To My Beloved Wife of Twenty-Nine Years: June 24, 1995

My Love,

I can recall that dream with such clarity, as if it unfolded just yesterday. A divine whisper from God filled me with certainty that we would marry, even though we had never been on a date. With full conviction of God’s leading, I informed my mother that you were the one. 

We have shared a journey filled with joy, laughter, and challenges. Out of love, we raised three beautiful daughters. Through it all, our love has remained unwavering, a testament to the bond we share. You have been my rock, my confidant, and my best friend. How you love, support, and believe in me has been a constant source of inspiration.

As we celebrate our 29th anniversary, I cannot help but feel a sense of gratitude for every moment we have shared. The memories we have created together, the adventures we have embarked on, and the dreams we have pursued side by side have shaped our love story into something truly extraordinary.

Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate the years to come, knowing that our love will continue to grow and flourish. I am excited to witness the chapters we have yet to write, the milestones we have yet to celebrate, and the love that will continue to blossom between us. You are the love of my life, and I am forever grateful for the day we said “I do.” Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and cherished moments, my dear.

Your Husband

Coaching Leaders

I want to share a powerful formula that, when applied, can significantly enhance leaders' leadership skills. As a leader, it's crucial to understand yourself, embrace your unique qualities, and effectively communicate these principles to others.

Knowing yourself as a leader is essential because it allows you to understand your strengths, weaknesses, values, and beliefs. This self-awareness enables you to make informed decisions, set realistic goals, and effectively lead others.

Owning yourself means taking responsibility for your actions and decisions. It involves acknowledging and learning from your mistakes, being accountable for your responsibilities, and being confident in your abilities.

Authenticity is not just a buzzword in leadership- it's a game-changer. By staying true to your values and leading with integrity, you create a culture of trust and loyalty in your team. This environment of openness and collaboration encourages others to be their authentic selves, fostering a more productive and harmonious work environment.

Effective communication is vital in guiding others to know, own, and be themselves. By openly sharing your experiences, values, and beliefs, you create a safe space for others to do the same. You encourage open dialogue, active listening, and understanding, which fosters a sense of belonging and promotes personal growth among team members.

What are your thoughts? 

It's Time to Evaluate

At the beginning of the year, I adopted some guiding principles that would serve as a compass for changing my life.

As we enter June, it's important to reflect on the past five months and assess the effectiveness of these guiding principles in my life.

Presence

The first principle is being fully present in the moment. I have stayed focused on my daily tasks, fully immersing myself in every detail and striving to excel in what I am doing in this moment. In fact, I have noticed that I am no longer searching for the next task I believe God wants me to undertake, but rather content with the current responsibilities he has entrusted me with. I have undergone a complete transformation due to this newfound liberation, and looking back, I deeply regret not giving it more importance earlier in life, as it has brought me immense joy and fulfillment.

Another aspect I cherish about presence, and honestly, the most important one, is the constant pursuit of God's presence in my life. Above all else, I prioritize nurturing my connection with the Lord, striving to strengthen our bond through prayer and reflection. It's the one thing I desire, like a thirst that cannot be quenched. I have made it a daily practice for the past year and a half to seek the Lord at the start of each day, and the impact has been profound.

Declutter

I have been committed to simplifying my life, and as a result, I have persistently decluttered, removing unnecessary items. It has had a positive impact on my mental well-being, physical health, emotional balance, and spiritual growth. For instance, my closet at home remains organized due to my commitment to promptly returning items to their designated spots.

My offices, both at home and at work, are astonishingly neat and well-kept, a true testament to my dedication to organization.

My work production is much better because of decluttering.  Balancing the demands of a full-time chaplain job and being a bivocational pastor to a wonderful congregation can be hectic, but I manage it by decluttering and organizing my life.

Self-awareness

I started off strong with cultivating self-awareness daily, but my commitment waned around mid April. This led to my involvement with residents at my workplace who were committed to their journey of overcoming addiction through the 12-step process. This past week, I rolled up my sleeves and tackled the fourth step, determined to make headway.

The fourth step urges us to courageously examine ourselves, delving deep into our moral inventory to unearth our personal shortcomings and foster self-awareness. We all have them, but only a few recognize their existence.

Relaunch

I have yet to fully grasp the depth and significance of this guiding principle. I am eager to find fresh challenges and chances to make a Jesus-like impact on people's lives, yet I lack a clear vision of what that entails. Lately, my heart has been filled with thoughts about recovery ministry, transitional homes, and how to effectively reach people in recovery. I have witnessed the Lord orchestrating a few relationships that serve as confirmation of what He is impressing on me. It's a time to wait on the Lord, eagerly anticipating what he will do next.

How are your 2024 goals going? 

See you in a few months.