It's the Amazing Grace of God that has allowed me know where my future is. No matter the troubles or trials that I may have endured, that I am enduring or will eventually endure, I can rest in the assurance of God's Amazing Grace which resides within me!

It's this same Amazing Grace that has instilled in me a creative spirit, allowed me to grow my skills of web design, prosper as a business owner and further grow in my relationship with Jesus Christ. It also helps me in making the right choices in life - remember; Christians aren't perfect (sin-free), but just forgiven!

I'd love to share my story of how I am now...

Building the Web & Ministering to the World One Site at a Time...

Well, here you are… searching the Web in need of more information and help with your Website design, Web hosting, Web site stats and search engine optimization and you wonder how this guy from a small town in the foothills of North Carolina could possibly be qualified to help your small business with its Website needs.

I imagine most people are thinking… “So who is this guy? And what does he know about design, about Websites, the Internet or helping me with my Website needs? What experience does he have that makes him the choice for growing our business online?”

Valid questions I must say! So how about some valid answers…

• I was born and raised in Wilkes County, NC (and I'm still here).
  
• I grew up in a wonderful Christian home with two awesome, Godly parents.
  
• I loved both art and math throughout school.
  
• I attended North Wilkes High School where I graduated with a 3.51 GPA.
  
• I went to work during my second year of college as a free-lance designer for Lowe’s Companies, Inc. in their advertising design department.
  
• I earned an Associate Degree in Graphic Design & Advertising from Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, North Carolina.
  
• After graduation I was hired as a graphic designer by Lowe’s (Home Improvement)
  
• I met my wife at Lowe’s (worked in the same department – had to apply elsewhere if we were going to marry).
  
• I was hired as a Website designer with the Lowes.com Web team .
  
• I was eventually promoted to a Senior Web Designer (total time at Lowe's of 7 years).
  
• Another designer and I left Lowe’s to begin our own business – where I learned more about business ownership, book-keeping, selling my services and how there are many different ways of doing many different things in a new small business - entrepreneurship is an ever evolving creature that takes a lot of time and has no guarantees.
  
• After one year on our own, we had both earned under $1,000 each (yes, for the whole year) - learned that there are a lot of expenses involved with having a "location" as well.
  
• I found gainful employment at a local sign shop – cutting & weeding vinyl, assembling signs and running several other machines – busy work, long hours, but paying work.
  
• I left the sign shop to completely overhaul the Website of a nearby RV dealership – I improved the site so much that I was asked to become an RV salesman and continue to maintain the site on the side – I am not a salesman, not of RVs at least.
  
• I returned to the sign shop, after 2 months of being gone, as the manager of sign production and to create their Website – While there, I learned a lot more about managing a business, dealing with clients and met a lot of interesting & inspirational business owners.
  
• I left in December, 2006, (without a clue of what was ahead for me – only the knowledge of all I had left behind) and soon realized that God can & will put you where he wants you, when he wants you there.
  
• I feel that I am now there…
  
• I am growing myself - my knowledge, my skills, my family relationship, my client base, my circle of friends & most of all: my relationship with my Lord & Savior who has proven to me that all things really are possible through Christ!
  
• I also now have the opportunity to improve the Websites & graphic designs of small businesses, individuals and friends in the Yadkin Valley and beyond with my 10+ years of design experience - I can even "give away" websites to deserving clients, small groups and organizations as yet another leg of this great MINISTRY God has blessed me with.

So, here I am… now you know me…

Let’s Grow Our Businesses Together!

Another opportunity that I have now been given is the chance to share my relationship with my Lord and Savior... Jesus Christ.

Disclaimer: No, I'm not gonna be pushy with my spiritual life, my beliefs or get on your nerves by talking about it all the time, but God has simply given me the message that my "business is a ministry." If I can show others the Love of Christ through our business interactions, hopefully each client will see how Great being a Christian can be and reconsider their life during and after this one.

My all-time favorite song gave me the inspiration for this part of my site.

Amazing Grace

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me.... I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught... my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear... the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares... we have already come. T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far... and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me... His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be... as long as life endures.

When we've been there ten thousand years... bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise... then when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me.... I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see."

 

It gives me peace to know that when this life is over for me I have a better life awaiting - a life to share with my Savior and Provider. My family and friends of this life, who have also been saved by God's Grace, can know that we aren't seperated for long, but will soon be reunited in the beauty of Heaven with our Master and Creator.

If you don't know my Jesus and would like to dedicate your life to a higher power and a much more meaningful life, please pray this sinner's prayer. It may seem like something that is way too easy, but Christianity isn't complicated - simply accept Christ into your life and reject your sinful ways:

“Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayers. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.”

If you have made the decision to repent of your sins and receive Christ into your life today, welcome to God's family! As a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment by growing our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ and making our decision known:

• Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ.
• Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Develop a group of believing friends to answer your questions and support you.
• Find a local church where you can worship God with fellow Christians - shoot, come to my home church - Peace Haven Baptist in North Wilkesboro, NC - everyone is welcome!
• Get baptized as commanded by Christ.
• Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word. Ask God to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible

Whether you are a brother/sister in Christ or not, I love you. I look for the best in life for you and your business. I would love to hear from you about your desires for living a better life, improving your business or building your online web presense.

May God bless you, your family and your business,

Lance : )