Six Years Ago Today

Six years ago today I boarded Southwest flight 2562 from Columbus OH to Tampa FL to meet a woman who I had met through Christian Mingle. We would spend an average of 3 to 4 hours on the phone talking to each other and it was safe to say we knew quite a bit about each other. I had been down this road before as I had criss crossed the United States (I was an A list member on Southwest). But something felt very different this time. I felt a sense of joy and peace that was indescribable.

When I saw her walking from her car I dropped to my knees and said "Thank you Jesus" ! At 7:08 PM I met Valerie Geis Horosz my soul mate, best friend, and love of my life :)

Pictures that she had sent did not do her justice - she was truly drop dead gorgeous. The next evening I got to meet my beautiful step daughter Jessica Bailey. Two days latter I got to meet most of her wonderful family including Val's incredible and awesome parents Dave & Janice Masters. Her mom told me that I had only begun to tap that heart of gold of Val's.

15 days latter we were married. I thank God for her every minute of every day. Thank you for continuing to make me the most blessed man on this earth ! Love you beyond words <3 font=""> #TeamHorosz

Happy New Year 2017

Wishing all my friends a safe, healthy, and blessed New Years 2017 !

Use and practice these words more often in 2017: love, joy, peace, encouragement, gentleness, patience, kindness.

Pray without ceasing.

Worship wherever you are.

Read God's word.

Be a friend.

Enjoy family.

Encourage, support, and love your children.

Take care of the temple that God has given you.

Tell your spouse, children, and family that you love them.

Set attainable and realistic goals for yourself.

2016 Highlights.

In January I had my first colonoscopy. No polyps and I don't need another one for 5 years ! PTL !

In February Valerie and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary. Every day with her is better than the day before. I am truly the most blessed man in the world.

Peter was able to find a good job in food service at a time assisted living facility here in Brandon.

In late March we drove down to Bradenton and caught a Pirates spring training game. It was a very chilly day with a high in the upper 40's but I did get to see some former Pirates greats including Manny Sanguillen.

In June we flew up twice to Pittsburgh to attend Game 1 & Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals. There was a special tribute to veterans during Game 1 and I was proud to have represented my late father who served his country during World War II. We snuck in a trip to Columbus to see Victoria & Andy.

July I completed my second year at Publix Supermarkets. This is by far the best job I have ever had with the best manager I have ever had. With God’s blessings I would love to retire from here.

Had my first nuclear stress test and I passed.

Flew up to Columbus on the last day of August for Victoria's ankle surgery which went very well.

We took a third trip to Pittsburgh in November for my 40th Steel Valley High School reunion at Westwood Country Club. It was the best reunion by far as I got to show off my beautiful Valerie to all of my high school friends. We danced to the song 'Valerie' by Steve Winwood and a friend took a priceless picture of us.

We are thanking the Lord that Victoria's fiance Andy survived a devastating accident and is now home and on the road to recovery.

Christmas day we celebrated by having a brunch with Will & Peter, exchanged gifts, watched the original " Die Hard", watched the thrilling Steelers win, enjoyed dinner with Will, Peter, and Jessica, and capped off the day by watching the original "Home Alone". What a blast !

Celebrated New Year's Eve by watching the Penguins win in overtime.

Some scripture I’d like to share:

“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 5:16

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

“16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” 1 Thessalonians 5:8
 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13