Talking has always been in my blood. As a small boy, my parents say that I would stop and talk to anyone, anywhere and pretty much about anything. I guess that I have never met a stranger, but I have met some strange people. Early in my life I loved to hear a story told by a good storyteller. Often the barber shop was a place of fascinating stories. I would retell these stories back to my friends on front porches in the summer’s warm evenings while counting cars or around the campfire of a Boy Scout camping trip. Someone would say “Tell us a story Joey” and off I would go like someone flipped the switch on the little monkey with the cymbals. I loved telling stories then and I still do now.
People ask me all the time, “Where do you come up with this stuff?” Honestly, I really don’t know. Many of these stories I have told for years. I’ll be just minding my on business and something will trigger my brain into action and a story is born. For years I relied on my mind to hold the story until I got home or to the office to write it down. Because I have always spoken without notes, people used to kid with me about having a photographic memory. I even got accused one time about having a computer chip placed in my head to enhance my recall ability. If I did have a photographic memory at one time, it has run out of film. And if I did have a computer chip inserted into my head, it was programmed to make me hungry instead of making me remember stories. I carry a small moleskin notebook around with me all of the time now. If I have an idea, I write it down right then and there.
The format of the stories in this book is very simple. I will tell you a story; give you a spiritual application to life about the story and then a scripture verse that relates to the story. These stories are designed not to preach, condemn or criticize, but to encourage. My first book Success Afield (BH Publishing, Nashville, TN 2006) has been on an exciting journey. I have received so many emails, notes and phone calls telling me of how the book touched so many lives. Each contact humbles me and makes me grateful.
I am grateful that you are taking time out your busy life to let me share some stories with you. You could be doing so many other things, but you have chosen to read what I have written. Thank you.