First Faith
Stories
God and the Green Balloon
It was a day full of fun with my two oldest. The plan? A birthday party and a church event with Grace and Gabe.
As we hoped, the birthday party was a blast. What we call “The Monkey Park” is a favorite children’s destination in the town where we lived in Alabama.
God's Provision: 82 Years Early
In January, my world was shaken when my daddy died. Since then, it’s been a struggle for my mom and me as we continued on without him. We weren’t sure how we would make it, but God has been so faithful during this time, especially as finances have been a constant challenge.
The Life-Changing Power of Encouragement
BY JAMES PRESCOTT–Words have such power don’t they? Especially words fed to us as we are growing up. The messages we hear through our teenage years have the potential to stay with us for decades to come.
Listening for the Story
Somewhat reluctantly, I folded down the top of my laptop and began talking to him. In the next 45 minutes I learned about his time at war, his wife who passed away 10 years ago, his 40-year career at the manufacturing plant, the part-time minister role he held, his two daughters and his dog.
Welcome to the Journey
1st Faith is an idea. A dream. A vision. A hope. We’re naive enough to believe it can happen. If you believe too, hop on board.
God and the Complete Mess
Redeemed–that’s the word that comes to mind today as I think about my life. To be honest, I have walked closely to the Lord for over a decade now, so sometimes I forget how crazy my life was before I completely let Him take over.
An Epic Bash
They were a wonderful audience—perfect for a comedian. I closed with a personal story, to illustrate that what we do matters, regardless of how small we think our role might be. This was my first time at this church to perform inspirational comedy, but it wasn’t my first time there.
No Conditions
Becoming a mom changed my life in ways I never expected. It’s completely changed my outlook on God and His love for us. I finally understand the intensity and unconditional nature of a parent’s love.
On My Way
Once upon a time I was in the fourth grade.
Mrs. Drachman had been renamed Mrs. Dracula by those of us in her fourth grade at the Mary Lyon School in Boston. Of course, we were brave enough to call her that only on the playground; we were so clever!
The Memory Box
I accepted a new job offer to teach at a high school near where I live–a bittersweet decision because I loved the school where I was and loved my students. Yet I knew God was leading me to make this move
A Very Familiar Voice
A very familiar voice called me forward one night – I reasoned with God that he was calling the wrong person
The Miracle of Friends
After 30 years of what I thought was a strong marriage, my husband left me. I was devastated. My children, family, and friends were as shocked and hurt as I was. And it was their love that sustained me.
Faith? Or Common Sense?
My wife and I had just moved to Atlanta so I could begin my first job out of college as an Engineer. She found a job teaching high school math. Life was good. It was time for us to start our life together. A new city to explore. New friends to make.
No Boat for You!
There’s a story which—at first glance—makes me look at Jesus and say, “What were you thinking?” It’s in Luke’s account (Ch. 8), the story of Jesus healing a demon-possessed man.
Washing Feet in the 21st Century
For regulars here, you know 1st Faith is where anyone has an opportunity to tell a story of faith. Why? Because one of the strongest ways to build a friend’s faith is through telling our own story.
The 10-Year Diagnosis
In 2007, during my first year of marriage, I became incredibly ill. My body unleashed attacks upon itself as an autoimmune disease viciously assailed my pancreas, intestines and finally, my entire colon.
The Faith of a Friend
He was a good guy. We got along well, he went to church with me and stood with me through a terrible health scare. When I came through it, he asked me to marry him. I said yes.
The Lunch Question
“What if God’s not real, Mommy?”
It was a question wedged somewhere between chicken nuggets and several asks for ice cream after lunch.
Connections
About ten years ago I was talking with my husband’s best friend, who told me of growing up in a children’s home in the Midwest. When he mentioned the name of the home, something clicked.
the turning point
It was sometime in the 90s. I was a single dad, not by choice. But here I was, with three young children just trying to hold on.
The Greatest Thing
A week later, she let me know she had gone to the doctor and was nine weeks along. She told me things were getting hectic and she would call me as soon as she could. One night, after I wrapped on a project and was headed back to North Hollywood, she called…
the uncomfortable nudge
It was two summers ago and I sensed God leading me to make a decision that honestly didn’t make any sense.
Cody Parkey Chooses Faith
Cody Parkey of the Chicago Bears lifted his index finger toward the heavens after missing what would have been the game-winning field goal…
The Girl in the store
She told the person on the phone she didn’t think that “this time,” she could hide the bruises her boyfriend gave her from her parents.
The Breakthrough
On a soccer field in Nicaragua, one moment changed my calling, and the direction of my life.
The Little Neighbor
We were eating dinner when she peeked in from the door which opens to our deck. At just four-years-old…
Faith: Lost and Found
This $20 bill took me back 20 years, to a day when I was a single dad with three kids. It was dinnertime and I was exhausted…
At the Cliffs
There was a time in my early 20s when I was rebelling against God, living life my own way. Honestly, I was angry…
Blind in the Parking Lot
While out shopping with two of my children, we headed to the parking lot and noticed a commotion with people staring…
First Faith