A man that spends his whole life helping others is a man to whom which we should admire. He is humble about what he has accomplished and yet if you ask the ones he has helped, without him they would have been lost to the world. His heart is full of hope and love for his family and yet how he shows it is by working to make things possible. The person I speak of is my husband.
Joe and I met on line before there was Facebook or Match.com. My mother and a friend of hers decided it was time for me to start mingling after I stayed single for several years surviving a divorce. Joe and I began as friends with no intentions of taking anything further. We were both headstrong and independent but we also realized just how important being together was becoming. His cooking skills when we were dating consisted of tater tots, steak and green beans. He had stock in the George Foreman Grill company. Joe had a keen knack of making me feel like my opinion truly mattered to him. He would ask advice from me on matters of his business and even today he needs my help. Little does he realize how special it made me feel.
We each had our own set of sons only mine were younger and with that came the awesome task of bringing two worlds together. Doing so would not be easy, but my Joe was determined that everyone’s feelings were heard and respected. Joe is a caretaker at heart. If anyone is in need, he will do whatever it takes to help them. That is just who he is.
His smile is slight but his laugh is contagious. He cries at movies who move him because someone is getting their wish or seeing their dreams come true. My husband would say his wish was for the ministry he started for foster children was more successful and still in operation. Not the typical ”lottery winner” kind of guy we are talking about.
His sons are the world to him and yet it will only be when they are older and their children are of age they will begin to understand why their father worked so hard to give them everything they had. They will also one day understand why in many instances they take after their father in the ways that have made them mindful of feelings and successful in their line of work.
We do our best as parents to make the right decisions and we are always met with some feeling of despair when our choices may not seem to be the best when we made them. However, life has a way of providing us with opportunities to make amends as often as we can. Joe loves his family more than anything and that can never be disputed.
His legacy will be one that bestows kindness and the never ending desire to help others and change lives. Even today we will be in a store and some young adult will come up and say, “Hey Dr. Joe remember me, I’m ______ and because of you I graduated college” or a parent will walk up to us and say “Dr. Joe without you our daughter would have ended up on the streets or dead.” Joe takes it as if what he did was nothing to gain praise for but what he is blessed to do. His journey with the Lord has shown him over and over again the purpose God has for his life.
I know his purpose in my life was to tackle my strong will as best he can, but love me unconditionally. It’s not easy being married to someone so strong in her convictions but we are there for each other and will protect each other from harm. Joe knows I will take on anyone or any organization that brings him stress even if it’s the IRS. I do this because I love him dearly, for the man he was, the man he is today and the man he will be in the future. I could not imagine my world existing without him.
He was only 18 years old when my twin brother and I came into this world. Imagine being so young and having your life change forever with a whole set of responsibilities just handed to you in pink and blue blankets. I can only fathom the fear of the unknown that both my parents were facing at that time. My Dad was the lifeguard on the beach and DJ at the local radio station in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. That changed quickly after Mike and I were born and he went on to work in the field of construction alongside my Grandfather (whom my Dad considered a father to him).
I realized my Grandparents were mentors to my parents because they were so young at the time. Our family unit was close and everywhere my Grandparents moved for work in construction, my family was moving with them because Dad now had the same job. Memories of places we lived when I was very little seemed the same and that was I always felt that my parents were doing the best they could to make my brother and I safe and taken care.
Music was an important part of my home growing up. My father loved a variety of music from gospel to Mowtown but one of his favorites was rock and roll. He loved the Doobie Brothers, Three Dog Night and Credence Clearwater Revival. He had their albums and they played often in the homes we lived in. Now, don’t get me wrong he also had The Drifters, Sam Cooke and the Supremes just to name a few of the Motown greats as well! That seemed natural to me through out my life and it reflects what I have on my Itunes today.
My Dad was respected in the home. You never wanted to make him mad because there was no mistaking when you did! I grew up in the generation where if you got in trouble at school you would get a spanking by the Principal and then you would get several at home from your Dad and then your Grandpa! I only recall getting in trouble once in school for calling a bully to me a name that my teacher didn’t like, but all I received was a lecture for running my mouth and not thinking.
My relationship with my Dad changed some as I got older. There was parts of me that were my father and at times at the dinner table we could argue. Even today my Mom will laugh when she tells the stories of those times because she looked at me and said “Michele, you would have to have the last word” which garnered the nickname “motor mouth”. I also noticed things like my Dad reading devotions early every morning like a routine. His faith would become important to him in my teen years and whether he realizes or not he helped me with my walk with God even to today. It was that faith that helped me stay out of trouble as a teenager and without my Dad, my relationship with the Lord would not have been important like it is. I hope he knows that.
I always wanted my Dad’s approval growing up and especially as a teenager. I don’t think my father realized this until one day he noticed I wasn’t talking anymore and any comments about my appearance garnered significant changes. I remember the reaction on his face one day when I came out of my room dressed up to go out with a guy on a date and he responded by saying , “Michele you are getting too skinny and those pants are too baggy!” Little did he know that even though I was losing weight, the style in the early 80′s was baggy pants and shoulder pads!
The boyfriends I had were always nervous when they met my father because he was never one to mince words. He would look directly in their eyes and tell them, “if you hurt my daughter, you will have to deal with me.” And that was true, because in a couple of cases my father was true to his words and made sure the guys knew exactly how he felt about his “little girl” crying of a broken heart.
My Dad was protective of me and felt a little lost of what to do if I was sad. There was no “playbook” on how to respond to a daughter with a broken heart. He didn’t know what to say other than telling me “it was their loss honey and you are still young.” Even when I was getting married (at a young age, too young I might add) just before he walked me down the aisle he whispered to me “are you sure this is what you want to do? You can leave and I’ll cover for you?” Boy, how I wished I listened to his advice but that is another story all together!
Our family was never perfect, and it seems looking back we were all growing up together because my parents were so young. One thing for sure and that is the “Toth” family was always around water! Whether it was home to Florida at the beaches of New Smyrna or Daytona to the lakes at Clark’s Hill when we moved to Augusta, we were always doing something outside and on the water. My brother and I always had friends with us and so did our parents. It was a great time roughing it outside camping and my father was always the leader with the boat! He never stopped and as hard as he worked in his job, he worked equally hard to make sure the times at the beach or the lake were fun.
As I got older and became wiser with experience I grew into a person that many who knows my Dad would say to me “You are definitely Bill Toth’s daughter.” I take pride when I am told that because that means to me that I stick up for myself. If someone asks me my advice I always warn them that they better think about it before asking me again because I am always one to tell you what you need to hear and not necessarily what you want to hear. When people walk away from me they know I am real and won’t turn around and say something different to someone else when you are gone. They also know I don’t play the games many people do and I can take care of myself. That was my father.
When I found myself a single parent, it was the work ethic that my father help instill in me that helped me become successful. We earned everything we had growing up and we had chores to do without question. My Dad would work at his job in construction and come home dusty and sweaty each day and yet he would do the same on the weekends in the yard. That ethic of working hard to get what you want helped me to be successful and able to care for my two sons and afford the things I wanted.
I was always proud of my father when I became an adult and beamed with pride when he moved to Charleston, SC and had a successful business of his own in construction. He was awarded major contracts and even helped build the props for Bruce Willis “Die Hard 3″ movie that was shot in Charleston as well as the Mark Clark bridge. However, you would never hear my father brag about it, to him it was just a job he was on but he made sure it was done right. When he was successful and had the nicer things in life he was always humble. When the economy got bad and he had to sell everything and move to Florida, he was still happy because he knew he did everything he could to make it and now he was back home again.
Today, he still works hard every day and people still look to him for his advice. I still look for his approval though as his daughter and when he tells me how proud he is of me, I still beam like his little girl. There are still times we don’t agree on some things, but he looks at me now with respect when I give my position on an issue. I think there is a part of him that says to himself “yep, she is most definitely Bill Toth’s daughter.” Well, after all he did have something to do with that.
I wish I could see him more today. I miss my Dad. I miss his smile and his blue eyes. He is fun to be around and I wish we could be around each other more often. At least I know he is happy living back home in New Smyrna Beach and I am more than certain he feels like he never left when he walks on those beaches. Today, thanks to Facebook I can see the pictures of when he has fun with his friends and know he is happy.
As I write this blog I am tearful because I want my Dad to know just how much I love him and appreciate him for everything he sacrificed for my brother and I growing up. Sure, there were learning curves being a parent at such a young age and having twins on top of that, but I want him to know that he truly did the best he could with what he was given. He is my heart and I am truly “Daddy’s girl”! I love you Dad.
Today is Mother’s Day and since I won’t get to see my Mom in person I wanted to express to her in my own words what she means to me. You know life is so short and so often we look back and wish we could have expressed to someone how we feel and I didn’t want to wait until it was too late to do so. My Mom is an awesome person. Yeah sure you could say “Well Michele everyone can say that about their Moms”, but this is different. My friends would also say the same thing about her. Those who know my Mom will describe her as a loving and caring person. There is nothing she would not do for my brother and I growing up. She was the comforter when we needed one, but the Mother who reminded us to be respectful when needed as well.
Mom was only 18 when my brother and I were born. She and my Dad got married and lost their “lives of free youth” and suddenly became parents and responsible adults all in one year. My father went to work with my grandfather in the construction field and that is how he provided for his family while Mom stayed at home with us. I remember as a little girl the different places we lived in and like pictures I could only remember certain “shots” of my childhood as I was little. I’ve told my Mom the one thing that was always certain, and that wherever we lived the place was always kept spotless.
Mom would always do things for my brother and I that she never thought was special, but to me today I can look back on them as something that made me feel loved. For example, every day when my brother and I got home from school she would always have an after school snack and drink waiting for us while we could smell dinner cooking. We knew that we had to sit at the kitchen table and get our homework done. Most of the time the drink was Kool-aide that she allowed my brother and I to pick out the flavors at the store. We even had one of those “Kool-aid man” pitchers that today is a collector’s item (go figure).
Back to school time meant trips to the JC Penney and Sears before the malls were ever built. Mom never had a frown on her face during these outings so we never knew if she was unhappy about shopping. Trips to the grocery store meant my brother and I could pick out one thing each at the check out counter. Usually a candy bar or gum, and I always made sure the one I picked was worth the while. I had my favorites of course.
Music was always playing in our house as well. All kinds, not just one genre. Depending on my Mom’s mood the sounds of Olivia Newton John or Peter Frampton would play. As I got older (teens) she would want me to play the music I liked and danced to all the time. The house was never off limits for those times. During the summers something as simple as sunbathing she made fun by making sure the radio was playing with music even she found “cool” to listen to . After all, she was still very young for having teenagers! Yeah, my Mom rocked!
Mom was my sounding board and adviser when I needed advice on guys. My friends would always look to her as their “go to guru” as well. After all she was so cool to hang out with and she was “Mom” to every good friend my brother and I had. During the summers we spent all of our weekends at Clarks Hill. We always had friends along and always had Mom there having fun with us and making sure we were taken care of. She never stopped loving, never stopped caring, never stopped being the greatest person ever in my life.
To this day my Mom would never see herself as a great and wonderful person. Her modesty won’t allow her to feel that much good about her works. However, today I want to make sure she understands the impact she made in my life. For you see, what I have written here is just a small sample of how wonderful she was then and is today. I am fortunate to still have her here with me, but realize just how precious time really is. For every small way she made my life feel special, those ways I decided to bring to my sons as well. My hope was those small memories will be the ones that last the longest in their hearts. I know Mom’s special moments live on with me every day. I’m proud to be her daughter and her best friend now and I can only hope that I measure just in a small way the person that she is in life. If I can accomplish that, then I’ve done a great job with a fabulous mentor that guided me.
There is a movement afoot. It is one that intends to end the conservative voice on radio. It began before the push to take Limbaugh off the air after his comments on Sandra Fluke (she is no victim by the way, just a plant by the left) and has gained traction since. If we left it up to Pelosi, Waters, Reid and the other mindless lefty politicians there would only be the progressive agenda on radio and our television.
This is serious people. Even if you don’t agree with any position a conservative makes, you should be wary of anyone trying to silence free speech. When Limbaugh opened his mouth and inserted his foot (as he even admits he did) what he did was excite the extreme base of the left wing party. People who never listen to his show started attacking the companies who advertise on his program. What is humorous is as many lefties posted shouting “off with his head”, there were Rush supporters touting they would end their business with the company if they pulled their advertising and squelch free speech. I was one of those conservatives.
I canceled my subscription for automatic renewal with Carbonite effective October 2012. I also will no longer do business with Pro Flowers. I won’t give Sleep Number my money either. In addition, my husband and I made the decision to cancel HBO effective immediately w/ Direct TV after we saw the movie Game Change. As conservatives we should be furious with this hatchet job on Sarah Palin. Not only are they attacking conservative values with this movie, they are also attacking the Christian faith. I can’t in good conscious send my company to any company that takes a stand against a base no matter if I agreed with them or not.
There is a bit of good news in all of this. Conservatives are beginning to take notice of the attacks by the left. More and more I see people canceling services with these left wing companies and it is great to see. I truly believe that if we don’t take notice and fight back with our voice we will watch our great country turn into a socialist nation and be worse off than Greece. We must take pride in our values and Christian faith. We also must pray. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe! Don’t be silenced because you don’t like negative remarks! Press on! Give your voice a chance to change the environment! It can happen if we all join together! Come on!
Have we all just gone off the deep end here? To now suggest that a 30 – year old law student from Georgetown University is somehow a victim because she and other’s like her political affiliation want me and you to pay for her contraceptive? Tell me again how that would classify a person as a victim? And President Obama has called her personally to discuss this issue? You are kidding me right?
Ms. Fluke’s purpose of attending Georgetown University can not certainly be attributed to the fact she wanted free healthcare can it? I mean she had to know it was a catholic university if she is smart enough to be taking law classes right? So why is she and other women on her campus looking for free birth control all of a sudden? Was it promised when she became a student at Georgetown?
We have all these major and global issues at hand and the liberal media and the POTUS is now making this Sandra Fluke a martyr for a cause? What cause exactly? Ms. Fluke and women is general can go to any Planned Parenthood, OBGYN or county health department and pick up contraceptive. No one is stopping them from doing this right? I mean, sure you may have to pay something for it but so what! You can’t walk into a grocery store, pick up items you need and then go ask someone else to pay for it can you?
The democrats have taken the contraceptive issue brought about by the Obamacare nightmare and turned what is a fight for religious freedom and is trying to make it an assault on women’s health. They are now going after Rush Limbaugh and other conservatives because they rightly described this smoke screen and Sandra Fluke for what it really is and now they have been labeled as a threat to women? This is just crazy!
Look, here is the bottom line for me. I am a woman who currently takes contraceptive myself for health reasons not birth control. My OBGYN felt it was a viable option for me to treat my situation. I pay for this every month and have for many years OUT OF MY OWN POCKET! I don’t expect my neighbor, the pharmacist or Joe Blow off the street to pay for my monthly pack of pills. I don’t want to have to pay for Sandra Fluke or any other woman’s contraceptive. Period. No matter what the use is for I don’t want to pay for it. I am tired of the mentality that everyone should pay for someone else’s views, choices or lifestyle! If the Democrats like Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, President Obama or anyone else want to chip in and help pay for Ms. Fluke and other’s then make a donation center and do so, otherwise give it a rest!
A community activist…that is how I would describe Lori Davis of Harrisburg. A concerned citizen would be another objective description of Lori. Heck, I would even go as far to say that Lori Davis has fire and cojones! However, what I would not say about Lori is that she is paranoid or “riding a comet into outer space”.
The Metro Spirit did what I call a “hit piece” on Lori this week. They allowed a “so called” anonymous whiner rant to issue a longer than allowed rebuttal that was very telling for many readers. Now let me dispel any notions because I am not a Harrisburg resident. Matter of fact I live across the river. I am not politically affiliated nor do I have a secret agenda. I do however (along with my husband) own two properties in downtown Augusta and therefore the overall enrichment of Augusta citizens as a whole is of interest to me. I met Lori for the first time a few weeks ago and discovered we have a lot in common and one thing in particular: we don’t like leadership elected to represent the needs/concerns of the entire community ignoring what is best for the masses to focus on the needs of a select few.
The Augusta Today/City Stink effort has members of every color, political affiliation and economic make-up. Heck there are some that I don’t agree with in political topics but we manage to find a common ground when it comes to disliking crony politics.
Now as far as the Metro Spirit, you see I have a problem with a local paper that has a problem with someone asking questions. I have a problem with an anonymous ranter who chides “I have no interest in me or any member of my family, my business associates or my friends to become an internet target of Davis and her lunatic fringe associates” and in addition adds insult to injury by making up all kinds of claims in the piece as well. Let me tell you a secret Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous….the group doesn’t sit around a table wearing tin foil hats contemplating your demise….so it’s okay, give the dramatics a rest will ya?
You know it is real easy to sit behind a computer screen and make those anonymous attacks, twist facts and brow beat someone or a group. I have a suggestion…… why don’t you, your business associates and your family have a sit down chat with the members of the group? Invite everyone who you are protecting and we will have an Obama style beer summit if you will (only since I don’t drink I’ll just have a diet coke). Talk about what concerns the good people of Augusta Today and City Stink have raised and come up with solutions. What is wrong with that idea?
It’s been a week since I got the phone call from my husband with a broken voice telling me once again our properties in Augusta (Ga.) were broken into, robbed and vandalized. I’m still reeling over hearing excuses from RCSD (Richmond Co. Sheriff’s Dept) about how they are sorry to hear that we once again were victimized but there is nothing they can do to protect our properties.
I blogged earlier this week about questioning why we pay property taxes if the city takes the stance that they are not responsible for how they choose to prioritize what is important for the greater good. Some people suggest I would have better luck winning the lottery than I would to get the city commissioners to care about our plight. I just can’t help but question that line of thinking. I mean, if you are a responsible property owner in the city and a law-abiding citizen…why wouldn’t the Commission/Mayor care about the crime?
Last year Augusta had 27 murders and we were told to congratulate ourselves that it was better than last year. Okay, so what about other crimes that are up like metal thefts or burglaries? Why not concentrate on those? Oh yeah, that’s right you did appoint one token officer to be on a “task force” of one to handle those thefts. Gee, how special of you Augusta to think so highly of your citizens that you would appoint one person!
What about the task force you told us about a year and a half ago? We were told you were going to start because of all the thefts? Is this it? I mean the word “force” would not imply one person? In physics, a force is any influence that causes an object to undergo a change in speed, a change in direction, or a change in shape. Dictionary says force is power or strength exerted, but I don’t think one investigator can really make a change in the thefts needed unless he is a super hero?
Augusta’s attempt to show a token effort against crime is a joke and insult to those of us who are tired of the ignorance. The case number for our recent incident will just be filed away and no one in leadership in Augusta cares unless it has something to do with a base-ball stadium or Laney Walker/Bethlehem projects. I guess this is because certain “people” in town benefit greatly financially from those two projects. Everyone else not associated will just have to fend for themselves I guess.
Well, I know a group of people who are making a difference. Making their voices heard even if it seems small to the city of Augusta leadership. However, I think the leaderships and cabals in the area need to re-think that concept and pay attention. Because that group grew by one more person last week. I don’t speak for the others, but I assure you I am not stupid, nor should you (Augusta leadership) blow me off as non-important.
You see huge changes have been made because one person stepped forward and said “enough”! I believe Augusta you have a good number of those “one” who are mad enough to bring about changes. Seems to me the group is growing and that starts a revolution for change and from what I’ve heard so far….a lot of those people who benefit from the “good ole boy” mentality will be seeing things unravel soon!
Well, I guess I need to go get that lottery ticket since my odds improved!
So…property taxes are paid to finance services in the city of which you own property. Services includes maintaining roads, bridges, parks and schools just to name a few. Property taxes are also supposed to help fund law enforcement that provide services to the community. Well what happens if your property is continually attacked by vandals, gangs and thieves? What does a property owner expect from the city when they pay those taxes?
If crime has become rampant in the area of which the property owner owns property and law enforcement agrees that there is nothing they can do to protect those properties, can the owner ask for a refund of a portion of their taxes that were applied to providing police protection?
The city of Augusta, Georgia is home of the Masters golf tournament. Yet, every day for most who reside in Augusta, it is nothing like the pomp and circumstance that is displayed during the first week of April each year. I moved to Augusta in 1976 and attended public schools here. I gave birth to two children in Augusta and watch Augusta change for the worst. Sure there are pockets of Augusta that flourish, but not many.
Downtown Augusta is a hot spot if you take Broad Street and weed out the other streets that surround it. My properties are just a few blocks away from the LEC (law enforcement center) and just across from the large Bell South complex. Another block away is the Department of Family and Children Services and in the other direction are attorney offices. You would think with those neighbors our buildings would actually fair pretty well right? Instead, we have had 12 incidents at our property but only 7 of them were actually reported to the Sheriff’s Department. The latest attacks on our buildings were discovered the first week of January 2012. An estimated $8,000 to $12,000 in damages were projected and the best response we could get from the Sheriff (Ronnie Strength) was “I hate to admit it, but I can’t protect your properties. I am 32 deputies short of what I had back in the year 2000″. So as a property owner and tax payer, what do I do with this admission?
The Mayor and Augusta Commission has their priorities backwards. Instead of trying to waste money on items such as the TEE center and studies for a base-ball park that Cal Ripken and the Mayor Deke Copenhavor want to bring to the river, they should focus their attention on the out of control crime in Augusta. The blight of areas where crime has taken over can be viewed with just a simple car ride through the city. Why are there only certain sections of Augusta that is focused on and not the community as a whole? Why is crime and law enforcement not the most important issue for the city?
As a property owner whose buildings can not be leased or sold because of the crime that has been allowed to flourish, I want a redo, a Mulligan for those Master’s golf fanatics…a refund! Mr. Mayor and Augusta Commission, I have two buildings located on 5th street I want to sell you for the value of what I put in it! Call me with the details of how you want to pay for it since you obviously feel by your lack of concern for the crime, that they are gems to be owned! Oh and by the way, I figure you also needed some advertisement to go along with the sales contract I’ll present to you in the next week or two when I show up at the commission meeting. Maybe you can take thousands of dollars out of your pockets, put hours upon hours of free time putting sweat equity in the buildings, and then use them for your “retreats” to have better relations with each other. I figure at the rate your going with the constant banter and “ya-ya” you might actually make improvements in your relationships and as a good citizen, I will even throw in a couple of anger management sessions for the hell of it!
While some may consider what happened to Congressman Anthony Weiner is nothing more than karma, I would also suggest that we all learn something from this tragic cycle of events. The internet has always been a tool for not only research and fun but also for connecting with people. While many use social sites such as Facebook, Twitter, or Myspace to reconnect with family or old friends, others find it as a way to engage in more than just friendship. I’m not here to bash anyone for making that mistake, just to bring to light how easy it is to take that extra step to cross a line. I’m sure Anthony Weiner was not thinking of the consequences of getting caught when he was “tweeting” the images or texting the women. On the contrary, Weiner was engaged in ego stroking and the excitement of the actions. He wasn’t thinking of the impact or ripple effect it would have on his life or the pain he would cause his pregnant wife. What we must remember is that it is never a good thing to see someone’s life crumble before our eyes like we have with Weiner. The internet and the media has put this story on steroids and the impact is major. While I am a conservative and can I say never “liked” Weiner for his position or rudeness, I would not wish what he is experiencing on anyone. There is a saying that we should all remember about social sites: “If we would not say these things to a person with our spouse sitting next to us….we shouldn’t be saying them at all”.
One of the most prolific decisions I made in my life was to register for a daily devotional to be sent to my email. Every morning I start my day off by reading the day’s message. I can report that if for some reason I can’t access the devotion my day is negatively impacted. It’s that important to me.
Relationships are an important part of our daily lives. Those relationships whether personal or business impact us as a person whether negative or positive. No matter what relationship the need to be honest is one of the most important building blocks for success. Without honesty in a personal relationship there can be no trust. Without trust there can not be a deep connection or love. Trust is a commitment that tells that other person that they are so important to your life that you are willing to be open and vulnerable. You are opening up your heart and who you are to have that relationship. It could be in a marriage or a family member that I refer to here. In business if there is no trust, often times there is no success. People have lost their jobs because of dishonesty. That’s how important trust is. If God was the center of those relationships, trust would be an important aspect to always maintain.
I have been told by many people in my life that I can be “brutally honest”. I always ask someone if they seek my advice, “are you sure you want my opinion because I’m going to tell you what I think, not what you want to hear”. I feel it is important because people know that when we end our conversation and walk away, they know where I stand. I don’t go behind their back and talk negative of them. To me that tarnishes the trust they have given me.
Are you being honest or trustworthy in your relationships? If not what are you hiding? Did you know that by hiding the truth you are creating the environment whereby you are always looking around your shoulder to cover your deceit? You will spend more energy not being honest than you would if you just told the truth. Saves so many relationships and your image will improve if it’s in question.
Proverbs 6:16-19 says, ”These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
Joe and I met on line before there was Facebook or Match.com. My mother and a friend of hers decided it was time for me to start mingling after I stayed single for several years surviving a divorce. Joe and I began as friends with no intentions of taking anything further. We were both headstrong and independent but we also realized just how important being together was becoming. His cooking skills when we were dating consisted of tater tots, steak and green beans. He had stock in the George Foreman Grill company. Joe had a keen knack of making me feel like my opinion truly mattered to him. He would ask advice from me on matters of his business and even today he needs my help. Little does he realize how special it made me feel.
His sons are the world to him and yet it will only be when they are older and their children are of age they will begin to understand why their father worked so hard to give them everything they had. They will also one day understand why in many instances they take after their father in the ways that have made them mindful of feelings and successful in their line of work.
