Getting Older or Wiser?

Well, the inevitable has now happened. Thursday was my birthday. Yes, it is true, I am getting older. But then again, aren't we all. This birthday taught me a lot. The best present I received this year is the confirmation that I am truly a blessed man. I have the best family in the world. I have an incredible wife, who I love with all my heart. I have three incredible children who delight in birthdays and gift-giving. I have awesome parents and brothers who always make the effort to say Happy Birthday and send their love.

I worked on my birthday and people were so surprised at how open I was about it being my birthday. Now I didn't go around and tell everyone so they would think I'm special or anything. But at the same time I wouldn't be shy about it. People often times don't even want others to acknowledge it because they are embarassed about it. But, for me, it was just fun. This day only comes around once out of the entire year. It's special and fun, and I like to spread the love a little bit. It's not all about me, but you can't ignore a day that only comes around once a year.

I got some great gifts from my family. Mom and Dad got me a very expensive and valuable gift that I will always treasure - a Krispie Kreme gift card. Oh yea! Ashley and the kids absolutely showered me with gifts. They got me three great football movies that we can add to our video library. Three movies that, ironically are all football classics, and even more ironically start with with letter "R". BUT none of them are rated R. In fact, all three are PG. Rudy, Radio, and Remember the Titans. My family has definitely acknowledged my enjoyment of football this time of year. Maybe BEN can get me a win for my birthday. (Kick off is 7 pm tonight against Monmouth) I should call him and ask for that.

But perhaps the most meaningful gift award goes to my wife. She found these beautiful decorative signs. One says "FAITH" and the other says "LOVE." On the back of each she has written me a very special note expressing her appreciation for my leadership and example in our home. THAT, to me, is the greatest gift I could have been given. For my wife to express her love to me, knowing full well how many times I have failed her and the kids, how many times I have sought my own desires above the Lord's, and how many times I have not been deserving of her love, means more to me than anything money can buy.

With each passing year I grow older, but my love for my wife, my kids, my family, and my Lord grow stronger. Ashley and the Lord and I are all growing in unity as the years progress, making for sweet fellowship every single day. I am truly blessed to be right where I am and would not trade it for all the money in the world.

So bring on this next year. I am ready. I have some great support all around me and I do not want to let them down. I will honor Christ and my family and live life to the fullest!

30 Years is a Loooong Time

Unfortunately, people do not stay married very long these days. It is very, very common to hear of a divorce or separation situation. And you know, it is also becoming more common to hear of divorce not just among those who have been married for only a few years, but among those who have been married for decades.

Well Mom and Dad just entered their third decade together, as of today. I just want to express both my thanks to them and my praise to God for giving me such incredible parents. I don't quite know how tough things were when I was little, but I can imagine, though, now having a family of my own. I know things were indeed tough, but I'm so very grateful that Mom and Dad had eternal perspective when facing tough times. They know that marriage is not about making each other happy, but about encouraging one other to strive for holiness. They understand that the hard times only shape your marriage and make it better, rather than break it and make it worse.

So many times I find myself, now being a husband and father of three kids doing the very same things my parents did. Saying the same things. Acting the same way. But you know what...I don't think that's such a bad thing.

I love you, Mom and Dad. Hope you guys enjoy this anniversary, and may the next 30 years be even better!