A Warm Embrace

A Warm Embrace...

A warm embrace begins with warm intentions. The imperfect Christian once frequented the local recycle center, taking his recyclable goods there at least once a week. You know empty milk cartons and Gatorade containers from fueling and refueling the body have to go somewhere. Therefore, embracing a love for Gods' green earth the imperfect one recycled. It was there that the imperfect Christian ran into a perfect role model for how an imperfect Christian should behave. Mr. Buster Sparks made certain to show Christian love to an imperfect Christian on every trip to the recycle center. 

One day before Christmas, nearing the turn of the decade and century, some participating partygoers took heed to his royal badness (Prince), and began to party like it was 1999; like we'd soon be out of time. The scare of major electrical/technological shut down and crisis filled the air worldwide as Y2K neared. But one man was not at all concerned with any of that. That man was Buster Sparks. Mr. Sparks only concern; that humanity would not celebrate Christ, but rather celebrate a faux end with a reprobate mind. 

Mr. Sparks looked at the imperfect Christian like one of his dearest friends and like a lost son trying to find his way. Mr. Sparks always taught the imperfect Christian a lesson in humility. Mr. Sparks always asked the imperfect Christian to pray for him. The imperfect Christians lesson in humility, to honor his elder, and God by not being ashamed of the gospel. Thank you Jesus, saints Paul, Timothy, and Pastor J. Trox! 

Mr. Sparks was a good, no a great Christian man. Mr. Sparks' Y2K lesson in humility, however, caught the imperfect Christian off guard. Mr. Sparks greeted the imperfect Christian this day with a kiss on the cheek. Shocked? Shocked indeed, like God Himself had pushed the imperfect Christian into a baptism pool filled with water and a live wire from a transformer! 

The Word of God says: 

"Greet one another with a holy kiss." Romans 16:16 (NKJV)

What did Mr. Sparks risk by greeting his brother with a holy kiss? Being judged for one. Secondly, a possible physical confrontation, and lastly being accused of being anything but a child of God. The imperfect Christian knew Mr. Sparks heart and knows it was one after Gods own. 

A warm embrace is from a loving heart, not a lustful one. Embrace love like a cold body embracing the warmth of the sun on a new, lively Spring day, transitioning from a bitter cold, winters day. 

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

Words with Meaning, or Meaning with Words?

 

The Fixx performed a song called, "One Thing Leads to Another," and in their song they pose the question: "Why don't they do what they say, say what they mean?" Then explain that, "one thing leads to another."

The imperfect Christian hears the term, "I'm sorry, and asks himself what is this besides uniformity? Does it truly ameliorate the issue at hand? Is it comforting or true? In most cases, no, it is not. It's a cop out that says, "Ok, you got me!" It is not a sincere, "How may I amend this, what may I do to right the wrong?"  

"I'd do ANYTHING to make it right again!" 

Would you really? If you would should the offended party be willing to forgive you, and if so, how many times?

How many times should I forgive my brother Lord? (Reference St. Matthew 18:21) Peter was gracious enough to ask the Lord if 7 times would be a sufficient amount of times to forgive someone, and Jesus said (paraphrasing in a modern voice); Homeboy if you can double the California penal code ruling and baseballs 3 strikes you're out rules, then you should be able to forgive 70 times 70!

Therefore, if you can forgive 490 times, then what's 491?!

Perhaps someone has promised you something? Perhaps they promised that they would be somewhere, or provide some sort of service, but failed to deliver? Perhaps they promised to love you? Have you completely forgiven that person? Are things like they were before the incident? If you answered, "no" then you haven't forgiven that person or yourself.

Sivart Pooknyw said, "I want my life to have meaning, not wording. When I say I love you, I love you, I not only speak it, I live it!"

How many times has someone told you that they loved you, but wouldn't take 30 seconds out of their day to pick up the phone just to check on you. How many times has someone told you that they'd do anything for you, but when you're down on your luck they will not pay your power bill, in fact they are likely not to give you a dollar toward your utility bills, or any other bills, let alone pay a total payment for you?

When a lover tells his/her partner that they love them, they don't just use words of uniformity. They live that, and make that word a work, and it's supposed to be an ongoing work.

There is one that paid it forward, once, and for ALL. Yes, er'body, even the imperfect Christian.

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

Ele(mental) Challenges

Some folks get a new ball, and leave the old one out in the cold. Is the ball warped from the beginning, or does it grow warped from being uncared for? If so, perhaps it is time to be rid of it? The imperfect Christian thought about how some friends will do each other that way. We tell each other that we love each other, then bail when things get tough. In most cases we neglect to try or give that friend a choice. Jesus even gave Judas a choice. He knew what choice he was going to make, but He gave him the choice. God could have stopped him, He could stop us all, He did once, it was called the flood. But what is even more amazing... most will walk away from, or push away some, Jesus said to Judas, (paraphrasing) Friend, come do what you have to do. (Matthew 26:50) How amazing is that!? The person that was going to lead Him to death He called, "friend."

Peter is another example. Jesus said in front of all of his friends and cohorts... "Get behind me Satan!" (Matthew 16:23) Peter was hurt, but was strong enough to stay with Jesus and understand that Jesus didn't call him Satan, but rather that Jesus was calling Satan, out. He (Jesus) knew that Peter was influenced by the devil, and was not himself. Peter stayed the course, albeit he drifted, he stayed with Jesus. How many of us stick by friends, when times get tough, and even worse, how many of us stick with Jesus until times get tough. It seems more and more the only time we call on Him, or fellowship with him is when we need something.

Friends will leave you over a political figure. They will ditch you over someone that neither of you even know personally. Out of their element, and into the elements, a storm over something that little know what they are talking about, or whom it is that is involved. Sports are the same way. People argue over who has the best team, or that their favorite player is the best, and when someone disagrees, then they are satan, and no longer their friend. The imperfect challenge is to not sweat the small stuff, and not leave your friends out in the elements. Jesus calmed the storm, and brought His friends in with Him, we should strive to do the same.

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

Healing An Extreme Relationship

You ever do something really bad, then think... "What the heck was I thinking, or better yet, why wasn't I thinking!" Well the imperfect Christian has been right there with you. Friends, careers, family (home and church), are all based on relationships.

So why is it that relationships hold no value at all anymore?

Family value...
Adam loved Eve so much, that he sinned against God. He listened to his wife, rather than God, and we all see where that got him right? God not only introduced Adam to Eve, He gave her to him. From his own being: flesh of his flesh, bone of his bone, God blessed him, and Adam lost his mind, and more or less said, "Ok Lord, I have it from here." This wasn't the old, "My homeboy just hooked me up, dawg I owe you big!" introduction, this was ordained by God almighty. So why is it we do not value "our" relationships that way?

Career value...
We work for/with others, and/or others work for or with us. But we will treat people in our own companies like our enemies. Saul had David, and could have used his talent to make himself look (better than) good. Instead he tried to have David killed, and was the one that ended up losing it all.

Value of Friendship...
Friends are a dime a dozen right? If someone treats you well, oh well, so what, there is a world filled with people just itching to be your friend right? Why be committed to being kind to anyone that is not paying bills in your honor, or feeding every lustful desire you have?

The imperfect Christian believes a few kids need a bit more home training. Don't misinterpret now, the imperfect Christian did not say that children need abuse, but bless the Lord o' my poor soul, some kids just need a good wearing out before they get too old and hard headed to care, and end up incarcerated, or worse... dead! Don't spare the rod, spare the rubber, and if you need some new rubber, and wear a size 11 or 12 the imperfect Christian has probably got a shoe that you can wear and put to somebodies backside! Now again don't get the imperfect one wrong. Some kids have great parents. You know who you are. You are the parent that doesn't give in, the parent that can't be bribed. You are the parent that does not have the main goal of making your child(ren) your best friend, and allows your child(ren) to get by with murder. Some kids have all the upbringing in the world, and still end up rotten to the core. They are the kids that are like the "I'm good I've been water baptized bunch, so now I have a ticket to sin." Again don't misinterpret, not saying that water baptism is bad, what the imperfect one is saying, is that he learned from his Grandmama that some people go in a dry devil, and come out a wet one. (Via Pastor Baker Baptism 101)... People only lookout for #1, and don't care about anything, or anybody else.

So what do you value? What do relationships at home, at church, at work, or in public mean to you? Love thy enemy, and love thy neighbor as thyself? Or as a whole are we becoming the society that embraces the love of hate over everything? And again America, and all it's wonderful Christians wonder why the world hates us so. Hmm... nation full of hypocrites, Jesus would call us all lying, thieving vipers, and start turning tables over right now if He were still in flesh on this planet. It is a sad, sad thing! Yes, the imperfect one sees those three fingers pointing back at him (thanks Brotha Bamm Bamm for point that out, no pun intended), and only one at the accused. However, if the shoe fits... walk it out baby, walk it out!

You know the deal...

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

Stupid News

The imperfect Christians Great-Great Grandfather Chief Laughsatfools once said, "Man that knows not how to use belt properly covers much ground," or was it "covers ground much?" That's where one usually ends up (the ground) after his/her pants end up around their ankles. At any rate does this mean that Green Day will cover do a cover of General Larry Platt's song, "Pants On The Ground?"
http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/09/02/green-day-front-man-kicked-off-plane-because-saggy-pants/
Tonya you have another prayer answered... someone (in the form of "Southwest Airlines") is with you about teaching people how to wear their pants! Lol!!! Bags fly free, but saggy britches ain't flyin' period! Lol!!! So is anyone else wondering if the cabby made him comb his hair before he got in? Just sayin...

French Men vs. American Men...
http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/09/06/french-man-forced-to-pay-ex-wife-a-settlement-for-lack-of-sex/?xid=rss-politics-huffpo
If this man was American, his wife would be suing him for wanting to much, and in way to wild a way! Pardon moi, kinque le stinque... which translates to, "Excuse me, but your wild behavior stinks!"

What Are U Looking 4, & What U R Hearing

The imperfect Christian asked in the last blog, what it was that people were looking for. Well in this blog the imperfect one drops a little knowledge for you. When you look for Christ in that person that you are dealing with understand a few things. God is not living in, or Lord over a persons life that says to you with his/her inner person, "I only want you for my own well being."

For example, where at in the Word, or when have you ever felt the Spirit say to you, "Give me all of your money," or "I only want you for lustful purposes!"? Ladies do you honestly think that God is Lord over a mans life that only wants to be with you because he is tired of his escapades alone with satan? When that man's convinced in his own mind to do lustful things, whether it be in his mind, or in any part of his being, with or without anyone but self, then he is having physical and mental relations involving satan. So do you want satan to play a roll in your helping procreate a child, or making financial decisions for you? If not then when you see that man that only introduces his best of interests and it involves flesh, you should know that's not God talking to you!

Fella's a one liner might do it for us again... If she only has interests in the three widths, then you better, "Run Forrest, run!" Fella's if you hear, or see her interested in:
How thick the rims are on your Camaro, how think your biceps and feet are, or how thick your wallet is, you need to do like Joseph and book it! (Genesis 39:9)

See again it's just that complicated, and just that simple! The ladies paragraph is double the fellas!

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 Part 2

Here's part 2 with a little spiritual algebra at the end from your pal the imperfect Christian...

What Is Church To You Part 2

A couple of the imperfect Christians life long friends commented on the blog titled "What Is Church To You." One did so via the comment section on the blog, and the other via a PM (Private Message) on Facebook. Here are some of the Q&A's that the imperfect Christian received. They are very good answers, and I encourage any reader, to comment in the comments section, below. Or send me your info, and I can PM you if you want to keep it on the down low.

1. If you could be a part of a church family, what would be the most attractive part of church for you?
A) "The Church. Not a club or being w/ the cool people. Just having church not judging others but worship however, the Spirit moves."

B) "The friendship, the support, the ability to give back, learning more about faith."

2. What is the least attractive things about church from your experience?
A) "Having a "right" way of doing things and judgmental people serving their own purpose."

B) "The politics. The cliques that eventually form.
Shunning outsiders because they don't match the rest of the congregation in some way."


3. What do look for personally from your church?
A) "Worship and teaching of the Word. People who gather not just physically but in spirit. Support-supporting each other in daily life, forgiving each other when needed and real love. Living like a real family except as the family of Christ w/ everybody trying to stay together w/ Christ as its #1 focus."

B) "Someone like Preach leading it! (I wish!) The more open a church is, the better I like it. Jesus didn't need a huge building and fancy clothes to get his message across. He recruited a bunch of fisherman on the shore (how do you think that smelled?). The focus has to be on the message, not on the church itself. And the message is for everybody."


4. If you could do one thing to help your church, what would it be?
A) "To fully be the active part of the body of Christ with the gifts God gave me to use for His glory."

B) "Make them meet outside in a tent once a month."

5. What is church to you?
A) "Worship, singing, dancing, being with the people that are wanting more and more of God and letting that one goal lead us through learning and becoming more of what He is moving us toward to fulfill our life's purpose."

B) "A place of love, faith and learning. I know that some claim to be rock-solid in faith, and that is wonderful. I just don't work that way. God has thrown me curve balls many times, and my faith has be refined, examined, tempered and strengthened each time. A church should support those changes in life."

The difference in the apologies, were that one friend started the letter with apologizing for taking so long to comment, and the other closing with almost the exact same words!

The imperfect one learned many years ago that God gave him one mouth, two ears, and two eyes for a reason. So the Spiritual Algebra is formulated as such:

2 Eyes Open + 2 Ears Open - 1 Mouth Shut = Friends 4 A Reason!

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

Get A Little Closer?

Remember that slogan from the Arid deodorant ads?

They would say, "Get a little closer, now don't be shy..."

I have to wonder sometimes if people don't get a little too close. You know? You tell someone something and you think to yourself, what was I thinking in telling him/her that!?

Ms. Joyce a wonderful minister used to say, "I don't keep secrets, if you tell me something I will tell everybody I know about it!" She did this because she didn't want to lose a friend over being wrongly accused. The Dean of Academics at my Bible College would say, "I keep things in confidence, but I do not keep secrets." His reasoning was that if you asked him to pray for you, that he might ask others to pray also, but not reveal who you were. In any case, God knows the need.

I saw families break up, and friendships end over the 2008 Presidential Elections. I have witnessed people make requests, not necessarily tell someone a secret, but just ask someone to pray, and miscommunication would lead to a break. What caused the miscommunication? In the majority if not all cases, haste! We are a rushed and hurried society. Time is money! Just what you want to hear right? I grew up in the microwave society, and now I am raising my kids in the igeneration. Instant, immediately, anyway how, me, mine, do it now! Does this sound familiar?

"Hey pal we've been friends since grade school can I burden you with something?"

"Sure thing, but it will cost you..." "I don't have much time, so..." (deaf ear turned)

Wow, thank you! Everything comes at a price now. What are you willing to pay, or sacrifice?

Pastor doesn't have time to listen, your best friend doesn't have time to listen, no one has time to listen, or talk until their spouse passes away, or a divorce takes place, then who needs an ear? Is that you? I don't want it to be me!

Christ already felt all of the pain, and anxiety. He knows how it feels, He took it all in one day, on one Cross, for one people, His people, all of humanity! Do you have favor, sure as a Christian you have favor, but God is no respecter of persons. God loves us all, even the sinner who chooses to turn his back on Him.

So if you are looking to draw closer to your spouse, your friends, or even that stranger, then don't be shy. If you draw closer to God, He will draw closer to you, and those that are closer to Him "truly closer" will also be closer to you! Don't force a closeness. Jordan would say, don't force the game, let the game come to you. You don't force closeness to friends, family, or a total stranger, you just get that closeness when you allow God to sovereignly arrange those steps. Prayer for today based on James 4:8

The devils roam is only for a season, don't let it ruin one of yours!

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

Who Really Cares!?

I almost had to be excused for the title on this one. A Marine once said in front of me as a youngster "Who shives a get," to another Marine. You know the military has a code for everything. I didn't think that would be appropriate for a family show, so I cleaned it up for the kiddies.

It's 9-11 a day that most of the world will not soon forget, and a day that some will not think twice about until something of a greater magnitude happens to remind them. 9-11 reminds me of 12-7, it reminds me of people falling hundreds of feet to escape something that they felt they could not bear. It reminds me of pain and grief. It reminds me of some that went through crisis conversion, only to fall away from God once the smoke cleared. However, as crucial as it may be, it also reminds me of a nation that is stronger than any fear. A nation resilient enough to bounce back, and a nation that has overcome more than one tragedy, and does not lie down, but gets up dust off and just keeps getting better. We grow, in size, strength, love, and spirit! We have a president that is bi-racial y'all. Honestly how many would have believed it possible in our life time? I saw American Indians laughing with Asian Indians, White, Black, Latino, humans all gathered together in one place. Muslim, Hindu, Atheist, and Christian, even this imperfect one all gathered in one place to help assure that the world would not view us as a self righteous nation with a self righteous leader. Which brings me to this: if we can overcome the racial hate, religious barriers, and status quos then can't we overcome the arrogance? Not confidence, but arrogance. Racial tensions, and hatred have not gone away, they have just succumb to the greater power of love. Which leads me to believe that the cause of the attacks on our nation was due to arrogance, and ignorance.

I will follow up on the ignorance and arrogance in the next blog, as for tonight, I must meditate, and leave everyone w/ this thought when is it cool to call someone out in public, and when should we pull someone aside as not to offend or unnerve? When should we make a bold stand and when should we just be still? Think on it, pray on it, and make a difference. Love, peace and hair grease, or is it love, grease, and hair piece? At any rate grab your thinking caps and meet me at the forum. Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Danger Keep Away!

Have you ever watched City of Joy with Patrick Swayze? It was a movie about a doctor (Swayze) visiting Calcutta, India. He went on vacation for a spiritual enlightenment, and wound up in the poorest sector of Calcutta, and becoming a hero of sorts. He was an advisor, defender of the people, and a doctor to a lepers colony. It was a very sad, but an aw inspiring movie that everyone should see!

Those that were not leper's condemned those with leprosy. They would not allow those stricken with leprosy to go outside of their own sector more or less. Treated them like they were not human, and were just down right disgusting in some of their actions toward the poor, and disadvantaged people. Until you've been treated like a leper you usually do not think much about it. I have never had any diseases, or disfiguring that made people not want to be near me. However, some people see skin color as a deformity, and some see deformation as a horrible thing.

As a child I was afraid of people with handicaps. I was afraid until I learned that they needed to be loved just like me, and wanted to give their love just as much as they wanted to be loved. I grew out of my fear with knowledge. But with increasing knowledge also comes increasing sorrow. (Ecclesiastes 1:18) I learned that not everyone cared for other people only themselves and what they believe in. Now I am not going to get on my political soap box, because I am not a politician, but an imperfect Christian that is an American Citizen. My ethnicity like all branches back to some ancient Hebrews, my detour takes place on every continent, until it stops right here in the good ol' US of A. Nothing presents my feeling like the lepers feel more than when I have someone tell me above all other things that they are not prejudice. Not a "Hey man that's a nice jacket," or "Hey that's an awesome haircut," just "Now I don't have a prejudice bone in my body! You know that, how you been doin'?" I have bit my tongue nearly in two attempting to prevent asking how many times they have said that to a person that was not connected to African descendants.

Every time someone speaks about our President not being a US Citizen like they were the doctor that delivered him, it gives me that same feeling. When they say that he's not a Christian, like they are God Almighty themselves it gives me that feeling. I didn't get worked up over John McCain saying, "That one." But I got that same nasty feeling, when others tried to make a huge race war out of his comment. We could talk abortion, genocide, right vs. wrong all day long, and it still does not remedy the problem that we have. Bridging the communications gap peacefully and rationally would be nice, rather than barking out you're not like me, you're going to hell! I do not hate Muslims, Buddhists, or Jehovah's Witnesses, in fact I am going to invite a non-Christian to have lunch with me in the very near future. Wow, wonder how it will pan out when we eat lunch together and realize that we both need nourishment, that we are both human, and we can sit together peacefully, and not worry about our differences, but find the common ground that allows us to be civil!? I'm praying that our nation comes to that conclusion also. When we can celebrate the day that we allow our President to speak to our children and not have the school officials treat him like the strong arms of India treat the lepers!

I have seen the schools allow DSS officials to interrogate grade school children with no questions asked. Take a frightened child into a room alone with one (DSS Worker) adult, no aide (legal or otherwise), neither parent present, no family member present, not even a guardian ad litem, and not make one phone call. They will however, send a personal message home for the parents to sign, or call every home concerning our President speaking with our children. I have not yet to this day that I am aware of witnessed that before. It is also a first that a President has taken time out of an overloaded agenda to address every child in the country with a positive non partisan, no political gain involved, "National" message to my knowledge as well. So what did the schools message say to me? It said in my interpretation: "Parents we don't want to be held responsible for what your child hears from the President, we prefer to make it appear that we are giving you a choice to speak up before the event takes place in hopes that you will keep us from law suits by sending petitions of disapproval against our President. However, with no warning and not caring about a law suit we will allow an individual to request that a DSS worker intervene, and tell you how to discipline, feed, and raise your child. Tell you what they can, and will not learn because we are not above the law, we are the law! We have thrown out all moral and rational dealings because what we say stands, this is not the NBA, NFL or any other league, group or democracy there will be no review, you will just have to get over it. Thank you." What they do not tell you is that they will do this until enough people stand together and override their ignorance. So why are you still sitting here reading this? Go make plans to be at the next Town Hall meeting, and boycott whomever, has no sense. As Mix-A-Lot used to say, "If you help get the fool hired, help get him fired." If you sat and did nothing, now it is time to take a PEACEFUL stand! Be heard, and be seen, don't be in the herd and make a scene!

"It's not because he's Black, African American, what term should I use here? It's because he supports Pro-Choice!"

Again the imperfect Christian does not support abortion, especially partial birth abortion. I also do not support the belief that legalized abortion is the only or leading cause of death, I believe ignorance is.

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

What Was I Thinking!?

Zig Ziglar wrote, "The chief cause of failure and unhappiness is trading what you want most for what you want now." Powerful statement!

I the imperfect Christian does not want to focus on the want now microwave society things, but the things that are truly going to make a difference in my life, and be worth while! Not just worth while for me, but for others also. The imperfect Christian not only lives for today, but tomorrow, and for eternity, and I want each day to be more blessed than the last! One of my favorite scripture verses is Psalm 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (KJV)

The imperfect Christians' perfect desire is to please Him, not just get what I want! It is God that gives me the desire to be a better servant to Him, a better husband to my wife, a better father to my children, a better brother and friend to my biological, and spiritual brothers and sisters.

I have thought about buying a dual sport bike on several occasions, or a used bike, and I know that the R1 is the one that I truly want! I have thought about several business endeavors, and thought about how nice it would be to live in a city that never sleeps again, and then I thought about God telling His imperfect son that He has a desire to see him finish his schooling and earn that degree in the ministry, and continue on as a great minister. A minister that is mighty indeed for the Lord! A minister that allows God to manifest His greatness in him when he is weak, so that God can be proven as Almighty! He also desires that I am the father that would put his own life down for his family. What greater love than this, that a man would lay down His life for you? So what was I thinking when I wanted... because the Lord is my Shepherd, and I shall not want! Jesus I am grateful for Your love, because You loved me before I knew to love myself!

You Can't Unring A Bell...

The imperfect one has said, "What the heck!?" more than once in his life. "You've gotta be kidding me!?" with just the right portion of sarcasm has left his mouth before as well. The imperfect Christian used to quote the lyrics of Luther Campbell and the 2Live Crew! I can't go back and change that. However, what I can do is show people a genuine change from here on out. My good friend, and brother gone on once said, "Does a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?" Out of the same mouth proceeds blessings and curses, and my imperfect brothers and sisters that should not be! My good friend was James the first Pastor to the Hebrew church. James 3:10&11.

There was a group called Depeche Mode, and They sang a song called People are People. The lyrics if I recollect properly went as such: People are people so why can't it be, that you and I can get along so peacefully. Then another portion of that song said: I can't understand what makes a man hate another man (help me understand). I don't want to understand what drives people to hate people.

A young girl has crooked teeth, wishing she had braces or at times just dealing with the insecurity she hears people comment about her teeth. She here's lots of things that might lead her to promiscuity to make her feel wanted. Baby girl you are a star, you are still beautiful to me! You are still beautiful to God! So, fellas does your girl have jacked up Magdelena Hagdelena teeth, and if so, so be it! Is she still fine to you? Is she a little over weight? Does she have the green eyes you long for, or brown? What did you say to her about them, cause you can't unring that bell!!!

Have you said something that you can't take back? Well good people, our God is a redeeming God, not a condemning one. He is a reconciler, and if you have breath in your body there is still time.

I had two young people ride up next to me on 16th St in Denver, CO. They were raving about how they missed the all important International Christian Retail Show/Christian Book Association Show! I said you just missed the show, but there is time for you to find the purpose of the show. The young lady said is there a booth for atheist? I said there is a booth for everyone, yes even you. Her male counterpart said, "Does God still want me even if I am too late." I replied with, do you have breath in your body, you do well then it's not too late. Yes He still loves you, and wants you. They just kind of looked at each other and rode up the street as the light changed and wished me a goodnight, and I in return wished them one.

I can't unring the bell, I can't change the misunderstanding, I can't erase that I said somethings in the wrong way, but what I can do, is make certain that from here on out, that I try, that I make it my endeavor to show you that I love you, and so does God. If my writing offends, I pray that someone would be bold enough to question me out of love, not out of being right to make me wrong, but to bring me to the truth that will glorify God!

Fat chews a long way, but that lean morsel melts, and savors to sheer satisfaction. I pray that your meditation is savoury!!!

A Million Ways, But A Trick Ain't One...

OK the imperfect one had a very adventurous weekend. He got to dance with the devil in the pale moon lite, and spend most of the night out. He was in a borrowed vehicle so he did not drive much just hung out on the Parkway. It was a very lonely night, it was one of the most difficult he has had to deal with. The moon was at three quarters, and the imperfect one was not in the best of spirit. Friday night was one of the worst nights he's had in a long time. He went home Saturday morning, and spent all day wallowing in self pity. Definitely not worth it. After two days of stupidity, and a day of horrible sickness, he determined that it was time to put the fatuity in full repose! Yes imperfect brothers and sisters, it is time to get the poison out of the blood stream.

Well Forrest Gump was a classic movie, and had some great, and unforgettable line in it as well.
Who doesn't know what you're saying when you say, "Run Forrest RUN!"? Who hasn't said to a fool heading in the wrong direction, "Run Forrest RUN!"?

Well good friends the imperfect one has one for you... Life is like a canned jar of Habaneros, you never know which one will burn you most!

You can do a million different things schrimotions, you can grille them, boil 'em, fry 'em, sulk in 'em... all those little emotions!

Well Forrest we knew it was real when you said, "I do love you Jenna," pronounce slowly and with a long "A." We knew it, but it was just to bad that Jenny didn't know it until was a little too late. Forrest spent his whole life waiting and Jenny was a wildflower that just didn't grow in the right gound. In fact she allowed her blossom to be exposed in full but let her blossom get wind blown and destroyed, poor Jenny? Poor Forrest? How many times have we known that there was a love their, a true love and we just ignore it? How many times can we reject the love of God and have Him take us back? Well I know that God is a God of second chances, a reconciling God, and a God that will never leave us nor forsake us no matter how much doltishness we manifest over the years.

Well Bubba, and Forrest here's to you... a team, one that only needed a verbal agreement, not lawyers. Forrest, Jenny here's to you for not needing a law enforcement officer for a second degree trespass, just a sweet goodbye when you realize in the death of it that you wish that you'd said stay. But even as hard as it was for Forrest to be turned away by Jenny he was there. No matter how many times you are turned away imperfect brothers and sisters, no matter how many times you turn from God, He is always there. I just pray that we do not wait until our death beds to see His love. He did love you Jenny, and the imperfect one does love You Jesus.

911 To Be A Better Dad

Imagine you are a man desiring to be the best father that you can be. You're picking up your cell, dialing a number that you wished you'd never seen. You know on the other end of the line is a woman that hates you to the core. A woman that would stop at nothing to make you miserable! The phone is ringing and you hand it to your 13 year old son. That woman on the other end is his mother. She answers the phone, and begins to talk with her son. Her son that is with his father for the summer that has 3 states separating their states. Five states involved in the travel. Fives states away that she chose, leaving without warning, and not giving the slightest hint to her son's father, and to this day still continues to try and put division between father and son.

The little fella is 13 as I had mentioned before, and as an imperfect Christian I look back to my days at thirteen to try and understand what he's thinking and going through. I grew out of being a mama's boy round about this age. I didn't want my mother knowing what I was into everyday. The little guy is not quite there yet. I was into sports and hanging out with my friends at his age, he is into computer games and confined to an apartment all day. I hit the streets and learned them well. I was getting more interested in the opposite sex and he is now, yikes! I would have my first relationship way too early not long after this stage, and I do not want that for him. I learned about a lot of things at 13 and 15 that were tremendous eye openers! Of course my situation was much different. I was in a single parent home, and in Los Angeles. He is split between being in the rural set, and the burbs.


Meanwhile back at the imperfect Christian Ranch...the little fella saw the police at his dads house, and he has understood the consequences involved when a little boy cries wolf! (see previous blog) Well this young fella knows that he has an imperfect father and a perfect Heavenly Father. His earthly imperfect Christian dad is trying to emphasize the importance of being real, and eliminating the drama. The imperfect Christian broke it down in an imperfect Christian way, but gave him the perfect Word, Gods' Word!


His mother and imperfect Christian dad have the privilege to call three times a week. The imperfect one gets his 3 each week when he is with his mother and vice versa. His mother called on Monday July 6, 2009, and the imperfect one had him call back within the 24 hour time period on Tuesday July 7th round 7:38pm. This takes us back to the phone ringing... Hello says his mother, he replies with a hardy "Hi Mom." Sunny D is in the new rental van out in the drive readying to take the kids (which is Mac Daddied) to Sister Ne`'s house to show the van to Ne`'s family. Sunny calls into the house, "Hey is he coming or what?!" I said yeah just give him a few he's talking with his mother. When I get back into the living room the volume is very loud on the phone. Therefore, the imperfect Christian dad asked if the perfect imperfect Christian son had put it on speaker phone, and imperfect Christian son said no. Just a few seconds after asking him that question, his mother said, did you take your medicine today? Ace our son replies, not yet. She said why not, did your dad remind you to take it? Dad only knows of an inhaler, and nothing else, but will after this call. She asked how his breathing was, and then made a statement that had me shaking my head. "If your father is not taking care of his responsibilities and getting you your medicine then you need to call 911!" I just shook my head and sat down. I got on my laptop, and checked my email preparing for my conference call to better my ministry. Class would for me would follow 5 minutes after Ace's phone call. She let him talk to his sister, and her husband, and then she returned to the phone. He grew a little defensive when she asked him again how he felt. He said I am fine, and was a little stern. She was a little uneasy with that, you could tell she grew angry by the sound of her voice. Before she got off of the phone she said, I love you son, and then stressed again to "call 911" if your father doesn't fullfil his obligations and get you to the emergency room. She asked him if he still had his phone and he lied and said yes ma'am. I can only wonder what will be said, or come about when he tells her that I took his phone upon the night of his texting them and not telling me that he was sick when he seemed to be in fine shape! He had played all day, and was ready to play with Boogman until the Boog said he was showering and getting ready to watch a movie. At that point he began to text how miserable he was and that he day was horrible! Didn't tell me or any of the rest of my family at all, at any point in the day!

So good parents no one thing, he saw the police, he has been told about the importance of urgent care, and when to use 911 (for emergencies!) and he knows that he is loved. He also sees that he does not live with an imperfect Christian that is trying to kill him, and if he would not call 911 without his mothers permission when with her, why would he have to be responsible for doing it when staying with his imperfect Christian dad. If the house is burning down, if he feels like he is going to die (truly die) and not just feel bad, then he needs to call 911.

Love your children, teach them in the way of the Lord, and be there for them. Communicate!

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

I Can't Breathe!

I have heard two people within the last month say, "I can't breathe!" I said it back in January when I had pneumonia. It's like drowning, you want to get to the surface, but the surface seems so far above you. You want to get to the surface, but there is a tremendous weight that is holding you down. Your chest feels heavy, your extremities are weak, you just feel like giving up! The struggle is too great, so what do you do?

Yes we all need our "own" time from time to time. No one likes to be smothered. There are times when I am grateful to have a good looking woman trail me, or have my kids on my heels, and at others, I just need to chill. Let that Ox have a few days off, give him some meadow to roam in as long as he's roaming alone. He can't have calves if you don't make him mad enough to go through the fence, or if you don't open the gate and push him out, give him some room. And again on the other hand, sometimes he needs to be shadowed, makes him feel important. Mama is the same way fellas! When the yoke is on it should be light, not tight! Then the burden will be easy when you work together in the Lord!

Ready for the soap opera? How many husbands put their wives out of their home, and leave them hanging? For those women, I have a little Madea anx built up in me! If you helped turn that house into a home, then you should be entitled to your share. If you deserve to be put out, then he should at least give you ample time, and help you even if you are totally wrong! To each their own, but somethings just do not make sense! People should be more civil.

I have had more friends divorce this year, or speak of divorce, than I have heard of through my entire years as an adult! Why all of a sudden this surge in die-vision? Well it's not all of a sudden, it's just that I am noticing it now, and more people viewed me as good imperfect Christian husband. My wife is saying wow, if you only knew! Well the lack of vision, the lack of appointment, and focus as one have all gone away! If you are married you cannot look at your future, and future agendas with just your eyes, and one set of eyes in mind! You cannot look through the one set of physical eyes, but instead you must look through the spiritual set that is now a trifocaled univision! WHAT? Yes a trifocaled univision...Three sets acting as one! Each spouse must look at the greater vision that God has given them. That vision must connect with your partners vision, to ultimately bring forth the ultimate vision, and that is how to please God as a UNION! You see this Union is not just between you and spouse! You put two pieces of toast together and hold one piece up, what does the other piece do? It falls to the floor or the plate. If you put some adhesive (smooth jelly, or some spicy mustard depending on the sandwich LOL) on them what happens!? They stay together. You are one slice, and he is home slice! God is the adhesive in case some of my imperfect Brothers and Sisters are slower than I am. This is why the Word says to be "equally yoked." You can't go one way, and have your partner going another. When we do this good people we drag or get dragged! So what is your vision?

And it shall come to pass in the last days, God declares, that I will pour out of My Spirit upon all mankind, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy [telling forth the divine counsels] and your young men shall see visions (divinely granted appearances), and your old men shall dream [divinely suggested] dreams.
Yes, and on My menservants also and on My maidservants in those days I will pour out of My Spirit, and they shall prophesy [telling forth the divine counsels and]predicting future events pertaining especially to God's kingdom]. (Acts 2:16-18 Amplified Version)

God declares that He will pour our His Spirit first of all, so whom is it that we should be waiting for? Our spouse? No, no! You first lady of the house are a prophetess! You young man of the house shall be a visionary, and you aged and experienced shall dream, and see the next generation do greater things, you are the pathfinders, and the trailblazers, the pioneers! Wow, that almost sounded like an ad for a used car lot! At any rate, I ask as the imperfect Christian, why is it that you imperfect brothers and sisters are not moving? You are not moving for fear of failing! You have heard it a million times...you only fail, when you fail to try! But we (conviction poured on the imperfect one first) are afraid of what someone might say, we are afraid of the spouse being displeased, we are afraid of what society will do with us! If you have to separate then do so! How many people have or could do this:

Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. 11 But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. (1Corinthians 7:10 & 11 NKJV) OK is this the chauvinist God again, or does this apply to men as well? Well in ancient customs the man had to put his wife away, and the woman was not to leave. But again I use an old cliche` "Absence or Distance makes the heart grow fonder..."

Can we seek the civility in Christ and be reconciled to one another just as He reconciled us to God the Father? He redeemed us, but for what? So, we could slap Him in the face and say thanks but no thanks! I don't know what weight you are dealing with, I don't know what sea it is that you are drowning in, but I know the Lifeguard that can save you.

Oh and try some PB&J for that toast up there! Peace, Blessings, and Joy my imperfect brothers and sisters!

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!!!

Communication Gap...

Wow, how we often misunderstand one another! Gracie is looking at me in this picture saying,"Whatchu talkin' bout Willis!?"

I sent an email to a fine Christian woman (let's call her "Christi") in a company (let's call it "The Building") that uses the same distribution company as ours. I saw the UPC number on one of my orders and reconginized it as being one that belonged to The Building. Therefore, I made contact with Christi. I sent an email that said:

I recognized this as being your product and since I cannot key it I am sending it to you for confirmation. If this is indeed your product here is his information, DJ Darby's 123 South Main St., Good City, NC 27somethin,' somethin,' or another... He needs 3 copies of The Good Life CD. I used todays date as a purchase order number.

She wrote back and said, "Yes this is our product just have him send it back to the Distributor.."

Wow! Well I wrote back explaining again that this was not a return, but rather a purchase and that Mr. Darby desired to have their product consolidated in shipping with our product. When I send notes of that nature that is usually a given, especially when we did the same thing just a week ago. LOL So, it doesn't take much to confuse others at times. That's why we need to slow down, focus, and help others to relate. How do we do that. Who liberally gives us wisdom? Don't know, well here's what James said in chapter 1 vs 5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives it generously (liberally, freely) to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (NIV)

Some frown on anything but the KJV where I live, and I say not to offend, but rather to bless, what was there before the KJV (1611) and did all the folks before that time period go to hell? Remember good reader it's your imperfect Christian brother speaking...
That verse applies to mankind, which includes women for my chauvinist brothers that are not as imperfect as me! LOL

Another miscommunication.

I told my boys to do a few things for me, and they did, but not exactly what I had asked for. My communications transferred in a different way, so how then should I communicate to them? In such a way that says I am your father, who at one time was also 13, 15, and 16, and I am now in a loving lenient way am saying that when I call you home, or say come home before dark that, that means for the rest of the night, not for a few minutes then away we go again. That means that even though school is out, that you still have to call me, and let me know before you leave my house, your Grandmothers house, or your Great-grandmothers house or any premises that you occupy that I have last heard about.

Friends here things the wrong way at times also. Husbands hear what they hear, wives hear what they hear. A fella compliments the smile of a pretty woman, and she says oh that devil is up to no good! When really that fella just thought she had a pretty smile.

Communication is key, and we all need to be understood whether we always agree or not...I've said my piece and counted to three! LOL Peace, Blessings, and Joy...in Christ The Real PB&J

Therapy

Some people go to therapist to sort out their problems. Some have good pastors and good friends that will listen and give sound advice. Well good people I used to talk to Nikki. Nikki would speak to me, and ask me to touch her and reach deep to feel myself in her. Each tone would ring out, and I would feel as though with her potential I had let her down. Nikki is my escape. She is beautiful, natural, and created wonderfully! She was born in Scottsdale and I met her in 1995. She came to my house, and I knew instantly that I was not good enough for her. How could a man with $25 fingers deserve a $2500 guitar? Yes Nikki is my Custom Shop '54 reissue Fender Stratocaster. I still do not do her justice, but look to get more time in with her, so that she can teach me to love again, and to learn to express myself when nobody cares, and when nobody else is listening. BB had Lucille, Stevie had Lenny, and if I can ever perform well enough to turn loose in public, you good people can say that the imperfect Christian had Nikki! Just another drop in the bucket from your imperfect Brother.

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