Remembering.....

I drove in from South Carolina last night. For some reason, it was very important that I get home. As I drove, I reflected on the activities of the week. It had been very busy.

It began this past Saturday as Glenda and I drove to Paducah, spending the night in a hotel in Metropolis. We were there to have a day of ministry on Sunday. Sunday morning, we would be at Full Gospel Tabernacle, the church that my father had served as pastor for more than 28 years. It would be the first time that I had been there in several years. I felt honored to visit there with many of the people that had been friends for most all of those years.

We had moved to Paducah in 1959, and as boy, I remember the excitement that came from moving to the city! But for my father, it was the realization of the calling of God. He often said that he was called of God to Paducah, to preach, pray and love. So it was! He fulfilled that calling with over 28 years of faithful and committed service.

As I walked into the sanctuary of FGT, I could see his hand in every facet of the building. He had turned the first shovel of dirt on the property that he had claimed over and over in prayer, symbolically walking the perimeter of that entire block morning after morning, day after day, asking God for favor so that the church could be built and established. I remembered.....

As I ministered in the service Sunday, it was a stirring message springing from the Book of Habakkuk that spoke of a vision that was so clear that those that read it could run. Vision is often spoken about, but most of us really have little understanding that the vision that we receive is just the tip of an iceburg, so to speak, of a greater picture of the design of God. My portion of that vision is only a part of the greater plan of God. I read from the story of the Israelites passing across the Jordan, each tribe taking a stone with which to build a lasting memorial to the realization of arriving at the promise and all that had happened through the many years of their relocation from Egypt to the Promise Land. Really this memorial was more than just a remembering place; it was a place to decide where and what would Israel do from that place to possess the promise.

The service ended Sunday morning with the entire congregation gathering to renew a commitment to the greater vision, to not dwell in the shadow of the past, but to rise up with a new awareness of the providence of God and the call of God on all of our lives to "run this race with victory"! God sealed this moment with His Presence as I washed the feet of a dear brother, representing a brokenness, and humility of the heart. It was at that moment that many of the hurts of the past were lifted from my heart regarding the "yesterdays". Thank God!

Then Sunday evening, Glenda and I were blessed to minister with Pastors Larry and Judy Starnes of the Oasis Christian Center in Paducah. We always feel welcome with the Starnes' and the people that make up that fellowship. After the service, the Starnes' invited us to join them for fellowship. We sat and visited, remembering... Jason Brand and Brian Shelton had joined us there. These young men represented the past and the future of what GOd desires to accomplish in the days to come in Western Kentucky, no doubt.

I see in Pastor Starnes many of the attributes that were birthed in his heart during the years that he had sat under my father's ministry. Others have had a great influence, but much of the foundation was laid during those years at FGT. It was just part of the greater plan that God has designed for that great city.

It was 22 years ago, today that my family and I took my father for his last road trip to a small cemetery near Crossville, Illinois. As we gathered there on the hillside, it had begun to snow. It was a painful day for all of us. But to me, it was the most painful day of my life. As I carried that casket along with my two sons, and my brother-in-law, Jim Baldwin, I realized that I had lost my father, my mentor, my confidante, as well as the dream of what could have been, and was, at least for me, the loss of what represented my future. But again, my view of the vision is small compared to the greater vision of an Eternal God.

Today, a dear faithful, friend will be taken to a small cemetery. His life of 98 years has affected the lives of hundreds, even thousands of young people. He spent most of his years serving people in Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennesse. He and his wife established many young preachers with love and encouragement. Today, the Milton family mourn, but Bro. Floyd and Sister Eulah rejoice together. We will miss him, as we have missed her.

Yes, the I woke up long before the alarm this morning...REMEMBERING!

I remember the last conversation that I had with my dad, in the hospital, on Monday, December 14, 1987, moments before he slipped into a coma. He said, "Son, remember that God has a place for you in His master plan that no one can alter, except you! Carry on in what God has called you to do!" In less than 20 minutes, he slipped into a coma, and at 5 pm, Dad left this life.

So, if you are wondering what I am doing, I'm pressing on! Forty four years ago, I began a walk with God, preaching my first message at a Tuesday night service lead by Irene Harper. Sunday night, I preached the most recent message in my career at a church whose pastor is the son-in-law and daughter of Irene Harper. The best is yet to come!

November, a time to be thankful!

My son, Shane, and I drove across the Wabash and down to Evansville, and now I am sitting at Borders sipping on a strawberry Fruitkula. As I sit here looking out at the beautiful fall afternoon, I am reminded of the this great and beautiful picture painted by our awesome creator.

So many of us are weighted down with the cares of this life and with the current events of the day, the political climate, and every one looking about themselves wondering what is next, it is now time for us to stop and begin to return to the God of our fathers, who yet remains to be Fiathful and True!

While I am not where I want to be, doing what I long to do, I walk in such blessing that it is simply amazing! Where does one begin to recognize the many blessings of life that we enjoy? It would be hard to enumerate them all!

Johnson Oatman, Jr penned these powerful words in an old hymn of the church:

"When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,Count your many blessings, name them one by one,And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,Count your blessings, see what God hath done!Count your blessings, name them one by one,And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buyYour reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,Do not be disheartened, God is over all;Count your many blessings, angels will attend,Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done!"

Make it a habit! Start it today! Don't wait until later! BE THANKFUL!

Keep the Faith!

Carry On!

On Friday, August 7, 1970, I was blessed to be united in marriage with Glenda Kaye Parnell. Glenda was the daughter of Reverend D.L. and Edna Parnell. She had spent the past 5 years in evangelism traveling with her parents. She is the mother of three precious children, Shane, Tanja, and Jimmy, and the grandmother of nine beautiful grandchildren, Alex, Nick, Jaxson, Jake, Juliet, Chris, Tripp, Johnny, and Madellyn. She is a talented musician, and an anointed handmaiden of the Lord. She has been faithful to me throughout these years, assisting me, encouraging me, and loving me! I could never imagine life without her. I love her today more than I could have ever thought on that hot August evening in Paducah, KY!

Babe, you still light up my life! Thank you for 39 years!

I Can't Believe It Has Been So Long!

It has been so long since I have posted here, I had almost forgotten how to do it! But this week is a great week for me.

Thirty nine years ago this evening, I left a revival in McAlister, OK to return to Paducah, KY to marry my beautiful wife! I was traveling with D.L and Edna Parnell, and with Glenda, conducting tent revivals during the summer of 1970. Glenda and I left after church on Monday evening, driving to Paducah. It was a memorable journey. Then on Friday evening, Glenda became my wife! WWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW! What a difference she made in my life!

Thirty nine years, three children, nine grandchildren later, I love her more today than I did then! She is the sunshine of my heart!

Great Weekend!

I was at the Oasis Christian Center in my home town this past week end. It was great to share with people many of which I have known for nearly 50 years. I realize that you are wondering how I could have known them that long considering I am much younger that that ( LOL), but in reality, it is true!

I am so excited to see what God is doing among the Body of Christ.

I am still waiting rather impatiently for my car to be repaired. It has been in the shop for repairs since January 30! The service department has failed to get it done for whatever reason. I have become very frustrated. Surely they will get it done tomorrow. What is that saying, "Tomorrow never comes!" It has almost been true regarding this matter. I do not recommend Ford Explorer. You can search the web and find the reasons, just search for transmission problems. I only wish someone had told me prior to my purchase!

The ice storm in Western Kentucky was devastating to the region. Many tress have been destroyed and damaged. As I drove through Paducah, it was heart wrenching to seen the mighty trees that have fallen or broken under the power of the storm. But, it will be restored. It will take a lifetime to restore some of the devastation.

This past week has been a week of birthdays for our family. Alex, Nick and Chris have all had birthdays! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! They are awesome.

Keep the Faith!

CARRY ON!

The Snow is melting....

After nearly 2 weeks of the icky white stuff, we are having a few warmer days that is melting the ice and snow! It is great to see snow, but I prefer it in pictures or on the TV. Anyway, thank God we did not suffer the ice that Western Ky endured during this recent storm.

More bad news about the "Exploder". Couldn't repair the transmission. Must be replaced to the tune of more than $3 grand installed. Unfortunatley for me, the service that I paid for transmission service, was not performed correctly. In fact, it appears from the fluid that it had never been changed. Be sure to retain the reciepts for such things. Unfortunatley, I did not, and now have nothing to go back to the firm that serviced my vehicle. Such major service items need to be performed by dealer for documentation.


This is not a whiney! Just a statement of what is happening right now.




Actually, tomorrow is a day of celebration. It seems that Nick Whetstone is aging! Next thing you know, he will be getting married. Nick will be 14 on the 8th! He is a.... (what was it, Nick, that you wanted me to say?) O yes, awesome creation! No doubt! Happy Birthday, Nick!



When is the cake gonna be ready?

By the way, if you wanna send a card: Nick Whetstone, 410 Easy Street, Mt Carmel, IL 62863. Make all checks out to Pappaw Whetstone, and you spell the word "thousand". LOL!!!!!!


GLENDA had an awesome week this past week at the store! I am so proud of her! She is a faithful worker!


Pray for Pastor John Brady's 3 year old granddaughter, who was diagnosed with a serious malformation this past week. It affects her ability to communicate, so they are teaching her sign language to communicate. Pastor John is in Minot, ND and is pastor of First Assembly of God.

Also, pray for Sophie, our faithful canine companion for the past 9 years. She has been ill the past two days. Don't laugh at me praying for a dog. I learned to pray for my pets early in life and have had significant healings to my faithful friends.


Gonna run! Have a blessed week end!

Keep the Faith!

CARRY ON!

BRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!

It's cold outside! It is near the teens with high winds! We are staying warm on the prairie! What a week! I found out last week that the tranny in the Explorer is needing assistance! What a deal! It has 172,000 miles on it now and I guess it decided that it needs some attention! We are believing for the favor of the Lord to help us get it going again. It always seems to break down when we are struggling to stay afloat! The repair bill is overwhelming but God has been so faithful to us and we are looking forward to His provision during this year!

It has been a very rough week for some of our friends in the Western KY region due to the heavy ice and snow that came last week. Some of our family has been without power for several days, friends have had to evacuate due to the damage that was caused by the storm. I talked with my niece who lives in McCracken County, and she told me about the needs of that area! I also spoke with a pastor friend who has been without power at his home since last Tuesday evening. He indicated that repairs would not come to his location for several more days, maybe even weeks!

I am so blessed! Thank God for his provision.

After 14 long months....

Jimmy has arrived on American soil, headed home to Texas, to see his family. He has been serving in Iraq since November 2007. Lindsey just called to let us know that he had called from Maine, and will be arriving later today at Fort Hood, TX, where he is stationed.

God has kept him safe again!!!! A few months ago, some of the men in Jimmy's team were facing a difficult mission and some of them were struggling with the uncertainty of the task. Jimmy confidently told them, "Stay close to me! My Mom and Dad are praying and my Mom told me that she was praying for God to put me in a bubble of protection. Stay close to me and you can be in it, too!" Thank God for the provision of safety for all our troops that are in harm's way.

It will be several weeks before we will be able to go see Jimmy due to work and financial constraints, but just to know that he is back in the States is awesome!

Please remember to pray for our troops. It is vital to their well being and ultimately ours as well. It is the sacrifice of our troops that has kept our nation more safe that it would have been without it!

Jimmy, we are glad that you are almost home!!!!!

Keep the faith!

CARRY ON!