Dear Doug,I want to thank you from the depths of my heart for this series. I have been homeless for about 8 months. I slept in an office building, on the floor, for about 3 1/2 months, fearful each night that someone would find me and I would need to leave. I was able to get food when groups had leftovers, but no one really knew. From there some friends in Mission Viejo opened there home to let me stay. I have slept on couches at half-way houses, in living rooms on inflatable beds, put out on Christmas Eve because the family did not want me to be there during their traditional Christmas, and now, for the moment--a room. During this time the only thing I had left was my car--but that was even removed when I was hit and the car was totaled.The reason I say all of this is because I have a BA, masters and doctorate degree in theology and was a pastor for 18 years. I have been a Christian for over 34 years. But the message you have given these last three Sundays (despite the shirt--I rather liked it though)--I have never had such a peace in my heart and a greater understanding of how to "be" a Christian in God's grace! Many times during this ordeal I have found an extreme joy in Christ only to lose it when I did not "feel" like I was doing enough for the Lord. As I sinned, Satan would let me know what a failure I have been--and I believed it.But your series revealed to me more of what my heavenly Father desires of me -- to pray in faith, trust His grace, and grow in my intimacy with Him.In conjunction with a book I began reading just as you started the series(the message of the book was almost the exact same as your message but from a different angle)--my spiritual eyes are now far more open.I now have work (as of two days ago), food, and prayerfully soon to be back in a home.Out of God's love and thankfulness, with an everlasting more present joy in my heart--Doug, thank you!I now see how my walk with the Lord is much easier and more rewarding than in the last 34 years of "working" for my relationship with Him. Guilt was prevailing, but now Grace brought the victory!

How inspiring!!! The pictures and the personal descriptions of how each person has a unique way to spend time with Jesus. It is amazing to see how we all call the same Jesus our friend. There are millions and millions of us who all have the same friend. We are all so different but we all have so much in common through Jesus. I am inspired to find my own way to spend more time with Jesus. I am looking forward to finding my unique way to connect with Him. Thanks Doug for what you have done in your book, sermons, etc. to help me on my journey.