45 and 15

It’s the eve of my 45th birthday and the first time I have written in this blog this year. I've got to do better! It really is weird to write that I WILL BE 45 YEARS OLD! Wow. I thought 45 was so "old" when my mom was 45! I don't feel old at all and I feel like my 45 is a lot younger than my mom's. Someone recently told me that 50 is where your body starts feeling like your age. I sure hope not.
It's been a good year! I've done things I've never done and always wanted to do and shared very special moments with my family that include the following:

• My wife, Francemise, and I finally went to Paris! (and London!) Both of us have dreamed of going to Paris since we were children and this year we made it happen! Although we have been to France before, we didn't get to go to Paris. It was absolutely amazing: the monuments (especially the Eiffel Tower!), museums, history, food, shopping, all of the trip was awesome!
• Francemise and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary and renewed our vows in the Bahamas! It was romantic and special. The gazebo overlooking the ocean; the anointed officiant and prayer; my children serving as ring bearer and flower girl; the clear, blue water; our dolphin excursion; me doing karaoke for the first time; everything was perfect!
• I was able to make some dreams come true for my wife, which I live to do because she loves me so well! I was able to assist her with making the 1st annual gala for the Mes Papillons Foundation as success. (www.mespapillons.org) She founded the organization in honor of our daughters, Amira and Kelyn, who battled with and succumbed to the rare, genetic disease, Neiman Pic Type C (NPC). The organization provides medical equipment, not covered by insurance, to families with children that have rare diseases. The gala was beautiful! I was also able to affirm my wife to the office of Prophet in our ministry and the Lord's Church. She has always been one to know things by the Spirit of God and speak to give direction, comfort, and encouragement to others, especially me. Thus, I felt it's time for her to wear her title and walk in the Office.
• My children continue to do well and thrive in all they do and they are really my greatest gifts. My son loves basketball and my daughter loves gymnastics, which is amazing to me because I was never athletic. They continue to amaze me with their gifts, talents, and abilities. Most exciting to me is that they sing well and we sing as a family! They can harmonize and have awesome pitch and tone!

I'm very thankful to be alive and healthy! I've dealt with a lot of sickness and loss of loved ones over the years, so I don't take my own life, health and strength for granted. I did lose my paternal grandfather, who was like my father, but he lived such a long life and left a great legacy that the grieving process hasn't been like with my mom, Kelyn, and Amira. I still miss my mom, Kelyn, and Amira and what I wish could have been, but I seek to live from here on out with no more regrets and to make their lives and memories count!
Because it's a milestone year, I'm having a party with good music and laughter! I'm celebrating my birthday, but also 15 years of being in ministry. I've been pastoring, preaching, teaching the Word of God, mentoring, discipling, and encouraging people to pursue and live out their God-given purpose. I continue to testify and challenge people to overcome and live through any and all adversity to enjoy a fulfilling LIFE. I'm going to enjoy this 45th year of life, even do some new things, and continue to live with and encourage you to live with LOVE, INTEGRITY, FAITH, and EXCELLENCE!