Father, I would ask for Your steadying hand as we move through some transitional territory. Give us wisdom in all of our decisions. All praise to You, our Great Shepherd!

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There were just a few more pieces and parts that I thought would be good for an additional time of writing from my baggie of inspirational quips.

One thing I placed on a level of high importance was who I would date. I dated some very nice ladies in high school but didn’t date a whole lot. It was a point of prayer for me. At that age, we don’t always make the best of decisions. One thing I did know was that, as Proverbs 28:26 states,

“He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.”

My relationship with God was of utmost importance, and I focused on trying to maintain that relationship. At the time, the Church of the Nazarene put out a devotional called Come Ye Apart, and I posted a quote amongst my collection at my desk. It read, “People and nations, like trees, are destroyed from the inside.”

With all my heart, I desired to be in the center of God’s will for my life. I strived to make sure the core of my being was strong, being focused on the Lord and His guidance in my life.

In the fall of 1982, a beautiful young lady joined the college choir as a freshman. That’s where we met, but she also cut hair, having studied cosmetology to work her way through school. She was kind enough to cut mine for me. We started dating in the spring of ’83.

God knew what would be. We both trusted Him with our lives. He knew that with my wonderful and talented helpmate, Karen, we would accomplish many things for His Kingdom. We have and continue to do so.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 states,

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him.”

We have been there for each other through all the ups and downs of our 37+ years of marriage. I am grateful for his guidance and direction through it all.

All in all, as the B.C. comic so aptly communicated, we have given ourselves to the Babe in the manger and are privileged to be part of the distribution of the Bread of Life to those with whom we have contact. May the Lord continue to use us as He sees fit. May our impact be not just for the here and now but for all eternity. Amen!

Jan 18th, 2024, Thurs, 1:04 pm