Monday, December 31, 2012

I Made It!


Two-thousand twelve Anno Domini. It's been a very wild ride, but I made it

I've experienced ups and downs during these past twelve months. I've had extreme joy and bad bouts of depression. Business is booming one minute, then clients are scarce the next. Still, all was well and I made it.

It is by the Grace of God that I'm several hours removed from seeing a new year. He has brought me through, and as always, He has provided me with the victory. Yes, there were a series of unfortunate events in 2012. However, the victories and milestones far outweighed those negatives by a landslide.

Did I mention that I made it?

I'm not promising anything new for next year simply because I don't know what the next hour will bring, let alone the next 365 days. Still, I'm moving forward. I'm confidence that though I don't know what tomorrow holds, I do know Who holds tomorrow. That, my friends, is very reassuring.

...and Lord willing, I have every intention of making it this time next year.

From The Tree House In Bessemer, Alabama, I wish you and yours a very safe and happy New Year!

Friday, December 21, 2012

Jingle All The Way

Not meaning to sound Scrooge-like, but here it goes...

Many of you know how much money is at your disposal. If you're like me, you also know how next month may be looking like as well.

Having said that, I know we want to give our kids the latest gadgets and/or fashion item (i.e. footwear branded after a world famous retired athlete) this Christmas.  However, money is tight these days and while it's your business on how you utilize your funds these next several days, use some financial common sense.

It's kinda difficult to enjoy ketchup-covered sneakers in a cold, dark house.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

A Big Mountain To Climb

This is my first time blogging in a long time.

Correction, it's been a long time since I've expressed my thought here on Blogger. The rest of the time I'm opening up on Facebook.

Right now I'm dealing with a major decision; I'm pondering on whether or not I should pursue a relationship with my newly discovered paternal sisters. I been in communications with the older one. I've know her for almost 30 years...even attended high school with her, yet did have any idea she was my sister.

The younger one, well, as of this writing she doesn't know she has an older brother. There's a reason why, but I won't get into any details at this time, if ever. My five closest friends know and that's that.

At first I was excited about it, but then bitterness and resentment overcame me. To this day I ask myself why wasn't I a part of my father's life. Why was I denied the opportunity to have interaction with my sisters growing up? I just have to accept what the songwriter says: “We'll understand it better, by and by”.

I can't blame my sisters for what happened in the past. I have to be an overcomer in all of this. I have to be able to get up, dust myself off and move on. Yeah, that sounds perfect on paper, but how will that pan out in practice? I reckon I have to ask the Lord for strength, courage and guidance on this particular journey, and then go from there.

Thanks for reading.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Whitney Houston: My Thoughts

Whitney Houston by Vectorportal
The world said goodbye to one of the greatest entertainers that ever graced the face of the earth. I not gonna into the demons she faced and whatnot; There's enough sites and news program that will have its fill of that for months.

I've noticed that you have several extremes in light of Whitney's passing:

On one side you have fans who have canonized her and will tear your head off if you dwell on the negative aspects of her life.

On the other side, you have those that are so heavenly -minded that they're no earthly good. They like to say if the fans promoted the name of the Lord as much as their public mourning of Ms. Houston, just imagine what could happen.

Finally, you have those that can be just flat-out harsh about her sad demise. Forgetting the fact that she was someone's wife, friend, cousin, sister, daughter and most importantly mother.

I will say this...

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;
Philippians 2:12 (New American Standard Bible)

With that said, I do not have a heaven or a hell to send Whitney to. I have my own salvation to work on to be concerned about anyone else's eternal destination. The best any of us can do is hope she settled her account with the Lord before she crossed over into eternity. In the meantime, let's pray for her daughter, mom and the rest of her loved ones.