My Testimony...

Well, I gave my Testimony last night at my church for the first time. I've been sick, so I think I did pretty well considering the circumstances and how I felt. I would like to thank my Mom, Aunt Dana, Connie (from Wal-Mart), her husband and close friend Jessica for coming to support me as I spoke. As always by my side was Pamela and Daniel. You both are my rock!!

Here is my Testimony that I gave at First Baptist Church on Weds October 17 2007:

Good evening!First let me start off by saying how appreciative I am for Joey, Charles and David for allowing me to share my testimony tonight.

I was born in Jefferson City, Tennessee in 1973. My mother was a daughter of a Baptist minister, so I was brought up in a Southern Baptist church setting.
When I turned the age of 6 years old, and after a steady church relationship, hearing about God and his people plus the redeemer, Jesus Christ, I felt a tugging at my heart that it was time to invite the Lord into my life. I wanted to know Jesus more closely and I wanted to know that I could meet him and be with him in heaven when I died. This was all at the age of six. Now I know what some of you might be saying, “He was too young to make that decision on his own. He was just mimicking his parents way of religion and doing what they wanted.” I would have to disagree. I was very interested in the salvation concept and knew what it meant. Of course, this was all based on a 6 year old level. I wouldn’t fully understand the significance of this act and the calling that came with it until much later. I knelt down upon my knees in my bedroom and with my mom watching nearby, I asked Jesus to come into my heart. My uncle Bruce who is a minister in Knoxville was asked to come in and baptize me a few weeks later. I had reached the age of accountability and was saved!!
A few years went by and I thought that the Lord wanted me to be a preacher like my grandfather and uncle and to preach his word. Apparently God had other plans for my life for, as you know God’s wisdom is infinite and far greater than man’s.

My parents divorced after 23 years of marriage and we entered a rough time in our lives. We were left financially lacking and quite devastated by my father’s actions. My father had committed adultery with his cousin’s wife and forever destroyed what little relationship we had. I had never had what most families have in a Mother/Father/Child home. It was always my Mother and Aunt Dana who raised me and instilled the concepts that I live and breathe by today. Yes, we had it rough- Barely living paycheck to paycheck, scouring dumpsters behind local food stores for groceries, prying frozen scrap wood from a snow covered ground behind a factory for wood stove kindling. But even through all this- Jesus was always there to give comfort and to not let us take more than we could handle. I have now since come to the realization that thru Jesus Christ and the cross, that I can forgive my father for what he did to us and for the betrayal to my mother. Only thru God’s grace can that be accomplished! Do I need to tell my Father that? Yes, as a Christian man-I do. Maybe one day, God will allow our paths to cross again and I will heed his direction and share this with my father. Let me assure you, only thru Christ could I ever be able to take on such a task as that.

So back to my life...
I finished high school and started working at McDonalds. Due to my scheduling, I started missing Sunday Church all together. And even when I was off, I was too tired to make it to church. At least that was my excuse. It was during this time that I put Jesus in the “backseat” of my car and I took over the steering wheel once again. I started having stress problems and considerable anger issues. I would be so irritated at the littlest comment given to me by anyone at work or at home. I didn’t even think once to check my “rear view mirror” and see Jesus’ shining face looking back at me wanting to take back over the driving.
Now I don’t want to mislead you and make you think I got into drugs (though I was offered) or sexual immorality. I did become an angry young man without a purpose in life. I dropped out of college and became more interested in moving up the ranks of McDonald’s management and I started living a life without dependence upon God.
I met my beautiful wife, Pamela, while working at McDonalds. She also had been saved at an early age and was almost in the same boat as I. Her parents were divorced and we shared a lot of the same life experiences. Neither of us had lost our virginity and that was a source of pride with us both. We dated for several years before marrying (we celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary this past May) and then moved to Mosheim in Greene County after several more years. Unfortunately, the pattern of keeping God and his son in the back seat continued for us both. More time passed and I floated from job to job not knowing what God had planned for me because I wasn’t listening. My wife had found her niche as an art teacher at an elementary school. I on the other hand, had not finished college, had no degree, and felt like I had no purpose in life. I would occasionally think to pray when there was a serious illness in my life or some calamity would come up. But I wouldn’t keep him in focus like he wanted and needed to be. I finally broke down and acknowledged that I needed Christ once again in my life. I HAD to have him in charge of everything that I do and say. My wife and I got down on our knees in our bedroom one night and rededicated our life to him. A load was lifted from our minds as we once again let our Lord take over the driver’s seat again. I eventually landed a job at Wal-Mart with steady hours and a steady income. Many of you might know that I am currently and actively job seeking while I am still employed at WalMart. Pam has to continually remind me that God has a job with my name on it and to be patient for I am in my Father's hands.

The idea of having children was discussed frequently in our marriage, but we had always put any plans off. Partly because I didn’t feel comfortable bringing up a child in this world the way it is. I truly believe Jesus changed my heart and attitude towards having a child because we started seriously planning on having one over three and a half years ago. It only took three weeks of trying and our son was conceived. Then over nine months later, our son Daniel was born. Talk about a true blessing!! My wife and I continually thank God for this small child of happiness. We look forward each day to sharing the Lord’s love with him and bringing him up in the Christian way of life.
All of what I have been talking about has led to this. I now know that Jesus wants me to be his voice, his hands, and his heart. I am to tell everyone about him, to share his love with all I come into contact with. Will this be easy? No... but with Jesus' help and with my utter and complete surrender to his will- I can accomplish anything!

I don’t know everything and I never will. I do know that I am married to a wonderful woman sent straight from heaven just for me. I do know that our son Daniel is the light of our lives and we praise God everyday for him. I do know that I am saved by Faith and the acceptance of Jesus Christ into my life. I do know that when I die I will go to heaven and be with my Savior forever and ever.

I am a Father of Daniel- a son who shines with brilliance and joy. I am a Husband to Pamela- two people who are bonded to each other and who are bonded to Christ our Lord. I am a man- a man who lives by Faith and has the Holy Spirit dwell within him. I can do nothing without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

So I ask you this: Do you know Jesus? If you died today, do you know where you will spend eternity? It’s very simple. We are all sinners. By our nature, our heart runs from God and rebels against him. We are not perfect and can never be without the help of the supreme ruler Jesus Christ. He loves us and wants to save us from sin. To give us this gift of salvation, Jesus Christ died for us. You receive this gift by faith alone. You demonstrate this gift by genuine repentance and changed actions in your life. Romans 10:9 says “If you confess with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
So in closing, I would like to share a portion of a sermon presented by a pastor named S.M Lockridge which truly represents how I feel about my Lord and Saviour. This sermon should become a rallying call for all Christians now and until He returns again. We can no longer idly sit by and allow our morals, our faith, our Saviour to be misrepresented any longer. It is time to take a stand to reclaim this Earth for our Lord Jesus Christ!! Time is short on this earth. I believe that soon his majesty Jesus Christ will return and call his children and people to himself and judge the one’s who have refused to know him. The saved will live in his shining presence forever and ever!"My King"
My King was born a King. The Bible says He’s a Seven Way King. He’s the King of the Jews – that’s a racial King. He’s the King of Israel – that’s a National King. He’s the King of righteousness. He’s the King of the ages. He’s the King of Heaven. He’s the King of glory. He’s the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that’s my King. Well I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Don’t try to mislead me. Do you know my King?
David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament show His handiwork. My King is the only one whom there are no means of measure can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shore of supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing. Well, well, He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful. That’s my King. He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s saviour. He’s the centrepiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He’s august. He’s unique. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He’s supreme. He’s pre-eminent. Well, He’s the loftiest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the supreme problem in high criticism. He’s the fundamental doctrine of proved theology. He’s the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That’s my King.
He’s the miracle of the age. He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. Well, He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He’s strong God and He guides. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. Do you know Him?
Well, my King is the key of knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory. He’s the master of the mighty. He’s the captain of the conquerors. He’s the head of the heroes. He’s the leader of the legislatures. He’s the overseer of the overcomers. He’s the governor of governors. He’s the prince of princes. He’s the King of kings and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King. Yeah. Yeah. That’s my King. My King, yeah. His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Well. I wish I could describe Him to you, but He’s indescribable. He’s indescribable. Yes. He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible. He’s irresistible. I’m coming to tell you, the heavens of heavens cannot contain Him, let alone a man explaining Him. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hands. You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him. Well, Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilot couldn’t find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him. That’s my King. Yeah. He always has been and He always will be. I’m talking about He had no predecessor and He’ll have no successor. There was nobody before Him and there’ll be nobody after Him. You can’t impeach Him and He’s not going to resign. That’s my King! That’s my King!
Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Well, all the power belongs to my King. We’re around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but it’s God’s power. Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory. We try to get prestige and honour and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever. How long is that? And ever and ever and ever and ever. And when you get through with all of the evers, then, Amen.

Thank you and God Bless you all.

Saber Idol...

What is Saber Idol you ask? Saber Idol is a concept that my good friend Rob Metcalfe, better known as Qui Kel Jinn in Star Wars Jedi costuming circles, brought life into a little over a year ago. It really wasn't until competing with me at the Master Replicas Combat Trials in Hollywood, CA in May and winning his division as Lightsaber Freestyle Champion that he realized that that kind of event was really missing something...an entertainment quotient! Rob began the quest to put together the concept of what Saber Idol has become. Along with myself and a few other close confidants, we have really put together what will be known as the next great convention competition on the planet!

So once again, what is Saber Idol?

Saber Idol is a "saber" contest designed around the format of popular American TV shows. Saber Idol will be an entertaining event for the entire family that is designed for the master saberman/saberwoman to show off his or her skills and talents. The competition is to be entered by individuals that have a set of pre-choreographed “saber” demonstrations that highlight one’s finesse without fighting. Demonstrations are set to musical themes chosen by the contestants themselves. This controlled and civilized demonstration will not only show the skill of the contestant, but their discipline, grace and flare for the dynamic and dramatic! The competition will be broken down into three rounds with convention attendees choosing the Saber Idol after live voting. Three Saber Idol judges will determine the initial eight contestants culled from videos submitted on YouTube and via mail.

Who are the Judges?

Tanthos Jorlac (Me!!) - Founder of The Jedi Assembly, international costuming group; Force Battle Extreme contestant - Master Replicas Combat Trials - Hollywood, CA 2007.

Jade Starlighter - Fan judge, member of The Jedi Assembly costuming group.

Simon Drego – Sabermaster extraordinaire, swordsmaster to Master Replicas 2007 freestyle champion Qui-Kel Jinn.

Well, with this style of competition- you have to have a host. Who might that be hummmm?????

None other than Rob Metcalfe himself...Qui Kel Jinn- Force FX Freestyle champion at Master Replicas Combat Trials in Hollywood, CA May 2007.

Where is this awesome event going to take place and when? The Saber Idol Contest will be held February 22nd, 23rd, 2008 Chattanooga, TN at Connooga Convention. (www.Connooga.com)

We even have our own MySpace page: www.MySpace.com/SaberIdol

What this all boils down into is a Family fun event with Lightsaber enthusiasts showing the public what they can do with a Lightsaber in a competiton setting.

It has been a blast coming this far in the planning stages of Saber Idol. I couldn't be happier working with Rob in a Co-Producer and Judge position of Saber Idol. He's been a great friend and an even greater Producer in charge of this whole experience. We've got some great Sponsors and a few more coming on board in the next few months. I want to give a special shout out to my wife Pamela for putting up with me when I have had to make a couple of long drives to Chattanooga for planning meetings and to the Board and Staff of Connooga convention for being so open about this whole competition and show.

In closing, I have to quote Qui Kel Jinn... Go Big or Go Home!!

Saber Idol 2008! Don't miss it!!