Some years ago the inspiration to write a book developed. I dismissed it at that time as a passing thought …a dream. I am not a writer by trade and the thought of writing a book amused me at the very least. Being a native Texan, I knew that there might be a language barrier to overcome as well. Someone would have to be bi-lingual to translate my writings … fluent in English and Texan. The inspiration grew stronger as the years past and soon became a burning desire. Still, being a hardheaded cowboy, I continued to dismiss it and tried to smother it. On Christmas Eve of 2002, as I sat alone in my room meditating and praying; reviewing my life to that point and revisiting my goals, priorities and current position in the big picture; the desire finally erupted and engulfed me. I knew at that point, that I must succumb to what I knew God was leading me to do.

God works in our lives in mysterious and mighty ways. On Christmas Day, while continuing my solemn vigil tucked away in my room, God validated this call and further revealed the direction he was leading me. My bible is marked up with thoughts and passages compiled from many sources, external and internal. Simple little one-sentence revelations. As I reviewed them and reflected on their meanings, it was clear that these were to be used as topics for a periodic column in some publication. He would open that door in accordance with his master plan. Likewise, he will continue to give me topics and direct my thoughts in alignment with their purpose and message.

This call was life changing. It restored direction and purpose to an out of control desperately lost and lonely soul. I had no money to buy gifts for my family that year. I was alone that Christmas and hurting and embarrassed that I had nothing to give them. I did not speak to my sons or my family. I just couldn’t muster up the courage to call them. I had a devastating feeling of worthlessness. What God took away from me that Christmas day was dwarfed by the most precious gift one could receive. He restored life, happiness, contentment, peace, hope, faith, and love to a lifeless soul. The greatest and most precious of these …Love. To God be the praise, glory and honor. All of these writings are dedicated first to him to magnify him and his unconditional love and grace.

Why the peanut? I love peanuts, in the shell. The ones like the planters’ peanut man. (Short of the top hat and such) A few weeks prior to Christmas Eve, I was pondering the mysteries of life on my way to work … eating peanuts. As I picked up a peanut and began the process of stripping away the outer shell and the skin covering it to reveal the meat of the peanut, salted and cut in half … a question popped into my head. Who cut the peanuts?

I went the extra mile and salted them, then individually wrapped them (for our protection) and hermetically sealed them in an outer shell to lock the freshness in…burp. It was like a song that you cannot get out of your head. The only answer that made sense was that it was just one of the endless miracles of God. I knew that I had been given the title for my book. This was Gods hotshot zapping me in the butt to get me moving, and I have seen what he does with lightning!…so I took the hint.

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