Who I Am

After reading my first post, I realized that I had neglected to introduce myself to anyone unfortunate enough to run across this blog.

So taking exception from my first entry, please allow me to tell you a lil' bit 'bout me....

I am first and foremost a Christian, one who seeks Jesus daily and tries my best to live as an example of Him in this world....having said that.....I am also a real person. If you live under judgement and a lack of grace and think that salvation is something that can be wrenched away from you if you say a cuss word or have a drink, then I am not your type of Christian...

My salvation is secure in MY relationship with HIM, there is nothing in my Bible that suggests that you have anything at all to do with it, or vice versa.

I am a believer, but can also be wildly inappropriate for the sake of a laugh and ...well...I am totally fine with that.

I cannot stand judgemental people and take great pleasure in shutting them down.

I am a husband to my true soulmate, she completes me in every way and in most sentences (mainly because she is afraid of what willl come next). She has shown me what unconditional love and acceptance is and for that I am and will be eternally grateful.

I am a father to three of the most incredible kids ever born. Canaan is my clone, but a much improved version of me. He is funny, sweet, caring, tough, devout, loyal and more than I could ask or think.

Cariss is my challenge, she is rigidly exacting in her opinion of right and wrong, she is fiercely protective and will not back down from a fight (even with me). She overcame great adversity when entering this world and the strong will that we prayed into her has not lessened.

Callie is my cuddler, a Daddy's girl through and through. She wakes up smiling and singing, always has. Joy for her is a lifestyle and a contagion that infects anyone around her. She is a master at "dancing through life".

I am a brother to three sisters. Heather who served me ....literally, like a waitress and was my constant companion in childhood, is someone who I not only love but am SO incredibly proud of. Lynette, I wish that we lived closer and I saw you more, but nothing can take away the incredible and funny memories that we share, your college years, were some of my best times...

My extended family includes many aunts, uncles and cousins. They are all just as fun and crazy as me. I can honestly say that some of my best friends and most supportive allies (partners in crime) are my cousins. They are the funniest group ever and we have had some crazy good times.

I am lucky to have been surrounded by some amazing friends who have lifted and supported me through so many years that it would be impossible to list them all, but to not mention a couple would be shameful.

Gene, you are as much my brother as if we were blood, my life would NOT be what it is now without you in it.

Rachael, what a bonus you were, to have my best friend fall in love with and marry...well my best friend. Too good to be true. Salt n pepa's here...

If I was shaped by anything, you can lay much of the blame on my time spent at the AG Tabernacle. My years here were crazy, wonderful, terrible, challenging, changing, expressive, oppressive, defining, exciting and without my knowledge served to shape and mold me beyond my own indifference.

My Tabernacle family is huge and my memories are endless and I am so blessed to have reconnected with so many of them on Facebook. Pastor Tim & Debbie, we have had this conversation already, but it is still worthy of note that I credit (blame) you for this circling through adolescent stupidity and coming right back to the One who has made everything in my life better and more worthwhile and for that and many other things I love you both very much.

In the words of Forrest Gump...."that's all I have to say about that....."

Peace.