WHO'S AHEAD?

WEDNESDAY! Welcome to one of Gods' days! Just think, this is the last day of the month,, where did the other 30 go? Well, today is slide day from the top of the week to the week-end, and the start of the slide through September.. so "let's make a deal",, behind door #1 is ? No this not really a game,, the deal is ,,,, we slide today, to the week-end with Jesus beside us,, then right on through the w/e with Him also.. then right on through September and life ,, with Him also!,, Let's make a bigger and better effort to share God, and Son with all we come into contact with.. how about that? Are you with me,,, I know I can do a much better job.. but as we do..let's don't forget WHO we ,, give the credit and the glory to! O.K.? We are the "can do team"!

WHO'S AHEAD?
I ask that question, in reference to us... US? Ahead of what..... Who is ahead in our lives.. God or satan?... You say, of course, it is God! And of course I know we all want that to be absolutely true.. but I still ask it... by asking this question,, to be answered by you today, right now.. and for you to think about, what you are doing, what you plan on doing. what you are thinking,, and will you stand up, and stand up tall, in front of anyone,, and I mean anyone for HIM... now ask it,, then answer yourself!

IN MY LIFE TODAY,, WHO IS AHEAD?

God, I pray to you this day,,, that all the answers will be absolutely YES, and they will be absolutely true to the heart of the one answering... amen

John HIcks
A real Christian, is a practicing one..for satan works 24/7 to retrieve us back into his pond, called hell.. so always keep your hand locked with Jesus, for He is the one who can keep you, and I out of that pond.... I have made the commitment,, JESUS,,, how about you?

AS WE WALK ALONG

TUESDAY- Welcome to another of Gods' days! I hope all have a great day,, and please start yours off with a bowed head, and thanks for even being here, and for Him to be with you today,, for you know for Him to be with you and care for you,, you must ask,,, for that is "the" choice of choices!

Prayer Reports: Joseph's first words yesterday morning , "Jesus healed my body. They got all the bad stuff out. Jesus healed my walking!" He must have had a good dream last night."
He went to treatment #8 yesterday(25 left).. He looks more alert and healthy than he has in many days.. Please pray for this little fellow.. for his courage is more than most 20 times his age...

AS WE WALK ALONG!

We all have to walk this life with the realization that we must account for all we do.. good and bad... How do you feel about that? How are you going to feel about the "airing of your laundry"? Will you want to put it on the close-line in the back so no one can see it? , or can you put it in the open with pride,, that your laundry is pure , and clean as the newly washed sheet? It does not matter where you hang it,,it it will be aired in front of all to see by the Judge of Judges,, God Almighty, and He will then judge you!
Our biggest question now is ,, who will we show up with at that airing?
Will we ask that "guy" who is standing on the shoulder of each of our roads we travel to go with us then, not later, when it is too late?
See? The one with the nail holes in his hands , and feet, the wound in the side,, and oh yes ,, he will have a crown of thorns on his head, but don't worry,He is strong and able to walk with us all,, from now to then , so ask, and He will smile , grab your hand and go the distance with us all.stand in front of our Judge, God, His Father, and say on that day,, I am the accountant, and all has been paid for,,,by me....this I can guarantee,,, so will you do as I am doing,, hold on to that nail scared hand

AS WE WALK ALONG THIS ROAD OF LIFE,, on the way to judgment?

Lord,, thank You for being on the road for us to reach and call out to,,, and then for carrying us on through this life, and on to judgment. amen

John HIcks
Come walk with me,, and look on your road and see how many are walking with Him, and those who are not,,, I challenge you to call out to those who are walking alone,,, and tell them the story of why they should grab His hand, just as you have done.. Will you accept the challenge, and share your cross with the others? A choice of yours,, and yours only .. to accept your cross and to share it with others.. now make it,, one way or the other... time is now!

JUST A THOUGHT

MONDAY- How was your week-end,, mine was great,,, we sat around ,, took it easy,, took a break from the painting of the crosses for the big day to come in October... went for a drive to one of our favorite places to eat... stopped by on the way back to visit our little grandson,, and of course his parents.. & while we were there, he fell, hit the bridge of his nose on the end table , sharp edge,, and gave all a scare... but he seems to be ok, with his battle scare across his nose,, Our trip to the "Fresh Air BB Que" was inspired by our "middle child" , who had been over that way to a party... all in all, you can tell, our w/e was great,,now I hope, as we all go back to work ,,(us, on our painting of crosses) go back with a smile of their good week-end! Most times, we all go to work on a Monday , with the dreams of either another w/e just like this one, or we pray for a better one,, but back to work we go, even the "retired"! God bless us all in our certain ways!

Today , this thought!
MAY WE ALL TAKE A WALK TODAY,, JUST A SMALL ONE,, MAYBE A CITY BLOCK,, WALK SLOW,, BUT WALK IN THE STEPS THAT GOD WILL WALK.... WHEN WE ARE FINISHED WITH ALL WE HAD TO DO IN THAT BLOCK,, FOR JUST THAT SHORT OF TIME AND SHORT OF A WALK,, DO YOU HAVE THE ENERGY TO WALK BACK? NOW , THINK, IF YOU HAD TO RUN THIS WORLD FOR 24/7, YES, WE DON'T EVEN GIVE HIM TIME OFF ON SUNDAY,,, WE REST, NOT HIM,, THEN AFTER KEEPING THIS GREAT WORLD OF OURS RUNNING,, AND GIVING US CONTINUED LIFE,,,AND CONTINUED LOVE,,, STOP, AND AS HE DOES,,, TAKE A WALK TO CONSOLE ,, OR JUST BE WITH, NOT ONE, BUT BILLIONS...HEAL THEM, OR JUST HUG THEM!!! HEY,, JUST HOW TIRED ARE YOU NOW.. JUST THINKING ABOUT THIS PARAGRAPH?
OR ARE YOU DOING THE NORM... JUST READING IT, LETTING IT BLOW FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER,,AND WATCHING THE OTHER EAR BLOW WAX OUT... AND NOT RETAINING A THING? WELL,, A WARNING,, WE ALL NEED TO STOP LONG ENOUGH TO DIGEST,, AND CLOSE OUR EYES, AND JUST TRY TO TAKE THIS WALK,,THINK ABOUT HOW GOOD OUR GOD REALLY IS,, FOR IT IS BY CHOICE THAT WE LIVE,,,
NOW,, GIVE A REALLY BIG "THANK YOU" TO GOD ALMIGHTY FOR GIVING YOU THIS CHANCE TO EVEN READ THIS,,,
WELL HOW ABOUT THIS MORNINGS "THOUGHTS"? ANY TOES HURTING FROM BEING STEPPED ON? AFTER RE-READING THIS,, MINE ARE, AND TODAY ,,,,, LORD ,, I WILL DO MUCH BETTER,, YES YOU ARE FIRST AND FOREMOST IN MY LIFE,,,
HOW ABOUT ALL OF YOU? OR ARE YOU ALL TO O.K. TO THINK, YOU AREN'T

Today , God , I ask for Your forgiveness of this world, we do not deserve You;;; forgive us of our many, many sins. amen

John HIcks

DIRECTIONS TO GOD!

SUNDAY- I hope all have a great Gods' day! He made it,, He gave it,, now don't tear it up! Leave it like He made it,, full of love and happiness!

Remember: You are either adding pleasure to someone,,,,,, or you are adding misery to someone! Which one?


HOW DO YOU GET TO GOD AND HEAVEN?

Jesus gave us the answer in John 14, verse 6

"I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE, NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER ,BUT BY ME!"

God, thank you for directions,, and may all accept Jesus, then come to you. amen

John HIcks
I have gave my all to Jesus,,, and it does not hurt at all,, if you have not,,then yo need t try it,, and see just how it feels,,, it is like nothing you will ever feel anywhere , and anytime , here on this planet! Just one thing,, you have to ask for it! Yes,, ask for Jesus,, to come into you,, and then feel the feeling!

IF CALLED UPON

SATURDAY- Here it is,,, the first day of the week-end, plans have been laid,,, for this day and the next,, and then it will be back to the ole grind stone! Enjoy these two days, then be thankful that you have a grind stone to return to,,, and when you do.. let it sharpen your,,, "thankful side of your life"... I hope you and the Lord have a great time together this weekend, as you continue on your journey of well laid plans for fun and excitement!

IF CALLED UPON?

If a friend should call you today,,, ask for a favor,, a favor of small, or large.. would you respond with, a sure,, when and where,, and not even mention that you had plans that must be canceled... but just "sure,, when,, and what is the I need to do?" Yes , that is a friend! or would you have to digest it,,, think it over,, see if it "outweighs" your "already" plans,, and if you really and truly want to do it.. but still,,, if asked you will still claim ,, yes this person is my best friend..and ,,,I would just die for!" If you have to think about it in that manner,, you are not,,, a friend! Now under certain circumstances,, of sickness of another or yourself,, you may have to decline to help or help find an alternative,, friends will under stand this type of answer... for when called upon ,, you did react.. you did not have to think about it, wait and return the call after a bitter fight within to say, "No, I just can't this time,, maybe next time, you will call me earlier!" So call me later and in time,,, yes, you did react with an answer,, but not forward,, but sideways, it is call a "side-step" of an answer.
Now, to the next question of the day,,, if called upon from God, to do a special favor,, would you re-act like the first one did, or the second one? FORWAD STEP, OR SIDESTEP? ,,,and I give you time to think about it , for right now I call upon YOU to serve the Lord with all your heart and all your soul... give YOURSELF to Him,, and say , Lord do with me as YOU wish,, Your command is mine,,,, I will obey!
Now , I ask this question,, it is a question only you can answer .... for God gave us choices in life,, the right lane, or the left lane,, both contain life for now... both contain, eternal life... one is the "ice cream cone,, with the ice creme".. the other is an "ice creme cone,, with a hole in the bottom,, and no ice creme,, just fire coming out of it.. now as you look at those two lanes.... yes,, there it is,,,,, choice... and again I give you the hint of direction... right,, ummn good cool ice creme... left,,, well you figure...

Now you have had the time to read the top part of this note.. now is the time for you to stop,, make a choice for

YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED UPON!

God, I pray that all will jump in the right lane,,, accept the question to be called upon with gladness, and not rejection. amen

John HIcks
I have answered , and it is not always just one way,, it can be ,, and remember this... it can be in multiple ways, and through multiple people ,, so listen to all who speak,, but just use a filter,, it is called the "filter of Jesus",, and then you will know if you are still in the right lane.... make a choice,,, I have made the one of whom I serve.. and that is Jesus,, come join me.....

I LOOKED INTO THE SON!

FRIDAY--TGIF-TGFTD- No matter the initials you use ,, it still carries God, and the thanks for this day! How many really say "thank God , it's Friday" , and mean it,, not just saying it? I would bet.. 90%,, just! 10%, yes! What do you think? and what do you think He thinks? Just a couple of questions on this Friday to ponder as you enter into the w/e!

PRAYER REQUEST: Lord , watch over those that are and will be effected by the new hurricane. Protect them and guide them to safety.
Lord, protect and guide those who are defending our country, and put yourself between them and our enemies... bring them home safe,,, and alive.
Lord, heal, those who need you that are sick,, and have other problems of the body, and mind.

I LOOKED INTO THE SON, AND WAS NOT BLINDED!

Do you remember when your Mom or Dad, would tell you, don't look directly into the sun,,, it will blind you? I do. And we would slip around, take a quick look, and sure enough for, just a few seconds,, we couldn't see,, not even our parents looking on and smiling at the attempt ,, they knew ,, we were going to try. Why did we try what ever our parents told us not to do. we did? Not the big stuff,,, but the little stuff, that was big,, but not life threatening... we did try,, maybe just once,,, now the big bad things, like drinking, dope,, etc.. we just didn't do it.. well most of us didn't ... some still thought it was cool,, until they found out it wasn't cool, but addictive.. then it was too late... now back to the "today" of looking and becoming blind....

Now, there is one Son,. you can look into all day long, and it will open your eyes,,, not blind you, IF, you look at that Son, with an open heart, and an open mind... for you have that choice .... that when you look, it's for real,,, for acceptance,, for repentance, for love,,, for the path to God, and Heaven, for Victory over death,,, and not for just curiosity.... You do remember the other old saying,, "that curiosity killed the cat"? Well , if you do look into the Son,,, and accept Him,,, you receive life in the end,, and not death....

I looked ,,, I believed,, I had Him with me,, even when I did not know He was there,, He was... How do I know He was there,,, for I am here... and if you knew the inside of me,, then that would be proof enough...Now when you look ,, then make the decision... for that decision is yours, and yours alone,, now did you really look for life, or was you just shopping when

YOU LOOKED UP INTO THE SON !

God, I ask this day,, that all who looked into Jesus' eyes, were saved, and not just out browsing.. amen

John HIcks

I have looked,, I can still see.. and now, I can see what is over the mountain, and that is life,,, not like before,, and that was only what was just in front of me.. with no knowledge of what to come.. but now I know,, after looking, and accepting the SON,,, God is with, and ahead of me,,, for eternity! Make your choice as you look into His eyes today..... it is your choice.. have a great week-end!

OH! A BANANA PEEL STARTED IT ALL?

THURSDAY- I hope your day started as mine did,, I awoke,, set up in bed, took a deep breath, and then I thank God for this day,,, then I made my coffee,, dark, strong, and hot... and for me,, when I took that first sip,,,, my blessings had started! Yes, we must have some fun,, with our God.. for He made us to frown, or laugh,, notice the past right on by smile,, for I believe a good laugh is worth more medicine than any doctor on this great earth can give... laugh deep and loud,, now! ,,,well,,, how do you feel now?

OH? A BANANA PEEL STARTED IT ALL?

Life is like walking down the street, and you step on the banana peel.. you fly high , just for a while..then you hit reality...the ground! bamn!.. and it usually hurts!
Yes.. life is just like that , just when you think you have figured it out, and have good traction, one foot in front of the other , that ole slick banana peel,, (another word for it today is satan)...pops up just as
you put a foot down,, with good intention,, but it hits that "peel", and you do something stupid and sin-ful, and bamn, you hit the sidewalk of concrete,,, or we will say,,, hell, from which came the "peel", in the first place. You then start that slide with that fall! On , and on... down,, down, father and father! How do you stop this fall, and slide?
How ? You avoid this "banana peel of life",, when you wake up! You first slip into the slippers of Jesus, and wear them from up time to lay down time.... Yes,, I know,,the slippers is a prayer,,, and you start with this prayer,, and then you ponder Jesus within your heart, carry Him with you, through-out the day,,, you retire at night with a word to Jesus,,, and just before you close eyes,,,,,, you can think Him of the many, many

"BANANA PEELS" YOU STEPPED OVER, OR AROUND THIS DAY,,, YES,, YOU AND YOUR JESUS!

NOW , THAT'S LIFE! RIGHT,, WALKING TALKING , LIVING YOUR ALL ,,,WITH HIM?

God, thank You for giving me and all who ask for Him,, Your Son,, Jesus, to come inside of us,,, and then have Him navigate our lives from then,,, to now. and on to when.... amen

John HIcks
Some people like what I do,,, some people don't like what I do,, nor what I say! I say what I feel,, I do as I feel, and then I ask God.. did I do O.K.? and that answer, and that observation ,,, is the only one I listen to , and the only one that counts.. have a great day,, and please,, what ever you do.. today.. ask Jesus to go with you, for today, and forever.. He will,,, he just needs that invitation,, and like a little kid,, He is squirming around, hoping,,, that you will ask Him along,, Again,, have a good day on this Thursday...

THIS LIFE,, THAT LIFE BEYOND!

WEDNESDAY! Yes, it is the ole "hump" day...the climb from Monday to now.. and at the top of week,, ready to slide down to Friday afternoon! You have slowly climbed to here,, you have planned the w/e, yes early, for you can't wait to get there! You have tired to grease that slide of Thursday, and Friday, with enough to slide quick and sure,, but just enough to stop at 4 or 5 p.m. on Friday afternoon.. now, the plan,, is it a good one? One you can talk about next Monday,,, one you can do in the open, just in case you meet someone you know..that's the kind of w/e I mean,,, Oh move on off the slide,, don't get bumped to the ground ,,, your partner you picked to slide with you to here and through the w/e is coming down right there behind you! Look out!,, What? I can't hear you! Did you say... you did or did not invite Him, Jesus, to slide and go with you?

PRAYER REQUEST: For Tommy Mullings, who is back in the hospital.. please pray for him .. he has had hard times. and pray for his relief and getting well.

THIS LIFE, THAT LIFE BEYOND

This is one thing that we have control over.. yes we do.. it is according to us following Gods plan. We may not get what we want in this life,,, that we think that we should have, or that we deserve,, yes, we have worked so hard, and some joker down the street or in town, or out in the country ,, has more than we do.. Whats up? God has made His plan,, and the one thing of choice He has given us all,,, is the choice of the greatest of the wealth, Him!

Not what we as humans in this life know of.. and that is gold, silver, the almighty dollar,, more physcial things, than our neighbors, or anyone else,, but the choice of having a city, streets paved with gold, no thirst, no hunger. no threat of a storm. or death,, where only love abounds, and you can be with your loved ones for an eternity! Yes, He has given us all an equal chance for the above.. and that is our choice.. to lean on Him, and not the physical things. for does He not feed the birds, and cloth them.. did He not clothe Adam and Eve? Through faith , will He not care for you,, in His way? Then with faith of this , and living with this faith,,, and the making the choice of Him over all,, you will enjoy ,,,not only

THIS LIFE,, BUT THAT ONE BEYOND ALSO..
Just ask for the hand of Jesus,, that is all it takes, and you will have a life,, here and there, I gurantee it!

Lord, thank You for my riches here,, Your Jesus and His saving power, and all the wealth you promise me in Heaven, for I have the faith, and the blief of your word. amen

John HIcks
Where do you stand this day?, with worn knees,, or bright shinning knee caps, with a little smoke comiing out of them? Well, you know,, it is your choicce, so let's just see ,,, "just how smart are you?'

BLIND FAITH!

TUESDAY,, Welcome to another one of God's great days! I hope all had a great start of the week,, and that your trip each day through this world, will includes Jesus with you at all times, yes ALL TIMES! Without Him, there would be no trip, just a bland life ,then death.... wow,, that is awful! Do you agree, or do you look for this bland life? Me, I look for the "Life With Jesus" , and that is the most exciting and colorful made, ever. How about you,, just what are you looking for in this world? Jesus, or non-Jesus?



Prayer Request: For my brother , Sam, who is going into heart surgery on the 20th of Sept..He is now taking meds to "get him ready" for this surgery, they cannot control his B/P, or pulse,, the pacemaker won't do it.. so the must go into the heart to do this corrective surgery.. please pray for him starting now, and I will keep you posted on his condition.



BLIND FAITH?



I have heard this from since I was a little boy... "they made it on blind faith", or "it was blind faith that they made it, or it happened"... there is no such thing as "blind faith"! You may have the Lords' intervention, that you were not expecting,, or a "miracle",, as I have told of many.. but I guarantee you ,, none of the great things, or the un-expected have been blind! Why do I say this, and why do I believe this? God has never done anything "blind".... He knows exactly what is and what is about to happen... and faith,,, no, mine is not "blind" either, for my faith is what I know,, what I see withing my heart.. what I have seen around me... what I see as I roll my eyes from one side to the other and what I see in between these rolls of the eyes! Someone blind did not built them,, and if we had evolved,, we would all be another species.. for God made all and we were made by HIm ,, not evolved anyway... I have that open , ever-seeing faith of this.. There is nothing real about "blind faith",,, for



I CAN SEE,,, GOD,,, JESUS,,, AND THE WORLD HE BUILT AND GAVE ME.. YES I CAN SEE 20/20..!!



AND YOU?



God, thank You for my eyesight of You, Jesus and what You can do , have done, will do for me.. for I see it ,, just as plain, as I see...... all.. for you are ALL. amen



John HIcks

Eyes wide open, seeing, and believing.. come join me, and let's spread the word together... it seems to be lacking in a lot of places.. like our Capitol.. our oval room... our "every-dayers"? Yes, ,, we are all in need of more eyesight,, and take the blinders of faith off, and us it,, for it works,, just try it out, and then step back ,, and watch God move that mountain.. yes that mountain,, just that little grain will move it,,, AND JESUS SAID THAT! ( Right , Amanda?)

DENIAL

MONDAY- Whoa! What happened to the W/E? It flew by! Well, you can relax,, think about how great it was,, and how you enjoyed it.. and start making plans for the next one.. what you are going to do, and just who you are gong to have in it... Just think of what would be fun, and great with you both in it... and all your other best friends.. they will all be glad to see Him again with you,, if they are best friends!

DENIAL!

Have you ever heard the phrase,, "He or She , is in denial",? It can be denial of oneself, of many things,, there own mind,, the want of something,,, almost anything ,, can put you in denial.

Webster defines it as : refusal to comply with a request or truth. So , if you are in denial of anything,,, you are refusing a truth with-in..

I just want today to ask , that no one deny our Lord... This is a refusal to live,, and only a death wish,,, so think as you speak and always keep Him with-in and always be testifying of His word,,,
In Luke 9: 23,, Jesus said,, "If anyone would come after me,, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
To deny oneself,,, refuse to acknowledge yourself,,, is the only way... denial of you,, not Him,,, so make sure ,, you are on the road, of

Non-Denial.. of our Jesus!

Lord,, thank you for all of the faithful followers that speak up and never deny you,, only themselves,,,amen

John HIcks
Never in denial of my Lord... how about you? I may shout a little too loud,,, if that is possible, but my Lord is mine today, tomorrow,and forever.. and I will never deny Him... is my prayer to Him.. for remember the statement from Peter... so we must try to improve on all things.... right?

Smiling!

SUNDAY- today is rest day,,, if your work allows it.. some have to do what they have to do... others,, do what they want to do anyway... but whatever,, just remember who you are in all your actions,, and remember where your came from .. your roots go back to the same as all of us.. Adam,, yes!

A balding man can look at his situation two ways.. 1. Lord, I'm losing my hair! 2. Lord, I'm acquiring more head!

Today, just a small little message of thought... we all need to smile more! There is enough sadness around us,, but you know how to rid the feeling,, is smile,, I am sure that God gave us those muscles to smile, so we could easily do just that... more muscles to frown.. so why not go the easy way,, and smile a lot.. or go around and look like a dried up ole prune.. you make that choice.. wow! Lots of choices to make in this world.. and only one that really counts... but go ahead smile & become a real filled out plum,,, or frown,, and become that ole dried up prune, with lips turned down!







May God smile at you, and may you return the favor! Amen



John HIcks

Smiling as I write,,,, may all have a great and smiling God's day!

YES! YES! YES!

SATURDAY- WAKE UP,, GET BUSY,, GET DRESSED! Jesus is already up,,and dressed,, He is so excited to get to go with you on this first day of your weekend,,,,, He is just twirling around and around with excitement... so hurry,, dress and get going! WHAT? YOU DID NOT TELL HIM? My! My! My!.....................................



Prayer Request: Larissa Hays, a friend of Melody Billingham Lowe , Larissa is on her way, to be with her mother who was in Puerto Rico with her uncle,, and a robber crashed in on them in an attempted robbery.. and the uncle was shot and killed.. Larissa's mother is very distraught as you could expect.. and the family needs your prayers of guidance and for their sorrow.. as they make the arrangement for the body of the uncle to be sent back home..please pray for this family.

Little Joseph,,, had the spinal tap,, waiting for the results.. on Monday, hopefully,, I will let all know as soon as Judy hears from them.. keep praying...



YES! YES! YES!



This is the cry to the question I have cried out,,, DO YOU BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST, AND ARE YOU WILLING TO SHOW IT?

This willing-ness to holler this answer out loud , as I often say,, so out loud , and so loud,, it was deafening to ones ears.. no the cry was not around here,, not in a big city,,, not a big earthly land here.. but it was the cry of all the ones who had said this while they were alive and on this earth,,, when asked this same question! NOW! ,,,, They are answering yet another time..but from a different place,, but just as loud,, and in unison.. not one even hesitated!!!! NO NOT ONE ,,, loud and clear, was their cry... OH! YOU WANT TO KNOW HOW THE CRY SOUNDED DOWN HERE ON EARTH? Well,, it was,, was,, not loud enough to be heard from the side of a road, from behind a door,,from inside a closet.. from anywhere, for I did not hear it,, did you,,, did you cry out,, I mean,, out loud? As they did in Heaven? Where you not as proud to say,,, I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST? I cried out,,, and I pray that God will permit me to one day be " in that number" ,, that gets to cry out loud,, when someone else asks that question later.... I'm doing mine now... want to join me.. and cry out,,, YES,, YES,, YES ,,, I BELIEVE,, I BELIEVE... IN JESUS AS MY LORD AND SAVOR.. AND I BELIEVE IN HIM,,,, RIGHT NOW! OUT LOUD FOR ALL TO HEAR! NOT ASHAMED OF THE LOOKS,, THE CRY OF THE DISBELIEVERS,,, JUST YOUR CRY OF YOUR PROFESSION OF HIM, AND THAT HE IS REAL,, CRY ,,, SO ALL CAN HEAR! TESTIFY NOW.... NOW.. NOW... THE CRY OF YES,,, YES,, NEEDS TO BE HEARD ALL OVER THIS NATION. BUT MORE SO TO THE GOD WHO SENT HIM TO SAVE US... WELL? I can't hear you,,, where are you?



God, I hope and pray that You can hear the answer to this cry, and that it is loud enough for You... amen





John HIcks

I am one who professes that God is my Life,,, Jesus is my Savior, and You are my friends, and I ask for all ,, not just my friends .. to come with me on this quest to tell the world... He is ,, indeed alive and well,,, and working His miracles today,, just as I write this,, if you don't believe this, then just stop,, and look around,, yes it is His world, His air, His food.. all His!!!!!!!

HARVEST TIME!

TGIF,,, HEY ! It finally got here! Now,, you know, today will be slooooow.. and then when off time gets here, and that old clock says,, "quitting time",,, oh no,, it will be Monday again,,, but go ahead and enjoy this coming God given week-end,,, and let Monday come as it may... have a good two days,, and just remember who to take with you!



PRAYER REQUEST.. Today is the spinal tap for Little Joseph.. please pray that all goes well,, God , please be in with Little Joseph at all times..



HARVEST TIME!



Quick and simple this morning,, something we don't want to think about.. but it will happen! As a boy on the farm,,, we did not dread planting as bad as harvest.. for then the fields after the harvest were bare,, the time for the winter cold was here,, we must make sure there is enough fire-wood.. enough food, and feed for the animals to last through the winter,, to where we can see the new spring come... as we hook up the mules, and start the plowing,, for there is nothing like new plowed ground,, even down on an ole Alabama farm... you guys and girls whom I grew up with,, know this..... so we planted a good crop.. it grew good,, so put some good fertilizer on it.. made it much better.. yes we had a good and healthy crop! We were blessed by He who planted us.

As a healthy crop.. we were planted by , or I was ,, from good Christian seeds,, and as we grew,, we sprouted off more ... and they were good seeds.. for that is the way,,, isn't it.... I pray that none fell to the way side.. did not come to life, and stand tall in the field of God,, take Jesus as their fertilizer.. and grow,, so tall... you could see them over everything else.. and when the harvest came,, they were ready..they were known as the "Christianity Field".. all others were known as the "Non-christian fields"... which were usually burned and turned under,, as non use-able..

Which life did you decide,,, as your seed was conceived and started to grow.. for this is when your choice begins, as to the seed you become... was it ,, to the field of Christianity,, Gods field of sunshine, rain, and warmth.. or in the field of satan,,, the field drought and death...filled with cold sod, and the burning like of a blister for eternity... turned under the ground forever?

You must plan wisely, and now,,, for God can come in the flickering of a candle.. Are you ready? You can come out of that field of satan, before your candle goes out..by just calling out to Jesus Christ,, yes, just a "holler " away... Jesus , accept me,, I give you my all,, I repent of all my sins,,, take me.. and then and only then will you be taken instantly to the "Christian Field".... and live there with grace,, and good times. better than you ever dreamed of... Yes,, make the choice and smile when the



HARVEST COMES!



God, my prayer is for all to come running to You ,, asking forgiveness, and start their growing in the Christian Field with Your Son, Jesus. amen



John HIcks

Being born again spiritually , is like plowing new dirt,, the coolest of the fresh soil, is like unto the freshness of ones soul.... you can feel Jesus as the heart takes on a new meaning,,, if you have given your heart and soul,, accepted Jesus,, you know this feeling.. if not.. you don't know what a real day is... make that choice,, the most important and the biggest choice you will ever make in this human life,,, and walk as I have ,,, in new plowed life...... your choice, no one else can make this one for you...no ...not Mommy ,Daddy nor friend,, but YOU! and only YOU.!

CALLUSES, OR STRIPES

THURSDAY- Good morning, I hope all have had a great week, and that today ,, does nothing but continues that good week! May God bless this day, and make it an even more special than "just " a day for you... we all need one ,,, once in a while... One when we can just go off somewhere, and set down, meditate of "things",,, wonder about "things"... imagine "things",, and laugh "aloud at things",, that are funny to us,, no matter if not to anyone else... you know,,, just a day, of "things" ,, alone, and special.... when have you treated yourself to one of these.. OR,,treated someone else to ONE?



CALLUSES ON YOUR KNEES, OR STRIPES ON YOUR BACKS? (no red at all today, where do you put it.. all is so true!)



Folks, let's just get to the chase, and the facts... our nation is still, at this time, a great nation.. the greatest of all,, for freedoms.. and we have so many,, than other countries... There are other countries, that have great freedoms.. but there are countries that have great strife also. Whips are still common! Yes , whips... other types of tortures... physical, and mental... we are at the mental stage of the game here ,, now...don't believe me,, then turn your t.v. on.. if you can find the time to get off that *#*) phone, that does everything..or maybe tune into some news-station, instead of some other junk... but listen to the news.... it is the same ole garbage.. for that is all they have to report.. one item , a good thing,,, others... more promises, from our leaders.. just promises.. and then look at the campaigns starting up... money starting to flow.. folks we are in one of the biggest depressions, in history.. bigger that the "great depression".. we have kids roaming around our towns,, hungry,, yes hungry! While our president (?),, campaigns in a bus that out shines his mouth,, yes it is that big, and runs on diesel and never have to turn it off... and then after today,,, 10 days of vacation.. while our children, starve... how about his kids.. and the kids of all of the other elected officials,. all other heads of state,, as they leave for days off.. and check the mail for their.... six figure incomes.. and bigger than most fifth graders can count to also.. big money,, while our kids starve!

We are headed,, maybe not in my lifetime..but close ,, and just maybe... back to being a two class country... the government and the subjects.. and yes ,, those who are reading this,, you are the subjects.....

Now, how do we stop this ,, and we can,, but it takes faith! FAITH IN OUR GOD! AND NO ONE ELSE!!!!!!

We can get calluses on our butts... and that result my friends leads to stripes on your back,, and have you ever seen one of your children whipped by someone so big , it would take a bulldozer to knock him down? Then , after you have imagines this in your mind, then get off the butt, and down on the knees, and make some calluses there.. for when you go to the MAN, our GOD,,, all is possible.. just look,, he led the people out of Israel... and HE can sub-stain this land,, but only if we put him in office , and we pray and keep Him in front of us, and in front of our elected officials.... now look again, at the ones who are running.. and then look at us.. tell me ,,,



is that us running to God, or from God......?



DO YOU HAVE CALLUSES,, AND WHERE DO YOU HAVE THEM? YOU ANSWER THIS TO YOURSELF, NOW! or answer to the whip, for it comes, if you do not go back to GOD,, FIRST AND FOREMOST!



God, I ask that you spare us the torments, that I see coming,, and keep us free, and most of all God,, forgive us of our many, many sins, and give us enough of a brain,, to see what is happening right under our eyes... forgive us God again.. amen



John HIcks

Hard to swallow,, but please ,,, just think about these words today... and roll them around in your heads,, as you look at your children. and the children around you... and the ones lurking in the alleys,, waiting for a drop of ,, just a drop of food,, yes ,, here in the USA. Thank your for reading this daily... and may I serve God, with every word of it.... for I believe He is here. and has never left.. what do you think?

TIRED CHRISTIANS!

WEDNESDAY- TGIW- Yes, it is the fourth day of the week, and we have a TGIW? This is for those who have a five day work week.. for all others,, it is Wednesday,, the fourth day of the week,,, so today is two days from the week-end. so it is your personal slide ,, the top of the weekly hump,, so how you slide, fast or slow..and who you take with you., is your choice, and only your choice, no matter the surrounding circumstances.... your choice,, and remember, what ever that choice, it will also be brought forward at a later date.. so don't blotch it, and lose out on a really good thing,, know what I mean?



PRAYER REQUEST: Little Joseph,,, starts treatment tomorrow,, so pray for him,, they say NO chemo.. and his walking is already improving, so say some extra prayers for this little man.. and from the pictures, and his courage, and faith,, he is one of Gods' little men.





TIRED CHRISTIANS?



I read an answer from someone that said, "2011, Christians are getting tired"... my answer,, some, but most are working as hard as they can,, but yes , tired of the elected trying out for "god-ship".. for as they vote, it is a vote for themselves.. their campaign speeches are the same,, lies... just who do we trust anymore? Can you answer that? I can! I trust God! He made me. He gave me,, my all... He keeps me,, maybe not the way I want.. but He keeps..me,, and what does He charge? Nothing, but already He has given His Son, Jesus,, to me ,, and to you,, He promised us eternal life,,, so we don't have to travel around and look for that fountain of youth, for old age is actually the path,, and we should be proud , for God has never lied,, He only knows truth,, humans are the ones who lie.... and oh yes.. God never tires!

Now,, you think about it.. are we tired.. or are we doubters....? I thank the word doubters fits better, for I am one of the worst... today, I looked at my cross display.. and wonder,, (or doubted) if anyone would come by and get one today, then I looked and all but one was gone.. see. while I am doubting,, God was working sending people to get a cross.. now ,, I worry about my hometown,, here,, will they ever come get a cross, and light up Yatesville with crosses in their yards.... or are they "just too tired" ... or what?

Let's all talk the talk,, walk the walk, and be an example.. and get off our butts. and work at being a Christian,, God did not say it would be all downhill with grease on it.. so you could just slide into Heaven.. Jesus said, Accept me, and follow me... He did not say , accept me, and all will be great.. no ,, when you accept Him,, satan, has to work harder,, and so do you to keep that satan at bay, and maybe you should use your knees,, to help keep him away, and out of your life... or ,,, maybe you are just too tired to bend down... well, my knees hurt,,but you know.. so far,, I can pray, and nothing hurts..but my heart beats a little faster. my body seems ot feel better.. and my lips tend to turn up,, not down... so my ole body ain't that tired,,, to profess that I am a Christian, and



I AM A WORKING CHRISTIAN, 2011.. AND FORWARD.. JOIN ME.. OR ARE YOU JUST TOO TIRED?



God, thank You for my strength to come to You, in prayer, and physically,, and that I will never tire of You, nor Jesus. amen



John HIcks

Tired of hearing all the "can't do's" and not enough of the "CAN DO" attitudes.. how about you.. now, pick up the Cross of Jesus, and carry it around,, I guarantee it will make you tired, but not enough to put it down,, that my friends is strictly,, choice, and it is YOURS!

TIME TO GROW THE GRASS!

TUESDAY! Today , back about work! Yesterday was spent just messing around! Doing exactly nothing! Thank You God for giving me the mind to take a day, enjoy Your surrounding, visit, play, sit back, enjoy family.. do crazy things...like watch the ole house here in town being torn down, with a lot of the city folks watching the bats , thousands come out... been a long time seeing a sight like that... silly? No ,, educating, and visitation of ole friends, lots of laughs, loads of fun! What a close to a perfect day! How was yours. on this last Monday?



Prayer Request, and report: Monday-From Bo Story's mother: "While holding Mommy and Daddy's hand, surrounded by family, and enveloped in love, Bo peacefully leaped into the arms of Jesus at 2:12 pm." God , put your arms around this family also, and hold them dear, and wipe the tears of hurt from them.

Walker Stevens is home and doing good.. talked to Mother last night... this is great news.



TIME TO GROW THE GRASS!



Today is a lesson I learned from my brother-in-law, who was like a brother to me... It was simple , and I listened, digested it,, and never did I worry over this item again,, nor did I ever forget this story. I have told this story all over my travels.. to my siblings.. and just to my youngest yesterday... and she had heard it..for the first time.. I think about this from time to time. and think of what a great piece of advice it was, is, and thankful to God and to G.T. Sanders,,, for it.

One Christmas day , my son, John, and my daughter, Terri , got a go cart.. well of all the excitement and the look on their faces.. it was over-all worth the cranking, the chain replacing, the "air -up the tires", the call of the nephew, Marty to fix it ,, not once but more than "not "times, he had to come , just to start it...... that 'go cart" stayed in the family until junk time by my great nephews.. so you can see this was "the Go Cart".

Now to the story at hand,,, John and Terri,, taking turns driving,, had made them a race track around the side and back of the house... and have you ever seen where they turn the curves? Well, at each corner,, was a hole,, and when it rained,, it was a "mud-hole",,,, trust me, a "mud-hole", as big as that darn ole go cart! I would go look at it,, try to re-direct them, but no,,,,this was "the route",, and when my back was turned,, right back to the ole track, and round and round,, wow! am I glad gas was not as high as it is now.. for you can-not imagine, just how much one of those little things, can use up in a coarse of a day, unless you have one or two little ones to take turns, driving it.. and on these turns... no fear of turning over... "give it more gas John" or "come on Terri, more gas",, was the warriors cry from these two "thank they are" NA-SCAR DRIVERS.... at that tender age.... WELL,,, old pops was out there daily,, trying to throw dirt, back into the holes,, as they smiled and threw it right back out.. then came the relief!

G.T.... as he and I talked about those holes, and all that grass being dug out and up.... and he listened as I gripped... Then He said it,, in that you had to know him, G.T. voice...."Johnny(that is what he called me),, there will be plenty of time to watch the grass grow, and look at it"... " the time of watching it being torn up will not last long enough"... well folks,, from then on , I watched my kids grow up! Wow! What would I have missed, except for these great words of advice from an older brother?

The next time you have some time on your hands,, you think about this saying.. put it in your mind, and your heart... if you are still young with young kids... and if you are as old as I am,, think of just how true it is.... for as I walk about my yard,, I do watch the grass, and I think with a smile, look from my heart's mind, at the kids in that Go Cart... , just how big those holes were,, but most of all,, I do look and say to my self,, now just where were those holes, and realizing that



MY GRASS WAS GROWING, DEEP WITH THOSE OLE MUD HOLES,,,

And TIME STILL ROLLS ON!



I want to say,, I thank this saying should be in the Congressional archives for others to find and read, and should be taught to our young parents for raising their children, for what better way of saying just how precious they are, than that saying.. "There is plenty of time to watch the grass grow......" Thank you my brother for all you did for me... you are very much loved...



God,, May you send others to others with this type of advice ,, so that the families of this nation be raised under You.. as this family was.. amen



John HIcks

No other words needed this very morning,, it has all been said of a great man!

BLLESSED!

Monday- I hope all of you had a great w/e! and that none had to change their plans, because you took Jesus along! or did you?



Prayer Requests: For April Stevens little boy,,, Walker, who is under the weather, and if I understand correct is in the hospital.. at least had to go to the ER.. so pray for little Walker!

Continued prayer for little Bo Story. Gladys Hicks and all others who needs God's healing power now....

As evidenced by people living in Kansas, Oklahoma, West Texas and South Texas, and ever-increasing areas in other parts of the country, the drought condition is reaching critical status; cattle are being auctioned off; crops have burned up; and drinking water is becoming a concern. Please join in this prayer circle.
Lets make this one of the largest prayer circles ever. It will be as though everyone is holding hands around the world, so close your eyes, and reach out with your mind......
Father, You said whatsoever any two or more come together and agree and ask in Your Son's name, it shall be given. We come to you, humbly, and ask that you bring down the rain to our parched lands in the amount that we need. Our farmers and ranchers need it desperately, as well as our firefighters. We ask this all in Jesus' name. Amen.





BLESSED!



I wonder if we ever stop ,,, stop just long enough to realize just how blessed we are.. This morning as I set under our carport.. I made a statement to my wife.. as I sipped on that greatest cup of coffee,, each morning... that is one thing I don't understand.. My coffee , first thing in the morning can get no better, yet the next morning, I say the same thing,, that is one of our great blessing! Back to the statement.. I took a deep breath, and I said,, feel that nice cool free clean air? Lots of people don't have this air...Then I said, and look at the peace we have here.. she said.."can't hear anything!",, Lots of people don't have this peace... Just think I said,,, just how much we are blessed with! More than most people in this world! We have clean air, peace, coffee,(just the way we like it),, food to order.. not just have, but to order what we want at the time...clear cool clean water... with what we cannot survive with-out(but look at the ones in our own country, who are suffering from the lack of this already) we have light when we hit the switch, dark when we reverse that hit... jump in a car/truck, and ride to where=-ever we want,, with ease, no border stops, no papers to show(un-less you decide to speed above the limit).. and if for some reason, you have an accident,, you have first class hospital, doctor care,,, and insurance to fix the car/truck...

Now, close your eyes...and think of that little kid, lying in a muddy ditch,, just trying to stay warm.already hunger to beyond our thoughts... the mother or dad, lying above the ditch,, trying to figure out what the next move is,, if their government gives them a chance that when they wake, if they get any sleep at all,,, to wake up and go.... the clothes on their back,,is all they have, except the pounding of an uncertain heart connected to a scared brain,, that says,, ???????.

Yes, now you stop long enough to just ponder in your heart..... would you give half of all you have to these? If you could? Would you even give 1/4 of what you have ,, if you could,, would you give your life for these if you could?



WELL I KNOW SOMEONE WHO DID! STOP AND BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE ,,, AND DON'T TODAY,, UTTER ONE WORD OF DISAPPOINTMENT OF YOUR DAY! BE TOTALLY THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE....

CAN YOU DO THIS?



Lord,, I pray for these who don't have what I have.. I don't understand,,but I don't challenge Your decisions, but Lord, I can , and I do pray for these , and I can, and I do thank You for mine, amen





John HIcks

Blessed so very much,, just how do you feel today? or do you care,, you just get up,, go about your merry way, and say ,, it's in the cards? Well,, one thing I believe in ,, is the one who dealt the cards, and He can

re-deal at any time... so be thankful!

WHERE DO YOU LOOK?

SUNDAY! Welcome to it! Rejoice in it! and Remember , it is a gift from Him to you,, with no strings attached... when have you received such an enormous gift? Each day of your life,, just remember,, He loves you, me, and all He made,, and wants us ,,,just to love Him back,, that is all.. can you do this?



Something to ponder this day, and ask yourself the question,,, are you tired? Quote: "Laziness,, is a quality that prevents people from getting tired!"



WHERE DO YOU LOOK ?



Again,, where do you look, for your eternity? It is just a simple question,, and today it is just a simple answer that you need to answer, and only you can answer for you... and only one will make the final decision, and you will have nothing to do with it then,, so make your answer today with that in mind,,,, do you understand what I am saying?



YOU MUST BE LOOKING UP OR DOWN,, THERE IS NO IN-BETWEEN! Your choice!



God, grant me the ability to talk of You, and to talk to lead, not hinder, and I pray that my actions also do the same.. and for all who reads this, .. amen



John HIcks

As one might say,, yes that man has his head in the clouds! Can they say that about you?



HAVE A GREAT DAY, AND MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU WITH A BUNDLE OF BLESSINGS!

FADING , AND FADING FAST!

SATURDAY! Now that you have it,, what are your going to do with it? Yes,, yes,, I know. You have planned and planned for this,,, for what... 6 days? and then on Monday,,,, wake up,, then you can start it off again,, plan,, plan,, and hope, hope.. oh by the way,, how did Jesus like your plans for this week-end? Do you think He is going to enjoy where and what you all are doing? I am sure He will,, so you all,, have a great and glorious day!



Prayer Requests: For all those who are not Christians and want to be.. pray for them to step up and confess to Jesus!

For all those who are make believe Christians... pray for them to "really" step up and confess to Jesus, and then by real...

For all the sick and in need, may He bless them beyond their wildest dreams,, and make them so happy, that they will want to jump way up in the air,,, and never come down!



FADING, AND FADING FAST,,,,



This morning I want to just say,, when you pray to God, accept Jesus, being a Christian,,, and you do it ,,more or less,, daily,,, well you can't,, either you pray seriously,, accept Jesus seriously, be a Christian seriously,, or you don't , nor can you do any of it,,, at all... So now,, if you Love and Pray to God, Accept Jesus, Are being a Christian, then



DO IT,, BUT SERIOUSLY AND AT ALL TIMES..



NOT, DO IT FOR NOW- CONVENENCE.. AND THEN LET IT FADE AWAY, UNTIL NEXT TIME,,,



do it at all times of your life!!!!



Almighty God,, let this nation, and all of Your followers, be "all the time",, Christians,, and not "every once in a while, when it fits them",, type of Christians... amen



John HIcks

I pray for all,,, and most of all I pray for forgiveness, for I am a sinner,, and I ask my God for forgiveness each time I pray,, for I know somewhere along the line,, I fell , but I keep on trying and trying, and He keeps on forgiving, and forgiving,, do you pray?

PURE TRUE LOVE!

FRIDAY! Yes,, it did arrive! Just when on a Wednesday,, you had your doubts..but here it is,, Now at the end of the day,, what do you do? Go to bed, with the knowledge,, WEEK-END IS HERE! ,, but first,, just stop the celebration, that your are doing alone,,,and invite the guest of honor.. the one who gave you this great day, this great to be w/e.... before you lay your head down,, with all those dreams & plans rushing through your head... Thank Him, and don't forget to invite Him along on this w/e! Oh? You may have to change your plans? Maybe He will too.. this calls for real thought ,, doesn't it...?



PRAYER REQUEST: For Little Bo Story... Bo has been fighting brain cancer for two years.. and he has some liver inflammation.. and some stomach trouble from his medication... he is in Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta... The Make A Wish Foundation is giving little Bo and his family a free trip to Disney World.. Pray that he will be feeling good enough, and that the doctors will let him go.. God ,please grant Bo this trip,, is my prayer, and please let it also , be all of yours....



TRUE LOVE!



True love .. what is true love? True love, of ones spouse, a child of yours. a niece, a nephew, an aunt, an uncle.. grandparent.. friend, girlfriend, boyfriend... a LOVE,, unconditional...that never ends.. it's like a vine in a jungle.. no matter how hard you swing on it,, it has more to give.. it just continues on, and on.. just like that vine.. You must visualize this,, to really have true love.. you care for this person, in heart , and in body... never forsaking this person... this is true love,, give your life for them,, never hurt them,, intentionally.. always the want ,,, of the wrapping your arms around them ,, and for no reason at all,,, just whisper,, "I Love You"!

True Love ,, in this world of ours is one of the greatest things God gave us.. and He also gave us the understanding,, that this true love, is for us all here... now the other true love? What? the other true love?

Yes, the love of the one who made you.. and the one who came to save you... with only LOVE to give,, nothing else,, God gave you the world, and life,, We sinned and lost that life...Jesus came,, to give back that life after death,, forgiveness of your sins,, and yes, he gave His life.

God the Father, and Son, Jesus Christ,, did that ,, and did it all with



PURE LOVE,

TO YOU, AND TO ME!



Now,,, has He gotten any of that "PURE LOVE" back, from you and me?



God, thank You for creating this world, us, and giving us all we have, and then giving us Your Son, now may we give back that Love,, to You and to Jesus. amen



John HIcks

The only thing left this morning is your answer! Well?

LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY!

THURSDAY-Welcome to another one of God's gift to you,,, for this day is a gift. so accept it with humility, be thankful for it, and then go and enjoy it to the fullest,, just as He intended for you to do.. and also do it with an invitation of asking Him to come along with you,, and show Him off... He deserves it for a change! Right?



LORD,,,, TEACH US TO PRAY!





Mathew 6: 9 - 13. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory for ever. A-men





As a reminder,,, when you pray,,, go back and read,, verses 6 ,7, and 8.. condensed, go into your closet, also as you pray do not use repetitions as the heathen do,, "for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of,, before ye ask him"...



Pray ,, but pray with the guide lines He has outlined for us... and pray for one thing also,, that He continues to teach us today,, as He has always done, from the first time on this earth , and even until now...



Have a great day, and make it a day of thanksgiving, from Him to you,, special, for it certainly is.. and so is each day we are allowed on this earth... Praise God Almighty , from whence it all comes!



John HIcks

Different today.. but ...........

THIS MORNING

WEDNESDAY- Middle of the week,, and looking forward to the upcoming week-end... but as you pass on from here to there,, don't go so fast, with eyes fixed only on a Friday evening and the start of another week-end , that you pass up two days, God has given you,, to enjoy,, just as much, as all the others... so slow down,,, and enjoy them, for once gone,, they are gone, forever...



Something to think about: Who made the basketball? It really does not matter,, but the one who made the football does.. well , let's just see how this came about! Started out in Washington,, with our President, and our Congress.. they where given a perfectly good basketball,, said to them,,,by the nation, "give us an American Basketball",, and after much debating, drafting, lobbying,, many,. many committees,, then the final basketball submitted ,, had turned into a football... leave it up to them, to kick everything good around,, give it out as better,, and then it is up to the American People to take it, live with it, best they can, and then take this odd basketball,,, and make it into an American Icon.. PRAISE THE LORD FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!



Prayer Request:

There's a lady I've known forever. She's very sick. On top of that, she's being abused by those she has given everything to. Lies about her abound, and seem to come from all sides. Just breaks my heart. Seems there's nothing I can do alone. But maybe, if we join in and lift her up. She's well over 200 years old, but way too young to die. Her name is America... and I love her. Please pray for her each and every day!



THIS MORNING ,,, A little fun ,, about our President,, and Our Congress..a lot of truth,, you be the judge! Is America slideing downhill? Can , WE THE PEOPLE, save her.. this time? YES, WITH PRAYER TO THE ONE WHO CREATED HER IN THE FIRST PLACE... that is what our elected officials have forgotten, they have,, LEFT GOD OUT OF THEIR DECISIONS.

You think about this statement,, and then pray, and pray hard,, for our God to forgive this nation back ,,,revive Her again.



Lord, forgive us, this nation, this United States of America... for all the sins of greed , and self centered wealth, and ingnoring You... and I pray that all will turn back to You , before it is too late. amen



John HIcks

Enough said this Wednesday Morning!

TREASURE CHEST

TUESDAY- Make a decision today, as you wake, and if you are reading this later,,then make it now... but decide that today,, if you have not brought Christ into your heart already,, accepted Him as your Savior ,then you are going to do it now.. you don't have to be in a church to accept Him,, He is with you always,, even in the "honky tonks" waiting for you to just say those words, " Jesus come into my heart, save me", and no matter where you are,, then and there , you will have Him,, I can guarantee this.. then go to a church of your choice,, and get with that pastor, and he will guide you from there.. but if you have not accepted,, don't wait another second,, it is that important for you and your eternity!



Prayer Requests: Continue to pray for Little Joseph. Gladys Hicks, Joseph Hammonds, Elmer Kent, and all those that need Him in any way.. I ask You God to give those in need of you ,, relief, forgiveness, and to make them all well...



A TREASURE CHEST!



In these economic days, we all would like to find a treasure chest of gold and jewels! Gold is at an all time high,, the USA is at the lowest we have ever seen it.. our worth has fallen.. Our president has said one true thing,, we are all Americans, and we are the most treasured in the world.. as for a country to come and live in... but the one really chosen,, we must never turn our backs on, and we must fight to the death to keep her free.. and that is Israel.. and I believe this with all my heart ... Yes , for now , we are the valley of milk and honey,, but folks ,, our milk is going sour, and our honey is starting to taste like guanine,, what we must eat "through our eyes", is getting to be more and more bitter.. either WE the American People, and I mean all,, turn back to God.. this river of sweet milk and golden honey will dry up , and you will see the killing, the biting, the stealing ,,, not of strangers ,, but friends and relatives.. yes I am not telling a horror story,, I am telling you what will happen to any country, or anyone who walks away, and turns their backs to God, and embraces satan.

You can say,, oh he is just trying to scare me..but when you decide to go to the grocery store and you have neither money, or gas for your car.. and when you walk there, you have neither enough money to buy what is in that store , if there be anything in it... yes, scared? Now get down on those knees,, I don't care how bad they hurt, but get down on them and pray to God for His forgiveness,, and the forgiveness of all the sins of our officials that are making these decisions, and the common people that are dancing behind satan ,, yes all ,,that are putting us into the pits of satan...

Look to the East.. and keep looking. Pray to the One above.. believe in Jesus, believe in a living God,, pray each day, more than once.. your enemies pray no matter what is going on,, why don't we? For we have this "red face" about us.. but we need to wipe it away.. and go to Jesus,, and then we can have , without ever having any downgrade of value, but only up-grade in value,,, yes we can have,,, if only we will ask for it ,,,in earnest, and I mean in earnest.. yes we can open our security,,,



OUR TREASURE CHEST

OF JESUS CHRIST, AND THE LIVING GOD ALMIGHTY,,,



God, I pray for these UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and I pray that our officials will bow down to you , in earnest, ask for Your help and the path You want them to go on,,, and then after praying to You , will LISTEN TO YOU. and You will forgive this nation of its terrible , terrible sins ,, that of much, much greed... amen



John HIcks

I am sounding off at the way we are letting our country fall,,, and fall it will ,, without the Lord God at the helm.. we are sailing into the storms of storms, and we just lean back and say,, don't worry,, our government will give us a way out,, but our government of give ,give ! Give free, is over, YOU MUST EARN WHAT YOU GET, and you must start on your knees.. believe it or not!

ON A COLD WINTERY DAY!

MONDAY! I want to start my day off with this: Thank You Lord, for this day, the first day of the rest of my life, and I pray that You will give me the strength to live it for you ,,, 100 %. Now, will you stop and think,, that this statement should be yours also,,, now I said "should be",, it is up to you to do two things.. give your self to God ,, and to pray... yes your choices .. for you to make!



Prayer Report:

Millie asked me to let you know that Her daughter, Melody, is home, still has some pain, but will probably be OK now. They did another MRI before they released her yesterday, and the kink in her colon is gone, so they think the pain now is just from irritation from the tubing. Hopefully she will be better in a day or so. Louise(Millie's' sister) (From me, thanks for all the prayers!)



ON A COLD WINTER DAY!



There was this man heading for work, on a Sunday afternoon, about 2 p.m. It was in February,,, a cold, freezing rain, the first of the day...but now at 2 p.m. ,looked like the roads had thawed ruts.. so this guy, had to drive back to his work place.. 120 miles.. so he thought,, I will go ahead and leave now.. I can make it by going on the interstate ... lots of traffic,, better road conditions! WELL,, wrong...When , he got to the interstate,,,there was actually only one lane opened.. that is with partial thawing,, the other lane,, ruts , but frozen..no one in them,, that is if they had good sense.. so he got on the road,, smiled and said to himself.. I will be at my apartment soon, and not have this to do later..when it re-freezes... Then on up the road, north from where he started ,, it got worse,, traffic had slowed to maybe 20 mph.. ice had started to built up in his lane also.. worry was about to set in... his mind went to ... where do I turn around.. then to oh well I will make it.. all these others are.. when all of a sudden he came back to consciences,,, for he had been day-dreaming of turning back.. the cars in front of him HAD STOPPED!

He was on ice ruts.. anti-lock would be not help,,, for he was too close,, crash was all he could see, or jump into the other land,, which had about an eight inch built up,, and that would cause a slide right on into the other car anyway.. and in his rear view mirror,,here came a little blue pick up,, doing about 40 mph in the left lane anyway,,so that was out of the question.. all this time? to think of all these things.. this was like slow motion.. so now ,,, get ready for here comes the crash,, hands turned loose from the wheel,,,arms crossed in front of the face,, did not want all the broken glass in his face, and just as he was bout to hit the rear end of that car,, he closed his eyes tight,, tighter than most any time, gritted his teeth, and THEN,, IT HAPPENED! Nothing.. no crash,, so he slowly opened his eyes,, and there he was , in the left lane, going just about 10 mph,, with his arms still across his face.. and as he looked to the side, people were starring at him like he was an idiot, riding down the road with his arms across his face.. so he lowered them looked ahead, and there about an 1/8th of a mile was that little pick up!

He put his hands on the wheel slowly,, and eased on up the road,, until he could ease back into the other lane .. for all of a sudden it got dryer for the time he needed to get back into that lane,, then the iced ruts continued.... what had happened,,, he felt a feeling of someone had been holding him,, like a mother when you were hurt, and needed that comfort... just what was it,, that had move a large pick up sliding on ice , only inches of the back of a car stopped,, moved it to the other lane, moved another pick-up ahead , and out of the way of this one,, and slowly drove it, until he noticed the people looking at him so very awkwardly? He knew,, who, but did not know why... until he thought about it,, for just a few minutes.. he ,knew.. God had done, it, and why,, it could only be that great love of this God....for what ever He had for this guy latter! What is your opinion on what happened, and why,, for this story is a true one....



THAT REALLY HAPPENED ON A COLD WINTRY DAY!



God, thank You for being there,, and thank You for being with us each day , for we just get busy with ourselves, and don't realized ,,, that You are right there beside us also... again, thank You for all the credit of that day goes to You. amen



John HIcks

Do you believe in miracles? Do you believe that God actually reaches down, and does these things,,, well you should, it is truly happening all the time.. we just don't see it all,, nor feel it all, but it is there, and the above story is certainly a true one,, I can vouch for it... For I was that guy, in that pick up on that cold wintry day,,, way back in the time of my life.........

REMEMBRANCE OF GOD, AND COUNTRY!

SUNDAY-His day,, so let's respect it , will you?



Today I want to remember the 30 Navy Seals we lost in Afghanistan yesterday. These were brave men, who where defending our freedom.. and without the brave mean and women of our armed forces,, we would have no freedom.. trust me,, countries are already downgrading our capital.. the only thing that stands between them and us,, is the UNITED STATES SOLIDER, NO MATTER THE BRANCH, AND IF YOU LIKE YOUR FREEDOM, BE ON YOUR KNEES FOR THESE BRAVE SOLDIERS,,, AND MOST OF ALL TODAY,,THOSE FAMILIES WHO HAVE LOST A LOVE ONE FOR YOU, AND FOR ME, ALL IN FREEDOMS NAME!





There are those, I know who will say that the liberation of humanity , the freedom of man, and his mind, is nothing but a dream... and they are right,,, IT IS THE AMERICAN DREAM!





I think that the right to assemble is a God given right, and I think we all need to assemble our prayers , and our actions, to God, and putting Him first.. I see that the spreading of His word, is a thing that must be pursued,, not subdued.. as I see and feel it here.. I see more subdued than pursued,, so folks ,, get off your butts.. support God, and this USA,, and be more in prayer than you ever have before,,,



OR WAKE UP WITHOUT , AND THEN SCRATCH YOUR HEAD IN WONDER WHAT.. DUH!



God, bless the families of these lost comrades of mine.. God bless this nation.. and Lord,, only you can console those who have lost someone.. and make them realize,,, their love ones have made the trip to You,, one we all will have to do... amen



John HIcks

I am more patriotic than most, but when you have seen first hand what an enemy can do to one of your own,,, you understand, and you also know,, not think,, that God is real,,and He is working not only here, where we think we have the rights to Him only,, but He is in ever battlefield,, and He folks ,,, IS THE DECIDING FACTOR.. the quicker we realize it,, the quicker this nation will start reviving!

THE STORM, ON A CLEAR DAY!

SATURDAY- Yes, week-end! Now for the work-out! What work-out do you ask,, this is the first day of the w/e! Your work-out today is yours, and your choice,,, pick one ! Cutting grass, cleaning house, washing the car, painting the house, or just kicking back,, going on a picnic, a movie, to the mall ,just to walk around ,,, and be as cool as you can... but enjoy it,,, yes ,, it is a choice of yours ,,,maybe buy an ice cream on a cone, and lick it till it runs down your chin or hand,, but today,, you do it, it's yours ,,,, to make it your work-out day of choice! Have a great and safe Saturday!



Prayer Request:


Please keep in prayer little Joseph Scott. He is transferring to Jacksonville, FL to take "proton radiation" which will not damage good brain cells. They will be there 8 weeks taking treatments. He woke up yesterday morning and said "God is healing my walking" (he has been so weak since his surgery that he could not walk).

Thanks, Judy

Please keep in prayer those others that need Gods' help so very much, who are sick, hurting or deep in sin, either way, pray for their healing of both.



THE STORM ! ON A CLEAR DAY!




Yes, we have storms on clear days.. the sun shinning, the moon shinning ,,,, and we are in the worst storms of our lives... A storm , or storms,, that is tearing down households, blowing families apart.. separating Moms and Dads,, from each other, and from their off-springs... addicting drugs, pulling out our insides of friends, maybe even one of us...drinks that makes do things, ordinarily that we would not do... cursing our family,,, father against son, son against father.. same for mothers and daughters... professing our hatred for God,, right out in the open,, on t.v. , on the Internet,, all kinds of storms that are sweeping our planet.. starvation,, right out in the open,, and guards to see that it is done,, that these people actually do starve rather than mingle or talk to us.. the satans workers,,, hard at stirring up the storms of sand to keep people away from the Christians... yes ,, folks we are living in storms,, and I say storms, plural.. all over this world ,, yes storms on a clear day, and night!

What can we do to survive these storms that we feel, see, but cannot get a forecast from the weather man? We can go to the "weather man" of all forecasters.. Jesus Christ,, talk to Him,, yes talk to Him in person, and ask for a clearing of the world, and especially your personal storms of within you, or surrounding you and your family, your nation,, whatever the storm,,, He will listen, and yes , after you call on HIM,, then I can guarantee one thing,, the storms within your heart and soul, will automatically clear,,, and you will have a great shinning of love, humility, compassion, and most of all ,,, you will feel the peace , the calming of




YOUR STORMS....... ON A CLEAR DAY!



God, I pray that you clear up the storms anyone is having,, that is hurting them in their hearts, the tearing of the flesh from them from satan, I pray that you tear him from them, fling him back to hell where he belongs,,,and give them a bright and shining life of with Your Son, and of You,,, this is my prayer for all of mankind.. amen




John HIcks

I am so thankful of my Living God, and of His saving power.. that He saved me, and I ask each of you who have not esperiecnce this saving,,, call out to Jesus, and then feel the ever feeling of Him entering your soul, the peace of this time,, and the peace that will continue to be with you, even to the end of times, and beyond,, call out ,,,,it is a choice that God put on your shoulders, and if the weight is to great,, bend on down,, and call.. Jesus will take the weight,, lift you up.. forgive you and keep you standing , not bent down.. make the choice of choices ,,, now , today.. please!!!!!





end

THE TRI FOLD OF LIFE!

FRIDAY- Yes! It did come! Just as you were thinking Monday,, No! No! It's five whole days until the week-end! Folks, it was like a flash to all of us old retired ,,those with no jobs, also a flash,,,except for the waiting of news of a job, only to the working is it soooo slow getting here ,, Then just as it gets here for that working class,,, , it is like an ice cream cone at noon,, standing at a hot parking lot up town,, one lick, (sat.), half gone,,,, one more lick(sun.),,, already run down your hand and nothing but the cone left! Monday is here,,all to do over again,,,, Thank God ,,, said the unemployed with no unemployment, for now I can look for a job! The retired,, could care less,,,,God bless all categories, and just thank God , He gives us these days,, M-F, and the W/E!



Prayer Request: Please continue your prayers for Melody Lowe,, and that her Mother , Millie's hip gets better, so she can get up and around also...

No news from Gladys, will try for an update tomorrow... keep praying.

All those in need of God's help,, please pray for them, for Prayer Works!





THE TRI FOLD OF LIFE!



Today is very short,, for I ask you this question,,, do you have the "tri fold of life"? Now , I know all are saying ,,just what is this? A very simple answer.... and I hope the answer is YES!



GOD THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY GHOST!



Your answer is your own,, your choice... if it is no,, just stop,,, hit your bodies ,,, re-fresh button,, and then if your answer is still no... pray.. for I am praying for those "No's", right now!



God, I pray for the words, to direct all I can.... to You. amen



John HIcks

"The Cross" Ministry needs all of your prayers, that we will get all the 6000 crosses painted for the give away to 6000 yards.... whoa,, 6001,, I had a lady yesterday tell me in town,, go put a cross in my yard,, for I believe,, and I want everyone to know it.. so that cross will be up this W/E,, so then it will really be back to 6000... thank all of you for all of the prayers... and God bless Sandra, that lady!

JUST LIKE THE COVERS OF YOUR BED!

Thoughts For Today- Thursday-08/04/11















THURSDAY- As I wake this early morning, I think of yesterday,, the brightness of the sun,, shinning down upon us,, and the heat,,, sooooo hot here... 100+ in places, and the index was even higher.. A/C's was humming,, electrical companies was saying they were going to cut people off for a 1/4 hour or so.. to save electricity,, all the time the CEO'S of both electricity and A/C's was smiling so big , while out on the golf coarse,, you could drive a semi through their mouth... Oh, well, at least God spared us of the "heat " that is to come,,, if you are on His side and have Him as your coolant, when that time comes... for you haven't seen anything,, like it, if you haven't! I hope you get the drift of this one,,,, today!



Prayer Request: For Millie's daughter,, Melody Lowe,, who is very sick ,, had to go to the ER last night.. pray for her ,, and will update you on Melody.. pray it is not too bad!

For Gladys Hicks , who has been diagnosed with breast cancer... pray for her, she is a dear friend of mine and our family.. no kin , but like kin. She is going into surgery this morning,, pray that the doctors are guided by HIM.



JUST LIKE,,, THE COVERS OF YOUR BED!



Yes, so many have treated God and His Son , just like your bed... you automatically turn Him down at night like the covers,,,,,, and then as you wake,, you leave Him there,,,,,

You get up in the morning,, feeling good, and cheerful for you have the day(in which He gave you)_..you make up the bed, that was so cozy, comfortable, and safe through the night... the world to go our into, to work, play, or just sit back and enjoy, and YES HE GAVE THEM ALL TO YOU,,, the auto,, all those fancy cloths,, the food, the water.. and then the day is over ,, and home you come,,yes,, He gave you this home also... You open the fridge,, wow at the food,,, prepare for wife, or hubby,, children,, friends who are coming over.. watching T.V. ,, on the phone,,, talking ,, text-ing... all come, eat, have fellowship with the friends,,, then the go home, then a yawn,,, all ready for bed,, "turn down the bed" , bed the kids down, then into bed you hop,,,, pull up the covers,, and give out a big ole sigh,,, close your eyes and drift off into never, never land.. just to wake up and do it all over again... wow.. who makes all this happen, you'd think???

That question needs for you to stop,, right after that yawn,,, think about the day,, from start to finish... you included all,, family,, friends, work, play,, yourself(treated yourself to a few things of your own),, now just what else is there? When you woke up,, did you thank the one who made it all? When you went through the day,, did you think the one who made it..like you thanked the one who waited on you at the restaurant,,, the bus driver, the attendant at the gas station.. your co-workers,, the ones who came over and fellowship with you... your family for being there,,, BUT DID YOU as the day passed ,, thank the one who made it all... and right after the yawn,, DID YOU FORGET HIM,,,DID YOU THANK HIM FOR IT ALL? or did you just turn Him down,,, like the bed? or did you thank Him,,



THEN PULLED HIM UP AROUND YOU ,,, JUST LIKE YOU PULL THE COVERS OF YOUR BED, UP AND ROUND YOU? TIGHTLY!



God , may we all wake up with You,,, walk with You through our day,,, come home to You at the end of our day,, spend our home time with You ,,, and go to bed, and pull You up around us for the night.. amen


John HIcks

I sit and think as I see people pass the house, or hurry around in town,, and I think,, how many have so many things on their minds today,, did any of them forget to talk to the Lord.. at least once?.. or did this world have you so tied up,, you forgot where it is that WE are all going.. EVENTUALLY..JUDGMENT!

Yes,, I just sit back and watch,, and think.................................and pray for me and them ,,

EITHER YOU DO.... OR YOU DON'T.. OR YOU PRETEND!

WEDNESDAY-Well, wake up, get out there and enjoy this great day that the Lord has made for you.. just think, who in this world, can make and give you a day,,yes a day of your very own.. you must be something special,, and every day, it seems you are special, for He gives you another day! Now go ahead and enjoy it!



Prayer Request: For , again this nation! For all the leaders,, and yes ,,,, For all the citizens, for with more prayer, we can change this nation,, by ourselves, back to the way it was founded... yes,, we can,, I believe in prayer, and we, the people,,, can change this nation,, back to IN GOD WE TRUST! by prayer, real prayer!



EITHER YOU DO ,,,,, OR YOU DON'T,,,, OR PRETEND!



To what do those heading pertain to ? Your belief in God.. and the "heading " that fits you,,, is chosen by you, and only you,, for no matter what I think,,,it matters not,,for I can not look into your soul,, but there is one who can,, and if you never remember anything I write,, remember that, and take it to heart Yes , you may fool your friends, and the people you meet... but God knows , without you even telling Him ,,, that





EITHER YOU DO,,,,, OR YOU DON'T,,,, OR PRETEND! That you believe in HIM!



Lord, I pray that no one walks around with you on the outside,, and never invites you to their inside.. may all come to You, is my prayer today,,, amen



John HIcks

I pray everyday,,,, and I am thankful that I have that opportunity,, to do so,, and that it is my own decision,, aren't you glad you have the decision, to pray, and to really have God within you?

UP,, UP AND AWAAAAAAAY! or down!

TUESDAY- another of Gods' days... just what to do with it? I have plans, and more plans, I really don't think I will have time nor stamina to do them all,, but the one thing for sure in my plans,,, I have God, and Jesus , right at the start, not after the start, in the middle, or at the latter of the day.. a prayer of thanks only.. but the start,, right there, before the starting gun sounds... then ,,, yes after the start, in the middle, and an evening prayer also.. for I will start with my God, I will carry my God all day(or really He carries me),, and I will finish with my God! How are you planning your day?





UP,,,UP,,,AND AWAAAAAAAY! or down!



Today is a simple question,, how do you fill your "balloon of life" ? With high grade helium? Medium grade?, or low grade? Oh,, their is only one kind of helium,,,,100 %? Well maybe 1/4 of the balloon, or all of the balloon? I would think,, and that is quite an effort for me,,, to think,, ha! but yes I vote for "full balloon"! How about you? When I go up in that ole balloon ,, I want to float all around the sky, and let out just enough to come down slowly, but "surely"... to the ground, and step out on "solid" ground,, you know ,, something that does not float,, gives that sort of holding ,, yet sinking.. like landing in the lake!

So , I fill my balloon up with highest grade helium, I float with a navigator,, yes , I hired one to do the driving,, what do I know about flying?, I'm not a bird,, I am man! and with this navigator, I have put my trust , that he will fly me, then deliver me "safely" back to the "solid" ground with a slight thump,, and I can step off and exclaim to all,, of my safe journey, and that they also can come and ride this balloon, this same journey with me,, if "they choose"...

Now, what is all the " " " in these thoughts today? Well they are the marking in a real life trip for finding God,, fill yourself up with Him,, for He is high grade,, for there in no other type,but HE is surely the origianal "helium",, for I know of no other that ascended up and right into Heaven ,, do you? and yes He is my navigator,, for I know where I want to go,,,but He takes me on the safest route,, and then as the time comes,, He takes me home.. slowly and sure,,, for I made the choice ,, myself to get into that "Jesus" balloon,, accept Him as my navigator,, and put all my trust in Him,, that this thing would fly, and fly with my life in His hands.. but choice,,, yes I made mine,, will you come and fly with me this morning... or have you already been on your flight, and like me,, still in the air, with the same navigator driving "our " balloon? Just remember ,, as to whether you climb on that balloon,, or not, is your decision,,, and there is one other balloon setting just off to the right,, but as to the looks of the drooping top,,, ragged carrier,, I recommend ,, mine, even if mine comes with only the thrill of LIFE,, and the other one may come with what seems like a good time, with all the lights flashing,, but if you read the lights,, between the flashes,, they spell death.. o.k. now you choose,, fly in mine,,, or go dancing? Life or death?



YOUR CHOICE AS TO WHETHER YOU FLY UP AND AWAAAAY,,, or down!



God, I make the choice of You , over all in this world, and I stand until you call,,steadfast, and I pray that there will be many, many, trillions and trillions of others standing with me.. amen



John HIcks

Riding in my "balloon",,, you never get air sick either,, so make a choice, before it is air bourned , and you can not reach it,, be on time, not to late! Your decision!

WHAT IS IT LIKE?

MONDAY! Hey, the first day of a new month, welcome in August of 2011....Let us rejoice of this day, for God has sent it to us for enjoyment of all the things He has given us to go with this day.... so don't go and think you invented it, not planned it ,,,,, really! He is in charge, and don't forget it! Thank You Lord for this new day, this new month, and may we celebrate you,,,, for a change!



WHAT IS IT LIKE?



To be... not really poor,,, but close to it,, you can see the back of your coat, through the front.. a little hungry, but not starving,, a little hot, but not just burning up,,, and the same with the cold, cool , but wrapped in old blankets, and warm,, and you do have a roof over your head,,a few drips here and there...but not bad,,, yes,, Mom says, we are fortunate, and rich, in each other.. so you set and wonder just how the poor makes it.. then mom makes a pot of soup, from our canned veggies,, grab a few old blankets, and yes that old hat and coat,, the one extra in the house, that hangs by the old stove, the stove used to warm, and to cook with,, yes you grab it, and then mom grabs the kids, takes a walk in the cold to the north , about 2 miles up the road, facing the cold wind, the kind you walk and bend at the same time..ever been in one of these, with a see through coat..,, so as to help out and give those things to your neighbors,the only ones within 5 miles of you,, and see if they are all right.. for they have only about half of what you have.. only and mostly the back of a coat,, only one meal every two days.. hot in summer,, and flys, wow, thousand it seems for no screens, no windows.. In the winter,, old oil paper to keep the cold out, tacked over them, and you can see right through the folds, for after winter, they take them down, refold them, and used them next winter... and they huddle around that old stove,, a little closer than us, for it is colder in there ,than at our house,,,, yes like us,, that old stove to warm by and to cook by also.. but plenty of wood , cut and stacked next to the north wall.. to help keep the cold out.. yes , mom said they were poor.. we must watch out for them ,, and help feed them.. for mom knows what it is like to be poor,, for she told me,, she once was poor..... but the one thing mom always did say, that they and us had,, was a whole lot of God, Jesus, and love of one another, family, friends, and neighbors.. and you know , I guess we were close to being just about "close to rich"! and no we did not live in D.C either and was I ever glad,,,, for they just barely made it through their debt default ,, of the whole USA.... now they are really poor...justt trying to find money ,, so all Americans could have a new coat, some more food, and fixed those windows, and roof..

but , well for us,,



THAT IS HOW IT FELT,,, THEN ,,, FOR US,,,WHEN WE WERE,,, ALMOST RICH!





Lord, thank You, for it all,,, we don't deserve You, but we sure do love You.. amen



John HIcks

You think of how ahead we are in technology today, but then you stop, ponder your past,, and then you think ,,, are we ahead, or are we going in the wrong direction, right into the poor house,,, Well now that is according to my mothers thinking,, as we make the second trip down to our "poor neighbors", with another pot of that soup!