Twenty Five Years

Twenty five years have passed since the day I was born. I’m now one quarter of a century old. Oddly enough my father is two quarters of a century and my grandfather is three. People sometimes tend to take getting older harder than others and yet I don’t feel upset about my age. This is strange because I normally do.

I’ve lived through twenty five years of joy, pain, love, sorrow and each passing year I see and experience more and more of the wonders that we call life. I look back at the past year and the troubles or successes I’ve had. I wonder about what troubles or success I’ll have in the year to come. There are always milestones in each year that you remember. Whether it’s a joyful experience like a baby being born or a time of sadness when someone passes away, these experiences help you develop and grow into the person you are. I am so thankful for the experiences I’ve had in my life. The wonderful family and friends God has blessed me with truly molded me for the better.

When I look back at my life and think about what I’m most thankful for, I always choose the times when I was struggling. I feel that having a difficult childhood or going through trials has helped me more than the positive times. It has given me a deeper appreciation for the smallest things in life. To love and care for all people no matter what the case, the way a Christian should. I don’t always act this way. But I try harder each day to be the Christian that God wants me to be. And I’m thankful that he has given me those trials to help me grow in that way.

Time goes by so quickly, “We are but a vapor that appears for a little while then vanishes.” (James 4:14) Each day we have is a blessing and an opportunity. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow. So we must live each day to the fullest, striving to teach and encourage everyone we meet. We are fortunate, we have much more than what we need to be content. Enjoy life how it is and as it comes. There are many things in your life that will catch your eye but only a few will catch your heart. Pursue those. For tomorrow “Lord willing” we’ll be another year older and soon we’ll be out of time. So use the time you have wisely, it is so precious.

Twenty five years, O’ how they go by in a blink.

Go to the Top

Mislead Mind

To begin a journey with the brightest outlook imaginable and finish with the greatest sorrow possible. How does successful voyage turn into a horrid disaster? The mind wonders from place to place. Starting at the peak of the tallest mountain and flowing down to the grimiest swamp. The mind can take hold and force you to the edge. This is the edge where reality stops and dreams begin. Those dreams may produce thoughts of delight others may give way to the darkest horrors imaginable. Its only at the precipice do we truly see ourselves for what we are, for what we were, and for what we want to be. The decision that must be made is, Do we continue on? Or do we stop?

Reason tells us that stopping is never a wise decision. But what else can the answer be if the only decision you want to make is the one that leads to an end? Do you put your answer on hold and pray that you find truth? Or do you answer the question now, because the answer you have is the only one worth giving? We may never know.

The only way to find light again is from an outside influence. A force stronger then the gloom and loneliness, a force that can lift your mind out of despair and place it back on the mountain top. To discover such a power is a given blessing and opportunity, an answered prayer.

We must find this light. We must find this force. We must find this power. That is our duty. To find the light that will help us when were unable to survive alone. A secure and strong fortress that will with stand the test of time and will hold fast to the bind you’ve created. This is our prayer. This is my prayer. That everyone finds help and guidance when it’s needed most.

Find a faithful friend. Find the love of your family. Find the love of the church. Know your importance to the ones who love you. Know that you are loved. Find the love of Christ. Most of all know that God longs for you to be with him in heaven one day. This is my prayer.

Go to the Top

Date of Birth?

You’re waiting to pick up a prescription from the pharmacy. Once you’re name is called the next thing you hear after arriving at the counter is “Date of Birth?”

The pharmacist deals with tons of people each day. This is the reason for the shortness in the conversation. The pharmacist job is a routine day in and day out. They don’t care about what you have to say other then your date of birth.

There is one pharmacist in particular that I always have contact with. She is about 5’4”, dark black hair, glasses, and not really dressed to the part of a pharmacist. I don’t know her name but she is always very short and too the point. I have never seen her smile. But I can tell by the way she moves and carries herself that she is very smart and wonderful at her job. I saw a ring on her hand so I know she is married, maybe not happily married but married none the less.

I’ve noticed over the past few months that she was starting to gain weight. Every time I went to pick up a prescription she was a little bigger then she was before, but still very short and to the point. As timed passed I finally realized that she was pregnant and that’s why she was gaining weight.

A few months passed and I again headed to the pharmacy to fill a prescription. But this time my visit was very different then before. I walked up to the counter and as she approached me I noticed that she was all smiles. I was really taken off guard when she asked me how my day was and what she could help me with. “Just dropping off my prescription,” I said. She smiled and held out her hand and took the prescription. “Thank you, it will be about 20 to 25 minutes.” She said.”

I left the counter and sat down on a near by bench to wait for my prescription. While I was waiting, I was thinking and trying to figure out why she was being so kind. I sat and watched her for a while and then she walked right in front of the desk. She was thin again, no longer pregnant. Then that’s when it hit me.

She now has a child. I know that child has filled her life with more joy and happiness then she could have ever asked for. She is a mother and has a wonderful gift from God to love and provide for. Her life has meaning, more so then it ever did before. She has a new outlook and positive sprit. I can’t imagine what joy and happiness she now has with a new baby in her life.

Sitting there on that bench I suddenly felt a wave of love come over me for this woman that I don’t know. I am so happy for her and thankful that God has blessed her life.

A few more minutes went by then she called my name. I walked up to the counter and looked her in the eyes thinking what to say. She looked back at me, smiled and said, “Date of Birth?” All I could do was smile back. I left the pharmacy very uplifted and happy that I had experienced seeing someone’s life change for the better.

It is a great felling.

Go to the Top

Writer Unknown.

Published on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at 4:45 pm

What a blessing is a friend with a heart so trustworthy that you may safely bury all your secrets in it, whose conscience you may fear less than your own, who can relieve your cares by his words, your doubts by his advise, your sadness by his good humor, and whose very look gives comfort to you.

Go to the Top

"Marriage"

Published on Tuesday, June 14, 2010 at 7:45 pm

Hardships

There are many hardships that come with marriage. It must be the goal of both parties to make those hardships easier and to help one another grow and mature. If your mindset is to get your spouse to heaven then you cannot fail. You must learn to be selfless, to forgive and forget. You must listen and work at understanding the view of your spouse. But more then that you should enjoy it.

You must learn to be flexible. Be willing to sacrifice your time and you will be rewarded. You must learn to communicate to bring success. Respect each other's privacy. Make an effort to talk every day and to pray together. Don’t own a TV your first year of marriage. Talk to each other instead.

Compliment more than you criticize. Be quick to say "I'm sorry". Never pass up an opportunity to say "I love you". Hold hands. Agree to disagree. Show kindness when it’s not expected. Show respect when unseen. Show loyalty without hesitation.

Be fair. Split the work and budget evenly. This way you are never resentful of your spouse’s contributions or lack of and or expenditures. And at every moment give admiration and love continually.

The Fight

Before starting an argument, consider if it's worth it. Never use the words “always” and “never” in a fight. It's ok to argue, but never use curse words to express your anger. Never let the result of a disagreement bring about distance. Give space when need and in reasonable doses. Never open old wounds or bring up sad struggles as a weapon to make your point. For this causes pain and discomfort. It will bring more harm then intended. Never use guilt to bring about pleasure. Never assume.

Only vent about your spouse to your friends if it’s something positive. Never compare your marriage to others. What you see on the outside is not always what it is on the inside. Never keep secrets. No matter what, take your spouse’s side first. And never let the world cause you to question or develop fear of your commitment. You choose the one you love, and then love the one you choose. Always believe that you got better than you deserved. Don’t always involve the in-laws.

Remember that it is ok to do things differently. Remember that love is like childhood. You must to learn to share. Marriage is not 50/50, its two people giving 100% all of the time. Remember that people do fight. It's how you do it that matters.

The Golden Rule: Never, ever mention the "D" word. That is not in your vocabulary.

Your Children

Children are a great blessing. This is where the joys will abound. Show and teach your children love. The best gift that you can give your children is to love their mother or father. Teach them this.

Help your spouse to be patient with your children. Always encourage your spouse to play, laugh, and pray with your children. Show your children God by the example you live. Give them the strength to be strong when times are tough.

One day there innocence will be stripped away and your children will be pulled into the world. It is your job and the job of your spouse to give them a strong mind and sprit.

Never lie to your children. The trust of your children is something that should be highly valued. Learn when to let go and when to put your foot down. Let them know when they disappoint you. But be sure to let them know how proud you are. Make your children feel special. Tell them they are the song that you sing and the joy in your life.

They are your creation just as we are Gods. Your children are a gift from God and are only yours for a short time. Help them grow and develop their faith so that they will be in heaven one day. IT’S YOUR JOB TO GET THEM THERE. This is what you should live for. Every breath that you take should carry with it the thought of them there. God has given you great power. The ability to create a soul that one day will be in judgment.

The Journey

Marriage is a wonderful journey that stretches to the time when life comes to a close. We are to travel down that road and grow together as one body. This is the commitment that you have made. You’ve made this commitment to your spouse and to God.

Great strength can be found in the arms of love. Hope, kindness, trust, protection, preservation, and truth all grow from love. Love isn't always a feeling, it's a decision. It's the little things that matter most.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves."

Of all the decisions that you make in life aside from baptism, marriage and children are the biggest two. I encourage you to take each day as it comes. Don’t worry about the future God has a plan. Marry a Christian and help your children grow into one. You will be blessed. Pray always and let God set your path.

Go to the Top

Standing Again

Published on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 11:51 am

In the depths of the deepest despair light can stretch it's hand.
It will lift without struggle or pain, with growing magnificence that is subject to its will.
Radiance will glow without hesitation.
Like the rising of the sun, it cannot be stopped.
Then comes the separating of the darkness, so the whole is made complete again.
This the journey, the course that is set.
Where the soul is filled with love and happiness.
To start a new beginning with a life filled with joy.
For its occupation has been brought to a close.
The only way left to go is up, up to the sky.
Joys will abound and songs will sing.
For this is the surface we strive to reach.
To breath again the fresh air again.
And to fear no more, for peace has been found.

Go to the Top

late night...

Published on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 12:33 am

What solitude can be found in sorrow?
When does a person come to the understanding of eternity with God?
When do they know the truth of forever?
This is the truth that we all will face.
In all things do good for this is the will of the one who created all things.
The one who gives orders to the morning and directions to the sun.
Instructions to the wind, and guidance to the Mountains.
For this is our purpose.
To find what is lost.
To bring it home to the father.
Forever praying and working to do what is expected and deserved.
What love and peace there will be at the close.
The wish is to know that peace now.
We feel fear of the unknown.
We soon will find the answer.

Go to the Top

Only in America

Published on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 2:53 pm

A common thought of mine is “Only in America do we…” and then I finish the thought with some insightful ending.

The world has the view that Americans are big spoiled people. The older I get the more I see where the world is coming from. When you compare us to the rest of the world we are spoiled.

Generally speaking “Only in America do we spend more then we make.” “Only in America do we complain about eating the same food twice in a row.” “Only in America do we complain about the cars we drive.” “Only in America do we feel the world owes us something.” “Only in America is our main concern money.” “Only in America eating is done according to schedule.” “Only in America is our self-esteem set by the cars we drive, or the cloths we wear.” “Only in America we are unsatisfied with the size of our homes.” “Only in America do we complain about who we live with.” “Only in America are we unthankful for those around us.” And so on. Not every person is this way. But over all this is the issue I am seeing. One of my long ongoing jokes is “I do what I want.” “Why?” “Because I’m an American!”

No matter how horrible you think your life is. There is always someone who has a lot worse. Look deep into yourself and realize how great you have it.

Go to the Top

Warp Speed into the New Year

Published on Monday, January 11, 2010 at 3:32 pm

The holidays came and went faster than ever this year. Traditionally, all of the family gathers at my grandparent’s house in Tulsa for Christmas Eve. But we had to reschedule because of the snow storm. However, it was one of the best Christmases I have ever had.

When I was a child it always seemed that Christmas and New Years were far apart. I didn’t realize how close Christmas and New Years were to each other. The older I get the faster time goes by.

I made plans 7 months ago to travel to Orlando, Florida for the first week in January. The trip was planned with 8 other people to go to Disney World. I was very excited, but because of Christmas and New Years I had forgotten to pay attention to how close the trip was.

As I am sitting here writing this letter I feel that I might have missed something. The holidays came and went so quickly it feels like yesterday I was sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner. Now I am in a New Year with great memories and experiences.

Every day is a blessing, and I am so thankful for the time I have spent with the ones I love. I am looking forward to the next year. All the opportunities I will have to help, love, listen, and pray. To read and learn more about God. To grow in his word.

People are often faced with the question – “What is your New Years resolution?” What is a “Resolution"? A resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous. Some examples include resolutions to donate to the poor more often, to become more assertive, or to become more environmentally responsible.

So what is my New Years Resolution? My New Years Resolution is to listen more and talk less.

Often time’s people, talk more then they listen. Everyone wants to have their say, to feel like they are important. Whether it's gossip, fact, or truth all people what their voice to be heard. When interrupting someone else to get your point across becomes your focus. That is when you should be quite and wait your turn. When you interrupt someone you are telling that person you are more important and what you have to say matters more. Sometimes the brightest people are the most quite. I want to do a better job of listening more and understanding where people are coming from.

If we were supposed to talk more than we listen we would have been given two mouths and one ear."
— Mark Twain

Go to the Top

Parenthood

April 2, 2009 at 8:12 pm

Sitting in church after service, as I often do, and looking to see who is there and who is not. I find myself staring at a man talking to his son. His son is grown and married and so I think what that must be like. To have a child and watch him or her grow. To know this child better then anyone else ever could. You raised it and you were there when the new mind was struggling to get a grasp on life and gain the awareness of right and wrong.

Now the child that you knew so well is on their own and in your child’s mind, it has grown to a place very similar to yours. In thought and deed, and maybe even to the point of surpassing what you know or understand about the world. Of course you as a parent will always have the upper hand because you have been alive on this planet a great deal longer. But their understanding and knowledge of things throughout their life will still amaze you.

I often wonder when I come to making a decision to have a child, if I will want to. I have always known that I want to have children. But the fact is that once you make that decision to have a child, you not only have made a living person but also a living soul. A soul that will one day be in front of God on judgment. So that fear gets at you. That if you have a child, and after this child is born that it will become the one thing you love and care for more than any other living thing. Will some day end up where you may not want it to be, makes that choice to have a child hard.

I am certain that I will have children and I will do everything in my power to make sure they know the word and stay faithful all the days of their life. I will do the best I can as a father and I pray God will give me help and peace when that time comes.

So as I sit there looking at this man talking to his son, I wonder how I will feel when I am in that place, when I will be able to stand and see my child grown, married and ready to have a child of their own.

What a great and amazing feeling that must be.

Go to the Top

Time Spent

November 11, 2008 at 8:13 pm

People often have someone who they look up to. They say to their self “When I grow up I want to be just like him.” I find myself having a hard time knowing just who I should be looking up to. I look to God and try to be more like him and it helps a great deal if there is someone close to me that I can relate to.

I worry about the future and wonder what God’s plan is. When I drive to work in the mornings I see all the cars and hurry of everyday life. I see people in fights, cars in wrecks, the homeless, and people not looking after one another, and some who are in pain. Once I get to work I am completely worn out. I see all the mess around me, and all the things we take for granted. If you ever feel like you are getting detached from that world just take a look out your front door it will sure keep you in check. Or watch the evening news. Most often after you have watched it you will feel sick.

In the morning when you wake up, what is the first thing you say to yourself? With most people it is, ( What am I going to wear today?, What do I want for breakfast?, What is going on tonight with my friends and family? ). In America this is the way it is. In most of the world the question asked is ” Am I going to get to eat today?, Am I going to have a place to sleep tonight? ” I always feel so upset at myself when I waste something, something that was so easily provided. In other places it can be the hardest thing to find.

Try to take time to see what the world is turning into. I am going to leave you with this and hope that is sticks for a while in you mind.

“No matter how bad you have it, or how bad you think you have it. There is always someone who has it a lot worse than you.”

Go to the Top