I come from a good family. They aren’t perfect and like every family we all have issues. My problem was trying to use those issues of mine to play a victim role. It lead me to thinking the world owed me everything. I like to call this my stinking thinking. I didn’t realize I was sad, confused, and all together lost in my way of life. When I truly came to Jesus Christ I was a broken creation using God as a vending machine, praying only when I needed or wanted something. I had no clue as to how damaged I really was, thinking I had faith and doing good deed s was enough in my Creators eyes. I was 27 years old when the hard drug use started, trying to unknowably numb the hurt and defeat I was feeling due to my own demise. Now God does have a sense of humor sometimes with the way He will bring you back to the righteous path, or show signs that He is with you in your muck and mire. This lasted five long years, being on the streets of Upland, CA on meth, hanging with a crowd I never thought I’d be around. I recently tried to fix my life at 33  years of age. I tried Set Free knowing nothing about it. That is when I met my fiancée, a God-fearing woman and we have two beautiful daughters that God has blessed me with. So I am a new Dad. I had issues come up that led me right back into the streets of San Bernardino, CA. I fell once again, telling myself that I could fix it—No, I was very wrong. My pride said, “I’ll never go to the ranch.” But God said, “Oh yes you will!” There I was, afraid, and feeling hopeless as a dad. So, to God’s Ranch I went. It was to the point where my only way to succeed was through my Father. Now this is how good God is, and how great His love and Mercy is in our lives. We can’t outrun Him, it’s a fact I must share with you the Church and the body of our Redeemer. He has given me everything, and my eyes have been opened wide to his wonderful splendor. These gifts have been a family to learn from and to teach as well, the answers to some of the questions I have had, and a sense of purpose. I know now and have comfort in knowing that everything that  I have been through isn’t for nothing. It’s been all for great reasons and led me to this point right here, right now.  So I leave you with this ladies and gentlemen:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV)

Seek him diligently, and you will find your sense of purpose. May God bless you all.

–Byron McCauley