that deep dark secret that you've been carrying around

…16Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. 17Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.18Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,… 2 Corinthians 5:16-18




You know that one thing you've been hiding? That deep, dark, secret. We all have them. The thing that you don't want to tell your new friends about your past life. The thing that's so bad it may be a deal breaker for a new relationship. We all have that thing. Some things are worse than others. Some things are really big and bad. Other things are mole hills that we made mountains out of. Whatever the thing, big or small, Christ has promised that "the old things passed away." Your sins have been forgiven. That very thing that you have been hiding, Jesus will forgive you if you only ask. Upon forgiveness, that thing, that was so bad, may be your greatest testimony. Someone needs to hear that thing, because they are going through that thing right now. I'm not saying shout it through the roof tops. I'm saying, in intimate conversation with people in need, tell that thing. Then, with Jesus, "new things have come." And that's, a testimony that will change lives...

things i've learned from being alone

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8




I've been alone for a while now... there are several things that I have learned, remembered, and realized. Here are a few: 

I'm funny! I love to laugh and joke around to have a good time, especially with the kids.  People are too serious all of the time. 

TV sucks. Theres nothing on worth watching. It;s such a time waster. 

Cooking for one is terrible. Have you ever read a recipe that says "serves one?" Yeah, right! 

I just wanna live my life to the fullest. I want to go and see and do and meet. I want to climb a mountain then ride my bike down it with a GoPro on my head. 

Sunday nights suck. Bad. It must be from the spiritual high you get in the morning, then the anticipation of preparing for the week in the evening. I hate Sunday nights. 

I love to write. If I could type faster I would definitely write short stories! (Novels bore me!) 

You're never alone. Christ is with you always. There are still people out there that God uses to intervene in your life. Yes, some actually do what God tells them to! Most, however, are too busy to care.




The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."




On the completely opposite hand, i took too many things for granted when I wasn't alone. Here's a few: 

My team. When you have someone you are a member of a team. Team mates encourge each other and pick each other up after a fierce tackle. Then, the team huddles and moves forward again. There's no one to help you up when you are alone. 

Getting that text or phone call every once in awhile just to say I'm thinking of you. Or even something as menial as "leaving work" or "leaving the store." Those little texts that imply "I'm on my way to you." Household duties, errands, shopping, ect... are not split. When its only you, it's all you. Which is very tiresome. 

The bed is cold and theres not enough pillows in the world to take up the space. 

Sharing good news. Who you gonna share it with? Stop somebody in the grocery store and tell them you got a bonus. You'll most likely get punched in the face. 

The scent of the one you were with. There is no scent more powerful than that of a signifigant other. 

A hug. A real hug. Not some half second I'm scared of germs crap. A real embrace that lasts more than a few seconds that says I feel your heart beat. Because that's as close as 2 heartbeats can physically get. Really though, what I miss the most is hearing those 3 words "I love you." Not the 3 words you taught your child to say, not what comes from your mom or family. The "I love you" that you hear from the "one." The one that wants to be with you. The one that trusts you with their heart and you trust them back.

So, to all of you out there that havent heard it in a while or heard it and took it for granted. This is from me to you. I love you...

love God love people part 2

One of the scribes approached.  When he heard them debating and saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked Him, "Which command is the most important of all?"  This is the most important,"  Jesus answered:  Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is One.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.  "The second is:  Love your neighbor as yourself.  There is no other command greater than these."  Mark 12:28-31

Friends, I read a quote recently by Phil Robertson talking about problems with our society.  In a nutshell he stated that it is a common misconception in current times that if you disagree with someone, you hate them.  I've thought long and hard about that.  Do I hate those that I disagree with?  When I disagree with them do I push them out of my life so far that I dont have to deal with them?

You see friends, brother Phil is wise beyond his years.  In my recent circumstances, some have been pushed out because I dont agree with them.  Several have pushed me out because they dont agree with me.  I dont hate them.  I may, in my anger say or think I do.  But, i dont.  I love them.  The conflict is all about difference of opinion.  The bible says to "love your neighbor as yourself."   What it doesnt say is to leave each other behind.

Friends, even if you disagree with with your brother or sister, stand beside them.  They need you...