Posts

Life lessons...

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  Some of the greatest lessons learned are from your children.  I remember hearing "it goes by so fast" as a young man, now I am convinced it goes by way too fast .  I wish I could stop it and bury every memory deep inside my heart.  However, I am also grateful for the opportunity to create memories along the way.  Recently, I had the opportunity to have dinner with my youngest daughter at college.  She always makes me laugh through her expressions and words.  I truly value my unique relationship with each of my children.   Throughout our conversation, I was reminded she is looking to her Daddy for guidance and direction.  She has many important decisions to make in the next few years. I pray my council is right in the eyes of God.  One thing I love about Shannon is how she challenges me biblically.  She loves to ask deep questions which make me think, and pushes to know Gods word.           As I was driving back to home to Birmingham, I began to ref

Looking out the window...

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It's been a long time since I have written or posted anything.   The craziness of life gets in the way of good intentions .  My heart is full of pride for my incredible family.  This has been a year of transition for the Compton clan and more is yet to come.  Jessica is preparing to graduate and move away.    Shannon is freshman at Auburn and busy with social and academic life.  Emmanuel wakes smiling and ready go every single day.  Kathy and I very proud of our children and their passion to follow Christ while impacting the lives of others.   This morning, my heart was filled with joy and sadness as I watched Jessica paint outside the window.  This is the first time I have written like this in a along time, but writing has always been the best way to express my feelings.       Looking out the window   Looking out the window seeing my little girl painting something new.  Immediately my eyes fill with tears.  She looks back and smiles as if she can see right thr

Emmanuel's two year Gotcha day!

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Our lives changed July 13, 2012. Emmanuel James Adjei Compton became a forever part of our family. A part that made this family complete. He has blessed us in more numerous ways than I can count. I am forever thankful for you Ema. You bring so much light in to our family. Below is video our daughter Jessica put together in honor of her little brother.  Thank Lord for everything!    I sure wish this wasn't the picture YouTube selected!  MJ and I were celebrating international day.  He is wearing an African outfit and mine is from India.  I am not wearing PJ's.   Thanks for praying!    

No one...just like you!

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Emmanuel, I am thankful for the opportunity I have through technology to write and tell you a little bit of your life story. Admittedly, as you can imagine I spend a lot of time thinking about you and wondering what your life will be like. I have spent time reading and studying your social report. The reality is people will try to label you and even now call you an orphan. However, labels don’t tell the real story behind who you are and who you will be. No one else has your eyes, nose, smile or even your laughter. No one will be able to hug, hold my hand or call me daddy just like you. No one will be able to play, laugh and cry with your sisters just like you. No one will be able to look at your mommy and tell her you love her just like you. Emmanuel you were never fatherless. The creator of all things formed you and molded you into his image in such a unique way, there is only ONE you. I pray over the years we become very close, and I can be the Father you need me to be. Most importan

Happy Birthday Jessica!!

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Happy 22 nd Birthday!  Wow, time has gone by so fast, and we could not be more proud of you!  I love the way your unique laugh, I love your smile, and I love to hear you say Daddy.   I am so thankful for all the fantastic memories we have and for the ones we have yet to create.  I know sometimes I may seem under protective, but it is also my way of saying I love you.  Father, We thank you for Jessica and the blessing of being a parent! From the very moment I knew she existed until now, she has brought endless amounts of joy to our lives. All the fantastic memories, of her singing the batman song or the crazy way took to the stage to sing and dance she has always had the power to light up a room. I know as an earthly father, I have let her down from time to time and failed to communicate in just the right way. However, I am thankful that her Father in heaven has heard her every plea, cry and joyful noise. I am thankful she loves you, and you love her passionately. I ear

If I have not love...

Children, I write this with a variety of emotions. I am full of joy with the amount of time we have spent together this summer and the addition of Emmanuel. However, I also write as a Brother in Christ who is constantly made new by the work of the Holy Spirit. The more I study the word, the more I love the words written on each page. The passion in which it’s written provides nourishment to my mind and soul when I truly listen to what it is saying. I do not know what technology will be like in the next five years. My prayer is that no matters whatever happens to me. You will always find these words encouraging and challenging to make a difference in the world. Love is defined in Websters's in a variety of different ways. However, the context I am writing from is a spiritual view. A : unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another: as (1) : the fatherly concern of God for humankind(2) : brotherly concern for others B : a person's adoration of

Family Memories

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In the craziness of life it's important to step back and enjoy the precious  present.  Today, my family drove to Chattanooga for a weekend getaway.   We are celebrating several important milestones in the Compton household.  Jessica graduated with honors from the University of Mobile, Shannon is entering her Senior Year in High School and Emmanuel has been home for a year this month.  God has been so faithful to our family. As we drove down Hixson Pike,  my mind was full of so many great memories.   I have had the most amazing childhood.  One set of Grandparents lived in very small town while the others lived on a 300 acre farm.   As a boy, i had the opportunity to live in great suburban areas while experiencing the lifestyles of rural and small towns areas.   Each has help mold me in unique ways. Most importantly, I have had the joy of being unconditionally loved my parents and sister.  I don't have enough space to express my appreciation.  I just pra