Things I have learned in my 45 year

What have I learned in 45 years?
1. That mom and dad are always right even when I believed they were wrong.
2. Trying to fit in is not that important be yourself and true friends will love you for who you are.
3. Make that call make that visit say I love you to those in your life, tomorrow is not guaranteed.
4. Don't give in to what others want you to do, stay sober stay clean the price you pay is not worth it.
5. Don't go looking for love, don't give yourself up thinking if you do certain things that love will be found. For in time true love will come when you least expect it.
6. Words hurt worse than any stick or stone.
7. Letting go of the past is very important, you are not made to carry that burden alone.
8. Hold on to those you love, show that love in all you do not in just words.
9. Help and serve those who can't defend or care for themselves.
10. Give that extra large tip, greater than that 10%
11. Stop and change that tire for that elderly couple.
12. Kneel down and talk to the children don't stand and glare down on them.
13. Write that book, that song, play that instrument.
14. Take those road trips with the family that go nowhere in particular.
15. Forgive often, and ask for forgiveness when you are wrong, acknowledging your mistakes.
16. Don't hold on to anger and resentment it will age you more quickly.
17. Appreciate the effort that others put worth. They too are growing
18. Don't compare yourself to others, you are unique in your own way.
19. Don't tear down others to build yourself up. Lift them up, humbling yourself and in return you will be lifted up.
20. Hug your children often, showing them Christ in all that you do.
21. Do things out of kindness expecting nothing in return.
22. Encourage those around you, let them see that you support their dreams.
23. Working all the time is not good for your health or marriage, you must spend time investing in it to make it grow.
24. Play that game with your children, they won't be little for long,
25. Read that book,
26. Go on walks with your spouse holding their hand talk about life and the things upon your heart.
27. Invest in other lives Especially children they will never forget the things you did.
28. Pay for someone else's meal, you never know how it will return to you.
29. Set and listen to the elderly they have wisdom that want to share.
30. Be a friend show others you care.
31. Be truthful, people will respect you even if you made a mistake or when are wrong.
32. Tell your spouse you love them every day, don't ignore their text or calls.
33. Don't engage in relationships that could harm your marriage
34. The easy path or road is not always the best.
35. Don't rush, take your time, enjoy the day you been given.
36. Tell your dad you love him, even if you never heard it from him.
37. Don't force things to happen, if they are meant to be they will come together at the right time.
38. Go to that play, that concert, that recital, that ball game let your kids see you there.
39. Go to church get connected serve wherever you can serve.
40. Seek God in your life and all that you do.
41. Don't run from your problems, for they will eventually find you.
42. Set at the table a little longer have that extra cup of coffee.
43. Smile often
44. Lay there watch your wife sleep, thank God for her.
45. Don't stress about the little things, the things you endure prepare you for tomorrow.
46. Trust your gut feeling, don't trust your heart it will lead you astray.
47. Every thing is not always what it seems.
48. Chase that dream, never give up or grow discouraged.
49. Failure does not define you, but how many times you get back up.
50. Watch that romance with your wife, cuddle up to her allowing her to cry on your shoulder.
51. Play with the children, allow their imagination to grow.
52. At times it is okay to act like a kid again.
53. Listen to your wife, she may have insight you don't have.
54. Spoil your wife, be romantic some times the little things mean more than something big.
55. Allow your wife to be herself don't try to change her.
56. Make time to get away, have date nights with your wife.
57. Encourage your children praise them, don't remind them of their mistakes.
58. Don't forget where you came from, others need your wisdom and experience they need to know and understand they are not the only ones going through a difficult time.
59. Sometimes a roast beef sandwich makes for the best date.
60. You can learn a lot more from listening than you can from speaking your mind.
61. Be a friend to those who others look down on.
62. Be charitable to those in need, you may never know how it will be returned to you.
63. Give when you can't give,
64. Do your best when your best isn't good enough.
65. Look to the needs of others.
66. It isn't always about you.
67. Go see your grandparents don't say I go tomorrow for tomorrow never comes.
68. Put the phones down and engage in conversation with your family at dinner.
69. Spoil your grandchildren.
70. Take that vacation that family get away.
71. Set on the bank of the creek with your kids you may not be able to fish yet you're spending quality time with them.
72. Laugh and enjoy life it's to short to be miserable.
73. Find Christ while your young, serve Him through out your life.
74. Life may not always go as planned, yet make the best of what you have.
75. You don't need a high paying job, a big house, or fancy car to be happy and content.
76. Seeking the approval of others is not all that important.
77. Never give up, the goal may be just around the next corner.
78. Don't read to much into a text message, the way you read it may not be what they ment.
79. The things you try to hide will be found out.
80. Google does not have all the answers
81. Stay up to 2am helping your daughter with that project due in the morning.
82. Allow your kids to do what ever they want to their hair, it will grow back out.
83. Pay those fines, don't ignore them.
84. There is no more loving or beautiful woman than your wife.
85. People have battles and storms you do not know of, treat them better than you treat yourself.
86. Be joyful and thankful for what you get, don't be angry or upset if isn't what you wanted.
87. Allow people to bless you, don't steal their joy or blessing from them.
88. Thank the people who have invested in your life.
89. Your children will disappoint you, don't hold it against them.
90. Someone is always hungry and nowhere sounds good that you mention.
91. Take your wife dinner when she is working late.
92. Never go to bed angry or a disagreement unresolved.
93. Never let money be the source of an argument.
94. You will never agree on how to discipline your kid's.
95. Often times less is more.
96. Profess your love to your wife use more than just your words
97. Smile when your wife is taking her time, don't be in such a rush.
98. Your career is not your life, your family is.
99. Don't grill your wife on where or how she spent the money.
100. Acknowledge God in all that you do and He will direct your path.

Disrespect

My heart is breaking my Amirica is not what it once was. We now have those who stomp on the graves of those who fought and died to give them those rights. There was a time when we all stood at attention when our National Anthem and we bowed our heads in prayer. Pledge of Allegiance was said at the beginning of each day followed by a moment of silence or prayer in our schools. People supported our law enforcement and not protested them. We were not offended by everything they heard or saw. Since when did we become so soft skinned or butt hurt by everything? Families at the table joing hands in prayer, they discussed their days and other things going on. The bible was taught not only at home but also in school. This all didnt happen over night it has a been a slow fade. Little by little we accepted the change with little or nothing said at all. America as we know it is dying we are on life support to say the least. We need to wake up and turn back to the Godly principles that this Nation was built upon. We are still a blessed nation we are still rich and spoiled compared to rest of the world. We need to stop taking those freedoms for granted and start showing respect to Veterans, Military, all Emergency Personnel, Teachers, and our Parents. We need to listen to wise instruction and guidance. Not to what we see as right! Asking God for forgiveness and turning from our evil ways. We as a nation kill innocent babies we turn to our own desires forsaking what God intended as a marriage. Yet we wonder how we got to this point, looking back its plan to see why we are here by the choices we had made.

Burdens and weakness

New day, a phrase used all the time, we say it half hearted, not realizing the true meaning behind it.  The pain we had felt yesterday reappears today, the worry, the stress, the uncertainty of how things are going to work out or how we are going to make ends meet, or where we going to obtain the money for food, gas, or rent.  These are real things happening to real people, often we will remain silent about it attempting to carry the burden alone, when we do cry out in brokenness it's to the world for help, instead of crying out to God!  We try so hard to remain strong hiding it deep inside, wearing a fake smile upon our face, telling ourselves "that God will not give us more than we can handle" This is a lie! No where in the Bible does it tell us this! It is a twisted scripture taken from.  1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 
When we are broken, when we are weak we are to call out to God asking for Christ's strength!

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 ESV

 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:11‭-‬13 ESV

You see with the grace of God upon you, you can be content with the weaknesses and burdens you carry, for with the grace of God, Christ bares your burdens, it is His strength upon you that you can move forward. We need to cry out to God in these times acknowledging that we are weak, this is more than we can stand! Asking God to take this burden from us, telling Him we need the strength of Christ that we can't do this on our own.  Brokenness should draw us closer to God and not drive us away.  In these times we should be dependent upon God and His Grace.  Lot of things happen that we don't understand, leaves us questioning where is God? We live in a broken world full of broken people bad and unforseen things will and do happen. Yet God has not forsaken us, He never has left our side, His mercy, love, and grace are there we just have to ask for it. 

 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1 Peter 5:6‭-‬10 ESV

Look Forward

Who you once were, is not as important as who you are today. We tend to look at the past rather it be good or bad. Sometimes thinking the (What ifs) It's a lot easier to see the decision we should of made after the fact "High sight is 20/20" If we keep looking back we miss the blessings, opportunities and events happening right in front of us.  "We are not who we once were""We are a new creation old things are passed away all things are made new" Will you still make mistakes? Yes!, Can you still make bad decisions? YES! In all these decisions we should seek Wisdom, Discernment, and Direction from God!  If we seek God in all that we do we will be keeping our eyes upon the  goal, not willing to look back for when we look back we are overcome by our adversary because we've taken our focus off of Christ, our Goal! The things that we once had should be considered a loss, rubbish, dung, for the knowledge of knowing of the Saving Grace of Christ Jesus Lord and Savior! Once you have obtained this Grace, why would  you  want to  look back on who you were, or what you once had?  Christ tells us "Who ever has placed his hand upon the plow and looks back is not worthy of the kingdom of Heaven" In others words if you keep looking behind you, you can not be His Disciple!

Another Attack

It is a sad day when we become numb to violence, when so much hatred and evil in the world we become so calloused that we no longer show emotion when these attacks occur. They happen way to often and the truth is they are not going to stop, if any thing they will just continue and get worse. It is written "the love of many will wax cold" Many have turned from the knowledge of Christ to there own knowledge and wisdom. When the wisdom of the world is foolishness.  We should have the heart of God, we should show compassion and empathy to those hurting and suffering.  This world is dying and without Christ you will die along with it.  I look at these events as a call to repentance, God giving those who survive an opportunity to turn to Him.  People the only way to live through these events is to have faith in Christ, even though things are falling apart around you, you will not be shaken for your Foundation is built upon Jesus Christ! These events should be refining our faith drawing us closer to God and not away.  Prayers for all those affected may they find Christ in this time of lost.

God's timing

Things will come together in God's timing, if not and those dreams don't materialize I will be content with were I am at. God doesn't promise us success as the world sees it or that our dreams and desires will come to pass. He does tell us however that His grace is sufficient. We live in a very rich blessed nation. The poorest of the poor here are still rich compared to most parts of the world. We are not entitled to anything! We being children of God need to learn to be content with what we have, knowing that God will meet all our needs through Christ Jesus. As Americans we get needs and wants mixed up. Long as you have food and clothing you are doing well.  We are not promised a house, a car, a phone or any other materialistic thing.  Much of the world do without such things and they still count themselves as blessed. We are no different here we have become spoiled in our way of life, saying I need all these things, when you really don't need them at all.  They are blessings to have yes they do make our lives easier, but yet they are not a necessity.
   Would I like to have a nice house? Yes I would! Yet we do have a roof over our head, no matter what the shape of the house may be in we owe no money on it. Do we want something bigger something more efficient? Yes as I said before, but this is not guaranteed or promised by God. We will continue to work toward this, but we must remember it is in God's hands what doors He opens or closes. Many times decisions are made outside of God's will or praying to Him about the decision and when we do this things seem to fall apart over time.  God is working in our lives! From giving us opportunity to serve, to give, He has provided to us in ways He only can! He has brought healing and restoration not only in our personal lives but also in our marriage! No matter what happens down the road if He provides us with a new house or not We will praise and glorify God for what He has done in our lives! We can not look at what we don't have, for when we do we forget all things that we do have and how truly blessed we all ready are.

America's down fall

Thinking about a video I watched full of conspiracy, and controversial statements. Even though there may be truth in it, I am not shaken or troubled. It's no secret that our government hides things and is not always truthful about what has happened or what is going on. It's no secret that the banks control the governments and the world. It's no secret that America will eventually fall.  To bring about one word government, one world currency, one world religion this must happen. The dollar is not strong, our debt is beyond what we will ever be able to repay. We are about as divided as we were doing the Civil War if not more.  For the first time since this nation was founded Christianity is not the majority. I have studied bible prophecy, I have read books on the matter. The chess game is being played out and we're nearing checkmate, the fullness of time is almost at hand, just like the conditions were right when Christ made its first appearance here on Earth. We are now at a time in history where there is nothing to prevent the Fulfillment of the final parts of Prophecy. The technology and the means are here and actually that vehicle is already in motion.  Our safty and security is not in our government or military, these will fail. Our trust and faith must be in Christ and Christ alone! He is the only one who will never fail us!This country is in a drunken slumber, total unaware of what awaits it! Its not if but when America falls, you can not go a day with out seeing things falling apart, America's foundation is cracked!    For it has moved it's foundation off of the foundation of Christ! Many self called Christians are not biblical sound on doctrine or theology, they are blinded by their own deception and ignorance to the truth. The only hope we have is for a mighty revival a time of national repentance of sins. Yet even with America turning back to God the end is still near. America has made her bed and now she must lay in it! However if you are in Christ and He is in you, you will not be shaken by the things that are forth coming.  This is not just America, but all the nations of the world! We can not say how much longer God will restrain, but I know it won't be to long before he releases His wrath out on this sinful world! But know this though you will face tribulation, you will be spared from the wrath of God separation from him an eternity in hell if your faith and trust is in Christ Jesus! For those who have their trust in Christ the wrath of God was poured out on the cross bored by Christ Jesus himself. He took the wrath of God so you would not have to! I'm here to tell you times are about to get very very bad unlike anything you could perceive or imagine! Without God you will have no hope no Foundation to stand upon when these events begin to unfold!

Updated Testimony

March has been a month of miracles, and the pouring out of God's love for us for many years. Not that God is not always doing these things, just in our lives March stands out!  It is the month of Spring when all things come to life again, New life is born and things are restored.  I attended church from about the age of 10 till I was 17, For 20 years I had ran from God and His calling, I knew down deep I was called to preach and tell others of the love of God, knew this since a very young age. A decon once asked me a question about the bible, when I quickly responded the correct answer. He said to me" It is amazing you have such knowledge at a young age, God is going to use you in a great way"  but I choose the world and things in it, addictions, witchcraft, the occult I was trying to get as far away from God as possible! Time and time again when I should of been killed or died because of my actions. From auto wrecks to alcahol poisoning to a gun being pointed at my head and the trigger pulled to being removed from a fire I should of died in with a friend. God spared my life showing His mercy on my life, at the time I did not give Him glory, I wrote it off as luck! I got married we made a family anger and controlling took over for many years. I played the church game many times saying I changed but never truly did. In  2003 after 7 years of marriage I had an affair. But Lisa in her love and dedication to make her marriage work forgave me. Then in 2005 I was getting back in to the bible studying it once again attending church regularly, Lisa was pregnant with our son she went to her Doctors appointment and they could not find a heartbeat, she called me very upset, I told her I was on my way. I hit my knees in prayer saying, "God if you are truly there than when I get to the hospital there will be a heartbeat, if not I will never serve you or have anything to do with you ever again!" I left expecting to find out the doctor was wrong and that there is a heartbeat. As I stood by my wife holding her hand they checked again, No heartbeat! I was filled with anger I cursed and blaspheme God swearing I would have nothing to do with Him again! For if He truly cared there would of been a heartbeat and my son would be alive! In 2007 we were blessed with our third daughter born healty and alive, A daughter at my older age. Quickly she was becoming a daddy's girl.  For the next two years tension between my wife and I grew. She was at the breaking point in her desperation, she turned to God praying "God you have to do someting I can't change Him, Just let him pick a church he'll attend" On March 20th many of my addictions were taken away, I went all weekend with out any kind of substance abuse, then 3 days later on March 23,  2009 at  2am I was in Michigan heading to Detroit on I 94 when deep in my spirit I heard these words." You know it's your responsibility to have your family in Church" It was so loud it was like someone was standing in front of me. At that moment I was confronted with my life of sin, and accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. I called my wife in the morning to tell her the news, she was a little hesatent to belief cause we have been on this road before. I called a preacher I knew telling him what I just did. The next Sunday we went to Strang FBC, a church I previously wouldn't of cared if it burnt to the ground. In June 2009 I was baptized, I got evolved in the church and my wife wasn't convinced I changed till I taught a class during vbs that summer. During that VBS it was laid on my heart to lead the youth I went to the Decon and He brought it before the church and it was agreed upon that I would be the youth director starting in September of 2009. In February 2010 I announced to the preacher and church that God had called me to preach, then in September 2010 It was acknowledged and recognized by the church that God had indeed called me, I was licensed as a minister of the Gospel on September 3rd, 201O. I was driving a truck cross country at the time, and I began to feel that God was pulling me away from that profession but my wife and I could not come to agreement on this, she was in fear of us losing everything, then in March 2011 that would all change when I was in Indiana heading up to Michigan we were driving at 65 miles pH had a blow out on passenger side steer tire got the truck pulled over safely. After we got back on the road about 30 miles later someone threw a log off an over pass crashing in
To the truck right above the windshield on driver side debree fell all over me as I pulled off the side of the road. Bark and fiber glass was everywhere inside the truck. IHP arrived and said I was lucky to be alive for that log could of came through the windshield killing me. I responded to him not lucky but blessed  God was watching out for me.  At that moment I knew I was done driving on May 31st 2011 I stepped away from driving, 6 years to the day I started. In 2013 God started working in our marriage we thought we had a good marriage, but we found out we could be closer after I did 70 days of why I was greatfull for my wife and also did the love dare our marriage grew by leaps and bounds. On November 3rd 2013  3 days after our 18th anniversary we restated our vows promising to honor our vows this time.   In late 2013 God layer it upon my heart it was time to change churches, this was a difficult decision for my wife had deep ties to the church in Strang, so we set a date of February 1st as a date we would seek a new church home. I had been praying that I wanted to learn to trust in God, I wanted to know how to experience total relince on Him, I really didn't know what I was praying but on January 18th 2014 we lost our house to a fire, we walked away with just each other and God. We had to start over, but people came forward showing the love of God providing everything we needed to start again. As planned in February we starred attending Adair FBC.   God contenued to work in our lives streangthing our faith. One example is something that happened this month. This week has been a roller coster of emotions. On Saturday we found out that we owe over $1,200 in taxes, Then on Monday I went to see an ol' friend who was fighting cancer with not much more time we ministered to them spiritually and financially. Than later that morning I get the call the gentleman I was caring for in Vinita passed away which was my third job. Tuesday I call that office which I found out they didn't have anything that would fit my schedule around here close the only opening was in Tulsa and I really did not want to drive there if it involves me missing weekends with my family totally and church on Sunday.  I said a simple prayer "God we need a miracle" We set aside our tithe check. We were back at the point thinking of bankruptcy. Wednesday I went to work at my second job, kinda in a fog, Than that night I got the news that this friend had 24 to 72 hours left.  Thursday morning I went to his house once again ministering to the family and friends gathered around. My friend passed away 8:55 am, I stayed around still offering prayers and spiritual support. I left late morning to go get my daughter for her job interview, we arrived at Shangri-La, which they had already decided to hire her based solely on her references and the report they gave. This is a very good job working in the kitchen.  On my way home I get a call from the owner of my second job. Saying the reason you cut your hours because you were not getting enough at the one house, can I offer you more hours to entice you to come back. This alone made me happy I was very willing to do that, but to top it off she gave me $1.00 an hour raise.  This second job now pays more than my primary job for fewer hours.  It also is more than what I was making working three jobs. God is good and faithful when you are obedient to what He has called you to do. For this is nothing under my own power  But all through God! All the glory and praise go to Him!  Since I wrote this another opportunity arose to minister to someone in need. What is amazing is what I have learned this week Once you start giving to God, doing so with out putting thought into how much, it is,easier to give sacrificially without thinking about it. When the spirit moves you obey don't debate it or fight it. The blessings you get will far out way anything you give..

God is faithful

This week has been a roller coster of emotions. On Saturday we found out that we owe over $1,200 in taxes, Then on Monday I went to see an ol' friend who was fighting cancer with not much more time we ministered to them spiritually and financially. Than later that morning I get the call the gentleman I was caring for in Vinita passed away which was my third job. Tuesday I call that office which I found out they didn't have anything that would fit my schedule around here close the only opening was in Tulsa and I really did not want to drive there if it involves me missing weekends with my family totally and church on Sunday.  We set aside our tithe check. We were back at the point thinking of bankruptcy. Wednesday I went to work at my second job, kinda in a fog, Than that night I got the news that this friend had 24 to 72 hours left.  Thursday morning I went to his house once again ministering to the family and friends gathered around. My friend passed away 8:55 am, I stayed around still offering prayers and spiritual support. I left late morning to go get my daughter for her job interview, we arrived at Shangri-La, which they had already decided to hire her based solely on her references and the report they gave. This is a very good job working in the kitchen.  On my way home I get a call from the owner of my second job. Saying the reason you cut your hours because you were not getting enough at the one house, can I offer you more hours to entice you to come back. This alone made me happy I was very willing to do that, but to top it off she gave me $1.00 an hour raise.  This second job now pays more than my primary job for fewer hours.  It also is more than what I was making working three jobs. God is good and faithful when you are obedient to what He has called you to do. For this is nothing under my own power  But all through God! All the glory and praise go to Him!

Sexual immorality

Sex God's gift to us to be used in intimacy between a husband and wife.  Can also be a great destructive sin outside of marriage!  In this world we are indoctrinated into sex at a very young age! It is everywhere!  You can not go by a day with out seeing something glorifying it, or publicizing it!  We have taken something that was ment to bring God glory in marriage into something that is self seeking and self glorifying!  Very unfortunately members with in the church are just as guilty as those in the world and often times the church turns a blind eye to it leaving it unaddressed! 

 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

Romans 1:18‭-‬32 ESV

Rather it be pornography of any type, cohabitation outside of marriage, dating or sleeping with someone while you are still married but separate is still adultery, even same sex realationships are all within the church! Should not be ignored or unaddressed!  If you call yourself a Christian a follower of Christ, you will turn from such ungodliness, your actions should greatly convict you, you should fill discomfort in your spirit for committing such acts!  The church must address these in the appropriate manner.  Members of the church see these acts going on yet remain silent!  Remaining silent not addressing these sins, shows that we approve of them to the people practicing such life styles.  I myself have struggled with the above in my own life, I'm not judging the person but saying it is destructive, this sin must be purged, from those who call themselves members!  They must be made aware of what they are doing, many parade it around in the church like it is no big deal!  The church must address this ungodly behavior, not remain silent. 

Faith in God is tithing

Having faith is good, as James tells us " faith without works is dead! You show me your faith and I will show you my faith by my works!"  Faith, trusting in God, believing without seeing knowing the promises of God yet being obedient in what He has called us to do. Is a sign of strong faith.  The Christian life is not easy! It is difficult, hardships, trials, storms will happen, bad things are going to happen, things will happen that will leave as asking. Where is God? Does He not care? Does He not see what is happening to me?  During these times your faith is being strengthened, it is being refined!  This only happens if you're still being obedient to what He has called you to do.  If you have faith you will be trusting in God, you will praise Him no matter what happens.  Knowing He will meet your needs according to His will, not yours.  Money is the hardest thing to trust God with. We believe we can handle our finances better than God can. We hold on to it instead of giving back to God what He gave to us!  If we have faith we will tithe no matter where we set financially!  God has called us to tithe, if we have faith in God's provision then we will give to Him what He has commanded us to give!  Giving to God in faithfulness is an act of Works generated through faith!  If we are trusting in our finances we will not tithe, money is our god! No matter what we say we don't have faith if we don't tithe!  We are not showing our faith and trust in God. For it is written without faith it is impossible to please God!  We are no different than the Rich Young Ruler who came to Christ asking what he must do to inherit eternal life.  Who walked away after Christ told him to go sell all he had and give the proceeds to the poor and come and follow Him!  If we have faith in Christ we will do what He has called us to do!  Who are we worshipping? Are we worshipping money? Or are we worshipping God?

 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"—and he was called a friend of God.
James 2:21‭-‬23 ESV

Before Abraham laid Isaac on the altar, he said "God will provide a sacrifice"  after the Angle of the Lord appeared returning Isaac to him. Abraham said "Jehovah-jireh" translated meaning my Lord my provider.  You see when we are obedient to what God has called us to do, He will provide!  It is written "Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness and he was called a friend of God"

The battle is real

I have failed as a husband, a father, a provider. The things I touch turn to ash, time and time again I have let my wife and family down.  The choices I make seem to be always the wrong ones, the path I choose is the wrong path to take. Why can't I give my family the finer things in life? I give up jobs that take me away for days and weeks at a time to find myself doing the same thing again for less pay.  It is hard to say we are better off now, than when we started out 22 years ago. It tears me up not seeing my family with the things they so rightly deserve!  I try to get ahead and seem to just be knocked back down again. I'm tired, I'm worn, frustrated beyond belief. It is hard to trust God, when nothing ever seems to go right, or the way you wish it would.  I like to say I have the answers, I know the promises but at times my faith is so lacking for the storm is raging so fiercely, relentlessly, and seems no end in sight.  The demons I battle, the thorns in my flesh are more than I can stand! I'm tired of pretending ever thing is alright, when it is not!  I try to help others, acting as if I myself need no help, when inside I feel as though I'm dieing! I honestly don't know what to do, or what direction I am to take! I feel as though I'm lost in this life with no shining light or compass to guide me.  Lord I can't do this alone, I desperately need your strength, your wisdom to make the right decisions we face, and to guide my family on the path that you have choosen. To be the husband that my wife so rightly deserves.

Respect

I just can't understand it! But yet I know exactly what is going on! To many people upset they didn't get what they wanted! Instead of being Adults accepting they lost, they want to throw a fit, expecting to change things! It is okay to have different views, I don't expect everyone to see things the way I see them. However there  is a way to communicate your views, and thoughts without acting like a spoiled little brat, or a bully on a playground, yet is exactly what we are witnessing across this nation! People are upset on many issues and have been for years, I believe they are just using President Trump as an excuse to act in this radically behavior!   We have a generation that never was told No, they never experienced the consequences for their actions, they never experienced true lose where they walked away with only respect for the winning team. They learned at an early age if they threw a fit, acted up they got what they wanted, they never got the butt whooping they so rightly deserved! 
  R.E.S.P.E.C.T. goes a long way! It will take you further, you will achieve more if you show it! You don't have to accept the results, the solution, the answer, or decision. But you need to show respect for those in authority.  I bet these people bringing disgrace acting out in a toddler mindset never showed respect or honor to their own parents, teachers, or those over them growing up!
It doesn't matter rather we are Republicans or Democrats, Conservatives or Lliberals, Right wing or Left wing, Moderate or Progressive we can all agree to disagree, discuss the issues our thoughts our beliefs and show respect to one anouther. We are divided and have been for many many years. No one person is to blame!  If we would show restraint, not acting out in a degrading manner, but act as a rational, respectful, grown adult more people may listen to what you have to say, however people are seeing your disrespectful behavior and not hearing your words! 
I encourage you to exhibit your rights, let your voice be heard! That's how we bring change, but do so in such a way that it shows respect and honors God!

The day our lives changed

When we went to bed on this night 3 years ago we had no idea or dream what laid in stored  for us the following day. The life and memories of a family of 18 years hung on the wall and through out rooms in the house. A family who had been through many ups and downs a marriage made strong through the trials of life. Saturday morning we went about our day expecting things to be the same that afternoon, little did we know that things would be dramatically different! 
  God was with us this day no doubt! It was no surprise to Him what was about to happen, Him in our lives gave us strength to make it through the great trial that awaited us.
I had went to a leadership conference that day it was suppose to have lasted to about 4pm, but we finished early. Lisa was with Alyssa at a friend's birthday party at Crawford's Bounce house in Pryor. Taylor and Brittany where at home doing what ever teenage girls do. I had stopped by the birthday party to see Lisa and Alyssa, before I went on home. I told Lisa I was heading home and I would see her when she got home. She wondered why I was in such a hurry? I told her I didn't know, just a feeling that I needed to go home and check on the girls. She said okay told me to be careful as we kissed each other goodbye.
   When I arrived home it was about 3:15 pm the girls where getting dressed had their straighteners plugged and doing their hair. After a few minutes I smelt something burning I asked them if they had left a skillet on or something. They told me no I probably was smelling their straighteners. Unsatisfied with that I begin to look around the house. When I opened up the utility room door, Terror and fright overwhelmed me all at once as I witnessed flames shooting out of our dryer engolfing our utility room. I hollered at the girls to bring me the bucket of water from outside as I shut the door back shattering the glass in the door. By the time they got back in the fire had spread. I left the bucket of water sitting in the kitchen as I told them get out of house, that the house was on fire!  I'm trying to remain calm as the girls are crying profusely! I called 9-1-1, explaining to them what was going on. Then over the next hour and half I tried to get a hold of my wife. On her way home, seesaw all the emergency vehicles, following them to our house.  Alyssa when she realizes what is going on becomes extremely upset. I took her into my arms attempting to comfort her. Taylor and Brittany visibly upset, with the lose of their pets and other things.  Our lives have just been turned upside down and inside out. Being the Father the husband the leader of this family, I was left with questioning on what was we to do. I hit my knees with tears in my eyes wanting to say why God? Why did you allow this to happen? But instead the words that came out was, This is not about us, this is about your kingdom and the enlargement of it. Thank you Lord for keeping my family safe and watching over us! I walked away not knowing what was ahead but we were trusting in God.  I had all that mattered God and my family, this was all we needed to start over again. 
  Following the fire the love of Christ was poured out on us by the church, the community, friends and total strangers. Through their generous giving and sacrifice, we were able to start again.  The road ahead still is tough, still have mountains to climb and valleys to cross, we are not quite to where we want to be, but we know for sure the love we share with each other and the God that provides our every need through Christ Jesus we will get to the place He wishes us to be. 

God's Provision

I will not be shaken, I will not be moved! The Lord is my foundation, He is my strong tower, my very present help in my time of need! 
   This is the year of the Lords favor! Blessings will pour out, to those who trust in Him!  Doors will be opened to those who are seeking!
   3 years ago we lost everything to a fire!
At that time the love of God was poured out, and we were blessed beyond our dreams! We were able to get some land and a older trailer, furniture and appliances were all provided by loving people. Since this time we have had many ups and downs road block, after road block as we have sought to better our living conditions. I have tried to better myself in many diffrent venues of employment with no results, the only doors that opened were doors within the field I'm in.  It is no secret I stepped down from a management position, that was because I valued a friendship more than the position.  I had lost my passion that I had when I got into this field because of the stress that I was feeling. Since then I have been blessed with the opportunity to bless others with serving them. This is not just a job, but a ministry that I am able to provide for my family. Granted it doesn't pay very much and I have had to gain other employment to compensate for what it doesn't provide, but that is not a problem.  God provides, but we must be willing to move in the direction He is calling us, He often uses practical things to provide not things out of thin air.  I have taken on a third job to get the funds we need for a huge down payment and closing cost. Our goal is to have a low monthly payment on a very nice house.  With us going after this in a aggressive manner this dream will be fulfilled in just a few months instead of several.  So God does provide but you must do your part!  I praise God for the opportunities He has given me. For God truly does answer prayers!

Dreams and Opened Doors

What are you willing to do to get to where you want to be? Noone ever got ahead by setting around idly waiting for handouts.  You want something bad enough you will find a way to obtain that dream. Doors present themselves all the time the question is are you willing to go through that door.  Without sacrifice, without dedication, without perseverance, and the willingness to get ahead you will never make it far. Everyone has gifts and talents that God has given them, use them to benefit your family and others. I've tried to get away from the field from which I am in, however I was drawn back to it, and no matter where I applied since that time door after door has closed. The only doors that have opened are those doors with in the field I'm called to work in.
   You will know if where you are is where God wants you by those you work for, or around, by those in the same field as you and by how they see you. I love what I do and that is very evident by those who know me.  So with that, I use my desire, my gifts not only to help others but also to obtain the dreams that my family has.       
   If you think that what you do doesn't affect your kids you are mistaken! Our 3 daughters have been brought up in the field of helping those you can't help themselves. With that said I want to share whats on there hearts at this time. They all three want to go into some type of service work. One wants to be a teacher for  Early Childhood special needs minoring in Ministry, one wants to be a flight paramedic possibly going through the military to obtain it and on to  college, one has the desire at this time to be a police officer. What you do with your life and what your kids see in you and your life and what you do in it has an effect on what they choose to do rather good or bad.  So how are you influencing your children?
So what you see as a sacrifice at this time to bring about change or to benefit your family when you look back on it it will not seem such a sacrifice. I know I kind of rambled here and hit on a few different things. I'm just saying use the gifts that God has given you, and He will open the doors that only He  can open, don't force things wait on His timing and the blessings will beyond anything you can comprehend.  But first you must endure the trial period trusting in Him.  In whatever you do know that your children or watching they are learning they are being inspired so do things that glorify God in whatever it may be.