Category: Fatherhood, parenting, family, faith, friends,

Americana-My First Car

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Scrolling Facebook this morning and I see a post about your first car. The picture in the post is actually my first car. It was called “The Bean”. Only difference was I had mag wheels on mine. Before I got it it looked like this. My friends and I made some good memories in that little car. I believe I drove it to the Prince Purple Rain concert with a few folks that are friends on here. The motor died in it near Yadkinville on the way back to App State one winter Sunday and dad got rid of it for me.I remember wanting a fancier car and my parents taught me a valuable lesson I still remember to this day.

I had seen a really nice looking truck down the road for sale and as my birthday came closer I kept telling them what I wanted. My birthday arrives and my mom comes in my room early and says get up and go outside your truck is in the driveway. I jumped up and ran as fast as I could and sitting in the driveway was a truck (beautiful shiny brand new out of the package hot wheel truck). Then dad came to me and said that is what you wanted, but mom and I are getting you what you need. Dad passed in 2009 and when mom passed in 2017 I found that little hot wheel truck.

She had packed it away for me to find years later. I have that truck now and use it as an example when I teach my lessons on “wants and needs” at school. I am thankful I had such great parents. My kids at school get those fancy shoes and I will ask them how much they cost and they say like 300.00. I tell them I like my money in the bank and not on my feet. I had a fellow a student come see me this week and he told me he was working, saving money and doing good. I looked at his feet and smiled and he said, yes coach, I also like my money in the bank and not on my feet. Then he said, I wasn’t always not listening to you in class. Life lessons we learn, live and pass into the next generation are special and needed.

Spirit Chronicles: Me and My Buddy

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I had a dream where my life long best friend and I were at a ballgame. I was down at the bottom of the bleachers in a gigantic stadium bigger than any I have ever seen in the world. The top row of the bleachers was probably about 2000 feet off the ground way up in the sky. I saw my best friends brother down at the bottom and asked him if his brother was at the game and he pointed to the very tip top corner and said he is way up there. I am not a fan of heights and knew it would take a long time to walk that far so I began to make the climb. As I walked very slowly towards the top I saw people I knew from the past and many of them were passed and gone.

I made it to the top and there sat my buddy all by himself just looking out across the scenary behind the stadium. The railing was missing so I asked him why he was sitting way up here and he looked at me and said “I love it up here, the view is awesome”. I didn’t want to look out over the ledge but he was correct, the view was phenomenal and breathtaking. All you could see was water, palm trees and beuatiful blue skies for miles and miles. The water was crystal clear and the palms just swayed in the wind as the breeze blew across the water. My buddy loves the beach and has spent alot of time there.

This beach was different and unlike anything on earth. It was beyond beautiful and you couldn’t help but look at it and be in awe. I had been worrying about my best friend awhile now as he has struggled with somethings recently and just has not been himself. I told him it was awesome and I could see why he was sitting there watching the game and looking out at the view. He told me he needed the peace and I agreed. Then I saw his mom and she told me that she was with him always guarding over him and for him to fight to regain his power back.

My bud is a great big guy with a great big heart and it has been broken, messed up or bent. I know he can do it and the message I got was that he needed peace and understanding in his life. He will win this struggle with things. I woke up and wrote everything down and sent him a text. I told him I loved him and that I spoke with him in my dreams. I told him his mom who passed a few years ago was with him and rooting for him. He told me he was trying so please if you read this say a prayer for my friend so we can get him back on track as the man we all know he can be. Thanks and God Bless!

Covid- Teachers Perspective

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Covid is taking its toll on schools, students, parents and teachers all across this great country we call America. It is ravaging the world as well, but for my purposes I will write about what I witness on a daily and weekly basis as a local career educator and coach. Different states, cities, towns and districts all have different standards and protocols in place. This inconsistency has gotten things all jumbled up and out of sync. Governors are putting in mandates while others are leaving it up to the local school board to decide. Some washed their hands of it due to political reasons while others are doing what they want regardless of the polticial consequences.

Covid is very real and I am a survivor of the sickness. Last December right around Christmas while I was at home ordering food in, staying out of the public, wearing a mask, being careful and teaching from home online as directed by my school district I contracted the sickness. Within five days it had ravaged my body and put me in the hospital. I could not breath, walk or hardly talk as it took its toll on my lungs and body. I fought back and survived and Thanks to God I came home. It took 30 pounds off me quickly, messed with my lung function and put me at a high risk of other issues. So as I write about Covid I do so as a survivor that nearly died in the hopsital fighting to breath and not give up.

I see schools are trying to return to normal and have implemented mask mandates, staying six feet apart and other guidelines to protect their students, teachers, staff and families. But is that enough and are those simple little guidelines realistic to stopping the spread of Covid and saving peoples lives? I am not for nor against a mask and other guidelines. I am simply saying this Covid thing goes much deeper and farther than a guideline. If a person is exposed the guideline says this. If they are vaccinated it says this. If they are not it says this. All of this means nothing because when it comes down to it Covid scares many people and even others that will not admit it.

If you are a teacher you know that it is true that kids come to school all the time sick with colds, coughs, flu and other things. Parents send them to school to make sure they do not miss any work time or even do not have to keep the kids at home. I have seen the stress Covid is putting on the staff at schools and the anxiety it gives many of the students. Some act as if it is no big deal, but to others it is real because they have had it, seen someone fight it or even worse lost someone from it. Covid does not care if your young, old, healthy, fat, skinny, diabetic, sick, not sick, etc. Covid attacks us when we are weak and takes it toll on the body.

I know of several people I would conside fit as a fiddle that died within a week of it. I have seen case after case at school, exposure after exposure at school and your told look at the protocol. What they do not understand is a person that has a mother, father or older person at home does not care about a damn protocol. They are worried they may take it home and give it to someone else that could pass away. A paper of process cannot replace lives lost due to protocol. Covid will not be going away soon and will continue to ravage as it wants to.

How we react to it is what matters. Do we live scared? Do we live free of it? Do we proceed with caution? What do we do? Is remote learnig best? Is alternating weeks best? Is face to face with spacing and masks best? These are the things the politicians, school boards, administrators and leaders must face. But for the front line people, the teachers, nurses, police, firemen, and other civil servants it is more of how do we face it and move forward. I see people taking time off, stepping away, leaving the field and doing safer occupations. I see people on facebook talking about “if you do not like what you do or are scared then do not do it”. That is easier said than done when it comes to leaving a profession you love, giving up an income and not taking care of the family needs and wants.

Covid, you suck and need to go away. Our kids need to be in school. Our teachers need to be teaching them. Our kids need to play football, be in the band, hang with friends and live life. We need you to go away as quick as you came. Wishful thinking yes, but it sounds good to me for it to go away. As for me I will be at work, be as safe as I can and take care of my students, my family and myself. Prayerfully I can teach, coach, mentor and survive this thing called Covid.

Americana- Football, Family, Friends and Faith

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There are three things that have been a part of my family tradition for what seems forever and a day. Football, Family, Friends and faith are all part of my American dream. For millions of Americans these four F’s have become part of what we know as the annual right of passage from early September to the Middle of February. For many of us that have grown up playing the best game on earth (American Football), yes the one that you hit and tackle people while playing. It all begins with kids playing in the backyard, in the road, a field or on a hill at a friday night varsity home game. We all began out football career by tackling, rolling down hills, getting smashed up, hit, beat on and ran over by our older siblings, cousins and best buds.

Then we start playing little league, pee wee or pop warner depending on where you live and what it is called. That is when it starts getting more serious and we have to learn to be the best we can, be tough, have faith in ourselves and learn a system of depending on family and friends. Then we go to middle school and it gets even more serious. Throw in some AAU travel football and it is feeling for real then. Teamwork, family, friends and faith become part of who we are as we battle with each other and for one another. We represent our communities, families, schools, teams and neighborhoods the best we can.

Then high school comes along and many of those that played younger begin to drop like flies. Suddenly it is more than a game. It has become something bigger than the individual and is truly a family and team sport. Families line up outside and pay the gate fee to support their kids and neighbors. They tailgate eating good food enjoying family and friends before the big game. The players, coaches and fans fellowship on preparation for the big battle about to take place. Football teaches us how to win, lose, battle, fight, overcome, endure and be a better person. It teaches us to have faith in ourselves, family, community, friends and God.

Then some of us work hard enough to play on Saturdays in front of big crowds at various levels. Some in big time arenas in front of 100,000 people at the highest level. We see the blessing in that and how fortunate we were to be able to do that playing a game that we simply love. Others play small ball in front of a few hundred people in the stands. Either way, the game is played hard and means just as much regardless of the size of the stadium or arena. Regardless of the level of ball it is about football, family, friendships and faith. I developed all of these playing ball from pee wee to mid level college football.

I have stood on the sidelines as a player, coach and parent hearing the national anthem which still gives me the goose bumps on Friday night. I have played, coached and watched high level ball. I have played, coached and watch low level ball. All in all I have found that football, family, friends and faith are what has made me who I am today. I am a piece of Americana because of Football. God Bless football, family, friends and faith!

Physical, Intellectual and Spiritual Growth

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Today as I was eating breakfast with my wife I looked over a side table and staring at me was a prized picture of my mom and dad. I had been thinking about growth and praying to God for guidance in that area. The mention of my parents is because when you look at the three types of growth mentioned above my folks would meet all three categories. Obviously they had physically grown into adults well into their 70’s prior to passing away and moving onto greater things. My mom physically was short in stature about 5’0 tall and medium build. She was dynamite in a small package. My dad on the flip side was 6’4 and 350 pounds. He was a full grown man that stood over people in any room and rarely would you see a man much bigger than him. Intellecually they were both very mature adults. I cannot remember one single time in my childhood or adult life around them when they fought or argued. I am sure they did at times but they knew that was to be done away from people and the kids so they did it in private.

Spiritually they both loved the Lord and were great role models for my family in that part of life. My dad read the entire Bible 3-4 times from start to finish and kept notes in a notebook and his own Bible that I still have in my possession. Mom was a Sunday school teacher, mentor and volunteered at church and in the community. Rarely did you ever hear either of them say a curse word or something off the wall. They had been raised to be physically, intellecually and spiritually grown people. Even into their 70’s after their bodies started to reverse course and fail on them with achy joints, diabetes and other physical issues they continued to seek to grow intellecually and spiritually. Mom would read, watch TV shows and do puzzles to keep her mind sharp. Dad would read, listen to music, and still read the newspaper like the old days. They knew that being able to read and write were basic adult abilities and tools that could help you be successful in life.

I gave this background because that is the example of grown that I have seen and bless thier souls my parents are now in Heaven together and have reached full mature growth in all three areas. They have new bodies and are strong and able. They have been granted the intellecual thought of Heaven and know so much now we only wish we could know. And finally, they have made the final step in spiritual awakening when they closed their eyes and took their last human breath and were in the presence of God himself. So now I have to ask myself am I grown and in what areas do I need to increase my physical, intellectual and spiritual growth?

The good old internet had a definition of physical growth. The process of the body changing, growing and aging into full human growth. Typically this physical maturity occurs by the early 20’s for most people so I can check that one off the list. I am now in my mid 50’s so I am way past the physical growth stage of life. The intenet also defines intellectual growth as the process of growing ones mind, mental capacity, learning and retaining knowledge. As a career teacher I have studied lots of information, read books, sought information and I think I have reached a good adult level of intellectual growth. Lastly, the good old internet defines spiritual growth as: the increase in knowing God’s word, learning the process of fighting off sinful actions in your life. Spiritual growth may have other meanings to you based on your releigion or lack of.

For me spiritual growth is the process of getting closer to God through his word and study. It is the process of awakening the soul and making a life long connection to God. It is seeking out him and his will in your life. I have made great strides in this area, but am far from where I need to be. With that said I have read the Bible for guidance and prayed and came up with these ways to become a master of spiritual growth. Not a masters degree, that is intellectual growth. I am talking about being awarded the ultimate growth certificate and that is to know God, his expectations in my life and how to meet those requirements. I want to live my best life in all three areas so to keep growing physically, intellecually and spiritually I will do the follwing things.

Physical Growth- The only growth I see at this point in my 50’s is my belly getting bigger and weight changing. I made a decision a year ago to make physical growth a must in life and have since lost about 50 pounds and have a long ways to go. I feel better with less weight, take less medicine, get more exercise and have more energy so that is how I can continue to grow in this area. Be smart, do the right things and live my best physical growth life.

  1. Eat better foods
  2. Drink more water
  3. Stay off sugary products and eat more natural
  4. Walk, bike, run or work in the yard to get exercise
  5. Lose some weight if needed

Intellectual Growth- I like to read about topics of interest such as faith, paranormal, spirit and leadership. I plan to continue to grow as an intellect and reach all the potential I can in that area. An idle mind becomes less effective the older we get. So I will read, write, research, study, watch and even take a few more classes of interest to grow this area.

  1. Read books you like
  2. Watch documentories about history, life and culture
  3. Go back to school or take some online classes
  4. Write, Blog or make videos using your knowldege and background
  5. Attend seminars, Church, conferences and other events designed to motivate the mind

Spiritual Growth- This is the most important area for me as I am now at the point of a full spiritual awakening with God and his spirit in me. I will read his word, research, pray and meditate so I can seek him and his full guidance in my life. I dare you all to do the same and see how this helps you live your best life and reach full growth in a physical, intellectual and spiritual way.

  1. Read God’s word daily
  2. Pray daily
  3. Meditate
  4. Go to church, attend conferences, watch videos, and other online opportunity
  5. Seek God first and ask him to guide you
  6. Submit to his will and watch what happens

Spiritual Growth

Hebrews: 4:12; For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Physical Growth

3rd John 1:2; Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

Intellectual Growth

1st Peter 1:13; Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Americana: Dirt Road Diary

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Growing up I spent most of my life living on an old dirt road. The road I grew up on did not get paved until I was in my later teens and I do not know how many times I ran up and down that road to see my friends and hang out. We lived in a rural area with eight houses on the road and all my friends and neighbors were within a few years apart from one another. The road we lived on was a cur through for many people heading off to work and coming back from town. It was a good route so people did not have to stop at a four way and turn and head down a real steep hill.

With all that traffic cutting by the house the dirt stayed flying about all the time. Later in my childhood some of the parents got together and put down rock on the dirt road which made it better for fighting off the dust. But man did those rocks hurt when you went over the handlebars of your bike ot missed a jump off about a six feet drop and wiped yourself all over that road. The rocks were brutal and always won against the skin of a child. I cannot count the times I rode up and down that road or ran up and down it. From my house to the bus stop was about two hundred yards dead sprint in the mornings. It seemed like a half mile at the time when I was little. If you got a late start heading towards the bus stop and heard the old bus rumbling down the county road then you best get to running and fast.

Back then the bus drivers would leave you if you were not at the stop and then would stop and get you if you were there when they came back through. My dad wouuld leave for work around 7:15 everyday and you best not be standing there which showed him that you had missed the bus. So on occasion when I did we would run into a tobacco field right beside the dirt road and hide. I am sure he knew we were there and after a few tines he figured out that we were safe either way. Back then the country was safer and kids could be outside playing, standing at the bus stop and hanging outside until it got dark.

I have so many memeories of that dirt road and all the antics we got into. We played football, baseball, basketball, and other sports on that dirt road. We raced bikes, cars, motorcycles and anything with wheels on that road. The neighbors had some big dogs and they would always chase your tail down the road and come to the edge of the yard sounding like a monster ready to tear your leg off and eat it. Most of them werre actually just good old dogs that wanted to bark and act all tough. I seen fights on that road, kissed a=my first girl on that road and probably some other stuff that I do not need to admit too on here (my wife and kids) may read this posting.

For those that never had the pleasure of living in the country and growing up on a dirt road I am sorry for that. Dirt roads teach us life lessons, some good and some bad. Dirt roads make good memories and tough memories. Dirt roads twist and turn, Dirt roads are dusty at times. Dirt roads have holes and can tear a wheel up on your vehicle. Dirt roads go deep into the woods sometimes and you might not know where it leads you. Dirt roads often give you a choice to go one way or another to get somewhere. This is like life as all of these things will happen.

You will encounter potholes, hills, curves, and forks in the road. You will have times when life is muddy and dusty. You will have crashes, trees in the way (obstacles) but no matter what if you take that dirt road and stay the course it will eventually take you to a point where you want to be. Remember earlier I said that the dirt road I grew up on lead to a shortcut that made getting from point A to B easier for people. So just know that a good old dirt road is fine and a great place to live. I now live on a half mile dirt road again and still love to hit the gas on ny jeep or truck and throw some dirt road dust in the air when I am driving to the house. You can drive hard, hit the humps in the road and make more memories on your dirt road diary.

Football Time Again

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After two years away from coaching football. I have accepted the role of Head Football coach at Thomasville Middle School. I am excited to get back into the sport as a head coach on my terms. I stood on the sidelines in 2019 after a tough playoff loss as an assistant at Thomasvile High School and decided it was time to step away for a while to see where things were going. I had been a community coach. college coach, Varsity assistant, JV Head Coach, Interim Varsity Head coach (2X) and coordinator during my football coaching career. I had a goal from the time I was in high school to become a high school head football coach but the cards never seemed to fall in the right place at the right time.

I had come to a point where the game I had played or coached since I was seven years old was no longer exciting and felt like the career had come to a close on the sidelines. I had a bad back, bad knees, was overweight and was just tired. I had coached 2-3 sports (football, wrestling and softball) a year for ten plus and was just wore out physically and mentally. I needed to get healthy, be with my family and just relax. I needed time to heal and grow as a person, husband, father, teacher and mentor. I needed me time and have enjoyed the last two years more relaxed with no seven day a week football work schedules, Sunday afternoon film sessions and an additional 30-40 hours a week of practice and game time.

I know that God is good and he leads us in the direction we need to go in life. We follow his lead by following our heart and his word.. After much thought, prayer and my family’s blessing it is time to put some more energy and time into the the game that has given so much to me and my family. To achieve our goals in life we must put time, energy, patience and hard work into it. To make it to our final goal we have to be willing to put in the work and build ourselves up in preparation for that.

I want to Thank my wife Cindy for her blessing to get back into the sport I have loved for so long. God is leading me where I need to go and I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to coach again and being sought after feels really good. It will be an honor to coach football again. I cannot wait to hear the national anthem just before the game. Watch the boys run on and off the field, compete, work hard and see what happens on game day. Look into the bleachers and see my family sitting there rooting the team on. Those are the things that make the game so special. It is football time once again for me and step in the direction I always wanted to go.

Coach B

Spirit Chronicles: Obstacles In The Road

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I dreamed I was walking into school and everywhere I looked there were obstacles standing in the way. I walked around them, through them and over them and they kept popping up. A man was standing beside me walking with me and he kept looking at me and smiling as if to motivate me to keep pushing forward. I cleared those obstacles and kept walking out to my car and in the parking lot were the same obstacles. One by one I cleared them and kept pushing forward. I climbed, went around, crawled and did what I had to do to get to my car. I made it to my car and cleared the parking lot and when I got into the car I saw a lady behind me sitting in the back seat and she just smiled at me.

I started driving down the road heading home and then obstacles started falling in the road. I was driving my jeep and I used it to run around, run over and knock things out of the way. These obstacles were of various shapes, sizes and colors. They were made of foam or some kind of light material like a building block that kids play with. These obstacles were more of an annoyance than anything to me. I knew I could get past them but I had to push forward and not give up. The guardian with me just kept smiling at me and wanted me to keep going.

I knew that I had some obstacles coming from another dream or vision that I had and was waiting on this to happen. It had been a month or so and I was in waiting of the dream to show me what type of obstacles were coming. It was kind of an ah hah moment for me and let me know that I was prepared mentally, physically and spiritually to handle what may come at me down the road. I had been in prayer for guidance and direction on some things in life around career, family, finances and such and this was a positive step in the right direction. It gave me hope, focus and motivation to continue to push towards my goals in life with physical, mental and spiritual health.

Isiah 57:14; And it shall be said, “Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people’s way.”

Jeremiah 6:21; Therefore thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will lay before this people stumbling blocks against which they shall stumble; fathers and sons together, neighbor and friend shall perish.’”

Oh God, We Seek You

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In our weakest moments we seek strength

In strife we seek peace

In trial we seek justice

In failure we seek encouragement

In doubt we seek hope

In brokenness we seek healing

In stress we seek patience

In exhaustion we seek energy

In anxiety we seek understanding

In darkness we seek light

In life we seek you

In death we seek new life

Amen

1st Chronicles 16:11; Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

Matthew 7:7-8; “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Original Poem by Coach B 8/4/2021

Faith- Finding Gods Will In Your Life

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In my reading today I was looking at how to follow or find God’s will in life. I have to admit that I often ask for God to influence my life and give me his direction. However, I am not so sure that I have been doing that for the right reasons. I think as humans we often seek things and ask for things because it will possibly fill a void we have or allow us to advance in life. I know in my heart of hearts that I want God’s will to be in my life and after thinking about it, studying the word and praying I have come to a clearer understanding about how to seek that will and guidance in my life.

The Bible tells us about many promises God made to us and one of those is that he will use us for his work and give us guidance in the process. God also allows us to make our own choices and I know personally speaking I have often went the wrong way, took the wrong path or stepped backwards instead of forward. To move forward we must step beyond our past and learn from those missed steps and stages God had set up for us in our lives. For me it is a combination of a few things being a goal driven teacher, coach, father and mentor I have personal goals that may not have always lined up to what God expected of me. I work hard and value being a good man, friend, husband, father, teacher and coach. So I think I over halfway there but have a long ways to go to achieve what God wants me to achieve.

In Psalm 32 the Bible tells us that we should allow God to instruct us and guide us. We can do that by listening to his still small voice and doing as he wants us to and not as we want to. I pray daily for Gods grace, mercy, guidance and will and he is working hard on me and my family. He makes me a better man everyday with his support. I put together a list of things that I need to do to become the best I can be from a perspective of Gods will in my life and not just what I want to achieve as a professional teacher, writer, blogger, coach, mentor and family man. With Gods will in my life and by opening up to that he will enable me to grow my physical, spiritual and mental capacity to seek his will.

1- Be in prayer daily asking for God’s will in my life

2- Read the word daily. Seek his will by diving into his word and growing in wisdom from the word.

3- Follow the commands God puts in our hearts. I have to do better at following his will and not my own.

4- Seek to live in a Godly community and surround myself with God loving people.

5- Truly be open to God’s will and guidance and submit to his word and will.

Proverbs 16:3; Commit your works to the Lord and your thoughts will be established.

Proverbs 3:5-6; Trust in the Lord with all your heart. And lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him. And he shall direct your paths.

Americana- Off Shore Fishing With Dad

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Growing up and into my late 30’s we always took family vacations to the beach. When we did my dad, brothers and I would take a day trip with a Captained boat to go out and do some off shore fishing. My dad loved to fish and we often would catch the limit on about every fish we got into to. The last trip we took before my dad got where he could barely see and walk was on a boat called the Captain Stacy. We went out of Morehead City, NC into the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean about 25 miles off the coast of North Carolina.

My dad, two brothers and myself went on this trip. After about a three or four hour boat ride out into the Atlantic into 150-300 feet deep water we put our lines in and soon began to catch Dolphin (not flipper folks) but the actual fish called a Dolphin. We then got into some Amberjack which are big and strong and give one hell of a fight to get into the boat. We fished out the limit on both of those so we moved into some deeper water in search of some bigger game fish.

We put anchor down and suddenly things got hot again and we hit a school of Spanish and King Mackerel and hit the individual limit on both of them. I cannot remember I think it was like 5-7 per person and we had a good time tearing them up and getting them on board the boat. Mackerel is a bony fish that doesn’t eat that well so we gave them to the people who show up everyday at the local docks when the boats come in so they could eat them.

The day continued and we found ourselves surrounded by five or six other boats because we were hitting the fish hard and catching them like crazy on every cast. Other than a few that broke the line or fought off we tore them up that day. Late in the day before coming back in for the three hour return trip we hooked into a large shark. My dad fought it first and then one by one we took turns fighting that beast. It breached the water three times to let us get a hint of his size and power but we never could get it close to the boat.

The last time the shark jumped out of the water three hours later as it was still fighting the Captain got a good glimpse of it and determined based on his experience that we had hooked a 8-10 foot long Tiger Shark that likely weighed in the area of 400-600 pounds. He told us we would not get that thing on the boat and it was best to cut it loose and let it go. He also reminded us that it was getting late in the afternoon and we needed to head back before it got dark. The last thing he said was we really don’t want that full grown adult shark close to a 30 foot boat anyways.

It was big enough to pull the boat around and mean. One huge, lean, mean eating machine. So we cut the line and let it go. That shark won the battle that day as he proceeded to wear all of us out. One by one he kicked our butts and sent us packing and we are all healthy and strong men. My dad was older but was still a 6’4 340 pound mans man and the most experienced of us all and it wore him down also. Just as we were cutting the line my brother hooked a good size fish and as he was reeling it in and just as it was coming out of the water it got hit by another Tiger shark.

This one was not as big but was mean and about 6-7 feet long and he was a monster. He bit the 18 inch long fish in half and kicked his tail at us as to say better stay on that boat. As a kid I spent lots of time in the ocean playing, swimming and fishing for two weeks every summer. But that sunny day in July showed me a life lesson that we are humans and are meant to be on a boat and not in that water out there. We may be the ultimate predator on ground, but those big sharks are the rulers of the deep. They can have the deep water and I will stay my big butt right in the shallows where it belongs.

We lost dad in 2009 and man would I love to fight another big shark or just catch a few pond bass with him. One of these days we will fish again. Dad, thanks for the memories growing up at the beach. Thanks for teaching us how to fish, be men of faith and take care of our families like you did for so long. Happy fishing in Heaven dad!

Love, Hugs and Kisses in Heaven!

Spirit Chronicles: Cleansing Waters

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I dreamed I was at a river and in the middle was a man who was very powerful and wonderful. He motioned for me to come forward to him and when I began to go into the water the rushing river slowed to a crawl and I walked straight out to him. He grabbed my hand and pulled me close and looked at me with these amazing eyes and said “cleansing water”. He then pushed me backwards into the water and completely submerged me underneath it. I could breath and did not panic as if I was a fish.

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That night before going to bed I had taken a nice shower after working in the yard for about seven hours all day clearing bushes, mowing and weeding the property. I had a long day and was very tired. Our property is full of old spirits and all day I had spirit coming at me so I was physically and mentally exhausted. As I bathed I prayed for the water from the shower to heal me, cleanse me and make me whole. Water is very powerful and is part of nature so it can be cleansing to both the body, mind and soul. It is probably the healthiest thing you can have in life.

I went to bed and said my prayers for Gods grace, guidance and a goods nights sleep. I immediately knew that I was very open to spirit as I had been all day so I meditated a bit and settled in for a good nights sleep. Not long after falling asleep I had the dream of the man in the water cleansing me. I love water and I love God so it makes perfect sense that my guardians, angels and God were there to cleanse me. He put me under the water and made me whole. He took anything I had attached from that day away and gave me a clear path for today. I feel really good today other than being a bit tired from a hard days work in 96 degree weather.

One of my favorite old songs is by the Gaither Vocal Group that says “step into the water, wade out a little bit deeper” and that is what I did. In life we must be willing to ask for healing, cleansing and renewal at times. We must seek God and pray for his grace and mercy in life. I saw God and stepped into the water and he made a path for me to cleanse and renew for another great day today. If you need cleansing go find a rushing river, stream, creek or waterfall. Stand in it and wash yourself clean. God gave us water for life and living just as he gave us Jesus as the water of life.

Isiah 12:3; With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

Ezekiel 36:25; I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness, and from all your idols I will cleanse you.