my joy. my comfort. my family.

Since Wednesday at 4:45pm I have been embraced with the realness of my entire family. I love coming home to Louisiana to spend the holidays with those who love me and I too love them unconditionally. The first stop after leaving the airport was to my "momo" and "papa" house. They are always so excited to see their collegiate grandson. To them, I represent hope and a chance of advancement in which they weren't given. We caught up, laughed, and enjoyed the effortless companionship that is shared amongst a grandson and his grandparents. From there I went to visit my Auntie Honey, cousins Karen, Kim, Jo Jo, Christian, Carvin, and Queen. I was home and it felt great.

10am Thursday, I was awakened by the amazing aroma of cousin Kim's gumbo!! I love gumbo. It is by far my favorite dish above all. That was my cue that Thanksgiving was here. The entire day was spent eating and visiting with people I haven't seen in forever. So many of my cousins have grown up so fast. I was taken back to how many were on the verge of graduating high school when I feel as if they were in 3rd grade two months ago. I saw my brother and his gigantic belly! He's not fat, but every since he turned 30 something has started to grow inside his stomach. He eats like he's eating for two. At 220lbs I guess there's no other way to eat.

My favorite part of the entire day was probably seeing my nephews and my new baby niece. Bra'je Elyse Smith is the cutest baby I have ever seen. I love her will my heart.

Today, the cousins and I chilled, watched movies, and went to the corner store, Gilleries, and got a hot sausage sandwich and a shrimp sandwich; two things you can't get in TX.

Yes, it has been an amazing visit! I don't want to leave but all good things must come to an end. Only one month til Christmas and I'll be back in DA BOOT!!

With Purpose,

dev

the legacy

So, this morning our entire church family gathered for one service, at the Special Events Center, for our "Thanksgiving Service," and to commemorate the 140th anniversary of our church, First Baptist Church of Garland (FBCG). It was incredible to look back to where our church started. They used to baptise people in a creek (Duck Creek), beginning in 1868. The oldest living member of our church is 99 years old, and we have two members that have members of FBCG for 84 years! What an incredible testament to devotion! I saw a lot people I haven't seen in a while because they go to one of the other 3 services other than the one I attend. A lot of my "kids" from camp were also in attendance. It was awesome to see them still devoted to maturing and strengthening their relationship with Christ.

My brother from another mother, Jacob Houghton, preformed, along with his drama troop from Dallas Baptist University, during Sunday School. The dramatization portrayed a girl who was saved but got lost in the desires of the world. It ended with the girl being broken and seeking the Lord, but her sin would not let her. The Lord (Jacob) was trying to pull her out of the darkness and eventually went in and took on the weight of her sin. She was covered in God's grace and born again. For me, it showed how no matter how much we deny and turn away from Christ, He is always there. He never leave nor forsake us. All we have to is call on Him, and He'll come and rescue from the sin that binds us.

Only going to work Monday and Tuesday because I leave to go Louisiana for Thanksgiving on Wednesday. I'll be there until Saturday. I can't wait to get back my roots and be with my family, and eat some AMAZING food!

I have a Marketing test Tuesday and have yet to study. The plan is to begin studying in a few hours. We'll see

With purpose,

dev

my premiere post

So, I have decided to create a "blogger" because I want to begin a written record of the outstanding, random, and inspiring events in my life. Also, I want to share my thoughts, dreams, perspectives, and experiences with others.

For the past 21 years, I have encountered some of the most incredible, devasting, miraculous, detrimental, and amazing events that have done nothing short of making me a stronger individual. Life hasn't been a walk in the park and I am so thankful for that. If it wasn't for my short-comings and "bad luck" I wouldn't be the wise, humble, and independent person I am today.

My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has kept me grounded. Without my faith, I would not have no idea how to survive in this world. The unconditional love from God that forgives all my sins, and keeps to record of wrong, is my saving grace.

This blog will be a place where I can come and lash out my daily experiences. For all of you, I hope to exchange different thoughts and engage in philosphical discussions to further advance our knowledge of the world around us.

with purpose,

dev