A Penny For Your Thoughts...

What comes to your mind when you see this?  What does this image mean to you?

I know for me, it makes everything else seem not so important, and it reminds me of all the words from Jesus's mouth as he ministered here on earth.  The first thing I think is that he tells us in Matthew 28:19-20 this:

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age"

I often recognize when the missed opportunities go by, and am trying to be better about living a proactive faith.  Sometimes that means directly talking about Jesus with someone, and sometimes that is making my faith more known than I ever have.  I daily try to get better in this area.  I am daily trying to step out more and more on faith, allowing the Lord to work and removing myself from the situation, if that makes sense.

Anyway, I had been thinking about the blood and the cross this morning, and thought I might as well put that image on here and see what it means to you guys out there as you walk this earth day by day.

So feel free to chime in!

Oh, how I love the Psalms...

I do.  I LOVE reading in Psalms.  I was just doing some reading in Psalm 73.  It is just amazing and so true.  Whenever you look at the ways of this world right now, whether it be the union issues in Wisconsin and other states, or the overseas issues with governments being overthrown, etc, this passage speaks truth.  Heck, it speaks truth in our stores and homes here in our city and those all around us.  The way of the world is pure selfishness.  Money, things, fame.  I'm not going to sit here and act like I don't see those things and have thoughts of wanting them.  Who would choose this day and age to have no true assets or possessions or money if given the choice?  Would you?  Don't get me wrong, having things is not bad at all.  I think it has more to do with how having things affects you.  Most people are all about the selfish gain, and that's the negative I reference when it comes to that.  I imagine it's hard to see what God wants from you when your eyes are continuously only on yourself.

But then I sit and read the Bible today, and thank God that He is the answer.  He is the way.  He speaks truth and gives us the guidance and sets convictions in our hearts so that we may live according to His plan for us.  All of a sudden, things don't matter so much.  We then realize when we allow Him to set our hearts desires that He will faithfully put things besides money, possessions, and fame at the forefront of our minds.  God is so cool.  I am so thankful that He loves me and I KNOW IT!

If you get the chance, go read Psalm 73 today.  I'd love to know your thoughts.  My favorite part of it are verses 23-26.  So true and also comforting.


Thanks again for the guys that have signed up to follow.  You don't know how much it means to me to see that.  It's not about me...but the opportunity God has created to further His kingdom in some form or fashion through this.  Keep spreading the word about it, and if you haven't signed up to be a follower, I hope you will take the time to do it.  Heck, IT'S FREE!  LOL!

Til next time...

I know, I know....TMI!!!!

So let's talk about something extremely important that some of us have to deal with more than others....

BODY HAIR!  What the heck???

I have wasted many a minute trying to figure out why in the world it is necessary for us to have hair on our backs, butts, faces, etc....anybody got any insight on this?  LOL

I have often joked that the purpose of body hair is one of the first questions I will ask when given the opportunity.  I will probably lose the rest of my question privilages, if there are any to begin with! 

I just know that I don't like the hair, didn't ask for it, yet have to take time to get rid of it or "manscape" it....and have to maintain flexibility enough to reach clippers to the middle of my back to handle it!  What a beating!!!

I know you're all laughing and think I'm probably smoking something this morning---well, I'M NOT!

Just a random thought for a Friday!

Be strong out there!

There's nothing like it...

Like a live baseball game!  I was thinking tonight as I was talking with my 8-year old Noah about the upcoming baseball season how much I love this sport!  As a dad, I get the most joy out of watching him at a game focused in on his heroes out there on the diamond.  Pretty cool stuff.  Makes me understand my dad more, too.

God is pretty awesome like that :)

What do you think is the greatest sport or place to watch one live?  Why?


On a side note---and a painful one at that right now---I started the Insanity workout tonight.  I am pretty sure I am about to die right now.  I really want to do all 60 days and feel better about my fitness, but I know it will be a challenge!

Here's to bringing sexy back!!!

Peace Out Homies!

Ponder this...

Here are five questions that we should all spend time thinking about:


How do I feel about where it seems our world is going?

Does it scare me to raise kids this day and age?

Do I do enough to make a difference in my community?

Do I even care enough to make a difference in my community?

What COULD  I accomplish if I really was obedient to the things that lie in my heart?


I am hearing from some guys that you are enjoying what is here so far.  I definitely think this can be a tool used to bring guys together that might not know each other, yet still allow us to learn and grow from one anothers thoughts and experiences. 

If you can take a second sometime, sign up to follow this blog, and tell others about it.  This will allow us to see that there is support out there for one another, and hopefully make others more comfortable about responding, etc...

I very much appreciate the positive feedback I am getting, and hope you continue to check this out.

To God be the glory...

10 of my favorite.....

Scriptures:

1 Cor 3:7
Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow

Psalm 118:1
Thank God because he's good, because his love never quits

Psalm 118:13-16
I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me.  The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him

1 Cor 10:24
Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others

1 Samuel 16:7b
The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart

Prov 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life

Prov 16:3
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed

Psalm 31:7-8
I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.

Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall


There are SO many more, but these are just 10 that God has implanted in my heart and mind...I'd love to hear back of some that you carry close to YOUR heart!

Be blessed, and stay strong brothers!

So, here we are....

Hola mi amigos!  Welcome, and thanks for joining me!

I'm going to keep this simple, so let's hit the "5 W's" to do some expliaining about me and all this...

Who:
My name is Tommy Neal.  I'm just a normal and everyday guy with bills, debt, struggles, blessings, activities, etc.  BUT, I know Jesus is my Lord and Savior.  That makes the day-to-day things a lot easier to deal with in life, because I know I'm not alone.  I'm divorced.  I have lived alot of life at 33 years old and have had the chance to learn MANY lessons!  I have three beautiful kids.  I have the most awesome friends that I can count on.  I realize I have none of these things without God.  All in all, there is nothing amazing or special about me or my life.  You will learn plenty more of me over the course of time, I'm sure...and find that I am just a guy and am nowhere near perfect nor claim to be!
One thing I do know about me is that God has given me a big heart.  It is burdened for men in Texarkana.  Having lived through tough circumstances in my own life, I have had the opportunity to talk to and hear other men in our area.  Let me tell you, most of us out there have lived through the same types of things, maybe just with different specifics!  I have personally found strength in those conversations and friendships.
So here I am now, just wanting to be used and serve and further seek clarity from God on what my purpose and place is in this big crazy world....which naturally leads us to the.....

What:
So what is this blog about?  Well, to simply answer---I'm not really sure!  I just felt like I wanted an outlet to share my heart, have a place others can share their hearts, find encouragement, have long posts, short posts, pictures, etc....If people enjoy it or find something in it for them, they will come back and tell others...and if they don't, then they won't.  That is perfectly ok, too.

When:
I would expect nothing by way of structure or schedule of postings!  That said, I know God shows and teaches all the time, so check in often to see what things are going on, etc. 

Where:
Add http://justdudesbeingdudes.blogspot.com/ to your favorites...and tell others about it!

Why:
As I said earlier, I have a heart for men.  I have experienced the forgiveness and healing that only comes from God.  And it is POWERFUL.  Many people feel like life is one and done...meaning that if there is some catastrophe in their lives, they just don't see how God can use them or their life.  THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT SATAN WANTS US TO THINK!

I'm just a common man with a heart to see that nobody buys into that.  As men, we can find great strength and growth from friendships and brotherhood with other strong charactered men.  I don't think that can be argued.


So there they are...the "5 W's"....

Now, in conclusion, my "State of My Heart" address...lol

I have a tendency to believe that God can take ANYTHING and use it for His good and His glory.  No matter what it is.  I deal in simplicities and basics.  Those close to me will be quick to tell you that three of the most common words out of my big mouth are "the root of...".  I can't help that.  That's just how I roll.

I also believe with my whole heart that God wants to and can do something amazing in Texarkana.  This area is blessed with some really great men, women, families, and opportunities.  Why can't we do our parts to be best prepared for that?  If God does something big and amazing--great.  If not---great.  My mission is that we will all just have hearts to serve others and grow daily in our faiths, and also to continually be in a place where I am ready to learn.  Again, I will be the first to admit that I daily fail.  Daily.  But not because I want to.  I want to gain strength from all of the wonderful things God has placed in my life, and from Him, so that if the opportunity comes to share Jesus and who He is in my life with someone else, I will be ready.  You never know, you might lead a future president or minister to the Lord!  ANYTHING is possible!

Thanks for the time in reading this, and I hope many of you will join the blog and take an active part in making a difference!

Be blessed...I know I am!