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!

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.

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.