9/11 - 17 years ago!!

Holy smokes!!! The day that changed us more than anything since Pearl Harbor. I'll not forget my location, my kids, my pluresy, my fear, my confidence, my prayers, my nation, my God.

She's a Good Woman

This was the very quote from my colleague when I described how Trina put pictures up of me, and especially my kids, around the house. She did this even before the wedding in July!! She is kind, faithful, considerate, generous, and bee-you-ti-full!!! Check this post out 8 years ago..

Friday, November 19, 2010 Dating: In Search of... At our Staff Retreat last weekend, I made a statement about my "lame" dating life. I said to Pastor Richey, Michelle, and Margaret..."I need to find a woman I can lead and be the more dominant person in the relationship." He replied, "No, I don't think you have to be more dominant...it's not in your genes. You need a woman who will love you for who you are." Wow...I turned away and wept a little, as they continued talking about something else. I heard nothing for the next few minutes.

I love her and stoked to walk with her the rest of my life.

A Poem of Pain

March 1st – The Day After April: Today I wake and feel even lonelier, but I see positive potential. My heart shook much like the quake, then the pain was gone. The arctic breeze formed the fortress, barricading my fragile heart with pain. - Tupac Shakur

He wrote this after his divorce with April. Notice the despair and wound, yet there is a thread of hope here. He vaguely alluded to it, but it's presence kept him focused and moving on. Was it from God? From within himself? From others? We don't know, but we know this.. he got up and kept walking. I can relate to the subject matter, but my hope was in Christ and who I am in Him. Yes, I got up and kept walking as well, but knowing God has my back and and my future.

Bruce Springsteen - Chimes Of Freedom

Bob Dylan's classic is covered by the Boss!!

Rediscovering the Joy of Coloring

“Christianity is not about learning how to live within the lines; Christianity is about the joy of coloring.” ― Mike Yaconelli, Dangerous Wonder

He was right. We strive so hard in trying to do life just right. Attempting to appease our kids, parents, pastors, church leaders, teachers, mentors, friends, family, and then ourselves. We at some point color outside the line and we all gasp at our messiness and disorder. When really, just loving to color is the key! Such wisdom from one who loved to color, and color outside the lines. So, today.. I'm going to enjoy the crayons and love life!!

Where's the Beef??

Looking for my killer instinct, dominant gene, my whatever-it-takes resolve!! I seem to have lost it somewhere along the way to gentleness, kindness, and learning to be content in all situations. I need to keep moving forward in my life. I have done well in healing from divorce, restoring broken relationships, being an involved and loving Dad, and accepting God's restoration back to ministry. But, I still lack the something to push faster, higher, and overcome some obstacles. God, give me the vision, strength, and stamina to make it happen.

Hope Beyond the Shattered Life

I was chatting with a friend this weekend, who has gone through a painful experience. They are trying, really trying to overcome the sadness, bitterness, and muddy waters of a shattered life. I encouraged them to keep looking and moving forward. God is in the midst of the mess. You may not see him, but he promised he would be there.. always. I am living proof of one who saw no light, no hope, no future in 2008. Yet, today I'm awake and alive!!

"But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.." - Psalm 33:18

The Hurt & The Healer - Mercy Me

"The Hurt & The Healer" Favorite line.. Jesus come and break my fear Awake my heart and take my tears Find Your glory even here When the hurt and the healer collide