December Newsletter

December, 2011

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herbs for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth...

Aloe Vera

From The Herb Patch

Hello friends!

Once again it is time to put together another newsletter! I don’t know what’s wrong with me, it’s certainly couldn’t be Age.  I think I have too many irons in the fire. Anyway, there are probably some of you who wonder why I keep writing and spending the time and money on these newsletters. The answer is that for a long time prior to actually starting to do this, the Lord kept putting into my heart and mind a desire to do a newsletter. At the time I was working a minimal part-time job at a Chiropractic Office and wanted to start a newsletter for my Lady Boss (Dorothy), but she declined. I had this desire and started tossing the idea around in my head about an Herbal Newsletter. So, the idea was born and still remains a part of me and my Lord Jesus Christ! I do believe it is helping someone out there to focus on what we have naturally around us and I know it is helping me to write this because I have to read and write the information I am sending to you. It helps me to learn more about plants and how to use them. Okay, I admit it’s in my blood!

This month I have decided to write about a plant that most are familiar with—the Aloe Vera! It is a plant that I feel is terribly neglected. I have had an Aloe Vera plant for the last few years and even now hardly take advantage of its medicinal value. It is sitting on my porch in a BIG Pot. I neglected this plant last winter after I brought it inside and thought it was dying, but lo and behold after replanting it in the late spring, it started thriving again! It’s a wonder plant.

Description: Aloe Vera . A tender succulent plant 2-3 ft tall, with clusters of elongated, very fleshy, greeny-grey leaves, spiked at the edges, and tubular yellow flowers. (Mine has never had flowers). It needs a well-drained soil, full sun and a minimum temperature of 41 ºF. In cold climates it can be successfully grown as a conservatory or house plant. Pot up in gritty compost (soil mix), do not overwater, and allow to dry out completely between waterings.

Parts used: Leaves, sap. The leaves are cut and the sap is used fresh, preserved and bottled or dried to a brown crystalline solid for use in creams, lotions and medicinal preparations.

According to Jerry Baker’s Herbal Pharmacy, the U. S. Navy once stockpiled Aloe Vera for use against radiation burns in case of an atomic attack.

Aloe Vera is jam-packed full of special enzymes and antibacterial and antifungal ingredients that ease swelling, reduce redness, and keep the area from getting infected. Plus, it doesn’t hold heat the way oily ointments or salves can. In the winter, Aloe Vera can help against frostbite as well. And don’t forget: Aloe Vera is a favorite ingredient in many hair-care products and skin lotions because of its natural moisturizing qualities.

The easiest way to use Aloe Vera as a medicine is to snap off a lower leaf near the center stalk. Remove any spines and then split the leaf in half lengthwise. Scrape out the gel and apply it directly to sunburn, minor wounds, or dry skin. The fresher the gel, the faster the healing. Aloe Vera works well on first-degree kinds of burns, often preventing scar tissue from forming.

I didn’t know this!! You can also make an ointment out of Aloe Vera by collecting gel from a few leaves. Put the gel in a small saucepan and simmer on low heat until it cooks down to a thick paste. Store the paste in clean glass jars with lids—in a cool place—and use as needed.

It is taken internally for digestive tract problems and there is also some evidence that it may help conditions where the immune system is not functioning well. It has laxative properties and “bitter aloes” is the name for the strong, purgative medicine that is made from the leaves.

Caution: Should not be taken internally by pregnant women.

Cool-Aid for Sunburn

Fend off minor sunburn pain with this fail-safe concoction. In a small bowl, mix together:

4 oz. of aloe gel ½ tsp. of lavender oil

2 capsules of Vitamin E

(just use a knife tip to open 1 tsp. of apple cider vinegar

and squeeze out the oil)

Carefully dab this mixture directly on the sunburned area. Add as much as you need to keep your skin feeling cool, clean, and comfortable.

 

Storage Tips: Aloe Vera is what professionals call a ready-when-you-need-it medicinal botanical. You can make and store an ointment (as I explained earlier)—but better yet, just snap off a leaf or two the next time you get a minor burn, cut, or poison ivy and apply the fresh gel to the affected area. Easy as pie!

Tips for Health

Last month I said I would write a little this time about osteoporosis and dairy products, but I am going to wait until next month for this. I feel it is more important to introduce to some of you the concept of eating the Biblical way! Before entirely shutting me off, allow me to explain myself.

Due to having problems a few years back with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), whenever I went anywhere I had to first “case the joint” to see where the nearest restroom was. Of course, I would always sit as close to the restroom as possible. It was a horrible life. IBS is very debilitating. It can cause severe cramping in the stomach and bowel area and on and on. The medical professionals will put a person who has this on medication which not only relaxes the bowel, but also relaxes the bladder, etc. which causes other problems. So goes the drug world! I have had many problems with medications in the past and at all cost I will always seek an alternative way of dealing with physical problems. That is a whole story in itself! Sometime in the future I will talk about it.

Somehow the Lord allowed me to find out about a young man by the name of Jordan Rubin who almost died from a severe disease known as Crohn’s Disease. This type of disease doesn’t allow anything that is eaten to actually be nutritionally used by the body. There is constant diarrhea, fever, etc. until the person (in his case)becomes emaciated. This went on for a long time and his parents spent a lot of money taking him to all kinds of doctors until he finally was put in contact with a doctor who told him he needed to find out from the maker of our bodies what we needed to eat to take care of it and to keep us well. Jordan Rubin decided to follow this advice and in a matter of days began to get the healing he needed for his body. He eventually got well from this and started using his experience to help others become aware of available help for physical problems.

It reminded me of an Evangelist by the name of Lester Roloff who preached the same thing. And later in life I read a book by a Jewish author entitled “God’s Key to Health and Happiness”. In this book the author talks about why the Levitical law given by Moses is so vital for health. After reading about what the “hog” eats and the fact that in four hours what he has eaten has turned into the flesh in his body, and also realizing that all the seafood that is mentioned as unclean are the known scavengers in the water....it makes one realize the truth behind the scripture that God said this is for your health! Of course it is not only about the meat we eat, but also about herbs and plants, nuts, seeds, and grains, etc. that we need to eat (especially raw food with enzymes).

Jordan Rubin’s first book is entitled “The Makers Diet” and if you can get a copy it is well worth the reading. Another book worth reading is “The Great Physicians Rx for Health and Wellness”. He has since developed his own nutritional products.

I have recently started using a product he sells “Garden of Life” Perfect Food. It is a combination of dried organically grown greens, fruits, enzymes, etc. and I have just about stopped taking any other supplements. As I stated in the past, it is very important to grow and eat organically grown (no pesticides, etc.) food for health benefits. He is a big fan of buying local produce instead of food shipped from other countries in which you don’t know what has been put on them and how long it has taken to get them to the market before we eat them. I hope you will take the time to find out more about this person.

Enough of that!

RECIPES FROM ALICE'S KITCHEN

The recipes I feature in my newsletters will eventually find their place in an Herbal Cookbook (the Lord willing). As I said before, this cookbook will feature herbal recipes and remedies, as well as some family and friends’ recipes. But, that is down the road a little further. Most of the recipes I put in this newsletter have been tried by me before actually featuring them. I wouldn’t want someone to cook a bad tasting batch of something. But, I also know we all have different ideas about what taste good and what doesn’t. Some things have to “grow on you”.

The following recipe was taken from a Grandma’s Molasses jar!

Molasses Crinkle Cookies

¾ cup softened shortening (I used butter and coconut oil)

1 cup light brown sugar (packed) (I used raw sugar)

1 egg ¼ cup Grandma’s Molasses 2 ¼ cup flour

2 tsp baking soda ¼ tsp. salt ½ tsp. cloves

1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp ginger

(I used more)

Directions

Mix shortening, sugar, egg, and molasses. Stir in remaining ingredients. Chill dough. Heat oven to 375º. Roll dough into balls the size of walnuts, dip tops in sugar. Place sugared side up on greased baking sheet. Sprinkle cookies with 2-3 drops of water each for a crackle surface. Bake 10-12 minutes. Makes about 4 dozen.

*Get your grandma out more often!

For more great recipes visit grandmasmolasses.com

A note from Alice: I thought this was funny and worth passing on! I made these cookies and they actually turned out great—to my surprise. I deviated a little from the directions. After making the dough, I rolled it into a log form and wrapped in waxed paper; then put this on a plate in the refrigerator for about ½ hour. After chilling the dough, I unwrapped it and cut in thin slices, put on cookie sheet and sprinkled sugar on top (a little), then sprinkled a little water on them. They were great and crispy! Delicious!

______________________________________________

This next recipe is a favorite from my husband’s side of the family. It has always been a favorite made by my mother-in-law (who is deceased) for her Christmas dinner. When I was in college, I made this for a Speech Class in which I had to demonstrate. I also made it for an Office Party with some variations and everyone enjoyed it! And I have been making it ever since. I’m going to name this Me Me’s Cheeseball mainly because I have added some stuff to make it even better.

Me Me’s Cheeseball

2-8 oz packages cream cheese 2 teaspoons lemon juice

(at room temperature) 2 tablespoons bell pepper, grated

2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese dash of salt and pepper (optional)

1 teaspoon onion-grated 1 tablespoon garlic powder or granules

1 cup pecans, finely chopped 2 tablespoons crushed pineapple (optional)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in large bowl and mix well. Shape into large ball. Roll in chopped pecans. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.

Serve with crackers.

Note: There is an option of using red bell pepper instead of green or both. I have tried it both ways and also have put the pineapple in it. Also, to make the cheeseball easier to handle it can be put into the refrigerator for a few minutes and then shaped into a ball. It is delicious.

ENJOY!!

I found out a while back that the recipe that I gave in a summer newsletter for Fruit Cobblers actually was very tasty (according to my daughter Beth) but the pan needed to be bigger. Thought I would pass this on. I always like feedback on the things I write.

I am presently preparing to put an ad in the Mecklenburg Cooperative Magazine for January in hopes of selling my organic salve, however, it will be under the name of Me Me’s Organic All-Purpose Herbal Salve. Watch for it!!

UNTIL NEXT YEAR!!

DAVID'S SONG

II Samuel 22

And David spake unto the Lord the words of this song, in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:
And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
The God of my rock; in him will I trust:  he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from viloence.
I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised:  so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid;
The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me;
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to  my God:  and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.
Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth.
There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured:  coals were kindled by it.
He bowed the heavens also, and came down; and darkness was under his feet.
And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly:  and he was seen upon the wings of the wind.
And he made darkness pavilions round about him, dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies.
Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.
The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.
And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.
And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.
He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters;
He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me:  for they were too strong for me.
They prevented me in the day of my calamity:  but the LORD was my stay.
He brought me forth also into a large place:  he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness:  according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
For all his judgments were before me:  and as for his statutes, I did not depart from them.
I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity.
Therefore the LORD hath recompensed me according to my righteousness; according to my cleanness in his eye sight.
With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright.
With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury.
And the afflicted people thou wilt save:  but thine eyes are upon the haughty, that thou mayest bring them down.
For thou art my lamp, O LORD:  and the LORD will lighten my darkness.
For by thee I have run through a troop:  by my God have I leaped over a wall.
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried:  he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.
For who is God, save the LORD?  and who is a rock, save our God?
God is strength and power:  and he maketh my way perfect.
He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places.
He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation:  and thy gentleness hath made me great.
Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip.
I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them.
And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not arise:  yea, they are fallen under my feet.
For thou hast girded me with strength to battle:  them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me.
Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.
They looked, but there was none to save; even unto the LORD, but he answered them not.
Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth:  I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad.
Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people, thou hast kept me to be head of the heathen:  a people which I knew not shall serve me.
Strangers shall submit themselves unto me:  as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me.
Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places.
The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.
It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me,
And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies:  thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me:  thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
Therefore I will give thanks unto thee,  O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.
He is the tower of salvation for his king:  and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.

AMEN!!

November 2011 Newsletter

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herbs for the service of man: that he

may bring forth food out of the earth...

Mullein

From The Herb Patch

Hello again! Hope every one is having a nice time enjoying the fall weather and the many pretty colorful trees and plants before all the leaves drop off. November is the month for realizing that winter is soon on its way. This month usually allows us a little more time to get our last minute garden chores finished and maybe get ahead for next year’s garden or to finish pruning or pulling up and repotting things that need to go inside through the winter. For some serious gardeners and herbalist there is a lot that still can be done during this month. There are still some herbal plants growing in my garden circles. We just had a drop in temperature that sometimes freezes these things, but I see that the lemon balm, rosemary, oregano, peppermint and spearmint are still growing. The mullein that I planted a few years ago I noticed is still thriving. I plan to take a few more cuts of the herbs before the “big freeze”! And I have yet to make my blackberry jelly that I planned to put up for later use. But, the blackberries are frozen and can be thawed and made into jelly anytime I desire to get started. There is just so much to do!

My focus this month is on an herbal plant known as Mullein which rhymes with sullen. Yes, I know you have seen this plant growing just about everywhere...I realized it after I planted some seeds a few years back, but I was glad it did so well where I planted it—near the blackberries. The downside to this is that the plant now grows all through the blackberries and I have to go through a lot of trouble to harvest it.

According to Jerry Baker’s Herbal Pharmacy book, it’s velvety leaves give way to thick spikes of yellow flowers that bloom brightly from June to September. This hardy biennial boasts tall, stout stalks that can reach a height of 6 feet. In gardening and landscaping, the mulleins are valued for their tall narrow stature and for flowering over a long period of time, even in dry soils. Mullein is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, and is found on shallow, stony soils in grasslands and wastelands. It thrives in dry, stony or gravelly soil and a sunny position. It is propagated by seed sown in autumn and often self-seeds.

Inside mullein leaves and flowers are active ingredients called saponins and mucilages. They act like expectorants, making this plant absolutely ideal for conditions like asthma, bronchitis, colds, sore throats, laryngitis, coughs, hemorrhoids, and recurrent ear infections. Well, someone’s got to do it, and mullein’s claim to fame is that it clears away sticky phlegm and excess mucus. It also makes a great natural bandage to protect minor scrapes and cuts and hastens healing. In addition, mullein helps soothe skin irritated by sunburn or minor rashes.

Best Medicinal Forms

Mullein comes in many forms. You can drink your medicine in a tea by pouring a cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of dried leaves or flowers and letting it steep 15 minutes. If you want a slightly sweet tea, use the leaves. If you want a slightly bitter tea, stick with the flowers. Strain out the herb, and drink up to 3 cups a day. Or you can do the speedy route: a tincture. Drop 1 to 4 ml of mullein tincture into a glass of water or juice, and drink up to 3 glasses a day. In capsule form, the daily dosage is 1 or 2 g up to 3 times daily. For minor cuts and boo-boos, crush a fresh mullein leaf to extract its medicinal oils and then lay it right on the spot. Relief is only moments away! To shrink painful hemorrhoids, try making an infusion out of dried flowers and leaves, make a compress, and apply to the swollen spot. Ahhhhhh!

I chose the herb mullein this month due to the winter season coming on and lots of times people, especially children get ear infections or some type of problem with the ears. I know I have in the past. Last year I made herbal oil from the dried plants that grew in my back garden. After reading details about making the oil, I decided to add fresh garlic oil to this remedy. This remedy for ear problems has been mentioned in several herbal books that I have and was especially mentioned in the information I have by Sam Biser and Dr. Richard Schultz (Dr. Christopher’s student). And I found that it works well! And yes, I have made tea from the plant and it works. The remedy below comes from Jerry Baker’s Herbal Pharmacy.

Now ‘ear This!

Ear infections that keep coming back can be a pain in the you-know-what, especially for young children. Here’s a way to end the pain.

Crush a couple of mullein leaves in a sieve and collect the juice. With a dropper, put 2 drops of mullein juice right in the painful ear and seal it up with a cotton ball. This method also works with bottled mullein flower oil (made by steeping flowers in olive oil), which you can keep in the refrigerator. The only thing you do differently is warm the dropper by rubbing it in your hands first, so you ear isn’t shocked by the cold! Mullein oil helps kill the bacteria that causes the ear infection. But if the pain persists, it could signal a bigger problem than a routine ear infection. In that case, have a doctor examine your ear.

Harvesting Tips

Harvest mullein leaves when the flowers are in full bloom. Dry them in the shade. Harvest flowers as they bloom during dry weather, and, likewise, dry them in a shady place. Store mullein in a cool, dry place, but don’t let it chill out too much.

It’s best to use mullein only when you need it—it’s not like a multivitamin that you take every day. It’s best not to take it for more than a 2-week stretch. If your condition doesn’t improve by then, you may need to chat with your doctor for an alternative treatment. One final word of warning: Mullein leaves and flowers are perfectly safe; but avoid eating the seeds.

Last month I stated that I would talk more about different bone-building plants and herbs! So, I will talk a little bit on the strategy of consuming foods rich in calcium and other bone-essential ingredients. The following information comes from The Herb Companion Magazine:

With every bite, you have a precious opportunity to build better bones. And that forkful can be delectable, thanks to enticing culinary herbs. All of the delights of the summer’s herb garden can flavor foods that can help keep you standing tall and strong—no matter what your age or gender. Once you learn the basics of bone-building foods, you can get daily nutrients you need while enjoying gourmet herb flavors. While no single recipe can provide all of the nutrients needed to maintain bone health, each one can provide some of your daily requirements. Your best bet is to eat plenty of green leafy vegetables—collards, kale, turnip greens, bok choy, chard and the like, and according to The Doctor’s Book of Food Remedies by Selene Yeager and Prevention Health Books, broccoli also ranks up there with diamonds as a woman’s best friend. It’s one of the best vegetable sources of calcium, packing in 72 milligrams per cooked cup. But, don’t overcook it, better yet learn to like it raw.

Dandelion and stinging nettle greens are great choices. One cup of raw, chopped dandelion greens contain about 100 mg. calcium. You can add fresh dandelion leaves to salad. Vinegar makes them less bitter, though that bitterness stimulates digestion. Fresh dandelion, nettles and calcium-rich parsley can be juiced or blended into smoothies. You can cook with both greens too, using them in the same way you use spinach.

Regular consumption of green and black tea may reduce osteoporosis risk. Research suggests that tea might decrease the risk of fracture because it enhances bone mineral density, increases activity of bone cells that add bone and inhibits bone cells that break down bone.

Next month I will try to spend a little time talking about the dairy side of things. I myself find that milk, yogurt, kefir, etc. are good for the bones, but it does depend on what kind of milk, etc. you are drinking, where it came from, how the animal is treated and the health of the animal. Raw milk that is handled correctly is a good source of calcium. And then there is the added addition of vitamin D and magnesium....Next month, the Lord willing!!

Guess what, it’s dandelion time again! Also, there are many wild onions growing in our yard and area. I talked about this in the last December 2010 Newsletter. So many free edibles our Lord has placed right at our fingertips, and yet we ignore them. Each year I cut these edibles with scissors into small pieces, put them in a freezer bag and use them throughout the winter months. They are very nutritious! Also, if you know how to identify some of the other green leafy plants hanging around, such as plantain, watercress, wild mustard...these are great additions to the salad bowl. For a long time I did not know that these things were edible, but after much reading and study I have found out differently. But, if you live in an area that uses pesticides on the lawn, etc. or you yourself use pesticides on the lawn, don’t eat the greens! And above all, get some good sense in your head and stop destroying the natural things that God created to be eaten for our food and health

HAPPY EATIN’

Anyone reading my newsletter last November will remember that I said Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year.

I always look forward to the time spent with family and friends, especially the grandchildren who like to play games. My daughter Beth just happens to be the best “pie maker” I’ve ever seen. She always makes the traditional sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie, but she goes a step further and makes her own delicious pie crust. Her food is made from scratch! Not many women these days can boast of that. Even I don’t make my own pie crust, but I intend to work on doing it. All my attempts in the past did not turn out well, but I need to keep trying

Our family usually spends time at Todd and Beth’s house on Thanksgiving Day. That’s where all of the children gather for games after we eat. Each year, Todd and Beth make a piñata filled with candy. This tradition was thought up due to Todd being from Texas roots where there is a lot of influence from Spanish decent. Todd sets up a rope over a big tree trunk and ties the piñata so that it swings loosely. From this vantage point he can lower the (turkey piñata) or make it higher. The kid (or older kid) is blindfolded and is given a big stick to hit at the bird. The object of the game is to break it open, and of course all the candy spills out. This is a game enjoyed by the kids each year.

RECIPES

Each year it is usually my job to cook the turkey and dressing! When cooking my turkey, I put this in a roasting pan in which I add lots of celery and onions in the pan, and inside of the turkey. I generously shake garlic granules on top of the turkey and also a bit of thyme and sage. Add salt to taste. Pour in at least 2 cups of water. Cover with foil and cook until done basting in between cooking time. Remove turkey from liquid. Reserve liquid for “slap your mama gravy and dressing!” I usually place the liquid in a bowl in the refrigerator so that the fat will rise to the top. I remove the fat before using it for the dressing and gravy.

Alice’s Dressing

First, you need to cook up a big pan of corn bread yellow or white, whichever you prefer. I prefer white for dressing. Allow this to cool. Place cornbread in a large bowl and using your hands crumble the corn bread. Add more sage and thyme to taste. After allowing the juices to cool from the turkey, pour some of the liquid into the crumbled corn bread. Reserve the rest for gravy. I usually put the cooked onions and celery in there too. Mix it all together and put in oiled casserole dish or whatever the final dressing will be served in. Cook at 350º until brown on top for about 15 minutes.

ENJOY!!

Hope you all have a nice holiday!

From Beth's Blog (Housewife PI)

September 11th
The Chickens


I will admit that I'm not an animal person. These chickens are annoying. They're also kind of cool, because they're fairly smart. They know that I am angry that they have torn up what was left of my garden (!!) because of how they act when I walk around the house toward it. They also rush to the front porch when I drive out of my driveway, but they know not to get on the porch when I am here. It drives me crazy. They act all innocent and cluck and peck the ground for bugs at the side of the house, and when I hit the pavement, and drive slowly, looking around, there is a mad dash for the porch. So weird how they know.
I've had my talk with them. It went like this:
"Um, I don't care if you're walking around everywhere, but I had best see some good size eggs soon."
"Cluck, cluck"
"Uh-huh. Don't you cluck-cluck me. This ain't no free lunch here."
"Cluck-cluck." (fluttering of wings)
"You tear up any more of what's left of my garden and you ain't gone have no cluck-cluck left. Get to layin'."
(Waddling away).
(Me hollering)..."You heard me!"
(my kids looking at me like I'm crazy)!! Mainly because they've gotten kind of attached to the chickens.

Our New Doggie, Max

Max and Ariel, asleep after hard play. Max is 6 weeks old, and is very active. It's a good match, because I have three very energetic kids who are keeping him occupied!

Blind Guides

Written by G. A. Riplinger

O BAAL

I KINGS 18:26

Who needs antique rare book dealers?

We can watch the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Forget about the hand collation

See what's on the other station.

Hooked on this hypnotic motion?

Need a better plug-in potion?

Try the keyboard key to knowledge.

Log on board computer college.

Hold the thumb key 'til you're numb

and strum the hacker's new anthem:

'The only data we will glean

will come from our computer screen!

All of us computer hacks

will never check the library stacks.

Dump the books and the archives.

They won't fit on our hard drives.

Who needs inter-library loan

with a modem on your phone?'

A carpal tunnel syndrome saint finds

real research rather quaint.

JAEL'S NAIL

Judges 4 lists no degrees; Jael had no Ph.D.'s.

Just a bible on her knees, and a God she hoped to please.

No power of her own to boast.

No warriors waiting for a host.

But to her tent was Sisera sent

And through his head the nail went.

“The head's the spot to aim the blow,

for 'knowledge puffeth up', you know.”

Look past his power; forget her few.

See God who drove the nail through.

SIN

It creeps into our lives at birth

And makes us kindred to the earth

It grows like some destroying weed

With every wanton act and deed

It robs of virtue and of youth

And cunningly perverts the truth

It offers fruits of pleasure rare

But fills partakers with despair

It binds the strong, deceives the wise

And masquerades in keen disguise

It builds its castles all of sand

And leaves a torn and wasted land

It blinds the eye and mocks the soul

And exacts an everlasting toll

It lost its power our souls to damn

When Jesus Christ became our Lamb.

AMEN!

HOW TO WIN A JEHOVAH WITNESS

(OR JEWISH PERSON)

TO CHRIST WITH A KJV

(an NIV won't work).

1. Point him to Rev. 1:11 and read: “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last”:

1. Ask him, “Who is the 'first and the last'? Who is speaking?
2. Every J.W. (or Jewish person even slightly versed in scripture) will say, “Jehovah,” based on Old Testament verses such as Isaiah 44:6 or 48:12 which say, “I am the first, and I am the last...” “I am he...”
3. Then point him to Rev.1:18, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore.”
4. Ask him, “When was Jehovah dead?”
5. They then realize that Jesus Christ was “God manifest in the flesh.” (1 Tim 3:16)
6. This technique has been used to lead more J.W.s to Christ than any other. It works every time.

8. Of course, NONE of this is in an NIV or a Jehovah Witness New World Translation!

400th Year Celebration of the KJV

This page is in commemoration of the
400th Year Anniversary
of the
Authorized King James Version of the Bible May 1611 - May 2011

This year commemorates the 400th year  celebration of  The Authorised (British spelling) Version of the holy scriptures, commonly known as the Authorized King James Version or KJV, the word of God and the glory of the English language. For almost 400 years it has led multitudes to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and a whole new life in him and his word. The King James Bible has spread across the world reaching mankind generation after generation. It has saved, comforted, exhorted, rebuked, admonished, warned, enlightened, and edified without ceasing.

 

King James VI & I,  founding monarch of Great Britain, not only commanded the translation of the Authorised Version but he actually took an active role in developing the rules for translators and encouraging the completion of the work.  King James boldly testified of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and was very concerned about the spiritual well being of his realm.

The Holy Bible has been hidden in hearts, hidden in homes, and hidden from the wise and prudent; its true history has been hidden by heretics.  Yet, thousands of years ago, penned in the East, the words of the true Bible, has never ceased.  It was the first book on the printing press, bound there to stay, no less than every day.  Millions are given away; some are worth millions today.  The Bible so seeks to touch the blind, it raised its type for them to find. “For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed (Matthew 10:26). The “deep and secret things” he has not concealed (Daniel 2:22). “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10).  The “word of God is not bound” (2 Timothy 2:9).

400th Anniversary of the KJV

by James Knox

It is the spring of 2011 and around the world many, though far too few, are celebrating the 400th anniversary of the Authorized Version. Those of us who have studied its production and preservation, its history and its fruit, its language and its accuracy rejoice greatly to know that God has given us this blessed Book. Those of us of have known its soul-saving and life-changing power, and have considered its majestic march to the ends of the earth glory in our Lord for placing into the hands of man this perfect, purified treasure. We watch while in the same hour another foe hurls his feeble intellect at its power and another desperate man follows its light to salvation in Christ Jesus. We note that on the same day that a professor mocks its outdated wording another tribe comprehends its truth and receives the Son of God. We observe as it casts its proud opponents into derision and exalts those who humbly submit to its Author to royal seats in heavenly places. We thank God for giving us His perfect word.
My purpose today is to appeal to those who are convinced our English Bible stands without error and bears no need of revision. I want us to consider whether or not the Lord gave us this most precious gift so that we could merely possess it and boast to others of what we possess, or was there some greater purpose for the giving of this perfect word preserved.
In Revelation 1:5-6 we read of three things the Lord Jesus is and of three things He has done for us. And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. To think that the only faithful witness has loved us is remarkable. To meditate on the first begotten of the dead washing us from our sins with His redeeming blood fills the heart with wonder. To think of this King of kings allowing us to reign and minister with Him is almost beyond comprehension.
We see the door opened and hear the call to come up (Revelation 4:1) and as our wondering eyes are directed to the throne in heaven what we see fills us with awe. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth (Revelation 5:9-10). The redeemed from every corner of the earth are praising the One who bought and kept them and rejoice with exceeding joy to finally fully comprehend what He has made them.
What connection could link making believers kings and priests unto God and the treasured Authorized Version? When Moses traveled up Mt. Sinai to receive a perfect, inerrant copy of the words of God after the originals had been destroyed he returned and delivered those words to the people. We all know that the Lord did not give those words to Israel so they could brag about having inspired scriptures. We all know those precepts were not given so the nation could boast in having the very words of God without error. Jehovah’s intent in giving His statutes to the Hebrews was so they could live in accord with those commandments and please their Holy One.
Look closely at what that law said with regard to kings. And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).
The Lord was rightly concerned that a king might fall victim to pride, or that he might depart from the narrow road for the folly on either side. The remedy for such sin was a simple one – the king was to make the word of God his governor. Was it enough that David lived in a land with God’s words, while he committed adultery with Bathsheba? Was it enough that Solomon had access to the inerrant scriptures while he engaged in idolatry? Did it matter that Jeroboam and Ahab were blessed to have perfect words never given to the Gentiles? I say not.
My fellow kings, tell me, has an inerrant Bible freed you from error? Have the perfect words of God brought you closer to perfection? It seems that many live as though possessing the scriptures is the end of the matter, not the beginning. While it is wonderful to know that Jesus Christ has made us kings, and while it is comforting to know that He has given us our own copy of the scriptures, this carries with it a grave responsibility. It seems that far too many have correctly concluded that our A.V. is the pure word of God without desiring the purity of life it was intended to produce.
The histories of Kings and Chronicles give no monarch credit for living in a land that had God’s written word. They only tell the tale of whether or not those men walked in the paths of righteousness. With you, I am thrilled to be among the people blessed with the preserved words of the Alpha and Omega. But when we stand before the Author of the sacred volume what will matter is whether or not we obeyed the words He gave us.
Ponder well what God said regarding His priests. If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose; And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days, and enquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment: And thou shalt do according to the sentence, which they of that place which the LORD shall choose shall shew thee; and thou shalt observe to do according to all that they inform thee: According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do: thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, to the right hand, nor to the left (Deuteronomy 17:8-11).
The priests were not to lead and intercede according to their whims or fancies. They were not to guide to people based on the acceptable standard of the day. They were to deal with every matter in accord with the holy words given them by a holy God upon the holy mount. Every decision was to be made, every point of contention settled, and every strife was to be resolved by an appeal to the word of the Lord.
When God the Son became Jesus and walked this earth He was met with the Pharisees and scribes who had kept and preserved the scriptures. They had them. They taught them. Jesus said that both their text and doctrine was correct (Matthew 23:2-3) but He censured them for their failure to live in accord with the words they safeguarded and proclaimed.
My fellow priests, I ask you, are any of us as bold as the Pharisees? Do we suppose that as long as our version is the right one and our doctrinal statement does not deviate from orthodoxy that our bitterness, gossip, laziness, carnality and pride are acceptable? Do we wink at strife, fornication, covetousness, and tolerate a lack of charity, grace and compassion, supposing that waving the right text above our sin makes it less offensive to Christ Jesus? The Pharisees were correct in their prophetic views. They were right as touching angels, resurrections, spirits, giving, and self-denial. Jesus did not find them engaged in idolatry. But He rebuked them soundly for their conceit, their haughty spirits, their lack of love and concern for others, and for their elevated sense of importance and entitlement because of the place God had given them.
My brothers and sisters, we are saved and others are lost – but we owe that to the grace of God. We see the truths of sound doctrine, right division, prophecy and the like – but we owe that to the mercy of God and much of it to the labor His people invested in the word and in us. Away with this arrogant, despising, self-exalting spirit. Away with this justification when charity, joy, gentleness and temperance are lacking. Away with the notion that transgression is less offensive to the Lord because we hold the proper text.
Are there those who are objecting to my reaching back into the Old Testament priesthood or citing the throne of Israel or the hated Pharisees to speak of New Testament Christianity? Then allow me to put before you a beautiful verse where those of us who believe and love the A.V. have long planted our flag. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16). Praise the Lord. I believe those words with all my heart. I do not believe the scripture was given. I believe it is given. I do not believe parts of it were given, I believe all of it was given by inspiration. I do not believe in inspired men but in inspired scripture. I believe our English Bible is the word of God.
For every man who labored to preserve it I am thankful. For every drop of blood that was shed to defend and pass it on I am thankful. For every hour of labor to copy, proofread, set type, pour ink, man presses and stitch binding I am thankful. For every woman who risked life and limb to hide a single fragment from Satanic hands I am thankful. For every dollar given to support a translator or printer, to purchase paper or hire a wagon master or ship’s captain to transport the sacred word I am thankful.
Yet, to erect our standard over 2 Timothy 3:16 is careless and insufficient, for that verse ends not with a period but with a colon. It is a complete sentence but it is followed by another complete sentence. The two are so inseparably joined that the translators of our A.V. placed a colon, a double period, between them so that we would not separate their truths.
Second Timothy 3:17 says, That the man of God may be perfect… We were not given a perfect Bible so that we could have a perfect Bible. We were given this blessed Book so that its contents could make us perfect. Having the Bible is not the end. Being brought to the full measure and stature of Jesus Christ is the end (Ephesians 4:12-13). …throughly furnished unto all good works. The triune God had a purpose in mind when He gave us the inspired, inerrant scriptures – that our lives should be completely and entirely filled with good works.
I believe it is safe to say that Jehovah was disappointed when He saw the failure on the part of the kings and priests of Israel to make proper use of the truth He had given them. I am certain the Lord Jesus was saddened by the misconduct He saw on the part of those who had preserved His written words. Let Him look upon His church and be pleased to see that we not only possess, defend and proclaim His inerrant scriptures, but that we have allowed them to completely perfect us and make our works good in His sight.
Perhaps those of us who believe the A.V. to be perfect will always have our foes and critics, but let us force them to say that we are the most Christ-like, holy, gracious, spiritually-minded people they have ever encountered. Perhaps our family, friends and job mates will never come to trust our Lord and His words, but let us so live that they will know that who and what we believe has made us the most peaceful, temperate, sanctified, longsuffering, merciful people they have ever known.
We love our great God. We love our Lord Jesus Christ. We love our precious Bible. May we honor them by living the life they alone make possible. Let us yield ourselves fully so that a Holy Spirit and a Holy Bible may make us a holy people. Amen.

James W. Knox
June 1, 2011

Margie's Memorial

Hopefully you have read the story prior to this entitled Margie. If not, it is necessary to do so in order to understand what this story is about.

After being told that Margie had passed from this life into the next, I began to plan what I would say and sing at the Memorial. I knew there would be no one there to play the piano for me, and Pam had told me that I would need to supply my own music. After praying about this, I had two songs that came to my mind..."Amazing Grace" and "When They Ring The Golden Bells". I knew I had the music to Amazing Grace...Celtic Music that I had sung to before when I volunteered with some other people to do a singing and testimony to raise money for a little girl named Haley who was dying from a brain disorder.  But I tried hard to find the music to the latter one, to no avail. So, I prayed and asked the Lord to help me with this and if I couldn't find the music, I would just sing it without music. This I was a little worried about due to not knowing how well I would do in front of people I did not know, etc. But, it turned out to be exactly what I needed to do.

The  day of the Memorial turned out to be a nice "sunny" day.  I especially took time to find the lyrics online and print them out so that  I could have them in nice "big" print. While going online to find the song "Amazing Grace" Lyrics by John Newton, I also  realized there was much more to this song than what was in the usual song book, of which I will print at the end of this story.
I asked God to give me calmness and peace about what I had to do that day. I had already asked if I should just tell what happened with me and Margie or tell a little testimony about how I got saved before going in to what happened at Margie's. So, I decided to do the testimony, knowing it would be long, but I believe the Lord wanted me to do this.

The same day I assumed there might not be any other music playing that would make this Memorial a memory for everyone and if there was music I could just leave mine in the car. So, I copied some of the Celtic Music to a disc and took it with me.  After getting to the church, I quickly found out there was nothing prepared in the music department. I was so thankful I went on a hunch about making the copy and asking if the Pastor minded if we played it. I also took my small CD player so that we would have something to play the music on. Pastor Wetherington was glad for this. He had printed up some papers with how the Memorial was to proceed, which had:

Opening Word
Scripture Reading--Psalm 23
Read Obituary
Then....me!!!!!!1
Alice Russell
     Testimony
     Songs (2)
Toni Blanks--Read Poem
Pam Walker--Testimony
Brianne Walker--Testimony
Open Testimonies??
Message
Closing Prayer

*Note: Brianne Walker did not speak at the Memorial. Toni read her poem and Pam spoke about her mom's last minutes before death. There were no more testimonies.

Memorial Dinner: Home of Michael & Sarah Hughes, etc.


Alice Russell speaks:

When I was a little girl my brother and I were picked up by an older married couple who took us to a Methodist church where we learned about Bible things and as a child I was "sprinkled" for salvation purposes. But, I was not saved at this time. As time went on, I had a friend in school who had invited me to a revival meeting at Black Walnut Baptist Church. The preacher preached hellfire and damnation that night and I got under deep conviction about going to that hell he talked about. I went forward, but the Pastor of the church asked me if I wanted to rededicate my life to God...To make a long story short, I did not know how to anwer him, I expected him to tell me what to do. So, eventually he sent me back to my seat. I did not get saved this night!!

As time went on, I became a teenager deeply involved in the things of this world.  I had friends in Ash Avenue Baptist Church in which I attended some and one Sunday a bunch of them went up to get baptized...so I went too. I got baptized that day, but I was not saved....I knew it later. I continued in my path of doing my own thing and later at the age of 18  I got married. My husband's dad was a barber, so I decided out of the blue to go to Hairdressing School. And this is where I ran into Hilda. Every day Hilda talked about hell, the lake of fire and how we were going to end up there if we did not get "saved". Well, at first I was angry about having to listen to this "fanatic" talk to me about these things. Day after day we had to endure this, but unknowingly the Holy Spirit was dealing with me about what Hilda was saying.

As time went on I began to give a lot of thought about what she was saying, especially since I had in the past been in some churches who talked of salvation. I had in the past also attended Revelation Baptist Church with a friend named Claire and heard the real truth about salvation. But, Hilda really drove this home to me...Never had I seen anyone so worried about another's soul. After a while, I realized that this way of salvation was right. One Friday night in March 1974, I laid in my bed, feeling that any minute I would drop off into hell, I cried out to God in the best way I knew how and asked Him to forgive me for everything I thought was wrong at the time. I asked Him in the best way I knew how to save my wretched soul. I already knew that He had died and suffered a terrible death for my sins.  I felt that He cleansed me. The next morning I had to go to school. I wrote Hilda a note and told her I had gotten saved that night before. She looked skeptical at me, mainly because I still had a cigarette pack in my pocket and still had my "britches" on. But, I knew I was saved!!!! It was a great thing to me.

The next thing I talked about at the Memorial was how my husband was saved and that I had been in a Revival Meeting where a preacher was preaching on giving our all to God. "Whatever It Takes" was being sung. I responded in my heart to this. Later as time went on my husband was called into the ministry. So he and our family ended up being in a street ministry where we dealt with different kinds of people about salvation.

I believe the Lord used all this, coupled with my prayer for someone to go visit to be able to talk to Margie and know how to deal with her. She was ready when I got there, especially since I told her that the Lord sent me there, which he did! I also realized that Margie had finally come to the end of her life and had no where else to turn. She had become desperate. There was no way of getting out of her situation. She needed someone to make her understand that she needed to repent and receive the free gift of salvation. Margie had let me know that she wanted her family to know what she had done that day with me. So, I figured the best way to do this would be to give a testimony at her Memorial.

The following song is a Memorial to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ:

AMAZING GRACE

Lyrics By John Newton

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.

Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed!

The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;

Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease,

I shall possess, within the veil, A life of joy and peace.

The world shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun refuse to shine;

But God, who called me here below, shall be forever mine.

when we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,

We've no less days to sing God's praise, than when we'd just begun.

John Newton

Then I told them that Margie would not come back here to this earth if she could. Why would she want to come back to a world full of sorrow, pain, and heartache. The next song that I sung was fit for Margie and where she is now!

WHEN THEY RING THE GOLDEN BELLS

Don't Daniel de Marbelle

There's a land beyond the river, that we call the sweet forever,

And we only reach that shore by faith's decree;

One by one we'll gain the portals, there to dwell with the immortals,

When they ring the golden bells for you and me.

Refrain:

Don't you hear the bells now ringing?

Don't you hear the angels singing?

Tis the glory hallelujah Jubilee.

In that far off sweet forever,

Just beyond the shining river,

When they ring the golden bells for you and me.

We shall know no sin or sorrow, in that haven of tomorrow,

When our barque shall sail beyond the silver sea;

We shall only know the blessing of our Father's sweet caressing,

When they ring the golden bells for you and me.

Refrain

When our days shall know their number, and in death we sweetly slumber,

When the King commands the spirit to be free;

Nevermore with anguish laden, we shall reach that lovely Eden,

When they ring the golden bells for you and me.

Refrain

At this time I truly thanked Sandy (who was sitting out there) and Pam (Margie's daughter) for allowing me to go to see Margie and the Lord using them to answer that prayer of mine. I would not trade it for anything in this world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AMEN



Margie

Sometime near the end of July and the beginning of August after being on the street passing out tracts with a church in the Virginia Beach area, I became burdened about being able to once again lead a soul to the Lord. Somewhere in the years before I have had experience in talking to people who the Lord put in my life and the privilege of leading the person to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. But, I had gotten "rusty" in actually talking to an individual mainly due to personally having a "Chick Tract Ministry" in which I put these little comic gospel tracts in bathrooms, on car windshields, personally handing them out and putting them inside of magazines, etc. while in bookstores, etc. Well, because not much is said while doing this, I sort of lost touch with actually talking to a person about salvation.  So, I began praying that the Lord would lead me back to this by opening a door for me to be able to go see someone who "really" needed to be saved. And what I mean by this is someone who actually was asking for someone to talk to them...

As time passed by, I sort of put the thought of this prayer on the back burner and forgot about it. But, one day while being at my grandaughter's birthday party, my daughter Beth began telling me about a 65 year old woman who was dying from pancreatic cancer. She knew about this because a friend of hers named Sandy had told her about this woman. The daughter named Pam had put her mother on the prayer list at church. Her name is Margie! This same day my daughter Beth said Sandy was trying to find someone to go visit Margie and wondered  if I would go  and talk to her about her soul. Of course, I thought about it and said "Yes"!  I decided to wait and get more information on what kind of person Margie was in order to know how to deal with this situatiion and because I knew Sandy was coming to the birthday party I waited to talk to her. She told me that Margie had lived a lifestyle in which she had spent a lot of time in alcohol and drugs and had been pretty rough as a woman.

After praying about when to go see Margie, I decided to go the next day, Sunday afternoon...mainly because I didn't want to waste time before going. And that's when it all began! During this time, I remembered my prayer about talking to someone about the Lord and this really helped me focus on how to go about talking to Margie. I remember that day that I tried my best to get as much information (scriptures) as I could in explaining salvation to an individual. After a lot of frustration, I just prayed and asked the Lord to help me say and do the right thing. I left that afternoon on a trip to the nearby city, South Boston which is where Margie lived. I knew the whereabouts because it is where my deceased mother-in-law lived before moving down in our area. But, after arriving in the Mobile Home Park, it seemed that no one knew where Margie lived. I finally picked a mobile home to just "ask again" if they knew where Margie lived. Well, after knocking on the door, an older woman on the telephone came to the door and told me that she was Margie...I told her that the Lord had sent me by to talk to her about Him!!! To which she responded..."Please come in, I've been waiting for you!" This surprised me--first of all because I thought Margie would be sick enough to be in bed and that she responded the way she did really helped me to do what I feel the Lord had me do that day.

After going back to my car to get my Bible, I went inside and tried to introduce myself to Margie. I had not known her in the past and couldn't recall that I knew anyone that was a relative of hers. We talked about her illness...at this time she told me that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and only had 4 weeks to live...and that she was afraid of dying. So, I talked to her about why she was afraid. Was it because of what she would have to go through to die (like I am afraid of) or because of where she would spend eternity. She said she was not sure of her eternal destiny. I kept asking the Lord to show me how to go about talking to Margie about salvation.

 I began by focusing on "where sin came from...Adam and Eve and then how they fell into sin and got put out of the Garden of Eden". We talked a little about how she felt about that and if she understood why that was. Then, I briefly talked about how God knowing that man had fallen made a way for man to be redeemed. I talked a while about Jesus Christ coming as a babe, growing up and at 33 years of age was crucified for our sins. I focused on this a while because I wanted Margie to fully understand what our sin costs Jesus Christ. He not only died but was brutally beaten beyond recognition. The blood was literally running off  of Him. All our sins were placed on his body. I read some of the scriptures that talked about this. She briefly mentioned the movie  which I recalled "the Passion of Christ" in which said she did not see because she did not want to see how bad it was. So, I focused on this a bit...Jesus Christ knew he would be brutally beaten, publicly embarrassed, spit upon, buffeted, smote with rods and beaten with whips containing glass. He knew all this before he went from the garden before His crucifixion. He also knew He had the power to stop this from happening, which was what the prayer in the garden was about before going before Pontius Pilate. "All This I Did For Thee".

So, it seemed that because of Margie's being in church off and on in her life and having a daughter (Pam) and a sister (Nita) already knew about a lot of  what I was telling her. But, I don't think she had actually really thought about the death of Jesus Christ and how horrible it really was and that it was done for "Margie" as well as for me. I said, "Margie, if you were to die right now, where do you think you would spend eternity?" She said, I really don't know...I am afraid to die! She also said that she had been so bad that she didn't think God would forgive her!  I said Margie, no matter what you've done in your life, God will forgive you if you will repent and turn to Him. This is what God sent Jesus Christ to this earth for.  I said, "Margie, you need to settle your eternal destiny today and make sure that when you leave this life you will go to be with God and not to Hell!" She agreed.  I said, "Margie, you need to pray and ask God to forgive you and save you...You can either say your own prayer or I will help you pray, but I will not say this for you"...She said she wanted me to pray with her. So, I told her she had to mean what we were praying, if she didn't mean it there was  no need in doing it. She said she did and I told her to repeat what I said and mean it with her whole heart!

The following prayer went something like this:

Lord, I know I'm not ready to die.
I know I am a sinner before you.
I have greatly sinned. Please forgive me of my sins.
I know you took all my sins on your body and bore that cross for me.
Forgive me for rejecting you all these years.
I want to receive you as my Savior.
I pray that you will wash me and make me clean.
Thank you for salvation!

Then we talked about assurance and prayed about it.
I said, "Margie, if you meant what you just said to the Lord, you are saved. There is nothing else you can do to be saved!!!!!

At that time her sister Nita knocked on the door and came in...I told her about myself and why I was there. She was so glad to hear that Margie had settled her eternal destiny that day. 
I prayed for the family and then left.

I thanked God all the way home for what had happened and still couldn't quite believe that this had happened to me.

The next time I saw Margie I found that she was in the hospital. So, I went to see her and after she realized who I was, I talked to her a little about her future destiny and then prayed with her. She surprised me by wanting to say a prayer for me. Margie again surprised me with what clarity she prayed this prayer for me. It went something like this...
God, I thank you for sending Alice into my life. Thank you for letting me get saved. I pray that you will give Alice the desires of her heart. Help us to become good friends. AMEN!

It so totally surprised me that I found myself almost crying over it. After a little visit I left.

The next time I went to see Margie was at her home and I stayed there for a little visit. Then, about a week later, I heard from her daughter Pam that she was in the hospital and she wondered if I would go and visit her. The day I decided to go it was raining terribly. I had to drive our old pickup truck because my car had a flat tire. I drove to South Boston and on my way an old man and woman slowly pulled out broadside from the road at the left of me...I realized that they were not going to get out of my driving path, so I braced myself for a collision. But, something took control of the steering wheel and gently guided me just about 5 inches to the left of the oncoming vehicle and I missed being either killed that day or terribly hurt. I know it was the Lord! I figured out later why this probably happened.

After I got to the hospital to see Margie, she was in and out with sleep. I prayed with her and sung a few songs. When I decided to leave I had already left a note to the family saying that I would be glad to give a testimony of Margie's salvation and sing at the Memorial they would have after her death. I prayed that if this was the Lord's will it would be done.

Later, I received a phone call from Pam saying how appreciative she was that I was willing to testify and sing at the Memorial. As I look back on things now, I realize this was very important for the family to hear due to the many prayers that had been said for salvation on their behalf, which is why I believe I almost got killed that day.  I found out later that Margie had been put in Woodview Nursing Home, they expected her to die soon, but then found that she temporarily got better. During this time, I decided to go to Mountain Road Baptist Church where we would be doing the Memorial in order to get a "feel" of how the church was before I was to speak and sing. It just happened to be Homecoming Day, which is a good time to go visit a church since there are usually other visitors on that day. As I sat down next to a blonde haired middle aged woman, she asked me if I usually came there. I responded with, No. I asked her the same and in conversation I asked her what her name was and she said "Pam Walker". To my surprise I had actually sat next to Margie's daughter whom I had never met but had only talk to on the phone. This, I knew was truly the Lord's doing!

Margie finally succumbed to death on October 14, 2011. Our friend Sandy called me to let me know and that Pam would be getting in touch with me. The rest of this story about what happened after this with the Memorial Service is in the following posting on this blog entitled, "Margie's Memorial".
Please ready more about this.