day 52

today i found an old friend on facebook that i use to party with, and found out that he has been clean almost 3 years. i am so glad to hear that he has quit doing drugs, i have to have quit and have been for almost 21 years. it's so cool to talk to an old party friend and see how far god has brought both of us. he put a great great quote on his facebook the other day that is really true, especially if you have done drugs. it was............
If I were to try to identify a turning point, in my life, I'd say that it was - getting clean. James Taylor
so here's to renewing an old friendship without the drugs to get in the way of a good time.

peace...........

day 51

today was daddy's day out, i went with a good friend to a mini comic con. i know it sounds childish but we love them and always have a good time going and hanging out looking all the freaky people, laughing and just chilling. for me comic books are a way to escape the grind of the real world, where good triumphs over evil and the good guys always win in the end. so here's an uplifting quote i found today, hope you like it.
One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love.
Sophocles (496 BC - 406 BC)

peace.....................

day 49

i started to realize yesterday through having our baby girl, that it has restored my faith in that there is still good people in this world. since she has come to live with us last may 9th, we have had people we know and don't know give us clothes, toys, books and etc......
but i think it really hit me yesterday when we went to this place called smart start, it a place for kids to play and paint plus you can check out puzzles, and all kinds of educational toys. to check stuff out you have to join which is quite minimal at $10 per year. so i was just talking to the lady sitting at the desk about coming back next week and joining after my wife got paid since i had gotten laid off and next week would be better for me to join. that is when she said oh if you have been laid off then don't worry about the joining fee we will waive that for you. now that might not mean much to you but to me it blow me away, i guess because she really didn't have to do it. it was more about helping people and in turn helping their children grow and learn than trying to make a buck. i know it seems like a small thing but it meant a lot to me that she would do that for someone she didn't even know. i hope this story has encouraged to have faith that good people are out and maybe even the courage to step out and help someone who might have lost their job in these crazy times.

peace.......

day 48

on wednesday nights at church my wife and i are taking a class about fiances, it has really been quite interesting. one thing that pastor tom said i thought was really good, he said that class was not about helping you save or even make more money. but it's about helping you become a better steward of the money you have right now, by giving tips like clipping coupons, and reevaluating rather you should or need to go out to eat or get coffee or any expense you might not can afford to do all the time. not to say you can't do those things but just maybe not everyday. it's really got us thinking and trying to redo the way we have been doing things, it's not the easiest we've ever done because there is one thing for sure is we really love our starbucks!! :0) but we are trying!!

peace.....al

day 47

in my mailbox today was my cd that i preordered of leroi moore's last show with the dave matthews band. since they are my favorite band i was deeply saddened by his untimely death, as i'm sure many other people were. he was an amazing musician and probably (in my opinion) was one of the best saxaphonist in rock music. while listening to it i was reminded of something dave matthews said at the show they did the day they learned that leroi had passed away. he said "it is always easier to leave than be left...." RIP leroi you will always live in our hearts!!!!

day 46

today i learned that the place that laid me off, had laid 3 more people off. i really hated to hear that other people had to lose their jobs too in this economy. so as i was thinking of something to write i came across this scripture that i thought would be an encouragement to anyone facing uncertainty in their life.
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”- James 1:12

peace........

day 45

i believe spring has sprung!!! i mowed my grass and my wife did some spring cleaning in the house. but all of that turned into a fashion show, see my wife was cleaning the baby girl's room getting clothes she can't wear boxed up and putting out new summer clothes. when the baby girl would see something new she hadn't seen yet, she had to put it on and prance around the house dancing and singing. it turned a chore into delightful fun watching her try all the different outfits on.
here's a little quote for a peaceful sunday!!!
To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring - it was peace. ~Milan Kundera

peace..........

day 44

this afternoon was family fun time, we went to feed the ducks, then walked around the hurley park and then off to chick-fil-a so baby girl could play. and play she did till she just about couldn't play anymore. my wife and i were talking while we were sitting watching her play, about how much our life had changed over the last 10 months since baby girl came to live with us. we use to go just to go, places like winston salem just for a cup of coffee and a cheese pretzel and look at books. now we are always trying to find fun stuff for the baby girl to do, when you become a parent it really does become all about the baby instead of you. but like my wife said yesterday SHE IS THE BEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO US!!!!!!!!!!!! she is a joy to have around and a bright spot in any day good or bad, just to see her makes us smile and that my friends is the best medicine.

peace.......................

day 43

today i started trying to do some walking in an effort to lose some much needed weight. i realize that the older you get, the worse you feel being overweight like i am. but i gained it and i will lose it!!!! here is an encouraging quote i got in an email today.
To exist is to change
to change is to mature
to mature is to go on
creating oneself endlessly.
Henri Berqson
French Philosopher1859 - 1941

peace.......

day 42

tonight we started a study at church on finances, it had a lot of good ideas and tips to help you maybe get ahead a little especially in these unstable times. so i have decided to try and be a better steward of my money and my body, with the warmer weather right here upon us i am making a concerted effort to get out at least take a walk if nothing else. i'm also trying to eat a little better, because god knows i'm the world's worst eater!! :0) so off i go on a journey within the journey, a journey to become a better person physically, mentally and spiritually.
The victory of success is half won when one gains the habit of setting goals and achieving them. Even the most tedious chore will become endurable as you parade through each day convinced that every task, no matter how menial or boring, brings you closer to fulfilling your dreams.
Og Mandino (1923 - 1996)

peace...................

day 41

happy st. pattrick's day to everyone !!!!!! so to end my irish themed blogs i wanted to put up an irish prayer that i pray for all my friends and family.

Bless This House
Bless this house, o Lord, we pray.
Make it safe by night and day.
Bless these walls so firm and stout,
Keeping want and trouble out.
Bless the roof and chimney tall,
Let thy peace lie over all.
Bless the doors that they may prove
Ever open to joy and love.
Bless the windows shining bright,
Letting in God's heavenly light.
Bless the hearth a-blazing there,
With smoke ascending like a prayer.
Bless the people here within...
Keep them pure and free from sin.
Bless us all, that one day, we
May be fit, O lord, to dwell with Thee.

peace............

day 40

it was another gloomy rainy day, much as the last 3 days have been. but i think that sunshine is on the horizon. so honor of the sun coming back out and it also being st. patty's day tomorrow here's another irish blessing....

An Old Irish Blessing
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

peace........

day 39

today at church we did a song that i just can't get out of my head, the name of the song is "amazed" here are the lyrics to this song....
Verse 1:
You dance over me
While I am unaware
You sing all around
But I never hear the sound-
Chorus:
Lord I’m amazed by You
Lord I’m amazed by You
Lord I’m amazed by You
How You love me-
Verse 2:
You paint the morning sky
With miracles in mind
My hope will always stand
For You hold me in Your hand-
Bridge:
How wide
How deep
How great
Is Your love for me

the part of this song that really captured my imagination is the line "you dance over me" what an incredible picture that is, that the god of creation would dance over me. wow!!!!! i looked it up on the internet and found this explaination that i thought really brought it to life.

The reference is Zephaniah 3:17. (NIV) “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” However, you have to study the meaning of the Hebrew word that is translated as “rejoice.” It is the Hebrew word “gheel” which is defined, “to spin round, under the influence of any violent emotion.” It is the word that describes the dancing that goes on in the Hebrew festivals.

peace...........

day 38

today has been quite different for me, after spending the biggest part of my 38 days since the great layoff of '09 with my baby girl. she went to her nanaw's house to spend the night, so it has been really quiet at the house today. it's nice to have a little break, but i must say i do miss her like crazy. but we got some well deserved rest and relaxation, and yes we watched movies instead of noogin. so now for my irish blessing of the day, i've enjoyed finding this little blessing with st. patty's day just around the corner. hope ya'll have enjoyed them too!!!

An Old Celtic Blessing
May the blessing of light be on you—
light without and light within.
May the blessed sunlight shine on you
and warm your heart
till it glows like a great peat fire.

peace......

day 37

unlike last weekend this weekend looks to be cold and rainy, which is really good for movie watching and snuggling with the one you love or i guess go shopping :0)
last night we had a great family supper with amber and lloyd with the kids, boo, and miah. it was really nice to get to hang out with all of them. so for today's blog i want to continue my irish theme with an irish prayer. i hope it adds a little sunshine to your rainy day.

An Irish Prayer
May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

peace.......

day 36

as we move another day closer to st. patrick's day i wanted to put another irish blessing up. i have always enjoyed irish folklure and even a little celtic music. so have's another little pick me up...............

An Old Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

peace......

day 35

we are 1 week from st. patrick's day, so i thought i would put a few irish blessings up on here. i figure that with so many people struggling in this economy, we could all use a little pick me up from time to time. on the news today i heard that near bout 1 out of every 10 people are unemployed, that is a staggering number when you really think about. so here's the first irish blessing in honor of st. patrick's day.....
May your blessings outnumber The shamrocks that grow,And may trouble avoid you Wherever you go.~Irish Blessing

peace.....

day 34

it's been over a month since the big lay off of '09, and to tell you the truth i'm doing pretty good about.......until i start thinking about how they did it. but all in all i'm doing ok and starting to move on knowing that god as my best interest at heart. so today i wanted to put a little quote i got in my email today...
A dead thing can go with the stream,but only a living thing can go against it. G K Chesterton
so always try to stand out and go against the tide and make a difference in everything you do!!!!!

peace........

day 33

today was another beautiful day on the neighborhood and it got me thinking about all the fun things i want to do with my baby girl when it finally stays warm. like going to the zoo, and the beach and tweetsie railroad to meet dora and diego this june. but for right now my life has been reduced to pottying and going to the potty. that's right we are in the middle of training baby girl to go to the potty like a big girl. she is doing pretty good, so to help her along some we bought candy today that has been dubbed the "potty candy". everything time she goes to the potty like a big girl she gets a piece of candy, because i have the biggest girl in the whole wide world :0) so here's a little quote about children i thought was appropriate for this blog today.
If you can give your son or daughter only one gift, let it be enthusiasm.
Bruce Barton

peace..........

day 32

today started daylight savings which means spring is just around the corner, it's been a beautiful couple days this weekend. so day i got a text from my best friend that i thought was really appropriate during this uncertain times we are facing in our nation. i hope this will encourage you as it did me when i read it, since there are a lot of us that are unemployed. so keep your head up and know that there is something better on the horizon.
"what the caterpillar calls the end, the rest of the world calls a butterfly." lao tzu

peace......

day 31

today has been a great day! we had a couples bridal shower for my 23 year old niece and her husband to be. thought it was mostly family. it was nice getting together with everyone and playing with the children. so now as my baby girl slwwps after her big day of playing with the other kids i thought i would but a new quote up from my mother teresa book, just a little short quote that has a lot to really think about like much of this book had so far. so for the latest quote here it is........
to please him only is the joy i seek.
in an age where we are trying to find joy in things and entertainment, her only joy was to please her god. that is a heart completely and totally sold out to god!!!

peace..............

day 29

since starting my book on mother teresa, i have been challenged by her undying love and unwavering faith in god. her willingness to give up everything including herself for the sake of the gospel in just plain inspiring. at the start of each chapter there are little quotes by mother teresa and i thought this one was really good.
"if only one little unhappy child is made happy with the love of jesus,...will it not be worth...giving all for that?"
this quote really spoke to me about for the last 10 months my wife and i have been raising our 2 year old niece. mother teresa is exactly right it is worth all you give just to see them happy, i know for us it does. just to hear her laugh puts a joy in our hearts i'm not sure either of us have ever felt. i think it's all about getting yourself out of your comfort zone to help people, because like the scripture says in matthew 25:40 "and the king will tell them, i assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me."

peace...........

day 28

i know that each of us have heard "jesus loves you", to point it has become just another catch phrase. but i think the next exert from my book on mother teresa will give a whole new insight to that old phrase and let you see something you may have never seen before, at least for me it did.
"jesus wants me to tell you again...how much is the love he has for each one of you-beyond all what you can imagine....not only he loves you, even more-he longs for you. he misses you when you don't come close. he thirsts for you. he loves you always, even when you don't feel worthy....do you believe it?...why does jesus say "i thirst"? what does it mean? something so hard to explain in words-..."i thirst" is something much deeper than just jesus saying "i love you." until you know how deep inside that jesus thirsts for you-you can't begin to know who he wants to be for you. or who he wants you to be for him."
i hope this encourages you as you start a new day, knowing that jesus thirsts for you. the more i think about the more it just blows my mind that jesus could love me and you that much.....

peace.........

day 27

as time is coming to go to bed i wanted to put this exert from the book that i've reading on the private writings of mother teresa.
"don't look for big things, just do small things with great love...the smaller the thing the greater must be our love." she lived this principle in whatever she was doing throughout each day. whether it was big or small mattered not to her; everything she did was an opportunity to love.
the more i read the more i'm challenged by the love she had for people and her god.

peace......

day 26

as predicted we got our first big snow of the year about 4-6 inches, or it least for this part of the country it was big. i love a good snow exceptionally with a 2 year old, as you can tell by the pic she had a great time playing in the snow, as i did watching and taking pictures of her. here is a verse i found in the bible that is the way every parent should view their children.

"Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3" (new living translation)

day 25

in my small little part of the world,we are bracing for the first real major winter storm of the year. the weathermen are saying you could see anywhere from 4-8 ins. of snow by the time it ends sometime tomorrow. so if you are like me and are going to be home bound for a day or two, you will have plenty of time for reading and blogging. so here's an exert from the book i've been reading about mother teresa..........
"why must we give ourselves fully to god? because god has given himself to us. if god owes nothing to us is ready to impart to us no less than himself, shall we answer with just a fraction of ourselves? to give ourselves fully to god is a means of receiving god himself. i for god and god for me. i live for god and give up my own self, and in this way induce god to live for me. therefore to possess god we must allow him to possess our souls."
this book has been quite challenging because mother teresa was just wanted to do god's will in her life no matter what it might cost her. it really makes you stop and think about your own commitment to god in your own life.

peace........