I was raised in a Christian home and like most families we attended church every Sunday. At the age of twelve I came to the point in my life that most everyone comes to in their lives. I had to make a personal decision if I was going to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

My favorite Australian Rules Football player, Gary Ablett, was giving his testimony one night. I can still recall where I was sitting and how I felt when I raised my hand to make the decision to become born again, confess my sins, accept what Jesus did for me at Calvary and repent, I still remember the peace that came over me.

Even though I was a Christian and went to church I never really sought to have a close relationship and walk with Christ. What a mistake.

In 2000 and 2001 I had probably the 2 worst years of my life. I nearly quit golf, I was getting quite home sick and feeling depressed. I was playing PGA Tour events, majors doing what I always wanted, but life was terrible, I wasn’t enjoying it at all. I was empty, unfulfilled and discontented with everything. I learned the hard way, once you are saved and born again, you cannot go your own way, take your own path without being miserable.

It was around mid 2002 that I started passionately seeking the Lord. God called me to give up dating for nearly 6 months. This wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I trusted God and obeyed. I can honestly say that this was the turning point in my life and in my relationship and walk with the Lord.

My devotion and commitment was stronger as my passion for my Savior grew. I would get up early or stay up late to spend time reading my Bible, praying or worshipping. Enter the marvelous grace and peace of our Heavenly Father. His Holy Spirit began guiding me, leading me in my daily activities.

Life was now having a totally different outlook. I was enjoying it again. Not because I was playing majors and PGA Tour events, in fact I was playing on the Nationwide Tour. It was simply due to the fact God was totally involved in my life like never before. Actually, a close friend of mine noticed the difference and he said to me “I want what you have.” What he saw was Jesus Christ in my life. I used to think living the Christian life was no fun and boring, but now I could not imagine living without Jesus. As I spent time with God, I noticed my passions started to change as my hearts desire was becoming more like my Heavenly Fathers.

My life verse is James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”.

God desires to be close to us, but He allows us to make the first move. So we determine the level of intimacy we have with God.

Just like David wrote in the Psalms “As a deer pants for the water so my soul long after you”. Today, my hearts passion is to be close to God, to ALWAYS to be able to hear His voice, His leading and to obey Him. I absolutely love being with Him and being in His presence. There is nothing better, my heart longs for it!! It doesn’t come from winning championships, striving for glory on this earth and having all kinds of materials, fame and fortune. It comes only from the presence of God. That is where the fullness of joy is found. Psalm 16:11, “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

It all started back when I was 12 and made that first decision to accept Jesus as my Savior and then my second critical decision was to follow Jesus and seek Him. I found that God desires not only for our soul to be saved but also a daily walk with Him which includes a deep, intimate relationship that depends on Him guiding all areas of my life. I had to make Jesus not only Savior but true Lord of my life. That is the difference, where the abundant life is found.

My heart desires Him, He is my all. Daily I make the decision to seek His face and He has never let me down! I promise if you seek Him with a true heart, He will NEVER let you down!! In Jeremiah 29:13 God says “and you will seek for Me and you will find Me when you search for me with all of your heart” Recently God provided me the ability to win the Verizon Heritage Classic, I have a wonderful wife and life looks great, only because Jesus Christ is steering the helm. With all the success, achievements and attention a PGA golfer gets, it pails in comparison to the joy, fulfillment and happiness walking with my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ provides me. He is purpose, life, fulfillment and our only hope for today and eternity!

Jeremiah 29:11 sums it up, “’For I know the plans I have for you’ says the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you, not to harm you, but plans to give you a hope and a future.’” He is my hope and He is my future!