Remembering Your Life's Purpose

And Jesus came and spoke saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28: 18-20

Sometimes in life you get busy and easily distracted. It's hard to believe 15 years ago, I never missed a Sunday morning service, a Wednesday night, and my life revolved around serving God in church. I never would have started work day without communing with God. It was the same as breathing to me. Well when you make the devil angry doing the Lord's work he doesn't like it. He's going to be pulling overtime to get out of the fight. The devil wants to get you to start sinning but if he can't he's gonna find another way.  The number one I think the devil likes to get us is make us busy. The late Dr. Charles Stanley once said, "If you are too busy for God, you're asking for trouble." Martin Luther said on a normal day he said he would pray for two hours. On his really busy days he would pray for three hours because without God's help he would never get anything done. 

The struggle in this world is it's always changing faster and faster. The fear of being left behind is a real concern because it's flashy advertising and the human desire to be liked and fit in. Mankind used to work only during daylight hours and now we start before the sun. Now with the way the world is it wants mankind to run itself into an early grave due to the lack of proper rest. We're so distracted by cell phones and social media platforms that we miss out. My wife always fusses about me being distracted by movies and TV shows playing in my ears while doing stuff around the house missing what the kids are saying to me or even worse when she says something. It's not bad things that often distract us but good things. A lot of good things keep us from the best things. I got into a habit of sleeping as much as possible because I have to be up early for work so showering went from mornings to evenings and breakfast was reheat and eat but the past few weeks God's like hey dummy remember Me? Whom you used to spend an hour with every morning? Remember your first love? If truly love God or someone you never lose that love, you only leave it. God reminded me that hey there is more important things than breakfast. Jesus told the devil in the wilderness when he went there to fast and pray, that man doesn't  live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) As important as breakfast is and physical nourishment spiritual nourishment is even more because the devil is like a roaring lion roaming about the earth seeking those he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8) Without seeking God in the morning and getting your mind and heart fixed upon God our day is more likely to go south in a hurry because our perspective isn't focused on what it should be. I know that if consistently you choose good things over the best things the devil can lead you astray and you become vulnerable to a multitude of sins. Then one day you wake and realize how far you have drifted away from God's call upon your life. God has called all of children who love loved Him and His appearing to walk with Him and share the love He has for us with others and why we have the hope we do. 

What did Jesus command us to do? Go and make disciples of all nations but what does that mean? My life verse comes from the "old man psalm" Psalm 71: 14-15 which says, "But for me I will always have hope, I will praise you more and more. My life will tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation though I know not it's measure." Our hope isn't in jobs, people, or things but in Jesus Christ. The author and finisher of our faith. I understand that when times get hard and nothing seems to go right and it's constantly one issue after the other we might get angry with God or sometimes anything and everyone and bitterness and hurt settles in. That's when the devil finds a way in. In Isaiah 50: 10-11 scripture says, "Who among fears the Lord? Who obeys the voice of His servant. That walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon His God. Look all you who kindle a fire, Who encircle yourselves with sparks: Walk in the light of your fire and the sparks you have kindled- This you shall have My hand: You shall lie down in sorrow(torment)." When life is hard and nothing seems to make sense and you're frustrated and in darkness that God has allowed just remember what Dr. Adrian Roger's said, " Those of greatest devotion may know the deepest darkness." Remember if you have been living in His will and according to His word cling to Him and trust the Master's touch. The late Dr. Jerry Falwell said we will never get out of trouble because it is the basic need for spiritual growth. God comes in and takes over when we finally say Lord I can't handle this anymore. If we try to find our way out of the darkness when it's God ordained the Lord said we will lie down in sorrow. When we look to ourselves and not wait upon God to fix everything and make a way to endure the time of darkness. God doesn't give us strength for tomorrow. He gives us strength for each moment. That's why we need our daily bread. That's what God was talking about in Luke 9:23 , "If anyone desires to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow Me." It's a daily walk. It's like a parent with a child. He wants to lead us through this life hand in hand. After a near brush with death God showed me how vulnerable I am. I have had all kinds of tests done to determine what caused me to have a random blood clot go to my right kidney and cause me to lose it. Literally die inside me. A hematologist at the local Cancer center ran every test available and she said that she has no idea and the chances of it happening again are less than 0.01 percent. I pretty much figured out what God was doing. He's like wake up because I could have ended your life that day. I found out that I might be a tough man but God showed me how weak and vulnerable I was. That blood clot could have went to a different organ or I could have been behind the wheel of an 18 wheeler and wrecked from the pain. I don't feel worthy of the call God has put on my life. God has given us all gifts to love Him and others with. I once had a dream to serve the Lord in the same manor as Dr. Billy Graham. I don't feel worthy to do so because of my sins and failures. But the thing is neither did Isaiah. In Isaiah 6 He said woe is me but God made him ready. God has a calling for all of us. He called me years ago to preach and teach the gospel. I've never really been sure what He is leading me to but day by day I pray that I get there but it's my job to continue to seek and figure it out just the same as it is for you to seek out His will for your lives. I pray that we all become everything that the Lord Jesus is calling us to be. Thank you for reading. God bless you and your family. 

Life's Little Lessons

 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6

   One thing I've learned over the past couple of years is how to face or so I thought this world alone. When you spend over two years behind the wheel of a truck by yourself it's hard to make friends or make plans to do anything. For one I never know what time I'll be done with my route. It could be an early day and be done by 3pm or for me it could be a long day and be 7pm. For me usually I usually take longer than most because I was a welder for almost 16 years and if your weld fails it could mean someone's life and its hard to not strive for perfection for me. Granted taking pride in your work is important. Some of a man's identity is found in his work but we forget sometimes who's we are and whom we belong and that should be our identity.

  It's easy to become a loner and live by yourself even if you're married it's hard to talk to your wife/spouse about what's troubling you. For me especially I hate showing any signs of weakness or vulnerability. In my mind if she looks at me and sees that I'm not worried she might not worry as much. I have discovered that being strong and looking like a man of faith is different than being one. The devil never quits doing destructive things. The number way the devil loves to come after people who do love God and try to live for Him is to get them too busy. When you get so busy that God becomes second you're asking for trouble. The late Dr. Charles Stanley said, "if you are too busy for God you're asking for trouble." The late Jerry Falwell of Thomas Road Baptist Church said as young pastor in Lynchburg his dashboard would become his altar but sometimes he would have to pull over his car, take his shoes and go for a walk up a creek barefoot and get alone with God and commune with Him. It's definitely hard to do that but Jesus got up early while it was still dark to commune with our heavenly Father. I know that years ago before I was married and had kids I would spend 30 minutes to an hour every morning doing Bible study and prayer. I have found that it's easier to be lazy and get a few minutes extra especially knowing that you're facing a 12 hour day ahead.

    Last year God sent me a wakeup call and was like hey I just want to remind you of something. The scariest thing is it was smaller than a head of pin. It showed me exactly how fragile this big tough man is. I had just finished an overnight bulk route and was picking up a few empty pallets and shells when it hit me. I collapsed as if I taken a right hook from Mike Tyson. I went from being on my knees to being on back and I reached for my phone and my first was my wife. The pain was so intense I could barely talk. For those who know me say that's hard to believe.  All I remember saying is honey where are and how fast can you get to me? She said at least an hour because she had just picked up groceries. I was too embarrassed to call out to my coworkers on the dock who were calling my name looking for me. I thought this just a kidney stone or something you wimp. Get up and quit being a crybaby. Well one of my coworkers finally found me because of the flashlight on my phone. He's like Mark are you alright? Um I don't know but i need to get up and out of here. He went and found a couple warehouse and they helped me to drivers check-in room. After multiple attempts one of the supervisors answered and Hey Mullins what's up? I'm in a meeting. I said I don't know what's wrong but I need help. I need to go to the emergency room. Well the supervisors transported me to closest ER which is a 1/2 mile away. After being there for about 3 hours and a couple CT Scans the doctor walks in and says well I've got good news and bad news. The good news is it's not a kidney stone. The bad news is that's it's much worse. You have a blood clot shutting off the blood flow to the kidney and the organ is dying. I was floored. Never would I have thought it was that. The doctors said it was a 0.01 percent chance of this ever happening to someone in their 30's. At the time it only made me think about how glad I was that I wasn't driving when that pain hit. I would probably wrecked or been killed and probably someone else along with me. After spending five days in the hospital we were no closer to finding a cause. I honestly do believe it was divine intervention. I could have died multiple ways that day in October including the the transport ambulance wrecking with me in it. Yes they got into an accident that day on the way to hospital. I had to be transferred to another ambulance to get to the hospital. 

    I guess the main thing that I've learned through this whole ordeal learn to bend your knees before breaks your legs. God expects and deserves first place in your life. Not the leftovers. I'm not pretending to be an expert on the subject. A lot of people have to learn the hard way like me. I am grateful for His second chances. They seem to fix or make a lot  things better. Thanks for reading and God bless.

The Doors God Leads You Through

And to the angel of the church of Philadephia write, "These things says he who is holy, He who is, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts and shuts and no one opens." ' I know your works. See I have set before you an open door and no one can shut it: for you have a little strength, kept My word and have not denied My name."

Revelation 3: 7-8

It's not every day peoples lives change forever. Most days our lives stay the same. We walk through the same doors day after day and nothing ever changes. It makes me think of the story of Joseph in Genesis beginning in chapter 37. He was a boy who was somewhat cocky and arrogant and he was his daddies (Jacob) favorite kid. Started bragging about his dreams around the when they were gathered together. Naturally his brothers were extremely jealous of him and his attitude poured gas on the fire. So to shorten the story in fit of jealously they sold there brother into slavery and lied to there father to cover it up. He ends up in Egypt and bought by Potiphar pharaohs captain of the guard. With God watching his back Joseph excels at everything he does and ends being in charge of all the servants in the house. Naturally Potiphar's wife is totally infatuated with him and tries repeatedly to seduce him but he constantly says no and flees. Well the last time she gets his cloak as he runs away from her she lies about him trying rape he. He gets sent to prison for a crime he didn't commit.

While in prison he meets the pharaohs butler and chief baker and interprets the dreams of these men. He told the butler he would be restored to his former position in three days. The baker was all excited and spilled out his dream and Joseph told him he would be executed in 3 days. The butler was told by Joseph to remember him when he was restored to his position but the butler suffered from amnesia. Joseph spent another two years in prison and eventually ended working for Pharaoh and was governor of Egypt because he eventually was remembered by the butler when Pharaoh had dreams that terrified him and needed someone to interpret them for him. Now you're wondering why I am writing this today....

There comes a time in life when God says it's time to close the chapter on one area of life and move forward into another. Not many people can they are still working the same job they were when they entered the work force but I can. Since I was 18 years old I walked into a job arranged by my high school welding shop teacher. Didn't know what to do there but do what the guys I was working with told me to. As I grew and learned the job I became top notch welder by my work ethic and my willingness to do whatever is necessary to complete the tasks I was given. My work effort set me apart from the pack and earn a group leader spot after six years. Well after about 6 years and 11 months as a group leader I accused by another associate of discrimination because the person was female. Everyone knew it was joke but it was he said she said situation. Kind of like Joseph I ended up in trouble because of someone who lied on them. I stayed at my current job for another two years despite my demotion, put my best foot forward, and proved myself above reproach. Several other things happened in those two years that wasn't right but I stayed and remained until God started speaking to me through my wonderful bride. She nudged at me to try get my CDL. Well I had the books and I started studying. Between the books and free phone apps I passed all the test and the physical to land to get my CDL learners permit. I started filling out applications on Indeed. Out of 6 applications I received a phone call from one company for a phone interview. In 10 minutes of a phone interview the company I was offered a job and the person interviewing me said he has no reservations about giving me an opportunity. I am not a prophet but I do see the similarities between Joseph's story and mine. I believe that God has great things in store for me. After reading Coca-Cola's mission statement the day after turning in my resignation. It says Our Purpose is to honor God in all we do, to serve others, to pursue excellence, and grow profitably. To me that was God saying follow me and I will take you where I want you to go. God's closing one door and a major chapter of my life and opening another door where God opened it and all I have to do is walk through and work like His word says I should and He will take care of the rest. To quote Dr. Charles Stanley, Obey God and leave all of the consequences to Him." I pray that God clearly opens doors in your life as clearly as He opens them in mine. God Bless.

Lessons In Love and Sacrifice

 John 15:13-16

"13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you." 

    It's not everyday you meet a hero. Sometimes you wake up and wonder what it's like. For those who call themselves Christians our hero is Jesus Christ. I will say that it's not everyday you take the time to stop and remember what it's like to really think about what it's like to have a hero that loves you so completely and unconditionally. Sometimes on this earth you have the privilege of meeting your childhood hero's but for some reason the real hero's get overlooked. It's not normal for people to sacrifice everything of themselves for others. Since this world health crisis began we have heard nothing but praise and glory for healthcare hero's from every news outlet or politician. I must say that everyone isn't as fortunate as me.

    Pretty much for a solid year the woman I have many pet names for ranging from Mama Bear to My Wonderful Bride has found the faith and courage to go into the fire call the Covid-19 Intensive Care Unit knowing that Jesus may call a patient in her care home. It takes a special kind of person to throw their heart and soul into their work when it seems like it's a no win situation. I have watched how she has sacrificed of herself to try to save those whom she doesn't know. Only a person that God has a hold on their heart can throw themselves into losing situation and continue to fight. I know that people say who that's admirable and I definitely will not disagree. There has been times I've had the pleasure of being the shoulder she's cried on, the ear to vent to, and the man to love her troubles away. I know that's what a husband is supposed to do but I can't take credit for loving her because as humans we can never love our spouses correctly unless Jesus has first put His love in us to understand and know what true love is. You have to know our story to understand why I am writing this.

    Our relationship began six years ago in October of 2015. We had been dating less than a month when catastrophe struck for my wife(girlfriend at the time); her hot water quit working. She called me crying and all upset and I asked if it was gas or electric. Well I told her that I would get the parts and fix it. Needless to say she doubted my handyman abilities at the time but once it was fixed and working she was very much impressed and surprised. I guess you can say I had the opportunity to "save" her. My humorous term is her knight with a shiny belt buckle. I noticed that this woman threw herself at me even though we hadn't been together that long and really pour out the love she had in her heart for me and I didn't know what to think because it wasn't what I was used to. She was so loving and so giving I felt undeserving and inadequate because I'm nothing special. What I loved about her then and now is that she might not be a theologian or Biblical scholar but she can love someone according to the scriptures better than I can and God granted me the opportunity to stand behind the sacred desk many Sundays in my life. The way she loves is amazing. Chris Young's song "Who I Am With You" speaks volumes to me because it came out right after we started dating and has been our song ever since. She shows me everyday how to be a better man because I get to be with her and be enveloped in her love. When I met her I thought I was getting a damsel in distress who needed a man to save her and sweep her off feet. As it turns she ended up saving me. She has constantly sacrificed of herself since before we ever said I do. 

    Since the beginning of this health crisis she has been given numerous accommodations for her willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty at work. I wasn't surprised that my respiratory therapist did. She has been that way since our first date. Things got even harder for her since December 2020. I found out I had a torn rotator tendon and bone spur on the tip of my collarbone and I had to have surgery and put me out of work for awhile. What does she do? What you would expect from a sweet Godly woman; she willingly started picking up extra shifts to make up the difference. The weekend of Valentine's Day this year she got me my favorite cut of meat to make BBQ out of. She ordered a whole beef brisket for me. Of course that weekend we had back to back ice storms which knocked out our electricity for 24 hours. She posts something on Facebook about me staying up most of the night to keep a fire in the fireplace going and what real love is. The funny this she's the one who showed me first. 

    

    Those who are reading this may wonder why I chose to take the time write this. To me it's simple. First my wife deserves praise for being the wonderful woman she is. The second is to take a minute to share what Jesus can do in and through a person that loves Him. You can save lives. Sometimes they might be in the hospital or they might be person you say I do too. Allison you are a not only a healthcare hero you're my hero, my lover, my confidant, my wonderful bride, and my best friend. Sweetheart just know that you are loved, cherished, and admired by those you live with at home.

    For those of you who have someone who loves you and treats you like my darling wife treats me and her children make sure you don't them for granted. It's rare to find someone who empties themselves willingly for others. Jesus did it for all of mankind on the cross and my wife does it daily for her family. I hope this touches your hearts in some way. May God bless you. I know that He has me.

Keeping It Between The Lines

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way that is easy leads to destruction and those who enter by it are many. For narrow is the gate and the way is hard that leads to life and those who find it are few. (Matthew 7:13-14)

   I must say it's been a long time since I have had the inspiration to write but it feels good to open up and share what's on my heart. It's been a tough year dealing with all of the changes I have had to endure but I am so very blessed to know that the God of this universe is still by my side and He sent me a helper to hold onto in the good times as well as the tough times. More and more everyday I continue to see how God has blessed me. Tonight God used an old country song while I was giving my two babies a bath to remind me that all I need to do is keep it between the lines.

    Tonight was a not a normal night for me. Usually my sweet children get the tired daddy and the leftovers from what my job has taken from me. I got a little more sleep last night than usual and actually took a power nap with my toddler that fell asleep on my lap. For dinner my two youngest children headed to out about 5pm to go run a couple errands and grab dinner from Burger King. Of course you have snap a couple of photos with cardboard crowns on their heads. When we got home I grabbed the double stroller and took them for a walk around the neighborhood. Since it's a Saturday night my babies needed to be cleaned thoroughly before we go to church in the morning. I was in the mood for some old school country music. Not this junk they call country music today. I had an old favorite song called, "Keep It Between The Lines" by Ricky Van Shelton come across my Youtube feed on my phone. Of course like everyone else I started singing along and at the end of the song the lyrics struck me at the core of my being. 

    I remembered what Dr. Charles Stanley often says, "Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him." The lyrics brought tears to my eyes and I nearly cried. I just looked my two babies and thought how they look at me like I'm perfect and I can see in their sweet eyes that they look at me as their hero. Then I had a thought that's how God looks at us through His Son Jesus when we choose to believe in His death, burial, and resurrection. How my kids look at me melts my heart and it is humbling because I see myself next to the true measuring stick of my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. It's so hard to know that you're the measuring stick for your kids and when you look at yourself in the mirror you see all of your flaws and faults. Thank God for His saving grace and forgiveness because I know that if the way to heaven was based upon my good works I know that I wouldn't stand a chance. The lyrics in the song Keep it between the lines talks about walking with God essentially. Keeping it between the lines is walking in and meditating in His word will transform your life. I need to be a better example for my wonderful bride, our sweet children, and for everyone that God allows to cross my path. I've got a long way to go but as i run this race of faith it's a marathon. It's not a sprint. One thing that I am learning to do is cherish every moment with my kids. They are growing up so fast. They are changing day by day. Who you are and how you are living today might be how your kids remember you for the rest of your life. Your legacy is your children. Keep it in between lines because Jesus died because of His love for you. Keep it between the lines because you love wife/husband and you're supposed to demonstrate who Jesus is in the home. Keep it between the lines because you want your kids to grow up to love Jesus and be better person in society that what you were. Just remember that those little eyes are studying every move you make. I hope and pray that it honors God. It's getting late and I have children and a wife I take to Sunday morning worship. May God bless you all and goodnight.

Lessons Learned at Midnight

For I know the thoughts I have towards you says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

         Tonight after returning home from my first cruise I seem to be struggling with sleeping tonight. Maybe it's because my dinner wasn't as large as it was on the cruise ship or it could be Good wanted me to take the time to jot down some things He has been saying for a long time. 

         A few nights before we were to leave on the cruise my aunt called me to tell me she was proud of me and said that I have a pretty good understanding of the sovereignty of God. Looking back over things maybe I do and maybe I don't. I do believe that I learned something tonight in the middle of my struggle to relax and sleep how God is continually reminding me of how much I am already blessed. I have learned that living in the past only leads to lots of depression with all the would have, could have, and should have thoughts. God took me down a trip of memory lane. I got to thinking about how He brought my wife to me and I wasn't even looking for her. 

          Flashback about three years and it was probably the first time my now wife ever saw me. It was Vacation Bible School at Fincastle Baptist Church. I was working with the kids as I was accustomed to doing most of the week every year. I didn't know who she was and I didn't even remember her face but she remembered mine. Flash forward October 18 she happened to oversleep that morning and didn't make it to first service and ended up going to second service where I was accustomed to ushering and helping people find seats. Of course when you are the guy passing the offering plate at church and you are one of only eight people standing you are easy to spot. My now wife became that much more determined to find out who I am. Naturally the easiest route to stalk people is Facebook and of people to hunt you down through is your pastors friend list. Later that afternoon I received a friend request on Facebook and a message about how this woman knew me from somewhere and had couldn't remember where. Naturally being myself I am always up for making conversation and a new friend so I corresponded. Looking back at everything tonight after two and a half years of marriage, one inherited son, and one handsome baby boy (that's what everyone on the cruise ship said about him) borne to me, I'm finally starting to understand who God is and how He works. 

           This is something that you never see coming or predict. I know that I am blessed beyond measure. Don't get me wrong marriage is tough especially when you have kids. The Bible says when two people get married they become one. Guess what when blend two things together it's really messy but when brings it together no matter how messy life gets He holds the two people together but only if you do Jeremiah 29: 12-13 which says, "Then you will call upon Me and go pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for me with all of your heart." 

         When I was working at VBS and ushering on Sunday morning I was doing what was accustomed to me. I wasn't looking for a wife. I had been praying for one for years. No one ever seemed to fit the bill. This past Mother's Day a friend of mine who is like a mom to me I wished her a happy mother's day P31. For those of you who aren't Christian or might be knew to the faith P31 is short for Proverbs 31. She responded back by saying that she was happy that I have my own P31. If it wasn't for God's handy work in this whole deal I wouldn't have met her. In God's sovereignty He brought this life I live about. Without Him I wouldn't have my wouldn't have my wonderful bride(my P31), my two sons, or the loving support system I have gained by God laying it on one sweet woman's heart not to give up until she found the other person that God made for her. I'm so blessed that person is me .

Allison I love you Momma Bear. Thank you for always being that P31 I need and our family needs. You're truly a heaven sent blessing. You're amazing and very much appreciated by me. 

The Sweetest Blessing This Side of Heaven and One More

And the Lord God said, "It is not good that man should be alone: I will make him a helper comparable to him. Genesis 2:18

         I must say that as I get older every year I think life goes by faster and faster. I think deep down everybody wants somebody. I have spent the majority of my first 27 years in this life as a bachelor. Being a single man has it's advantages. I had my entire life set up in a daily routine. I loved it. No one to answer too but myself. I will say that when the lights would go out and there was no fun to be had or chores to do the walls seemingly closed in. I am very much a people person and love talk and get to know people but the nights alone and staring at the walls trying to sleep. I would be lonely. I truly believe that there is a man for every woman and a woman for every man and they are supposed to spend this life together until death do they part. I am a firm believer that God designed marriage to be between a woman and a man for a lifetime. I wanted that with someone. I searched for several years because I believed that God didn't mean for us as His Word says that we aren't meant to go through this life alone. Now for some they can but the majority of us don't have that calling. I knew in my heart from when I was a teenager I wanted a family of my own. At the young age of 16 a beautiful sweet little girl came into this world my niece. Holding that precious little angel for the first time changed my life. From that day on I wanted to be a dad someday. I didn't know when that day would come but I often prayed for the my future spouse and thought I might be staring at her a few times before but for some but for some reason it just never quite worked out. Now I know why.

         Looking at my life since last October it has underwent rapid change and been turned upside down. I went from being the male bachelor to the old married man with a seven year old son. Needless to say it wasn't what I had planned. I started looking at myself and praying that God I am definitely not ready to be a husband or a dad. I didn't think I was mature enough or responsible enough to lead a family just because I doubted myself. Sure I can handle the pressure of being in a leadership role at work but it doesn't mean I am ready to be husband or especially a dad. The truth is no one is ready to be a dad but the odd thing is that's when God shows up.

         I was visiting my parents and watching tv with them when I received a friend request followed by a Facebook message. The message was from someone claiming that she knew me from somewhere but couldn't place me. That person being Allison Whitlow. A 29 year old single mom with a seven year old son. I found out later she just saw me at church a few times and thought I was a tall drink of water and was looking for an angle to get my attention. Well me being me I continued the conversation just being my normal self. She hinted she wanted to go see the new Left Behind movie with Nicolas Cage. I was like well if you want to go I wouldn't mind taking you to it. I found out later that my Allie couldn't believe that it would be so easy to get me on a date. I figured that it would be one and done. I had no expectations and actually thought it would never go anywhere but at least it just might be fun. Well I must say it went surprisingly smooth. We one date turned into two, and then more followed. I remembered thinking in November that this is going to smooth and can't be right. I didn't see any red flags and her parents were really nice to me which hasn't always been the case. I was looking for a reason to run but something in me said stick it out. Well I came down sick and needless to my Allie was a good nurse. She took care of me. By the time December rolled around I started seeing the reasons why I should stay. It wasn't to get more Christmas presents I assure you.

           I realized who and what I had. Allison Whitlow had/has one of the sweetest servant hearts that I have ever seen. It was the first time I found someone that I couldn't out do. Then I started thinking I might want to keep this one. Well I must say that I am glad I did. I went to Kay Jewelers after figuring/finding out what ring she would love. I was standing there in the store at the mall trying to make up my mind if I was sure. Well I said to myself this will be the final time I purchase a ring for the purpose of asking a woman for her hand in marriage. I purchased it and then asked her parents for permission. To hear her dad say to me that I was answer to prayer touched my heart. I have been a whole lot of things but that isn't one I hadn't heard before. I proposed on December 27, 2015 at the Mill Mountain Star I knew that I was going to have the privilege of being a husband and a dad. I must say that I didn't know how quickly my life would change.

           We said I do on May 2, 2015. Allison Whitlow Mullins and Courtney Landon Whitlow became my wife and son. Looking back at life since October 2014 I must say that I wouldn't want to change a thing. I love being a dad and I thoroughly enjoy every minute with my son. I adore my wife. She is the sweetest blessing this side of heaven. What inspired this was hearing the song a sweet little girl named Grace sang at our wedding. The song was by Matthew West entitled, "When I Say I Do." Allison all I want to say to you is I can't thank you enough for loving me. I can't thank you enough for what you and Court have added to my life. You and our son are answers to my prayers and have added a whole new dimension and purpose and meaning to my life. I have no doubts that there is a God in heaven because without Him I never would have met you. I love you so very much my wonderful bride and not to mention our stinker butt.

           To my in-laws Bob and Jane thank you for raising such a wonderful daughter and helping her with our son until I came into the picture. Thank you for the love and kindness you have shown me. I love you both mom and dad. 

            To anyone who might read this my prayer is that it isn't just a love story but it's how God answered the prayers of many to make a happy marriage and complete a home that was missing a daddy. I'm so thankful that I am that daddy. Lastly to those who haven't met the right one, just be patient. God is omniscient meaning He knows everything and He knows who the right person is and when you two will meet.

May God Richly Bless You