May 2010 Highway Won Update

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 was a warm May morning when I first understood what it meant to become a Christian, but it has taken a lifetime since that 1973 morning to more fully understand the depth of all that Christ had done for me. In fact He continues to do great and wonderful things in my life despite the wretch that I am, and He shows me amazing grace time after time. A lot has transpired since that initial conversion, much of which I would have never thought, dreamed, or imagined, including the opening of Highway Won Christian Store almost three years ago now. God has done much through this simple life, but the further I grow in Him, the further away the goal seems to be of truly knowing, serving, and living for Him as much as I would like. The more I study, the more time I spend with Him in prayer, the more I do all the basic things of the Christian life, the more I see how dependent on Him I am and the simplicity yet extreme depth of what this life entails. Like John Newton’s song relates, all else pales in comparison with His amazing grace toward me. As I reflect back on all that God has done for me over this past 37 years of truly being alive, “thankful” seems too shallow a word, but I am. The song summed it up well: His grace is simply amazing! The trials I have faced and still face even now, even though they are difficult from a human point of view, are worth it all in view of all Jesus has done for me. As the apostle Paul well said, writing from a dark, dank prison cell:

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ…Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:7-8, 12-14, NKJV).

Paul wasn’t done in by his circumstances but realized his life still had much to contribute, yet also much “rubbish” had to be added to the garbage can so he could press on out of God’s grace, and that too is my goal in this new spiritual year of life. It is His amazing grace and faithfulness that helps me press on and look ahead to those things He has for me yet. I pray that you will join me, a wretch saved by His amazing grace alone, in pressing on and gaining new ground for Him anew! –TK

So What’s New at Highway Won?

It’s hard to believe that it was three years ago that we were setting up Highway Won Christian Store, and we are looking forward to our official third anniversary in June 2010. Look forward to June to be a special month here at Highway Won. Currently we continue to have a clearance sale on some out-of-print t-shirts at great prices. We have our patriotic shirts available now as well for just $5.99 (2X and 3X are a bit more)! Mothers Day and Graduation cards and items are currently available; don’t forget mom and those grads in your life! We continue to get in some new release books and music as well little by little. Please also be aware that construction is set to begin on Main Street in front of the store starting May 3, but you should still be able to get into and through town, so please don’t be discouraged by the equipment shredding up and replacing the street. On a personal note, our happiest news since our last newsletter was the birth of our first granddaughter, Melissa! We rejoice in her little life and ask for your prayers for her continued healthy growth and development. God bless you and thanks for your prayers and support of our store and effort to reach the people and tourists here in beautiful Cambria, CA!

Remember, you can follow our adventures on the internet on Facebook (look under “Thomas Klock”) and my blog as well (thomasklock.blogspot.com). We hope to see you at Highway Won sometime soon!