The Virtual Pew Daily: July 2011

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 61

Today starts a new day; I realize that I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before I realized this, but I am glad I did. You can go back to see my comments on Day 8 and 9 to see what I am speaking of. I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. While I know that hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book are two different things, I have come to the understanding that in regards to taking advantage of me I have in fact been abused. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is I may have at times abused religion. I don’t think I have but this journey will help me understand where I am at and in the process help others as I journal each day with the steps outlined in the book.

Man on man how I know how imperfect I am! How I know I have hurt others! Since I am journaling publically, I am not going to list the specifics of who, what, when and where in my posts. I will say that today, halfway through my readings I went online looking for people I need to apologize to and ask forgiveness from. I have done that with some over the years, but I I need to do it with more. I hurt because some of those I have spoken to there is a closeness to, but the damage was still done and it is difficult for things to be like they were or should be as a result of my actions.

I hate what the abuse; specifically the sexual abuse turned me into. I am thankful that I am not that person anymore, but the damage of my sins on others doesn’t change the reality of those I hurt. There is the spiritual abuse others did to me, but while I was hurt and while it is possible others were hurt because of my behavior, I know that was never intentional. I truly feel I have made progress regarding many of the issues surrounding the spiritual abuse I have encountered. That doesn’t change the need to help and do as I can with others I have hurt. I don’t feel guilt since starting my walk with God, but I have a regret and guilt regarding my actions prior to that. I know and have to rely that God’s forgiveness is complete but I need to let others I have hurt know that.

As I looked for people online today, I only found 1. I can think of at least 2 others I need to speak to, and there are others I need to build healthy relationships with. I want that; desire that, because while I have a church and spiritual family, I still care for my physical family. Today, I will send messages to those I can at facebook or wherever, just telling them I love them. Why would I do that? Because I do love them.

Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. ~ James 5:16

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

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Email: mike@furches.org

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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 60

Today starts a new day; I realize that I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before I realized this, but I am glad I did. You can go back to see my comments on Day 8 and 9 to see what I am speaking of. I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. While I know that hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book are two different things, I have come to the understanding that in regards to taking advantage of me I have in fact been abused. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is I may have at times abused religion. I don’t think I have but this journey will help me understand where I am at and in the process help others as I journal each day with the steps outlined in the book.

A number of years ago now I was meeting a pastor friend at the Ram Café in Owasso Oklahoma. I will never forget him asking, ‘What’s the matter Mike, I’m one of your pastors can’t you trust me.’ My response was quick and to the point, ‘If you knew how many pastors had hurt me and let me down you would know that I can’t trust anyone except myself and the Lord and sometimes I doubt myself.’ Having someone to trust has been a critical part of my recovery in the last months, not just recovery though, but in my ability to find peace.

I meet with that friend on a regular basis and he has become someone I can trust, it has taken some time to get to this point. I know I can trust this person and he will be honest with me, even today, I had a meeting I was not looking forward to, yet he found a way to tell me that while it may not be something I will enjoy, I need to go to it and I will be a better person because of it. This person has earned my trust so his wisdom is valuable.

In the process of developing trust I want to say it’s all on me, but I have come to realize it isn’t all on me. I don’t trust much of the time because people have given me reason to not trust. I would caution just as the book states today, make sure you are careful in deciding who you trust. After years of struggle, I have my wife, children, and no more than 2 or 3 friends I can trust. I still find myself in the dangerous place of trusting people I shouldn’t and getting hurt.

Today I pray; Father I realize my own need to have more people I can trust, I ask that you provide them. I thank you for those I can trust now, it has been a hard and long journey and even though I find myself at times doubting, you have provided those who care and who love. I thank you for that. I ask the same for others, I know I need friends and so do others.

The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil ~ Matthew 12:35

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. ~ Proverbs 17:17

There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. ~ Proverbs 18:24

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 59

Today starts a new day; I realize that I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before I realized this, but I am glad I did. You can go back to see my comments on Day 8 and 9 to see what I am speaking of. I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. While I know that hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book are two different things, I have come to the understanding that in regards to taking advantage of me I have in fact been abused. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is I may have at times abused religion. I don’t think I have but this journey will help me understand where I am at and in the process help others as I journal each day with the steps outlined in the book.

Over the years it has been difficult to find people I can trust. My book was a part of the process of bearing my soul and one of my main concerns while writing it was how people would respond not so much regarding the things done to me, but to the things I had done to others. I felt dirty, unworthy of love and I knew from experience I had been misunderstood. The journey to find one I could trust was a legitimate concern and a concern I still face.

In searching for people I can trust; honesty has been an important criterion for me. I have learned to appreciate people who are honest from the start. While I don’t like disagreement, or conflict, honesty has been important to me. I have someone now that I can have a measure of trust with. I meet with them once a week and he has been a friend, allowing me to be honest while at the same time giving caring advice. It has taken time and I think he knew it would. That level of friendship is important but I desire more. I desire someone I can do things with, even if just watching a movie.

My wife has been a friend and I appreciate that, but there is the need for friendship outside of marital relationships. I think others need that not just me. I realize it isn’t easy to obtain, it is quite difficult. It at times still has me feeling less than worthy or less than whole. I strive to see who is real, not just in an easy going way, but in the honest caring way.

Father help me, you know I desire to have friends. I recall being able to talk about anything to certain friends while growing up, most of them were friends who weren’t Christian, but they were more real than most friends I have had. Help me see value in those friendships, help me see the need, and go after the things regarding relationship with others that you would have for me.

Though good advice lies deep within the heart,
A person with understanding will draw it out.

Many will say they are loyal friends,
But who can find one who is truly reliable?

The godly walk with integrity;
Blessed are their children who follow them. ~ Proverbs 20: 5-7

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 57/58

Today starts a new day; I realize that I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before I realized this, but I am glad I did. You can go back to see my comments on Day 8 and 9 to see what I am speaking of. I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. While I know that hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book are two different things, I have come to the understanding that in regards to taking advantage of me I have in fact been abused. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is I may have at times abused religion. I don’t think I have but this journey will help me understand where I am at and in the process help others as I journal each day with the steps outlined in the book.

Intimacy, I have to tell you, I have longed for it for so long! As a mental health professional and an Executive Director, it was hard to find, as a pastor intimacy is even harder to find. I know people will likely find that a shock, but it is the truth. It is something I have realized more over the last few years, and especially since starting the journal process with this book. One of the reasons it is hard is because of the ‘manlihood’ expected in our society, but when dealing with the abuse issues and the role in life I am supposed to play at times, it becomes even more difficult. I desire intimacy, have asked for it, sought out relationships to develop it, unfortunately, seldom I have experienced it.

Over the years I have seen the value in trying to talk to others; I have learned the hard lessons that sometimes sharing too much is not a good thing. Another lesson is there are people I can’t trust for a reason. Building close relationships, friendships to have a person I can be intiment with is one of the desires of my heart, but one of the burdens of my reality. I wish someone existed, maybe they do, I just know I have seldom felt like that person was there, and the few times I have, I was hurt. Often that hurt came from people of faith who claimed to have a relationship with God. It is harder for me to trust a religious person or person of faith than many can imagine. I wish it weren’t true, but it is. I realize if this is true for me, I have little reason to believe it isn’t true for others.

I ask God to give me a friend, one I can openly share with, both on the giving and receiving end. I know I need it, I also ask it for others who have struggled with this concept.

Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. ~ James 5:16

He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.
How blessed is the man who fears always,
But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity. ~ Proverbs 28: 13, 14

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

Friday, July 15, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 56

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 55

Today starts a new day; I realize that I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before I realized this, but I am glad I did. You can go back to see my comments on Day 8 and 9 to see what I am speaking of. I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. While I know that hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book are two different things, I have come to the understanding that in regards to taking advantage of me I have in fact been abused. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is I may have at times abused religion. I don’t think I have but this journey will help me understand where I am at and in the process help others as I journal each day with the steps outlined in the book.

Today’s journal entry requests that I write about the pain and difficulty of dealing with my own difficulties of dealing with my abuses, the wrongs I have done and so forth. I did this some time ago but think it is worthwhile to affirm the steps requested in the book, especially Step 7.

As I was writing my book The Keystone Kid and dealing with my past there were many transgressions on my part. I found myself not only dealing with the pain of my past as I was in many ways reliving it, I found myself doing some pretty stupid and damaging things to myself. I have spoken about those things but I don’t know if I have ever written about them. There were times as I was going through the process of dealing with the pains of my past that I honestly didn’t know if my marriage would survive. We even spoke about the likelihood of divorce. I regressed in my behavior and actions which I have greatly regretted. On one occasion, I had a friend holding my head as I threw up from drinking too much, I had other issues I dealt with, none of which were good regarding how I thought of my self, or how I behaved around others.

In many ways, this process was the most painful, difficult time of my Christian walk. I rebelled against God and was so far from being like Jesus it was ridiculous. One Easter Sunday after arguing with my wife where I spent more time away from home than at home it was on the drive to work I heard a story of Yolanda Adams on the radio. Her story had me reflect on my grandmother and the prayers she had said for me as I was growing up. I was reminded that I shouldn’t ‘throw away my grandmas prayers.’ It was then I decided to surrender to God and get my life back in order.

Over the years, I have thought, was it worth it to go through the pain? Looking back on it, I honestly don’t know how to answer the question. What I can say is I am at a better place now having dealt with the issues of my past head on. If being in a better place makes it worth it, it was worth it. It doesn’t negate the difficulty of what I went through. Things could have turned out worse than they did, thankfully they didn’t and for that, I am grateful.

Today, I know people are reading this that is dealing with this type of conflict and they know how much it hurts, and how difficult it is to deal with the issues regarding their abuse and subsequent actions. To accept the monsters we have become is not easy, but recovery, healing, and becoming whole is a better place to be. I still need healing, but I know God will continue to forgive and help me. I suspect, if he has, and will continue that for me, he will for you.

Father, thank you for forgiving me of the things I have done wrong. Thank you for being constant through the healing process in my life. I ask that you would give confidence to those who need to go through the same process for their lives. I pray they will have wisdom, and stay on the path that leads to joy and ultimately the light you can provide in their lives.

I tell you, her sins – and they are many – have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only a little love. – Luke 7:47

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 54

Today starts a new day; I realize that I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before I realized this, but I am glad I did. You can go back to see my comments on Day 8 and 9 to see what I am speaking of. I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. While I know that hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book are two different things, I have come to the understanding that in regards to taking advantage of me I have in fact been abused. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is I may have at times abused religion. I don’t think I have but this journey will help me understand where I am at and in the process help others as I journal each day with the steps outlined in the book.

I chronicle in detail my abuse in the book The Keystone Kid. What many don’t know is that during the final stages of writing that book, (the initial completion I went on and did a rewrite and numerous edits) I was going through some struggles. They involved many accesses including drinking, parties, and even the one thing I didn’t think I would ever do, smoking in access clove cigarettes and cigars. I know those may not be big things for some, but for me, they were out of the norm, if using an old school religious term, you might say, I backslid.

While I valued God and my relationship with him, I was far from the person He had called me to be. Looking back on it, I am 100% certain, without question, that reliving my past and the abuse I had gone through was a huge part of that regression. I needed forgiveness, I needed a hug form a loving savior but I was so caught up in my own misery that I dealt with it in the only way I knew, destructive behavior.

Thankfully, healing came, it came in a realization that others cared for me, a grandmother had prayed for me. I am grateful God accepted me back home, I am grateful I didn’t succumb to the lifestyle I was living. As I look back while working through this I realize I am not the only one who resorts to this behavior. I didn’t stay there, things worked out, I just needed to grasp the things God had for me from the beginning.

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. ~ Galatians 5:1

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

Monday, July 4, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 53

Today starts a new day; I realize that I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before I realized this, but I am glad I did. You can go back to see my comments on Day 8 and 9 to see what I am speaking of. I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. While I know that hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book are two different things, I have come to the understanding that in regards to taking advantage of me I have in fact been abused. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is I may have at times abused religion. I don’t think I have but this journey will help me understand where I am at and in the process help others as I journal each day with the steps outlined in the book.

Over the time it took me in my journaling experiences to write my own book, The Keystone Kid, years were involved, and many changes and edits took place. One of the reasons was not that the story changed but for 2 reasons, 1) I needed to fix it grammatically, 2) I had to deal with my own issues of where I had been wrong, or done stupid things in my life. You see, it is important that in my own recovery, I had to realize, I was far from perfect, and had committed sin against others. There were things where I was at fault and I needed to address them.

In my book one of the last things I corrected was in the epilogue where I dealt with where I am now and the things I learned through the process. I recognized my own issues. It was difficult. I have this fear that people will think less of me because of the stupid things I did. It hurts when there are those who ignore the pain and suffering. I guess I am saying I know the process hurts, and I wish I could say everything will work out for the best, but the truth is, it doesn’t always do that. The other side though is that from recognizing my own faults and issues, I have moved forward with integrity. I can change the potential for the future. In that regard, it is all worth it.

Father God, thank you for the forgiveness you have provided me where I have done wrong. I know I will likely do so again in the future, and I don’t say that as an excuse but to recognize I need you tomorrow, just as much as I needed you today. I truly do want to be the person you want me to be, even when I need to recognize my own faults. Father, I know I am not perfect, help me to realize that about those around me as well. Help me realize that I also fall short; it is why I need Jesus and your Holy Spirit to guide me each day. Help me be a follower and recognize the areas of my life I need to surrender.

He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.
How blessed is the man who fears always,
But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity. ~ Proverbs 28: 13, 14

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

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The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

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Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

Just For You

You are important and I want you to know that you can feel free to contact me at any time. I always try to respond to comments posted here, when appropriate, and have learned from my work as a counselor and pastor that people need to know that they are important. My contact information is available and I encourage you to contact me when need be. The fact that you are a real person is not lost on me. While you are at it, if needing a place to plug in, you can also join and become a part of The Virtual Pew. Message boards and interaction are available there as well. Thanks for visiting and know that God loves you and so do I.