Working on a Book...Here's a Preview (Thank you Lord for blessing these words.)

If the truth scares you then it is because something in your heart is moving you, not because
Hellfire and brimstone is being thrown at you like chum to a starving shark. It is the fear of the Lord, not the fear of Hell that should be motivating people to reach towards Heaven. If the sole reason you professed Jesus as your savior was to avoid Hell, you have done it for the wrong reasons. I know that may rub some people the wrong way, and we are all entitled to believe whatever we choose, but this Christian believes in a ever growing salvation, a work that starts when you accept him, and evolves until you are called home. I am trapped in this flesh until that glorious moment when the trumpet sounds, and as such I make mistakes. I have hardships and struggles. I wrestle with temptations sometimes to the point that I just break down and cry. I am far from where I need to be in my relationship with God and even farther from where I want to be. But each day is a learning experience.

He loves you, he really loves you!

No matter what happened, I had Christ in my heart.  Though I had been a poor sinner, selfish and misguided, he loved me.  His love is such an honor, a joy and a gift you cannot put a value on.  His blood spilled on Calvary, so that I could be free from a lifetime of sin.  There is a roof over my head, delicious food on my table, a loving and wise family by my side and a confidence that can only come from the power of God.  

Never Give UP!!!!

Never, ever, ever give up. Don't allow the enemy to make you feel weak. The fact is, if you love and serve the Lord, he will give you the desires of your heart. Never let go of your dreams, but more importantly than that, NEVER allow your faith to waiver and give up on HIM. Brandi and I are still working hard trying to get into better shape. I know we will reach our goals. Kings Island, National Guard Armory, here we come!

For Cap...

July 2, 2013: This is a poem I wrote for an abandoned kitten we named Cap. Despite our best efforts, the good Lord in his wisdom took him home on June 30th. I miss him.

Don’t tell me animals don’t go to heaven.

I’ll not hear a word of that.

When God brings our hearts so closely,

to that beloved dog or cat.

We watch them grow, we watch them play.

We watch them teach us a thing or two.

We try our best for the little ones,

but sometimes they don’t pull through.

And it hurts when you feel like they’re begging you,

to please make the pain go away.

But God takes them in his wisdom,

and we’ll see them again someday.

So for now I’m missing you,

and the joy you brought along.

You were a little fighter,

and our bond was getting strong.

I wish we could have seen you grow,

and discover all things new.

I hope you know we gave our all,

to show our love to you.

The Weight of the Matter

July 1, 2013 - 

Well the good Lord has seen fit to give Brandi and I remarkable strength as we have been working hard to eat better and exercise more. It has been just over two weeks and we are already pushing harder and achieving more than we both thought possible. We walked/ran/jogged a mile and half on Saturday, a mile yesterday and continue to keep our calories low and spirits high. I am truly grateful for God lighting a fire under both of us to improve our physical health. Within a year, I believe we will both be feeling pretty amazing!

"For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." - Galatians 6:3

This strength is simply on loan from on high. Amen.

June 25 2013 -

To all those I have ever wronged, hurt or made to feel less than good, I send out my most sincere apologies to you today. We are none perfect and I know that along my journey, I have left some feeling negatively towards me. But I cannot continue to be a people pleaser. I must listen to God. If I care for you, you will know it. I understand that these things are a two way street. Some of you out there don't even get in the car to meet me halfway. Don't come down on me if you don't make the effort either. Because if you truly cared about me, you would show it as well. No matter, I have God in my heart and the best wife and family I could ever have dreamed for. So whether your grief with me is petty or great, speak up or let it go. 

June 20, 2013 - Good morning, but more importantly, blessed morning if you you're up and breathing today. I heard a song on the radio this morning that said, "I had a birth I can't remember, and one I can't forget." Isn't that a beautiful thing? And you never will forget it. Sometimes the devil twists my head around and I might just say or do something real stupid, but God knows my heart. It was renewed by Jesus, and he now has a permanent residence there. So the hurdles don't mean a thing, because the finish line remains in sight. Thank you today and every day Lord, for sending us your only son.