Category: attitude

Americana-My First Car

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Scrolling Facebook this morning and I see a post about your first car. The picture in the post is actually my first car. It was called “The Bean”. Only difference was I had mag wheels on mine. Before I got it it looked like this. My friends and I made some good memories in that little car. I believe I drove it to the Prince Purple Rain concert with a few folks that are friends on here. The motor died in it near Yadkinville on the way back to App State one winter Sunday and dad got rid of it for me.I remember wanting a fancier car and my parents taught me a valuable lesson I still remember to this day.

I had seen a really nice looking truck down the road for sale and as my birthday came closer I kept telling them what I wanted. My birthday arrives and my mom comes in my room early and says get up and go outside your truck is in the driveway. I jumped up and ran as fast as I could and sitting in the driveway was a truck (beautiful shiny brand new out of the package hot wheel truck). Then dad came to me and said that is what you wanted, but mom and I are getting you what you need. Dad passed in 2009 and when mom passed in 2017 I found that little hot wheel truck.

She had packed it away for me to find years later. I have that truck now and use it as an example when I teach my lessons on “wants and needs” at school. I am thankful I had such great parents. My kids at school get those fancy shoes and I will ask them how much they cost and they say like 300.00. I tell them I like my money in the bank and not on my feet. I had a fellow a student come see me this week and he told me he was working, saving money and doing good. I looked at his feet and smiled and he said, yes coach, I also like my money in the bank and not on my feet. Then he said, I wasn’t always not listening to you in class. Life lessons we learn, live and pass into the next generation are special and needed.

Covid- Teachers Perspective

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Covid is taking its toll on schools, students, parents and teachers all across this great country we call America. It is ravaging the world as well, but for my purposes I will write about what I witness on a daily and weekly basis as a local career educator and coach. Different states, cities, towns and districts all have different standards and protocols in place. This inconsistency has gotten things all jumbled up and out of sync. Governors are putting in mandates while others are leaving it up to the local school board to decide. Some washed their hands of it due to political reasons while others are doing what they want regardless of the polticial consequences.

Covid is very real and I am a survivor of the sickness. Last December right around Christmas while I was at home ordering food in, staying out of the public, wearing a mask, being careful and teaching from home online as directed by my school district I contracted the sickness. Within five days it had ravaged my body and put me in the hospital. I could not breath, walk or hardly talk as it took its toll on my lungs and body. I fought back and survived and Thanks to God I came home. It took 30 pounds off me quickly, messed with my lung function and put me at a high risk of other issues. So as I write about Covid I do so as a survivor that nearly died in the hopsital fighting to breath and not give up.

I see schools are trying to return to normal and have implemented mask mandates, staying six feet apart and other guidelines to protect their students, teachers, staff and families. But is that enough and are those simple little guidelines realistic to stopping the spread of Covid and saving peoples lives? I am not for nor against a mask and other guidelines. I am simply saying this Covid thing goes much deeper and farther than a guideline. If a person is exposed the guideline says this. If they are vaccinated it says this. If they are not it says this. All of this means nothing because when it comes down to it Covid scares many people and even others that will not admit it.

If you are a teacher you know that it is true that kids come to school all the time sick with colds, coughs, flu and other things. Parents send them to school to make sure they do not miss any work time or even do not have to keep the kids at home. I have seen the stress Covid is putting on the staff at schools and the anxiety it gives many of the students. Some act as if it is no big deal, but to others it is real because they have had it, seen someone fight it or even worse lost someone from it. Covid does not care if your young, old, healthy, fat, skinny, diabetic, sick, not sick, etc. Covid attacks us when we are weak and takes it toll on the body.

I know of several people I would conside fit as a fiddle that died within a week of it. I have seen case after case at school, exposure after exposure at school and your told look at the protocol. What they do not understand is a person that has a mother, father or older person at home does not care about a damn protocol. They are worried they may take it home and give it to someone else that could pass away. A paper of process cannot replace lives lost due to protocol. Covid will not be going away soon and will continue to ravage as it wants to.

How we react to it is what matters. Do we live scared? Do we live free of it? Do we proceed with caution? What do we do? Is remote learnig best? Is alternating weeks best? Is face to face with spacing and masks best? These are the things the politicians, school boards, administrators and leaders must face. But for the front line people, the teachers, nurses, police, firemen, and other civil servants it is more of how do we face it and move forward. I see people taking time off, stepping away, leaving the field and doing safer occupations. I see people on facebook talking about “if you do not like what you do or are scared then do not do it”. That is easier said than done when it comes to leaving a profession you love, giving up an income and not taking care of the family needs and wants.

Covid, you suck and need to go away. Our kids need to be in school. Our teachers need to be teaching them. Our kids need to play football, be in the band, hang with friends and live life. We need you to go away as quick as you came. Wishful thinking yes, but it sounds good to me for it to go away. As for me I will be at work, be as safe as I can and take care of my students, my family and myself. Prayerfully I can teach, coach, mentor and survive this thing called Covid.

Americana- Football, Family, Friends and Faith

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There are three things that have been a part of my family tradition for what seems forever and a day. Football, Family, Friends and faith are all part of my American dream. For millions of Americans these four F’s have become part of what we know as the annual right of passage from early September to the Middle of February. For many of us that have grown up playing the best game on earth (American Football), yes the one that you hit and tackle people while playing. It all begins with kids playing in the backyard, in the road, a field or on a hill at a friday night varsity home game. We all began out football career by tackling, rolling down hills, getting smashed up, hit, beat on and ran over by our older siblings, cousins and best buds.

Then we start playing little league, pee wee or pop warner depending on where you live and what it is called. That is when it starts getting more serious and we have to learn to be the best we can, be tough, have faith in ourselves and learn a system of depending on family and friends. Then we go to middle school and it gets even more serious. Throw in some AAU travel football and it is feeling for real then. Teamwork, family, friends and faith become part of who we are as we battle with each other and for one another. We represent our communities, families, schools, teams and neighborhoods the best we can.

Then high school comes along and many of those that played younger begin to drop like flies. Suddenly it is more than a game. It has become something bigger than the individual and is truly a family and team sport. Families line up outside and pay the gate fee to support their kids and neighbors. They tailgate eating good food enjoying family and friends before the big game. The players, coaches and fans fellowship on preparation for the big battle about to take place. Football teaches us how to win, lose, battle, fight, overcome, endure and be a better person. It teaches us to have faith in ourselves, family, community, friends and God.

Then some of us work hard enough to play on Saturdays in front of big crowds at various levels. Some in big time arenas in front of 100,000 people at the highest level. We see the blessing in that and how fortunate we were to be able to do that playing a game that we simply love. Others play small ball in front of a few hundred people in the stands. Either way, the game is played hard and means just as much regardless of the size of the stadium or arena. Regardless of the level of ball it is about football, family, friendships and faith. I developed all of these playing ball from pee wee to mid level college football.

I have stood on the sidelines as a player, coach and parent hearing the national anthem which still gives me the goose bumps on Friday night. I have played, coached and watched high level ball. I have played, coached and watch low level ball. All in all I have found that football, family, friends and faith are what has made me who I am today. I am a piece of Americana because of Football. God Bless football, family, friends and faith!

Physical, Intellectual and Spiritual Growth

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Today as I was eating breakfast with my wife I looked over a side table and staring at me was a prized picture of my mom and dad. I had been thinking about growth and praying to God for guidance in that area. The mention of my parents is because when you look at the three types of growth mentioned above my folks would meet all three categories. Obviously they had physically grown into adults well into their 70’s prior to passing away and moving onto greater things. My mom physically was short in stature about 5’0 tall and medium build. She was dynamite in a small package. My dad on the flip side was 6’4 and 350 pounds. He was a full grown man that stood over people in any room and rarely would you see a man much bigger than him. Intellecually they were both very mature adults. I cannot remember one single time in my childhood or adult life around them when they fought or argued. I am sure they did at times but they knew that was to be done away from people and the kids so they did it in private.

Spiritually they both loved the Lord and were great role models for my family in that part of life. My dad read the entire Bible 3-4 times from start to finish and kept notes in a notebook and his own Bible that I still have in my possession. Mom was a Sunday school teacher, mentor and volunteered at church and in the community. Rarely did you ever hear either of them say a curse word or something off the wall. They had been raised to be physically, intellecually and spiritually grown people. Even into their 70’s after their bodies started to reverse course and fail on them with achy joints, diabetes and other physical issues they continued to seek to grow intellecually and spiritually. Mom would read, watch TV shows and do puzzles to keep her mind sharp. Dad would read, listen to music, and still read the newspaper like the old days. They knew that being able to read and write were basic adult abilities and tools that could help you be successful in life.

I gave this background because that is the example of grown that I have seen and bless thier souls my parents are now in Heaven together and have reached full mature growth in all three areas. They have new bodies and are strong and able. They have been granted the intellecual thought of Heaven and know so much now we only wish we could know. And finally, they have made the final step in spiritual awakening when they closed their eyes and took their last human breath and were in the presence of God himself. So now I have to ask myself am I grown and in what areas do I need to increase my physical, intellectual and spiritual growth?

The good old internet had a definition of physical growth. The process of the body changing, growing and aging into full human growth. Typically this physical maturity occurs by the early 20’s for most people so I can check that one off the list. I am now in my mid 50’s so I am way past the physical growth stage of life. The intenet also defines intellectual growth as the process of growing ones mind, mental capacity, learning and retaining knowledge. As a career teacher I have studied lots of information, read books, sought information and I think I have reached a good adult level of intellectual growth. Lastly, the good old internet defines spiritual growth as: the increase in knowing God’s word, learning the process of fighting off sinful actions in your life. Spiritual growth may have other meanings to you based on your releigion or lack of.

For me spiritual growth is the process of getting closer to God through his word and study. It is the process of awakening the soul and making a life long connection to God. It is seeking out him and his will in your life. I have made great strides in this area, but am far from where I need to be. With that said I have read the Bible for guidance and prayed and came up with these ways to become a master of spiritual growth. Not a masters degree, that is intellectual growth. I am talking about being awarded the ultimate growth certificate and that is to know God, his expectations in my life and how to meet those requirements. I want to live my best life in all three areas so to keep growing physically, intellecually and spiritually I will do the follwing things.

Physical Growth- The only growth I see at this point in my 50’s is my belly getting bigger and weight changing. I made a decision a year ago to make physical growth a must in life and have since lost about 50 pounds and have a long ways to go. I feel better with less weight, take less medicine, get more exercise and have more energy so that is how I can continue to grow in this area. Be smart, do the right things and live my best physical growth life.

  1. Eat better foods
  2. Drink more water
  3. Stay off sugary products and eat more natural
  4. Walk, bike, run or work in the yard to get exercise
  5. Lose some weight if needed

Intellectual Growth- I like to read about topics of interest such as faith, paranormal, spirit and leadership. I plan to continue to grow as an intellect and reach all the potential I can in that area. An idle mind becomes less effective the older we get. So I will read, write, research, study, watch and even take a few more classes of interest to grow this area.

  1. Read books you like
  2. Watch documentories about history, life and culture
  3. Go back to school or take some online classes
  4. Write, Blog or make videos using your knowldege and background
  5. Attend seminars, Church, conferences and other events designed to motivate the mind

Spiritual Growth- This is the most important area for me as I am now at the point of a full spiritual awakening with God and his spirit in me. I will read his word, research, pray and meditate so I can seek him and his full guidance in my life. I dare you all to do the same and see how this helps you live your best life and reach full growth in a physical, intellectual and spiritual way.

  1. Read God’s word daily
  2. Pray daily
  3. Meditate
  4. Go to church, attend conferences, watch videos, and other online opportunity
  5. Seek God first and ask him to guide you
  6. Submit to his will and watch what happens

Spiritual Growth

Hebrews: 4:12; For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Physical Growth

3rd John 1:2; Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

Intellectual Growth

1st Peter 1:13; Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Football Time Again

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After two years away from coaching football. I have accepted the role of Head Football coach at Thomasville Middle School. I am excited to get back into the sport as a head coach on my terms. I stood on the sidelines in 2019 after a tough playoff loss as an assistant at Thomasvile High School and decided it was time to step away for a while to see where things were going. I had been a community coach. college coach, Varsity assistant, JV Head Coach, Interim Varsity Head coach (2X) and coordinator during my football coaching career. I had a goal from the time I was in high school to become a high school head football coach but the cards never seemed to fall in the right place at the right time.

I had come to a point where the game I had played or coached since I was seven years old was no longer exciting and felt like the career had come to a close on the sidelines. I had a bad back, bad knees, was overweight and was just tired. I had coached 2-3 sports (football, wrestling and softball) a year for ten plus and was just wore out physically and mentally. I needed to get healthy, be with my family and just relax. I needed time to heal and grow as a person, husband, father, teacher and mentor. I needed me time and have enjoyed the last two years more relaxed with no seven day a week football work schedules, Sunday afternoon film sessions and an additional 30-40 hours a week of practice and game time.

I know that God is good and he leads us in the direction we need to go in life. We follow his lead by following our heart and his word.. After much thought, prayer and my family’s blessing it is time to put some more energy and time into the the game that has given so much to me and my family. To achieve our goals in life we must put time, energy, patience and hard work into it. To make it to our final goal we have to be willing to put in the work and build ourselves up in preparation for that.

I want to Thank my wife Cindy for her blessing to get back into the sport I have loved for so long. God is leading me where I need to go and I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to coach again and being sought after feels really good. It will be an honor to coach football again. I cannot wait to hear the national anthem just before the game. Watch the boys run on and off the field, compete, work hard and see what happens on game day. Look into the bleachers and see my family sitting there rooting the team on. Those are the things that make the game so special. It is football time once again for me and step in the direction I always wanted to go.

Coach B

Spirit Chronicles: Obstacles In The Road

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I dreamed I was walking into school and everywhere I looked there were obstacles standing in the way. I walked around them, through them and over them and they kept popping up. A man was standing beside me walking with me and he kept looking at me and smiling as if to motivate me to keep pushing forward. I cleared those obstacles and kept walking out to my car and in the parking lot were the same obstacles. One by one I cleared them and kept pushing forward. I climbed, went around, crawled and did what I had to do to get to my car. I made it to my car and cleared the parking lot and when I got into the car I saw a lady behind me sitting in the back seat and she just smiled at me.

I started driving down the road heading home and then obstacles started falling in the road. I was driving my jeep and I used it to run around, run over and knock things out of the way. These obstacles were of various shapes, sizes and colors. They were made of foam or some kind of light material like a building block that kids play with. These obstacles were more of an annoyance than anything to me. I knew I could get past them but I had to push forward and not give up. The guardian with me just kept smiling at me and wanted me to keep going.

I knew that I had some obstacles coming from another dream or vision that I had and was waiting on this to happen. It had been a month or so and I was in waiting of the dream to show me what type of obstacles were coming. It was kind of an ah hah moment for me and let me know that I was prepared mentally, physically and spiritually to handle what may come at me down the road. I had been in prayer for guidance and direction on some things in life around career, family, finances and such and this was a positive step in the right direction. It gave me hope, focus and motivation to continue to push towards my goals in life with physical, mental and spiritual health.

Isiah 57:14; And it shall be said, “Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people’s way.”

Jeremiah 6:21; Therefore thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will lay before this people stumbling blocks against which they shall stumble; fathers and sons together, neighbor and friend shall perish.’”

Oh God, We Seek You

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In our weakest moments we seek strength

In strife we seek peace

In trial we seek justice

In failure we seek encouragement

In doubt we seek hope

In brokenness we seek healing

In stress we seek patience

In exhaustion we seek energy

In anxiety we seek understanding

In darkness we seek light

In life we seek you

In death we seek new life

Amen

1st Chronicles 16:11; Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

Matthew 7:7-8; “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Original Poem by Coach B 8/4/2021

Americana- Off Shore Fishing With Dad

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Growing up and into my late 30’s we always took family vacations to the beach. When we did my dad, brothers and I would take a day trip with a Captained boat to go out and do some off shore fishing. My dad loved to fish and we often would catch the limit on about every fish we got into to. The last trip we took before my dad got where he could barely see and walk was on a boat called the Captain Stacy. We went out of Morehead City, NC into the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean about 25 miles off the coast of North Carolina.

My dad, two brothers and myself went on this trip. After about a three or four hour boat ride out into the Atlantic into 150-300 feet deep water we put our lines in and soon began to catch Dolphin (not flipper folks) but the actual fish called a Dolphin. We then got into some Amberjack which are big and strong and give one hell of a fight to get into the boat. We fished out the limit on both of those so we moved into some deeper water in search of some bigger game fish.

We put anchor down and suddenly things got hot again and we hit a school of Spanish and King Mackerel and hit the individual limit on both of them. I cannot remember I think it was like 5-7 per person and we had a good time tearing them up and getting them on board the boat. Mackerel is a bony fish that doesn’t eat that well so we gave them to the people who show up everyday at the local docks when the boats come in so they could eat them.

The day continued and we found ourselves surrounded by five or six other boats because we were hitting the fish hard and catching them like crazy on every cast. Other than a few that broke the line or fought off we tore them up that day. Late in the day before coming back in for the three hour return trip we hooked into a large shark. My dad fought it first and then one by one we took turns fighting that beast. It breached the water three times to let us get a hint of his size and power but we never could get it close to the boat.

The last time the shark jumped out of the water three hours later as it was still fighting the Captain got a good glimpse of it and determined based on his experience that we had hooked a 8-10 foot long Tiger Shark that likely weighed in the area of 400-600 pounds. He told us we would not get that thing on the boat and it was best to cut it loose and let it go. He also reminded us that it was getting late in the afternoon and we needed to head back before it got dark. The last thing he said was we really don’t want that full grown adult shark close to a 30 foot boat anyways.

It was big enough to pull the boat around and mean. One huge, lean, mean eating machine. So we cut the line and let it go. That shark won the battle that day as he proceeded to wear all of us out. One by one he kicked our butts and sent us packing and we are all healthy and strong men. My dad was older but was still a 6’4 340 pound mans man and the most experienced of us all and it wore him down also. Just as we were cutting the line my brother hooked a good size fish and as he was reeling it in and just as it was coming out of the water it got hit by another Tiger shark.

This one was not as big but was mean and about 6-7 feet long and he was a monster. He bit the 18 inch long fish in half and kicked his tail at us as to say better stay on that boat. As a kid I spent lots of time in the ocean playing, swimming and fishing for two weeks every summer. But that sunny day in July showed me a life lesson that we are humans and are meant to be on a boat and not in that water out there. We may be the ultimate predator on ground, but those big sharks are the rulers of the deep. They can have the deep water and I will stay my big butt right in the shallows where it belongs.

We lost dad in 2009 and man would I love to fight another big shark or just catch a few pond bass with him. One of these days we will fish again. Dad, thanks for the memories growing up at the beach. Thanks for teaching us how to fish, be men of faith and take care of our families like you did for so long. Happy fishing in Heaven dad!

Love, Hugs and Kisses in Heaven!

Spirit Chronicles: Darkness Fell on the Land

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I had a dream about the darkness rising in America and the fall of America as the greatest country in the world.  Big cities have begun to plunge into turmoil due to anarchy and lost ethics and morals. This is also spreading into the suburbs and small towns across the country.  I saw people in suits surrounded by $$ signs (big tech) helping to spread the ideals of darkness on people.  I saw sin in the form of a beautiful woman that turned into a demon as a symbol of the sinful nature of mankind and how the desires of flesh and sin have become normal and acceptable. 

I saw men and women of power with black eyes representing darkness as Government leaders are not of the light. These people were deceptive leaders full of deep rooted darkness led by a desire for power, greed, money and control over all aspects of citizens.  I saw darkness fall upon the land sending it into a modern day fight for the survival of the country.  But this one is fought using social media, news outlets, the internet and other web based activity that Americans have become addicted to. 

I saw young people with blinds on representing the mind sweep that is going on with social media and the lack of respect being taught to them by parents. A new generation of kids that cannot think for themselves was being formed and will be used as part of the great deception that will continue to occur. Social media shows it and they believe it. I saw a virus released on mankind represented by a viral bug and a man standing there with a lab coat with dark eyes. He was part of the release of some type of global virus yet to come.

I saw free signs and people then fighting, rioting and hurting others when all the free ran low or was no longer available. I saw homeless people, streets on fire and drugs representing part of the demise of America. The plans for social change and social control fail and the country becomes chaotic.  I saw a huge light at the end and people going towards it. That represented the people that turned away from the darkness that fell on America and were still faithful and true to God and his word. I saw an Angel, the US Flag and a Family standing near each other. These represented the union of good and the light force that will eventually win the battle over darkness. God, Country and Family for life!

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Spirit Chronicles: The Kidnap Killer

I dreamed about a man that had been kidnapping women and killing them. During this dream I saw three women being taken at various places and was actively involved in the hunt for the killer. Every lead I had fell short and then I saw him take a young lady and drop her off in an alley way. She was draped in a yellow sheet or possibly a yellow rain coat. She was dead and he left her lying there like a piece of trash. I was so mad at him and he walked by me and I got a look at his face. He was around 5’10 and 180 pounds. Late twenties to early thirties with ear length sandy blond hair and dark eyes.

He walked by me and as I was observing him he looked down and pulled a hoodie over his head to try and conceal his identity. I then saw a man in a wheel chair and his brother that takes care of him daily. Both of these men either know the guy or have seen him before. The man in the wheel chair has cystic fibrosis and does not speak but uses a voice box to talk. The brother is older and has a disability also but he can take care of his brother. The brother was on the phone talking to someone and I could not get him to see me or hear me.

I was seeing this from the third eye view looking in. I was not involved in the actual process was watching from the outside. The thing that got me confused was the killer seemed to see me even though no one else could. That tells me that he is evil and knows that I am of the light. That is why he likely can see me and knows I saw him. This may be an older event or something that is current. I will have to do some research on it and see if anyone has been killing people in the area that I cam currently in. I can dream and have visions of the past, present and future and will have to solve this one or it will drive me crazy thinking about it.

Spirit Chronicles: The Skull Men and The River of Life

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I dreamed that I was standing on a hill overlooking a beautiful valley with a winding river that sounded very soothing. In that river there were people swimming and splashing around enjoying themselves. On the banks of the river on each side were dead men made of bones. They were just skeletons standing at the rivers edge but they could not join the fun or get into the water. In the water was another man standing there and he had a strong presence about him. He was an ancient spirit that was good and of the light. This ancient one was overseeing the living and making sure they were happy and not hurt by the skeleton men.

The skeleton men tried to step into the water but when they did they would dissolve as the water hit their bones and disappear as if they never were there. Some of the skeletons were walking with beagle dogs and were attached to them with a leash. The dogs were basically dragging them away from the water and they would go off into the woods and return without the skeleton men and get another. Another man with a whistle was standing there directing the dogs to take the skeletons into the woods.

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The dead could not touch him either. When they tried the dogs would attack, grab them and pull them into the dark woods near the water. The woods near the water around the immediate edge were flowery and pretty. The trees were alive and full of flowers and leaves like life itself. The woods a few feet away where the skeletons were being dragged was dark, dense and scary. Nothing could go in and out but the dogs. These dogs were not afraid of the skeleton men and did as the master told them to do and reacted to the dog whistle on command. They were loyal, brave and of the light.

The skeletons continued to try and enter the water but would just wash away or evaporate. They were dead souls, lost souls and wondering spirits that had not found the light before they died. They had spent their lives doubting God and his mercy and salvation and were paying for it. The woods were hell and the water was heaven. The skeletons were doomed to the woods and could not enter the wonderful water and join the heavenly flow. They instead were dragged away by the light worker dogs on command and sent to the darkness and the woods as stated in the Bible.

I woke up and wrote down the dream, I did some research about seeing skeletons, the river and the dogs. I sat down and wrote this dream and am still seeing those wonderful people enjoying the waters. We all will lose our flesh and eventually become a spirit. Will we be placed into the wonderful water for life everlasting or will we become a skeleton and be doomed into the dark woods. I will be a light worker, a warrior of God and take the river. I love the water and when I am in it I say this simple prayer.

Lord, please cleanse me, wash me and make me whole. I repeat that a few times and end with an amen. Try it sometime and see what happens. Step into the water and wait for God to take care of you. Now and forever!

John 7: 3-8; Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”

Revelation 22:1; Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.

Faith- What To Do When You Need Patience

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Today as I am trying to pack to go on the yearly summer vacation I find myself needing patience. I am generally laid back and a pretty patient person (exceptions traffic and drive through Windows). I am not sure why but those two things tend to get under my skin especially a drive through if the people in the car with me do not know what they want or keep changing their mind. I get to the point of “just flipping order something”. Patience is required in life as we spend lots of time waiting at the doctor, stores, drive throughs, traffic, restaurants and in my case waiting on a woman (my wife and two daughters). Seems like it takes them forever to make up their mind on clothes and getting dressed.

Then when we go shopping it takes forever to go in the store and grab stuff. That turns into an all day shopping excursion and I have things to do at home. God wants us to be patient and patience in mentioned in his word in both the new and old testament. I have to exercise patience as a public school teacher and coach with teenagers. I have to get better at being patient and the only way I can do that is to work on it hard. Focus on it and ask the Lord for patience and grace in that process. Being patient is kind, loving, friendly, helpful, avoids stress and anxiety. Being patient is what God expects us to be when dealing with our family and friends. Being patient requires us to submit to Gods plan in our lives and live the best we can and “wait”. For me that is the hard part!

James 5: 7-8; Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Psalm 37:39; Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.