Joy Versus Happiness

It's possible to feel joy when things are not going great. Joy doesn’t always come with a smile, or at least one that everyone can see. Joy can share its space with other emotions. Happiness cannot occupy the same space as sadness, anger, guilt or shame. Happiness is not present during rough patches in our life. Happiness comes and goes. 

When you understand what joy is and where it comes from you will never allow it to be wrenched from your spirit. This joy will never leave you. This joy that I have lifts my spirit. It is the reason for my peace and contentment when days get tough out in the world or contentious at home. My Joy is connected to my Lord and Savior and the belief that this beautiful woman was made just for me. Knowing this in my heart and soul, I feel the joy that is always present. Glad the tomb is empty

One Long Love Letter

Our life has been one long love letter that God has transcribed in our hearts. We have been through some "stuff" but I would not take anything for the journey. We planned on being here back in 1975. He has molded us and made us into who we are. But check this out... God is soooo good! He has also blessed me with this other woman who I can't get enough of and wouldn't want to. She shows up when I least expect it. She is my heavenly addiction. I would like to introduce to you the woman I have been having an affair with for 37 years! Happy Anniversary Sweetheart. You make that look good!!! Glad the tomb is empty

What do you want for Father's Day

I think I have heard that question every year for the past 30 plus years. Oddly enough the first things that ever came to my lips were always something I knew we could not afford or something that was just too far-fetched to even mention. Be that as it may, I was never disappointed by my gift or the card that showed up on Sunday morning. They were all given with thoughtfulness and love.


I do not remember ever asking my Pop this question. Not sure if I can remember the cards or gifts that I gave. I do remember what he gave me. In his own way he told me what most men wanted on Father’s Day. As I listened to his words and looked into his sometimes troubled eyes, I realized what he needed, not necessarily wanted. He needed to somehow be validated as a father by me, his son. Having gone on to glory, I pray that “I gave him” what he needed.
On Father’s Day I want my family to know that up to this point, I have been the best man and father I could be. On those numerous occasions when I was not at my best, it was never because I did not put forth the effort. Those were the times I was learning how to be better. On those occasions when my parenting skills seemed null and void, it was not because I did not read the final volume of one of Dr. Spock’s books. It was because I did not understand Ephesians 6:4, Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Most fathers want the same thing on this day. We need to feel and know that we have made an impact on our children’s lives. Good, bad or indifferent we need to know in order to live our lives with the ultimate training of bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord in mind.
Cards and gifts are great. What he really (needs) wants for Father’s Day is to know how he is impacting your life. He needs a check-up. Some of these conversations may be easy; some may be extremely hard, but necessary to a family’s spiritual health.
My God, My Father. I thank you for being the ultimate example of fatherhood. My prayer is that you provide me with the guidance to be a servant leader in my home. I thank you for the tools you have provided for me to accomplish this and continuously seek your assurance on this journey of manhood that has led to fatherhood. Abide in me every step of the way… Amen

Heirs to the Throne

I watched all three of my heirs enter the world. Each experience had its own “flavor” and experience and were truly memorable all by themselves. The one thing that I found fascinating and eerily present with each birth was the strength and power that emanated throughout the room. Power that my mind cannot fathom. Strength that surpasses any that I can gather within myself. Massive respect for the physical endurance that it takes to carrying an unborn soul within. Most striking is the mental characteristics that must now take hold when breath flows through these little womb dwellers. I suddenly realized that with each breath they took I had to get stronger and more focused. Like any man I wished for a son, but God had a bigger mission for me. “Breath earthly life into my heirs.” My prayer is that each have grown or will grow to know a risen savior. My first ministry begins at home. I'm on that "grind" until he calls me home. The keys to my mansion are in the life I breath into the gifts He’s given.

Sister Tribute

 We have a “pact” to not make a big deal over these birthdays but I have to recognize an extraordinary woman, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt as well as my friend. She is not on Facebook so she won’t see this. This is a "repost" but I don’t think I can express my love for her any better.
When I was an adolescent my sister Stephanie was like the bumpers at a kiddie bowling alley. She let me take my best shot but she would not let me go into the gutter. She gave me enough room to see the finish line and desire the fruits but she would not let me take short cuts. When I began to feel my "oats" as a teenager she was the first person maybe the only person that unequivocally pronounced to me "you ain't grown yet". You see she fully expected me to get there but she also knew the obvious needed to be stated. I was headed in the right direction, but height and a deep voice don't make you a man. But she would not let me settle for being a boy. I love her for taking time to see the man in me even before I could. I would like to think Janet was the beneficiary of this process. I am a better man, husband, father, g-daddy, uncle, and friend because you took time out for me. Happy Birthday Sister Girl (yeah I said it). Be loving you. Glad The tomb is empty.