The obcession with race and gender.

We are all created in God's image. All races whether of one race or multiple races. Our society is obsessed with our outside appearance but God looks to our heart. We all have a part in God's plan regardless of gender. In the Bible we find God used the unlikelest of people to do his will. Men, Women and Eunuchs all were used to spread The Gospel. Greeks, Hebrews, Samaritans and Romans came to Christ united in the face of persecution in Acts. I challenge people to find true identity in Christ instead of the identity that society says we should have.

Christianity does not have a political party.

For years thought of myself as a Republican. I am pro-life, support the 2nd Amendment, support the military, and do not buy into many of the victim narratives. However, I also believe in protecting our planet from pollution, oppose discrimination, and celebrate diversity. I challenge people to look beyond the party and instead focus on loving humanity. Jesus Christ died for humanity on a cross, not for political parties or ideological camps.

Truth

Faith

Many things can not be changed. We can not change our DNA, our biological parents, our racial background, and the way we were brought into the world. We are attracted to who we are attracted to. We like the food that we like. We have the allergies and allergic reaction to them. One thing we can change is what we choose to have faith in. I believe in Jesus Christ. This does not mean I deny the science or judge others. I acknowledge human-caused climate change, that evolution should be studied, and think love is complicated beyond my ability to sort out. Faith is about finding a center and holding to that center. My faith is rooted deeply in Jesus Christ. I sin but in faith believe Jesus forgave my sins and forgives them. I struggle with things but in my faith, I know Jesus is with me in every hardship. The Christian faith is one of being a servant. It is one of putting not just Jesus before yourself but also others. We are not perfect but we strive to emulate the one that is perfect. Please consider looking into Jesus. Read the books of Matthew, Luke, Mark, and John in the Bible. It is not about what people consider to be right. It is about sacrificing your comfort so that others have comfort. It is about being part of an eternal relationship one based on pure selfless love.

Being a Parent means learning every day.

Depression

I am a survivor of depression. From elementary to high school I was bullied. I was an unathletic fat kid that never felt accepted by other students. At one school a group of boys planned to follow me home and beat me with belts. My dad miraculously decided to pick me up that day. At another school, a boy put glitter in my hair and laughed. I know many had worse experiences but these things stick in my mind. In college, I could never find my way. I starred in a play, elected to student office, and made top grades. Yet doubt was my constant companion. I changed majors until ran out of my money, my parent's money, and loan money not to mention grants and scholarships. I came out of my fog working at of all places McDonald's. I had a grass cutting business but McDonald's was my first real job. The owners trusted me and gave me encouragement. I made employee of the month and earned it. It was the first time I had not taken any short cuts and got rewarded. I went on to work for almost a decade at a hospital. My confidence really got a boost as got married and had children. Then everything came crashing down. We were in a horrific car wreck. My youngest child almost died, had surgery, and recovery. It took me over a year not to panic on every car ride. I did not drive in the wreck but felt sick every time I drove. When my wife drove I would try to focus on my phone or close my eyes. However after lots of mental exercises, prayer and time this fog also lifted from me.

Welcome to my new blog.

I am Lay Preacher, dad, husband, and cat owner. I enjoy cooking, landscaping, and working on political campaigns. In the past, I co-hosted a talk radio show and wrote a newspaper column. This blog will be about numerous things and hope to make it a fun blog. It is intended to help me share what I learn and what inspires me. Please offer any polite suggestions or constructive criticism. Please, nothing negative or mean spirited. I plan to be reviewing some books, t.v. shows and movies as time goes on. My editing skills are rusty so please overlook any spelling or grammar errors. I plan to improve on the quality of writing as find my rhythm.