An Untitled Mess

Yes, this is going to be mostly a "woe is me" piece.  Deal with it, get over it or just stop reading...that simple.  My birthday was the 25th.  Yes, Christmas day.  Do you know what people usually say when they find out that's my birthday?  They usually say, "Man, that sucks" or some other variation of that same sentiment.  I usually smile and say politely that it's not so bad.  I have never been called to work on my birthday and usually the family is all here because everyone is "home for Christmas".  Then they add something like, "I bet you get screwed on presents" and I'm like, it's not about the presents man, it's about the people I care about in my life being here for me.  And that's the truth.  I couldn't care less (yes, that's the proper way to say that phrase) about presents.  Maybe as a child I would get a little upset and point out how unfair it all is to get ONE birthday/Christmas gift from some relati...

Just when you think that you know someone, they prove you wrong.  This is what I have been pondering all day today and it had put me in a kind of sour mood.  I want to expound on it, but I'm afraid to.  Yup, that's right.  I'm afraid.  Is it okay for a guy to be afraid?  Darn tootin' it is. I hate losing friends or thinking that I lost a friend.  Two such people are on my mind.  One is a friend I've known for nearly my entire life.  She supported me through my worst years when she had no business to do so.  I never really understood why she did it, why she stuck with me for all that time.  As I was about ready to come back home, we had developed such a strong bond that we decided that since we were such good friends, maybe we should try to "date".  I didn't want to ruin our friendship over it...maybe it wouldn't work out and then how would things be?  Well, we gave it a shot and it didn't work out.  I wasn't ready f...

 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.  John 16:33 NASB  What does this mean to you?  Does this give you hope and strength or does it just fall on numb ears? Let me tell you something I was reminded of today.  There is no peace that can be found in the world.  No person or thing can give you the peace and comfort you seek.  There is no friend faithful enough, no family member loving enough that will give you a restful, tranquil, worry-free life.  We chase these things like they will fill the gaping holes in our hearts - money, drugs, relationships.  These things are fleeting and they will never quench that burning thirst we seek to satisfy.  What brought this up for me is that I've been hanging on to relationships and friendships because they have brought me some sort of false comfort.  The reality for me is...