Hi Brad,
I'm a newbie here, too. I've been a christian for almost five years. I used to ponder on these same issues quite often. Faith in God is the only thing that works for me. Science can't explain love. God's word illustrates it so that practically anyone can easily understand it. God's perfect son willingly sacrificed Himself while knowing and fearing a horrible death so that an undeserving thing like me could have eternal life. God reaffirms my faith in Him daily. I hope you get to experience this for yourself.

I DO wish I were a better bowler. I'm a decent golfer, but, i do well to bowl 150. Music is my main hobby. I've been singing and playing accoustic guitar for 30 years. I'm absolutely blessed that I can use something I've always enjoyed, to serve God. I attend a small church in the mountains of West Virginia and I'm part of a group that plays bluegrass/gospel and some P&W music as part of our service.

Anywho, it was nice to hear from you and I hope we get to chat again, God bless,  Bill

Hi everybody,
As the subject line says, I never imagined in my younger days (I'm 47 now) that I would ever call myself a child of God. I grew up in a fairly stable home, but, seldom heard mention of God or His word. As a teen and young adult I, at first, disbelieved completely. I spent more than a couple nights in those days lying awake fearing either a lonely permanent death or that maybe there was a God and that I was headed for eternal misery.
In my 20's, I met a christian friend and he told me a little about God and His loving nature. I also started to realize that man really doesn't have any wisdom of his own. A couple times in my 20's and 30's, when I felt truly desperate, I even did a little praying. On both occassions my prayers were answered and both times I accepted God's grace without so much as a thank you.
One night, almost five years ago, I was having trouble getting to sleep. Not because I wasn't tired. I was exhausted. I was a man who dwelled on his problems. No trouble was too small. I was always cursing some situation or imagining one that hadn't even occurred. On this particular night there was a dog barking. It seemed like it hadn't stopped barking for long enough to draw breath in hours! It was past 3 o'clock. I couldn't stand it any more. So I layed there and prayed to God for that dog to stop barking. A voice that seemed quite audible said, "If you mean it this time, get on your knees and pray."
For a moment I hesitated and then I thought that if I ignored this chance there might not be another. So, I got on my knees next to my bed and prayed like never before or since. I prayed to Jesus that I knew He is the son of God and that He died for me on the cross and rose from the grave. I told Him that I knew I couldn't save myself and asked Him to help me. Shortly the feeling came over me that my heart was clear. I got back in bed and in total silence quickly went to sleep.
Two or three days later, on Thanksgiving of 2001 I was baptised. From then until now there have been trials and worries, but, I sleep real well. May God bless everyone who reads this with the peace of mind that I have,  Bill

I'm not really talking about the older Stanley Bros. or Bill Monroe stuff, although they are easily updated with new arrangements. What's got my attention over the last couple years are groups like Alison Krause and Union Station, Blue Highway, Mountain Heart, The Isaacs..... the list could go on and on. Don't be dismissive if old time bluegrass just isn't your style. Many of the younger bluegrassers are stretching the boundaries and taking new directions in their music. There are also some wonderfull lyricists in this genre like Ron Block of Union Station and Shaun Lane of Blue Highway. If you haven't checked any of this music out, one good example is the "Wondrous Love" cd by Blue Highway. It's a mixture of updated standards and original compositions that I just can't seem to get tired of. I can't imagine a more breathtakingly beautifull rendition of "The Old Rugged Cross" than the one played as a mostly solo instrumental on dobro on this album.
If you're already into this kind of gospel music, please recommend a few cd's to me. I'm always looking for new songs to play in church and around the house on my guitar. If you haven't heard any of this, give it a try. It just might be a blessing to ya,

God bless,  Bill

Hi cardsfan,
I've seen this show a time or two and while I'm very glad I don't have to perform some of the jobs Mike has had, it is interesting and I think it's good for teens to get a realistic look at what folks have to go through to earn an honest living. I like that they're frank about the unsavory aspects of some tasks without dwelling on them too much.  Bill

Hi everyone,
I've just registered and thought I'd say a quick hello. I'm Bill and I'm born again and saved by God's grace since Thanksgiving, 2001. (Rather appropriate date, huh?) From the few visits I've made here this looks like just the place to spend my spare on line time. I'm really looking forward to the fellowship and opportunity for spiritual growth that seems in abundance here. God bless you all,  Bill