Meet the Author
My name is Michael, and I struggle. I suppose it is just what I am best at; testing what is placed in front of me and questioning every idea handed down to me. I guess this is why I have so many scars.
I have enough scars to trace a road map from here to oblivion. I used to hate these scars, I used to love these scars, I use to hide behind these scars, and I used to use these scars as my identity. Now I simply wear them; they are mine, they each tell a story, and they each have taught me so much about Hope, Faith, and Love.
By my own stupidity, and by the stupidity of others, I find myself here; now. Older, maybe a little wiser, a little stronger, but ultimately sweetly broken at the feet of Christ, Jesus; given and surrendered.
It is here where I find the man that I am to be: friend, lover, husband, father. A student and a teacher. A man that cares about others. A man who is known by his Love.
but…
But I am not always that man. Most of the time I am not that man. So I do what I do best; I struggle. I struggle until I realize that I alone cannot win this fight. I struggle until I am broken all over again. It is then that I do what I have should have done from the beginning: give the battle to the Lord.
And He teaches me. He strengthens me. He takes me through the fire. He transforms me. And with a Love that only God can give, He Loves me despite -perhaps in spite- of my ever eternal insufficiency.
It is there in that place when I realize what I want to do most with my life. I desire simply to point the world to Christ. No matter how injured, how wounded, how broken I may be, I just always want to point the world to Christ, and to follow where ever He leads me.
4 April 2008 at 12:57 pm
thank you for the link-love!!
21 April 2008 at 3:40 pm
Hey Michael,
You don’t know me, but I am good friends with your bro Jon. He is an amazing guy and I am so blessed to have him in my life. He has helped me through some tough times. I think of him as a brother.
I’m glad you enjoyed my gas station story. LOL. Hope to hear from you again in the future.
26 April 2008 at 11:19 pm
I’ll subscribe. Seems like you will have interesting things to say. Esp if you like Piper!
9 August 2008 at 10:33 pm
I just found this blog and wanted to comment on this page – it is beautifully written and speaks to my heart. Thanks and God Bless
3 September 2008 at 12:00 am
I just created a blog and put your site on it… but I just wanted to get permission to keep it there if you wouldnt mind?
If you’d like to reply to my e-mail or something
Thanks
And God Bless
Aaron M.
PS. Whatever happened to your old site? I thoroughly enjoyed it!
4 September 2008 at 11:29 pm
[...] 3, 1997, Gene (lead guitar and vocals), Luke (backing vocals and guitar), Josh (synthesizers), and myself (drums) performed to a packed house (which was filled with our fellow Jr. Highers who also attended [...]
23 December 2008 at 2:04 am
Struggle,seems to be what I hear from every one I know in my small circle.Ministers and Lay people alike.I hate to say it but it is comforting to hear some one else be open about such matters.Prayer the answer and the key..Thanks for your words,and honesty… Cheryl
13 January 2009 at 9:29 am
Just dropped by after surfing through some other blogs. You know how that happens!
Anyway, you have much to say, and I enjoyed reading your “About” page. You’re honest, and that’s worth a great deal.
You cannot go wrong by pointing the world to Christ, and you must live so the world will believe you know the One you are pointing to. Well done.
13 January 2009 at 11:19 am
Preacherpen,
Thank you for the encouragement. It has been graciously received.
Blessings,
Michael
16 April 2009 at 8:08 pm
Mr. Vessel,
I am intrigued by your site and have linked to you from my blog. i hope that is ok.
God’s purposes will show themselves to you in His time;
I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees You – Job 42:5
stay faithful and seek His face, kierkegaard said life is meant to be lived forward and understood backwards.
thank you for your honesty and transparency.
17 April 2009 at 8:58 pm
Divietro,
I appreciate your comment and your kind words. Thank you.
I am honored that you would link me from your blog. Perhaps you would share the link to your blog that I might return the kindness?
Blessings,
Michael
15 June 2009 at 3:51 am
Just to let you know, you can change the spadinofamily link to centralityofthegospel.wordpress.com on your BLOGroll.
19 June 2009 at 7:53 am
I updated the link last night. Thank you for giving me a heads up.
Blessings,
Michael
4 September 2009 at 12:55 pm
Great to see your site! Keep the focus pure bro!!! May the Lord do a mighty work in our lives!
God bless,
Jeremy Strang
urgencytorise.com
7 September 2009 at 4:21 pm
time2stand,
Thank you for visiting and leaving comment. I checked out your site. I loved it! You’ve been added to my blogroll.
Blessings,
Michael
13 September 2009 at 7:00 am
We all struggle. From a brother who’s not all that he should be or wants to be, thanks for opening your heart.
13 September 2009 at 1:38 pm
Michael,
I just stumbled upon your blog through some tag searching. I struggle much like you brother. Thank you for sharing about your struggle. It is encouraging to know in this spiritual warfare that I am not fighting alone but have a brother like you fighting right alongside of me.
I am adding you to my blogroll.
God Bless,
wretchedman
wretchedman.wordpress.com
P.S. – The first thing that caught my eye on your blog that encouraged me to read more was you have the exact same verse under you blog title!
13 September 2009 at 2:00 pm
I greatly appreciate the encouragement. Thank you very much.
Likewise I have added you to my blogroll as well.
Blessings,
Michael
15 October 2009 at 4:32 am
Hey, Michael! Happy Birthday! Keep blogging, Brother! This is one of my favorites!
15 October 2009 at 4:43 pm
Nance,
Thank you for your kind birthday greeting; I appreciate it greatly. I am exceedingly grateful to find that this blog has been well received.
Blessings!
~Michael
11 December 2009 at 11:27 am
Michael,
This blog is great! Thanks for linking me – I didn’t realize I was here until just now! I will return the favor pronto.
31 January 2010 at 12:54 pm
A wonderful ministry. May God Bless you!
2 June 2010 at 10:48 am
I just discovered your ‘blog’. Just reading your ‘Meet the Author’ and it touched my wife & I. Looking forward in reading your blog!!