For the last 26 years and 243 days, I have called Spokane, WA my home.

This will cease on April 6, 2007, when I move to Oroville, CA, a small town outside Sacramento.

I'm moving to become a better human being, as well as a better servant and follower of Jesus Christ.

For the past few years, I've had the opportunity to move down there and intern for The Father's House Church (http://www.tfhc-oroville.org/The%20Father%27s%20House/Welcome.html), which is a growing congregation in the heart of the "South Side" of Oroville, a notorious meth-ifested, poverty-ridden neighborhood that my Uncle Steve (the head pastor and founder of The Father's House, who also happens to be a contractor) has been working to revitalize for the last ten years.

Because of my Uncle Steve and Aunt Vicki and their hard work, countless people who previously had no hope have been able to turn their lives around; whether it's breaking generations-long cycles of addiction, or simply helping people who feel "broken" get back on the right track.

For the past few years, I've been turning down the opportunity to intern, for many reasons. First and foremost, I've been afraid of what my non-Christian friends would think of me (I'm still growing in my faith and a lot of times, I'm uncomfortable talking about it; I haven't grown a bit since accepting Christ in June, 2004). I also have a job that pays me quite well, and I have roots in Spokane.

Oh yeah, and there's that health thing, too.

I've decided to take the risk. I'm going to be living off of pledges and possibly a part-time job if I can handle one, as well as free room and board provided by the church.

I'm doing this for myself, first and foremost. I feel like I'm lost in my ways, trapped in a life that's going nowhere. And I feel that Oroville is where God wants me right now. I've actually felt that way for a long time; I've just denied it.

And a change of scenery would do me good. It will help me get out of this rut and this state of arrested development I feel I'm stuck in.

Since I won't be making a whole lot of money, I should be able to have my meds covered by the state. And if not, I honestly think that in that climate, I can survive off of Tylenol Arthritis. I really feel like my RA is going into remission.

Some of you know I've been a Christian for the last three years (though not what one would define as "on-fire"), and I'm still the same Brad. I still think farts are funny, I still listen to the same music, I still have a lot of the same political ideals I did before my transition (although I'd consider myself more in the middle of the political spectrum now).

The difference now is that I think farts are funny and I believe there's a God that loves all who find them funny.

The best of luck to you, Brad. :)

Wow, that is a big move. I have to say Brad, I am impressed. I wish you nothing but the best in your lifetime of following Jesus and learning about Christianity.

Thanks, guys. I won't be on nearly as much after the move, but I'll try and pop in from time to time.

Brad, I'm very happy that you're made a life-changing decision. It sounds ideal for you. I'll write more about it, but I'm ass dragging tired here, so that will have to wait until tomorrow. I just wanted to acknowledge your announcement now.

Excellent!

I made a similar move about two years ago from my home of 20 years. Although my adventure was not for religion, it was the greatest thing I could have done! A change of scenery is good from time-to-time and a true mission in life is essential for happiness!

It only gets better from here!

Good luck! Maybe you can make a difference in some people's lives. That's always a natural high.

It takes a lot of courage to make such a huge life altering change, I commend you on your devotion and commitment and wish you all the success and fufillment you desire.

I applaud you. You're doing what a lot of people are afraid to do, getting out of their comfort zone. Good luck!

That's great Brad! :) Good luck on the move and congratulations.

So I put in my two weeks' notice at work today. That was by far one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I barely got through talking to my boss about it without my voice cracking.

My boss said that if my path ever leads me back to Spokane, the door is wide open for me to return.

WELCOME TO CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!! I hope the change of weather can help you better with your physical health. God be with you and hope to still see you around here like we do!!!!!!:D :wave:

Good luck and happy trails AKA. Sounds like a good move for you.

Good Luck Brad!Keep us posted!:wave:

For the last few nights, I've felt this horrible feeling of apprehension about my decision, which caused me to toss and turn in bed. I'd go from thinking it was the best decision I've ever made to the biggest mistake.

Tonight, my best friend took me out to dinner and gave my decision his blessing. I don't know how many of you out there have felt the Holy Spirt come upon you, but it did for me tonight and gave me some much-needed inner peace.

I think I'll sleep well tonight.

I wish you the very best, Brad, in all you do. I think it's courageous to follow through on your decision. I'm thrilled for you. Would that we all followed God's will in everything. :)

Good luck, Brad!

I remember the times you really struggled and felt angry at God, even questioned His existence because of so many problems in your life at the time, but now it's great to see you're making a good decision to follow where the Lord wants you. I hope it turns out well, it'll be a good experience. We've had all those times of pain and disappointment in life and with God, but it takes a strong person to see past the disappointments. For a long time I felt frustrated and depressed because of my mother's passing, but I've noticed it open some opportunities with Christian music and such. Maybe that's the life lesson there, that we can learn to identify with others' problems.

Moving away from your life-long home is hard, but once you get settled in, you'll start to like it. And if not, you can always go back. Good luck!

Good luck, dude. You're a valued member of SO and I wish you only the best. I know what you mean about it being hard to move on... I've been in recovery for a few months and I've had to do a lot of that, and yes, it does suck. Stop in and say hi and let us know how you're doing.

For the last few nights, I've felt this horrible feeling of apprehension about my decision, which caused me to toss and turn in bed. I'd go from thinking it was the best decision I've ever made to the biggest mistake.

Tonight, my best friend took me out to dinner and gave my decision his blessing. I don't know how many of you out there have felt the Holy Spirt come upon you, but it did for me tonight and gave me some much-needed inner peace.

I think I'll sleep well tonight.
It's only natural to feel apprehensive over such a huge move. Change is often scary, even good change. I think this is a great opportunity for you Brad, and I really believe the change in climate is what your body needs. Can I join you, lol. Embrace this new chapter in your life. It will have its challenges. Anything that's worthwhile does, but I know this is the right move for you. I know you love your job, but I've told you before that all that stress is just no good for your physical ailments. Sunny California, look out! :)

Thanks, all. :)

To paint a clearer picture of my situation, I'm flying down with just two suitcases and a carry on. Most of my possessions, including all my CDs (I have them stored on my iPod) and most of my DVDs are staying in Spokane. For the most part, I'm just taking my clothes and a few other odds and ends.

I'm going to have my computer Fed-Exed to me after I settle in.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Good luck I'm from california. Los Angeles to be exact. I have an Aunt and Uncle who lives in Sac. There are some beautiful places here but remember we're not all fun and sun.

Repost from my blog:

Surprise, Surprise (Sweet Bird Of Paradox)

I like to think of myself as someone by whom not a whole lot slips.

Tonight, however, I was taken. I was thrown a surprise going away party by my parents and a bunch of friends I've met in the last three years through church.

I can honestly say it came out of left field. I can also honestly say that it reminded me of how loved I truly am and how, while these people will certainly miss me, they agree that the decision I made to move on was a good one.

Lots of fun was had, well was wished (and prayed), cards and gifts cards were given. And the men beat the women at Shout About TV.

Unfortunately, I've had a lot of pizza, cake and soda. I'm going to pay.

Tonight's blog has been bought to you by the fine makers of Pepcid Complete. Pepcid Complete: "For the man who likes to eat like a pig and feel like one, too."

Repost from my blog:

Surprise, Surprise (Sweet Bird Of Paradox)

I like to think of myself as someone by whom not a whole lot slips.

Tonight, however, I was taken. I was thrown a surprise going away party by my parents and a bunch of friends I've met in the last three years through church.

I can honestly say it came out of left field. I can also honestly say that it reminded me of how loved I truly am and how, while these people will certainly miss me, they agree that the decision I made to move on was a good one.

Lots of fun was had, well was wished (and prayed), cards and gifts cards were given. And the men beat the women at Shout About TV.

Unfortunately, I've had a lot of pizza, cake and soda. I'm going to pay.

Tonight's blog has been bought to you by the fine makers of Pepcid Complete. Pepcid Complete: "For the man who likes to eat like a pig and feel like one, too."

pig:

Aw, good luck, Brad. :)

I'm glad to hear about your decision, it's actually inspiring...I hope everything goes excellent for you in California and I wish you the absolute best on your journey there. I'm sure it will be very rewarding.

I would like to extend my best wishes for you in California. :)

Good luck with it all, man. That's really awesome. I too feel The Lord guiding me to move elsewhere and have for some time, its just a matter of the right timing.