 |
|
|
CLICK ON NEXT TAB TO ADVANCE SLIDE
 |
Before I tell you about me, I would also like to tell you about my best friend in the whole world, HONEY. *That's her last year schoolbook picture (shhhh), she does not know I have put any of this on the website. She is the behind the scenes supporter, encourager, and brains, in all the publication and ministerial work I do. Her opinions, advice and input, is very valuable to the entire Stickmanpublication effort. She attended South Carolina State University, and she has a master of education degree from Cambridge. She teaches French (she used to teach Spanish also). We were both born in the south, she in Charleston S.C. and I in Columbia S.C. What impresses me most about her, is her love for and devotion to God. Even though I find my wife extremely attractive, it's the way she is, which first drew me to her. When I see honey's image, it's more than just the physical image I see. In my mind I see my best friend, who for 25 years, has stood with me through the ups and downs of life. I see a women who, though much smarter than me in many areas, does not think it beneath herself, to show me respect as her husband and head of our family. When I see this picture of honey, I see someone who would get up early in the morning and go to work without complaining (year after year without missing a day). I see someone who accepted me and my five kids from a former marriage. When I see this image of honey, I see the woman who helped me fulfill my fatherly duties to my kids. She was there with me, without complaining, on the camping trips (with all the crawly critters). She did not complain about our many outings. Somehow she understood, the love I had for my kids, and my desire to spend quality time with them. I see the woman who when told by others, "you look good for a woman who has eight kids" never would correct them: by saying "I only have three." (Honey and I have 3 kids who are biologically ours). I see someone who was willing to drive what ever clunker was in the driveway, without complaining, I see someone, who behind closed doors, never tried to turn me against anyone, *(she fully understood my love for all people). I see someone who honestly tried to be there for me in every way. Do I see perfection? HONEY I LOVE YOU, AND YOU DID SUCCEED. What makes you most beautiful is not the way you look, but the way you are. One husband put it this way, It is true that a beautiful woman is a joy to behold. I know because I'm married to one. Just admiring my wife makes my day. She is beautiful in form and countenance. She is awe-inspiring and astonishing, she mesmerizes me, my wife has a stunning smile and a likeable personality. Her charm is overwhelming. Her unique perspective and thoughtfulness compliments her beauty. Nevertheless, what makes her most astounding is not her looks. It's her overall outlook on life, money, family, material things and her fear of God. |
I don't want to give the impression, in giving my testimony that it was because of my goodness, unselfishness, prayers, tears, or desire to do right, that I was deserving of salvation. It was just the opposite I came to the realization that there was no goodness in me, which made me deserving of salvation. I want it to be clearly understood, that if God through Jesus, had not rescued me I would still be lost. Looking back to that time and place, (the night I was saved) I remember how weak, unworthy and helpless I felt. I got to the point in my life where I realized that I was a victim of my own sinfulness, selfishness and lust. What grieved and scared me the most stemmed from the fact that, in spite of this, I found myself still continuing down this tragic path, I was trapped!! It was not my might strength, worthiness, goodness, sincerity, or anything of me which, made me worthy of salvation. It was only by God's grace ALONE, that I got saved that Tuesday night. The apostle Paul reminded the saints, of how they had once followed the lust of their flesh, being completely dominated by Satan (that was me). Paul reminded the saints of how at one time their pursuit of carnal, fleshly, lust and desire, caused them to be on a collision course with the wrath of God (that was me). Paul then pointed out God's remedy for these tragic circumstances, Paul said it is not the might, power, or righteousness of man, which allows him to be saved and delivered (that was me). Paul said it was by God's grace and mercy, that he gives man the faith to believe on Jesus, which in turn leads to salvation (that was me) 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast Ephe 2:3-9 (2). Paul went on to explain, God's plan of salvation cannot be obtained through the flesh, but by the spirit of God alone. Paul said, it is through God's Holy Ghost, that we are able to obtain this precious gift of salvation (thank God that was me), Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; Titus 3:3-5 (3). |
|
| |
