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!