WORK IN PROGRESS

FRIDAY-TGIF- Good morning on this last day of the month, gone by quickly and glad to be here for those in Mississippi, and in Louisiana.. for those who were not in harms way of this great storm, pray with and for those who were in it... that they not only survived,,, but they recover back to normal, if they will ever be able to say, "normal"... God be with each of them...


WORK IN PROGRESS!

I,,, at times, feel like this Nation is on a spiral down,,, to rubble, and I know that the people of this nation, will not let this happen,,, if they will go to God , and go to God in earnest, not in trying to impress God, for God knows your heart, before you speak of what it holds,, so, as you go, go with earnest, and truth within your heart!
If we all will do this,, we can not only save this nation, but we can save this planet!!!! Yes,, the planet! There is nothing that God, can not do, but He stands and looks, and waits for that commitment, that little taste of mans faith in Him, that asking with all your heart, and not to fill your pocket-book... Yes,, folks ,
God is there, looking at this Nation , right now, this instance, and as for the direction of the journey of this nation,, will be upon you and I,, and our faith,, for God stands ready,,,and already has His

WORK IN PROGRESS,,, and I pray to Him, please spare us this,, Your World, Lord, ,,, one more time!

Lord, I pray, that my prayer is that,,, of all the people , in this nation, and this world, of the above,, amen

John HIcks
Praying, and praying for the correct leader of this Nation, which will effect the entire world...think very, very deep, on records, and then pray to your God, for the decision.... choice and yes, it is yours!!!!

THE STATE OF OUR COUNTRY!

THURSDAY! Fifty two years ago today, I made a decision to stand between Freedom and aggression, and I became a Medic in the USAF.. a stand to say to these aggressors,, STOP, or go through me... I am thankful that there were millions standing with me... and I send out my gratitude to those who are there today, defending our freedom, & our rights.. I pray that God will continue to stand by their sides also...
Today, I ask for those who are not a member of Gods Army against satan, to think and make a choice today, to join this Army, for unless we all stand side by side with God as our Commander -In-Chief,, we are not going to win the battle,but with Him, we can win, we can do anything as long as we are all together, you, me, and HIM!!!! Will you stand , or will you sit?



Prayer Requests: Barbara's daughter, Lori, who had biopsies of her throat, and she was diagnosed as clear of cancer,, but the cut places in her throat are very painful, and hard to swallow... may she heal quickly...and for Barbara's Son-in-law, Loris' Husband, Frank,, who went for chemo, found out, he can not take anymore treatments, as his cancer has quit responding to chemo, and now the doctors must find some other treatment..Pray that God will supply these Dr's. the knowledge to treat Frank, both He and Lori have been down a long and hard road.. please pray for God to give them both a clearer road, and all the help they both need..

Although, I was told not to put put anything on these thoughts about our"Miracle Millie", she is in pain in numerous places, and suffers,, so I ask that , even if I get into trouble, we all pray a big prayer for this one, who prays for all, and leaves herself to last... God please help this lady through all....

THE STATE OF OUR COUNTRY!

Why don't these candidates talk of this country, leave their own personal feeling at home, and when they address the nation, campaign on the issues, and if it steps on toes,, it steps on toes! I believe that is where all our best presidents and leaders have come from....look at Billy Graham. He has preached the truth, receive billions of dollars, gave himself a set salary, and still holds His head high, free of all slander,, with God at his side, and on his side... So why do our leaders lie, afraid of those who disagree with them, and run from God, afraid to stand up for Him, at all costs? What we need is some fist pounding on these podiums, with the spirit of a "Reagan", who says what he would do, THEN DO IT!..that is the type of leaders we need, those who stand tall, and looks forward, and let the truth guard their back, and that is what we need in all of us , through-out this nation, PUT GOD BACK IN OUR TRUST, AND IN OUR SPEECHES AND OUR NATION,, and put down "those", before "those" put us down!!!!.... and folks that is what I think

OF THE STATE OF OUR COUNTRY,,,,

Lord, I pray for those above, and I pray for these United States of America! amen

John HIcks
That is all....... Make a choice , ride the white horse of the Lord,,, or grab hold of the donkeys tail,, and be dragged through the streets of destruction.. choices, ,choices.....

DEEP, DEEP WITHIN!

WEDNESDAY- Early riser today! Getting ready for a long day in the shop, but looking forward to it! I thank the Lord, for just having the freedom to go do what I want to do... and folks, we are very fortunate to be able to do that. Our blessing are large here in this nation, and I have hopes of keeping them after last nights convention. for I believe ,and it is my opinion only, of after studying the facts of the economy, and the beliefs stated from both sides, we may have a ray of light,about to shine down on us, please pray for this "ray"!!! As for today, have a great day, and keep faith, for God will prevail, on all things!!!


DEEP, DEEP WITH-IN!

We all have a place we can "kinda" go to and ponder things of our minds' troubles, or entanglements..... not a hiding place ,but a place to just , well talk to ones' self, and their God.
I have more than one place, so I consider myself lucky. My favorite is in my shop, where as I work, I day-dream,, yes , we all do at times. I think about things of God, and what it must have looked like after the Creation, in the Garden, looking around to see, the animals, side by side , with no bitterness, man & woman waling, with no knowledge of sin, no aggression, total peace... wow, and then the serpent, and ...then "today" comes back into focus, the "now", and I wonder , what "bad" is going on, and what "good" is going on? I think "man" has sure made this world,,, almost impossible to live in! Are we still listening to that serpent,,, the one Eve listened too?
We have torn so much of God's works down, put up so many barriers between Him and us, barriers between us and us,, too much greed, hatred, backbiting, lust. just more and more sin!
Then I say to "myself", why do we do this? Why don't we put this much energy into doing good? If only we would!!!!!... then we could go back to this early "garden", for God forgives, and you know we have that ability to live the way God intended for us to live, we just need to use that faith, that love, that commitment,,, use it and then keep it , and out in the open! Really, we have that ability,, to pull this faith out of each of us, for we all have it

DEEP, DEEP WITHIN US,,,IT IS JUST LYING THERE, BUT THE MAJORITY, IS NOT USING IT!

Lord, let us realize , before it is too late, that YOU COME FIRST, and we come after, and give us the strength to tell this story,, of You and Your Love of us, before all the other stories of this world.. let it always be You first, amen

John HIcks
Love from with-in is sometimes hard to dig up, but not impossible, to love and have faith, is not easy, but with the Lord, it is like "not falling off the log", for with Him, it is one step at a time,,and He will guide you, keep your journey from "one side to the other steady, and you will never slip off that log",,,, you just have to have that faith,, deep,, deep with-in.. ask Him into your heart, and feel Him, yes feel Him as He enters, ... your choice , to ask for that helping hand.. GOD! o.k.?

IN OUR HEARTS!

TUESDAY! I , as most, and you may say, oh no! not me! but I will say,, oh yes! WE,, walk around most of the time, with all the things of this world on our minds, and God?,,, , only when we need Him, and I say, we need to walk around with God on our minds, and rarely think of these worldly goods, except when we absolutely need them! Do you get it? GOD FIRST AND FOREMOST, IN FRONT, NOT BEHIND, not keeping Him lagging behind for a safety net to throw OUT, only in times of need,, What do you say? It is your "Choice"!

Prayer Request: For JoAnn Samples bother, Edward House, who has cancer, and for Bobby Samples, who has had a stroke.

For all those people on the Gulf Coast, who are facing a fierce hurricane! May all make it through it safe, and may the rain go all the way up to those dry areas in need and also re-fill "ole big muddy"!

IN OUR HEARTS?

Do we , and I include myself, profess to be Christians, and act like a bunch of conceited nuts.. only touching on our merits, and not on our surroundings,, our gifts from above, the waking of a morning with a cup of coffee, tea, milk, orange Juice,, a soda, to drink,, and food to eat,,, and the freedom to drink & eat it , with who-ever, and where-ever we want,,, to look around at the environment, and SEE,, not just look,,, but look as a painter does in their pictures... and put our thanks in prospective... and really , and I mean really put God in our hearts, not a need to need situation, but as a branded steer.. permanently , with our heart,, & soul completely given, commitment completely given, yes

TO GOD, COMPLETELY!!!!!

Lord, I thank You for my all, and I give to You, my God, my all, and I pray , that all will follow suite,. amen

John HIcks
Should we not be on the campaign trail,, ahead of the "candidates" , telling the "OLD , OLD STORY, OF OUR SAVIOR"? or do we just keep setting around and using as needed, for one day, the need will be reconciled,,, and I pray that all will be ready,, and that folks is your choice... so make it or lose it, and lose it,,, means your soul,, too much and too bold of words? Too bad!

ALIVE

MONDAY- Today, I start he marathon of Cross making for the Moultrie trip,,, please pray we get our quota made, painted , and start praying for good weather, so we can give all of them out... We go in October, so we must prepare,, starting now. .. the making of the daily crosses for all who want one, and the ones to give out at the Ag Center there!


ALIVE!

We are alive today , by the grace to God.He has our days numbered, we can extend them, or we can shorten them.. Which direction are you going.. doing good,, doing bad? Goodness, or sin?This is your choice, and no one else,, and I cannot be more direct.. for what you do here in this life , is what you will reap in your spiritual life,, one of two choices , heaven or hell.. Your faith be practiced, each day, not just one, you must exercise it, by doing, and of telling..
Now is the time to make that choice, for it has to be made, before, not after,, and I am sorry to sound so "dreadful", but truth is truth!
To hot in the kitchen,,cool down with Jesus,, or burn,,, it is that simple,,, call out to Jesus,, and not only live here in peace of soul, but



SAVE YOUR SOUL NOW, AND LIVE NOW ,AND AFTER,, WITH HIM!

Lord , give me strength to do your bidding's while here.. amen

John HIcks
Just a servant.

WALK OR SLIDE!

SUNDAY! Hey! Daylight has come,,, and on a cool day, I sat, and thanked my Lord, for the day, and closed my eyes , just for a moment , and felt the time, of Him! Just who have you thanked this great morning, and who have you felt next to you? It is a wonderful feeling! Try it , and you will like it!!!!

The best thing about the future , is that it only comes one time a day!!!

WALK OR SLIDE!!

If you have ever played baseball,(and watched the game)you know what a slide is. You are running from one base to the other base, at neck-break speed , trying to beat that little ole white ball being thrown from one of the opposite team players. You get just about to the plate, you see it is going to be sooo close, you throw out the right foot and leg, go air borne, and hit the ground with a slide into the base of destination. You are so close, it takes an umpire to call you safe or out. Everyone wants to be safe, but the ones on the opposite team , who is throwing the ball, wants you out. They want the win!!!
Life is a lot like that play!!! We are trying to out run the sins of our life. We want to win, and we are playing in sin, and hoping we can play, and out run the one who is pursuing us on that other team, play, and have fun now, then ....what? Slide, just in the nick of time?

You look , and we can see Jesus down the lane, and we don't want to put off going to Him, but we want to have our cake and eat it at the same time! We just don't realize, we can, with Him, and it tastes much better with, than without!!!!

Then you see, time is here to go to "home plate",, and you are without Him, but you know , that with out Him, you can never make it to "home plate", safe,, & you , without Him, will miss it, and lose the game of life!

Then you start that run, and ole satan sees you, and he starts to run ,, to stop you before you get to "home plate",, but you call out to Jesus, and He puts the speed into your legs, covers "home plate", and as satan catches the ball of your life, he drops it. for Jesus has ran a block for you, and Jesus picks it up, tosses it in the air, with a smile on His face, for He is so glad..even at the last minute, you came, you had that last minute, that last second to call out,,,,SOME DON'T!!!! SO DON'T WAIT!!!!.

If you are running with no commitment, then I am afraid you will be called out, and satan wins!!! Don't wait ,,,,,,and have to run at all! Just go ahead now, and ask Jesus to come into your heart ,and give Him your soul. Then you can TAKE THE WALK, YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE TO BUNT, JUST TAKE THE WALK WITH

JESUS!!!!!!! NO SLIDE NEEDED!!!!!

Lord, thank you for Jesus, and I pray that all will come t Him, and not wait, amen

John HIcks
Made my commitment, and took the walk,, have you, or are you rounding third,,, on the way to "home plate" with only "I hope I make it" ,, but without Jesus, there is no way, nor hope!!!! "Pre"-prepare, now, and accept Jesus, don't wait for the final run!!! Choice!!!

GODS' DIRT

SATURDAY! Good Morning to all , it is a great God's day, and I have started enjoying it with, yes, a cup of coffee setting under the carport..and it was so quiet,,not even any night bugs, just pure quiet , for at least 30 minutes as we talked low, as if not to disturb the quiet, and then, I said, "Lord , thank you for this day,this great time!" Then a couple walked by, not a word, just as quiet as a mouse,,,then they walked out of sight,,, then, , the volume came on, and yes, God woke HIS world up.. and here I am, now for the thoughts...... and a second cup of coffee, of course, so here goes on something my Son-In-Law, Brent inspired in me Thursday, as he made a statement late on that night, " I am tired , been walking in the dirt at the land, all day long!" and so now here it goes,,, this morning....

GODS' DIRT!

Yes , dirt is something God made, and there is just so much of it, it is called "Earth", for it is made of this magnificent "matter"... It gives us footing, food, holds water for us to drink, takes water under it and on top of it to places we can retrieve, and it is where we originally came from,and where we will eventually go back to... Dirt is God's handy work of six days of making, and resting upon it after those six days,, the seventh, and HE made it Holy! So yes , "dirt" is Holy... if you really look at it,yet we are always washing it away. for it makes us feel ugly, not good to look at, YET, we do look at it for tilling to plant, food, flowers. landscape to make it even more prettier,,, drill through it to find water, and other minerals for us,,,wow, now is "dirt" not looking better and better? Of course , I know you are not going out there and rubbing it on your face , hands and body, and not washing it off,, but,,, you will get some on you as your day goes by... just as you are going to rub against sin, and some of it will stick to you, and some will wash it away, the sin,,with the Blood of Jesus, some will let it settle, the sin,, all the way down into their heart,, and give their soul to it.. but like the dirt, you can wash it away, but it will keep coming back,, for satan is a working sin, and you, like working in the field, or the yard, or the forest,, and have to take a bath each day,, so do you need to re-visit Jesus, and God,, and re-wash your sins away, for you will rub against that thing call satan, in all areas, just like the dirt, so walk through, but walk with Jesus by your side, as your sin repellent,,,, as you enjoy

GODS' DIRT!

Lord, Thank You for our all,, and most of all , thank You God, for Your Son, who leads us from sin , to you, amen

John HIcks
I have had both kinds of dirt on my face, and lots of it..and guess what , both washed off, one with soap, the other(sin) with Jesus, ,,, and to Jesus, and to my Heavenly Father, I give that sin cleansing credit and that glory to, them!!!!!!, How clean are you on this Saturday, the first day of the rest of your life?

WHOSE FOOTPRINTS?

FRIDAY- Waking up is hard to do!!!! BUT, waking up with God at your side, and in your heart, is easy!
I choose the easy way out folks, and you know,, I am really glad I did, this morning,, and do every morning,
Sooooo,,,, I ask you,,,just how did you wake up this great day, and with who?

WHOSE FOOTPRINTS?

As you walk through the day, stop look to the side of you and see who is there with you. You can tell by just the footprints left as you walk, yours and,,,, sandal prints,,,, or hoof prints? Well,,, if it is hoof prints, or you don't see any prints, then you don't need to go get glasses, BUT YOU DO NEED TO GET JESUS, AND QUICKLY!

You never know when you just might trip and need someone to grab you, and keep you from falling and getting hurt,,,not someone to laugh at you, push you harder , and give you a stomp or two while you are down there....so look real good, and make a real good choice as to who you want beside you this day,and the rest of your life,, choice of yours and your alone,,, as to whose

THOSE FOOTPRINTS ARE!

Lord, thank You for being beside me, and leaving big footprints,,, and today I pray also, that all will call out to Your Son, Jesus, and ask Him to walk beside them also... and I give You, a great big thank You, for all You have given me and this great nation, amen

John HIcks
Choice made, and you? Remember, only you can make it, this is something no one else can do for you,,, so make it today,, CHOICE FOR JESUS!!!!

THE GREAT THING IN YOUR LIFE?

THURSDAY! Good morning friends! I pray that yu have had a great nights sleep, and are up and off to your work, play, or just setting around and resting... and that,, in all you do this day,,,, just stop for a few minutes, only a few,, or more if you want,,, have a little talk with God, and while you are talking , asking, please don't to forget to say a "Thank You For My All" , right before your say , "amen"!

THE GREATEST THING IN MY LIFE!

What are YOUR greatest thing that has happened in your life? Mine is teh day I gave my life to God, and accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior! If this is not your greatest, then you need to stop right where you are and rethink the question, and your answer,, and if you have not accepted Him,,, then while your are stopped,,,,, do so... and the I pray our answe is the same as mine!
God has "Greatest Times" in His living also,,, and one of those is watching & hearing Jesus accepting those souls that cry out to Him, and accept Him...

God, I pray that all answers are,,, the day they called out to your Son , and accepted Him and You for their salvation! Thank You, God for all I have, amen

John HIcks
Just a servant, and you?

WORKING FOR GOD!

WEDNESDAY! The ole "hump" day!!!! Make your plans for the rest of the week, and the W/E, and include your God to be with you , in all you do, and do not just ask for Him to attend certain things, for invited or not, He will be there, but it is always best to do the invitation first, I know He likes it that way.. sooooo?

Libby and I are off on a delivery for "The Cross" Ministry today. We are headed to Mr. Jim Harp's house in Eastman , Ga., a 180 mile , round-trip. Jim is 89, and has given out over 800 crosses , since he has started in the past two years. He walked around until last summer , and then he said it got too hot, so he just set up some boxes, had his granddaughter write free on one, and set them in his yard, and folks ,they have come ,,,and picked him clean, so we are off to replant... please keep us in your prayers for the journey, and for Jim, who has given out more crosses, individually at ones home than any other... Keep up the good work , our friend. we salute you!

WORKING FOR THE LORD!

As I wrote the piece on Jim this morning,, it hit me again of how blessed I am to just to be able to serve the Lord in this way, of making of 'Crosses". It is the best of times when making them and then seeing them picked up, and then seeing those who pick them up, paint them, & distribute them and make their testimony to the Lord, and then hear the wonderful testimonies back of those who have taken one.

It is the feeling you get , that equals none other, when the work you do is directly for God, and for His glory, and all the credit is given to Him...

Preachers, Deacons, WMU, Missionaries, Sunday School Teachers, Members, Parents, all of you know what I mean, it is that little "flutter" of the heart..of God's personal visit at these times,, and I know all have felt it at one time in your life, and if you don't know what it looks like ,, ,, the next time you see your pastor in that pulpit,, just look right at his eyes, and you will see what I mean,,, that look can only come from doing God's bidding,, or at least that is the look in our pastors eyes, (which today is his birthday),, but what I am trying to say today,, "This nation will continue to be a great nation, and a free nation, ONLY , if we will work for God, stand for God, worship only God, and give thanks to Him for our days, our food,

OUR ALL!!!! WORK FOR HIM, NOT OURSELVES!

God, thank You for our all, and the ability to serve You, amen

John HIcks
Honored to serve the one I love,,, my one, my only God! Have you made a choice of who you will serve and love?

THE EYES OF GOD!

TUESDAY! Good morning to all, and yes, I did sleep late this morning, and wow,, does it feel good!! Usually I don't ,but , well , this morning I did,, and with a good ole cup of java in my hand, I am ready to start my day, and yes, I have thanked my Lord for my day to start, and I have asked Him to join me in all I shall attempt to do today! If you have not, please stop, and re-consider, and just pray to Him , it will only take a short second or two, and just think how much time He is giving you, so give a little back this day!! O.K. ?

Prayer Requests: For the Hillock family who lost a 17 year old son ,, in a car wreck last night.
For Cheyenne Rose, a small newborn infant in ICU, wrapped in all of modern technical apparatus, please pray for God to continue to keep Cheyenne wrapped in His arms.


THE EYES OF GOD!

We look in the mirror , and we see ourselves,, and we look at all our features. Oh, you don't? Well , I will guess if you don't , it is because you are standing behind a great distraction, and you can only see part of yourself.. For we all are of ourselves, and just don't admit it most of the time to anyone, but ourselves, and yes this includes me , so I am just as conceited to myself,, as all are,, admit or not!
Now we know that at some time of this day, we all will be looking into a mirror,, and I will ask only one question and that is this,,, are you happy with what you see? Not the image, but the person? Changes a lot of answers,, right?
Now , for today's "kicker",,, ask yourself this question,, God is looking down on us all, each and every minute of the day, & night..... within His eyes,, second question of the day, are you satisfied with what

HE SEES OF YOUR REFLECTION TO HIM, THIS DAY, THIS MINUTE, THIS PAST OF YOURS?

If your answer is no... then pray to Him for , forgiveness, and change within you,and then He will give you that choice, of change, and the next and last question of the day, and the third question of this day, will you stop and pray, either way, to Him, this day?

God, forgive me of my sins, and God forgive those who have sinned against me, and Lord give us all the strength to do your work, and live up that "made in Your image, amen

John HIcks
Enough! Have a great and blessed day, and may God be with you in all you do!

Thoughts : Taking Him with You!

MONDAY! Rise up with the Lord, then you and He go through this day together , hand in hand, and as the day ends, and the time of night comes to lay your head down, thank Him for the day, and ask Him to be with you as you sleep through the night.
You can do this each day, if you will just ask yourself to commit to Him, , and if you will do this , then , one day,,, you will awake forever, and never want of anything!

Think about this, "rising with the Lord, and taking Him with you, in ALL you do all this day.. as you do ,,,just what ever it is you do....
Now, I think that sometimes "little" is much more than big , or lots, so today, not much, but a lot!, What do you think? For today , this is the thought I feel,,, each should read over and over, and digest it to the fullest! Have a great day, and thank Him for it!

PRAYER REQUEST: For , Shawn, in Pa. USA, who lost her husband, and for her children who lost their father.. Her husband came home, lay down upon a couch, and died of a heart attack! She now lives in a very small trailer, lost the house, and all they had, now giving her small pet dogs out for adoption, as she can no longer take care of them.. This lady needs many, many prayers, and I ask God to stand by her, and take away ,not only the grief ,but the hard times of life, and give her back what she needs... will you pray also?

God, I thank You for waking with me this day, and I invite you to walk with me for the rest of my days, and Lord, I ask a very special blessing to Shawn, who feels so alone and helpless this day.. amen

John HIcks
Headed to a good work-out, and then the making of "crosses" to give out for the glory of my God,, and yes, I have invited Him to come walk with me on that treadmill, and help swing that hammer!!! What do you have in mind for Him today? You have invited Him, to go with you today, haven't you?

AS I LISTENED!

SUNDAY! As I sit in this room, this morning , I can hear the rain falling outside, and I think,, I water my flowers, and yet I forget sometimes,,,but God is always there, watering His world,, cleaning the air , that we pollute, with the industry, cars.. etc..but He comes through, and cleans it ,,and when I go outside this morning with , yes coffee cup in hand, I will stop , again, and say , God, thank You for the rain... and all I have here on your green earth!
Will you join me in this "thank You, to God this morning,, as everyday is his,, but this is the one He set aside, to rest, so while He leans back on that mighty Throne, I again , say,, thank you , my God! !!

Prayer Request: For Tom Myers, who has been moved to a "Nursing Home", to continue to receive antibiotics,, please pray for Tom and His wife, as the doctors continue to minister to him, and hunt the cure!

AS I LISTENED!

You have probably had your mother, father,, teacher, coach,, call out to you,, "I am talking to you! Yes you! Are you listening"? As a child, you could drive your elders crazy with that look.. the one of you starring into space as they told you something to do, or when correcting you... it was as if you were not listening, but indeed ,,, you were, sub-consciously!!
I think it was just a way for us to drive our parents or whoever was in charge ,,crazy. But listen? Indeed we did listen! For most of us listened,,, and we heeded, we learned from those who were so smart,, the ones that we didn't think, at the time , knew left from right. Ha! We were the superior, no matter we were from 5 to 16 years old,, we were , "just smarter".. Until,,, that message they were giving us,, finally came through loud and clear,, we finally heard it,, at the age of ????(what, but we heard)!
Yes , we heard then, we heeded then, and when we really thought about what they had been saying to us, then, bamn!,,,,, we finally knew ,,just how smart they were!!!!
We not only learned at a latter age, just how smart they were,, but they were keen as a fox... they were our future, they were our mentors. they were our link to life itself, that of and to our God, they were our salvation!
They were the ones who put us in a place , at some time or another, so we could hear the message from God, and His plan of salvation for each of us..
Yes,, they were that smart. They taught, even when we were in that daze, they were teaching,,, and we listened to them , and when the time came, we heard the call from God to join Him, and accept His Son, Jesus Christ as our personal savior.. and we did.
Now,,, we utter those words from out fathers , mothers, who carried us with every word of faith, and direction to the Lord, and taught them over and over to us, we must continue to teach, pass on,, also!
Yes , we turned out good , for even though we had our heads turned away, our eyes starring into space,, when they both talked to us, our parents, and our Lord God,, we heard them all, their words of hope and inspiration,,,, and I pray that those we are talking to, will be able to say one day,, just as we did.......

YES ,, WE INDEED,,, DID LISTEN, to them,,,, our parents, and our God!

Lord, thank You for giving our parents the knowledge of the word to tell us of You.. and You calling out to us in a voice that we heard, and accepting that invitation to Jesus as our Savior.. amen

John HIcks
I reckon I had the hardest ear-drums of any kid I ever knew, and the toughest butt also,, I received a lot of my messages,,, first by the ear, then by the stick(more by the stick than the ear), but the ear received much better,, after the stick, you see even then they knew how to make me stand up and listen, Ha! You did notice the stand up part? ..... Listen to Him , for when He calls, you must make the choice, not anyone else , but you,, think about it,, and make it ,,,, now, LISTEN? Have you heard the call from the Master yet?

BAR OF SOAP!

SATURDAY! Good Morning to all, on this first day of your W/E! Yes, I awoke to my favorite smell, my coffee, and then I raised up in the bed, slowly got out, and then I stopped, just long enough to say,, "thanks Lord ,,for my all" , and you know, just that little , put a smile on His face, for in this world of today,,,He must get mighty lonely, just waiting on a word from somebody, so why don't you, too, make God a really happy God, and just say,,,"thank You God for my all",, this very morning, or when ever you read this!!!!


BAR OF SOAP

One of the biggest inventions is the bar of soap. This has helped man to keep infection, and disease away, better than any other item, or medicine... if you use it as you should.. It also helps us to live closer together ,,,although not all uses it as they should... We, as a free nation,, the most advanced nation in the world,, with more commodities than any other.. and we do not use our simple "bar of soap"as we should. Take it away,,and we would be up in arms,, (if we could raise them) and there would be committees in Congress,,, heads of states,, and our people forming protests as to the smell,,,and then the ones who would form protests to protest the removal of the smell...Ha! ,, yes ,,we are a fun nation.. are we not? Then when we all won the use of that soap back, our new found , again freedom,,,, would we continue to use it?,,, or go back to ,ugh!!!,,, smelling?
Freedom abundant,,, complaints,,, more abundant!!! Be in one of the third world countries,, and you would welcome that bar of soap,,,and you would even welcome more,,, the water to wash in,,,that is clean enough to wash in, and the freedom to use it,, yes,,, freedom to use it.....a commodity you have ,and don't think about...
Another one of your freedoms you have ,,, to do with,,, as your wish,,,,, that is freedom of religion,, to worship as you wish, or not to worship at all,,, your choice,, your freedom... and my friends, not all the world has that freedom!!!!!
Now ,,, think about what I have written,, and remember your cleaning solution,,, now that you have it,,,
A FREEDOM OF THIS NATION,,, what will you do with

YOUR BAR OF SOAP,,,,JESUS?

May we all be washed clean of our sins,,, by being washed in the blood of Jesus,,, and use this freedom you get... to stand up and testify of this cleansing "bar of soap",, the Son of Man,, Jesus Christ.. amen

John HIcks
Washed,,, and standing up for the freedom given me,, by Him,, and standing for this Nation,,, and letting all know,,, this nation was formed by God and remains One Nation Under God... and I stand for this above all.... are you washed in His blood ?,,and who do you stand for above all?

OUT OF THE EAST!!

TGED-TGIF- YES! IT'S FRIDAY! Workers off for the week-end, and "Football Fans", it's back!!! For those that are not, I apologize.. but yes I am,, and yes, with coffee in hand, I will start looking for when my teams will play,, I must admit , I am a Football watcher!
But, I have grown to where I can leave it for something more important, such as work for God, and work for my wife, then a choice of mine? or children, and grandchildren,,oh well being last is better than being nothing!,,, Ha!! I come in a long last on that "who's who" here! ( And of course, I like it! Believe it or not!!)
May all of you have a great day, given by God , and given by His choice, and what you do with it, is by your choice!

A GATHERING IS COMING , OUT OF THE SKIES OF THE EAST!

Yes, the time will come when you will hear the thunder, and as you look to the east, there will be , whether it is dark or light, a brighter light,, of a Man on a white horse,, leading a multitude of angels,, millionS, upon millions ,, and that mans name is JESUS! Coming to carry us home,, set us completely free, for those who believe!
We don't know that moment either,, just as the time God decides to turn the switch off on His world.. and how do we deal with this coming, and this turning the switch off?
By accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior, and this is your guarantee to leave this earth, and be Him and His Father in Heaven, for He said so, and folks , I believe every word that man, called Jesus , said , ,, do you?
We know not when that time will come.nor when we will be summoned to Him,, so I say today,, make that choice, and be a good scout(a good Christian), and be prepared, Accept now.. your choice!! To just look at the coming,,, or be a part of it,, and to be picked up by that Man on that white horse, in that

RETURN OF JESUS,, RIDING ON THAT GREAT WHITE HORSE,,, OUT OF THE SKIES IN THE EAST!!!!

God, thank You for your plan of salvation,, Your love for us ,,to make a way,, to overcome death.. amen

John HIcks
Eyes to the East, and while waiting, my knees on the ground, head bowed, with the thanks to my God for His Son, Jesus, and the saving power,,He gave His Son, for you and for me... Are you giving thanks or just about your merry way?? Choice, accept, or reject!, Yes your choice ,and yours alone!!!

ARE THE FAMINES HERE?

Thursday! Good morning folks, it is a great day in America,, WHY? For we are still free at this time, and God is here with us all, for if He was not, we would be in chains , and dungeons, for even talking about Him, and Here, we can shout to all the world to hear, "WE ARE CHRISTIANS, AND WE STAND FOR GOD, AND COUNTRY",,, Yes we are,, right? God bless all of you this great Thursday,,, another gift from Him to you!


Prayer Request: For six year old Walker Stevens, who broke his right arm,, His mother, April, says he has been a real trooper! Please pray that God will heal this young mans' arm quickly,, and back to "ready".. for a six year old,, needs to have that arm free, and ready!!!!

ARE THE FAMINES HERE?

We are a free Christian Nation, and yes, no matter how we may look to others,, there are plenty of Christians in this great country to turn it around, and put it back to "A Nation Under God"! We see more and more weather changes, that no one has ever seen .... in this lifetime,, the tornado's of giant funnels, with winds more that 200 MPH:... fires , burning the land:,, floods,,, no rain,,droughts, with the land cracked open, for it is sooo dry:.... the warmer winters,,,, mosquitoes flourishing because of this, & glaciers melting,,, and the need for more and more "good" quality of water(OUR LIFE LINE).... What is going on?... Is it because we are standing more,,, more with the wrong crowd, the wrong beliefs,, and we are standing when we should be down on our knees , with heads bowed, and talking , and inviting the One who made it all back in to ourlives, and country, the one that said , "stay away from the forbidden fruit",,,but are we taking a bite out of it anyway?
Yes, a lot in one sentence,,, but maybe that is what we need to erase these "famines" from this Nation... so you can be political correct, be a "one of the crowd",, or be a

CHRISTIAN, AND I MEAN A CHRISTIAN , TALKING, AND BEING ONE, RIGHT OUT THERE IN PUBLIC!!!!

Not , one this Sunday, and then wait on the next Sunday to be one again, but stand for God, each day,,, and

RID THIS NATION OF THESE FAMINES, AND TRAGEDIES!!!

God, I confess to my lack of not standing tall enough, & not being an example , when I should be,, and I pray for the strength of mind and character,, to do both, and for all who reads this to do the same.. amen

John HIcks
Opinionated,, and not afraid to declare, YES, I AM A CHRISTIAN, AND I AM PROUD OF IT!,,,,,How about you, will you turn to someone ,you don 't even know, today, and smile and declare, to them, "hey, did you know I am a Christian, are you?".. Wow,,,another one of those "choices", huh?

RECIPE!

WEDNESDAY! Yes , it is the ole "hump" day! The Middle of the day,, and you are planning , already for the W/E,,, so today, let's do one thing ,, STOP! and , let's do what God says to do.. enjoy the day, for it is His, and He has chosen topgive it to us all,, so why use it up planning tomorrow, or further? Read the following, given to me from Lori, two years ago, and needs to be re practiced,, today,,, and everyday!



RECIPE FOR HAPPINESS



Two cups of Patience

One heart full of Love

Two hands , full of Generosity

One head , full of Understanding

and a Dash of Laughter



Sprinkle generously with kindness , add plenty of faith , and mix well. Spread over a period of a lifetime and serve to everyone you meet.



Lord, may everyone us this recipe today, and every day, amen



John HIcks

Nothing to add this day! It's all in the "recipe".

CROSS I N THE YARD!

TUESDAY- Today, as you go out to your day,, remember, you are not the only person walking around in this big ole world... so, no mater how you are received, just be sure you receive with "courteousness", and "sincere-ness",,, (are these really words?), but you get my drift? You be the one to set the example,,, just as Jesus did,,, He set the example for us all to follow, but I am afraid, more follow that other guys example,,, than our Jesus, so, you be the one,,, stand out, be an example for Him, and to show who to really follow! O.K.? Have a great Tuesday, and may God bless you in all you do...that is for Him!

A CROSS IN YOUR YARD!

I have had more to ask me , just what does this cross in the yard mean,,, and I tell them, it sends " A quiet, yet powerful message" .. Then they ask me , what is this message? I cannot comprehend how many actually asks this question. I have asked , have you read our pamphlet? They have, and they say, they are asked this also,, and are hit with response,,, " that little white cross, cannot save you!"... and I tell them, "No, it cannot!".. But the message can!
Of course it is just two pieces of wood stapled together,, painted, given out, driven into the ground of a yard for all to see..... I know this, we know this, but it is the "symbol"... the message of what Jesus did for us, the two freedoms this little cross represents, 1. the freedom to display it,,, 2. the right to show the world, you do believe in Jesus Christ, and you are not afraid to show it.... also one other, the BIGGEST message of all,( the message of it being there)just might be the one thing that shows someone who needs Jesus to Jesus!.. so this little cross in your yard is just two pieces of painted wood, stapled together, but WOW! DOES IT EVER SEND

A QUIET, YET POWERFUL MESSAGE!

God, I ask that you allow us, to continue this "Ministry", that is dedicated strictly to Your Son, Jesus, and to You, and Your Word,,, and may you give us the ability to hand these out with You , not us, in the spotlight, amen

John HIcks
Proud to have a cross in my yard, to make them, and to help in passing them out,,
For whom-ever wants one of these crosses, I will see to it that you get one, if you do not have one now, and I ask that you use that cross that you have in your self also, remember , "laminin",, yes, it was put there ,before,,, read up on this word...and have a revival within your heart! Be a worker, not a questioner(doubter!) Your choice, and only yours!

Thoughts For Today

MONDAY! As I awoke this morning, I slowly got out of bed, walked to the coffee pot, made the coffee,, then thought,, as I could smell the aroma that was filling the house, I am so lucky, so fortunate, to wake up, free,, yes, free in more than one way. In a free world,, with freedom of speech. Freedom from enslavement(except my own failings), and most of all , the freedom to speak to God, silent, normal, or to scream His name, ask Jesus into my heart, with no ones' permission,,, but by choice, and that choice is mine,and mine alone! Is this not the greatest thing one could have, this freedom, this day? I ask all who feels the same, to thank God for it, and ask Him to let us to keep it,,for yes we have it, because "HE BUILT IT"... then gave it to us to cultivate in His honor,,, yes , he did!


I have , since I have started these thoughts, felt like God inspires me on what to write, and I have people who think not on this very statement, but that does not deter me, for if I let it, then it would be to sub-come to satan, and that , my God will not let happen, not matter what! So today , I feel like the above first paragraph;h is all that is needed to be written, and this little note here.. so I ask all to just say their prayers to their God, in the way they choose, and to then "waller" in His Love, for He has so much, and wants to give it out freely,, just call on Him and feel it,, o.k.?

Have a great God's day for all,,, is my prayer for this day!

John HIcks
Just one, who stands with many! Will you stand with us also, and that is to stand for our Lord and Savior , Jesus Christ, who died on that Cross , for you, and for me.. please come and stand by His side,, with us all.. a choice of yours, and yours alone, and do it publicly! (and feel free to comment )

THE RISE AND THE FALL

SUNDAY! My prayers today , is for all to wake up with God in their heart, their souls given to Him, their charity overflowing, and their love of fellow man is as high as ones love can get! We all go around with so much of "us" in our hearts, and in our minds, that we forget the ones looking at us,,, so smile, and give thanks ,yes, in front of people. Give out some of that "yourself", that you are keeping bottled up inside, then you will feel like, well like a wild bird, caged, then the door opened, you will be so happy, you won't know just which way to go, just as the bird will not know which way to fly, but fly, it will, so you to... fly your good spirits from your heart,, to someone else, let your love go forth, and abound to others,,,,,then feel that freedom,,,, of release!!!!


Prayer Requests:
For Tom Myers, who is at a hospital in Indiana, very sick,, but doctors cannot diagnose the problem.. please pray for them to research, determine Toms' sickness,, and start the cure, and pray for his wife Debbie, who stands by his side.

Pray a silent prayer for Brenda J,, my friend, just for God to continue to be with her, and to bless her.. so pray for her.... a request from BJ.

For those in uniform of all kinds, national, local,, who work to protect us, put their lives in harms way daily, and for the smallest pay of most of our people... Pray for God to stand in front of these, and protect them in all they undertake!

THE RISE AND THE FALL

The rise and the fall of a country, just as ours,,, is not by what the leaders do. Whoa! What ! Well, we hold elections, "we elect",, and we expect that our vote continues this nation on to greatness! Well, that is secondary,,, to "The Rise Of A Country",,, but with that being first and only, it is sure the way to "The Fall Of A Country"! Now this is some kind of a statement, after all the millions of dollars spent on these "leaders" who are seeking to be elected, and to then lead!
Now, to go from secondary to first,,, the only way to keep a Nation, a Country, these United States of America,, rising, and free,,,is to start PRAYING, AND PRAYING TOGETHER,TO THE REAL GOD, AND QUITE PRAYING TO IDOLS(THINGS),, THAT PROFESS OF RICHES WITH ONLY THE DELIVERANCE OF FOOLS GOLD!!!! Yes, we tend to get away to looking at "man" to keep us free, cloth , and fed, when we should be looking at the Maker of All Things!!! Our God, keep this in mind, He still rules, He still loves, He still gives,, and HE ALSO TAKES BACK,, SO TO KEEP OUR NATION FREE?

WE MUST GO BACK TO GOD IN REAL HONEST PRAYER, FROM THE HEART, not the wants of the mind!

God, I pray for this Nation, and I pray that all will come to you in prayer, and that the ones who are running truly, on Your plat-form, will win out over all of satans candidates.. amen

John HIcks
Proud to be an American! Are you? Proud to be a Christian! Are you? Will you stand for both, and put Christian before all, first and foremost,,, and stand for this,,, publicly? Choice, Choice!!!

GREEN LIGHTED

SATURDAY! As you go about your business on this day,, look at the color to start your day,, "green", the signal for the American people to "go" ! Yes, you can start to where-ever you decide to go,, there are no boundary lines here in the USA, and for that , we can all be thankful, for other countries, you need papers just to go out of town! While you live here in the land of the free, you only have to stop for one thing, if you have not already, and that is to stop, bow your head, ask Jesus to come into your heart, and then YOU give HIM your soul,,, and I guarantee acceptance, and I can guarantee it, for His word says He will, and that folks is a guarantee of guarantees! Now once you have made that stop, you are clear , green-lighted to continue on through your quest of this life,, this one, and yes,,, on right into His!
Yes we live in the greatest country in this world,, so look around , enjoy it, feel blessed, and then thank your God for it, and His love to let us all keep it, for now!
May all have a great Saturday,, and go with God, and not just the flow, just to to be, part of that flow!

GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THE REST OF HIS WORLD!

John HIcks
Started,, on my way,,, me and my Jesus,, see you out there,, with Him by your side also? I pray that you do!

TURN or BURN!

TGED-FRIDAY! Thanking God for the rain,,, in two weeks , we have had a total , by my gauge 5" total! Last night , almost 2.5 inches.. we are blessed here,,, now I pray that God will send rain to the barren land of the mid west... and close those cracks with water... As we awake , let's all do a prayer marathon for these farmers, it is their income, and their living, and also ,,, our living,, so prayer for them, is a prayer for ones-self, right? Have a great Friday, another one of Gods' great days!

Prayer Request: for Wanda Carraway's Uncle Frank Bailey, and her cousin, Doug Mixon, both are fighting cancer, please pray for them both!

TURN or BURN!

I read this on Perry Livingstons posting on FB, and I knew right then and there , this was the "Thoughts for This Day"...... Here is the test, if you have the guts to take it,,or are you already to familiar with it to do it , ever again. Light a match, blow it out , touch the end of your finger quickly,,, now ,,,, make a decision, do I want this for an eternity, and 1,000,000 millions times hotter? Well , if your answer is NO!,,,, then you, need to make some arrangements, if you have not already made them, and it is not with the funeral director,, but the following arrangements to stay "cool", and that is to ACCEPT THE LORD JESUS AS YOUR PERSONAL SAVIOR!
The above heading is so simple,, why does anyone miss it, even those who think practicing Christianity in public is not the cool thing,, or it is not political correct? Well those , my friends are going to burn,, not by my word , but the word of God,,, for God is now, present , and to be practiced at all times.. sooooo


TURN or BURN!
(Thanks Perry, for such a bold statement!)

God, I pray, all will turn, and I also pray, mercy on those who do not have the sense to turn.amen

John HIcks
Thankful for my Jesus, and I said now, and for all times, Yes, He is my Savior, I accept Him, I profess Him, and I invite you to do the same, and stand by me with Him, and all who believes in Him... your choice,
"To Turn, or Burn".

ELECTIONS

THURSDAY! Yes, up and at 'em this great morning, with my Lord, my coffee, my freedom,, and folks , that is more than most of the world has to start with.... Jesus is everywhere,, but He is not being requested to set down, or to belong... and freedom , well that has to be fought for, then prayed for to keep , each and every day,, the cost , is from all, the faith is to Him that gives,, so with my Lord, my coffee, my freedom, I will pray that all others have this also, and that they seek the same Jesus as I do,,,Have a great awakening of this day, open your eyes, really open them,,, and have a great rest of this day,, and don't forget to invite Jesus with you ,,the rest of this day,,, and life also,,, O.K.?

Prayer Requests: For Sue Sanders, on her successful doctors visit at the Coliseum Hospital for esophagus corrections.. Pray that the treatment will be successful, and this treatment , will keep it open and working great!

Tina,, whose is having a bad time of her operations, out in California,, pray that her visit today will be good, and that she will not have to have more re-constructive surgery.. Tina, we are all praying for you, so keep up that strength,,, God is there with you, and you talk to Him, He will like that,, ...and we will be talking to Him also! Get well!

ELECTIONS!

Our nation is in an economical depression, for most, but the money spent of re-election of all these people, and the energy spent was ,,, "spent" in a way for the ones who needs help, needs jobs, food, housing, clothing, then we could start to come out of this depression..
Just look at the president, and their ability to raise money,, yet they bicker on the other ones taxes,, the job being done,,, Why not complete truth told, on SMALL , NOT SO MANY,, commercials, REAL TRUTH, NOT LIES,, and raise this money for those who really need it,,, does this job of President (or other political jobs) pay this kind of a return,, maybe not in the wage check, but maybe the side, or behind the public eyes?
You decide,, in November, but decide careful... our nation is on the line.. pray for the one who is really

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY,,AND NOT FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR OWN PERSONAL INDIVIDUALS,,

AND ,,,, PUTS GOD, AND PEOPLE BEFORE MONEY!

Lord, I pray for our country, and I pray that our elections, turn to truth, and that our candidates tell truths also, not lies. amen

John HIcks
I have heard enough,, how about you? Your choice,, your vote, and my to vote first and foremost is God Almighty,,, whose is yours? I feel like if we don't put Him back into our government, then it will fall.... and I know of some answers I will receive of "religion's" , but I am talking about the Christian Religion, and the Faith that it has,, and that is my belief... and my alone! or is it?

LEANING!

WEDNESDAY! Waking up with a big "thank You God, for being here with me, and another great ole Thank You for being with this Nation, and letting this world still live, for we , and I mean we,, have sinned a lot, and we ask for Your forgiveness, as we start this day.

LEAN!!!

We lean on many things in our life,, and we get disappointed with these things that we lean on,, but we go right on leaning with that "hopeful trust " ... but lean we do! I know you will say,, "No,, I do not lean on anything or anyone!", but search your mind,, and then re-ask..
Our Lord and Savior was crucified on a cross,, and from all the pictures I have seen , and the one I picture in my mind is that Cross was standing as straight as straight can be by any mans eye... and never have I seen it lean, in any direction. Jesus was crucified on this cross,, died for us,, for our sins, for us to have the opportunities for eternal life with the Father,,, and is the symbol of the love of our God,, Jesus was taken from that cross to a tomb,,, sealed , and from that tomb ,, He overcame death,,rose straight up ,,and walked this earth again before He rose to the side of His Father,, our God..
He , just like The Cross He was hung on,,, never leaned from His Father, our God, nor His plan for us from God..no, not one tenth of an inch ,,none. From birth, to death, risen from that death, to life with the Father and us,, Jesus never leaned toward a sin,, nor never leaned or gave in to satan,,, but kept His Father at the top of His reason and His love ... Straight forth to Him.
I ask again,, who do you lean on,, what is stout enough to hold your sins, and the sins of this world? Is it a person of here .. a thing,, or do you reach out to the only one, Jesus,,, and lean,,,,

LEAN,, ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS OF JESUS CHRIST???

lORD , My prayer today is that we all be ourselves, and follow Your Son,, not others , not other things, and not the love of ourselves, but that of you, and only You.. amen

John HIcks
Still standing,,but with a lean,, if you look at my heart,, it is in the direction of my Lord and Savior,, Jesus ,,, what direction are you leaning to?????

YOUR ARE INVITED

TUESDAY! Great good morning to all,, no matter what time of the day you may read this,, have a great day, a gift from your God, whether you believe in Him or not, He will make the decisions of how your days will be ,,,, and the only change from that ,, is by a personal request from??? Yes ,, YOU! And He does listen, and can, and will change the path, by real faith in prayer! Again , have a great God's day, given to you freely, and with much love!

Prayer Request: For Ruth Mulling, who has suffered another stroke,, and pray for her doctors to find the reason behind these strokes. Also, pray for her husband, Tommy, who is not in the best of health,, Tommy suffers, but keeps right on going,,, please God , bless these two, for they are faithful to you.. please all pray diligently for them.

Congratulations: To Debbie Hicks Maddox, who has retired to the ranks of Grandmother,, 100%!!!!!!!

YOU ARE INVITED

o pray to God,, for Jesus to enter your heart, and for you to give your soul to Jesus, completely,, and accept Him as your Savior, walk with Him through the rest of your life, stand up for Him, fight satan for all,,, love one another, and pray for all.. Yes, this is an invitation to you, and you must

RSVP,,, JESUS

Lord, thank You , for all I have, and I ask for your blessing on this Nation, amen

John HIcks
Just trying to be an instrument for Him,,, and yes, I stand for Him, and only Him, and I believe

Walking!

Thoughts For Today-Monday-08/06/12

MONDAY! Waking up with a big smile on my face,, for here I awake this day, just a peasant, not rich in money, land, nor material things, but waking up as rich as any king ever has! ,, For I brag this morning! As I opened my eyes, I had this realization hit me, as it does so many times,,,, I not only slept with Jesus by me side, but as I awoke, WOW! There He was,, getting up also.. and I realized as I walked to that , yes you know, that ole coffee pot.. I had the biggest smile on my face, for as I walked down that hall-way,, I knew who was right behind me,, going to that pot with me,,, my Jesus, with a smile bigger than mine! Thank You God, for sharing Your Son with me and the world!!!

AS I WALKED , AS A BOY OF TWELVE!

Yes, it was on a Monday,,, in the country ,,,in a little place in North Alabama,, I got up , summer time, put on my overalls.. hooked them up with no shirt, no shoes, we went bare-footed in the summer,, and all summer, except on Sunday or if we were lucky, and went to town,,, concrete and bare-feet,, just does not mix! Back to that arising,,, I went in to the kitchen, smiling as above, and their was Mama,,already up, breakfast ready,, and wow, did I eat, for this morning my heart was so light... then after chores, I went walking down the drive way,, dirt of course, as was all the roads were then .... I could look back and see the footprints I was leaving,, and was amazed as I walked how they looked, then running , how they changed,,, slide to a stop, and then , ha,, they changed again,,, This was so amazing,, and I ran into the woods, across a small stream,, looked back and I could see my footprints, as they were coming out of the stream and up the bank,,, I stopped, and thought of something most twelve year olds' don't think about,,, I thought of what that preacher had said about Jesus leaving footprints, and we should follow them.. well, was I ?
I walked very slowly, and pondered in my heart and mind, yes,, I was following,, my Moms' , my Dads', my Brothers' and Sisters', and yes, most of all my Jesus,, and as I wandered on through that day, and till now, I have left some footprints,, some good, some bad, but I pray, more good, than bad,, lots have followed,,, some have turned away, on there own, or a different road altogether, but with words from me, as from that preacher that Sunday,, before that Monday, for I had walked the asile of Freedom, right into the waiting arms of my Jesus, that Sunday morning, before that walk on that Monday,,, at 70,,

I AM STILL WAKING, WITH MY JESUS, WALKING , LEAVING FOOTPRINTS,, TOGETHER, AND SO IS HE , FOR HE NEVER LEFT ME,, AND IS STILL IS AT MY SIDE, SMILING, AND I TELL HIM ,,,,THANK YOU MY JESUS,,,, FOR MY LIFE!

WHO ARE YOU WAKING WITH, AND WHO DO YOU WALK WITH,, THIS DAY, AND EVERYDAY?

God, thank You for Jesus ,and the saving power from the decision,,, to forever! amen

John HIcks
I would not have been here today,, without my Jesus sticking by me all these years,,, and yes I made the choice to ask Him in,, and I ask you again, and again,, have you? Really, or are you just a "one day wonder", wondering, what the day will bring? With Jesus you already know, and that is Salvation! Choice, , Choice!!! Yours, and yours alone!!! And yes, this coffeee is soooo goood!

SUNDAY

SUNDAY! I hope are up and having a great day , the day of our Lord,, His "rest" day! and ours, I hope! Being late, I will make it short and not so long this day, and now ,, all in unison,, say "HURRAY, HURRAY" !!! Ha,, might as well have a good laugh , especially when it is on yourself!



Here is a thought for all to ponder today:



“I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it. That inspiration of going on , without the knowledge of where ,,,, is faith,, the trust in my Lord to guide me,, so I know, with this faith, it will be a good place, and that He will be with me, where-ever!



John HIcks

Have a great God's day, and take Him with you where-ever you decide to go!

SMILES, AND GOOD DEEDS

SATURDAY! As you open your eyes this day, and go out into the day, just what do you have to offer the ones you meet, visit with, talk to,,, eat with, shop with , passing by others as you walk, run, or drive?








The answer is,,,, YOURSELF! and how you present yourself will leave an image in those minds that are seeing you, forever and ever in this world... so leave an image that you would approve of seeing in others as you pass them by.... A big smile, a real "howdy do, how are you" , (not the fake , quick smile, then back to the corners turned down type, but real and sincere), and when you do this, you will feel a warm feeling all over your body, and your mind will relax a little,, free up the stress, even if the others look at you funny, remember , there is One who is looking with a smile, and a howdy do, right back at you, and it is real and genuine..

So go out there this day, this Saturday, and all days, with a smile of real care ,,, and leave that lasting impression, of YOURSELF!



JUST TO SHARE WITH YOU ALL.. I ran into this scenario yesterday,,, at the Chronic Repair Shop at the Buick Dealership, in Griffin Georgia... I had a gauge showing that my battery was discharging, and going down quickly,, and I knew , being 35 miles from home, and really another hot day,,,, I would not make it home,,, and closing time was just 20 minutes away,,, the manager of the service department waved one of the mechanics out and to my truck,, he looked tired, but went right to work as he drove it in.. Anywhere else ,,a new alternator.. and I knew this , but he moved wires to see why it was not charging, and as sparks flew, he had found it, and guess what, ,the manger, and a fellow mechanic was right beside him, ready and willing to assist him. Well, he put the wire back on, and the manager said , "have a great day,, and "NO CHARGE",,".

He brought the truck to the front, and yes it was quitting time by then, but there was the two mechanics there when he drove up, and as he got out,,, all three was there and grinning ,,and shaking me , my wife, and my daughters hands and even my little two year old grand-son... then waving to us, and wishing us another good day!! Can you believe that , in this world ,, and one said ,,,"some things in this life are free, not all are done at a cost", well, thank you,,, you three guys, and thank God for that place,, and that attitude,,, just wanted to share , what smiles and a good attitude and a good deed will do...



May all of you have a great day, and please carry Jesus with you in all you do ,,for He loves to travel with His people, for He was sure in that truck yesterday, and on the way home, and yes we invited Him in for the night and for all times!!!



John HIcks

Still smiling!

GOD MADE US ALL

FRIDAY- Wake up and thank God that you are in a nation of freedom of speech, and a chance to say , God I believe in You, and Your Son, and I accept You and Him, as my only God,,,, and then go out there in HIS world, and have a great day,, and stop, look around , up and down, then say a great big "THANK YOU GOD"!

GOD MADE US ALL!

Yes God made us! First , He made man, then He made mans' help-mate, woman! Just plain and simple! When they sinned, HE took them out of the Garden,, and then they were to toil the land for the rest of their life, and then they would go back into the dust,, from where man came from.... He did not make a man to be lovers with another man, nor a woman with another woman.. those that choose this type of life are making a choice,,just as you and I are,,, on accepting Jesus Christ,, so don't anyone tell me that God made these people like they choose to be.. for He did not make that killer of the theater,, He made them, they choose the way of their action,, so let's all get off the soap box of that mis -conception of HE made,, but that of the real truth,,, He gave them choice!
Worshiping God, and replenishing this earth with the coupling of man and woman, just as God intended for us to do is my belief, and my way of life, and this is the way people will have to perceive me! I pray to God for the Salvation of all sinners, which does include me, I am no acceptation, and neither are you... and yes ,,,


GOD MADE US ALL, IN HIS IMAGE! AND THEN GAVE US A CHOICE , FROM THE FIRST MAN MADE, TILL NOW!

God, thank You for my up-bringing, and that I choose to follow You as I was raised to do so, and that my values are of You, and Your Word, amen

John HIcks
Yes I am a Christian, and I will walk into the middle of the ones who I thank need God, and I will love their souls, and I will wittiness unto them of Gods love, adn forgiveness. I will not set up in the stands and be silent,,,, I will work for Him, and believe in Him only, for the rest of my days,, that is my choice, and you must make one also, if you have not! Join me in a loud voice of His love and His works! Again, have a great day , that God made for you, and for me!

STANDING FOR ONES' OWN BELIEFS!

THURSDAY! Waking up to my usual, and it can get no better,, is why I repeat it,, first, waking up having my God and my Jesus beside me, and by my own choice, in a still , free nation,,,,, and second, is that great cup of java,, big cup, yes!








What and who did you wake up with this day, to start your "first day of the rest of your life"? It is a choice given to you, by the Master and the Creator, so you must make it, no one will make this one for you, so start your day off, with this choice, on your knees, head bowed in prayer, asking Him to be with you from now to then,, and then,,,,have a great Gods' day, given to you with all the love of this world, by Him!



Prayer Request: David Mckoy, a classmate of mine , who had cancer surgery on his eye, doctors said operation was a success, pray for him to continue in his healing, and may God continue to bless him!

Ray , Delores Nolls husband,,, still in the hospital, temp. is up and down, please pray for his complete recovery, and that he gets to come home real soon!





STANDING ON ONES BELIEF!





I have my own convictions of my religion, the belief in a real and living God, and that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that He came to this earth through a virgin birth, lived among those of this world, died on a cross, and rose from the grave in three days, showed Himself to a select few and ascended to Heaven to be by the right side of His Father, and lives still today,, and He is the only way, one can get to Heaven, and that is through Him! Now that this is my belief, and my conviction! We all have that right ,not only in the USA, but the world, for God has given this message to each of those who have heard His word and about Him, and for those who have not heard of His word, it is up to us to get that word to them, and until we do , then it is God who will take care of them until we do, and it is His business, until then.

Now, for a restaurant to stand up for their beliefs, and get the turn-out they got yesterday is great.. for those who do no like it, get out there and continue your demonstrations, but let those who differ , have theirs also, you have had yours , alone, for long enough! and for those who disagree with me, well that is your right, whether it is right or not,, I,, and you ,,,and we alone,,, will have to face that at judgment day,, and I will not judge you, but I will practice my beliefs, and if you want to know all those beliefs, pick up the Manuel and start reading, it is called the BIBLE! Now, I stand with the belief of the CEO, Dan Cathy, of Chick fil A , and also, the backing to Chick fil A from McDonald's, Wendy's, and KFC,,, and that is my belief, and I stand tall for it,,and you stand for yours... that is your choice, and I will go to God with mine, and you go to Him with yours, and God will be just, and that is my faith in my belief..so have a great life, rejoice in your beliefs,, and continue to



STAND ON YOUR OWN BELIEFS, FOR IT IS YOUR CHOICE,AND YOURS ALONE!



God, please continue to bless Your world,, and Your children,,,amen



John HIcks

Just stating some of what should be stated ,, and that is for all to stand up for their convictions, and don't let the few run over your rights, your belief in God, or what ever or whoever you believe, in, as for me ,,, ME AND MY HOUSE WILL SERVE THE LORD!

THE DOWNWARD TWISTER!

WEDNESDAY! Welcome to August,, Where did July go? Today is the ole hump day! Yes, as you climb to the top of this middle day of the week,,, and plan for your downward spiral into the week-end, please continue to take Jesus, (and if you have not had Jesus with you, then ask Him now), to continue to climb with you ,and ask Him to be included in your plans for , Thursday, Friday, and the Week-end, and oh yes,, for the rest of your life,, and you will see from the top of that weekly "hump", if looking with Him, not past Him, including Him , not letting Him just tag along, then your world, your life from now to Heaven, will be that of a great trip, "one of a life time, and into eternity with Him"... for without Him, the trip down off "that hump" , will be always down, and HOT!
Have a great day with God, this ,your first day of August 2012!

Prayer Request: For Delores Nolls' husband ,Ray, that he gets better and better after the operation he had a few days ago,,, , please,,,, all pray for Ray!

THE "DOWNWARD TWISTER TORNADO" TREND!

All of you have been hearing of the weather we have been having across this country,, and I remember seeing the millions,,,, years ago, in Africa,, on the land that once was,, dying from hunger, and thirst, for the lands had became so dry, and barren,, and it all started slowly..sounds like here?

Well, I believe in global warming, and I believe in God, and I believe that He is telling us some things, in this country.. Folks , just look at the weather,,, the storms we are having, the great lighting of all times in our lives, the large amount hail, and the vast size of these tornado's, not one at a time, but multiple, and the single ones are monsters! They are tearing this land apart, then look at the parched land in some places, so dry the earth is cracking open, then next to that state, floods, and the dry lands of timber on fire, burning not one house, but 100's of them,, people on the run to escape with only their lives....

Folks, I say again, and again, it is time, past time,,, for us to wear out our knees in prayer to God, and ask Him for our land back, for us to repent of the sins of this nation, and pray for the repentance of our leaders from greed and put them back into the Christian belief...we must pray and pray,, and ask God, to have mercy upon us, and yes , I am hard on us, for we are letting it happen, for we are not turning to Him, we are just turning, around and around, as an auger in the dirt,, and we are being devoured by that thing, and he is real,, yes real as you and I,, that one called satan, devouring us into a

DOWNWARD, SPIRALING TWISTER, TO HIS HELL,, PLEASE PRAY THIS NATION AND THIS WORLD OUT,,

BY TURNING BACK TO GOD ,,AS THE ONLY GOD, AND THE TRUE GOD! WILL YOU DO THIS, TODAY???

Put this twister in his place, back in hell , where he belongs, raise the flag of God,,, today, will you?

Lord,. I ask today , that You spare this nation, and let us reclaim Her as ONE NATION UNDER YOU, GOD,, amen

John HIcks
On fire,,, that we are letting this nation sink,, by "standing", for nothing, instead of KNEELING for something real, our One and only, our Creator ,,OUR LIVING GOD, AND SAVIOR!
Join me today ,, on your knees, praying for relief, will you?