Josh and Leslie Lobdell: February 2007

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Our Pets

You can see the red Cardinals in the tree by the big bird house.

We have tons of yellow finches, they will get brighter in the summer.

Below is an Amazing Albino Finch: All white with a little yellow on his head.

Below you can see the difference.

Thursday, February 8, 2007

It's wonderful to be a part of the family of God! I'm thankful to say that I was saved at a young age. I had a mother who loved the Lord and loved me enough to teach me about the Lord and His Word even before I could understand it. I have fond memories of my mom reading me Bible stories and praying with me on the edge of my bed before falling asleep. She would share the greatest story of them all--that of Christ coming to earth from Heaven's throne with the purpose of dying on the cross for me out of a heart of immense love. She would speak of my sin and how Christ could cleanse me of that sin and make my black heart of sin white because of his red-stained body that hung upon that cross. This Christ could come into my heart and be my personal Savior. Many nights she began asking me if I'd like to receive this Christ as my own. Finally one night in July as a five-year-old I was ready. Mom had explained the Gospel message again and this time I truly understood and wanted this relationship for myself. Mom led me in the sinner's prayer and I remember her being so very happy and crying afterwards. I was part of God's forever family. Though I didn't understand fully what that meant at the time, it was a special night and the angels were rejoicing in heaven.

I continued to go to church regularly and began studying the Bible even in elementary school as mom and dad bought devotional books for me. The AWANA program really helped the Word become a part of me as I hid it's words in my heart. It wouldn't be until middle school that I realized I needed to become baptized and did that out of obedience to the Word. I'm thankful for opportunities to grow through a strong youth group, camps, Christian schooling (middle and high school), Bob Jones University, and some great Christian friends. Though life growing up wasn't without its stuggles, looking back, I'm thankful the Lord saved me at a young age.

A personal relationship with the Lord is life's greatest privilege and blessing, though undeserved. What an amazing Savior!!!

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Dating at BJU

Before we met

Josh lived in Springfield, MO.
He played soccer and went to Highstreet Baptist Church.

Leslie lived in Roanoke, VA.
There she learned how to play the flute.
She went to Shanado Baptist Church and Christian School.

Then we both went to Bob Jones University.
And there we fell in love.

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Wedding Day

Our Neighborhood

Our House (God's)

Our Living room

Our Christmas Lights

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The Most Important Day in Pastor Josh's Life!

It was another miserable day for me. I had many horrible days during that time. Sorrow after sorrow filled my daily life. It was the beginning of eigth grade. I was dragging some friends along with me to endure church. Church was more endurable when a friend would endure it with me. These buddies of mine always got me into trouble, which was kind of cool to us. They would get us into trouble at school, at each other's homes, and at church. The game was to see what we could get away with. But one morning at church the youth pastor couldn't handle the noise my friend was making during his lesson. So Jeff Cox kicked my friend out of class right in front of everybody. Wow, it made me quiet down and listen. At that time I realized that I was as bad as my buddy that got kicked out. I start to listen to this aggressive youth pastor. He talked about God's love, about God's punishment for sin, and about how the Bible gives us "everything we need for life and godliness." I began to listen to the Word of God every week as he taught. Soon I realized that my life did not show any fruit of a salvation that I thought I had in kindergarden. I was not really saved. When Jeff was closing in prayer one Sunday, I prayed with a repentant heart and a life committing faith to be truly saved. Oh, WOW!!!! It was incredible. The burden I lost that day was amazing. As a committed believer I then knew what I needed to do. So I went to the front of the church to tell the pastor that I wanted to be baptized. Obeying God is always a blessing. Life changed for me. I stopped hanging out with those bad friends and made a few good friends. Remember, many choose destruction and few choose the straight path. I started to share God's Word with others trying to be a witness on my soccer teams and in school. I helped start prayer meetings and Bible studies there at school. God was forming me into a leader and more specifically, into a pastor. Because of God I am what I am.

Thanks for listening to my testimony.
I hope you have one but if not, please give me a call!!!

Josh

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