^{Do you enjoy stories? I think most all of us would say that we do. Whether it's a movie, a book, or just listening to a good story teller, stories reaches us like nothing else, because they have the ability to touch our heart.} 

^{If you asked me which my favorite one was, I'd be quick to tell you it was the one you are about to partake in. It contains all the elements that makes all stories so special; heroes, bad guys, and beauty worth fighting for. In fact, it is from this, that all other stories are created, for it was all written by the Living God of the universe, the originator of the true Love Story.}

^{Hi, I'm Rick, the owner and chef in a fun little restaurant, who's fortunate enough to be married to a great gal and together we are doing what we enjoy in life. When I first started Bible studies some asked, "Why?" Why mix work and religion? Isn't that a little like an actor in politics? I don't consider God a religious matter, I see Him as a fact of life.}

^{I accepted Christ as the Savior of the world at age 9. I was told this made me a "son of God" by inheritance, alongside Jesus the Messiah, and gave me the promise of all heaven throughout eternity. Pretty awesome to think about. But I did nothing further. Later, studying as a young scientist, the theory of evolution left unanswered the origin of the unbelievable complexity and diversity of life, to say nothing of our purpose. Searching beyond science brought me to theology. But who's God, and which way of worship is right? More searching brought me much reading, conversation, research into all religions and faiths, and finally prayer. After many years of living the "Life is Short" lie, I began to realize I wasn't doing what "Dad" put me here to do.}

^{What changed me? The only thing that changes most people, life's situations that we either choose to face, or run away from (I hate to run), like, death, divorces and the tragedies of others close to me. Even my own life had it's measure of trouble. For one I've had to make the choice of either tipping the "spirits" and enjoying the easy life (far too common in my industry) or seeking help from God's Spirit. What a war! As I weaved toward one, I was blessed with the other, and vice versa, until I finally came to find out it had to be one or the other. Though I fought hard, I was eventually broken and came to know it had to be God's way. Because of those circumstances and others like it, I will always be God's "humble" servant. My personal situations have given me a new understanding and a feeling for compassion I couldn't have gotten any other way. I know what it's like to receive the greatest praise. But, I also know what it's like to feel the greatest shame. But through it all I found there is hope and joy, and the assurance that God is in control. Most of all I found a relationship, a meaningful relationship I didn't even know existed here on earth.  That's worth sharing.}

^{So...The purpose for this presentation is to bring you the story of the entire Bible, not my religion. This may sound funny but the God of the Bible abhors religion, what He asks for is a relationship with trust and faith.}  

^{God says our lives are everlasting and I believe Him! He allows us the freedom to write our own story. I've have found the greatest adventure, the greatest joy, is being a part of His story.}

^{I hope you enjoy this presentation.}