Saturday night and Sunday Morning

Sunday was a very special day for me.  As my profile says, I am 64 years old.  I am at the age that some think is "over the hilll ". On Sat. Evening:  I had hosted the Alumni Banquet, of my high scholl that I graduated from 47 years ago.  There were classes represented there from 1933 thru 2009.  When I lleft here 37 years ago, I was a drug user, an alcoholic and a Biker and had been for a long time. As I stood before that audience, I shared a bit of my life back then and I told of my giving my life to Christ in 1973, started preaching in 1976 and that I planned on preaching until I was no longer able to stand. As I said that, people stood and applauded in so much as I had to compose myself to continue.  After the banquet was over, many came to me and said that I was the best Emcee they had heard speak in many, many years. On Sunday,  We had already had the congregational songs, and the specialls and I walked to the pulpit to begin my message.  I announced the text that I planned on preaching from and a lady asked if I was going to play a special on the piano.  I said I hadn't planned on doing a special but, I would if the congregation wanted me to.  I don't play a lot anymore due to the injuries to my hands but, I still play occasionally. I walked to the Piano and I played the "Battle Hymn of the republic "and tied it in with "America, the beautiful."  When I finished, I received a standing ovation and many tears were being wiiped from people's eyes, in the congregation.  This was so overwhelming for me, I took broke down and had to compose myself. I am totally awed by the way the Lord uses me to bless others but, I am so thankful and blessed that He has answered my prayer, that I might be allowed to be a blessing to others.  From a social outcast, a drug user, alcoholic, biker, to stand at an Alumni banquet, play the piano in church and, preach the gospel message of Christ, is beyond anything I would have ever dreamed.  I am humbled beyond description and blessed beyond measure.  All the honor and praise goes to Him, that's why my scripture verse for my life, is Galations 2 verse 20.