| As I wake and walk out my front door I see the red, white and blue waving in many front yards. I'm reminded of how those very flags represent all those who have given their lives for our Freedom. Freedom to make choices in our lives, to have a say in our homes, community and in this great nation. One Great Nation under God, we cannot go wrong...I am truly honored by my Brothers throughout this great nation. I stand free today because of our (past and present) sacrifice for our country. May our Lord God continue to Bless each of you this Independence Day weekend.May our Lord God continue to protect all those who continue to sacrifice so much that we stand free. Timothy M. Wayne MSG, USA Operations Sergeant Major 1st Battalion, 15th Field Artillery rideharley03@yahoo.com timothy.m.wayne@us.army.mil "First to Fire" |
| Week 2 MY BEST FRIEND Proverbs 27:17 as iron sharpens iron, so does one man sharpen another This is the story about quail hunting with one of the best shots I have ever known. R.O. Waters had the hands of a giant and a love for the Lord even greater. He taught many people on Wendwood Drive how to hunt, fish, and love the Lord. He was one of my best friends when I was growing up. He died at a young age but died a legend. He was the great white hunter. One fall morning, early in the 1980's, R.O. and I were hunting at the George Kendrix farm on Black Creek. This was our favorite hunting spot. We were having a very successful quail hunt and having the time of our life. We had a young setter bird dog named Carol - I named her after my Mom. We came to a briar thicket when the dogs started pointing. Carol, my bird dog, was really getting good. We walked up and the quail got up, however, the birds weren't the only thing in the thicket. A big buck was coming straight for us; fortunately, we were close to a tree and were able to get behind it. R.O. shot three times and I think his barrel hit the deer. That is how close the deer was to us. After R.O. shot the buck, the deer missed us but Carol the bird dog wasn't as lucky. The deer picked up the dog between his two big horns and broke Carol's neck. The deer ran about 75 yards and died. R.O. and I couldn't beieve it and neither could anyone else. Robert taught me so much. He was the one I could always count on for anything. He taught me about life. I will never forget R.O. Robert Waters was the man that sharpened me for life and molded my future. When I became saved, I knew I would see R.O. again. We could hunt, fish, and have the time of our lives again. Claude Howard, III |
| Week 3 34 YEARS OF MARRIAGE (God, My Wife and Me) But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 1 Timothy 5:8 I have spent many a day out on the golf course. I have loved being out in nature and enjoying God creation. My church has golf outings which I have truly enjoyed participating in. Sometimes when I go to play golf my wife will go along with me. I enjoy her going with me and spending the time together. When we get to each tee box she will look over the landscape and tell me whether she wants to play that hole or not. I used to think that this was odd and it would irrate me. I shared this will someone and he told me let your wife be just as God made her and not what you want her to be. Who cares whether she wanted to get out and play a hole. The fact that I had her there and was able to enjoy her company should be enough for me. I am truly thankful that God has put people in my life help me to see things from other than my sometimes self-centered prospective. I am very happy to have just celebrated 34 years worth of marriage with God, my wife and me. I truly believe what makes it last is the fact my wife and I recognize the importance of keeping God a partner in our marriage. It is a partnership of 3 and not just 2. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence (respects) her husband. Ephesians 5:33 Sportsmens Tip of the Week: Lightly dampen your golf towel before you start a round. It helps you keep your clubs and golf balls clean and ready to go. Keith Barber |
| Week 4A great view of sunset in Wagner, South Dakota after an afternoon pheasant hunt. 1Cor 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. This picture was taken in October of last year after a long afternoon hunt in weather were the wind chill was higher that the temperature. If you have never been pheasant hunt out in the Dakota's, each hunt is always an inspiring trip. One walks multiple 40 acre tracts pushing birds to rise for the hunt. It's hard work, with the elements sometimes not at your favor, but out there, you have the time to reflect on what is most important. Above is one of my favorite verses from the New Testement. To me, I interpret the message as patience in all things and by having patience, you gain understanding of the world around you and the plan that God has for you. Tip: When preparing to go a hunting trip, be sure to understand the weight limits on baggage for air travel. One member of our group last year spent an extra $100 to carry a $10 pair of rubber boots on the plane. Jeff Edward |
