Bob Collins
I grew up in Americus, GA. Americus will always be home. I say Americus is the center of the universe. I graduated from Georgia South Western State University in 1994 with a B.S. Degree in Sociology. I was married to my college sweetheart and we have two wonderful children. I currently live in Marietta, GA. Professionally I am a writer and I am a medical sales recruiter.
My Spiritual views:
I grew up in a Presbyterian Church with a good mix Southern Baptist thrown in. I was saved and Baptized in a Baptist Church when I was 16. In my adult life I have gone back and forth between a local Methodist and Baptist Church. As a Christian I am more nondenominational then anything else. I strongly lean towards what is called new age Christianity, by some. This really means a Christian that explores Christianity beyond the traditional walls of the preached gospel.
My writing and influence will be guided by my religious and spiritual study and inspiration. It is not my intention to convert anyone to my way of thinking. I provide incite and if it touches you, I suggest you do as I did and seek answers for yourself. So you can research where I am coming from, I will tell you some of my strongest sources of influence. I held for the longest time a very conservative view of Christianity. I had been taught it was the devils work to think anything outside of the traditional teachings of the Bible. I often had conflict with this view and the inconsistencies it had with my perception of God.
Then I met the best friend of my other Father (Fred). His name is Carter Sheppard. Carter is probably one of the kindest and most genuine people you would ever hope to meet. He has a very bright spirit. He is a Christian of very strong faith. Carter is a very spiritual man and people are naturally drawn to him. He has written two books about the after life and spiritual knowledge. His books are called: Back to Heaven and What They Want You to Know. Had I read even the back cover of either book without knowing Carter, I would have laughed it off and never given the words a chance. I am glad I did read further. His words took me on a journey that has just begun and changed the path of my life forever. Carter has guided and encouraged me to explore the spiritual world and find my own answers. It was frustrating at first but when it all started to click, I was fascinated at his incite.
I also study James Van Praagh. He and Carter have never met and neither one of them has followed the other. Yet they have both shared very similar experiences and spiritual incite.
I read and listen to Joel Osteen and Rick Warren, daily. I also follow Ravi Zacharias for Christian inspiration and knowledge.
Wayne W Dyer and his teaching of (Lao-Tzu’s) Tao Te Ching, plays a huge part in how I choose to live my daily life.
As you read any of my writing on this site or what will be my books, I will say I feel things or that a person has a bright spirit or a dark spirit. I am not just throwing this out arbitrarily. I can not see this light but I can since it. This happens when I see someone or even if they are simply mentioned by another. I also get instinctual calls to action. This may be a spirit guided task that needs to be done.
What it boils down to is I am a Christian mutt. I am not confused but am thirsty for more knowledge. Today I feel closer to God and my own spirituality then at any point in my life. If you feel thirsty, I urge you to explore the works of any of the gentlemen I have just mentioned. Start your own journey.
Jennifer Haight Brody
My father was in the Army so I lived across the US. I was born in Flint Michigan and left at the age of 11. From there I lived in St. Louis and Honolulu before landing in the Atlanta area in 1989. Aside from a four year time period in Florida, I have lived in the metro Atlanta area ever since.
I have one older sister Stacie, who is married and has three kids of her own. She also blogs. My parents divorced when I was 30. My dad has remarried to a wonderful woman that I am truly blessed to have in my life. I have always been very close to my father and my sister, we get together as much as possible. My mother spends a lot of time here as well.
KNOW WHEN TO HOLD 'EM...
I married at 19 years old. After 13 years of marriage we divorced but as result of that union, I have three amazing kids Jacob 10, Lily 8 and Owen 5 1/2. But I found myself at the ripe old age of 31 with a 10 month old, a 3 yr old and a 5 yr old in the midst of at times a very nasty divorce. What could I do???? I had to put on that happy face that I was so good at faking and pick up the pieces for my kids and carry on.
Words cannot express how hard that time period in my life was for about 2 1/2 years. But I did what I had to do and made it through. YAY ME!!!!! Now, I am much stronger, healthier and most importantly happier. Don't get me wrong I definitely have my moments of sadness over the dissolution of my family but I know in my heart and soul it was the best thing that could have come out of a bad situation. I was fortunate enough to have some great in-laws and still see them on a regular basis.
EVEN MORE ABOUT JEN
I have been a flight attendant for almost 13 years and have been with this same company for a little over 15 years. I love my job in so many ways. However as glamorous as most people seem to think it is, there are definitely drawbacks. I have literally traveled all over the world and have many places that I would like to go still. The best thing that my job has afforded me is the flexibility to work as little or as much as I want and if the good part ever outweighs the bad then I will have to re-evaluate.
I grew up playing many sports, mostly focusing on basketball and softball. I am a true athlete at heart. I absolutely LOVE going to any kind of sporting event and who doesn't love them some college football!!!! My love of sports is rubbing off on my two youngest children and I couldn't be happier about it.
MY PHILOSOPHY
I was raised Catholic and went to Catholic school for many years growing up. As I have gotten older I have realized that. I do not believe in many of their rituals and beliefs. I have struggled with God in many ways. I have gone from being mad at Him, to sad and resentful. I have chosen to raise my kids as well as to pursue my own spirituality in a non denominational Christian church.
WHY THEY CALL ME MARTHA FREAKIN' STEWART
As an adult, I have found my creative side. I always enjoyed cooking and baking, even as a child. Now, I have found that I like to create my own style at home. I taught myself to sew and ever since have been making my own window treatments, pillows, etc.
Recently I refinished my kitchen cabinets and with the help of my dad and step mom re-made my kitchen island. I also re-covered a chair that I had purchased in an estate sale a long time ago, and that was a huge undertaking. It was certainly worth it as I will probably have it til the day I die. I am about to take on my second chair for my daughters room. I am available on a project basis for help with design. I can travel for free around the world. :)
I also like to make scrapbooks and/or photojournals for my kids but have not done so in awhile. As my kids have gotten older their activities have taken up the great majority of my time. My sister always says that I am like Martha Stewart without the rap sheet.
HOLDING MY HEAD UP HIGH
I still have my ups and downs but I do know that all things are part of His plan. I just wish I could get a little sneak pre-view into that. As most of my friends and family know, patience has never been my strong suit. I am actively working on that and trying to allow myself to relax and let things come to me instead of trying to find my own destiny in life.
Finally, I would like to add how incredibly blessed I am with a wonderful circle of friends. Its incredible how they can save you from yourself. I am not sure where I would be without some of the fabulous men and women in my life.