MY INFLUENCES

When I think about what inluences me, I think about my goals! A goal gives you a sense of direction. Without a goal you dont know where your'e going. To establish a good goal you have to know what you want and what you don't want.
So I think that I am influenced more by what I don't want than anything else.

• I don't want to live in abject poverty so I work hard
• I don't want my children to use drugs, so I dont use them
• I don't want the my children to struggle so I try to provide a better life for them
• I don't want to be a follower, so I lead

I also pay close attention to my surroundings, especially at college. I see things from people attending college that one wouldn't expect from a college student. Many people live their life just taking up space. I want to leave a footprint that states that I strived for excellence daily.

These are just a few of the tools which guide me. I was taught these life-tools by my Great-Uncle Richard Temple Sr. He is 80 years old and says he stills strives to be a better man each day. He also just happens to be my pastor and freind!

CINCO DE MAYO

Don't you just love Cinco de Mayo? I do, because it's my birthday! I don't need alot of gifts or anything like that.  I just thank God that I am well and alive and that I have a lovely family and great freinds to share it with. Doesn't it make you feel special when you wake up in the morning and your children are so excited about your birthday. I guess they enjoy it because they get to share in the going out to dinner part. This is my first birthday as a married man and I am so excited. My wife and the child she is carrying is the best birthday gift a man could ever ask for! All I can do is look to heaven and say , "Thank You Lord!" Happy Birthday to me!