First post

My wife has been on me for months to start a blog and put some of my life experience and lessons "out there" to help someone through a tough spot in life.



I am a male, nearly 50, and in the 9th year of my 2nd marriage. A very good and personally satisfying marriage. I am a Christian, having found Jesus 6 years ago after a lifetime of failing to understand Jesus' saving Grace is available to us all for the asking. For any religious skeptics - I've been there and been a denier in my lifetime. At this point, it is this simple to me - when you explain the magnificent design of human DNA, RNA or reproduction, the dizzying variety of life on this planet, the weather, seasons, gravity and a multitude of other things we encounter in everyday life in terms other than a perfect Creator, I will listen. If you have no explanation FOR EVERYTHING, then I consider mine better and settled. I have one answer for everything - God did it. When you can give me such a powerful, yet simple explanation, I will listen.



Being a Christian, I know how flawed I am. We are imperfect beings and must try every day to get better. I do, but I fail and take steps back before moving forward again. I am a better person now than I ever have been and I know it is because the Lord shines through the old me.



I am a southerner, recipient of bachelors and post baccalaureate degrees. Husband, father, servant, teacher. Proud to have a job and work with the people I work with.



I have 4 wonderful kids - two I was blessed to father, and two I am proud to call step or "bonus" children. Man, I have lots of thoughts and lessons in the realm of parenting and step-parenting. That is one of the primary reasons for putting some of these thoughts "out there". Just like having kids, there is no manual for step-parenting or 2nd marriages. We have learned lots of lessons in our 9 years and if I can help someone through a situation with their kids or marriage, I will have done something. Two of the kids just finished their first year of college, the other two are in high school. They are all great kids, very different and all with their own strengths and weaknesses. I love 'em all!



Holiday weekend is coming up. We are having friends over to celebrate with us. Gonna be hot! More to come......