed for this guy for as long as Wanda did-- and BOOM, just like me, this guy was changed! Gives me lots to think about for sure. Why do I tend to give up way too soon?
Look guys-- for those that come and read my blog--- get used to it---- I have a passion for Christ--- the guy who gave me a new lease on life---and to get only one comment on such an amazing testimony-- not about me---- but about another person in desperate need of help, now living an amazing life-- makes me think that we are all just a bunch of numb, anesthetized, careless people in this world consumed with only ourselves. It's like we see a car crash-- and the more gore we can catch a glimpse of the cooler. We hear of someone being killed in our hometown and we don't even stop to give a moment a silence out of respect-- me included. Someone we know is diagnosed with cancer and we continue on with our merry little lives while this person's life has been flipped upside down. A neighbor gets robbed and we lock our doors and close our windows instead of offering to help out and and make sure they have a chair to sit down on and rest.
I. Want. To. Change.
Don't you?
WAY TO GO DANNY! THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR AWESOME STORY!
I'm off my soapbox now.
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46 inspiring thoughts:
Hi
I was one of the visiters and I couldn't watch the video as I am in my University computer labs with out my headphones.
While I don't yet believe I am open to be enlightened I think that is one of the reasons I am drawn to your blog. Will watch it when I get home tonight.
Good on you for pushing what you believe.
Katie
New Zealand
I was at work & just watched it & left a message on the original thread. I was VERY inspired by him.
WOOHOO Danny!
I love reading your blog, but cannot watch youtube videos. Otherwise, I would have left a comment on the original thread.
BTW, I for one am not offended or bothered by your passion for Christ (I'm a Christian, too). Keep on shouting it from the rooftops!!!!
Your blog is an inspiration! I wish I could blog so eloquently (and often) as you do.
God Bless,
Cindy
How funny, I posted something similar about my blog viewers, having eyes glazed over!(Also thankful I wasn't one of your 100 yesterday!) Watching it now, and praising God...!
I admit I didn't watch beyond 34 seconds after the video did the 6th jump and caused my CI to produce a ver unpleasant sensation and that was after 10 minutes of buffering.
BUT what I found is that entries I find the most meaningful on my own blog get the fewest comments and I have a very hard time of leaving comments on deep and spiritual entries. What else can you add to a powerful testimony? whatever we can say seems so small and meaningless. Saying, ah, cool, right on, wonderful is... insufficient. So don't be surprised if you don't get comments on something you think is wonderful and powerful: things like that literally makes people go mute.
Why are you so upset about this?, are you having a bad day?
yes, i watched it and yes i LOVED power of the LORD!!!!!
i will be sharing with my hubby and others.
not numb here. lazy maybe, never numb to His power. xoxoxo :)
I often don't click on links because they tend to take FOREVER to load on my computer. If the actual video is there, like on this post, then I usually TRY to watch it but, sometimes it still takes forever to load. Lately I've also had several problems with blogger allowing me to post comments on persons blogs. So maybe that is it.
I should have posted earlier...I tried 3 times and couldn't get it to play???
How easy it is to live for ourselves until we come to the end of ourselves...then the longing that has been drowned out with other things all along becomes so apparent...it is God we are missing...None other can deliver. No other can save.
Each of us comes to that awareness at different times. For some, it is too late. I pray this man's testimony will move many to that reality before it is too late.
I read the post several hours ago but can't watch video at work so it will have to wait until later! :)
I have seen that video series before and heard his story. (We watched it at our church SS.) He does have a very compelling story.
Christine, I also saw the video earlier, but had no time for a comment. However, I did think about his dramatic conversion. I could see how God timed all of this for the moment that he would be most ready. I think that He also used the person who suggested that he go to the emergency room.
That is seeing God at work!
But, I am also impressed with the model who showed the courage to pray out loud in a very worldly location. She never gave up on praying for all that time. It showed clearly to me how God chooses His people for their special work as well as the timing. It was a memorable video.
It wouldn't play for me. It paused every few seconds for a long time...
I read your blog from a reader, and I have to click through to leave a comment. If we're not going to leave comments for every awesome post, would you rather we not read?
I did not have time to watch the video earlier but just got through. Yes, it is amazing. What amazes me more though is how many of us miss the chance to help someone because we judge them.
Hi,
I visited too, but haven't had time to watch it yet. My 3 kiddos were waking up from naps at the time...
Numb or anesthesized? Nope! My two older boys and I watched the video and then had a great conversation on the miracles God performs today. We discussed how He's still on the throne and is all powerful to change a person's life for eternity! I do not always leave a comment when I stop by a blog, yours included. I am sorry if that was offensive to you. After our conversation we went back to doing schoolwork as I home school them.
I started to watch it earlier and the kids started screaming for me. I will watch it bright and early tomorrow morning when everyone is still asleep. That's usually when I do my devotions so I'll work this into that.
Ok, so I honestly have not watche dthe video yet. I read your post, and still sitting here am not wathcing yet. I will watch it in about 2 hours, when all kids are sleeping. I know it will be worth watching, i can tell by your enthusiasm over it, which is why I want to actually be able to pay attention to it ;) can't wait!!
Thank you for sharing the video. I just watched it. One thing that struck me as powerful is that no one can ask for the Lord until they are ready. I always enjoy reading your blog and appreciate the challenges you put before your readers.
Oh, Christine, I am soooo sorry- I can't watch videos at work...but I'm home now, and after the dinner dishes are done, I WILL. AND- I will comment!
Deb
Well, I didn't see your original post yesterday, but I went back to it after reading this post today. And, of course, I watched the video. I honestly don't know if I would have if I hadn't read this post. You're right - it's too easy to get desensitized to the world and to take for granted what we have in Jesus Christ. What was so inspiring was not only the way God came to this man in such a powerful way, but the way his friend Wanda never gave up on him! That's a kick in the pants to keep reaching out to those I might have given up on.
Thanks for sharing this, Christine!
This is totally off topic but it's that time of year again and I think you will like this book! Check it out you and your kids will love it! It's great way to get rid of candy!!!!
All Hallows Eve: The Story of the Halloween Fairy (Hardcover)
by Lisa Sferlazza Johnson
Here is a link http://www.amazon.com/All-Hallows-Eve-Story-Halloween/dp/0977309614/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255396918&sr=8-2
Sorry, I don't have sound on my computer, so I rarely watch videos. I have been a silent blog reader for a while now, and I find your blog to be totally awesome!
Thank you for posting the video..I loved it and it really made me think...
Oh Casting Crowns is amazing. It's like they live in my head. Thanks for posting this video.
Hi Christine,
His testimony was very compelling and and he is a true model of 2 Corinthians 5:17! Thank you for Wanda who prayed for him and was willing to share Christ and be a true friend to Danny. Makes me want to share the Gospel more even though it may be uncomfortable for me to get the conversation going and to be a true friend willing to share hard things.
However, I pray there are more testimonies without all the "trauma" of some of the typical testimonials we hear. How about we pray for testimonies of people who come to Christ as a child and live their lives unsullied by the world? I know the glamour and gore can make a testimony more exciting, but the God who can transform the most vile adult sinner so wants to be able to transform that little child before he experiences all of these things. I added this because I think some Christians can become enamoured with hearing this type of testimonial and not feel theirs is "exciting" enough. Thanks for linking to this and helping us to remember to keep praying for even the hardest, most unrepentant people in our lives!
Kelly in the Sunny South
What an awesome testimony of God's love and power! Thanks for sharing. :)
Didn't see your post until today, watched it and was impressed by his transformation, but more impressed by Wanda's continued prayer for him. I would have lost hope. I would not have been as persistent as her. It makes me want to be a better prayer warrior, not wait a sustained prayer warrior for those who need the long haul!
I didn't watch it - as I haven't gone to that post yet, but I also notice that certain types of posts get more response than others.... Not sure what it is. I know that fro myself sometimes the most thought-provoking ones are hardest to respond to. Perhaps you don't have enough time, or just feel that the post "said it all".
As far as this little video goes... It does not resonate that much at all. I don't know if it is the difference between a Catholic church and a more "contemporary" church, or just that I work there and get to know everyone - or they are open to me. Anyway, I suppose for me it is more the opposite - being overwhelmed by everyone's amazing stories. More often, it is me who will jump to a conclusion that someone is not very "serious" about their faith, or not a "thoughtful" sort of person, and will be amazed at both their experiences and their depth.
I watched it! It was a wonderful video...such a true testament to the power of prayer and to God's power. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. What a great way to start my day!
I didn't comment cause the video wasn't working when I tryed to watch it!
Sorry, my computer at home won't let me view youtube (has no sound and it often just shows up with an arrow?!) so it takes until I get to my mum's (2x a week!).
This is brilliant. I felt like this for the first couple of years after I became a Christian, in fact I still struggle with this, in my homegroup we don't talk about the hard stuff and everyones life just seems so perfect compared to mine. They have large homes, good incomes, mom's at home, 3 bio kids, loving families, holidays abroad. Then there's me who can't afford to buy a house, has no family, no husband and is struggling to adopt. But I also know these struggles bring me closer to God because I'm following His calling (James 1:27) rather than just doing what society expects!
Thank you!
great video, thanks for sharing. you mentioned your own testimony and I wondered if you have ever posted about it here (I am a new reader) do you have a link to it?
leah
doesn't play for me.
I did watch the testimonial and I too think, WOW! God can do amazing things. Its always wonderful to hear that even people who are so against ever calling on his name will turn to him in time.
My own testimony is not anything like his. I was 7 years old when I came to know the Lord. I was raised in a Christian home and made that decision for myself. I belive that because of my relationship with Christ I was saved from many issues that plauge children, youth and young adults today. I can't say I am perfect because Heaven knows I am not, but I have never been drawn to or had any need to experiment with drugs, alcohol, premarital sex and much more. I have never been drunk, never smoked a cigarette and have never had or have any desire to have any sexual relations with anyone other than my husband after we got married, who was my first and will always be my only. I was never the "lets go out and party" type of person and I cling to the knowledge that If I will draw near to God he will draw near to me, He has given me a spirit of love, power and a sound mind. Many people after hearing my own tesitimony comment that I have never had a chance to live, I have never had any fun and am for lack of better words, "a stick in the mud" (Honestly I don't belive I missed out on anything and I certianly know how much fun life can be in Christ, without all that other stuff)
The only reason I am saying all this is because I agree with Kelly from the Sunny South who commented earlier on this same post. Its great to hear all testimonies of people who come to know the Lord, however they come. Its easy to miss the ones that are not so "life altering" or "180 degree turns" its nice to hear about the ones who came as children or youth and also nice to hear about those on their last breaths. Every single one deserves a "Hip Hip Horray!"
Dannys testimony is very powerful and God is using him in so many ways to reach people who think they are well beyond Gods reach, the connections and relatioships we would have had with people in that industry, knowing who he was before and now seeing the person he has become is enough for them to look at their own lives and see that they are not beyond calling on his name either.
I love reading your blog and comment often but I don't comment every post.
Catherine Wishart
Wow..i never watched it. I read your blog for the family aspect of it..not the religion part. Although I am a Christian.
>>
I don't often get comments on my blog posts for things very important to me...but I'm OK with that. I write for me..and whomever else wants to read about my trials and tribulations. Come to think about it..you hardly ever comment on my blog.
I don't think you should get too discouraged. You are getting the word that you want out there..and this here post has gotten many many comments.
However , Christine..it's not all about comments, is it?
Long weekend, less computer time....I'm intrigued and will watch it.
"-- makes me think that we are all just a bunch of numb, anesthetized, careless people in this world consumed with only ourselves"
You really think this because people did not comment? I am a bit surprised and a little offended by that. It is certainly your blog and your opinions, but describing your readers this was is uncalled or in my opinion Christine. I really love reading your blog and I am giving you my opiniopn because well...you asked for comments so I will be honest.
I don't think I am numb and anesthesized at all. My husband and I decided to follow the words of Jesus this week and house a homeless couple with their 2 children for 7 days until they were back on their feet and got into a program. We have 5 kids of our own so that made for a household that was hectic, especially since the 2 kids were spinning out from the the stress of being homeless. We decided to get excited about being able to act out the gospel in that way.
I don't comment often because I don't feel I have much to add. Many times others have already said what I was thinking and I don't choose to repeat. I have prayed for many of the kids needing homes on yor blog, and I feel that it is unfair to judge your readers state of mind/self absorbedness by whether folks comment or not.
I am not trying to be rude. I am just offended by your decription of people you do not even know.
I am very offended as well that you would say that about your readers!!! I have heard better testimonials that have spoken to me and obviously this one spoke to you for some reason??? You come off very rude at times! It does seem about you that you are consumed about how many comments you get on something that spoke to you.
Hi Christine,
I am one of the persons who did not watch it. I DO want to change my life, very much. I have seen the video link on other blogs and facebook, since it means so much to you I'll give it a watch. :)
I also wrote to let you know UCLA is doing a study on international adoptees. Since you have such a following and you live in CA I thought you might want to let your readers know about it or maybe even you and your family are interested. http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/vol/1419743267.html
Katie
Katie,
Thank you so mcuh for posting this link. I will definitely get the word out.
Top website, I had not noticed smilesandtrials.blogspot.com previously during my searches!
Continue the excellent work!
Thanks for sharing this link, but unfortunately it seems to be offline... Does anybody have a mirror or another source? Please reply to my post if you do!
I would appreciate if a staff member here at smilesandtrials.blogspot.com could post it.
Thanks,
Alex
Thanks for sharing this link, but unfortunately it seems to be offline... Does anybody have a mirror or another source? Please answer to my post if you do!
I would appreciate if a staff member here at smilesandtrials.blogspot.com could post it.
Thanks,
Peter
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