Thank You Lord

Since I was a small child, I’ve always been fascinated with strength. I used to love watching those old “World’s Strongest Man” competitions of the 1970’s on T.V. and still do to this day.  I can also remember watching Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting on "wide world of sports" and being in awe of the incredible strength and power being displayed.  Even as a child I knew I had to pursue this endeavor; the endeavor of strength and power.  I did not know then as I do now, that God put this passion in my heart from my creation. Not for my glory, but for His.

My dad built my first weight bench out of wood when I was about 12 years old.  We had those old plastic weights that were filled with sand.  I still have some of them to this day believe it or not.  Like most people I started lifting weights for sports; mainly football and throwing events in track and field.  After college football, I continued lifting weights and dabbled in body building, however, over the past 13 years I’ve been competing in powerlifting and strongman.

I have always dreamed of having my own gym; a place where I could train whenever I wanted- however I wanted; a place where I could make as much noise and use as much chalk as I wanted without being asked to leave.  I wanted to have the right equipment with no frills, no chrome, and no mirrors, just cold iron, stone, and steel.  I also wanted to be able to pass along all that I have learned in my 30+ years of the iron game to others.  It’s taken a long time but I finally obtained enough equipment and space to fulfill my dream.

Strength and Shield Barbell is my private “garage” gym dedicated to strength, conditioning and athleticism through hard work, discipline, and the exaltation of Jesus Christ.  I came up with the name from Psalm 28 verse 7; “The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in Him and He helps me.  My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him” (NIV).  Worshiping God is so much more than going to church on Sunday and saying a prayer once in a while.  It’s about a relationship with a Holy God that encompasses every single aspect of one’s life; your church, your work, your home, and your play.

I want to live for Jesus Christ in everything I do; not because I have to earn something from God, but out of gratitude for what he’s already done for me.  I don’t always do the right thing and I sin like everyone else in the world; but the fact of the matter is that I know I am forgiven.  Jesus Christ died for my sins and I have faith that he paid the FULL payment needed for my sins making me righteous with Almighty God.  Now I can go boldly before God and praise him in everything I do.

That’s what this gym is all about.  God gave me this passion and I aspire to use it for the glory of his name. The name above all names: my Lord, my King, and my God; Jesus Christ.