Welcome Our First Guest Blogger - Rose aka shabbychica

From time to time, I'd like to share stories with you from other Gomers. They may be anything from how Third Day's music changed someone's life to how much fun it was at the concert meeting other Gomers, and anything in between. So if you have a story you'd like to share, please send it to me at [email protected]. I won't be able to use all of them, but I'll use as many as possible.

The following is from Rose Richter aka shabbychica on the Third Day boards. Rose is an especially sweet gal I've met in person three times now, and hope to see many more times. Hers is not an unusual story. I think a lot of Gomers came to know Third Day's music and be a part of the Gomer family in much the same way. And that's why I want to share Rose's story with you. I think you will enjoy reading it.

Rose's Story -

Growing up with parents who truly loved music, I learned at an early age how important “music appreciation” was in life. My parents were huge Willie Nelson fans. It’s a little surprising my first words weren’t “whiskey river take my mind”. My father was such a huge fan, every childhood memory I have consists of a Willie Nelson song as background music. Our Christmases were Willie on the console turntable as we decorated the tree and then later opened presents. We took long family car trips between North Carolina and Texas with Willie on the 8-track. We were consumed 24/7 with Willie Nelson. I had no idea then I would cherish those memories so much later in life when my father was no longer with us. When I hear Willie Nelson songs, I can still hear him singing along.

As I grew older and out of my “Partridge Family” stage, I developed a love for rock music. Def Leppard was my favorite for a very long time until the 80’s rage of Hair Bands. I loved them all! My favorite was Dangerous Toys because they were from Texas. I was a huge fan, going to all their shows, meeting them several times and even corresponding with them via snail mail. They were so good to their fans. I still have all my letters. Then as the 90’s approached, it was all about the grunge, and I was all about Soundgarden, Temple of The Dog, and more recently Audio Slave. But it wasn’t until my husband Adam introduced me to a song called “Constantly” by Cross Canadian Ragweed that my musical interests took another turn. I was so happy to introduce them to our 2 year old son because after all, some of their songs were about the goodness of Jesus. It was something I never embraced before. Around the same time, (2002) we started attending a church where we sang Third Day songs. We didn't realize the seed was planted and about to grow!

In February 2005, we were on the brink of a new life. We moved to a small town and found another great church. That July, our 5 year old son gave his heart to Jesus. It was then I noticed subtle changes in him. He no longer wanted to drum to some of his favorite Cross Canadian Ragweed songs. He no  longer wanted to hear any of my favorite songs from performers afore mentioned.

In the midst of all this, I began reading my Bible every day and praying about things in our lives. It just so happened, my husband found a WOW CD my sister Anna gave me sometime before. He and Derek began to play the CD during their quality time. When we heard “You Are So Good to Me” by Third Day, we were so touched by the lyrics. That was the only song Derek wanted to listen to.

When Katrina hit Louisiana and I first heard “Cry Out to Jesus” (the version with the news clippings in the background), I was driving our daughter to school. All I remember was that once we stopped in the circle drive, we were all crying. It was then I knew God was really piercing our hearts to draw closer to Him.

I also realized music was about giving God glory. It was about beginning a relationship with Him that we had never known before. Third Day helped us realize that. Their music gave us a desire to draw closer to God, read His Word, stand on His promises, and to stay persistent in our walk with Him.

Through so many difficult times in our lives, Third Day’s Music has reminded us to stay focused on the Lord Jesus as we trust Him. Most importantly, Third Day’s music is scriptural and as we allow the Holy Spirit to flow in us, God’s word flows out. His word is alive in us and His word does not return void! (Isaiah 55:11) There’s no doubt in my mind that this music is truly anointed of God.

One day last August, I found myself on the message boards of Third Day’s website. I went to the website hoping someone would help me understand the lyrics to “You Make Me Mad”, as our son (now seven years old) loved this song. I thought maybe someone would explain the song, or I’d find something on the website itself. I didn’t expect to find a new family. After I joined the message boards and posted my question, I went back later to see if there were any replies, but I couldn’t find my post. I sent a message to the Gomers MySpace to ask for help. That is where I first met Corrine [aka Mama Gomer]. Needless to say, she was the most patient, kind, and compassionate person I had ever met online. She helped me with my problem, and made me feel more comfortable with the Gomer community. I had read about the Gomers in the past, but was a little reluctant to join. I had made on-line friendships before, and it wasn’t always a good thing. But this was different. I met quite a few genuinely nice people on the boards. I found them to be very sweet and accepting of me. I found a family of friends.

I was blessed to meet some of these Gomers in person at my first Third Day concert on Thursday, December 13, 2007, during the Christmas Offerings Tour. I was surprised to find that everyone was just as sweet in person as they appeared to be online! The love and support they spread throughout the Gomer family really shines through them, as does the love of Christ.

I feel so blessed to be a part of the Gomer Family Ministry. I have made so many wonderful friends around the world, friends I know I will have forever beyond this life . . . for life eternal!

I thank God every day for Third Day’s music, their ministry, and my new Gomer Family.

Comments

[Kelly]

Gee, way to make me cry Rose! :p

Seriously though, what a touching story! And I'm so blessed to be a small part of that, having FINALLY met you!!! Afterall, I owe my VERY FIRST Third Day concert and M&G all to you and you will never know how much that means to me! Love you lots! *mwah*

Kelly

[Irma]

Wow...Rose..you are an awesome writer. You have the gift...

[Tracey]

Awwww you made me cry! Not like it's really THAT hard to do lol but I was really touched. So cool to read your story, I can relate to your story. I am glad I found a friend in you and so so so so blessed to call you family. Love you tons and can't wait till I finally get to meet you...soon. :)

P.S. I totally agree that Mama G is one of the most patient and kind people I've ever met, Thanks Mama G. :)

[Jennifer Rose's Niece]

Auntie that is great it is good to think back and see how OGd has moved in our lives I thnak Him for you I love YOu Auntie.

[Mandy Robbins]

You are such a blessing. If it weren't for the 3d boards I would never have been blessed with you in my life and I would truly be missing out on something special.

[rhonda]

What a wonderful story, Rose. Thanks for posting it, Corrine. I, too, feel so blessed to be a part of this loving "family" of Gomers, and can't wait to give Rose a big ole hug when we meet in January!

[Jean DeChant]

Thanks for sharing Rose. What an amazing story.

[Marie]

What a great post Rose!

[Marmoo 68 aka Mary]

Hey Rose! What a beautiful story! And so well written. You have captured in words how it feels to be part of the Gomer Family. I have made some really good friends too. I do hope that someday I will get to meet you in person since you are such a sweet Gomer! Hugs!!

[Rose]

Thank you all for your kind and loving words about my story!

It has truly been a blessing in all areas of my life to be a part of this ministry.

So let's all thank Corrine, Debbie and whomever else was involved in starting our Gomer Family! =)

Hugs 2 all!