NorthStar Stories

God has put it in my heart to do this

Like most southern men, I would be remiss if I ever thought I could live this life without the love of God sent forth to me within the heart of my Mama. She was the first girl to ever love me. She taught me what the heart of a "God's little girl" was all about! Because of her, I know that someday I will find the girl of my heart's dreams. Mama gave me that kind of hope. God used my Mama to give me that hope.

In 1998, I stood the chance of losing her. My Grandmama, too. They were both diagnosed, with one form or another, of breast cancer. It's been ten years and both of them have lived on!

2008 is their ten year survival anniversary!

What makes this a Northstar story is that my Mama's maiden name is Elster. That's right, Northstar's Pastor of Spiritual Formation and Leadership Development, Randy Elster is my uncle! His mama is MY Grandmama and his sister is MY Mama! Most of you may know Randy, but have not met me. I usually sit in the center of the back row, in the Compass Center's 11:00 service.

I'm kinda shy that way.

Because this year is the ten year anniversary of their diagnosis AND survival I have decided to participate in the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk in October. God has put it in my heart to do this. It is a test of faith on so many levels and has or is going to make me make changes in my life for the better. Coming to Northstar every Sunday has helped me realize that I am venturing forth on the right path.....FINALLY! I have known God for many years, but never knew how far away I was from him. He never let me go, no matter how far I roamed. Now I am becoming the man I was meant to be. I am looking forward to meeting more of you as I get over my shyness. I can't wait to do The 3 Day Walk! It happens in October, right after my Mama's birthday. This is going to be her birthday present from me...to walk....in the light!!!

To improve my life in order to walk in her honor and that of my Grandmama. To thank God for my life, my Mama, my Grandmama and all the love given to me!

In order to walk, I have to raise money for cancer research. I want to raise as much as possible, but I only need $2200 to qualify to walk.

I am already on my way with nearly $300 raised already and the October deadline still far away. Please pray for me as I seek to raise funds for breast cancer research. Somebody raised alot over ten years ago and it saved the lives of my Mama and Grandmama. If you would like to know more about the 3 day walk and breast cancer research, go to The 3Day website(www.the3day.org).

While you're there, you can donate. If you want to donate on MY behalf, search for Christopher Elliott. You don't have to donate on my behalf or at all. But pray for those of us that have made the choice to walk. I know I have NEVER done something this crazy before. Talk about exchanging ordinary living for an extraordinary life!!!! God, I'll go where you send me, go where you send me and I will fear no evil!!!!

Thanks for reading this, it warmed my heart just to write(type) it!

God Bless,
Christopher Elliott

Northstar Church made a big difference in my life in the past two years

My family suffered a great deal when I was depressed for several years.  It cost me my marriage and living with my children every day.   It also cost me the past few years of being a part of my family.

My depression was caused by several factors – insecurity, extremely low self-esteem, lack of positive attitudes from immediate family members when I was growing up (even though they were a loving family), and numerous mistakes I had made in my life due to my insecurities, self-esteem and naivety.

During the last year of my marriage I had an affair.  I realize now why I strayed from my marriage – I was looking for what was missing in our marriage – communication, friendship, laughter, family togetherness, knowledge of each other, the special bonds in a marriage, and the fact that I had never dealt with my father’s death (he died one month before our wedding).  If I had known then that I could have had all of what I listed above with my ex-husband when I was married, maybe my ex-husband and I wouldn’t have gotten the divorce.  I’ve researched relationships, depression, and raising children. He was an excellent husband and he is a wonderful father.    

Northstar Church made a big difference in my life in the past two years.  Pastor Mike has a certain way of preaching the bible that relates to the members' lives in such a way that it has opened my eyes significantly.  Every day I search for ways to improve myself and how to raise my children positively.  I no longer spank them.  I have a fear of being hit since I used to be spanked as a child.  I believe in positive discipline and constant teaching and encouragement.  Progress and improvement takes time.  It doesn’t happen overnight, but eventually I have seen wonderful changes and that’s what counts.  I also believed that my family meant well, but didn't know that there were better ways of raising positive.  Most parents don't realize how much of an impact they are in their children's actions.  Most of the time they think that peers are to blame, but in a lot of cases, such as mine and my children's, it is because they lack the attention they need from their parents so they seek it in other people and/ or can react negatively (drugs, drinking, smoking, sex, bad language, attitudes, low school performance, etc).

I continued to make bad decisions until the day I attempted suicide two years ago.  That was the turning point in my life.  I spent one month at a hospital.  I told my children then exactly what happened because I believed they needed to know the truth even though they were so young.   It took seven years for me to deal with my father’s death since no one understood how much it affected me.   Most of the time people looked at my actions instead of the inside of me.  That is why I was so misunderstood by others, including my parents.  My children, 12 year old son and 10 year old daughter, are still struggling with growing up with positive attitudes because of my depression for most of their life.  The three of us have improved since my suicide attempt, but their reactions and thoughts are more negative based instead of positive.  I want to teach them to be positive and see that life is wonderful.  I see and understand their emotions, their need for attention, the way they withdraw and internalize.  I want them to grow up knowing how to deal with their emotions and teach them values (which I was not taught) and to know how much I love them.  I let them know that they can talk to me about anything.

Do you believe in second chances?  Some people do, some people don’t.  I do.  I also believe that people can change for the better.  Sometimes other people just don’t want to stand by those people while they change or don’t want to take second chances with those people.

I was on anti-depressants until September 2006.  Since then I no longer take medication, I’ve found different ways to move through depressed times.   God, positive attitudes, motivation, support from family and friends, participating in activities/sports, attending Northstar Church, helping others, and determination are most of the keys to overcoming depression without medication and being content.

I mentor at-risk teenagers now.  One day, I would love to own or manage a place where kids and teenagers (at risk and non-risk) could go to in order to feel free to express themselves (such as talking, drawing, painting, writing, etc) at any time instead of internalizing.  Kids and teenagers need more from their parents than parents realize.  Kids and teenagers hold back their emotions most of the time and parents tend to shrug off their need to talk about their feelings because kids don't show that they are upset or having problems.  Kids and teenagers are often misunderstood.

I miss my ex-husband and living with my children so much.  My children stay with me one day a week and every other weekend so I do see them.  It’s just not every day.  I am also very active in their activities during and after school even on the days that I do not see them.  My life is still based around my children.  Since my divorce in 2000, I kept wondering why I always felt like “something was missing”.  I realized what it was two weeks ago.  I take one day at a time now. -- Marilyn

Everyone we talked to said he shouldn't have made it

Dear NorthStar:  I wanted to share how my husband and family has had a brave heart and how the experience has brought us closer to God and united our family.

The recent series on having a BraveHeart really reminded us all how our Brave Heart moment continues to keep us strong in our marriage and our family.  Between my husband Tom and I, we've had a lot of health issues, Diabetes, several Cancer scares, several heart attacks and a car accident.  Add in there several disappointing jobs with some serious Christian challenged individuals, and it all started to feel pretty scary and depressing. Several job changes and several new states to live in, leaving behind friends, churches and starting over yet again.

My husband was in Washington D.C. and I and our three children were in Nashville, when we had the most brave heart moment of our lives.  I received a call early that morning that my husband wasn't feeling well, he had kept his mother and sister-in-law up all night.  Since he has had previous heart attacks, (during 2 of the 3 pregnancies)  I was immediately worried that perhaps this was another one.  However, as Tom described the known symptoms, it wasn't clear.  Of course we were praying that it was just a case of the flu or something easy.....it was not.  As the day progressed and numerous calls were made back and forth, I told Tom that he really needed to go to the emergency room NOW!  Finally he did.

The next call I received rocked our world.  The doctor said that my husband was in the process of being prepared to leave the first hospital in a Life Flight to go to "the" best heart hospital in the D.C. area.  The Doctor at the first hospital said there wasn't anything more they could do, (they originally thought that a stint would solve everything)  his heart was very weak, and he was not expected to make it through the surgery, a quad-by-pass.   I asked the doctor if he was a Christian...he said yes he was, I asked him to pray with my husband....he said he would....he also said that he could get a cell phone and that I could talk to him briefly until the Life-Flight Pilots arrived for him.  I knew that these could be the last words that I might ever say to my husband of 20+ years....and I remember very clearly that all I wanted to do was to pray for him, to see his pretty blue eyes and to tell him that I loved him.  I told him that God would hold the Doctor's hands and would guide her hands through the process and then all I could do was to tell him over and over that I LOVED him!  He said it back to me, and that is what we held onto.  I had to hang up abruptly as it was time for him to leave.  I dropped to the floor and prayed for the pilots, the surgeon who would hold my husbands heart in her hands and even though I was told that it didn't look good, my Brave Heart believed that a miracle could happen!  I made several calls, and everyone rallied around us.  We prayed, we cried, people brought food, picked up the children from 3 different schools, people packed up my car, got us clothes, food, etc., and we prepared for a 15 hour drive to D.C.  At that time I didn't know if we were leaving to see a miracle, or for a funeral.  I suggested without the children knowing why, for them to "bring that cute black jumper, that nice pair of black slacks, maybe those black shoes, just in case we go to a nice place for dinner" I said, then I found appropriate clothes for me, for a funeral...just in case.

Right before Tom went into surgery, the heart surgeon called from the new hospital....my spirits took a dive.  But, she was so kind, she was very calm, she said she had prayed with Tom and she wanted us to be able to talk briefly before he had the very risky surgery and explained again to me how dire the situation was.....all I wanted was to hold his hand...I prayed to God to keep me calm during the conversation and to give him the much needed hope that he needed.  His spirits were remarkably good.  All he could say to me also, was that he loved me.  We must have said it 20 times back-and-forth.  It was all that was needed.  When it all came down to that moment, it was everything.  It offered comfort to him and I that we were able to talk. 

The surgeon said that the surgery would last about 6 hours-it was now midnight.  Sleep was impossible, but I felt the presence of God while I laid in my favorite comfort chair and prayed with the phone in my hands for 6 hours, not wanting to miss a call should it come.  I did receive a call exactly when she said she would be done....HE MADE IT through the first hurdle!  HE MADE IT!  She said that she didn't think there was any way she could find a part of his heart to connect the vein that she had taken from his leg....she had tried and tried...finally she found a small spot....and then on and on she didn't think it would work, but then it did.  God WAS guiding her hands, just like we had prayed....she even said it was remarkable that he was doing so well....she said "there was no reason that the man was still alive".  I told her I had prayed for her hands....she was sure that was the reason that she kept on trying to do the impossible.  She said that "several times I was just going to give up, but something made me keep going".  WOW!   Which comes to our favorite Bible verse:  Through Him, all things are possible!  Truly, any time anyone is down on their luck with a bad situation, you only have to remember that!  Even in the worst possible situation....Through Him, all things ARE POSSIBLE!  Powerful...very powerful. 

Well, we left as soon as we could get in the car that morning, myself and 3 children, one in 2nd Grade, one in Fifth Grade, and on in 7th Grade.  The car was packed by friends with everything we needed, even food and drinks for along the way.  What a blessing friends are!   Tom was still in a touch-and-go situation, and I called the nurses along the way to ask of his status.  I know they were trying to not upset me, knowing I was driving and they kept some of the situations low-key.  They did mention that when I arrived to not be alarmed at all the machines and tried to prepare me for how he would be.  We drove and drove, it was very stressful. Of course the kids were crying, and upset, it was such a long drive.  The nurses said he was worried about us driving.

Somewhere along the way, we had to make a stop for food.  I remember not being able to find an easy place right off an exit, so what with one of my children's restroom needs becoming an emergency situation, I just pulled off an exit, any exit.  There was nothing.  JUST nothing.  I had been obviously very nervous, upset, crying---but trying to keep calm for the kids, but for some reason, this current situation was just about ready to send me over the edge.  Finally we found a Mall, (in the middle of no where)  well, I figured a Mall would have food and restrooms, so in we go.  I parked the car and got everyone out and kind of spoke to no one in particular, but did shout out loud "Where in the world am I?"  Just at that same time, two older ladies stepped out of their car near us...I was embarrassed that I was actually speaking to the air...or was it to God?  Well these two ladies came over to me and for whatever reason, asked me if they could help me.  I blurted out the whole story, husband in hospital, may not make it, long drive, we are all upset, have 3 kids, we are hungry, tired, and worried.  They asked if they could pray with us---here we are in a parking lot---I say sure...I remember I'm kind of in a daze....well they prayed, and we were just kind of numb yet comforted by their caring and prayer, and as they left they said that they were two ministers wife's and that they and their church would begin to pray for Tom and they would get others to pray also.  After the prayer and after their words of comfort, an immediate sense of peace, relief and a deep and clear understanding was communicated through me that Tom would be OK.  My nervousness was gone a true weight was lifted...I could feel it.  And then the nice ladies were gone....my only regret is that I never got their names...I would have liked to write them of the miracle that happened in that hospital AND in that parking lot!  ( actually think they may have been angels!  :)

We continued on our journey, now calmer and with a mission to just GET THERE!  We arrived thanks to Map Quest with only one wrong turn (road work), and walked onto the floor where my husband was at exactly 12:01 A.M. We realized it was FATHERS DAY!  A nurse saw us (another angel) and immediately asked us if we were the Vehar Family.  Apparently the entire floor knew we had been driving all day to get to Tom.  We of course said YES!  I expected to see the worst, but could only notice his pretty blue eyes.  I could only see the love in them and tried to get around all the machines to try to give him a soft hug.  Because two of our children were under age to come in the Cardiac Care Unit, I was almost prepared to lie, but the nurses said they could come in.....it was a day to celebrate....it was Father's DAY, and what a GREAT DAY it was.  Tom went off several machines and several meds within hours of us arriving.  The nurses said they couldn't believe it....everyone we talked to said he shouldn't have made it....he shouldn't be doing so well.  I told them all that the LOVE of a family and the strength of PRAYER cannot be messed with!  By the time we arrived half the USA I think was praying, everyone had called everyone and they called others, until from Washington State to Washington D.C., people were praying.  Praise God! 

Right around the time this all happened, my daughter and I (we are both artists) started to create beaded crosses.  Well, we handed them out to EVERYONE to show our thanks of everyone's remarkable part in saving my husbands life.  It is interesting that for just about every one we handed out, we got offers from others to buy them, keeping this mini ministry going.  The crosses have gone everywhere in the United States.  These crosses will always remind us that we can get through anything....we have proof.....we have Tom!    Tom is doing fine now, his oldest daughter Christina is graduating from Harrison High in a few months, his son Dan is starting to drive and his youngest daughter Lizzy is in Middle School. 

So obviously during the Brave Heart series at NorthStar, we held this story close to our hearts.  We KNOW that Brave Hearts can get through anything with the power of God and the power of prayer.  We feel blessed that when we moved to this area that we were invited to attend by another neighbor and our realtor....NorthStar does a great job at making someone feel welcome!  Two years ago, the entire family made a decision to be baptized together in Lake Allatoona with many other NorthStar members, where sadly Tom's Mom's ashes were scattered just a year ago.  We love to participate in VBS each year at NorthStar and show the love of Jesus to the community.  We are super grateful that NorthStar offers so many opportunities to get involved not only at the church but out in the community.   We are blessed!

If there is someone out there who ever needs a prayer, a hug or just our ears to listen....we are here...and so is God!

Our Love. -- Diane, Tom, Christina, Dan and Lizzy Vehar

Technical difficulties

Due to technical difficulties, we are currently not able to receive submissions via the online form. We hope the issue will be resolved sometime in the next few days. Meanwhile, feel free to email your submission to randy.elster@northstarchurch.org.

Brave Heart Stories

This past Sunday was a NorthStar Stories Sunday as we wrapped up the Brave Heart series with a video of three families' stories. You can check out the video HERE.

I was excited that some one cared enough to invite us

I started attending North Star in 2000. I was a single mom. I moved to Georgia to start a new beginning for my children and myself. I remember leaving with only what my kids and I could get on a plane. We really started fresh with little clothes and some paper work and our bible!

I was invited to church by a neighbor Marlon Longacre. I was excited that some one cared enough to invite us.

Things have never been easy for us. I really struggled to provide for them. Often deciding between food and clothes. At times I felt completly broken! I am a born again Christian with great faith but sometimes felt lost in the system! In 2002 my then 12 year old became very ill spending a few days in ICU and diagnosed with Diabetes 1 . I felt very alone. I had no friends very little support I still do not have either which leaves me completely focused on God and my relationship with HIM. I work in a Christian Office where we share Gods word daily. When I go home there is often distress and I FIND MYSELF holding onto my work! This last month with brave heart I realized so much. I cope with my tribulations and cling to the cross and the word of God where I find my strength to carry on. My son still struggles day to day and we have some great days. Allissa is a trouper and I tell her that she keeps me going she is very amazing. I see her strugling now and she has lost interest in youth group and shared with me Mike really speaks to her! You really gotta go where your heart is she said. Mike really speaks to my heart and thats important!

Marlon married my new husband and i June 5, 2005 and thanks to him and his compassion for the Community our family is whole. -- Kathy Saranillas

Northstar has forever changed our lives

Marlon, You will never know how grateful I am that you give/gave of your time to “Dreambuilders”.  That was the “instrument” that God used for me to take the BIGGEST LEAP IN MY LIFE!!!

About 4 ½ years ago – while attending Northstar – I would read in the bulletin about the “kids mentor program” (Dreambuilders) and if interested contact Marlon.   I hadn’t had children and really felt that I wanted to be a part of a child’s life.  A year or so earlier Daryl and I began the process of getting a foster child.  We went to foster orientation, filled out all the paperwork, and then put it aside and did nothing but “talk” about it.

The DB  mentor program gave me outlet to be around children but with no commitment on my part.   It was so easy to give of my time then go home to a great life w/my husband.  We did so much and enjoyed our lives but at the end of day – I felt something was missing.  I would ask Daryl if he wanted to move forward on the foster child and he would say “yes” but then I would still procrastinate.  I remember a friend saying “you’ve talked about becoming a “foster parent “” well, what’s taking so long”.  The honest answer is FEAR.  Fear of the unknown.  Not knowing what child you would get – what issues would be present, would I be a good parent etc…etc…

I finally gave it all up to the LORD and released the control to HIM !   I just kept praying that HIS will be done in our lives.

I continued with Dreambuilders every Thur and one day in Nov there were two children missing.  There names were Catrina –8,  and Mo  (Charles) 6.  They were the two children that were so quiet and so extremely shy that I barely gave them much attention– they just were too distant.  At the end of that session Marlon prayed and he then disclosed that the two children had been removed from their home by the authorities.  I began to cry and at the time  didn’t know why.  Like I said, I wasn’t at all attached to these two kids at all.  When Marlon stopped praying he looked at me and said “weren’t you going to be a foster parent”  - I shook my head – he then said “GO GET THOSE KIDS”. 

That’s what did!!!!

I went home that night and explained to Daryl that there were these two kids and they now need a home …..– can’t remember as it’s all a fog now.  My WONDERFUL husband agreed and  told me he would look into how to proceed – he’s a family law attorney – which really helped to navigate the system.

Well, it took 2 months but  – when we got word that we could be their “legal Guardian”  I drove to the group home to pick Catrina and “MO” up.  They new “Miss Jackie “ from seeing me every Thur at Dreambuilders.  Nonetheless, we were all very scared!!  It was a long ride there  - and home.   We were going from 0-2 children, in school, in less than 60 seconds!!!!!!!! Did I mention that it was VERY SCARY!!!

Well, the two years came and went and we celebrated  our 3 year anniversary this past January!!!!  we are in the process of legally adopting the children but to us  - that’s just the legalities.  We LOVE THEM with all our heart !!!   Yes, the have baggage, yes they have disabilities, YES, they are GOD’S CHOICE FOR DARYL AND I – I’m glad HE made the PERFECT decision for us!!!!!

Daryl and I joined the church a few years ago and we, along with our children,  were baptized at Lake Allatoona – “Mr. Marlon dunked both kids at the same time!!!!  IT was an awesome experience!!!

Marlon  - keep giving because through you – LIVES ARE CHANGED!!!

Pastor Mike – I’ll never forget a sermon you gave on “If you want to walk on water you HAVE TO GET OUT OF THE BOAT”  and boy did we !!!!! 

Northstar has forever changed our lives!!!! -- Jackie and Daryl Kidd, Catrina and Charles  (soon to be KIDD)

Today I am a different person

My "story" is not a glamorous as the others posted here. I don't feel as worthy, but maybe my story will help someone. If I touch ONE person, that is enough for me.

THE BEGINNING.....

I've recently started attending NorthStar Church. I love it. I am a Christian, but have not been living for the Lord. I was raised Christian and know what it takes to please God. I have not been doing those things - not even close.

I was raised in a violent, horrible, dysfunctional home. My parents were divorced and my Mother went from man to man, remarrying two more times after my Father. (My father lived in another State and was a "career criminal" who spent most of my childhood incarcerated.) As a young girl, I was often left alone for days at a time - I was only 10. I learned to survive on my own. We lived "in the country" and I will never forget the darkness at night....so dark you can barely see unless there is moonlight. Many of those dark nights, I was cast from my home by my Mother's husband. He would make me leave and "go find somewhere else to sleep."  I was 10. I'd walk through the woods, get my coffee can of quarters, and walk to the store which had a pay phone - I'd call someone to come get me. (A friend had an older sister with a car.) The path through the woods saved me a mile walk, but it sure was dark and scary. Once my neighbors caught on, they invited me to come to their house should it ever happen again. It did. I went to them and they were my haven. Many school nights I'd be woken from a dead sleep to that man yelling at my mother, screaming, yanking me from the bed, distroying my toys, and tossing me out the door. She never tried to stop him. He never hit me, but his words and actions stung as bad as a punch. The pain and isolation was almost unbearable for me. I was so confused and afraid. Before she married husband number three (this man) we went to church. I didn't understand why God let all this happen to me - why didn't he protect me?  I did not trust in the Lord any longer and would not for the rest of my childhood and early adulthood.

I made good grades in school and tried to be "normal." However, the abuse and dysfunction almost destroyed me. Despite all the trauma at home, I was popular, involved in school activities, and tried to be like all the other kids. My mother eventually divorced this husband. She started drinking and partying with people - more and more each day. They'd often burst in late at night and wake me from my sleep. Just another day in my life...it was not healthy. The only thing I had was my determination to graduate and get out of there!  I became pregnant at 17 and had an abortion. I was alone and very depressed. (It is worth mentioning for those young people reading this that I became pregnant the FIRST time I had intercourse - the very first time! It happens.) I tried so hard to hide the pain...to make it go away...to do anything besides "look" at myself. I hated me...I felt very unworthy of love. I knew God would hate me for having an abortion, but I did not know what else to do. I had no support system, nobody to lean on.  I did not feel like I'd make it through to finish high school. I wanted to die. I made it through high school and started to have hope. I wanted to attend a local college and try once more to "make something" of myself. I knew I could - I just had to decide how. I worked full-time and went to school full-time. It gave me even more drive and determination and eventually led me to move out of my mother's house. (When I moved out, I was taken in by a friend's parents - they wanted me to go to college and not have to pay rent. They allowed me to live there and I was overwhelmed at how they took me in and made me one of the family. And, all of this without ever asking for anything from me.) 

Through college I concentrated on getting out of school and tried to mask the pain I felt on the inside. I can't really explain it, but it just felt like I was always on the verge of breaking. I felt broken already. I got good grades, studied hard, worked often so I could afford school, and tried to be "normal." The pain and despair persisted. The more I accomplished, the more the "beast" reared his head and demanded more of my life...my heart...my emotions. I developed a habit of smoking marijuana to sleep. I still worked, studied, and made Dean's list, but I needed something...someone....to help me bear the pain and misery. This went on for the last two years of college and into my adulthood.

I graduated from college and immediately moved to Atlanta. I think I was running away, but did not realize it until later in life. I've been here now since 1994 and have yet to find a place that makes me feel like NorthStar. So many of the messages I hear (at NorthStar) are that Christians DO sin...we DO make mistakes...we DO need support.  I've never really understood that. I always assumed that if God saw the bad things I did, he'd "cross me off his list."  I lived my life as if that were already done.

Even though I've only recently started attending NorthStar, each time I leave, I feel more hope and elation than I have in a very long time. I have two children who mean more to me than my own life. Growing up in such a condition made me strong - strong enough to make sure my children NEVER have to see and hear what I did. To this day, they have no idea what I've been through - they are so sheltered. I can only pray that God guides me further to raise my children in the love I know is there.

PRESENT DAY....

Today I am a different person. It took me many many years to deal with the issues of my parents and childhood, but I finally came to peace with all of that. While still "tender" on the inside when I think of my life growing up, I am now able to make sound decisions for my children's sake. I now understand that the experience made me the strong, independent person that I am. One thing I always remember feeling was that I was here for a reason....a real reason....to help someone, something, do something for others. Now, I volunteer with struggling youth of Atlanta. I work with families who are torn apart by drugs, alcohol, or abuse. I volunteer for many different youth/family programs in Cobb County. If I'd had ONE person to listen to me when I was growing up, it might've made a difference. My volunteer position often brings me to youth who feel the same way. My heart breaks for them. I know how they feel. I understand and relate. But, what still nags at me is the question of HOW. HOW do you want me to repay you, Lord? What can I do? How can you use someone like me - someone broken and bruised, but still alive?

I think NorthStar will help me live a life worthy of the Lord, be more at peace, and learn to accept my faults. I am a sinner - not a bad person. I deserve the same love as the next person. I know I am here for a reason. If attending NorthStar brings me closer to the Lord and closer to the "reason" then that alone is worth me coming every Sunday.

Thank you for accepting me...a sinner...a person....a mother....a person struggling with bad habits...a person who needs love....a person bound for something BIG! -- Jen

God does use us

It was Summer of 2005, friends we met through my son's youth sports, members of Northstar, asked Nancy and I to attend one Sunday and we did. At the time I was 44 years of age. Wow, it had been a while since I had walked into a church and never with my family, my twins at the time were 9. My wife is Jewish.

From that moment on, I fought this inside yearning with each message of Mike. I didn't realize it at the time, but it wasn't a yearning but a calling to my heart by God. I listened and within 6 months, I joined the church. I never in my life would believe that my Sunday mornings would be so consumed with the excitement of driving from Canton to Acworth to Northstar Church. I joined the Men's Executive Bible Study as well.

On October 29, 2006 I had a seizure while driving and luckily was involved in a one car accident. My vehicle was totaled; such happens when you hit a bulldozer! No driving for 6 months, the doctor and the state of Georgia said! What would I do? How would I work as a salesman in the building materials industry? I was as much a wreck as my van. My transportation was by unselfish friends from all parts of my life. Why God, why me, why my family, and why now!

For 2 1/2 months I was a basket case. I remember going to basketball practice with my son and speaking with another father, a youth minister of a Gainesville, GA church and he told me that "God is using me!" I honestly thought he was nuts! I had a very hard time with that one.

I finally put God's words to faith, Proverbs 3:5-6, became my life. The next 4 months went by like days. I am now working as before. I was baptized at Lake Acworth with hundreds of other Northstar members. The "using me" part still had me troubled. However, Mike helped me with his messages many times, "God says it will be at a time of God's chosing".

In the Fall of 07, my wife and I put together a 5K Race and a 1 mile Fun Run as a fundraiser for neighbors that were being torn apart as they watched their 15 year old daughter in need of a sudden liver transplant. As the father addressed and thanked the runners and volunteers, he said "We didn't know what they were going to do, God speak to us and help us! And he did, one day at his door steps, Jesus spoke to them in the voices of Troy and Nancy Adams with excitement of establishing today's fundraiser event for their daughter". I tried best as I could to hide back the tears placed upon my face with God's answer to my friend's statement of "God is using you!" Indeed! 

Yes, God does use us and he definitely used me and my family. May God Bless Northstar Church and all of you reading this. -- Troy Adams

I started praying that he would use me

G'day, from Downunder.

Well I'm a recently graduate from Kennesaw State University backpacking through Australia & New Zealand.  I’ve been attending Northstar for about 2 years now and love going to the college small groups on Thursdays.

It was always a kinda of dream of mine to do this after I graduated.  When I had made the plans to go on this trip I wasn't exactly living the "Christian life" but that's a different story. I say that because I wanted to make this trip more about God and do his will even though it wasn't a mission trip.  Well I started praying that he would use me on this trip somehow and that I could be a light and a difference for Christ.  My grandpa told me a story when I was a kid that he prayed for wildlife on his trips outside the U.S.  I found myself praying for the same thing. (which have been answered).  He also told me of a time where he prayed that he would sit next to someone on a plane ride & have a chance to speak to them about Christ.  That story always stood out to me, so I prayed for a similar situation to be presented to me here.  Well God answered that prayer on my flight from Cairns to Sydney.  The guy next to me seemed kinda of a rough fellow and I hadn't talked to him  much for the whole ride.  We started talking a bit and the conversation kinda of just led to his recent troubles in life.  He said to me "that you can't take money with you when you die" and I used that opportunity to tell him I was a Christian.  It was like the holy spirit was pushing me to say something as I was listening to this guy.  He told me that he himself was a Christian but hadn't been living like one for sometime.  I began to share my testimony with him in hopes that it would encourage him.  I told Dave that God sometimes uses downfalls or disturbances in our lives to look for him.  After quoting a few scriptures with him, he responded very well.  He told me that he had some recent bad experiences with churches and that he wasn’t too happy with them.  I reminded him that Christians aren’t perfect and that he should try other Churches.  He seemed to respond to “if you get a bad haircut you don’t stop getting a haircut…you just don’t go back to that same place” and  that if you have constant bad church experience you shouldn’t stop going to Church you might just need to try another one.  I encouraged him to get around some believers and to start reading his bible.  I prayed with him on the plane ride and he went on his way.

It was truly an amazing conversation and I'll probably remember it most of this trip.  Our God is a "global" God and I'm so happy that he gave me that chance.  I pray that this might inspire some of you as you are reading this and that you will pray for my safe travels….Below is a link to some of my pictures of places I’ve been since here….Our God truly has a great imagination and I’m so thankful that he’s letting me see a glimpse of his beauty.  I can only dream of how great heaven will be. -- Drew

http://s244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/ajh8680/?start=0