A Light at the End of the Faith-walk

After working for the past year every Sunday, I finally decided to be disciplined enough to visit with people that inspire me, and that I've promised to visit. 

Mr. James Davis was one that inspired me, and doesn't know that I'm blogging about him, so I can't get in trouble with him for boasting on him a bit. 

Mr. James always spoke to me at the store, always encouraged me, and never spoke harshly to me, of me, or of anyone when we spoke. He did however, invite me to church with every encounter. Today I honored that invitation. 

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him." Hebrews 11:6

I think it pleased God to see Mr. James' persistence pay off. I was in church and met a host of new friends. I met people genuine in their compassion, and enjoyed a great service at Friendship Baptist Church. 

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Mr. James hoped God would move me, because he hadn't seen me until today. Hahaha! Upon seeing me and hearing my testimony, Mr. James blessed me with more kind words and asked me to call him when The Lord blessed me to under-shepherd His people somewhere, so he (Mr. Davis) could come hear me speak. It puts chills on me that someone still sees me as a man of the Most High, or that someone sees just a smidgen of Gods' presiding in me at all. 

Before that I attended the early service at the Spruce Pine UMC where Pastor J taught about keeping the faith also. He reminded me that God makes a way out of no way. Pastor Jeremy taught from Exodus 14, using an analogy that referred to the Dukes of Hazard. Classic sermon, and I'll never look at the parting of the Red (Reed) Sea quite the same again. "Caught between a rock and a hard place, between the devil and the deep blue sea." Pastor J reminded us that even if some of us often have our backs against the proverbial wall that God is always faithful and delivers His children. 

It was great seeing some very familiar faces; my band instructors from school, one of my star soccer players (pastor's daughter), a former cohort (band member) from the Playhouse, and others from other walks in my life. I had great experiences in both church families. 

Following up church, I had a great time watching the Panthers beat up on the Lions and eating way too much of my grandmama's delicious Sunday Best, and spending time with my Baby Girl... Life is good! Now capping off a great day with a wonderful night! #SuperSunday with a #ProudPapa that wears the title each day and participates in #ADayInTheLifeOfAnImperfectChristian

Peace, blessings, and joy... That real PB&J!

From Beneath The Ashes To The Top Of The World!

My looking back over a very memorable day... Ten years seems like ten weeks. The brevity of life amazes me. The thought of death and advancing makes me more appreciative on a daily basis. My 9/11 was not spent in a metropolitan area. My view was not from a skyscraper. My view was from the top of the world today. I washed bikes with my sweetie today. Her little pink bike sparkled, but not nearly as bright as those beautiful little chocolate diamonds that she looks up at her daddy with. I spent a little over an hour on top of the world with a great riding partner, my middle son. We were in top of the world thinking about those atop the World Trade Center Towers ten years ago. We were on top pf the world thinking about how God is the maker of it all, and this is His footstool. (Isaiah 66:1) So even when terrorist try to pull us down, and our problems seem to be out of this world and over our heads, they are just under His feet! I am on top of the world tonight, and sorry for those that are not, because the view from here is lovely! Gods' view is breath taking. That light on the mountain is not just the sun calling my name. But when I see it and get to it, there is an indescribable peace there called home, and from there I hear the voice of Almighty God. You see it's not just my mountain that makes the view captivating, but the Spirit that is within me. Now I will finish the day on top of the world by resting high on that mountain with the woman God ordained me to be with. Good night brothers and sisters, may God bless America, make his face to shine upon you all, and may He grant you all memories of perseverance, love, and true hope that stem from this day that outshine all of the rest!
Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Psalm 1:1&2
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,nor stands in the way of sinners,nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,and on his law he meditates day and night."

We as Christians should not dwell in the counsel of the wicked, we should dwell among the wicked and counsel. ~ Sivart Pooknyw

Tenth year since the attack on our nation, and still it stings. The imperfect Christian is not old enough to have been around during the attack on Pear Harbor, but can only imagine how the hearts of the men and women of Pearl Harbor feel every year that December 7th rolls around. Some of us have grandparents, or, perhaps even older grandparents depending on our age, that remember Pearl Harbor, and other events that are a sad part of our nations history. We as a nation persevere, and even in our differences come together as a people even if not completely to make a stand for one another. That troubles, and confuses a lot of other people. But it's as simple as comparing our nation to our family. Dad loves ice-cream, but is lactose intolerant. He loves football, racing, and competitive sports. Mom loves milk drinks it everyday, only loves Packer football, watched racing when the 3 car was driven by a man named Dale, and is not much on competitive sports unless her kids are playing and she's at the game. Just for grins and giggles, let's say that none of the other family members from either side care about any of that! What matters is that they are still a family, and they will still dish out or take a thumpin' for family! So if your ancestry dates back to whatever continent, the imperfect Christian says as an American, not as a shade or belonging to any department or sect, to his American family, have a beautiful "In Remembrance Sunday."

The NYT Remembering:
NYT: The 9/11 Decade: The Price of

The imperfect Christian may not agree with your religious views, choice of teams, or schools even, but he will not dwell in the counsels of those that encourage such behavior that disrespects leadership, love, or life. Hitlers propaganda had to start somewhere. Someone had to inspire Bin Laden. The way some people talk in this country I fear that the next leader of terror could very well be readying himself right here in our country. So rather than bad mouth our parents youth, rather than bad mouth our government working class America, I think we should dwell among the wicked that we talk about, and consider talking to them in love and with great discernment rather than about them... Then bust their tails if they don't listen. Hahaha! My apologies for the warped but heartfelt humor, you know the score...

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

What Are You Lookin' For?

So what are you looking for? What do you see in the picture? A marble slab, a heart, or a marble heart? The imperfect Christian sees all of those and then some. The imperfect Christian sees his wife, a select friend, his uncle, cousin, and auntie. The latter three mainly because auntie installed that slab top on their kitchen island. She and my wife are so crafty! So on to the question, "what are we looking for," what do we see in people? The imperfect one can assure you that known of the above mentioned have hearts of stone, or marble, but that is an awesome top, wouldn't you agree?

The imperfect Christian worked at a factory once upon a time believe it or not, and in this factory he placed a newsletter on one of the notice boards. The newsletter asked a simple question: "Ladies Looking For Mr. Right?" It was the most popular piece on that board for at least that night. The women, married and unmarried did a double take, and turned back after nearly walking past just to see how they could find Mr. RIGHT!

The imperfect Christian did not find it fitting to exclude the gentlemen in this blog, therefore, he asks instead... "What are you (men and women) looking for in a person?"

If he/she smiles does that mean they are interested in you? Do they want more than conversation? If he/she looks at you in a way that is not so nice, are they looking for a fight? What are you looking for?

Women leave home and go to clubs every weekend talking about how much fun they're gonna have! Then they leave the club, go home drunk, or let down (if not both), and talk about how much fun they didn't have. Instead of a romantic ending with Josh Groban singing, "You Raise Me Up," she gets an ending with Josh Gropin making her sing, "You Messed Me Up!"

Then there's the fella's... God help us. The fella's hit the strip looking for action, and come back singing a different tune, yeah the Stones work here... "I Can't Get No Satisfaction." Simple minds, simple fact, easier to explain, one line for the men, and a I could add a few more for the ladies. Yes, it is that complicated, and yet just that simple.

So what are you looking for? The imperfect Christian has never met a stranger, and talks with everyone. Something he needs to practice on, however, is what he is looking for. Here's a few scenarios:

She's 5'4" 100lbs, or she's 5'4" 300lbs, makes no difference in her weight, it's all in what I am looking for.

He's wearing a bow tie and carrying his laptop like his first child, or he's wearing jeans and t-shirt carrying his Harley jacket like it's hit first love, makes no difference, it's all in what I am looking for.

In all of these people if you plan on making a true friend, a life long friend, or even a mate, you have to look for the same person in each one of them! That Person (Being/Spirit) is whom we are all patterned after, and made in His image. If we seek that Person (Christ), and not the enemy, then we will do just fine. People are crazy enough now days, we don't need to give them anymore reason to cut up even more. They don't need a reason to be crazy/crazier, they just are! Just as much as we can say that, "they are crazy," we can say (leaving out the crazy) that "God is." Shortest, most effective use of syntax in my repertoire. He exists... God is. He is everything to me... God is. You can't use that with anyone else rightfully. There is just no way to justify it, only with God. So the next time you see that rough head at the bar, or the next time you see that cutie in the grocery store, ask yourself, am I looking for God in him/her, or just looking for trouble in the flesh?

"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is (GOD is!) and that He is The Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Heb 11:6)

So again, let the imperfect one say,"If you are seeking God in the rough head on the Harley, God may grant you a lifelong friend, that helps you grow stronger. A man might find a new motorcycle riding partner that he's been hoping for. A woman might find that protective loyal husband she seeks. Vice versa with the little cutie. You men may find a sweet loyal wife, or as Biz Markie said, "Just A Friend," but it's better than the opposite (a foe). Ladies, this young woman could be the best friend you have desired when you need a shoulder to cry on, or someone to laugh with. If you seek God, diligently He will reward you, He said so in His Word. On that note and verse, I am the imperfect Christian and I'm out!

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

What Is Church To You?

From a distance things look different. For from a glance, people thought the imperfect Christian Rav had oversized offroad tires, but as they got closer they realized that they were innertubes for the river. You may or may not know of Benny Hill, but he was a prime example. Benny would do a thorough look over on a woman, and go ga-ga over her. Then when he passed her she wasn't quite as attractive as he had anticipated. Isn't that the same with any quick take, or lustful desire? Even with church right? The building, cathedral, place of worship seems immaculate, then you go inside for a closer look, and it's not as pretty on the inside. Mainly because of the heart of the matter and not because of the building itself.

Better look up close... What's inside, what is the heart of the matter, where is the heart of worship in that church?
Old - New... Can you break away from traditions, or do you need to build on them?
Time and distance changes things... The Road to Emmaus, the time that the disciples were away from Jesus, and they had totally forgotten what Jesus had taught them, and were slow to receive what He was teaching even as He walked with them.

AC/DC sang a song that built a Highway to Hell, and we all turned it into a freeway!

So what turns you on about being a Jesus Freak or what totally turns you away from His love?

Survey:
1. If you could be a part of a church family, what would be the most attractive part of church for you?

2. What is the least attractive things about church from your experience?

3. What do look for personally from your church?

4. If you could do one thing to help your church, what would it be?

5. What is church to you? Peace, Blessings, & Joy... that real PB&J!

How Do You Get High?

What do you have with a cool Lake Michigan breeze, a Carolina Blue sky over a blessed Wisconsin home? The perfect day for a family Easter gathering. To be imperfect, and see His love poured out still.

To have the grace of hearing your children laugh with a never ending energy as they hunt for Easter eggs.
To be a part of the fraternity that is now a part of the inherited family, that sits around downstairs, laughs and gets excited over the games they're watching on TV.

To be reminded of the mercy He bestowed upon us with Easter egg devotions. To have the hostess, a great Christian teacher, an even better Christian wife, mother, and grandmother remind us that it is Him that mercifully saved us from a devils hell!

Yeah that's the difference between grace and mercy as Pastor Henson would say:
"God gives us grace by giving us what we don't deserve... and the mercy not to give us what we do deserve!"

So how does the imperfect Christian get high? It starts with a hug from the aunt that opens her door for you. It continues with more hugs from more aunts, and cousins. It's getting a kite started a mile above the grass that is greener than the green in Green Bay, for your 6 year old, then allowing her big cousin to join in on the fun. It's the football game in the back yard where no one boo's if you throw a pick or miss an assignment. It's the love unconditional that still calls you family even when you forget to send a birthday card, and now we have email and Facebook, so shame on you if you miss one! It's the passing on tradition from one generation to the next, and enjoying what God has given that makes the imperfect Christian high. I hope this trip helped you get up for another good time.

Until the next time... Peace, Blessings, & Joy... that real PB&J

From the fine folks of Spiritual feeding (Quotemeal):
"If God be your partner, make your plans large!" ~ Dwight L. Moody

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Are You Quitting!?

The imperfect Christian was blessed with perfect riding weather all weekend!!! He rode 20 miles on the track on Friday, got a nice burn due mostly to not having any pressure in his tires, but by the grace of God, He sent along an experienced rider that had a floor pump in his car. Yes it's the little things in life that mean so much. This fella had blazed past the imperfect Christian like a greyhound with his tail on fire looking for cold water all afternoon. Which in the end helped strike up the conversation that led to the imperfect one getting the assistance he needed. Now that the imperfect Christian is no longer the shy kid that he once was, he had the audacity to approach this speed merchant, and ask a favor. The imperfect Christian complimented the rider on his speed, and technique, got a humble thank you from the other rider, and then politely asked him if he had a pump. The rider was gracious enough to point the imperfect one to his bike transporter (car), where he said he would and did indeed help him with his tire woes. As the experienced rider assisted his ailing new cycling brother, he said, "Wow! you have nearly nothing in the front, and a whopping 30 lbs of pressure in the rear! Now that we have you back up to regulation (100psi), you should go about 10 mph faster!" Saying this with a slight chuckle due to the over exaggeration, and most assuredly to his amazement that I was riding on almost flat tires. I didn't have a pump, or an adapter for the slim (presta) valve stems that are on most top of the line road bikes. What I did have, however, was a willingness to get a few miles in on a gorgeous Friday afternoon.

Saturday was beautiful as well. The imperfect one took his middle son with him on this ride, and they rode the town loop via the Blue Ridge Parkway. One of the best rides that I have been on in a long time! We had the road to ourselves!!! It was great. 16 miles, and a few step climbs, but nothing major. That all changed on Sunday!

Sunday, which was supposed to be the imperfect ones day off, saw the same two father and son combination taking on an even bigger feat! Sunday we decided to try and conquer the mountain. The upside was I had someone to share the agony with, the down side was that it was really agonizing because neither of us had prepared. We didn't hydrate properly or have any lunch, and it showed when we started climbing. Anxiety set in, and the hunger made us weaker by the second. The imperfect one thought to himself as he was writing this blog... "Self we were only riding bikes, I can't imagine what those Chilean miners had going through there minds!" The miners were reported to have had suicidal thoughts, and planned cannibalism. Now the imperfect one and his son were not that bad, but it was bad enough. Plus the way the imperfect Christians kids eat, shoot... the imperfect Christian would have only made a snack for the middle son if the imperfect one would have died, and the son had to resort to cannibalism in order to survive! The imperfect ones son said, "Hey we could turn back and head down the mountain again and call our one woman with a little lady rescue team (Mama and Baby Girl)! I said let's just get a drink here and press on. It was our first climb together, and the first one that the imperfect one had been on in more than a decade and a half! Desk work will kill you! I kept hearing Coach Haskins telling Bobby Joe White, "If you quit today, you will quit everyday for the rest of your life!" So, we trudged forward!!! The imperfect one and his son got to the top, and both he and his son were fatigued and more than hungry. The One WOman Rescue Team (Mama) was concerned about her fellas, so she safety harnessed the Baby Girl and took her rescue wagon out after them early. The imperfect Christian and son were thankful that she did! The imperfect one was truly glad to see his lovely rescuer/wife, even if the first words out of his mouth were not, "Honey I love you, it's great to see you." No instead he said, "Oh praise the Lord, have you got a pack of crackers in there anywhere?" She replied, "I don't store food in here, all I have are some cough drops!" The imperfect one with no sense, or hesitation says, "Cool I'll take one." Hunger will do some crazy things to a fella. A planned fast is tough, but an unscheduled one will make you one of two things:
1. A stronger imperfect Christian, or
2. Just plain crazy!

Perhaps the imperfect Christian needs to practice his fasting and praying with a bit more due diligence? To make matters worse the imperfect one and son took money from the rescue team and rode the last two miles to Burger King. That's where they made there worst mistake... "Whoppers!" The imperfect Christian stomach still hurts today from the grease and fatty food that he has slowly but surely tried to ween himself away from!!! So don't quit! Don't give up. Stick to your ride (game plan) whether it involves fasting, or just praying, and don't stop when you get to your mountain top. There are other people that will need you, and there will be other mountains to climb.

Peace, Blessings, & Joy... that real PB&J!

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Do It 4 A Just Cause! Gitr' Done/Get'it Did!

The imperfect Christian believes in doing things for a Just Cause. Some will make Kojack jokes about my "I Ride For Sticker, and others may say something derogatory, and to each their own. Most that have been in the struggle, or had someone close to them in the struggle can spot the bright yellow, and black from a great distance, and appreciate all of those that support the cause. The imperfect Christian was mistaken about the weight of his bike. The Midnight Rider weighs a mere 16lbs that feels like less than that, so I was off by a few pounds! I can say that I can't ride it where or like I want to just yet, and my addiction is growing with everyday, but I will get there.

Riding for my health, and to promote a health conscious community is my aim. I have not ridden in years, and pray that I will have an opportunity to ride daily soon. I will have to butter up my son to get out in the snow however, he has a mountain bike that would be perfect for a ride in the white stuff right about now!

The most Just Cause I have right now? Family! The imperfect Christian was blessed to have time with his Baby Girl yesterday. We rode the sleds for a good bit, and then made snow angels. The downfall, he left his phone behind, and has no camera to record or take stills with! Shame on you daddy!!! The imperfect one only wishes that he could have seen the face that matched the high pitched glass shattering squelch that she let out just a few seconds after saying this hill is going to be boring! We slid approximately 25 feet before getting to the edge that dropped about 4 feet, but it was a drop that was closer to a 90 degree drop rather than the 45 degree slope we had just traversed. The abrupt drop was similar to that of a small rollercoaster, and it was a blast! After getting blasted with snow spray, and cold wind, we tried the flat lands. The imperfect Christian daddy got his real workout there! Yes friends he pulled the little girl down the drive way running his legs off as she yelled, "Faster Daddy faster!" I believe if her mother had handed her a jockey's rod, Baby Girl would have struck me several times like a jockey in the running to win the Derby at Church Hill Downs!

We have more snow, and I'm thinking that after nap time, we may have to go out for Round 2 later this afternoon! Not all is fair in life, but God is just. Just to forgive us, and just to give us a second chance. So, my new motto isn't Nike's motto, "Just Do It!" My motto is like my God, it's an action thing, and it says, "Just Did It!" Get up, get involved, and get it did! That's the brotha's version of Gitr' Done. See I work both sides of my bloodline! ;)

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Miracle Drug Enhances Memory!

Some pills are harder to swallow than others. However, some remedies are not in the form of a pill. Not everything that tastes sweet is candy, and not all medicine is administered with a needle.

Let me take you to the doctors office. The room was dimly lit with a single lamp, and there were posters of bands on the walls, and ceiling. There was a couple of pieces of art, some original sketches that hung above the beds. They were of cougars and lions penciled that appeared so life like, like they were actual photos almost. There was another very life like picture over the other bed, of an old lamp, done in pastels by the doctor's sister. A stereo between the two beds, and speaker cabinets at the end of each bed that were taller than me, once placed on their pedestals. That stereo would pump out some happening tunes! The old songs take me back sometimes.

The imperfect Christian can remember his middle uncle playing some old Spinners tunes, and singing. When the imperfect Christian was just a little tyke approximately 6 or 7 years of age. The little imperfect Christian used to think to himself, and say, "Wow, he should be singing on stage with the Spinners, and not just in his room!" Unc knew every word, sang in perfect time, never missing a beat, danced, and sang on key in every tune! That was medicine for my soul. All of my uncles sang to me, and helped ease my spirit with music!

I am blessed to work in music now. Music is sweet, sweet medicine.

My eldest uncle DJ'ed a tape for me, and put some smooth Jazz on it, one summer just before my teen years. I would have rather had some old school rap back in the day, because that's all I listened to. Now I have the songs he sent to me back in the day on my ipod! My oldest uncle has a deep radio voice, and called out the selection better than most of the cats I listened to on the radio, so it was too cool! I could see him in LA, in a booth, making the ladies melt as he spoke and played track over the airwaves. A station could put some shades on him, place him on a billboard, and use the slogan, "Just call the doctor he's in!" OK, just a thought, but now I know what I want for Christmas, a new mixtape from the big guy, doing the smooth DJ intro's! I've got dibs before any of my family reads this, and calls him. You are all too late! HA!

Unfortunately, I later became addicted to the wrong messages, and listened to filth. Not just in music, but in life. My mind became polluted with Channel Zero! The nothing but garbage channel or as Flava Flav would say, "Ya blind baby, ya blind from the fact that you're watching that garbage!" In my case, watching and listening.

I am getting back to the music that promotes family in my maturing. I will bust out some Holy Hip-Hop, and even some old school secular Hip-Hop, but nothing vulgar or unfit for my five year to listen to.

Bill Withers is an artist that takes me back! My grandmother is alive and well, but his song "Grandma's Hands," takes me back and this song reminds me so much of my own Grandmama. It reminds me of my great-grandmother as well, and the last verse could apply to her. When I listen to Bill sing, it's like listening to a family member, a wise uncle.

Grandma's hands, clapped in church on Sunday morning,
Grandma's hands played a tambourine so well.

Grandma's hands used to issue out a warning,

She'd say, "Travvy don't you run so fast,

Might fall on a piece of glass,

Might be snakes there in that grass"
Grandma's hands

Grandma's hands soothed a local unwed mother

Grandma's hands used to ache sometimes and swell

Grandma's hands used to lift her face and tell her,

"Baby, Grandma understands

That you really love that man

Put yourself in Jesus hands"
Grandma's hands

Grandma's hands used to hand me piece of candy

Grandma's hands picked me up each time I fell

Grandma's hands Boy, they really came in handy

She'd say, "Travvy don' you whip that boy

What you want to spank him for?

He didn' drop no apple core"

But I don't have Grandma anymore

If I get to Heaven I'll look for Grandma's hands...

Man what happened to songs with good moral value, the one's that would lyrically and musically show you love, and the one's that taught you how to love!?

Music eases my soul to this day. My Grandmother as I stated before is alive and well, and anytime I hear Mahalia Jackson sing, I think of my grandmother.

The old R&B tunes remind me of how a man is suppose to love his family. I hear songs like "Sadie," or "Grandma's Hands," and I think of how my uncle's loved their mother, because she did what was best for them, and loved them no matter what was going on in their lives. She has shown us all the closest love that we could find next to the love of Christ.

My youngest uncle was killed 9 years ago this summer, and I can listen to Bluegrass and think of him. I can listen to Hip-Hop, and think of him, and I can hear someone sing, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus," and think of him. But the music reminds me of his love, his strength, his courage! The music helps to remind me, and gives me peace. The pill is tough to swallow at times, because physically he is away from me. But the music and the reminisce are sweet like candy.

My youngest uncle drove the imperfect Christian to Kingsport one day to look at a car, and on the way back through Minneapolis, the imperfect Christian rounded a curve at 55 mph that had a road sign in place that warned all drivers to reduce their speed to 35 mph. We boogied through the turn listening to Wrecks N Effect's "Rump Shaker." When we survived and came out of the turn, the imperfect Christians youngest uncle said in his best Teddy Riley voice, "Slow down cuzz, or we will go from 'Zoom-zoom, zooming, to (now puts on his Baptist choir voice) "What A Friend We Have In Jesus!" I thought he was going to be upset with my jammin' to the radio, and not paying attention, and he made a joke about it, and told me to slow down. Well there is my "Fall Back In Time Friday..." What tunes take you back?

Go-Rillin' In The Mist

Well it was warm enough, and even dry enough with a light mist, to have the Koop Troop Monthly BBQ! Daddy usually doesn't boast about his grill skill, but when all the kids say that it was so good that they ate too fast, and mama asks for seconds, daddy feels pretty darn good about it! But the kicker was baby girl saying that she was full, and couldn't eat anymore, but doing the opposite. She passed on the beef, potatoes, and carrots, but then got a whiff of the smokey grilled hamburger, and said daddy can I have a burger! And then after eating her main course, she ate half of my burger! I was needless to say, very, very, puffed! Go daddy had a whole new meaning! He cooked something that baby girl enjoyed and wasn't to full to get more of. That is a very high ranking accomplishment! Tops the list for now that's for sure!

One Month To Live

What would you do if the doctor told you that you had only a few more days left?



What would you feel?



The imperfect Christian initially felt fear.


The imperfect Christian had this book (One Month To Live) lying around in front of his closet in the huge clutter called his bedroom. He saw a book that he had picked up from a gracious and generous distributor for free at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS). It was a book that he had never read, never even touched! Then after years of pretending to be a faithful person, he picked up this book. He read the intro and asked himself, how am I going to take this seriously? I am not dying in a month that I know of due to illness, and if I were, I certainly wouldn't spend it chasing money, be concerned with paying the light bill, or buying groceries. Heck no, bring on the beach! Give me a board, and a bike and turn me loose!!! Well just so happens God answered me immediately on this one. He allowed me to feel that experience to a certain degree through a nightmare. He has since placed others in my life to wake me up as well.




The imperfect Christian placed his fro covered noggin on his pillow in hopes of a warm, peaceful slumber only to find himself restless and tossing and turning! Into the night came a horrific vision of his aunt asking him about a spot on his leg. It's appearance was like, and pardon my graphic discription, a nubby nipple. It grew rapidly before our eyes, and my aunt being a critical care nurse said, "That is bad! The way it's growing means that it's probably in your blood stream and you do not have long to live, a couple of weeks at the most." Now of course this is a dream, and the imperfect one has never heard of a growth growing from the size of your pupil to the size of a plum in just a few minutes, but it seemed so real!!! I was initially horrified, literally scared to death! I then turned bitter. I was angry that this was happening to me. Then stage three saw me being angry enough to do something about it!!! The imperfect one that was once filled with fear, and then bitterness, was now filled with strength from the Holy One. The imperfect Christian took this news as a wake up call and said, "I will not go out like a coward, I refuse to let satan still another second of my joy! I will honor and glorify Christ even to the death!"




You ever get that, "I'll show them!" mentality? That's what I felt. I woke up that morning and started a diary, and asked a couple of friends to ask me about my experience when my month was up, and I have a story, man do I have a story. Why because it didn't end at the dream, He spoke to me through another compassionate heart, when I was wide awake. This has been some ride, and the imperfect Christian has work to do. Pray for a brotha, and if you need prayer, please do not hesitate to hit me back here in a comment!

The Hunt Continues in 2010!

The Hunt continues...

We interview Tigers friend again in search for his return to the PGA!

You look at the pretty woman being interviewed and notice her shew away someone in the distance...

I am learning that we do that to too many people we love! We shew away our loved ones everyday! Mama can I call you back = shew! After I do this sweetheart (to our kids) = shew! I don't want to do that (to our spouse) = shew!

The imperfect Christian does it to his kids, and to his parents! The imperfect Christian realized just the other day that his little girl is in school now, when it seems as though she was just born yesterday! The imperfect Christian is watching his little girl grow up through the rear view mirror! That has to stop today! The imperfect Christian is not all bad, he reads to her at night, or plays her to sleep with his guitar and sometimes a song, but what about the inbetween times. The imperfect Christians tombstone will have two dates on either side of that dash. The imperfect Christian wants his dash to be very long, and very meaningful!

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Pour Some Sugar On Me

I had awakened and early on Saturday morning, and the days of my being able to crawl into bed with my mom, and pull her eyelids were gone. My attempting such a feat as a teen would land me, as Fred G. Sanford used to say, “Five across the lips,” while shaking his fist at Lamont. Well my mom began dating a fellow that was sort of a bully, and not very kind to put it lightly. And he had been at our house a lot, and the more time you get to spend with people the more you learn about them. He had recently lost his job, started drinking, and was sponging off of my mother. Mom finally saw that he was not the same fellow that she had first met, and asked him to leave. It was not a pleasant ordeal needless to say. But there was one bright spot in his being there. It was another life lesson for me, and has made me a better father, and helped me in the prank business as well!

Our bully had decided to go out for a run bright and early on the Saturday morning that set me off. What set me off was the fact that when he returned he ate the last of my Rice Chex cereal! He just snarled at me, like what will you do about it! Did I mention that he had lost his job? Yeah I thought so. Well I am a man that believes restitution should be paid in full. I am also a very patient soul when it comes to payment, receiving and giving if need be. Well it is better to give than to receive, and it was my turn to give. You can’t eat a brotha’s Chex and then punk him out like that! Most of all you don’t treat a Mama’s boy’s mama with such disrespect! He never gave her money, and he never cooked one meal for her!

Well our friend the bully again was there every day that following week, including the weekend. He went to the cupboard to find the cereal that was purchased without any contributions from his hand, and poured a Jethro Bodine sized bowl of Chex. Used my imperfect Christian Jethro Bowl in the deal again, and my favorite spoon! Did I tell you that he didn’t have a job, and that he hadn’t paid for any of the food that he was consuming!? I did, my bad, OK on with the facts.

He got the milk out of the fridge, again the milk that he had spent nary a dime on, and filled the bowl. Then he grabbed the sugar bowl, and put about five table spoons full on his larger than life bowl of cereal. He sat down and took a bite. Of course I had to stick around because I had grown to be a rather testy teenager. My Granddaddy told me that it took a man to dish out a beat down, and more of a man to stay in the fight and take one. Well I wasn’t going to miss this one, and was willing to take the beat down! He yelled through the house like the house was on fire and told my mom that the cereal was bad. A grown man whining to the woman of the house, the one that he was sponging off of, and had the nerve to wake her and tell her his cereal was bad. I would like to punch him in his grill to this day, for the way he treated my mama! Lord forgive me for imperfect, and unrighteous thoughts.

My mother came out to check on him. He was worse than a two year old, and said, “This cereal is no good.” My mother coming to his rescue began to investigate the crime scene. She checked the milk first. “It’s not out of date, it smells ok,” she took a sip, “it tastes ok.” So then she took some cereal out of the box, “The cereal doesn’t taste bad,” she remarked. So on to the sugar. “It tastes like salt,” she exclaimed.” Wow, probably because it is…” she said holding back tears from laughing hysterically inside! He got up and was ready to kill me, and I smiled as I walked by him with my baseball bat in hand. I praise God for allowing me to be surrounded by friends that prevented me from using another smaller Angels bat on the bully while he was talking trash to my mother. I walked past him straight to my room, and my friend had told his dad that he thought I was going to do something bad. He went into our house, and passed out drunk on my mother’s sofa. I didn’t go to a juvenile detention center, and our bully tried to come back drunk, and promptly got served a butt whoopin’ by the same man that kept me from hitting Juvy. God is too good. All stories should end well, and have a hero. Live the righteous life imperfect Christian, and God will be your hero, and the final chapter will be a victorious one!

Well brothers and sisters, be blessed with a sunny and peaceful Saturday, and give love, as you are loved, and even when you don’t feel loved. For what greater love do we know than the love that was given to us when He laid His life down for us, now that is a man who knows about the beat down!

Peace Blessings and Joy… That real PB&J

The Meltdown and the Wreck

The Meltdown...The last couple of days were challenging. The imperfect one had an appointment with the heavy bag, and again didn't wear gloves, or tape his knuckles. So, now they are oozing and bleeding through the scabs. Nothing major, and not like I haven't bloodied them before. They should callouse again and get thicker. After the heavy bag therapy, I took a journey out and drove the Yota about 20 miles from home. I parked and as I had mentioned before and was just about to dose off. Then I heard some noise behind my truck. I got out to investigate, and to my dismay my right rear tire was flat. To complicate matters I did not have the key for the lock on my spare tire! The lock was super rusty, and it was 1am. So what to do? I tip toed my truck back to town, crawling in low four, and just two and a half hours later... voila... I was at Wal Mart, where I would sleep until 6 am that morning.

The Wreck...Sunshine primarily drives the car, and I drive the truck. Well the car that Sunshine drives is now out of commission as well! She was rear ended yesterday, and called me at work and told me that she was in the car and unable to get out. I went after her in the old peeling booger, our faded and peeling sea foam green Ford 150 company truck. The truck looks like it has leprosy! I drove to the scene of her accident, and saw a female police officer, a lady in a brown pant suit, and Sunshine standing along the guard rail. I drove down the ramp, and circled back and went back up the on ramp going south to go check on Sunny D. Times have been tough for Sunny D, and the imperfect one, but you know even if times are tough you have to be there. My hands are calloused, and maybe even my heart has grown slighty calloused, but you just have to do what's right. I drove past the fire crew, and the DMV workers that all looked at me like what is this idiota doing!? I got out motioned to them that I was with Sunshine, and they just gave a nod and kept an eye on traffic. As I approached the three ladies the officer said, "You must be the imperfect one?" I said yes ma'am, but no autographs at this time please. She smiled and told me that the other lady was at fault, and that her insurance would take care of everything, and asked me what I thought about driving the car home. The lady saw me coming and looked at me like oh Lord, here comes one angry brotha!!! We will call the lady Ms. M. I was walking toward Ms. M, and Sunny D, to check on them when before I could say how is everyone doing...Ms. M said, "I'm so sorry! I am really sorry!" I then asked them if they were both OK. They said shakey but OK. both of them wanted to cry again, and from the looks of it, they had both done a little crying before I got there. I told Ms. M that I was just glad that no one was seriously injured, and that there was no one fatally injured. I could live with having to get a car fixed or a new car, but death would have been no bueno! Ms. M was very nice, and like Sunshine very rattled. They were both shaking. The officer was very nice as well. Stereotyping would not have allowed me to see a little woman, like her being a police officer though. I guess dynamite comes in small packages for a reason! She could probably whip a whole club full of rough heads by herself, but looked like she belonged in a much more delicate environment. Again just a discription, so again please do not label me as being stereotypical. I don't look the part of a Southern Gospel Marketer either. I kill the stereotype! LOL I was hoping not to look the part of a rough head, and the officer was super nice to us all, but she took a couple of good looks at my scabbed knuckles. Although the officer took a look at my hands she never said anything. Everyone has looked at my hands for the past couple of days. I have told my kids that I just didn't realize that I was getting blistered that bad. My youngest son said, "Those are blisters, they look raw!?" My middle son said, "Yeah they look bad!" I was waiting for the officer to ask me something similar, like what happened to your hands? We gathered the goods from the car, and I had Kywy's car seat, the DVD player, and a host of other little items in my hands and the officer handed me the business card for the wrecker service to get one more good look at my hands. Just doing her job I guess. I am certain that she new that it was not from beating Sunshine. The old burger clamps are pretty scabby, it would have left some nasty scars or bruises on whatever or whomever I had hit. Therefore, police woman knew that Sunny D wasn't being abused. The officer said, "Oh I'm sorry I guess I could've handed the card to her" (Sunshine). I told police woman that it was all good. I loaded all of our goods into the front seat of the slimmer truck, and we were on our way back to Scrubville. Money is already tight, and just got tighter! New tires for the truck, and down to one vehicle for sure now. So no free time or late night ventures for the imperfect one, no matter how upset or uptight he gets! This imperfect Christian is bound to boundaries that are obtainable by foot only now. My legs still hurt from forcing them to push a fast paced two miler for the first time in ages. It is a good hurt though!!!

The imperfect Christian Band!

I was the seven year old phenom that was in "Sly and The Family Stone." Sylvester "Sly" Stone kicked me out because they had to meet a quota! They hired a white drummer, and sang...Ooooh Sha, Sha,...Ieyeyeyeyeye am everyday people!!! and had a number one hit! Larry Graham went out on his own, and started Graham Central Station. Sly got into trouble, and went to prison. I the imperfect Christian joined the band, HAIT W pronounced Hate W which means, "Hair Am I To Worship." See the picture below featuring "Myny Koop."



We had a radio release called, "Fro The Love of God!" I was told later if I had fired my son and hired a white drummer we would have had a number one hit!