Mom is Making Great Progress...

Mom is Making Great Progress...

Mom did sled pushes and pulls yesterday at her therapy session. She has hardly any pain at all now—PT does make it a little sore. Ice has managed her pain quite well though. She’s driving some now too. She’s not doing a lot of driving yet but it shouldn’t take her long to build up to being able to do normal drives again. After her appointment with her surgeon on June 4th she's hoping to go back to her house for a couple of weeks prior to coming back to mine to watch our pets while we go with Tim to USA Weightlifting National's. There's nothing quite like sleeping in your own bed which I'm sure she has missed. 

Next stop: addressing her other knee. Once we’re back home from Nationals, we’ll evaluate our options and figure out the best plan for getting her left knee replacement done.

The Shepherd Who Leads Me Into Peace...

The Shepherd Who Leads Me Into Peace...

There are seasons in life where everything feels rushed, noisy, and uncertain—where your mind is full but your peace feels empty. In those moments, Psalm 23 offers a quiet reminder of who God is and how He cares for His people.

This passage doesn’t just describe God’s guidance—it describes His care. Not distant direction, but close, personal leading. The kind of leadership that slows you down when you’re overwhelmed, restores you when you’re exhausted, and gently places you where you need to be.

Psalms 23 begins with a simple but powerful declaration:

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I lack nothing.”

That one line reframes everything. A shepherd doesn’t just lead—he provides, protects, and pays attention to every need of the sheep. Saying “I lack nothing” doesn’t mean life is perfect or easy. It means that in God’s care, nothing essential is missing. Even when circumstances feel uncertain, His provision is still steady.

The passage continues with a picture of rest:

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.”

He doesn’t only guide us forward—He restores and refreshes our soul along the way. There are times when He brings us into stillness, not as punishment, but as healing. Green pastures and quiet waters represent peace that can’t be manufactured by effort or control. It’s the kind of peace that only comes when you stop striving and allow Him to care for you, renewing your strength and refreshing your soul in ways only He can.

Then comes direction:

“He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.”

Not every path in life feels obvious or comfortable. Some decisions are unclear, and some seasons feel like waiting in the dark. But this verse reminds us that God’s guidance is intentional. He doesn’t lead randomly. He leads with purpose, even when we can’t yet see where the road is going.

What stands out most in Psalm 23 is not just what God gives, but who He is—a Shepherd who is present, attentive, and faithful. He doesn’t rush you. He doesn’t abandon you. He walks with you, step by step, even when the path feels uncertain.

So if life feels heavy or unclear right now, let this truth settle in: you are being led, not lost. You are being cared for, not forgotten. And even in the quiet or confusing places, your Shepherd is still guiding you toward what is good, right, and purposeful.

Because when the Lord is your Shepherd, you truly lack nothing.

When you can't see His plan, trust His heart...

When you can't see His plan, trust His heart...

When life feels uncertain and the road ahead doesn’t make sense, it’s easy to wonder what God is doing. We pray, we wait, we hope—and sometimes we still can’t see the bigger picture. But faith was never about having all the answers. Faith is about trusting the One who does.

There will be seasons where the plan feels hidden. Doors close. Dreams change. Prayers seem unanswered. In those moments, it can feel like God is silent or distant. But the truth is, God is never surprised by your story. Not by your heartbreak, your detours, your waiting season, or even your mistakes. He saw every chapter before it was ever written.

The beautiful thing about God is that He knows the beginning from the end. While we see confusion, He sees purpose. While we see delays, He sees preparation. Every step you take is held securely in His hands—even the ones that feel uncertain.

Often times God’s plan doesn’t unfold the way we imagined because His vision is greater than ours. What feels like a setback today may actually be protection. What feels like waiting may actually be God building strength, patience, and character within you for what’s ahead.

Trusting His heart means believing that even when life is hard, He is still good. It means knowing that His love for you never changes based on your circumstances. It means choosing faith over fear when you can’t yet see the outcome.

The Bible reminds us in Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”

That promise still stands today.

Your story is not forgotten. Your prayers are not unheard. And your future is not out of God’s control. Even now, He is working behind the scenes in ways you may not yet understand.

So when you can’t see His plan, trust His heart.
Because the same God who holds the stars is holding you too.

Loyalty Matters...

Loyalty Matters...

Loyalty is one of those things you don’t fully understand until you’ve lived long enough to see both sides of it. You learn quickly that not everyone who is around you is truly for you, and not every smile comes with good intentions. That’s why loyalty matters so much—it’s not just about who stays, but who stands with you when it would’ve been easier to walk away.

Real loyalty shows up in the quiet moments. It’s the check-in when nothing is wrong. It’s the support when no one is watching. It’s people choosing to speak your name in rooms you’re not in, in a good way. Those are the people worth holding close.

But the highest form of loyalty is God-kind of loyalty. The kind that doesn’t change when you change. The kind that doesn’t leave when you fall short. God’s loyalty isn’t based on performance or perfection—it’s rooted in love, grace, and covenant. Even when people walk away, God remains steady. That kind of faithfulness sets the standard for how we should strive to love and show up for others.

And just as important as recognizing loyalty is learning to give it back. The people who consistently show up, support you, and protect your name deserve the same in return. Loyalty isn’t one-sided—it’s built in trust, respect, and consistency over time.

As life changes, circles get smaller. Some people fade, some drift, and some choose different paths. But the ones who remain—the ones who have proven themselves over time—those are the ones who matter most. Don’t take them for granted.

Look out for the people who look out for you. Stand by the ones who stand by you. And remember the example set by God’s unwavering faithfulness as the model for how we love others well.

Because at the end of the day, loyalty isn’t just a value—it’s a bond. And those bonds are forever—something to be deeply valued, protected, and never taken lightly.

Your Life Won't Change on it's Own...

Your Life Won't Change on it's Own...

Life has a way of waking us up to hard truths.

One of the hardest—and most necessary—truths is this: no one else can live your life for you.

No one is coming to rescue you from the choices you continue to make.
No one can force you to grow.
No one can pray, heal, forgive, discipline, or obey God on your behalf.

At some point, we all come face to face with the reality that change begins with a decision.

A decision to stop making excuses.
A decision to stop blaming the past.
A decision to stop waiting for the “perfect moment.”
A decision to surrender fully to God and walk forward in obedience.

The truth is, many people spend years praying for change while refusing to change anything themselves. We ask God for breakthrough while clinging to habits that keep us bound. We ask for peace while feeding anxiety. We ask for purpose while remaining comfortable in complacency.

But Scripture reminds us in James 2:17:
"Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Faith requires movement.

God will absolutely strengthen you, guide you, and carry you through difficult seasons—but He also calls you to action. Noah still had to build the ark. David still had to face Goliath. Peter still had to step out of the boat.

Transformation happens when faith meets obedience.

Sometimes we wait for motivation when what we really need is discipline. Sometimes we wait for someone else to push us when God is already calling us forward.

The life you desire—the peace, growth, healing, and purpose—will require you to let God transform your heart and renew your mind daily.

Romans 12:2 says:
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..."

Renewal is intentional.
Growth is intentional.
Healing is intentional.

And yes, the choice has always been yours.

You can stay stuck in the same patterns, carrying the same excuses, repeating the same cycles year after year—or you can decide today that enough is enough.

Enough doubting yourself.
Enough settling.
Enough living beneath what God has called you to become.

Not because you can do it all in your own strength, but because Christ gives you the strength to take the next step.

God is not asking for perfection. He is asking for surrender, obedience, and willingness.

Happy Memorial Day...

Happy Memorial Day...

Today we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and for the freedom we are blessed to enjoy.

Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten. We are forever grateful for the lives given so that others could live in liberty and peace.

Freedom is never free, and today is a reminder of the true cost behind the life we often take for granted.

Today, we also honor the memory of Ronald Keith Neal, a family member, who died of wounds received on April 7th, 1967, while engaging an enemy unit near the mouth of the Vam Sat River. He lost his life at just 21 years old. He served as a Radioman 3rd Class with two years in the U.S. Navy, arriving in Vietnam and being assigned to Kilo Platoon, Detachment Golf, SEAL Team 1, Task Force 116 (TF-116), U.S. Naval Forces Vietnam. His sacrifice, along with so many others, represents the deep cost of freedom and the bravery of those who answered the call to serve.

Thank you to all who have served, and especially to those who gave everything.

Wishing everyone a safe, meaningful, and reflective Memorial Day as we remember the heroes who made it possible.

Then and Now Pics—that I should have shared back in April but forgot...

What a Difference 8 Years Makes...

It’s amazing how quickly time passes when you stop and really look back.

Eight years ago, Tim was just beginning his journey competing in sparring tournaments. Back then, it was all brand new—learning discipline, building confidence, stepping onto the mat, and discovering what it meant to challenge himself both mentally and physically. Those early years were filled with growth, excitement, lessons, victories, setbacks, and countless moments that helped shape the young man he is today.

Fast forward eight years, and the transformation is incredible to witness.

Today, Tim is nearly four years into Olympic weightlifting, and what a journey it has been. The transition from sparring tournaments to the world of weightlifting brought a completely different set of challenges, but Tim embraced every one of them with determination and grit. Olympic weightlifting is not just about strength—it requires patience, focus, discipline, consistency, and the willingness to push through difficult days when progress feels slow. Through it all, Tim has continued to grow stronger, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

One of the greatest blessings as parents is getting to watch your child grow into who God created them to be. Looking back over these past eight years, we can see how every season has helped mold Tim’s character. The trophies, competitions, and accomplishments are wonderful, but what makes us the most proud is the person he has become along the way.

Tim has learned the value of hard work.
He has learned perseverance.
He has learned how to stay committed even when things are difficult.
He has learned humility in both victory and defeat.
And most importantly, he has continued to grow into an amazing young man with a kind heart, strong character, and determination that inspires those around him.

The road has not always been easy, but growth never comes from staying comfortable. Every practice, every competition, every challenge, and every moment of discipline has helped shape his journey.

Sometimes we look at our children and wonder where the time went. It feels like yesterday watching Tim take those first steps into competition, and now we are watching him chase bigger goals and continue building a future filled with purpose and passion.

We are beyond proud of the young man Tim has become. Not simply because of his athletic accomplishments, but because of his heart, his work ethic, and the way he continues striving to become better every single day.

What a difference eight years makes.

And the beautiful part is… his story is still being written.

Strength Through Every Step...

Four years ago, Mom was recovering from hip replacement surgery. At the time, it felt like such a long road ahead. Surgery is never easy, especially when it comes with weeks and months of rehabilitation, learning to move differently, rebuilding strength, and pushing through pain and exhaustion just to regain normal daily movement again.

Thankfully, she had an incredible PT who helped guide her through that season. The care, encouragement, patience, and expertise she received made such a difference in her recovery journey. Little by little, step by step, she regained strength and independence again.

Fast forward to today, and Mom is once again walking another difficult rehabilitation journey—this time recovering from knee replacement surgery.

If there is one thing that can be said about Mom, it’s this: she is an absolute trooper.

Most people never fully see the quiet strength it takes to keep going through chronic pain and repeated medical procedures. What many may not realize is that Mom suffers from two different forms of arthritis, one of which causes deterioration in her joints. Over time, the damage has become severe enough that joint replacements became necessary—not optional.

Living with arthritis is not just about occasional aches and pains. It affects everyday life in ways many people take for granted. Simple tasks become difficult. Movement becomes painful. Some days require tremendous effort just to push through ordinary routines. Yet despite all of it, Mom continues to keep moving forward with determination.

Watching her go through not one but multiple joint replacement surgeries has been both heartbreaking and inspiring. Heartbreaking because no one wants to see someone they love hurting. Inspiring because of the incredible resilience she continues to show through every setback, every therapy session, every difficult day, and every painful step of recovery.

Rehabilitation is not easy. It requires patience when progress feels slow. It requires perseverance on days when the pain feels overwhelming. It requires courage to trust the process and keep going even when your body is tired.

And somehow, Mom continues to do exactly that.

Through every challenge, she has shown incredible toughness, faith, and determination. Even on the hard days, she keeps fighting to regain strength and mobility. Her resilience is a reminder that true strength is not always loud or visible—it’s often found in the quiet determination to keep showing up and refusing to give up.

We are so proud of her and all she has overcome already. Watching her continue to push forward through these health challenges reminds us just how strong she truly is.

One step at a time.
One day at a time.
And through it all, Mom keeps proving that she is stronger than the struggles she faces.

Breathe, Trust, and Let Go...

Breathe, Trust, and Let Go...

There are seasons in life when everything feels heavy. The unanswered prayers. The uncertainty. The endless responsibilities. The waiting. The hurt. The fear of what comes next.

And in the middle of it all, God gently reminds us:

“Some days, the best thing you can do is breathe, trust, and let go. Everything else can wait.”

What a powerful truth.

Sometimes we convince ourselves that we have to fix everything immediately. We carry burdens we were never meant to hold. We replay situations in our minds, searching for answers, trying to control outcomes that only God can handle.

But God never asked us to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. He simply asked us to trust Him.

There is something deeply comforting about slowing down long enough to breathe in the peace of God. A deep breath reminds us that we are still here, still held, still sustained by His grace. Even when life feels uncertain, God remains faithful.

Trusting God does not mean we understand every detail of the journey. It means believing that His hands are steady even when our hearts are not. It means surrendering our timelines, our fears, and our need for control to the One who sees the full picture.

And letting go? That may be the hardest part of all.

Letting go means releasing the anxiety.
Letting go means surrendering the hurt.
Letting go means placing the situation into God’s hands and believing He is able to do what we cannot.

The beautiful thing is that when we let go, we make room for peace.

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 11:28:

"Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Not more pressure. Not more striving. Rest.

So if today feels overwhelming, give yourself permission to pause. Breathe deeply. Pray honestly. Trust fully. Release what you cannot control.

Everything else can wait.

God is already working in the waiting.

Preliminary Schedule for USA Weightlifting Junior Nationals...

Preliminary Schedule for USA Weightlifting Junior Nationals...

This is the preliminary schedule for Junior Nationals. While the schedule rarely changes, we will keep everyone updated if any adjustments are made.

Tim is excited to once again represent Athletic Lab Weightlifting and Carolinas WSO at this meet. Last year, he narrowly missed earning a medal due to a judging error that unfortunately could not be reversed, even after it was acknowledged. While that was disappointing, it became part of the learning process and motivation moving forward.

This year, Tim's focus is different. Since this is his first year competing in a new division, the emphasis is less about medals and more about growth, progress, and personal records. In Olympic weightlifting, gains matter. Every extra kilo on the bar represents hours of discipline, sacrifice, and determination behind the scenes.

One of the greatest joys as parents is having a front row seat to our son’s journey in this sport. Watching him pursue something he truly loves these past almost four years now has been incredibly rewarding. The confidence, discipline, and happiness this sport has brought into his life means far more than any medal ever could, and we couldn’t be more proud of everything he has accomplished so far.

Olympic weightlifting is very different from the sport Tim previously competed in because the results are straightforward—you either make the lift or you don’t. The numbers speak for themselves. While judging is still part of the sport, controversial calls are far less common. There’s a level of clarity and fairness in weightlifting that we deeply appreciate.

What stands out most, though, is the community surrounding this sport. Olympic weightlifting is filled with people who genuinely want to see one another succeed. When a lifter misses an attempt, you can feel the disappointment throughout the entire venue—not just from their own family, friends, or teammates. And when someone has a rough day, the community rallies around them with encouragement and support.

Tim is truly thriving in Olympic weightlifting, and it has been amazing to watch him grow not only as an athlete, but also as a young man through this journey.

No matter what happens at Junior Nationals this year, we already consider this journey a success. Medals, records, and rankings are wonderful accomplishments, but they are not what define Tim. What matters most is the character being built through the process—the discipline to keep showing up, the perseverance to push through setbacks, and the humility to continue learning and growing.

We are beyond thankful for the coaches, teammates, friends, and family members who continue to support and encourage him along the way. Every competition is another opportunity to learn, improve, and become stronger both mentally and physically.

As Tim steps onto the platform this year, our prayer is simple: that he lifts with confidence, enjoys every moment, stays healthy, and walks away proud of the work he has put in. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for him in this sport, and we are grateful to be cheering him on every step of the way.

Welcome To North Carolina...

Welcome To North Carolina...

If you just moved to North Carolina, there are a few things you need to know before you fully assimilate into the culture. This isn’t written in any official handbook, but it should be.

First of all, Interstate 40 is not a highway. It is a lifelong group project that nobody finishes. No matter what time of day you drive it, there will always be orange cones, one confused worker holding a sign, and traffic backed up for absolutely no reason. North Carolinians don’t ask, “Is I-40 under construction?” We ask, “Which part today?”

Then there’s Charlotte traffic. Nobody understands Charlotte traffic. GPS doesn’t understand Charlotte traffic. Scientists don’t understand Charlotte traffic. You can leave your house at 2:17 PM on a Tuesday and somehow end up sitting still for 45 minutes wondering where all these people came from. Meanwhile, someone in a Nissan Altima with expired temporary tags is weaving through six lanes at the speed of sound.

Raleigh drivers are a completely different experience. In Raleigh, people brake because:

• a leaf moved
• sunlight hit the windshield wrong
• someone thought about merging
• there’s a curve ahead in three miles

You’ll be cruising along peacefully when suddenly every brake light in Wake County lights up like it’s the Second Coming.

And if someone invites you to Bojangles, understand this is not simply “grabbing food.” This is fellowship. This is tradition. This is spiritual. North Carolinians will fight harder over Bojangles seasoning than politics. If you say the biscuits are “just okay,” prepare to be escorted across state lines.

Now let’s discuss the Outer Banks. Tourists think the vacation begins when they arrive at the beach. Wrong. The Outer Banks traffic begins approximately six counties earlier. At some point, your GPS will estimate “Arrival Time: Eventually.” You’ll spend three hours moving one car length at a time while someone in the backseat asks if you’re “almost there” every six minutes.

And finally, perhaps the most important lesson of all:

“Bless your heart” is not kindness.

Context matters.

If someone says:
“Oh honey, bless your heart,”
you may have just been called incompetent, ridiculous, or spiritually exhausting.

Southern people can insult you, pray for you, and offer you sweet tea in the exact same sentence.

But despite all the traffic, construction, pollen thick enough to qualify as weather, and debates over eastern vs. western barbecue, North Carolina really is home to some of the best people you’ll ever meet.

Just don’t insult Bojangles while sitting in I-40 traffic on the way to the Outer Banks. That’s how fights start.