The Lord Restores

 
I am the poster child for this meme.

The years from 2007- 2009 were not good ones. I went through a divorce, my father passed away and was laid off from my job of 14 years. If anyone had a reason to be down, it was me.

I drew close to God. And likewise, he drew close to me. Slowly restored my relationship with my children. Became extremely close to my dear mother. Applied for over 900 (yes that's not a typo) jobs.

God had told me that a job and relationship would go hand in hand.

He was faithful and true and blessed me with my soulmate Valerie and shortly after that a job which eventually led to the best job I ever had at Publix.

"Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."

"10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. 11 All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the Lord had brought on him, and each one gave him a piece of silver[a] and a gold ring." Job 42:10-11

Mom's Home

 

I received a phone call I knew would be coming but would never ever be ready for - that at 1:23 PM on August 31, 2013 Mom went to be with the Lord. My first thought was that my children did not get to say good bye to their grandmother. Then it hit me that they did the previous December as we flew them down to spend time with us and visit mom. The pictures posted here are the last ones of my children with mom taken in December 2012.

When Will, Victoria, and Peter arrived on August 31, 2013, we took them down to hospice to see mom. The nurses made mom look so comfortable and peaceful. I got my phone out and put on some favorite hymns including "Morning Has Broken" and "How Great Thou Art". Tears flowed freely as well as lots of hugs. We shared our memories and laughed as well. Mom was with the Lord and dad. No more pain or suffering. He legacy of love will continue for generations to come.

"Oh death where is they sting? Oh grave where is they victory?"

Christmas Presence

Growing up my parents helped make the Christmas season a special time of year for me. From the incredible decorations and tree put up with artistic precision by my father to getting Christmas cards sent out by mom to the wonderful smell of fresh baked apricot and nut cookies to delicious mushroom soup made by my father. The Christmas Eve service at a packed church with a beautiful rendition of 'Oh Holy Night' that took you back to the manager. Having friends and family over after service at my parents house was joyous. Cookies, hors d'oeuvres, drinks, music and laughter ruled the evening. Christmas morning was incredible. The magic of opening gifts wrapped with the utmost care by my father brought a big smile to my face. And when I got older the joy of giving mom& dad gifts equaled then exceeded what I received. Then I enjoyed going to church on Christmas morning. Later in the afternoon we would head up to my aunts with what one could only describe as a decadent feast. My aunt could out cook anyone on the Food Network. Ham melted in you mouth. The most moist turkey you ever had. Chicken soup with homemade noodles. Apple and pumpkin pies that made you always want a second piece. After we went home I always fell asleep with a smile on my face. I was blessed that all three of my children were able to experience this as well. With all that being said my parents always made sure the focus was on the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Fast forward to today. My parents and my aunts and uncles have passed away. Unfortunately the last time I spoke with my cousins was when my mom passed. I have resigned myself to the fact that we probably will never get together again and that saddens me a great deal.

In 2011 my life took the best turn possible when I met and married my soul mate Valerie Geis Horosz. Soon after that God blessed me with employment after looking for three years and in 2014 God saw fit to bless me with the best job ever in IT with Publix Supermarkets.

I can't say enough about Valerie's parents. I see both my parents in both of them and I am truly blessed to have them in my life. They really do make me feel loved and a part of the family.

My wife truly enjoys decorating the house for Christmas. Lights, decorations, garland, battery candles, and a beautiful tree with ornaments made by my dad. It looks fantastic !

In 2019 we had one of the most incredible blessings of our life as our granddaughter Eliana Grace Skaggs was born this past July. Words cannot express the inexplicable and unbelievable joy she brings to our lives - so much so we went up a few weeks ago to see my children and our granddaughter.

Three years ago in October I found out through a Facebook post that one of my cousins passed away. It really hit me hard. When I sent a sympathy card to her husband I remembered what he told me when my mom passed away - "we never hear from anyone anymore". It all makes sense now.

I wanted so desperately to recreate what my parents had. But I've come to the realization its gone. For one reason or another my family has splintered into their own units - with brothers and sisters only. Despite attempts to reach out to my cousins they have not responded.

It's up to Valerie and I to make memories for our children to enjoy and remember. Whether it's a phone call to Columbus to wish our children Merry Christmas or taking them out Christmas Day for a special dinner the message is always the same - we love you !

The best part of Christmas to me is not presents but presence - the presence of Christ in our hearts and in our home.

Merry Christmas !

A Good Marriage

"There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage."

Martin Luther 

Happy New Year 2018

Wishing all my friends a safe, healthy, and blessed New Years 2018 !

Use and practice these words more often in 2018: 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.

2017 Highlights.

In January had my fourth tooth extraction since moving to Florida.

Valerie and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary in February. Every day with my beautiful bride is better than the day before. I am truly the most blessed man in the world. 

February also saw me passing my FAA Part 107 exam and officially became a FAA sUAS Licensed Pilot. This will allow me to fly drones for commercial purposes. 

In June we said goodbye to Will and Peter as they moved back to Columbus, OH after living here for two years. We enjoyed their frequent visits for movies, Steeler and Penguins games and just hanging out. Excited that Will left for a better opportunity but miss both of them greatly. 

July saw my first real surgery as I had my gall bladder removed and umbilical hernia repaired. Recovering from hernia surgery proved to be a real challenge but I was back at work in a week.

We enjoyed several family get togethers for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Val's parents birthdays, Thanksgiving,  and Christmas Eve. Lots of good food and great laughs. 

I went through my first Hurricane in Florida in early September. The impact we had here in Tampa was not bad but other areas of Florida were not so fortunate including were I work over in Lakeland, Fl. We had a house full as Valerie's parents, Jessica, her friend, and four dogs under one roof for the night. 

September was #TheSocialEventOf2017 as I had the honor of walking my beautiful daughter Victoria down the aisle as she married Andy Skaggs who just happened to be Will's best friend. Tears of joy flowed abundantly that day in a picture perfect outdoor wedding in Ohio. 

Christmas day we celebrated by continuing our tradition of eating out by going to “Spinners” at St. Pete Brach – a revolving restaurant. Food was excellent and the views were magnificent. We enjoyed our time with Jessica that day.

Celebrated New Year's Eve by making a turkey breast and watching the movie "Dunkirk" with Valerie..

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

Christmas Presence 2017

Growing up my parents helped make the Christmas season a special time of year for me. From the incredible decorations and tree put up with artistic precision by my father to getting Christmas cards sent out by mom to the wonderful smell of fresh baked apricot and nut cookies to delicious mushroom soup made by my father. The Christmas Eve service at a packed church with a beautiful rendition of 'Oh Holy Night' that took you back to the manager. Having friends and family over after service at my parents house was joyous. Cookies, hors d'oeuvres, drinks, music and laughter ruled the evening. Christmas morning was incredible. The magic of opening gifts wrapped with the utmost care by my father brought a big smile to my face. And when I got older the joy of giving mom& dad gifts equaled then exceeded what I received. Then I enjoyed going to church on Christmas morning. Later in the afternoon we would head up to my aunts with what one could only describe as a decadent feast. My aunt could out cook anyone on the Food Network. Ham melted in you mouth. The most moist turkey you ever had. Chicken soup with homemade noodles. Apple and pumpkin pies that made you always want a second piece. After we went home I always fell asleep with a smile on my face. I was blessed that all three of my children were able to experience this as well. With all that being said my parents always made sure the focus was on the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Fast forward to today. My parents and my aunts and uncles have passed away. Unfortunately the last time I spoke with my cousins was three years ago when my mom passed. I have resigned myself to the fact that we probably will never get together again and that saddens me a great deal.

In 2011 my life took the best turn possible when I met and married my soul mate Valerie Geis Horosz. Soon after that God blessed me with employment after looking for three years and in 2014 God saw fit to bless me with the best job ever in IT with Publix Supermarkets. We also were blessed with Will & Peter moving to Brandon and enjoy seeing them.
I can't say enough about Valerie's parents. I see both my parents in both of them and I am truly blessed to have them in my life. They really do make me feel loved and a part of the family.

My wife truly enjoys decorating the house for Christmas. Lights, decorations, garland, battery candles, and a beautiful tree with ornaments made by my dad. It looks fantastic !
But for myself the past couple of years it's almost been a chore for me. Decorating, music and the season felt hollow. Gifts are nice and my wife does exceptional with what she gets me. But something was missing.

Last year at this time I found out through a Facebook post that one of my cousins passed away. It really hit me hard. When I sent a sympathy card to her husband I remembered what he told me three years ago when my mom passed away - "we never hear from anyone anymore". It all makes sense now.

I wanted so desperately to recreate what my parents had. But I've come to the realization its gone. For one reason or another my family has splintered into their own units - with brothers and sisters only. Despite attempts to reach out to my cousins they have not responded.

It's up to Valerie and I to make memories for our children to enjoy and remember.

Last year we had Will, Peter, and Jessica over to exchange gifts, enjoy some great food, and watch several classic Christmas movies. It was probably one of the best Christmas Days we have had in a long time. But unfortunately that changes this year as Will and Peter moved back to Ohio. Very happy for them but that leaves a couple of empty places at the table and in our hearts as we miss them. 

This Christmas Day we will exchange gifts with Jessica then go out for Christmas dinner - we are blessed that she wants to share part of her day with us. 

The best part of Christmas to me is not presents but presence - the presence of Christ in our hearts and in our home.

Merry Christmas !

Enjoy this short video we made at Christmas last year  !

Lady Lex And My Dad- A Veterans Day Tribute

Lady Lex & My Dad 

"My dad, a young lad of just eighteen
Had to make a decision that wasn't keen,
Losing his father was hard enough
The thought of being drafted was tough,
So he chose the United States Navy,
For he wanted wings of gold and bravery...

His vision wasn't the best,
So aviation ordinance was his test,
Loading the deadly cargo every day,
Hoping for peace to come quickly our way,
But the ship was hit by a torpedo near some bunks,
Dad used to sleep there in his trunks,
He was moved about a week before,
God was with him now even more

God definitely had a hand on Dad you know,
Saving him from all the wars bitter blows,
Friends were committed to the deep
Dad cried softly for them in his sleep

When the war was over they sailed into Tokyo Bay,
Devastation had definitely had it's way,
When the people bowed before all the men,
It made them humble, not proud again

People are looking all around for heroes your know,
The kind that hit home runs or steal the show,
But my kind of hero is not one of those
Just an ordinary sailor, my Dad,
Willing to stand against all foes

The Lady Lex served her country proud
For over forty year she stood her ground,
Opposing all of the enemies blows,
Till father time took it's toll

God's hand is still over Dad, you see,
After heart, hip, and vascular surgeries,
Thou slower now we know for him
That when you have Jesus Christ, you win !"

This poem was written in 2001 in honor of my Dad's service to his country aboard the USS Lexington CV16 from 1943 to 1945.

In a very short period of time, Dad's father died, his sister came over from Europe after being raised by her grandmother not speaking a word of English, and World War II started. Dad wanted to fly but did not have 20/20 vision so he chose to load torpedo's, bombs, and machine gun belts on the planes. The only time the ship was ever torpedoed was at 11:45 PM at night and if dad's bunk had not been moved - he would have been killed.

Will and I went down in March, 2008 and scattered part of Dad’s ashes on the flight deck of the USS Lexington which is a museum on the bay in Corpus Christi, TX. I hope to return again with Val and all my children to have them experience the Lexington.

I am so very proud of my dad, William F. Horosz Sr. and his service to his country.

Thank a veteran on this day. And for me thank a World War II vet if you know one. I have to wait to thank my favorite World War II vet again when I see him in heaven.

God Bless The USA !

The Perfect Marriage

What is the "Perfect Marriage" ?

I stopped to ponder this question after giving away my beautiful daughter's hand in marriage on September 15 this year.

Then it hit me. There was one perfect marriage. It was Jesus Christ & his bride the church. 
Jesus loved the church so much he was willing to give up his life for it. Wow. 

When I was going through a low point in my life about 10 years ago, I read about 65 to 70 books in one year. They really helped get my feet pointed in the right direction and I re-dedicated my life to Jesus Christ. One of those books had the best piece of marriage advice that I ever heard. It goes something like this "It's not all about her, It's not all about him, It is all about us.". 

Amen !

Here is a link to the official pictures from my daughter's wedding:

http://www.decampphotoworks.com/Weddings/20170915Skaggs