How often do you say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals?

There are days that I don’t have to say no to anything but sometimes it’s hard to turn away from even small things. That’s when I have to rely on the Lord to help me say no.

What do you wish you could do more every day?

About my Savior! This medium allows me to put His message on the Internet but being disabled I don’t have the ability to get out in the world to spread the Good News about Jesus Christ. I do pray that more people will see and read my posts here.

What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?

When I’m feeling sad or depressed, I go to the Psalms. If it’s a period of depression that lasts longer than expected, I will read my way through the entire book because the wisdom found in them is far more restorative than any other way. Even if it is the loss of someone dear to me, I still read the Psalms because God’s wisdom always comforts me.

What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times?

As for TV series, we watch Blue Bloods and have since it began about 14 years ago. I’ve been watching NCIS for about 20 years.

Movies: Star Wars, Star Trek, I’ve watched all of them

What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?

My middle name is Tracy. Since my Mom grew up during the Depression and she knew about many Hollywood stars, my middle name came from Spencer Tracy.

How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?

It came from my failed marriage. I won’t go into the particulars right now but it prompted me to seek Jesus. Mainly because having him in my life is truthfully the only success that I can claim in 62 years of life. If you’re wondering did finding Jesus fix all of my problems the answer is not really. It helped but I still got in the way many times and walked off the pathway with Him that I should’ve followed more diligently.

Following Jesus is not the way to a perfect life because we are not perfect. Our mind gets in the way and the devil uses that against us on a daily basis. In the last decade or so, I have gotten better at staying on the pathway with Him but I still fall and sin daily. God knows we are not perfect but He expects us to strive to be more like Him than like our old life. One day at a time is the only way to live a life with Jesus.

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

When you join the Air Force, stay in it regardless of the hardship. I was too dumb to realize that 44 years ago.

What is your favorite drink?

God created this drink for our lives. It comes in many ways, from a well or a pipe. Sometimes you can get clean water from a stream but the most precious water is the Living Water given to us through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Who are your favorite people to be around?

I have two families. One is my wife and son and his wife, the other is my church family. I feel content and blessed to have them both.

How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life?

Life events, like raising a child or having a few birthdays, add to your perspective on life. Age is supposed to bring wisdom and if you learn from those years, it does. When there’s a child involved, whether it’s your own or a grandchild, you should look at your life and evaluate how much you have to teach them. God says that we’re supposed to train our children and if we don’t, we aren’t following His directives.