⏰Present⛑️

Don’t let the sadness of your past and the fear of your future ruin the happiness of your present.

Colossians 1:1 (KJV) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

Colossians 1:2 (KJV) To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul starts off writing to those at Colosse by the name Paul because that’s the person they know. But Paul is much different than the Paul they used to know. Much has happened in Paul’s life and he is much different because of it. But Paul doen’t just stop with Paul he goes on to say “an apostle of Jesus Christ'' know why he did that? Because he wants them to know that he is now different from the Paul they thought they knew. The Paul they used to know was to be feared by Christians for he was putting them in prison plus some other awful things. Reminds me of those I have talked with as they tell me what they were before they realized that God loved them and paid the price for their sin. Their names may be John, Eddie, Bill but they aren’t the John, Eddie or Bill they used to be. They like Paul are now all together different because of Christ. One doesn’t have to tell their friends there has been a total life change; their friends will notice it themselves. That’s what happened to me. My vocabulary changed, the places I went changed, the things I drank changed and what I popped, sniffed and smoked changed. What I had in common with my friends was no more and our friendships drifted because of it. Over the years I have spent much of my time volunteering in helping others with life problems. Because the answer to every problem you and I have can be solved in Christ. It’s true Christ is the answer. 

Psalms 46:1 (KJV) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Do you see it? God is not just a place of safety (refuge) but God is a (present help in trouble) a present help. God is not on his way. He is already present. The problem is many try to get help from someone who is not there or on their way. When did you say you needed help? NOW! Then that’s PRESENT “God is our refuge” “strength” “present help” “in trouble” if you need help He’s already here. 

🚚Get to Work💪

 It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.

Hebrews 13:20 (KJV) Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Hebrews 13:21 (KJV) Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Spending time  with Jesus is a gift to those who will take time. My Dad and hero who taught me so much. I can’t count the times I wish I could ask him a question, hear the phone ring and pick it up to hear his voice. Those days are gone and have been for 37 years but I still wish I could hear his voice. That is not the case with Jesus for He is risen and working within me. Jesus is our “great shepherd the God of peace, that brought again from the dead” The Lord I can hear within for He leads me and directs my steps. I don’t always understand and many times I didn’t go where He wanted me too. Nonetheless, He has led me to meet some great people. He has protected me in dark places, He has comforted me when no one else could, when my heart was broken He was there and the words from my Bible that I had hid  comforted my heart. Our Shepherd is great without doubt. Did you read that part about “working in you” I’m so glad that our Lord didn’t just quit at our salvation, oh no He is still working and building. Think of it this way: there is a piece of ground with nothing on it but trees and weeds. One day a loader starts clearing that ground. Then a foundation is dug and concrete is poured but there is no house. It takes time to build that house before it becomes a home. The same is true with God’s children He is working on us so we will become what He wants us to be. I don’t know about you and what great thing God has done in your life. As I look back and see what God has done in my life I stand amazed. God began to work on a timid young man and began to turn me into what I never would have pursued. My goal was to become a trouble shooter for Delta or some other Airlines fixing electrical problems in their jets. But that never happened and that’s a long story. God began to work by putting me into a job where I had to talk to people I didn’t know. Today I talk to many I don’t know and somewhere in the conversation I try to talk about who I know best and that’s Jesus. God is still building in my life and will be until the day He comes and gets me. My earthly friends are leaving one by one. It seems I find myself going to at least 2 funerals a month. Know what that is telling me? My departure will not be long. But God is still working on me to “Make you perfect in every good work to do his will,”

🧐I Do🎁

Trust, honesty, humility, transparency and accountability are the building blocks of a positive reputation. 

Hebrews 13:17 (KJV) Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that   may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

There are a few words that jumped out at me as I read this verse Obey, Rule, Submit, Account, Unprofitable. I will briefly cover two of those words: obey and account. What are or who are we to obey? We are to obey the truth. What is the truth? I think I have read those words before. John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Jesus is the truth. When my Pastor stands to speak he should be speaking the truth of the Word of God. I, the listener, should listen so that I might better know what is true. Just as anyone else the leaders of the Church should be involved in daily service so that they will know the truth and be able to teach the truth. Many Pastors have to work a job to support their families and the service to the Church is part time. This should not be but be thankful and grateful for those who sacrifice and do just that. I know personally one of those who did just that for 25 years. On Saturday he went to his study and prepared what he would preach on Sunday morning and Sunday night. Then on Sunday he was up before 5 making sure he was ready for the morning service. Sunday afternoon back to his study making sure he was ready for Sunday night. Then there were the hospital visits, the ER, the funeral home, the funeral services, wedding and who knows what else all this for about $500 a month. I don’t think he put in that much time for the money. Maybe we should be more submissive to what they were teaching. There is no way a Pastor would like to be unprofitable in what they are doing. They will have to give an account. Did you know that you and I will also have to give an account?  

Matthew 12:36 (KJV) But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

Romans 14:12 (KJV) So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. When we realize that we will give an account of ourselves to God. You know that might help us pay better attention to what God says in His Word. If today we were asked to give an account of why we were going to heaven? What would be our answer? I talked with a man a few days ago and he said all he needed to know was John 3:16. Well that is true but don’t you think that John 3:16 would drive you to know more about the great gift God gave? One can have a wedding band upon their finger that tells everyone that they are married. That is all well and fine but shouldn’t that statement of marriage drive you to have a relationship with the one you said I Do with? I hope so. I think we should also want to have a relationship with the one who saved us from ourselves, the sins that so easily entangle us.

💎Permanent? No Way💭

 This world is not my home I’m just passing through my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue. 

Hebrews 13:14 (KJV) For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come

We don't have a permanent city here on this earth, but we are looking for the city that we will have in the future.  Pie in the sky you might say. Oh no Jesus made a promise to His disciples in John read it for yourself chapter 14 John 14:1 (KJV) Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

John 14:2 (KJV) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

We have no continuing city. What does that word continuing mean?  “To remain in a state, or place; to abide for any time indefinitely.” What we have here will not last; oh don’t misunderstand me, I’m just like you. I want to say I have paid my last house note, my last car note and any other note I might have. That’s not my real goal in life is to say that I don’t owe anyone anything. Yes I need to take care of my family to the best of my ability and provide for them the best I can. I should never forget that this is no continuing place. Just as I have prepared for the here and now I too need to prepare for the here after. Jesus said He was going to prepare a place and this place is not in Hawaii or some other place but it’s a place of no return. A place where there is no sickness a place where we will never grow old. Wow what a place and it is a place of no return. We will not be coming back here to this place but we will not get there by accident. Oh no we should already know where we are going  1 John 5:13 (KJV) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. See this external life don’t just sneak up on us no more than the house you and I live in. We must understand that where we are now is NO continuing place. One day it will end and then what? Years ago there was this ball park franks commercial. It started off with 3 men in the backyard grilling Ball Park Franks. They were talking about baseball records. One of them said something about a ball player that had the record for something as he talked with his friend. His friend said are you sure? His friend said I’m 99.9 percent sure! Their other friend said this “if you don’t know, you don’t know.” One must be 100% sure not 99.9% sure that's not sure. John said we can know 100% now that’s being sure. My dad when he was dying said that I would like to see my grandchildren married and meet their wives. I would like to know my great grandchildren but that’s not going to ever be. What did he mean? Well first of all he realized that this place is no continuing place. What else? He was prepared for the continuing city that was to come but he loved his family and wanted to see them grow.  I couldn’t blame him I want the same but this is not a continuing city.  

🎁The Greatest Gift Ever Given 👨‍🎨

For it is in the giving that we receive

The picture is painted in the Old Testament in the sacrifices of the blood of animals for the sins of the people. But every year on the day of atonement it had to be repeated. The High Priest and not the same high Priest as the year before. Oh no there was another high priest at the altar to repeat the blood sacrifice once again for the sins of the people. From the Tabernacle in the wilderness to the Temple this was repeated every year.  

Hebrews 13:11 (KJV) For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. What could these Priests and the blood of these animals not do? 

Hebrews 10:11 (KJV) And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: Then why do it? Great question. Here is the answer. Hebrews 10:12 (KJV) But this man (Christ Jesus), after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; When was that? That’s another great question. I’m sure you have either read or heard about the cross and the one who hung upon it. Why was all that necessary? As I said the picture was painted in the Tabernacle back in the book of Exodus with the blood of animals. If you understand the basics behind that then when you read of Jesus dying on the cross you can easily see and understand. Hebrews 7:27 (KJV) Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he (Christ Jesus) did once, when he (Christ Jesus) offered up himself. The brush of the artist began to paint in the Old Testament and the painting of the complete portrait was finished in the New Testament at Calvary. A great price was paid for the price of our sin.  Romans 6:23 (KJV) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. The greatest gift ever.

 

🧐Search📖

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 

Jesus Christ

 Hebrews 13:9 (KJV) Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.”

Being carried away means that you get focused on other things and mostly those other things are wrong. The Apostle Paul asked those at Galatia this question in Galatians 1:6 (KJV) “I marvel that ye are so soon removed” Removed from what?  “From him that called you into the grace of Christ'' in order to be removed you first had to have been there. What were they removed to? “Unto another gospel?” I can’t say it enough: we have an enemy and everyday our enemy is trying to derail our belief in our only savior Jesus Christ. If the enemy can get us to believe he is not real then we have fallen into one of his traps. Then it is not going to be hard to get us to believe that the Bible is not true. But may I remind you what the Bible teaches us. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Yes we as a people have advanced and when our advancement causes us to think there is no God then our advancement has caused us real mental damage. I have seen many changes in churches and what they teach over the years. There was a day when there were real revivals in Churches. They started on Sunday or Monday night at 7:30 and went at least to Friday night. The church was mostly filled every night and many gave their hearts to the Lord. Altars were filled to the point that many had to kneel in the aisles. What happened? Why have things changed? I don’t know all the answers but it didn’t happen overnight. But Hebrews 13:9 gives us a clue. First something happened there was a caring away from the doctrines to a strange doctrines. Doctrine is the foundation. The Apostle Paul said this about foundation. 

1 Corinthians 3:11 (KJV) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. When the foundation moves from Jesus Christ then things get confusing. There is a parable in Luke chapter 6 starting in verse 49 that teaches about 2 different kinds of foundations. One builds their house on a rock, a solid foundation. Then there was another who built their house upon the earth, no foundation. When the storms came, only one of those houses stood. You know which one? You are right, the house on the rock. Look further at that word rock and the Apostle Paul tells us who that rock is.

1 Corinthian 10:4  (KJV)  And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

Do you think if we were to build our lives on what Christ taught, we would be better off when the storms of this life come? Don’t get carried away by things that look or sound good. The easy path is not always the best path no matter how many are following it. “For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace;” and not with things which the Word of God tells us to stay away from. Paul also said Philippians 2:5 (KJV) Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: So how do we know? Great question. There was a time when someone told me that if I were to wear a pink shirt I wasn’t right with the Lord. Another said if I were to wear penny loafers God wasn’t pleased with that either. But you know none of that is true. Want to know how I found that out? Studying God’s Word. 

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. When you hear someone teach or say anything about God’s Word have you ever asked yourself is that right?  While Paul was in a place called Berea the Bible tells us that these people wanted to know if Paul was telling them the truth. Here is what is said about them.

Acts 17:11 (KJV) These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Do we receive the Word of God with readiness of mind? Or do we question it? Have we taken the time to see for ourselves if what was said is true? God doesn't care if I wear a pink shirt nor does He care if I wear penny loafers. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. If you have sinned then Jesus came for you. Don’t take my word for it, search the Scriptures for yourself.

🏦Take It To The Bank💵

 If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibility in the problems, we can have victory.

Hebrews 13:8 (KJV) Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

The Bible I hold in my hands and read with my eyes whas one main Person that it tells of and that’s the man Christ Jesus. As I read the Book that tells and teaches me about my Savior Jesus Christ and look for His presence on every page. Sometimes He is standing bold in the ink other times He is a shadow upon the page. There are times He is standing behind the lattice as He peeks thorough, we should always be looking for Jesus Christ for He’s always there. 

Hebrews 10:7 (KJV) Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. We live in a fast paced world. What used to take weeks and even longer is now done in seconds. Phones that were once on a small table in the hallway then they moved to the kitchen and even became more popular when the extra long cords came out. Now you don’t need a long cord. We carry them in our pockets and purses. No more long distance calls to pay, it’s now just a monthly bill and you can talk to others on the other side of the world. There are many things that have changed and are changing but Jesus Christ will never change.  

Malachi 3:6 (KJV) For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

There was an old saying that went like this “you can take that to the bank.” That little saying means something is reliable or trustworthy. I used to hear that saying all the time but I haven’t heard that in years. I said that because this world we are living in is changing daily. There is one who changes not and that is Jesus Christ. His main purpose is still the same to save mankind. That’s what He came to do. Matthew 18:11 (KJV) For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

Luke 19:10 (KJV) For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

As we read our Bibles we can rest assured that Jesus Christ is still the same today as He was from the start. There’s a pie company named Edward and I’m sure you have eaten a slice of their pie. What you may not know was a man by the name of Tom Edward’s founded The Edward’s Baking Company in 1950. When I was a boy, after we had finished eating one of their lemon pies. I looked into the bottom of their pie pan and saw that it had a Bible verse stamped into it. I must have been 12 years old when I saw that. Today there’s no Bible verse in their pie pan. Know why? Because the company was sold to a big corporation and they can’t have that; why that might offend someone and hurt business. I don’t think so and you might ask why? All one has to do is look at Chick-fill-A and then ask the question is it hurting their business? I’ll answer that by writing have you ever noticed their drive thur at lunch time? As some might say everything changes and it does but you can rest assured Jesus Christ will not change. Sin is still sin even if everyone says it’s ok including our leaders. What God has said is still in effect today and you can take that to the bank my friend. 

🤔Remember🤩

 Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.                     Benjamin Franklin 

Hebrews 13:7 (KJV) Remember them who have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Who is it or who are they that you yourself “Remember” who took time to teach you the “the word of God” Maybe a friend, a Sunday School teacher, a Pastor, a person you work with who is it? Wow this brings back many memories. My first teacher was my Pastor Raymond Gray, A man I met at Bible college who became my friend Jim Smith, The man who poured his life into me was my second Pastor James A. Peppers. I could spend the day writing about him. Then my third Pastor Ray Hill the time he spent teaching me, talking to me and taking me to see and pray for others. I was called to Pastor First Baptist of Youth and spent 22 years there. Yes I remember those who poured into me and took the time to teach me but the one who taught me the most was and is the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh I must not forget Steve Sparks who taught me to reach those who know not God. Steve Sparks eyes would fill up with tears that ran down his face when he told of the goodness of God. What did I learn from Steve? I learned I can’t do what he does, but I can do a little bit of what Steve does. Thanks, men. All these men are in Heaven today. I will never forget what these men taught me even when they didn’t think they were. I have a life verse, all that means is what Bible verse points to what you want most. Here’s mine  2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. I want to know what God says and my Bible will show me and teach me that. Thank you men who taught me not what you thought but what God said. That’s what matters. Oh yeah, there’s a Heaven for my Bible tells me so!

🫱TRUST🫲

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. Psalms 56:3

Hebrews 13:6 (KJV) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

That we may boldly say. That word boldly  means that we might say with confidence with assurance of mind in the truth. What is the writer saying? I believe we have to back up and understand what we just have read and where the real truth is. True about brotherly love, about remembering those in bonds, about marriage how horonable it is, not forgetting what we have been promised “the Lord said that He would NEVER LEAVE US NOR WOULD HE FORSAKE US.”Can we say that with boldness, confidence because we know the real truth? I like what the writer says afterwards “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear” fear what? “what man shall do unto me” When we place our confidence in the truth of God’s Word then we have the comfort of knowing God will take care of us. In the book of Daniel we read of 3 young men who stood for what they knew was true. The cost for doing so would be being burned to death by man. This is what those men had to say 

Daniel 3:16 (KJV) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

Daniel 3:17 (KJV)  If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

Daniel 3:18 (KJV)  But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Nebuchadnezzar was so angry that he had the furnace turned up and then he had those three young men thrown in. But a strange thing happened. Nebuchadnezzar saw not 3 men in the fire but 4 men and they were not being burned in the flames. 

Daniel 3:25 (KJV) He (Nebuchadnezzar) answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. In the troublesome times of life, when things look hopeless God said I will not leave you.

John 14:18 (KJV) I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Remember this what He has done for others He will do for you. Mark 5:20 (KJV) And he (The man that had been delivered from a demon)departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

How many marvel at what God has done in our lives?

😳Never leave 😎👍

You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want. Zig Ziglar

Hebrews 13:5 (KJV) Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Don’t allow your talk to be about obtaining and possessing more wealth. Don’t think the more you have the better off you’ll be. No, the child of God should be or learn to be content with what they have. Why is that? For God has said I will never leave you nor will I forsake thee. 

Wow, what a promise we the child of God have.

That’s what God spoke to Jacob about in 

Genesis 28:15 (KJV) And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. What does all this mean? What would you think it meant? I think it means just what it says “I will never leave thee” “I will not leave thee”why do I think that? Well because of who said it. I have had people and I’m sure you have too that have made promises they didn’t keep. I am sure you all have read and even hidden in your heart this verse. John 3:16 (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. If one never understands the word “Love” then they know nothing about giving. What does love mean? Giving without expecting anything in return. We know about self love, which is giving expecting something in return; that's not love that’s swapping; I’ll do this for you if you will do this for me. We read that God loved the world not just a few in the world but the whole world. For God so loved every race that He gave. What did God give? His Son Jesus Christ. Too many spend too much time trying to figure out too much and miss the gift. Take God at His Word and believe what He has said. That’s not what I said that’s what God said “that whosoever believeth in him” Then He goes on to say “should not perish, but have everlasting life.” That’s the “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” and the “I will not leave thee” many men and women have stood at a marriage altar and made promises they didn’t keep. Like LOVE AND CHERISH,  HONOR AND SUSTAIN, IN SICKNESS AS IN HEALTH, IN POVERTY AS IN WEALTH, IN THE BAD

THAT MAY DARKEN YOUR DAYS, IN THE GOOD THAT MAY LIGHTEN YOUR WAYS, AND TO BE TRUE IN ALL THINGS UNTIL DEATH DO YOU PART. Zig Ziglar  said “You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” That’s fairly close to the meaning of Love, give without expecting anything in return. God offered a Gift, His Son, because He loves you and I without expecting anything in return. He wants very much for you and I to have that gift But He is not going to make you nor I take the gift.

💥WOW💫

It is strange, but true, that the most important turning-points of life often come at the most unexpected times and in the most unexpected ways.   Napoleon Hill 

Hebrews 13:4 (KJV) Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Marriage, how important is Marriage? Well let’s see what God says. First thing we read is that Marriage is “honourable” what does that mean? Let’s see what  Webster says “Holding a distinguished rank in society; Respected; worthy of respect; regarded with esteem.”

Marriage is  Valuable, beloved, most precious.

God thinks a lot about Marriage. 

Genesis 2:24 (KJV) Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Two words tell us how strong a marriage is to be “cleave” which means “To stick; to adhere; to hold to. ” and “one flesh” Have you ever pulled something off the wall that had been there for a while? Did you notice how difficult it was? Maybe it even tore a piece of Sheetrock off as it came. Why was that? because it had cleaved itself to the surface. Which goes along with one flesh. I am just like you, when I  look into the mirror what do I see? One flesh! I can’t separate it. When I married my wife we became one flesh. She became a part of me and I became a part of her. What she does will affect me and what I do will affect her. If something happens to my flesh I work at getting it taken care of. If I cut myself not only is there pain but there is decision that has to be made. Will a bandage help the healing or do I need to go to the ER and get it sewed up? I sure don’t run to my friends and ask them what I need to do nor do I go into the garage and take my table saw and cut off my hand. Oh no,  but marriage in our day and time is not what God intended. We run to the table saw of divorce and end it. That’s painful. Oh no you might say it was best for our children. You think? Ask your children and you may be surprised at their answer. My wife broke her arm but who did that effect? Not just her, it also affected me. I am doing things that she used to do because now she can’t. Yes it’s her arm that is broken but it has also affected me. Why? Because we are one flesh. God also said that marriage is to “honourable” take the high respect out of marriage and you lose the importance of the vows which states until death do I part. It has been a long time ago now. I was home on leave for Christmas. Before I left I was told “they will be sending you to Vietnam so enjoy.” As I left I can’t say that wasn’t in the back of mind. Home is always a wonderful place to go when you have been away for a while. While I was home I met this girl and I mean she was something. I asked her out and she said yes. But the time clock was ticking. My leave was coming to an end and I would soon be going back to who knows what awaited me. So I asked her to marry me to which she said yes and two days later we were married. I told her the night I asked her to marry me that I hated divorce and if she married me it was until death do we part, she agreed. Six months later I was gone. I am glad to report that through the good and the bad we are still together and still in love and have honored our marriage. We have not only respected our marriage vows but we have not defiled our marriage bed. No, we don't need a pat on the back for doing what we promised each other. She is still the WOW of my life and will be to the end which I hope will be a long time in coming. What were the chances of a couple staying married who got together and were married within a week? The secret! Jesus Christ, the Bible and Prayer which would not come for 3 more years.