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Testimony/Messages

Jim Gray

Table of Contents

My Testimony – Early Years-age 3 1/2-17

I will begin a little earlier in my life so that you may know better about the life I lived as a child.

I was born in the Northeastern part of Arkansas in 1947 to a wonderful couple by the names of Clarence and Merle. After I was born and about 3 ½ years old my Mom made me a cotton-picking bag. For those of you that have never picked cotton it is a bag that when you pick the cotton off the plant. The cotton is then placed into a bag. My bag was made from a pillowcase and had a strap on it so I could put the bag around my neck and across my shoulder. But the adult cotton bags were about 6’ to 8’ long if my memory serves me right. My Dad worked on a farm planning cotton, taking care of the cotton until it reached the point that it was time to pick. My Dad would pick cotton with my Mom. My Dad in one row and my Mom in the next row beside my Dad and me picking behind my Mom. My Mom always left me some cotton to pick. When the bags were full we would take them to the trailer, and someone would dump the bag and we would repeat the process until the trailer was full. Dad was moved from picker and started unloading the bags of cotton into the back of the trailer and then haul the cotton to the gin for processing. I was going on 5 and was allowed to go with my Dad to the cotton gin. The cotton gin was where the cotton was processed, cotton seeds removed, and the cotton put into bales. I remember big suction nozzles sucking the cotton from the trailer. To a 5-year-old it was very exciting.

In the summer of 1952, my Dad got a job driving trucks in Little Rock, AR. We moved to the East side of Little Rock and lived on a street named Security. Really great neighborhood with lots of kids my age. At 5 years old I had my own bike as well as most of the other kids and we rode everywhere. Not too far from the house was a piece of land that we called Monkey Jungle. We would build forts and swing from the vines. A little bit of Tarzan in all of us. We were never inside but always outside playing, and we did not come in until the streetlights were on but even then. The only time during that we stopped was to grab a sandwich and back at it again. I remember one time that we got a lot of rain and just behind our neighbor’s house across the street the ditch filled up. So, what do kids do when there is water around? You go swimming! The water was dirty, but we didn’t care, we were going to get a bath at night anyway. Contrary to the beliefs of some we did not always go inside when the streetlights came. There were still games to be played such as kick the can or hide and seek were our two favorites. My Dad had a friend that talked my Dad into storing military ammo boxes in our back yard. The boxes were all the same size, approximately 36” x 24”. Now the reason I bring this up is that we, my friends and I, built tunnels through the boxes. High tunnels and low tunnels. Did I mention to you that we did not give too much thought that we might get killed, our parents did not know what we were doing. Parents Please do not be in a state of mind that your child does not do things that are really stupid, because we do, we all do. Looking back on what we did goes to prove that there is a GOD that loves us but that also protects stupidity. One thing that I did, by myself, picking up sticks, grass, leaves and scrap wood and piling them into a big heap, that is called helping out around the house BUT when you take it upon yourself to burn this big pile, this is the first dumb thing I did, without thinking. I added not just some, second dumbest thing, but a lot of gasoline to the pile. Took the gas can and put it back up only to give the gas enough time for the fumes to spread out in all directions. Now this is how smart I was, and this is the third dumbest thing-I walked up to the pile, lit a match and dropped it. Flames shot out a long, long way from the pile and right past me. I was not hurt, and I may have wet my pants, but just another time GOD is looking out for me.

All during this time my Dad and Mom were taking me and my brothers to church every Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night. I was raised in the Church of CHRIST. I did learn about GOD and JESUS. I got to know GOD and JESUS and so I asked to be baptized at age 10. I was baptized and my Dad and Mom were so proud of me and to celebrate we went out to eat with some of the other members. One thing I almost forgot was that we were meeting in the home of one of the members and I was taken to a church where I was baptized. This was the beginning of a new road for me to travel. But as you will read I did not stay on that narrow road very long. As I got older the temptations to be someone else got stronger and seemed to be OK to travel the road more traveled. I believed I began to behave in ways that I should not have, skipped school, smoke-my Dad smoked so that was easy to cover up the smell in my cloths-even stole from the grocery store in our neighborhood. Things were heading downhill very fast.

We moved from Security Street when I was in the 8th grade on further East of Little Rock to Fourche Dam Pike in a new sub-division. New home, new life. It was great living there. We were close to the river and some woods. My friends and I would go to the river and in between the river there was a slue that was filled by the river water seeping through the sand making the water crystal clear. A perfect swimming hole that also had vines hanging down from the trees that we would swing on and drop into the water. My Dad and Mom bought us some horses. To pay for the boarding of the horses we would cut and bale hay twice a year, clean the stable, cut the grass along the river and even break in some of the colts. This was one of the best periods of my life. When we bailed the hay, we would have to stack the hay in the barn. Remember the tunnel we made with the ammo boxes this time we had hay. We built tunnels throughout the barn at all levels. Just one more stupid thing but I was being protected by GOD and did not even realize it until much later in my life. As I continued into my teen years I learned all kinds of things. I learned how to cuss, drink and party. I could cuss with the best of them, hated beer so I drank the harder stuff-bourbon and seven-up was my favorite. I was the party king. I was always invited to parties even in my early teens, 13-15.

When I turned 16 things really changed for me not for the better. Got my driver’s license and the party time was on. We would go to the river and find a pool, build a big fire, swim, drink and party. It was also during this time that I was running with some guys that loved drag racing, some legal but mostly illegal. They worked on their cars constantly building engines, adding carburetors, changing out the rear ends, for quicker speed. I got hooked and it wasn’t soon that my skills began to peak. I did not have my own car, so I drove my parent’s car. It was 1958 Chevrolet Biscayne with a 283 engine, three speed on the column. By the time we finished the car it was one of the fastest cars in its class in little Rock and the surrounding area. I was always being challenged by others. One thing you will enjoy is: I had a girlfriend, just a friend, I called my friend Sod Buster, her Dad had several acres of land that he farmed-and that is why I called her Sod Buster. Any way my friend went to church with us one Wednesday night and I took her home and my Mom was in the car with us. The place where we did a lot of our illegal drag racing was just a little way from the house and on the way to her house. I couldn’t help but hear the noise of the cars racing so I asked my Mom if we could go there and just watch for a little bit. She said it would be OK. My friend, Sod Buster, and I got out of the car to talk with some friends and the next thing that happens is I get challenged. Now I have my Mom still in the car and so I ask her if I can put the car through the quarter. I am sure my Mom had no idea what was happening. I told her she would need to get out of the car which she did. Standing there with all these teenagers around her. My, Debby aka Sod Buster, gets into the car with me, and I pull up to the starting line. The other car pulls up beside me. The guy that is signaling us has started and dropped his arms and we are off to the races. I wasn’t much of a race, and I cleaned his clock (beat him). Turned around and went back to where my Mom is standing and the others. Everyone is congratulating me, and I am all smiles. I walk over to my Mom and she says: “Don’t you ever tell your Dad.” about this. I think she enjoyed it but was a little surprised. She was known by friends as Drag Momma after that.

After that my life did not change much, smoking, cussing, drinking, partying and illegal drag racing. The one thing that I have never, never done is illegal drugs of any kind. I did have my share of tickets for speeding as most of us during that time did. I have never ever been arrested but did have to go to training class because of all the tickets. Didn't help. I just kept on doing my thing. Good thing I had a job at one of the Safeway Grocery Stores in Little Rock. Did a little bit of everything. bagging, stocking and checking folks out and helping them get their groceries out to their cars. Had to pay the tickets off.

At age 17, I joined the Navy Air as a Reservist. My Dad signed for me because I was under the age of 18. I had another year of high school before shipping out. I joined during the Viet Nam war along with several of my other male classmates. I will continue with the Viet Nam war in the next segment of my life.

I was just a teenager that knew GOD, knew JESUS but did not truly know GOD or JESUS. I feared nothing not even GOD at this phase of my life.

In this writing I believe that GOD protected me throughout my life because HE had/has something that I need to do for HIM! When HE is through with me, I hope HE will take me Home.

I am writing this in the hope that it will be an encouragement to others. That you may be encouraged to write your own testimony that will help others as they go through this life because we all have a story to tell. May GOD guide you and direct you each day and may you touch lives to the Glory of GOD.

We all have sinned, maybe more than others. Our GOD is a Loving GOD that wants us to have Faith in HIM, Trust in HIM, and never Doubting what HE and what JESUS has done for us. Always Praising GOD through WHOM all Blessings flow. I never feared anything in my life until I really got to know Our GOD and now, I do Fear HIM more than anything else, for I am counted with those who have wisdom. There is no death for me, oh death where is your sting? JESUS took the sting of death away when HE was Raised on the 3rd Day! I will leave this body, but my Spirit will be with HIM!

A few verses about Fearing GOD and being wise:

Psalm 111:10A Proverbs 1:7

Proverbs 9:10 Proverbs 10:27

Proverbs 14:26-27 Proverbs 15:33

There is so much more that could have been written. Maybe later on!

My Testimony Later Years- 17-19

My Testimony 17 Years-19 Years

Throughout my life we would go to visit my grandmother, Mama Pyland, at least twice a year. Throughout these visits I got to know a lot of the kids. On one of the visits, I met a girl, young woman, and we would see each other whenever we were at Mama Pylands. This went on for almost 2 years. When I was still in High School and had signed up to join the Navy Air Reserve program, I wanted our relationship to be more. So, I asked her to marry me. To my surprise she said Yes. This was in the spring of 1964. I had to finish school, and she still had to finish. We decided to get married after we had both finished high school and before I went on active duty. We also decided to get married in her hometown, Mama Pylands hometown as well. On May 15, 1964, we were married in the Church of Christ. The church was packed with family and friends. We did not go on a honeymoon but spent the time moving into a small house in Little Rock, Arkansas. We lived there until June 6, 1964, the date I shipped out for active duty. My wife lived with my parents during the time that I was gone on active duty.

Keep in mind at this point in time, in history, that we, United States of America, was involved in a war-Viet Nam, that was not popular with the citizens of our country. Almost every major city in our country had protests and some would become violent. Also, during this time some of those that did not volunteer were drafted. Some, Draft Dodgers, would go to Canada or Mexico to escape from having to serve in the military. Bill Clinton a former President went to Canada to avoid being drafted. Just simply put I considered them all to be cowards. If there was a draft now, can you imagine the complaining that would be going on happening.

Some of our young men and women that were serving during this time was ridiculed, called all sorts of names, spit on and some even beaten. Just because we were in the military and wanted to serve our country. Out of my Class, 1965, almost all the Seniors joined some branch of military to serve. There were several of my classmates that did not return home. They were Brave, Proud to serve and paid the ultimate price.

I hadn’t been on active duty but a week and was already missing my wife and my family and wanted to come home. I think a lot of young men and women experience this. “What Have I Gotten Myself Into?” I talked with my Dad and he had such reassuring words for me. I admit by the time my Dad finished talking with me that I was a changed young man. I held my head high from then on. Proud to be where I was. For the next few weeks, I went through some additional training. After completing the training each of us were asked. “What is your choice of duty stations?” We were given three choices- 1) serve in the States, 2) serve in another country or 3) serve on a ship. In my case it was an aircraft carrier that I really wanted to be on. I did get in a roundabout way my choice. I was sent to a Naval Base in Sanford, FL to serve in an aircraft squadron, RVAH-11. The aircraft that were flown by the pilots were known as Sky Warriors and had twin J49 engines. The primary mission was the refueling of other aircraft and they could also be used as light bombers. I had been trained as a jet engine mechanic and as a backup I learned to service the fuel cells.

I quickly became familiar with the aircraft engines, and it wasn’t long before I was helping others in the rebuilding of the engines, removing them from the aircraft as well as reinstalling the engines. I also learned how to wash an aircraft, beware the wings can become very slippery and there is nothing to grab ahold of and it is a long way to the ground, approximately 20 feet on this aircraft. Always wash from top to bottom.

Remember the three choices that I chose? I was serving in the US but not for long. I had not been in the squadron, RVAH-11, for about 2 months when we received orders that we were shipping out. We packed everything and loaded up a C-130 aircraft for our next phase of our journey. We carried our personal gear onboard the C-130 and left headed to Norfolk, VA. After landing we proceeded to unload our personal gear and the equipment we would need to service the aircraft while on board the USS Forrestal.

Once we had all of our equipment and the other squadrons had their equipment loaded onto the Forrestal, we set sail heading down the Elizabeth River toward the Atlantic Ocean. As we left the port all ship and squadron personnel lined up on either side of the flight deck saluting as we left port. I stayed on the flight deck with others as we traveled down the river. The river seemed so narrow at that time. I do not remember the physical size of the flight deck, but it seemed to reach from one shore to the next. We moved at a snail’s pace going down the river. When we finally reached the Atlantic things changed. The engines seemed to go into a super charger mode as we headed further out into the ocean. Soon we were so far that you could no longer see land. All alone in this big ocean. Just the Forrestal and a crew of a little over 5000 men. Our squadron had an all-hands meeting to get our orders. I was one of the guys with less rank than anyone else in the squadron and so I got to go spend time in the galley. I was not as bad as I thought it would be. Helping to cook and serve 5000 men three meals a day. There were three galleys. Two were for the enlisted men and either end of the ship and then the officer’s galley. I started out on a job I really liked, serving the crew. I was at the first station and passed out biscuits and bacon. I was in hog heaven. I love bacon and then with the biscuits so close by I had all I needed for a delicious bacon sandwich. I didn’t last long at that station very long and was moved to where the bacon was fried. I was still in hog heaven. I still had my bacon only without the biscuit. Unfortunately, I did not last there very long so I was moved to the food prep area. Not too bad, I love fruit, and I had to prepare fruit salads and other salads. The fruit salad was fun to make and with the fruit I got to eat my share of all types of fruit. But again, I did not last long there and was moved to peeling potatoes, fixing green vegetables. It was OK but in addition to taking care of the vegetables I was put in charge of getting rid of the garbage. Most of you are saying “Bottom of the barrel”! It wasn’t too bad at all. I got to go outside and dump the garbage over the side of the ship and spend some time looking out over the ocean, seeing the moon and stars. So many stars and at this time it was still warm even at night. On one of the days, I was outside dumping garbage I noticed several ships following us. I wasn’t to be concerned because they were flying the American flag. When I got to talk with others, I found out that there were several ships around us. A heavy Cruiser, a light Cruiser, four Destroyers and two submarines. I also found out the Forrestal was the Flag Ship for Admiral Fleming and that he was on board. My time spent away from my squadron and working in the galley was for three months. When my three months was up, I went back to my squadron.

Spending time in the squadron was something I could never have imagined. For the first time I was able to see more of the ship. I was put in the hanger deck checking out the engines and making repairs as needed. I was soon moved up in rank and was given more duties. I was trained on working on the flight deck during launches and recoveries. There were six squadrons on board. We had six aircraft, while others had up to ten aircraft each. While all squadrons had aircraft on the flight deck there were still some left in the hanger deck. We had three of our aircraft on the flight deck and we had the largest aircraft on board. All the squadrons had aircraft on the flight desk as well as the hanger deck. As aircraft were launched additional aircraft were brought up to the flight deck to be launched. So loud and so dangerous. Each aircraft had its purpose, refueling, bombing, air to air missiles, some even carried gatling guns that could fire thousands of rounds per minute. We launched day and night working in shifts to get the mission done. The squadrons were always practicing. One of the Destroyers would tow a target sled behind them and the aircraft would make runs on the target sled firing off the gatling guns and dropping bombs. Always practicing!

I was left in charge of our Maintenance shop one day. I did the usual things like cleaning the tools and storing tools but one particular day I had finished up everything I was supposed to do and just sitting there I got cup of coffee and noticed that the pot was really stained from all of the coffee being made, so I thought to myself, I will clean the coffee pot up and then make some fresh coffee for my teammates. I got the pot sparkling clean and was so proud of myself for doing such a great job. I made a fresh pot of coffee and sat back waiting for my teammates to come back to the shop. They arrived and they got coffee as expected but what I did not expect was the look on their faces and the spitting out of the coffee. Our Chief Petty Officer asked me what I had done to make such terrible coffee. I told him all I did was clean the coffee pot making it like brand new. I have never been called so many different names. My Chief Petty Officer told me that the pot had never been cleaned but only rinsed out. It had taken years for the coffee to become seasoned. I if they could have tared and feathered or thrown me overboard, I think they would have. Lesson learned-DO NOT EVER SCRUB A COFFEE POT ONLY RINCE!!!!

The great thing at this time is that we would be out on the ocean and then pull into a port for some R&R. We were more in the Mediterranean Ocean than in the Atlantic. We visited all of the countries that were accessible from the Mediterranean during our time of duty. I saw sites that I had read about in books or seen in movies. Beautiful cities, mountains, and people. But like all sailors I liked to party, and we did party. We would go to every bar and just get wasted and then stumble back to the dock so we could be taken back to the Forrestal. There was one time in Malta that we ran into some Russian sailors. They were very nice and as we talked, they did not, nor did we understand why our countries could not get along. We drank with the Russians and were all plastered. One of the Russians suggested we go visit their ship which of course we said yes, but when we got to their ship we were not allowed to board. Saw the same Russians again in Beirut, Lebanon but this time there was no invite to see their ship.

Our initial deployment was to be for nine months but was extended to eleven months due to the war in Viet Nam.

After eleven months, our tour was completed, and we headed back to the States. Once we got back, we again loaded everything onto the C-130’s and flew back to Sanford.

I think I will end this Part of my life and pick up again the story “after getting back to the States”.

But did you notice that during this entire writing I never once mentioned GOD. I never mention GOD because GOD was not apart of my life during this time. It was all about me. I made everything about me. I never Prayed. I was so wrapped up in the things of the world. Everything was good. Have you ever felt that way? Have you been so wrapped up in this world that you never gave GOD a single thought? Be honest because GOD already knows the answer. Trust in GOD for all things, Believe in HIM, have the Faith of a Mustard Seed, Rejoice in HIM through WHOM all blessings flow, never Doubting GOD, HE Loves you. HIS SON JESUS paid the price on Calvary’s Cross, taking on our sins, who Knew no sin, dying in our place and raised on the 3rd day just as JESUS said he would and because of JESUS’ Resurrection we have a home with GOD/JESUS if we BELIEVE!! DO YOU BELIEVE?? I do!!!!

My Testimony 19 Years – 42 Years

Jim Gray

My Testimony 19 Years – 42 Years

Everyone was so happy to be back at our home base in Sanford, Florida. Upon arriving back, the first choir was to unload the C130’s and get all of our equipment back to the shop and set up for work. At this time, I had been in the squadron for just a little over a year and had 30 days of leave coming.

Two weeks after we got back and settled in, I requested to take two weeks of leave. I was so ready to see my wife and family. I didn’t have the money to buy a ticket for an airplane fare, so I ended up taking the bus. Unlike airplanes that fly to one airport, and you change planes at least once and sometimes more, I was on the same bus that made several, and I do mean several stops along the route. Have you ever spent any time on a bus? It is not a fun thing to do and for almost three days I was on the bus. I was so happy to see the bus station in Little Rock. My wife picked me up and we drove to my parents’ home. Lots of hugs and kisses and that was just between me and my wife. It was so great to be back home even if it was only for a few days. Being home was pretty much what you would expect. Visiting friends and family members, just hanging out. It was a great time but just like all great things it must end. I had my own car, a black 1964 Ford Galaxy 500 convertible, and the plan was to leave three days early and just have a nice drive back to Sanford. I had already planned ahead and had rented a small house just off base that was already furnished. My wife and I loved the house. It was just the perfect size and near the base. There is always one problem that you encounter, and our problem was that the house was in the direct line of the runway from the base. Now when you are attached to a squadron you will have night flights and there was a total of 6 squadrons on our base. Every night planes would fly over and then return to base. It got to the point after a while that you didn’t even pay attention to the planes flying over.

When we, the squadron, had returned to base, we, the rest of the enlisted men, found out that we would not be working on the Sky Warrior but that all the squadrons were transitioning to the RA5C Vigilante. This was a game changer for us because we had a totally different aircraft to learn. Unlike the Sky Warrior with J49 jet engines the RA5C had twin J79 engines, larger and much more powerful. We had eleven months to learn the aircraft from one end to the other. By this time, I had made the rank of a third-class petty officer with additional responsibilities. I had a team of 3 that was assigned to an aircraft. I was considered the plane captain and was responsible for the aircraft to always be ready. One of the cool things that I got to do was when we had made repairs to an engine or to both engines, we would tow the aircraft down to an area that was called “High Power Turnup.” We would chock the plane to the ground and then start the engines. Guess who was in the cockpit? Yep! It was me. I am sitting in a multi-million-dollar aircraft at the age of 19 with all the power you could imagine. We would then hook up the power equipment, both electrical and compressor, and start the engine. I would then put the engines through different phases eventually ending up with full throttle, kicking in the afterburner. You could feel the power. It was so cool! But what was even cooler was when we fired up both engines and went through the same process. Now that was some power and here, I was in total control of the aircraft.

There was an incident at the base when a pilot from another base had dropped by for some unknown reason to me and as he was taking off, he did a roll. In other worlds he was upside down. Not sure what the pilot thought was but rather than pushing the controls in the right direction so he would pull up the aircraft he did a nosedive right into the ground.

As time went by our pilots passed all the tests and were all certified with the Vigilante as were all of the rest of the squadron so that we were a fully functional squadron ready for combat.

In May of 1967 the squadron received orders to get ready to ship out. We would once again be on the USS Forrestal and this time we would be flying the RA5C Vigilante equipped for bombing.

Because of my active-duty enlistment being so close it was decided that I would get an early release from active-duty. So, the first week of May 1967.

I had been aware of the early release and had time to look for work. I applied for work at the Boeing aircraft facility in Washington State and I also applied for work at the McDonnell-Douglas aircraft facility just outside St. Louis, MO. I had been accepted by both places but due to St. Louis being closer to home, Arkansas, I went to work there. My wife and I had already set up an arrangement for an apartment in Berkley, MO before we left Sanford, Fl. We stopped off at Little Rock to visit my parents and see some friends before heading on to Berkley.

One little piece of information you may find interesting is that while my wife and I were in Sanford for almost a year we, well she did, had a little baby boy. And that is another reason for us to stop by Little Rock before heading on to Missouri.

I started working at McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft in June 1967. I worked in the last bay where we finished putting the panels on and installed some of the electronics. I worked out on the floor for almost 6 months. There was a job opening in the design department and because of my abilities in drafting I was promoted. I would be given the drawings from the engineers and break the drawings down to the individual pieces. I did this work for about a year and then was promoted again to work much closer to with the Design Engineers. If you have ever flown with an airline that flew the DC10 aircraft, then I was one of the guys that helped in the design of the wing structure. I worked on the design of the next generation of military aircraft and even worked on the design of the space shuttle. I stayed with McDonnell-Douglas for just over three years, and we decided to move back home to Little Rock.

When we left the St. Louis area I had already been accepted to work for a fiberglass plant in Little Rock. I worked out on the shop floor making fiberglass pipe for about nine months and was promoted to running the equipment that made the pipe. While working out in the plant the plant HR department was looking for someone to fill a spot in the drafting department. I interviewed for the job and was selected to work in the drafting department. I had been in the drafting department for about four years and was promoted to be the lead over the other five draftsmen. The Engineering Department was in the front office area away from the shop floor. I was given the task of relocating the Engineering Department out into the plant. I consolidated a line and opened space along the South wall. There was enough height in the area that I was able to design a layout that was two stories high. On the bottom floor I added the A/C and Heating units, added a men’s and women’s restroom and the rest of the area I designed a meeting room that had a stage with lighting and sound as well as projection capabilities. The room holds up to sixty employees. At the very end I designed a storage area for additional tooling that was needed in the immediate area. Upstairs there were six offices for the Engineers and an area setup for six draftsmen. There was an entrance/exit at both ends of the Engineering Department

I had started college to get my degree and was promoted to Engineer. During my Engineering days I designed and built many pieces of equipment for the manufacturing of fiberglass parts. I designed equipment that was used in China, Saudi Arabia, and a couple other countries to aid in the installing of fiberglass pipe and fittings. The one thing that the people in the plant liked about my designs was that I involved them in the design and they would get credit for their input.

After nine and half years my wife and I could no longer function together. She had issues and I don’t want to admit it, but I also had issues. So, after nine and half years we were divorced. My now X-wife now has custody of our son. And that is another story that I am not willing to share at this time. It was rough to say the least!

Divorced and going to school, still young, 26. I was doing great in college. I was making A’s and a few B’s. It wasn’t 4.0 but it was high up there. I always seemed to have it easy in school or college. One day in the early fall session I was sitting in the cafeteria studying and in walked this young woman that looked completely lost. I asked her if she needed help and she told me she had a class and did not know where the classroom was located. I asked her what the class was, and it just happened to be the class that I was studying for. That day we walked to class together and every day after that. We would sit next to each other in class and study together. We became close and started dating. After about five months I asked her to marry me, and she said she would. She met my parents, and I met her mother and family. I guess I got approval from her family, and I know my parents loved her so on March 28, 1975, we were married. Not a traditional marriage and we had not really set a date. We were just wanting to talk to the preacher where my parents went to church. We met with him, and we told him about our plans, which we really did not have one. So, he simply just asked “Well what about now?” We looked at each other and with a big smile from us said OK. All we needed was a couple of witnesses. The only ones we could come up with in a hurry were my parents. We called my parents and asked if they would be our witnesses. They were excited and came to the church building. When they arrived, the preacher went through the words and the “I Do’s” and we were married. My parents wanted to take us out to eat and we ended up going to Western Sizzlin on Baseline Road. We had no plans for a Honeymoon, so we just drove up the road and found a motel. We got to our room, and it was such an eerie feeling, just downright cold. I was carrying a 357-magnum revolver, and we were both a little on the frightened side, so we went down and told the guy at the desk we weren’t staying and left. We just drove and ended up in Conway, Arkansas. We found the Holiday Inn and spent the night there. We both had to be back at work on Monday, so we returned to Little Rock and went to the house that I owned. We got all of her moved in and lived there for about six months and then decided we did not want to live there so we bought a house in West Little Rock.

My wife, Betty, that’s my wife’s name, had a friend that lived on the other side of Greenbrier, Arkansas that had kittens and my Dear Wife wanted a kitten, so we drove up past Greenbrier to pick up a kitten, got there and there are several kittens to choose from. My wife saw this one little kitten that she just had to have BUT there was a problem. This kitten had formed a bond with one of the other kittens, and the two needed to stay together. Now I have a brand-new wife that I dearly love, and I am not about to say NO! We ended up taking both kittens. We get home and put the kittens down and “Bam” they are gone. We did not see them the rest of that day nor did we see them the following day. They were eating and using the litter box, so we were OK. The next morning, on the third day, we woke up and one of the kittens is above her head and the other one above my head. The kittens had made their choice. The kitten above my wife’s head we named her Sam, short for Samantha, and the other female we named Sassy.

My wife worked at Southwestern Bell Telephone during this time as a secretary and she used rubber fingers to help separate the pages. It didn’t take long until the kittens were in her purse and getting the rubber fingers out to play with. It was so funny just to watch them play.

After the kittens had grown up both got pregnant. We set up a place for them in two of our closets. One for Sam and the other for Sassy. When it was time for birth Sassy had her baby’s first. Five little kittens of various colors make and models. I don’t know who the dad or dads were, but they sure were cute. Sam and Sassy and the five baby kittens stayed in the closet we had set up for Sassy. Three days later Sam has her litter of kittens, five in all. We placed them in the closet that we had set up for Sam. The next morning, we woke up and all ten kittens, Sam and Sassy, were all in the same closet. We just left it alone. They seemed perfectly happy. Sams kittens were like Sassy’s, all different shades of colors and sizes. I think they all had the same dad or daddies.

Now all during this time my wife is with child. The week before the baby was due my parents said they would take care of Sam, Sassy and the ten kittens. Now my parents were not cat lovers, so they were going above and beyond the call of duty. During this time my wife gave birth to a bouncing little baby boy. When it was time to take our son home, we had a tough decision to make. When I was younger there was a couple that went to church where my parents went. They had a baby girl and a cat. One night, for some unknown reason the cat scratched the baby’s eye, and the baby lost her sight in that eye. We were frightened that this could also happen to our son, and this was not something we were willing to risk. My parents were able to find homes for the cats and kittens. Shortly after the birth of our son we decided we wanted something better for him and for us. We decided to move to Conway. We found a house that was in the process of being built, made an offer and the over was accepted. The person that was having the house built also had duplexes for rent and he was able to set us up in one until the house was completed. We moved in the fall of 1977 into our new home on Manor Street in Conway, AR.

In the late summer of 1979, my wife was with child. In May of 1980 our second son was born. We lived in the house on Manor Street for almost sixteen years.

Again, as you read this you will find not a mention of GOD or JESUS. Nothing!! I was a man unto himself. I have a family and take care of that family, but I was not the GODLY leader I should have been. I was not the one to take my family to church. I was not the one who would read the Bible to them. I was not there for my family the way GOD wanted me to be. My family deserved to have a Spiritual Leader, and they did not have that in me. I was a sinner, and I didn’t care. I guess really all I cared about was me and my needs being met. Looking back at it now, I was a very, very selfish person and my family deserved better!!

My Testimony – 42 Years Old– 77 Years Old

The years I have been waiting for. This may be my shortest or the longest writing, but it will be filled with many surprises.

As I left off, I mentioned that my wife, Betty, was with child. On May 6, 1980, our second son was born. At this time, we were still living in the home on Manor Street.

As our sons grew my wife would take them to church while I worked a second job as a credit card specialist to make ends meet. I was still working at the fiberglass plant in Little Rock during this time. On Sundays when I wasn’t working my wife would ask me to go to church with them. I refused most of the time but did go a few times. I didn’t really listen to the sermons or sing. I just sat there with arms folded wishing I was somewhere else. I carried a big chip on my shoulders and for the life of me I do not know why! My heart just wasn’t right, and I was filled with so much pity for myself. During this time, I was also filled with so much anger. I didn’t know why, I was just an angry man. I remember that everything had to be about me and my feelings. Don’t get me wrong, I took care of my family and provided everything they needed except I was not there for them.

In the fall of 1989, I woke up on a Saturday morning, I was 42 years old at this time, and everything changed. It was like I got slapped upside the head and I could see so clearly my life and what I had done up to this point in my life. My sinful life filled my heart, and I knew my sins so clearly. I felt so much shame and anger, but I knew in my heart that things had to change. I gathered up my wife and sons and made an announcement that shocked all three. I told them that the next day, which was Sunday, that we were going to church and I wasn’t for sure just where, but we were going as a family.

In 1995 we moved into the house that we, I, presently occupy. During this time, I was also a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for Faulkner County. You never know what is truly going on in your county until you become a law officer. It was bad but still not as bad as some of the other counties. I made several trips out of state to pick up prisoners. On one trip in particular, I was sent to Hamilton, Ohio to pick up a prisoner. The car I was driving had all the markings you would expect on a patrol car. As I was entering the city of Hamilton, there were motorcycles coming towards me and not just a few but well over a hundred. It was a motorcycle gang, and I must say that I was just a little frightened. When I got to the Sheriff’s Office, I told them about want I had encountered with the motorcycle gang. They just stood there and smiled. Then the Lieutenant told me that each year the city is filled with motorcycles from various gangs. They had a place in town where they would all go to and hang out, get drunk, fight, etc., but they would always pay for the damage. They would stay for a week and then leave, but the true reason they were all there was to raise money for the Children’s Hospital. The Lieutenant told me they would raise over a million dollars each year for the hospital. After that I had a totally different opinion of Motorcycle Gangs, still a little bit wary, but I could see the good in those that all we see is bad. Sometimes we judge before knowing the whole story. It is not our place to judge.

Sunday came and we went to a non-denomination church on Dave Ward Drive. The Preacher was a young man with a powerful voice, and he knew the scriptures backwards and forwards. We made this our church home. After about a year I decided that I needed to be baptized. Remember when in my earlier years I was baptized but for all the wrong reasons. This time it was real. I was so happy, so filled with love and desiring to serve our GOD/JESUS. We never missed Sunday morning, Sunday night or Wednesday night. During this time there were more churches that met three times a week, unlike in today’s world. The church had a choir which I joined even though I could not carry a tune in a bucket, but no one seemed to mind. We had been going there to church for several years and there was an opening for a Deacon. I was asked to serve, and I did. I was put in charge of the classrooms and during the summer I was over the VBS program. Now I was doing a great job according to everyone, but there was a problem. According to 2 Timothy 3:12 – Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, and good managers of their children and their households. Remember back in the last testimony I made mention of my first wife and that we had been divorced. We were not divorced because of adultery, but we just had differences that caused a division between us that led to the divorce. I should have stepped down, but I didn’t. I never told anyone, and it has been kept quiet until now. Of course, GOD knew for there is nothing hidden from GOD. I have asked for forgiveness of this sin, and I know that I have been forgiven through our LORD JESUS.

We continued going to church even when the preacher announced that he was leaving and starting a new church. Of course, this caused a division and some of the congregation left. I was excited for the preacher to start a new ministry in Conway, and I made known my joy for him and the others. My family and I stayed on to continue serving, but there came a time when much more trouble was brewing. Some of the congregation was so upset that a fight almost broke out. That was the last night that we went to that church.

We left that church and ended up going to the church that our previous preacher had started. Same great sermons and singing of the old hymns. I really enjoyed going there. We stayed there for several years. A problem took place with a member and in my understanding of the scripture we decided it was time for us to find another church home, because of the way the problem was handled did not line up with scripture as I understood the scripture.

We visited around and found another church home. I got involved in and helped in areas that I could. During the weeks before Thanksgiving churches from all over Conway would gather up shoe boxes to send to children around the world. Between our congregation and the others there would be two huge trailers filled with shoe boxes each year. The shoe boxes would be filled with small toys and other items for the children as well as information about GOD/JESUS for the parents. Another program that was going on was feeding those in need around the world. There would be boxes of food prepared and shipped to other countries but also there were some that were shipped to areas in our country to help the poor and homeless.

The one thing the preacher would do was to present to us during his sermons his own thoughts of what was being said and would make additional remarks. I would sometimes question the preacher if I did not understand what he was saying in the lesson, so I would approach him after the service was over to ask questions to get a clearer understanding of what he had said. Then the preacher started mentioning statements by others that had written about different topics in the Bible, Other men that I did not know and if I did not understand I could not engage them in finding out what they meant. And I had a problem with that. If I do not understand I will ask for clarification so that I might understand fully. I believe that if we do not understand something we are to ask those that are shepherding the flock to get a better understanding. GOD wants us to know all about HIM and JESUS and some of us, me, do not have a complete understanding.

I have not lost my Faith and Trust in our GOD since that morning, fall of 1989, that I was slapped upside the head and awaken to the fact that I was, and still am, a sinner. I am Loved, filled with joy knowing that one day soon I will be going HOME! GOD has been so good to me and has blessed me more than I can understand.

What I am about to write no one knows and my sons only recently found out, but I never graduated high school, however I did get my GED from the State of Missouri while I was on board the USS Forrestal. I passed the SAT score in the top 5% and went to college. I did not graduate college but met the woman of my dreams and dropped out after finishing my sophomore year.

NOW for the big shocker. GOD has done so much for me and everything that I have done in my life was, I Believe, GOD was leading down the path to where I am today. GOD has blessed me with understanding and knowledge and because of GOD I became a Mechanical Design Engineer. I have designed many pieces of equipment that were used here in the States but also in other countries. Not only was I a Mechanical Design Engineer but I was also blessed with the knowledge of architecture design and designed several manufacturing buildings or added onto existing buildings. I have also done electrical programming of equipment using both ladder logic design and computer programming. I was also blessed with knowledge of Civil Engineering, roadways. I have designed aircraft parts used in both Military and Civilian aircraft. I was one of the Engineers that helped design and build the first Space Shuttle at McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft as well as the next generation of military aircraft, F14, at that time. GOD has Blessed me so much in giving me all that I needed to do the things that I have done in my life.

I was raised by a Dad and Mom that taught us to always be respectful to others and to work as unto the LORD in everything that we did in life. I have retired 4 times, and I really do not like retirement. I need to stay busy doing something. At 78 years of age, I wanted to tell the story of my life without GOD and my life with GOD. I have finished my Testimony for all to read. Nothing has been hidden, nothing made up. These are the facts as I remember them. There was so much more but I limited myself to the things that stood out as my life changed.

I have thought about going back to work at the age of 78 and I can work as a contractor, but I think it is time for me to hang up the spurs of my old life and begin another. I Hope and Pray that I can be useful at my final resting place with my new church family if they want me. Please want me!

I am not shy, just don't have a lot to say, especially since I have finally retired-retired. This is the 4th time that I have retired but I think maybe age is finally catching up with me. I have never lead singing or Prayed in front of a congregation. I do sing or mumble to myself and I do have a Pray Closet that I use at least twice a day. I have a relationship with GOD, JESUS and the HOLY GHOST. Before Jason I always thought that when I received the HOLY GHOST that something would happen on the inside, but it never did. Thankful for GOD's Shepard I do have a better understanding. I will eventually remember my New Families names. I will be forever grateful that GOD lead Andy and me to "By Chance" meet at Walmart.

I was just a plain old Southern boy that grew up wild and not caring but our GOD made me who I am today. I am a Child of GOD ALMIGHTY! Loved more than I deserve, Blessed more than I should be and Saved because of our LORD JESUS CHRIST!

AMEN!

My Testimony – 77 Years Old– 78 Years Old

We as humans make up a lot of excuses for not doing something. The excuse I want to touch on is the excuse that so many have for NOT GOING TO CHURCH! It’s so easy for us to make up so many different excuses. I am guilty. For years I was faithful to attend every service, Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night. Then one day I decided that because I was working and that I would get up early to go to work that I would just cut out going on Wednesday night. That worked out pretty good for me but then I got to thinking about Sunday night and because I had to get up early for work on Monday mornings that I would just skip going to church on Sunday nights. So, for several years I just went on Sunday mornings. I was getting preached too and partook of the LORD’s Supper and was able to give back to GOD a portion of the money that HE Graciously provided me with. Everything was GOOD!! Right??? I want leave you hanging. Just keep reading.

Well then, this past year my wife, Betty, got sick but I kept on working because we needed the insurance plus, I really enjoy working. Yea I know I was thinking about my needs as well. I had always told my wife that I would never put her into a Nursing Home. We were Blessed to have Hospice to help me take care of my wife. They were Great!! My Wife finally got to a point in her illness, Dementia, that I had to go ahead and retire, which I hate retirement, so July 31, 2024, I retired, and I also quit going to church altogether because my wife needed me to be with her. On February 20, 2025, my wife of almost 50 years, March 28 would have been 50 years, passed away in her sleep. My sons were with me. I was OK! I expected my wife to be taken and be at rest. No more suffering!!! My grieving came later, and it was a rough time for me. I did not really say anything to my sons or anyone else, It was just GOD and me and our Baby. Baby is a black and white cat that our Granddaughters gave to my wife because my wife just loved the cat so much. I almost forgot but when my wife was sick Baby would sleep with her and love her. Animals are so loving!

After my wife’s passing, I DID NOT return to church. I made up excuses that at the time made sense to me. It always does when the devil is so close. I was using the excuse that the preachers were not speaking out about what is going on in our country with men wanting to be women and women wanting to be men. Men marrying men and women marrying women. I used the excuse that the preachers were only tickling my EARS and weren’t condemning the things that I think is wrong in today’s world. I was invited to go to church with my family (in-laws) this past Easter Sunday. I went and that was the best thing that could have happened to me. I got to talk with my in-law about what I was going through and with his wisdom, that GOD has given him, I was awakened to the fact that I was only using excuses for not going back to church. I am so ashamed of myself! GOD has and continues to be so good to me. I am in the best health for a 78-year-old. GOD Blesses me more and more and shows me HIS love every day. I am Loved by the CREATOR of ALL Things. I am so amazed by what GOD has and continues to do for me. I am at peace with my life. I have NO NEEDS for anything on this Earth. I want my Life to reflect me being more and more like JESUS and nothing like this World. GOD pulled up out of the darkness of this world into the Light of HIS SON JESUS and I will never go back to my old life. I am born of man and I am a Sinner BUT I am a Saved Sinner because of what my LORD JESUS did, not just for me but you as well, on Calvary. HE took our sins and died for our sins and was buried and Halleluiah HE is Risen. JESUS conquered death. There is no more sting in death but a rejoicing for all that have been Saved and are now the Children of GOD. Praise HIM!!!

One day back in April I had a “By Chance Meeting” with a friend of mine that I had worked with at Snap-On Tooling in Conway. Andy and I exchanged pleasantries and then I remember telling him I was looking for a church home where I could hear GOD’s word preached and worship services in the mornings and then again on Sunday nights and had a bible study on Wednesday nights. He told me about where he and Victoria were going and that I was invited to come check things out. I told him I would think about it. When I went home, I could not get out of my mind what Andy had said, and I was wanting to find out for myself. On Saturday the 3rd of May I printed off a map of how to get to Oppelo, AR, were ever that was. I headed out taking highway 60 because the map showed that to be the shortest distance and time. I have not been that lost in years. After about 45 minutes I was at the crossroads of highway 113 and highway 9. Stopped at the store at the intersection and asked directions to Oppelo. I followed the directions the young woman told me and about ten minutes later I was in Oppelo another five minutes, and I was setting in the driveway of the church building. I just knew there had to be an easier way to get from there to here. So, I followed highway 9 to Morrilton and got onto Interstate 40 heading East. It took me 20 minutes to get from the church parking lot to the first Conway exit (124). Andy had told me that the service starting time was at 9:30 AM so I got up around 8 AM on Sunday morning taking Interstate 40. I arrived at the parking lot at 9:15AM. Was met by some nice folks and went on it and found Andy. I sat with Andy and Victoria during the service and had a wonderful meal after the first service. This particular Sunday the congregation was having singing (Worship Service). I love the old Hymns and that is what we sang even though I can’t carry a tune in a bucket. When my wife and I went to church she would slide down to the other end of the pew to keep from hearing me-now that is bad.

I have been going to every service, and I have enjoyed learning more about our LORD JESUS and the singing. I sit in the pew just in front of Andy and Victoria. I do believe I have found my church home. The preaching is great and to the point while making it fun to learn more about GOD/JESUS and The HOLY SPIRIT. What was really surprising to me is the way the young men, teenagers, participate in leading the worship service and leading the congregation in Prayer. A very special group of young men and young women help in leading not only in service but in teaching the Word to others.

As I said about Andy and I met “By Chance Meeting”. There is no such thing as a By Chance Meeting. GOD has a plan for me, and this was a pre-arranged meeting arranged by GOD!! Thank YOU, FATHER for Leading, me to this House of worship!

Now If I just remember everyone’s name.

This is the end of my story at this time BUT I am still here and I will still be a sinner BUT Our GOD Loves me so much that my life's story does not end today. Not sure how much longer I will be in this world BUT I do believe I will be here until GOD is finished with me.

Messages

May 6, 2025 - Psalm 77:7-10

Psalm 77:7-10

7 Will the Lord cast off forever? and will he be favourable no more?

8 Is his mercy clean gone forever? doth his promise fail for evermore?

9 Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah.

10 And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.

If we feel forgotten by GOD, it is only us that has forgotten.

May 7, 2025 - Psalm 84:10-12

Psalm 84:10-12

10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

To be in the House of GOD as a servant is better than being elsewhere without GOD!

May 8, 2025 - Psalm 86:8-10

Psalm 86:8-10

8 Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.

9 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.

10 For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.

There are no other gods BUT Only the GOD of All Creation. We sometimes get wrapped up with others here on Earth because they are somehow important to us, and we make them out to be something they are not. If you have a talent, it is a talent that GOD has Blessed you with. Do Not Praise or Worship those that have made a name for themselves here on Earth. Praise GOD and GOD Only!!!

May 9, 2025 - Psalm 90:10-12

Psalm 90:10-12

10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

11 Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.

12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

We do not know how long we will live. Only GOD knows. Live each day as if it was your last day. Extension of life is a mixed Blessing. I, for one, would rather be with GOD!

May 10, 2025 - Psalm 92:1-2

Psalm 92:1-2

1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High:

2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,

Praise GOD always! GOD Loves us as undeserving as we are GOD still Loves us!

May 11, 2025 - Psalm 95:1-7a

Psalm 95:1-7a

1 O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

3 For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.

5 The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.

6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.

7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

SING!! Lift our Voices up to GOD who has redeemed us through HIS SON JESUS CHRIST!!

May 12, 2025 - Psalm 100

Psalm 100

1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endures to all generations.

Throughout the Book of Psalms, we are told to always be Praising GOD with our voices or maybe just in our mind. There is no excuse not to Praise GOD! I can not carry a tune in a bucket but I sing or hum the words in my mind and not bother anyone and that in itself is a blessing to those around me.

May 13, 2025 - Psalm 103:12-13

Psalm 103:12-13

12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.

Just Pray! Ask for forgiveness and our sins will be forgiven, to be remembered no more.

May 14, 2025 - Psalm 104:31-34

Psalm 104:31-34

31 The glory of the Lord shall endure forever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works.

32 He looked on the earth, and it trembled: he touched the hills, and they smoke.

33 I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

34 My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.

GOD rejoices in HIS Creation. We live in a fallen world because of sin and the world is cursed YET if we believe. Place our Faith and Trust in our GOD HE will rejoice in us HIS Creation, Children!

May 15, 2025 - Psalm 106:1-3

Psalm 106:1-3

1 Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endures forever.

2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? who can shew forth all his praise?

3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.

Again, the theme is to Praise GOD and to live a righteous life. Do we?

May 16, 2025 - Psalm 107:1-3

Psalm 107:1-3

1 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endures forever.

2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.

We may sometimes think that we are the only Christians on Earth in our country, but we’re not. There are many more scattered throughout the World that Believe, Trust in GOD and have Faith. Some of them are persecuted even killed because of the name of JESUS. Yet they Worship! If we were being persecuted in our country even unto death would we still Believe, Trust have Faith in our GOD?

May 16, 2025 - Thankful

THANKFULLNESS

1st I am Thankful for GOD and for HIS SON JESUS CHRIST

2nd I am Thankful that GOD Loves me so much that HE pulled me up out of the darkness of this world into the Light of HIS SON JESUS

3rd I am Thankful being a sinner GOD and JESUS provided me with Forgiveness through JESUS.

4th I am thankful for JESUS Resurrection and what it means.

5th I am Thankful that I still live in a Country where I can Worship freely without fear.

6th I am Thankful for the Family that I have been Blessed with, my Sons, Kirk & Kris, my Daughter Sara, my Daughter Holly, my Grandchildren and my Great Grandchildren.

7th I am Thankful for my Wife of almost 50 years. Passed away on 2/20/25 would have been 50 years on 3/28/25.

8th I am Thankful for the strength that GOD gives me each day.

9th I am Thankful for the understanding that GOD Blesses me with.

10th I am Thankful for the TEAM GOD has Blessed me with at work.

11th I am Thankful for Billy, Jay, Doug for putting up with this “OLD MAN”.

12th I am Thankful for the Friends that I have the privilege of working with.

13th I am Thankful for my Adopted Grandsons, Grand-daughters, Sons, and Daughters that GOD has Blessed me with at work.

14th I am Rich because of those that I have the Honor to love and to be loved.

15th I am Thankful for the Life that GOD has showered on me.

16th I am Thankful for the Heart that GOD has given me.

17th I am Thankful for the Road that I now travel.

18th I am Thankful for the Family that I have in other parts of the world that are Fellow Brothers and Sisters In CHRIST.

19th I am Thankful that GOD has provided all that I need.

20th I AM THANKFUL

Jim Gray

May 17, 2025 - Psalm 111:10

Psalm 111:10

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do HIS commandments; HIS praise endures forever.

Do we really Fear GOD? We should know by now what GOD can do our souls. Do we have a good knowledge of HIS word? Our choice-Heaven or the lake of fire? Teach your children so that they may know and not doubt in GOD! GOD loves us more than we will ever truly understand because HE sent HIS SON to earth so that we have forgiveness but also we have salvation through our LORD JESUS!

May 18, 2025 - Psalm 112:1-6

Psalm 111:10

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do HIS commandments; HIS praise endures forever.

May 18, 2025 - My Prayer

Thank You JESUS for All that You have done for me!! I am at peace. YOU gave me strength and understanding. YOUR Love surrounds me and I rejoice in YOU! Without YOU I am nothing BUT with YOU I have all of that is required for each day! I Rejoice knowing that one day soon I will be with you! My Prayer is that ALL of my Family and Friends would Truly KNOW YOU and not just know who you are. Even the demons know you but they will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity. Those of us that TRULY KNOW YOU will be with YOU for ALL Eternity. I am YOURS and Pray that I am a Good Servant. That YOU will use me to tell others about YOU and GOD our FATHER. Give me words to speak and words to write! I give myself freely to YOU to be used by YOU in anyway that you desire to use me even unto death. Help me with my lack of Faith-Increase my Faith. I Trust in YOU for ALL things!! I am rich because of what YOU have done for me and the World. Open up the Hearts of those that may know YOU but do not TRULY KNOW YOU that they may also be filled with Great Joy, Peace and Understanding that goes beyond our imagination. Bring Peace to those that have lost Loved Ones that they may rejoice in being apart of their lives for the time they had here on Earth! Remove the grief that so many feel and bring fond memories of those that have gone on before us. Please shield us from the evil that surrounds us that we may have peace while here on this Earth. Things will happen to us and we may not understand WHY, but it is ALL in your perfect plan. We are not guaranteed a life without problems. We as Humans bring so many of the problems on ourselves and then want to blame YOU when we face those trials. If we would come to YOU, YOU would guide us and bring us through any trial that we encounter. YOU are my GOD and I rejoice in YOU for YOU have Blessed me beyond measure. I am RICH not by the way the World thinks of riches BUT because of the LOVE YOU have for me and the Love I have for others. Lead me to those that are in need of help that I may be a Blessing to them and that YOU will receive the GLORY!! Forgive me where I have failed YOU and been displeasing thinking of self only! All I Pray in the name of JESUS!! AMEN

May 19, 2025 - Psalm 115:13-15

Psalm 115:13-15

13 He will bless them that fear the Lord, both small and great.

14 The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children.

15 Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth.

GOD Blesses those of us that Fear HIM. We will have everything that we truly need to survive on this Earth for we are Blessed.

May 20, 2025 - Psalm 116:5-9

Psalm 115:13-15

5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

6 The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.

8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

9 I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

Even in our darkest hours GOD is always with us!

May 21, 2025 - Psalm 118:8

Psalm 118:8

8 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

This is the verse that is in the center of GOD’s word. This verse says so much, it is short and to the point. Always Trust in GOD. GOD will never mislead you but will keep you on the path that leads to HIM! Can you say that about anyone else? Do not trust man but GOD! How many times have men (women) misled you or guilted you into believing that they have your best interest only to fail you and bring disappointment to you? GOD never will. GOD is always looking out for us and loves us more than we deserve.

May 22, 2025 - Psalm 118:24

24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Rejoice in each day for it is another day that GOD has given to us to tell others about JESUS!!

May 23, 2025 - Psalm 119:43-48

43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.

44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.

45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.

46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings and will not be ashamed.

47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.

48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

Trust, Obey and Love the word of GOD. It will never mislead us but will lead us to GOD our FATHER and to JESUS our LORD!!

May 24, 2025 - Psalm 119:105

105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

We are never in darkness for we have the Word of GOD to guide us!

May 25, 2025 - Psalm 119:171-175

171 My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.

172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.

173 Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.

174 I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight.

175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.

GOD’s Word gives us hope and brings peace to us.

May 25, 2025 - GOD's Knowledge Of Us

GOD’S KNOWLEDGE OF US

Contemplating God’s abiding presence with, and knowledge of man, David wrote, “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it” (Psalm 139:1-6). God’s knowledge of us is even far greater than our knowledge of ourselves. This fact can be the source of both comfort and fear as we contemplate such knowledge on the part of God.

Such knowledge in the hands of anyone else would be a dangerous thing but knowing that “God is love” (1John 4:8) and that He is “not willing that any should perish” (2Pet. 3:9), can give us comfort in His knowledge of us. First, God knows our physical needs and promises to provide for those needs when we truly seek Him first (Matt. 6:25-33). Secondly, God knows our spiritual needs and is willing to fulfill them for all who seek Him. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matt. 7:7).

Thirdly, we can take comfort that God knows our good intentions. Oftentimes we make decisions that are a matter of judgment and do things with good intentions that turn out all wrong. While others, especially those who are affected by our decision, may see only the harm done, we can take comfort in the fact that God knows our hearts and understands our good intentions.

While at times there is certainly great comfort in God’s knowledge of us, at other times His knowledge can be a source of fear. While God is indeed love, He is also holy (Rev. 4:8) and righteous (Psa. 119:137) and hates wickedness (Psa. 45:7). We often like to think of ourselves far better than we truly are. We think our “secret” sins do not count against our character because no one else knows of them. God knows! We cannot hide from God. David asked, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? (Psa. 139:7). His answer in the next five verses is simple: nowhere! Paul tells us, “God will judge the secrets of men” (Rom. 2:16).

Lastly, just as God knows our good intentions, He also knows our evil intentions. While disingenuous good behavior may fool those around us, if our intentions are evil, God will know. Our behaviors are important, but our motives are equally important (see Matt. 6:1, 5, 16). Doing good things for the praise of men, to gain some advantage for ourselves, or to deceive others is sin in the sight of God. The Hebrew writer warns us, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Heb. 4:12-13).

Comfort in God’s knowledge of us comes through earnestly and sincerely seeking to do His will. Let us share the attitude of David who said, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psa. 139: 23-24).

by: Tim Butler

May 26, 2025 - Psalm 120:1-3

1 In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me.

2 Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

3 What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?

How small is our tongue but it can bring us so many problems! So watch your tongue and think before speaking!

May 27, 2025 - Psalm 121:1-3

Psalm 121:1-3

1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

So where does your help come from? We sometimes forget to ask GOD for guidance before making a decision and end up failing. Then who do we blame for that failure? GOD! GOD did not fail us; we failed ourselves because we did not seek guidance from GOD.

May 28, 2025 - Psalm 130:1-5

1 Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord.

2 Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

3 If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

5 I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

Through our LORD JESUS CHRIST there is forgiveness for us that believe, trust and have faith in!

May 29, 2025 - Psalm 139:1-6

1 O lord, thou hast searched me and known me.

2 Thou knowest my down sitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

3 Thou compasses’ my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.

5 Thou hast beset me behind and before and laid thine hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

There is nothing hidden from GOD. HE knows even before we do what it is that we will do.

May 29, 2025 - 99.9%

Competitive excellence requires 100% all of the time. If there is any doubt in your mind, try maintaining excellence by setting your standards at less than 100%, say 92% or even 95%.If an athlete does not give 100% effort in the sport that he or she may be competing in, chances are that they will never be winners. They will always come up short of achieving that goal of winning. The same holds true in our work places, if you don’t give 100% to your work, while at work, you will probably be replaced by someone who puts out that extra little bit of effort to do a better job for the company. If everyone at work only did 95% of what they could be doing, how long do you think it would take the competition to take away your company’s share of the market area and drive your company out of business? You want to stay in business very long if you or your employees do not give 100%.

Now let us consider 99.9%. You cannot get much closer to 100% than that unless you carry the decimal out further. You must admit that it is pretty good. A researcher by the name of Natalie Gabal did a study, this study took place several years ago but while the numbers may have changed the implication of “What if is still there, on “WHAT IF 99.9% WAS GOOD ENOUGH.” In her study, she concluded the following:

Now if you were satisfied with 99.9% over a period of one year there would be 2,000,000 documents lost by the IRS, one of these documents could be your tax refund.

In addition, if you were having a pacemaker operation and the doctors operating on were satisfied with 99.9%. The .1% in a year’s time would calculate out to be 291 pacemaker operations that would have been performed incorrectly. How would you like to be one of those whose doctor was satisfied with 99.9%.

Every year if 99.9% was good enough for your doctor 20,000 incorrect drug prescriptions would be written and if 99.9% were good enough for your pharmacist 20,000 in correct drug prescriptions would be filled. You could be one of those receiving a prescription drug that would not help you and could even cause death if 99.9% was good enough. I suggest you double-check your medicine before you leave the Pharmacy.

Now if that is not enough how would you like to be one of the 114,500 people that could receive a mismatched pair of shoes if 99.9% was good enough.

Parents did you know that if 99.9% was good enough, everyday there would be 12 babies given to the wrong parents. Just imagine everyday 12 babies given to the wrong parents. Scary to think you could have the wrong kid. When the kid gets to be a teenager there are some parents that know they did get the wrong kid!!

We have all seen the commercials on TV that talks about a cleanser that really does a great job cleaning. In the commercial, you see a young boy, who is making a sandwich, a mother who is in the kitchen talking with a salesperson about the germs on her counter top. The salesperson tells her that her cleanser that she is using is not doing the job it should be. That it is not killing the germs on the counter top. The salesperson goes on to tell the woman that his cleanser does kill the germs. You see the mother quickly grab the young boy’s sandwich and places on the other counter top. She is so proud of herself from saving her son from all of those awful germs. Then you hear this voice say that the cleanser kills up to 99.9% of the germs. Now I do not know what the mother is thinking, but I can tell you this, I do not want my sandwich on that side of the counter top either.

Now that we have learned a little bit about percentages let’s talk a little about “JUSTIFICATION”.

Just what is “Justification”? JUSTIFICATION is the Sovereign Act of “GOD” whereby “HE” Declares Righteous the Believing sinner while that person is still in a sinning State.

GOD doesn’t suddenly make us righteous because we still sin.

God Declares Us Righteous!

How Righteous does GOD Declare US? GOD Declares us 100% Righteous, not 99.9% BUT 100%!

When you consider just how sinful humanity is, the fact that “GOD” declares, those of us who are Believer’s, Righteous is Remarkable!

For “GOD”, “JESUS” to Love us that much! Now just sit back and think about that for a moment!

Truly amazing! And all we must do is, Upon Believing in “JESUS CHRIST’S, substitutionary Death and Bodily Resurrection, The Once Lost Sinner, Unconditionally, and Permanently “Declared 100% Righteous”.

Anything less than believing in “JESUS CHRIST” death and resurrection and we are not righteous. We are less than 100%. We might be 99.9% in our eyes, but in “GODS” eyes we have fallen short.

Isaiah 1:18 says, “Come now, and let us reason together, “says the LORD, Though Your Sins are Scarlet, they will be as white as snow;

What if we had been declared 99.9% righteous, Isaiah 1:18 would have to be rewritten to read, “Come now, and let us reason together, “says the LORD, Though Your Sins are Scarlet, they will be light pink;

Listen to what John the Baptist has to say about JESUS and our sins, John 1:29, “Behold the LAMB of GOD who takes away the sins of the world.” Not just some of the sins of the world, but all of the sins of the world.

However, there is something that we must do to have our sins forgiven.

1 John 1:9 tells us “If we confess our sins, HE is Faithful and Righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all Unrighteousness.”

What must we do? Confess our sins!

What will happen if we confess our sins? “HE, Who? GOD is faithful and righteous to FORGIVE us our sins.

All sins that are confessed will be forgiven, not part of our sins but all our sins, 100%.

GOD gave HIS SON as a sacrifice for us. 2 Corinthians 5:21, tells us, HE mad HIM who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the Righteousness of GOD in HIM.”

JESUS was sinless, yet JESUS received the sins of the world. Our sins! WHY?

So that we might become the righteousness of GOD in HIM.

This is the heart of the gospel: the sinless SAVBIOR, our LORD, JESUS CHRIST has taken away our sins so that we might be righteous before GOD our FATHER.

What a great LOVE JESUS has for us!

To suffer, to have GOD the FATHER turned HIS back on HIS OWN SON.

JESUS could have come down from the cross at any time but because of HIS great love for us and because it was the Will of the FATHER, HE stayed and suffered.

HE was severely beaten, He was scourged, HE was cursed, and HE was mocked.

While upon the cross, the people were yelling out “If you are the Son of GOD save Yourself.”

YES JESUS could have saved HIMSELF. HE could have said enough is enough, they are not worth it!

Yet throughout all the pain and suffering that JESUS went through, JESUS showed HIS GREAT LOVE for us!

JESUS knew that HE was the only way that we would ever have forgiveness of our sins. JESUS knew that HE was the only way that we would ever be able to obtain our salvation!

In Luke 23:34 JESUS showed great compassion and love on those that were around HIM. In that verse JESUS prayed a short, but powerful prayer, JESUS said, “FATHER , forgive them for they know not what they do.” Those that were there did not understand that they had just crucified the “SON OF GOD”.

JESUS prayed another prayer while upon the CROSS, a very personal prayer: In John 20:30 it is recorded, “When JESUS therefore had received the vinegar, HE said, “IT IS FINISHED!” and HE bowed HIS head and gave up the ghost.” A simple prayer, BUT it said it all. JESUS told GOD the FATHER that HE had completed all that HE had been sent to accomplish. JESUS finished it ALL. Not just a part, BUT ALL. 100%!! The ransom that was required for OUR SINS was paid in FULL. It wasn’t charged to be paid later, but paid in full that day upon a CROSS, just outside Jerusalem, on a hillside called Golgotha!

Unlike the race that we have for excellence in our workplace or in our business or excellence we try to achieve in our lives, the race for sin had to have a finish line. If there had not been a finish line JESUS would have said “It is Almost Finished”. JESUS would have left us hanging with no hope for Salvation, But JESUS and GOD the FATHER loves us so much. JESUS di complete the work that GOD the FATHER sent HIM to accomplish and because of that we have a choice to make. Either place your Faith and Trust in JESUS and be saved OR you can reject HIM and be lost. It’s our choice, our decision, no one else can do it for us. We will have NO ONE to blame but OURSELVES!!

JESUS did it all for US!! IF JESUS had paid only 99.9% of the debt of sin, not one of us would have a chance of having our sins forgiven or getting into Heaven to receive our, yours and mine, Inheritance.

For years, Ivory soap has stated that it is 99 & 44/100% pure. Ivory soap is not 100% pure! There is something missing from the Ivory soap. We don’t know what is missing, but the creator of Ivory soap does.

There are certain things missing in my own life. I know what some of things that are missing in my life with CHRIST. Just a few of the things that are missing are:

I do not serve CHRIST by serving others, as I should.

I do not visit those that are sick as I should.

I do not pray as I should.

I do not study GOD’s word as I should.

I do not help those that are in need as I should.

I sometimes let the doors that have been opened for me close without telling that person or persons what GOD had done for me in my life.

These are just a few of the things that are missing in my life that I should be doing. I AM NOT 100%.

I do not know what is missing from your life to keep you from being at 100%, but just like the creator of the Ivory soap knows what is missing to keep it from being 100% pure, our CREATOR, GOD, knows what is missing in each of our lives that keeps us from being 100% pure.

The goal in our CHRISTAIN LIFE should be to achieve that goal of being at 100%.

Just like the athletes that we see and hear on TV, they are all going to give 110% of themselves to achieve excellence in their areas of the sports world, so we too should also strive to give 110% of ourselves to serving our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST.

Almost Perfect, But Not Quit!

Those are the words of Mary Hume at her 7th Birthday Party.

Looking around the ribboned room, this tablecloth is Pink, not white.

Almost perfect but not quite!

Those are the words of grownup Mary talking about her handsome beau, the one she wasn’t going to marry, he squeezes too tight.

Almost perfect but not quite!

Those are the words of Miss Hume, teaching the 7th grade, grading papers in the gloom late one night up in her room.

They never cross their “T’s” just right.

Almost perfect but not quite!

98 the day she died, complaining about the spotless floors, people shook their heads and sighed.

Guess she’ll like Heaven more, her soul went up on feathered wings, out the door, up out of sight, and a Voice from Heaven came.

ALMOST PERFECT, BUT NOT QUITE!!

Are you/I almost perfect but not quite?

May 30, 2025 - Psalm 139:14-16

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my anxious thoughts:

24 And see if there be any hurtful way in me and lead me in the way everlasting way.

When was the last time I (you) asked GOD to search our thoughts? We all have thoughts that just pop up and really not knowing where the thought(s) came from having nothing to do with what we were thinking.

14 I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are THY works, and my Soul knows it very well.

15 My frame was not hidden from THEE, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth.

16 Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in THY book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.

GOD knew us before we were born, and GOD knows what road we will take in our life. Which road are you and I on?

May 31, 2025 - Psalm 139:23-24

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my anxious thoughts:

24 And see if there be any hurtful way in me and lead me in the way everlasting way.

June 1, 2025 - Psalm 141:1-3

1 LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto THEE.

2 Let my prayer be set forth before THEE as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

Cry out to GOD that HE may shut your mouth and hold your lips before speaking and saying something you can not take back. Once spoken it will never be forgotten.

June 2, 2025 - Psalm 145:8-10

8 The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

9 The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

10 All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord; and thy saints shall bless thee.

GOD is so good to us. Showing us HIS mercy and being patient with us. Do we Praise GOD for HIS mercy that HE shows to us?

June 3, 2025 - Psalm 146:8-10

8 The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:

9 The LORD preserveth the strangers; HE relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked HE turneth upside down.

10 The LORD shall reign forever, even thy GOD, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD!

GOD does so much for us. Can you think of things that GOD has done for you?

June 4, 2025 - Psalm 148:1-6

1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights.

2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.

5 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created.

6 He hath also established them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.

Praise GOD!!!! Everything praises GOD. Do we/you? Lift your voice up and praise HIM today, NOW!!

June 5, 2025 - Psalm 150:6

6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.

Get the hint? PRAISE GOD!!!! Every day, every night PRAISE GOD!!!! Through whatever you might be going through PRAISE GOD!!! PRAISE FATHER, SON and HOLY GHOST though WHOM ALL Blessings Flow!!

June 6, 2025 - Proverbs 1:2-6

The Purpose of Proverbs

2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding.

3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity.

4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

The purpose of Proverbs is that the reader might know wisdom and allow wisdom to govern his/her life. Proverbs benefits not only the simple but also the wise in steering them through life following the right course that GOD has for them.

June 7, 2025 - Proverbs 1:7

The Theme of Proverbs

Proverbs 1:7

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Question: Do you Fear GOD? If you do then you have knowledge about our CREATOR, GOD our FATHER and you know that GOD Loves you and desires you to be with HIM after this life is over on Earth. It is better to Fear GOD and to be a servant while here for a short period of time. To be with GOD is to be with HIM for Eternity. The foolish do not fear GOD and their demise will be in punishment for Eternity. The foolish think that they are wise and know everything and cannot be taught for they in their own little minds already have all the answers.

June 8, 2025 - Proverbs 1:10-19

10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:

13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:

14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:

15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:

16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.

18 And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.

19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

The first major section of Proverbs records discourses of wisdom in which the student is encouraged to consider and compare the ways of the foolish and the ways of the wise. The ways of the foolish is attractive but their ways lead to destruction. You may gain the whole world but lose the most precious thing you have, your soul.

June 9, 2025 - Proverbs 1:33

33 But he who listens to ME shall live securely and shall be at ease from the dread of evil.

Listen to what GOD is saying to you. It may be in a dream or a thought or in seeing something, but GOD does communicate with us. Be patient and wait on the LORD.

June 10, 2025 - Proverbs 2:6-10

6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from HIS mouth comes knowledge and understanding.

7 HE stores up sound wisdom for the upright; HE is a Shield to those who walk in integrity,

8 Guarding the paths of justice, And HE preserves the way of HIS Godly ones.

9 Then you will decern righteousness and justice and equity and every good course.

10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

Wisdom is GOD given, not a result of mere human effort or ability (1 Kings 3:9, James 1:5)

Wisdom is beneficial in that it delivers us from the ways of evil men (women

June 11, 2025 - Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will make your paths straight.

Trust in our GOD in all things. GOD will lead us through the path HE has for us that is straight.

June 11, 2025 - Thought For The Day

I copied this from a very Sweet Cousin! Thanks Chris!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

When I was a boy, Mama liked to cook breakfast food for supper every now and then. I remember an evening in particular when she had made breakfast, after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, Mama placed a plate of eggs, grits, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of Daddy. I remember waiting to see if he would notice.

But, all daddy did was reach for his biscuit, smile at Mama and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that evening but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that ugly burned biscuit. He ate every bite of that thing...never made a face or said a word about it!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing Mama apologize to Daddy for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said. "Honey, I love burned biscuits every now and then."

Later that evening, when I went to kiss Daddy good night, I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned? He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Mama put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides, a little burned biscuit every now and then never hurt anybody!"

As I've grown older, I've thought about that evening many times. Life is not always fair and it is full of imperfect things and imperfect people and I'm not the best, at much of anything. I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everybody else. But what I've learned over the years, is that learning to accept each other's faults and choosing to celebrate each others differences, is one of the most important keys to creating healthy, growing, and lasting relationships.

And that's my prayer for you today...that you will learn to take the good, bad and ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit ain't such a big deal!

This can be extended to any relationship. In fact, understanding, is the real basis of all relationships, be it brother-sister, husband-wife, parent-child, partners or just plain old friendship!

"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - keep it in your own."

So, please pass me a biscuit, and yeah, the burned one will be just fine!

And PLEASE pass this along to somebody who has enriched your life. Be kinder than necessary because everybody you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

"Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil - it has no point."

June 12, 2025 - Proverbs 3:7

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

We are not wiser than our GOD and we will never be even close, but to fear GOD and do what is right in the eyes of GOD is the beginning of wisdom.

June 13, 2025 - Proverbs 3:9-10

9 Honor the LORD from your wealth and from the first of all your produce;

10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.

We are to give back to GOD a portion of what HE has given to us. We are to tithe, give back as we have prospered, and GOD will Bless us even more.

June 14, 2025 - Proverbs 3:11-12

11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, or loathe HIS reproof,

12 For whom the LORD loves HE reproves, even as a father, the son in whom he delights.

Hebrews 12:5–11

5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

f“My son, gdo not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,

nor be weary when reproved by him.

6 For hthe Lord disciplines the one he loves,

and chastises every son whom he receives.”

7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. iGod is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, jin which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to kthe Father of spirits land live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, mthat we may share his holiness. 11 nFor the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields othe peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

I for one ask GOD to discipline, chasten, me now for my sins. We are forgiven of the sins through our LORD JESUS. I fear GOD because I know what HE can do to my spirit, so punish, chasten me now Dear GOD!!

June 15, 2025 - Proverbs 3:30

30 Do not contend with a man (woman) without cause, if he (she) has done you no harm.

To many times we get angry at someone because of what we think they have done when maybe the person did not realize what he or she was doing. How many have gotten upset on the highway when someone has maybe acted in a stupid way? I have! I don’t know what caused that person to act the way they did. I don’t know what is going own in their life but to be angry enough to cause a scene where someone could be hurt or more serious. I hope that we would choose to just stay calm and forgiving.

June 16, 2025 - Proverbs 4:10-13a

10 Hear, my son (daughter), and accept my sayings, as the years of your life will be many.

11 I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths.

12 When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; and if you run, you will not stumble.

13a Take hold of instruction; do not let go.

Wisdom’s way is straight and level in contrast to the crooked and cluttered way of folly, life. In other words, stay out of the potholes of life and stay on the level ground. Remember the lessons learned in life and the things that you know you should avoid.

June 17, 2025 - Proverbs 4:23

23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flows the spring of life.

Your heart yes but your mind or your inner being as well. Your thoughts, the life you live-spiritual vitality. Be ever in mind that we are GOD’s children, and we are to serve with a loving heart.

June 18, 2025 - Proverbs 6:6-11

6 Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise.

7 Which having no chief, Officer or ruler,

8 Prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest.

9 How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?

10 “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest”—

11 And your poverty will come in like a vagabond, and your need like an armed man.

The wise teacher rebukes the slothful person, who characteristically does not begin things. Procrastination will bring unexpected disasters, and the lazy will go hungry for lack of being prepared for what life will bring.

June 19, 2025 - Proverbs 6:16-19

16 There are six things that the LORD hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to HIM:

17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 A heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil,

19 A false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.

The list of the seven things shown in these verses is not complete and there are more listed throughout the Bible. Which ones are we guilty of?

June 20, 2025 - Proverbs 6:32

32 The one who commits adultery with a woman (man) is lacking sense; he (she) who would destroy himself (herself) does it.

In today’s world adultery is common, too common. Both men and women seek sexual pleasure outside of their marriage with others. It is a sin before GOD and those committing an adulteress act will be punished. In today’s world sexual relationships begin at an early age. How many young girls and young boys do you know that are still in school and having sexual relationships and end up pregnant? It happens way too much. Parents have got to stand up and be the parents but so many do not want to parent but just let the children keep on doing their “THING”. I have Grandkids and this is one of my greatest fear for them.

June 21, 2025 - Proverbs 8:13

13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way, and the perverted mouth, I hate.

Most people in today’s world do hate evil but there are so many that seem to run to evil. Evil is everywhere. Do you have pride in your life? Pride and arrogance is very common in our world. We think to ourselves as we look over what we have, WOW!! Look at what I have done! Reminds me of King Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel 4:28-37. King Nebuchadnezzar looked out over Babylon and said in verse 30-The king reflected and said, “Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty”. King Nebuchadnezzar was made aware of his sin of pride and GOD removed him and sent him to live in the wild, eating grass and being as an animal for seven years and then Nebuchadnezzar’s eyes were opened, and he praised GOD for all that GOD had done for him. Nebuchadnezzar was restored as king and worshiped GOD the rest of his days.

A "perverted mouth" refers to speech that is deliberately twisted, deceptive, or corrupt. It reflects a person's inner moral state, often indicating a heart that resists truth and godliness. Examples of perverted speech include lying, slandering, profanity, and blasphemy.

So much is packed into this one verse and this one verse touches the hearts and souls of many in today’s world.

June 22, 2025 - Proverbs 9:8

8 Do not reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you, reprove a wise man (woman) and he will love you.

A scoffer is a person who mocks or scorns, particularly regarding religious matters or moral values. They are characterized by a lack of reverence and often display cynicism and contempt. Scoffers are described as those who do not value wisdom, avoid correction, and are resistant to instruction. This is one of the things going on in our world today. Don’t argue with a scoffer. You will not win the argument and only cause that person to hate you and what you stand for. A wise man (woman) will listen and be respectful of your words and will love you for your words. Using wisdom to bring people closer even if there is a disagreement-agree to disagree with respect and love for one another.

June 23, 2025 - Proverbs 9:10

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the HOLY ONE is understanding.

Again, we are taught that to fear the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Having knowledge of GOD is the beginning of understanding. How fearful are we of the LORD and do we seek knowledge of GOD so that we have understanding?

June 24, 2025 - Proverbs10:12,18

12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions.

18 He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and he who spreads slander is a fool.

There is so much hate in today’s world but the hate within a family causes all sorts of pain within that family. There are families that have family members that are filled with hate for others in the family and lie and spread rumors or slander against those within the family. Why? Is it because they think of themselves as being perfect, know everything and want to be first or noticed for what they perceive they have done for the family with no help from others within the family. Is it jealousy? There will be issues within a family but forgive, move on and love one another. If you are angry, talk about it, let your family and friends know why you are angry. It may be just a simple misunderstanding. No one is perfect. We all have issues. Do not hang onto your anger!

June 24, 2025 - Worry

“WORRY”

We as humans “Worry”. We worry about everything under the sun. We worry about things we cannot change. We worry about things we can change, hoping we have made the right decision. We worry about our children, our spouses. We worry about illnesses, getting old, money, our work. Anything that we can think of we worry about. WHY? Does worry ease the pain and suffering? Does worry bring closure? Does worry make things better? No, No and No!

What about “Concern”? Is “Concern” the same as “Worry”? While “Concern” seems to be the lesser of the two if you read, the definitions below you will see the familiarity between “Worry and Concern”.

Worry | Definition of Worry by Merriam-Webster

www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worry

English Language Learners Definition of worry (Entry 2 of 2) : a feeling of concern about something bad that might happen : the state or condition of worrying about something : a problem or concern : something that causes you to be worried

Concern - definition of concern by The Free Dictionary

www.thefreedictionary.com/concern

6. a matter that engages a person's attention, interest, or care, or that affects a person's welfare or happiness. 7. worry, solicitude, or anxiety: to show concern for the homeless. 8. important relation or bearing: This news is of concern to both of us.

People have made themselves sick from “Worry as well as from Concern”. I have and if you are honest, you too will agree that you as well have become sick from Worry/Concern. It is in our Human Nature to “Worry, to be Concerned” about things that we have absolutely no control over.

If you think about “Worry/Concern” it has a negative connotation to it. I am trying not to have that in my life especially at this time. It can have a ripple effect in that it will continue to grow and grow until you have no control of yourself, much less your life. At this time, I have to trust in those that I do not know. To trust in the skills that they have been given, a gift, but that is not the only option that I have before me.

“Worry/Concern” causes us to lose the joy of the day for something that may happen tomorrow! No one knows what tomorrow will hold for us. We can only assume and then we usually assume the worst making the day a total loss. We were never meant to live a life of “worry or concern” but a life filled with joy and excitement for the Day that GOD has given to us.

WORRY. What the Bible says about worry. - Christ in You

christinyou.net/pages/worry.html

Worry is a form of humanistic self-orientation that thinks, "It's up to me to take care of this situation," and is thus a form of practical atheism, acting as if there is no God to deal with the situation, or that God does not know or care about the situation.

Just a little something to think about and to reflect on the time that we all have wasted “Worrying, being Concerned for something that we have absolutely no control over. We think the “WORST”, therefore it is. Years ago there was a song and in the song, there was a verse that simply stated “Be Happy, Don’t Worry!!

So be happy, rejoice in this day and every day because who knows it may be your last day and just look at all of the happiness that you would have missed because of “Worry”! Be Thankful that we have a Loving GOD that takes care of all our Worries and Concerns for this life.

June 24, 2025 - Wakefulness & Dreams

Wakefulness & Dreams

In that place between Wakefulness and Dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemed endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read “Girls I have Liked”. I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.

And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system of my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory could not match.

A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named “Friends” was next to one marked “Friends I Have Betrayed”.

The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. “Books I Have Read”, Lies I Have Told”, “Comfort I Have Given”, Jokes I have Laughed At”. Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: “Things I Have done In My Anger”, Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents”. I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped.

I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked “Songs I Have Listened To”, I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn’t found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that the file represented.

When I came to the file marked “Lustful Thoughts”, I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.

An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: “No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them.” In an insane frenzy, I yanked the file out. Its size did not matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I turned the file to its slot. Beating my forehead against the wall, I let out a long self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore “People I Have Shared the Gospel with”. The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that the hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.

But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw HIM. No, please not HIM. Not here. Oh, anyone but JESUS. I watched helplessly as HE began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn’t bear to watch HIS response. And in the moments, I could bring myself to look at HIS face. I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. HE seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did HE have to read every one?

Finally, HE turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in HIS eyes. But this was a pity that didn’t anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. HE walked over and put HIS arm around me. HE could have said so many things, but HE didn’t say a word. HE just cried with me.

Then HE got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, HE took out a file card, one by one, began to sign HIS name over mine on each card.

“No!” I shouted rushing to HIM. All I could find to say was “No, No”, as I pulled the card away from HIM. HIS name shouldn’t be on these cards. But there it was, written in Red so Rich, so Dark, so alive. The Name of JESUS covered mine. It was written with HIS Blood.

HE gently took the card back. HE smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don’t think I’ll ever understand how HE did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard HIM close the last file and walk back to my side. HE placed HIS hand on my shoulder and said, “It is Finished”. I stood up, and HE led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were cards still left to written.

June 25, 2025 - Proverbs 10:27

27 The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened.

Fear the LORD!!!! I do not fear death or anything that this world can do to me, but I do fear GOD more than anything else. Because of my fear maybe life will be prolonged giving me more time to serve a Loving GOD. To worship HIM, Praise HIM, to be Faithful, Trusting in HIM for all things. Do you fear GOD?

So many people are dying so young. Their time here on Earth is cut short. Was it because they did not fear GOD? We do not know the answer to that question BUT GOD does.

June 26, 2025 - Proverbs 11:13

13 He (she) who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he (she) who is trustworthy conceals a matter.

Those of us that like to gossip cannot be trusted with things that are told in confidence. I was told something in private and one day without even thinking I let the private matter be made known. It was to only one person, but it should never have happened. I am ashamed of what I did. I have lost the trust of someone that I love dearly. Will I gain that trust back? I hope so! We all fail in this area if you are honest with yourself, I want people to trust me. To be confident in me to keep something told in confidence.

June 27, 2025 - Proverbs 12:22

22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are HIS delight.

Now this is a hard saying for we all have lied, and GOD knows our lies. The problem comes in the fact that we continue to lie, and it becomes an almost daily thing. Why is it so easy for us to lie? We lie to our children-we call it “A little white Lie”. In GOD’s eyes a lie is a lie, and GOD is not pleased with us that continue to lie.

June 28, 2025 - Proverbs 13:22a

22a A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,

The verse means that a good person leaves behind a positive legacy of moral character and well-being for their descendants. It emphasizes that genuine success and lasting inheritance are more about character and relationships than just material possessions

June 29, 2025 - Proverbs 13:24

24 He who spares his rod hates his son (daughter), but he who loves him (her) disciplines him (her) diligently.

The discipline referred to in this verse is to be trained either by word or deed. We as parents are to raise, train, up our children in a way that is pleasing to GOD. Our children need us to be there for them in this world. If we truly love our children, we will teach them about GOD/JESUS so that they will have the knowledge and understanding needed to have a relationship with GOD and not desires for things of this world. A little pat on the back side will not hurt them either, when needed. Children need to also learn to be respectful to everyone just as we as parents should be respectful to our children and others. Show your children by your actions and how you live your life, hopefully in service to our CREATOR that they too will serve our GOD.

June 30, 2025 - Proverbs 14:2

2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, but he who is crooked in his ways despises HIM.

Another verse concerning fearing GOD. I pity those that do not fear GOD for their choice of where they will spend eternity is in their hands

July 1, 2025 - Proverbs 14:12

12 There is a way which seems right to a man (woman), but its end is the way of death.

Trying to take shortcuts in this life may seem right at the time but as time goes by you may find that taking shortcuts may be a false trail leading to destruction.

July 2, 2025 - Proverbs 14:17

17 A quick-tempered man (woman) acts foolishly, and a man (woman)of evil devices is hated.

I know of many quick-tempered men and women that act out spuing out such angry words and profanity for all to hear, even children. What have they accomplished but to be seen as a fool and even being hated by those that once loved and respected them. In the end they lose all things that should have been shown respect, loving and caring, even family! Be careful of your temper, it will cost you everything!!

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