March 2016 - Victory Report Online
Transcription
March 2016 - Victory Report Online
FREE COPY Issue 3, March 2016 www.victoryreportonline.com FOR GOD AND COUNTRY! “GOOD NEWS!” Love & Liberty is Reaching Around the Globe! Behold He Comes! A He Is Risen Jesus Is Alive! A Voice For The Christian Faith Give The “Indulge Me” Package 60 Minute Massage And A Spa Pedicure Then Enjoy A Catered Lunch With A Glass Of Wine Or Soft Drink -$99 8501 SW 34th Suite 200 Gift Certificates Available By Phone, Email or Hand Delivery Call or Text 806-352-3400 Priorities In A “Hurry Up” World By Cheryl Stegall Gipson I sit on the porch in the glider with the warmth of the sun on my face. The whistle of the passing train brings back memories of a simpler time and a different way of life. I just moved to Panhandle, Texas. Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city, I find myself once again enjoying the quiet of a small town with the comforting sounds that come from such a place. Next month is Easter and I have to admit that the days are passing more quickly as each year comes barreling down the corridors of time like the train outside my door. Right on time, several times a day, it rolls past my sweet little place. But there is something peaceful in listening to the crackling of the rails and the rumble of the cars. Maybe it is the lack of change as the railroad seems to have the stability to remain a constant memory of the “good ole days.” I am thankful for this reminder of an era when things were not so hectic and fast paced. Jerry’s I have always been a country girl at heart. It seemed that in the days of youth there grew a curiosity for the city, but yet my heart was drawn to the country like an eagle to the open sky. I think about the hurry, the horns, the traffic and the schedules which rule our lives, and I wonder if in all the rush, are we missing something in the midst of the endless merry-go-round. Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful for the city and the different places around the country with amazing skyscrapers and overpasses to thrill the mind of the greatest designers in the world. Perhaps it is the aging process. Maybe it is the changing of the people around me and the reflection in the mirror. Whatever, I have found myself checking up on priorities in a hurry up world these days. Here we are in 2016 and it seems we just entered the Winter season but before we know it, the days of Spring will be upon us. How many times have do we ask the question, “Where did the summer go?” Our priorities have swept us up into a world that is always in a hurry, and we are missing some beautiful moments along the way. My youngest granddaughter was here to spend the Cont’d on pg 7... So. Georgia Barber Shop “When you In the So. Georgia Shopping Center 45th & Georgia have tried the rest… 353-3940 Come & see Owner/Operator the best…” Jerry Funk 4925 S Western St. Amarillo, Texas 79109 806-352-2500 Mobile-806-570-8288 “Good News” page 2 The Victory Report’s “Good News” Publication P. O. Box 19941 Amarillo, Texas 79114 Circulation as of 12/2013—4000 Cheryl Gipson, Editor & Publisher Email: victoryreport@sbcglobal.net 806-335-0704 The purpose of The Victory Report is to spread the “Good News” about what God is doing in the earth today. It is the goal of this paper to proclaim the truth of God's love and the understanding of true repentance, to bring hope to the hopeless, encouragement to the discouraged, to stir the heart of patriotism and to proclaim the truth as God has spoken it in His Word. We desire to lift up the wonderful Name of Jesus and to spread a little laughter, joy, nostalgia, and comfort to every reader. The Victory Report’s “Good News” reserves the right to refuse to publish any article or testimony that is not in agreement with the purpose and goals of this paper. Submissions to be considered for publication may be emailed to address above. Blue Anchor Contractors Serving the panhandle area for 30 years Roofing/Concrete/All types of Remodel And new construction. License/insured/And bonded for your protection. Give us a call for a free estimate at 806-444-3160 (806)383-5345 1-877-804-9386 Fax:(806)383-1232 FREE QUOTES BROWN INSURANCE AGENCY AUTO - LIFE - HEALTH JOHN CHRIS BROWN REPRESENTATIVE 1601 NQ. GRAND AMARILLO, TX 79107 Cheryl’s Corner Bibles in The Classroom By Cheryl Stegall Gipson I distinctly remember grade school in the fifties. We began class each morning with our teacher, Mr. Fair, reading to us from the bible. I do not recall any one at that time protesting or demanding that it be discontinued. My home was not what one would describe as Christian, but my parents had no objection to the Bible. Those morning devotionals in school made an impression on me. Hearing the Name of Jesus certainly did not warp my mind or lead me to wander down the wrong path. In fact, it actually inspired me to stop and think on more than one occasion about my actions. Exercising this freedom of religion in the classroom planted seed into my heart and as the years passed, I was blessed by the Word of God. Many years before that, the bible was welcomed in the classroom. I have discovered it was used at times as a text book. The difference in then and today is many changes have transpired and the diversity is causing difficulty with other religions. Where once Christianity was the leading group of believers, today other religions in America are quickly expanding. Therefore, when you have a classroom of different forms of belief, it creates a situation that is not always compatible to peace and learning. How ridiculous that approximately 200 years after the founding of this country, the Word and all it stands for is suddenly unconstitutional if it involves Amarillo Vacuum and Sewing Built in whole house vacuum systems We sell Quality Vacuums Not Throw Aways 373-2889 3446 S. Western Mayco Center Amarillo, Texas the state. We know that in the early years of the birth of this country our founding fathers revered the bible, prayed and frequently quoted from it's pages right inside the buildings in Washington! The scriptures were on the walls. Christianity is woven into the very foundation of this country! It is impossible that suddenly in this age, it is unconstitutional and required by the separation of church and state to remove them. Who do American leaders think they are to question what our creators of the Constitution declared as our rights? Are we smarter today than they were? I think not. Many believe strongly in immigration but as a result of other religions who have come to the United States and who also have the right to exercise their religion in freedom, we have reached the place where the bible in public places such as school brings cries of "unconstitutional". I think we have it backwards. We all have the right to live as we believe as long as it does not harm our neighbor, therefore the separation of church and state has come to include so much more than our founding fathers intended it to be. They wanted and established liberty. When you tell me I can not pray or display scripture, you are quenching my liberty, not protecting it. Also, the immigrant has the right to worship and live as he pleases as long as it is within the law of this land. In other words you can not legally marry children in America just because your religion says you can. Obviously, things were once much simpler and life was not so complicated. However, I still believe that the Book Mr. Fair read from is the source of what I need to know to make it through this life successfully. The simplicity of the fifties is gone forever but the truth of God’s Word will remain as He intended today, tomorrow and forever. A lamp to guide our feet and a light upon our path... “Good News” page 3 My Daughter Is Dying Mark 5: 21-43 She was only 12 years old. While all her friends were playing in the street and enjoying the warm sunshine, she was not feeling so well. Going in from play, she laid down on her bed. Her mother felt her fevered brow and quickly began to bathe the child’s face with a cool rag. “She’ll be fine,” she thought, “Probably nothing serious.” Somewhere inside though she felt a little uneasy. As she went about her daily tasks, she frequently checked in on the child who was sleeping fitfully. As the evening approached, the girl became worse. When her father arrived home, the parents talked. “She is very sick,” the mother reported. “Her fever is high and I think she is unable to hear me.” “I will go for the physician,” the father said. He hurried out the door, his heart racing, hoping for the best. He quickly found the doctor and brought him to his daughter’s bedside. After examining the girl, he turned to her parents. The news was not what they had hoped to hear. “Your little girl is at the point of death. There is nothing I can do for her. I am sorry.” The mother began to weep. She felt her heart would break. She was an only child, how could she die so young? The father held the mother, both of them shaken by the news. A neighbor soon came to the door. She had heard of the sick child. This woman had something to tell the parents. “Have you heard about the man called Jesus?” she asked. “He is healing people all over the city and the country side, so I have heard. Perhaps he can help your little daughter.” The father being a ruler in the local synagogue had heard of Jesus. Hope quickly possessed his heart and he turned to his wife. “I will go and find Him. I have heard of this man and I hear that He is a miracle worker.” He gently wiped the tears from the eyes of his beloved wife. “Stay with her,” he said to the neighbor, “I will be back and bring this man Jesus. He will heal our daughter.” The mother felt strength as her husband, Jairus, spoke these words of faith to her. She returned to the bedside of her daughter as he went out into the street to find Jesus. Jairus ran through the village asking if anyone had seen Jesus. He approached a young man walking with a group of children. “Have you seen Jesus?” he asked. “He is by the sea, we are going there now.” The young man pointed in the direction where Jesus had arrived by boat to teach the people. Jairus began to run as hope welled up inside of him. A picture in his mind of his daughter well and playing with her friends propelled him forward with all the love and determination that a father can have. His daughter would live! He would find Jesus! Back at the home of Jairus, the girl was growing worse. She was unresponsive and the fever was so high her skin felt like fire to her mother’s hand. Neighbors had arrived to be with the family as the hour of death grew near. Finally as the mother held her precious daughter’s hand, she breathed her last breath and she died. The mother began to cry as she fell across the body of her daughter. “No, no my child, no do not leave us. Your father has gone to find Jesus. You can not die now,” she sobbed. Grief overcame the mother as she wept. One of the household members left to find Jairus. The house was filled with sorrow. It was too late! Meanwhile Jairus had spotted Jesus by the sea. People were everywhere and Jairus made his way through the crowd to where Jesus was. He fell at His feet and begged him with all the hopes and dreams he had for his child. “My daughter is dying, please come and lay your hands on her so that she will live.” Jesus immediately left to go with Jairus. Large throngs of people followed Him and they were completely surrounded by the multitudes. Suddenly Jesus said, “Who touched me?” People were touching Him everywhere. Jairus wondered what He meant by, “who touched me?” A woman fell at His feet. She was crying and thanking God. She admitted she was the one and she proclaimed to be healed of a long illness. Jesus looked at her with love and compassion and spoke to her. “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go, be at peace and be healed.” As He spoke, the member of Jairus’s house came running to him. “Your daughter is dead, why trouble Jesus anymore?” Jesus heard the words the man spoke. Turning to Jairus, He spoke these words. “Do not be afraid Jairus, only believe.” Where fear had tried to invade his heart, Jairus felt hope and faith rise again. Jesus was here, and it would be okay. Jesus only allowed Peter, James, and John to go with them. When they arrived at the house they could hear the weeping and wailing. “Why are you making such a commotion,” He asked. “She is not dead, she is just asleep.” They laughed and ridiculed Him. He put them 3 Wesley’s Bean Pot & Barbecue We Do Catering And Custom Cooking 6406 River Road Amarillo, Texas Owners: Larry Wesley Billy Pulliam 381-2893 Tuesday 11-7 outside and led the father and the mother into where the child was. Jesus then took her by the hand and said to her, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Immediately, the girl got up and walked. They were all amazed. Jairus and his family had their daughter back. Jesus, the Great Physician had gladly come and healed her. He told them to give her something to eat and life was again filled with joy for the future of this 12 year old girl and her family. Jesus is Lord. 2615 Paramount Amarillo, Texas 806-418-8913 Pastors Jeremy and Erin Pfeil Sunday Service 10:30 am Word Shop 9:30 am Wednesday Service 7:00 pm West Of 40’s Service Sunday Evening 6:00 pm Bit O “Good News” page 4 CANADIAN OIL & GAS CO. P.O. Box 158 - Canadian, Texas 79014 Terry Brown Gas, Diesel, Propane, Oil Methanol, Solvent (806) 323-6481 800-687-1261 FAX: 806-323-5169 Free Estimates Checking Residential Gutters Humor! Bit O’ Humor A woman received a phone call that her daughter was very sick with a fever. She left work and stopped by the pharmacy for some medication for her daughter. She returned to her car to find she had locked her keys inside. She had to get home to her sick daughter, and didn't know what to do. She called her home to the baby sitter, and was told her daughter was getting worse. She said, "You might find a coat hanger and use that to open the door." The woman found an old rusty coat hanger on the ground, as if someone else had locked their keys in their car. Then she looked at the hanger and said, "I don't know how to use this." She bowed her head and asked God for help. An old rusty car pulled up, driven by a dirty, greasy, bearded man with a biker skull rag on his head. The woman thought, "Great God. This is what you sent to help me????" But she was desperate, and thankful. The man got out of his car and asked if he could help. She said "Yes, my daughter is very sick. I must get home to her. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car." He said, "SURE." He walked over to the car and in seconds the car was opened. She hugged the man and through her tears she said, "THANK YOU SO 70,000 square feet of warehouse and showroom Wholesale price on EVERY ITEM-EVERYDAY No sale gimmicks - NOTHING IS FREE Pick up your purchase today - NO WAITING $1,000,000 INVENTORY in Amarillo Serving the Tri-State for over 40 years LOCALLY OWNED I-40 & Washington 806-374-5077 www.buzula4cost.net COME SEE WHAT THE BUZZ IS ALL ABOUT… FINALLY, YOU CAN BUY QUALITY FURNITURE AGAIN AT WHOLESALE! MUCH.....You are a very nice man." The man replied, "Lady, I ain't a nice man. I just got out of prison for car theft." The woman hugged the man again and cried out loud..... THANK YOU GOD FOR SENDING ME A PROFESSIONAL!" *** A guy was invited to an old friends' home for dinner. His buddy preceded every request to his wife by endearing terms, calling her Honey, My Love, Darling, Sweetheart, Pumpkin, etc. The guy was impressed since he knew the couple had been married almost 70 years, and while the wife was off in the kitchen he said to his buddy, "I think it's wonderful that after all the years you've been married, you still call your wife those pet names." His buddy hung his head. "To tell you the truth, I forgot her name about ten years ago." *** It seems there was this couple from Minneapolis, Minnesota who decided to go to Florida for a few days to thaw out during one particularly cold winter. Because both of them worked, they had some difficulty coordinating travel schedules. They finally decided that the husband would leave for Florida on a certain day and the wife would follow him the day after. The man made it down to Florida as planned and directly to his hotel. Once in his room, he decided to open his laptop and send his wife, who was still back in Minnesota, an e-mail. However, he accidentally left off one letter in typing his wife's e-mail address and sent the e-mail off without realizing his error. In another part of the country a widow had just returned from the funeral of her husband, a Lutheran Pastor of many years, who had been called home to glory just a few days earlier. She decided to check her e-mail because she was expecting to hear from her husband's relatives and friends. Upon reading the first message she let out a loud scream, fainted and fell to the floor. The woman's son rushed into the room and found his mother lying on the floor. He glanced up at the computer screen and saw the following: To: My Loving Wife Subject: I've arrived! I've just checked in. Everything has been prepared for your arrival here tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then! Your Devoted Husband. PS. Sure is hot down here. *** One day a group of scientists got together and decided that man had come a long way and no longer needed God. So they picked one scientist to go and tell Him that they were done with Him. The scientist walked up to God and said, "God, we've decided that we no longer need You. We're to the point that we can clone people and do many miraculous things, so why don't You just go on and get lost." God listened very patiently and kindly to the man. After the scientist was done talking, God said, "Very well, how about this? Let's say we have a man-making contest?" To which the scientist replied, "Okay, great!" But God added, "Now, we're going to do this just “Good News” page 5 like I did back in the old days with Adam." The scientist said, "Sure, no problem," and bent down and grabbed himself a handful of dirt. God looked at him and said, "No, no, no. You go get your own dirt!" *** After church, Johnny tells his parents he has to go and talk to the minister right away. They agree and the pastor greets the family. "I heard you say today that our bodies came from the dust." "That's right, Johnny, I did." "And I heard you say that when we die, our bodies go back to dust." "Yes, I'm glad you were listening. Why do you ask?" "Well you better come over to our house right away and look under my bed 'cause there's someone either comin' or goin'!" *** A young boy had just gotten his driving permit. He asked his father, who was a minister, if they could discuss the use of the car. His father took him to his study and said to him, "I'll make a deal with you. You bring your grades up, study your Bible a little and get your hair cut and we'll talk about it." After about a month the boy came back and again asked his father if they could discuss use of the car. They again went to the father's study where his father said, "Son, I've been real proud of you. You have brought your grades up, you've studied your Bible diligently, but you didn't get your hair cut!" The young man waited a moment and replied, "You know Dad, I've been thinking about that. You know, Samson had long hair, Moses had long hair, Noah had long hair, and even Jesus had long hair...." To which his father replied "Yes, and they walked every where they went!" *** One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Johnny was staring up at the large plaque that hung in the foyer of the church. The seven-yearold had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the boy, and said quietly, "Good morning son." "Good morning pastor" replied the young man, focused on the plaque. "Sir, what is this?" Johnny asked. "Well son, these are all the people who have died in the service," replied the pastor. Soberly, they stood together, staring at the large plaque. Little Johnny's voice barely broke the silence when he asked quietly, "Which one sir, the 8:30 or the 10:30 service?" *** A minister told his congregation, "Next week I plan to preach about the sin of lying. To help you understand my sermon, I want you all to read Mark 17." The following Sunday, as he prepared to deliver his sermon, the minister asked for a show of hands. He wanted to know how many had read Mark 17. Every hand went up. The minister smiled and said, "Mark has only sixteen chapters. I will now proceed with my sermon on the sin of lying." *** 5 NAPA AUTO CARE CENTER Auto Parts * Service * Tires, Trucks & Autos 521 No. 8th Street Memphis, TX. 79245 Flair For Hair Salon 4521 S. Western 24 Hr. Roadside Assistance Call: 806-204-0177 Shop: 378-9881 Home: 622-8898 Cell: 336-0912 Caregiver to the Elderly Contact Ruth Karen Berryman 806-336-4326 Local References You are the one God leaves the light on for. “Good News” page 6 The Stranger.... The cowboy found himself thinking about his Grandma as He rode flank on the herd moving slowly over the open range. The sun was sinking low toward the horizon as he remembered how she used to tell him about the love of Jesus. She had planted good seed into her grandson and the boy had given his heart to the Lord one afternoon when his grandma prayed with him. Even after she died, the truths that had been instilled in him, never left the heart of the man who as a boy, had listened to the wisdom of a Godly grandmother. Jesus is calling for you and for me to come to Him and receive His gift of love. The trail boss’s whistle interrupted his thoughts. It was time to stop and make camp for the night. Jeb could already smell the coffee before the chuck wagon fire was even started. He loved nights out here on the trail, sleeping under the sky. They had seen a lot of rain on this trip, and it looked like tonight just might bring out the stars for a good night’s rest. When supper was all finished, the cowboys sat around the campfire, drinking Cookie’s coffee and exchanging drover’s stories of which some were true and some not so true. An occasional round of laughter could be heard above the voices echoing in the night. Then out of the blackness, He came walking into the light of the campfire. Tall and thin, His eyes seemed to look right through the men sitting on the ground. When the Man spoke, he caught a note of familiarity in the voice. The Man sat down and the cowboy continued to stare into the face of this Stranger. Something sure was different but it was really hard to tell just what it was. The Stranger warned them that the river they were going to cross that week was running over her banks. It could be dangerous if they didn’t cross up higher than the spot the herds had used before. Then as quick as He had walked into the light of the campfire, He disappeared into the night. No one heard Him ride away, but the cowboy felt a familiar tug inside. The night was strangely peaceful as the stars shone bright. It looked to him like a million diamonds in the sky. He felt the Stranger was watching as he lay awake. Something sure felt right to the cowboy as he pulled his blanket around him and finally fell asleep. The day they reached the river, the water had gone down. As they began to move the herd across the place the Stranger had told them to, the cowboy’s heart began to pound. Standing down stream, he saw the Man again. The Stranger waved them on and he shouted to the other men, but, no one else had seen Him. Suddenly his mind went racing back as the old line shack crowded it’s way into his memories. He recalled the fever that had almost killed him back then. He had prayed as his Grandma had taught Him and asked the Lord to help him through that time. He had seen the Stranger then! He had 7028 South Western (Western & Farmers) (806) 358-8550 Mention This Ad For 10% Discount Mike Havens, Pitmaster Cell: (806) 654-6047 spiceymike@rocketmail.com Interior/Exterior Residential/Commercial Windows, walls, doors, floors, ceilings & more Small Projects Welcome! Phillip Stratton 806-672-1738 thought he had lost his mind because of the fever, but now the cowboy saw His face clearly. The next morning the fever was gone. He was sure back then that he had dreamed the Stranger but he knew now he was wrong. His prayers had been answered then and now his life had been spared again. Many a cattle drover had lost everything trying to take a herd across that river when her banks were running high.. He knew that he would have tried to make the river had the Stranger not shown up to warn them and guide them. Thankfulness filled the heart of the cowboy as He praised God. He realized that the Lord had sent His angel once again and He had been watching around the bend. It was true what his grandma had told him, “Son, God has your face carved on the palm of His hand and His angels are watching over you.” He felt the warmth of the sunshine as he took off his hat and lifted his face toward the heavens. Tears ran down the weathered face of the cowboy. He knew the others had no idea what had actually taken place on this cattle drive. His heart was bursting with love for the Father in heaven his grandma had introduced him to. He smiled and tipped his hat to heaven as he spurred his horse to take his place riding flank on the herd. “Good News” page 7 Cont’d from page 1….. night. What happened to that little girl from yesterday? Where has the time gone? When was the last time you put a worm on a hook, sat back against a tree with a cold drink and waited for the fish to bite? When was the last time you sat on the porch and watched the sun set or fell asleep to the night sounds through an open window? Have you had the pleasure of a bowl of home made ice cream from the old freezer lately? You know, the one with the wooden bucket and the crank handle. I wonder if anyone has taken the time for a picnic or game of horseshoes. When I deliver the “Good News” I sometimes take a road past a familiar place from days gone by. I have visited the jail in Matador where Ed D Smith has shared some interesting history. I am intrigued by the hanging gallows inside the jail which were never actually used according to the former Judge. Here in February of 2016, we will soon be entering into Spring on March 20th. Where did the winter go? It came and went like the trains passing through the little town of Panhandle, Texas. Here one moment and gone the next. We can not put the days of our lives on hold. We can not change the past but we can decide to change our priorities and make some simple and wonderful memories in our lives. Sitting in the sun, I was amazed at how good it felt to soak up those rays. I could not remember how long it had been since I just relaxed and felt the warmth of such a beautiful gift from God. Sometimes we just need to ask ourselves, “What’s the hurry?” Go to the park and push someone in the swing or even fix a picnic lunch. Then there is supper. That is what mama called it and it is good enough for me. We need to realize that the people in our lives are our greatest treasures. We must remember that life, love and kindness are the most valuable gifts we can experience and cost nothing monetary to give away. When was the last time you stopped at a park and rode the merry go round? Did you try the swing? Simplicity. It is the stuff that happiness is made of. It is not money nor prestige that makes people happy. Of course we all need enough to pay our bills, etc, but there are many who had wealth and died with a broken heart. It is the simple things in life that make a man wealthy. We just have to get our priorities adjusted and be honest with ourselves. What do I love to do? I love time with people sipping tea and laughing, looking at old pictures and hearing tall tales. When was the last time you took a drive on a summer night outside the city with the window down? There is a little senior citizen place on Main Street in Hedley, Texas where you can drive down for lunch and get a home cooked meal while visiting with authentic country folks. In a hurry up world, we spend our days scheduled to the max and racing from one appointment to another. We have so many errands and obligations sometimes, we become fuzzy minded. We can not change progress and the fast paced way of life that has captured mankind. However we can change things a little here and there and individually find simple moments of pleasure in a hurried world. As February fades into the past and March brings us closer to the days of Spring, it is my hope that you, my reader, will make the effort to find joy in the simple things in life. I know that after all these years of trying to make life happen and get where I need to be, I looked up one day and saw these valuable truths. The “Hurry Up” is not what my heart calls me to, but the priority in life that will bring happiness is to catch those laid back moments and let the sunshine warm the heart and soul. The sound of a train whistle now and then doesn't hurt. Stop and just listen. You have time if you choose to take it. Blessings to all my wonderful readers. Come on Folks! Advertise In The Good News Every Month! It is only $20 and You never have to sign a Contract. Call: 335-0704 Sharing Good News! If we never learn to love one another with the love of God we will have missed our purpose in this life….cg 7 If I Had No Tomorrows By Cheryl Stegall Gipson If I had No tomorrows, what would I say to you today? I would tell you how I loved you and linger on my way… I would want to hold you close to me and never let you go.. If I had no tomorrows I’d want you to surely know… That you have meant the world to me; my heart belongs to you, And you were my tomorrows, every day that I walked through. If I had no tomorrows I would live on through each of you, For others would be reminded by the little things you do. Through you someone would see my smile or catch a glimpse of me; Or hear me in your laughter that brings forth a memory. If I had no tomorrows here, I‘d be just a breath away, And yet in you I would live on in memories of yesterday. If I had no tomorrows I would want to spend that day with you, And tell you that I love you with lots of hugs and kisses too. I’d want to plan what we would do when we all meet up there. If I had no tomorrows, I want my last day with you to share. If I had no tomorrows, I’d want you to know I’m waiting there… “Good News” Page 8 “The Consignment Company” 2821 Civic Circle Amarillo, Texas 806-331-6129 Home Furnishings & Accessories Designer Labels at Amazing Prices 806-353-3322 2823 Civic Circle The Smallpox Vaccination 4106 S Georgia Amarillo, TX 79110 1-800-698-9688 806-352-6010 www.goldenspreadmotorplex.com P.O. Box 8088 5754 Canyon Drive Amarillo, TX 79114-8088 KJRT-88.3 Amarillo KWAS– 88.7 Borger KPDR-90.3 Wheeler/Pampa KVED-88.5 Vernon KJDR 88.1 Guymon KIJN FM 92.3 Farwell KUCH 90.1 Clayton, 806-359-8855 (A Matador Incident) By Cheryl Stegall Gipson From “My Greatest Moments Of Yesterday” It has been a long time since I ran this story and therefore I decided to reprint it for this issue. I gain new readers throughout the months and wanted to share it again. Hopefully the humor in this tragic episode will bring you some laughter. It is a true experience and I promise you little has been exaggerated. I hope you can picture this incident and perhaps the result will be that laughter will occur which means you will be healthier….since laughter is “good medicine” says the Lord in His Word. Everybody knows that within the brain, there is a “memory vault” where all the past events of our lives are stored for future recall. Now some of these memories are sad, some are happy, some are just mediocre and then there are those that are downright terrifying! Such is the one that I am about to share with you. I was only a child, so surely it is understandable that what happened that day was not that unusual, or was it? Never-the-less what occurred is something I am sure that the doctor, his receptionist, and his nurse at the small hospital LA FRONTERA 1401 S. Arthur 372-4593 Amarillo, TX. Buy A 3 Item Combination Plate & Receive It For The Price Of A 2 Item Plate! The true taste of authenticity Enchiladas, Salsa, Tortillas Guacamole, Chips, Burritos Exp 9/16 Tues.-Thurs. 10-8 Fri. & Sat. 10-3am Sun. 9-3 Mon.– Closed never forgot. I would be willing to bet that I left a certain impression with them that was discussed around their table for years to come. If those people were still alive today, I feel sure I could visit them after all these sixty-four years and just the sight of my face or the sound of my voice would stir the memory of the little girl who went wild on that day so long ago. You see smallpox was still a threat around the time I was six years old. It seems that we children had to be subjected to a “vaccination” and that was not debatable although I heartily attempted to do so. We were just “forced” to submit to what the imagination would call a removal of the skin off the top of your arm! I had no idea how to call CPS to report the mistreatment I was forced to undergo at the hands of healthcare professional who tried to convince me what they were up to was “best for me.” Actually I was totally uninformed until the last minute. I wonder why. Now I was a kid who had to be held down on my back on the kitchen cabinet to wash my hair! I just knew they were going to purposely drown me and throw me in the root cellar, so when I walked into Traweek hospital in Matador, Texas with my mother on this day in history, I had no idea what diabolical scheme was ahead for me. That was because mom knew better than to tell me in advance. She knew that I would make tracks down the dusty road into Mr. Daffern’s pasture in back of the house and they would not find me for a week or two! So, she tricked me and I fell for it. I marched right up those stairs at the hospital like a sweet child and sat myself down in a chair. I am amazed today to think how easily a smart kid like me was fooled by my mother. By this this time she had a lot of experience and knew what it was going to take to get me “inoculated!” You have to understand that this was the time of polio and the iron lung. I had seen pictures of those things and the whole idea of doctors was just as it still is today in my mind. They were scary creatures with their little headbands and that mirror in the middle that made it possible to see the terror in my own eyes as they bent down to make me “open my mouth” so they could poke a stick down my throat. You know that the only purpose for that mirror was to distract kids so they could get a leg up on us and therefore when caught by surprise, it was all over quick except the crying...and I was so good at that part! Well, on this day which made history in the halls of Traweek Hospital, it was my fate to get a smallpox vaccination. I do not know if that is suppose to be capitalized or not but I do not care. Now in my own defense, when I was told my destiny on that sunny day, I thought it was a shot! You know, the kind where the needle is about six and a-half inches long and they ram it straight into your tiny little girl arm and it comes all the way through and out the other side. Some say that I have always over reacted and have a vivid imagination, but I feel God gave me a builtin radar to protect myself from those who want to tell me something that hurts like thunder is good for me…..that is a lie and that is just wrong! They took me into a room and sat me on There is no greater peace than to have the assurance that you are perfectly loved by God “Good News” Page 9 a table covered with “the white sheet!” Then mom tells me I am about to get a smallpox vaccination. She may as well have told me I was going to have my stomach removed without any anesthesia. I asked if it involved a needle and she said yes! The rest is just a wild blur from which I will try to piece the truth together as best I can. Dr. Traweek walks in about that time with “THE NEEDLE!” I go into a wild protest in which I begin to kick my legs and wave my arms, screaming at the top of my lungs, trying to run from the room. I figure that he can’t hit a moving object with that foot long needle and so I fight as if my life were at stake. By the way, I thought it might be before this was over and was not too sure if I would live through the night when I left there with my mom. My mother immediately grabs me and holds me down and the doctor calls for reinforcements because he and mom can not get the job done. I am only six years old! In comes the troops, which included the nurse and the receptionist. I know that there were four grown people trying to subdue a six-year-old child and it was kickin’ their behinds! I screamed and yelled and twisted and turned until I was hoarse. They sat on me and I want the world to know “that I was forcefully vaccinated.” Now a smallpox vaccination is really not a shot but try telling that to a kid who can see the humongous thing in your hand. You scratch the skin and make a little place about the size of a dime. Then it scabs over and after a few days (seemed like months) the scab falls off and your good to go. Once this attack was over, I sobbed for a quite a while. I was tired and though I had fought a good fight, I had lost. My mom was a little irritated, but she gave me mercy. I do not know what the rest of the battalion thought of me and I really did not care. If someone had explained the procedure a little clearer, perhaps I could have co-operated better but I doubt it! I hate shots to this day and if there is a needle involved, I still call it a shot and that just can not be God’s will for a kid to get poked with something so hideous! I am grateful for the kindness from Dr. Traweek. I know he never forgot me. Today that hospital is a museum . The first time I entered the building as a grown-up, I carefully searched for any evidence of that day. There are lots of wonderful things from the past. Saddles, pictures, etc, but there is no evidence of the incident I endured documented any where in that building. Somehow I feel that is just not right. All important battles of history are recorded and preserved. Why not mine? I wonder if they would be interested in a copy of this paper? Then there was the night the tornado was coming down on top of us and I was not going into that damp, crowded, dark cellar with seventy-five neighbors shoulder to shoulder, but that is another story from the pages of “My Greatest Moments from Yesterday.” Miracle Covenant Church Healing Center 9 804 S. Bryan St. Amarillo, Texas 79106 806-282-4380 A church for all People! 10 am Sunday Worship and Bible Class And Sunday School 7 pm Sunday Worship and Ministry 7 pm Saturday Worship and Ministry 7 pm Tuesday Amarillo House Of PrayerPrayer 9 am on the 2nd Saturday of Each Month Community Prayer Breakfast for Prayer Warriors And Pastors Pastors Bill and Lana Meyerholtz Associate Pastor Don Ralston A Father’s Unconditional Love By Cheryl Stegall Gipson There was a man who had been blessed with two sons. As any father would be, he was proud of his boys. Undoubtedly, he had watched them as they grew and played in the fields, planning for their future with great care. He had hopes and dreams for his children as most parents do….but one day the youngest came to his father. “Father, I want my inheritance,” he said. The father decided to give the boy his desire and so he divided to both boys their inheritance. Shortly thereafter, the younger son packed his belongings and took a trip to a faraway place. There away from his family with the money he had inherited, the son began to waste his possessions. He had no wisdom and soon he found himself in want. There was a famine in the land and the son went to a pig farmer to find a job. He was to feed the pigs. He was so hungry he would have eaten with the pigs. But no one made provision for him. Finally he asked himself, “Why am I here? My father’s servants have more than enough bread and here I am starving with hunger. I’m going home and repent to my father for my waste and wild ways. I will admit I am not worthy to be called his son and ask him to make me a servant.” So the young man did just that….but when his father saw the figure of the young man on the horizon, his heart began to beat faster! Could it be ? He shaded his eyes from the sun with his hand. He strained to get a closer look! Yes! It must be, the walk was the same. The shoulders were slumped a bit, there was no mistaking it. It was his boy, and he was coming home! The father was elated! Joy flooded his soul. All the nights of wondering where his son was and the prayers for his safe return home were over. Thankfulness filled his heart. As the son approached his father’s house, he heard the sound of a familiar voice. Full Service Salon Vickie Lay-Owner/Stylist 806-352-1231 Cell# 806-336-4108 Hair Stylists Amy Cash-806-626-4051 Trudy Maupin-806-341-2009 Pureology Products 1632 S. Western Amarillo. TX. “Son, son, welcome home.” The boy raised his eyes and saw his father running with arms out-stretched. Grabbing his son, the father began to kiss him as the two almost fell to the ground. Tears ran down the cheeks of both father and son. As the son asked his father’s forgiveness, the father was calling to his servants to bring the best robe and sandals for his son. He ordered a ring for his hand. The very best was given to the son who had returned home. There was no mention of the fortune he had squandered nor the riotous living and rebellion. “Kill the best calf, let’s party and celebrate for my son who was lost has now returned home…..He forgave and blessed his son…who had thought that it would be wonderful if his father would just let him be a servant. What a wonderful example of the unconditional love of a father. Jesus taught this parable in Luke 15 beginning in verse 11. It is a beautiful picture of the Heavenly Father’s love for you and me, His children. God’s heart is always turned toward us. When a child strays, His eye is ever on the horizon of the heart, watching for that wandering one to come home. His love and grace will never be exhausted….He gave it all at the cross and He longs for His children to come to Him. His gift of redemption has no expiration date. His mercy will endure forever and there is a celebration scheduled for the time that each lost child returns home. What a wonderful thing! God’s unconditional love belongs to us the way this son’s father’s love belonged to him. It is a gift that the heart almost can’t understand because it is so good! Thank you today Father for that love. In a world that sometimes seems hard and unloving, You are always there. Your love will hold steady when all else fails. You are faithful. You are Father to those who will receive You through Jesus and His death and resurrection. “Good News” Page 10 J. Henry on the Barton Place: By Robert Robin Brown After breakfast on Sunday morning Al informed Hughes that he had to get back to the Quitaque ranch. Wilburn however, would be staying and Al said, "I'll be checking on you boys at every opportunity, but if any problems arise don't fail to alert me!" He then told J. Henry that he had opened a charge account at Lynch's store in White Flat. "If you need some extra supplies just go there and charge'em," Al said, "but don't buy snuff, tobacco or candy on my account!" Hughes agreed to these terms and Al added, "If I need to send you a message or your pay," I will send it to you 'general delivery' through the White Flat post office. So, each time you go into town be sure and check for mail!" Henry agreed to these orders from Al Barton and then Al bid farewell to Wilburn and Hughes and departed the homestead camp on the North Pease river. On Sunday J. Henry welcomed having Wilburn Barton for company. Hughes had found that the Lord's day is always the longest and most lonesome day of the week when you're alone. With the teenager to chat with, this particular Sunday went rather fast and pleasant. After reading a verse or two in the bible, the teenager opened a sack of western novels and shared one with Henry. He spent several hours reading one titled, "Buffalo Bill meets Sitting Bull" by Ned Buntline. After both grew tired of reading J. Henry asked, "I know your daddy is a good foreman, but what experience got him this job on the Quitaque ranch any how? Had he done a lot of different jobs tending cattle and ranching before?" Al's teenage son stated that his father had gotten interested in cattle down in South Texas some years after the family had migrated from South Carolina. He was just five going on six when the Barton family came West in a wagon train (1854). Alfred 'Al' had grown up in Burnett county and in 1870 at age 22 the Snyder brothers had hired him to lead 20 hands and drive 2,200 steers from the Austin area to California. The cattle arrived safely and Al made it back to Denver with the payment in double eagles where he delivered the 'gold coins' to Dudley Snyder. From then on his reputation of reliability and honesty were established. Al worked as a drover for several more years and he accumulated a small herd of his own. These he drove into the Texas Panhandle where he settled in a dugout on Wolf Creek in the northern Panhandle. He and his brother Doc soon had cattle grazing in both Ochiltree and Lipscomb counties. By 1877 three friends from Burnett county had joined them in west Texas (Dee Eubanks, Tom Connell and a negro named Pickett). Eventually the Barton brothers including Al, Clay and Doc accumulated a herd of 12,000 cattle and were freegrazing a strip of land that reached into the Oklahoma Panhandle from southern Kansas. At this point J. Henry asked, "If your Pa once owned 1/3 of twelve thousand cattle (as you claim) why in Jehosofat is he working for Hank Cresswell and Tony Day today?" Wilburn then told a sad story which his father had often told the family. In early 1886 a blizzard hit southern Kansas & the Texas Panhandle. This legendary storm had decimated cattle all across the region including the herd that the Barton brothers owned. "At one time my father (and uncles) had made claim to the old trading post that Ed Jones and Joe Plummer had built in the northern Texas panhandle, that's up on the famous Jones-Plummer Trail. Usually in the fall of the year Daddy, Doc and Clay would bring the herd off the Kansas range to winter here in Texas, in the Lipscomb county area where winters are usually much warmer. The winter of 1885-86 struck hard, trapping the cattle in Kansas. Of twelve thousand head only 500 survived," Wilburn said with a regretful tone. He then added, "This forced Daddy & his two brothers to part company and go their separate ways. Doc stayed in Kansas, Clay returned to Burnett county and my Pa became a drover once again and wound up in West Texas working for Mister Charles Goodnight!" "So, that's the circumstances that brought Al Barton to the Texas Panhandle and his going to work on the Lazy F," Henry said with a sympathetic tone. Goodnight and L.R. Moore had taken over the Quitaque ranch in 1887-88 and then Goodnight knowing Al's experience, he named Barton wagon boss. Later, he became the manager of the Quitaque ranch. By the the early nineties Goodnight had sold his 1/2 interest in the ranch to Moore of Kansas City and he became the sole owner. Moore seems to have been a businessman and didn't want to move to Texas and run the ranch. Therefore Hank Cresswell and Tony Day had leased the ranch. They were Al Barton's current employers (in c.1896.) "Me and pa lost a lot more than just cattle in Kansas however. My sweet mother (the first Mollie Barton) went to meet the Lord there also. Then as a final deprivation, my brothers and sisters were sent back to Burnett county to live. Oh how I miss them," Wilburn added mournfully. In the days that followed J. Henry and Wilburn finished building the corral that Henry had started and a small, holding pen was also built. A lot of the cedar post they used weren't real straight and the corral was not a picture of perfection but it seemed adequate. After they had finished Wilburn asked naively, "Say! We should have built this here corral closer to the dugout so we wouldn't have to walk so far in the wintertime?" J. Henry just grinned at the youth and said, "First time one of them shoe-tail flies bites you, you'll wish the corral was in Amariller!" Since Al wasn't scheduled to be back at the homestead for another week, on Saturday they hitched the the team to the wagon and drove over to White Flat. They needed some groceries and also needed to pickup a horse trough at Steward's blacksmith shop. The trail was a little rough but they arrived in about an hour. As they were loading the square, metal tank the smithie had built he said, "I put a plug in her, so you can flush'er out when the silt builds up." Henry agreed that this was a good idea then he signed the bill and thanked the man. Then he asked Wilburn to step across the dusty street and check for mail at the post office. The post mistress, Mrs. Cox was at the window when he entered and asked, "Ma'am...Have you got any mail for me or J. Henry Hughes?" The matron asked, "Son, what is your name and what is your box number?" The teenager said shyly, "I....I'm Wilburn Barton and I ain't got no mail box number." She answered back, "Then I can also assume you have no mail box either, one moment please." Mrs. Cox began thumbing through the letters marked 'general delivery'. After a moment she said, "Looks like there's a couple for you and Mr. Hughes, is he a relative?" He pointed out the window and said, "That's J. Henry Hughes over yonder and he's no relative just my dad's cow hand." With this revelation she handed him the letters and he thanked her cordially and hurried out the door with the mail in hand. "I got something for ya," he said as he re-joined Hughes. One of the letters bore Henry's name and the return address was: Alfred H. Barton, Quitaque Ranch. Thinking the letter might be important, he tore it open immediately and read it. The letter advised Henry that Al had purchased a small herd of cattle from a ranch at Guthrie, TX. He had arranged for the seller (Burk Burnett of the 6666 Ranch) to have the cattle driven to the confluence of the Middle Pease and Tee-Pee creek. Here J. Henry, Wilburn and another drover were to pickup the herd and move them on to Barton's fledgling spread on the N. Pease. This was to occur on the 7th of April. Henry said to Wilburn, "This sounds challenging and somewhat exciting but I bet we can get'er done!" To be continued “Good News” Page 11 Clark Insurance Agency 4000 South Georgia, Ste. B1 Amarillo, Texas 79109 Insurance Home/Farm Health Life Pre-Paid Legal Jack/ Shirley Clark Business: (806) 359-0235 Jack: (806) 674-7928 Shirley: (806) 676-0361 www.rvos.com Ad Space Available Business Card Size $20 Monthly NO Contract Call Cheryl at 806-335-0704 Ain’t nothing’ but love Gonna conquer this world… Denver Moore Love Is A Fruit Of the Spirit Love Never Fails Love Covers A Multitude Of Sin Love Prefers Others Love Held Jesus On the Cross Love does Not Demand It’s own Way Cowboy’s Resurrection Mornin’ By Cheryl Stegall Gipson We ‘d drove the herd hard that day and night was fallin’ fast’ We found a spot to set up camp and rest a spell at last; Cookie put on the coffee and stirred us up some chow; I laid back on my saddle, my hat across my brow. Weren’t long until I heard my name, “Jim!…night herd, it’s yore turn!” I saddled up and rode on out to settle down the herd. The stars were shining in the sky and all seemed quiet and still, I rolled a smoke, then lit a match as I stood guard upon that hill. Sometime t’ward the mornin’, I saw a real strange thing. The sky lit up t’ward the east like Hillbillies Hoard Second Hand Shop Home of The Dumpster Divas & Other Oddities A Division of The House of Lefors Home of the Texas Free-For-All 100 No. Gray in Lefors, Texas 806-661-9807 Mon. & Tues-8-5 Wed. Sat. 8-Dark A different kind of shopping experience nothin’ I ain’t seen. I thot at first it was the sun 11 creepin’ up above the rise; But soon I knew was somethin’ else; I blinked and rubbed my eyes. The brightest light I ever saw filled up the whole blame sky, I thot the herd would spook for shore, but they never blinked an eye. As quick as it come, it faded out and I saw the light of day Come peekin’ out of darkness and I heard somebody say…. “He is risen and for you cowboy, He lives to set you free, He wants to ride night herd with you and keep you company!” “Jim!” I heard my name just then. “Coffee’s hot, it’s done ready!” I struggled to stop my shakin’ hands and I strained my legs to steady. I must of dreamed it…fell asleep, there’s no way that it was real. I grabbed some grub and headed out, the day was warm and still. I spotted high upon a hill A wooden cross up there alone, now I was shore that this was real. I heard the voice again just them, “Jim, My Blood is for you. There’s nothin’ Jim that you can do to make me stop lovin’ you.” Down my weathered face the tears began to fall; why it’d been many years Since this old cowboy ever thot he could even cry a tear at all. I left the herd and rode alone; found me a spot to pray, I gave my heart to the Voice I heard on that Resurrection day. I can’t forget what He said to me And now I say to you, “Cowboy, He rose and He is near, His Blood was shed for you!” It takes a man to let Him in and He will always ride, Night herd with you cowboy; He won’t ever leave yore side. Ain’t true that real tough men don’t take the time to pray… Cause Jesus was the toughest When He gave His life that day. Then He came on back and showed Himself when He overcame the grave; Yep, Jesus turned it all around on That Resurrection Day! “He is risen for you cowboy, He lives to set you free; He wants to ride night herd with you and keep you company!” Cowboy, His Blood is for you, There’s nothing you can ever do to make Him stop lovin’ you! “Good News” Page 12 Only Jesus satisfies the soul of mankind….. I lay down and slept: I awoke for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.. Psalm 3:5 & 6 Karla Stovall M.A. LPC, NCC Licensed Professional Counselor kestovalllpc@gmail.com 3014 SW 26th Suite 4000 Amarillo, TX 79109 806-322-3679 Office 806-322-3213 Fax KARLA STOVALL COUNSELING Individuals, Couples, and Family Therapy Therapy for: Mood Disorders, Trauma, Relationship Issues & More Thank you for supporting our advertisers! Thank you for your patience with any editing mistakes etc. It has been a tough month with family illness and challenges along the road, but in spite of every attack of the enemy, Jesus remains Lord and His plans for you and me is for good and not for evil. God is still on the throne, loving, healing and empowering His children to victorious living! No weapon formed against us will prosper!! Faith remains the evidence of things not seen!! You Relax!! I’ll Do The Tax!! Dresses! Wedding & Quinceanera 20% to 30% off Cash & Carry Clearance Special on Everything! Wedding Gowns, Quinceanera, Bridesmaids First Communion, Baptism and Flower Girls Dresses, Tuxedo Rentals, Invitations, Balloons Martha Newman, EA Enrolled Agent 806-371-7030 1205 S. Grand Amarillo, TX 3613 A. So. Georgia St. Amarillo, Texas What In The World Is Going On? (806) 353-4111 (806) 857-3266 First Monday Of Each Month Enrolled to Practice Before The Internal Revenue Service Jimmy Phillips, Teacher Ambassador Hotel Ballroom I-40 & Georgia “Tomorrow’s News Today” No Admission Charge www.jimmyphillipsprophecy.org 806-353-7793 BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINAR 6:30-7:00 pm -Coffee, Iced Tea & Fellowship 7:00-8:00 pm Bible Prophecy Seminar Subjects $35 includes Therapy Experiencing Jesus is a wonderful love affair of the heart! Mark of the Beast, Antichrist, The last days, Israel’s role in Bible Prophecy, The Third Temple, The 144,000 Jewish Evangelist, 200 million man army from the Kings of the East, Gog and Magog War, The Two Witnesses, Chronology of the End of Time, Ark of the Covenant and many more. Jimmy has appeared on national and international top rated TV talk shows on Bible Prophecy. He has received an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree. He has been named to “Who’s Who in Bible Prophecy”. He has completed a course in “Advanced Bible Prophecy” from Liberty University and has preached in the World’s largest church. THIS IS A CLASS FOR PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS This is NOT a church- Please attend the church of your choice “Good News” Page 13 were all there was left on the face of the earth. The music was all that was missing! I guess I am spoiled! Debating whether to proceed with caution or leave, I made a decision to stay, so I turned to close the door. It was gone!! There I was, me, the fixtures, the dirt, and an open doorway facing the two-lane road I had just exited from. How on earth was a lady suppose to powder her nose in a place like this! I had to chuckle and reconsider. A Blast into the Past!!! Several years ago I made a trip to Columbus, Texas to see my daughter who was enrolled in Bible School. I returned by traveling west of Fort Worth to pick up several cases of the most wonderful scented candles which I sold at wholesale prices by the case. Somewhere south of Paducah, I found myself in a stretch of land that looked like maybe I had driven into the past. The wind was blowing like a hurricane and red dirt swirled from the ground upward like small tornadoes dancing across the pasture land. There was no one in sight. Miles of lonely road loomed endlessly before me. Rarely did I see another vehicle enjoying the same scenic route. Being a person who gets sleepy while driving, I always indulge in sunflower seeds to stay awake. That of course requires water, coke, etc. In turn that calls for frequent “rest stops.” Anxiously anticipating the next “town,” my eyes searched the horizon for the sign of a water tower that would indicate civilization. There were none! Just, wind, dirt, and lots of two lane highway stretching out into eternity. Suddenly around the curve, I found myself approaching what appeared to be a convenience store in an old west style building. No place to eat, but at least I could have a “rest stop.” I climbed out of the car and went inside. A couple of teenagers were filling coke cups. There was a nice lady at the counter where they went to pay for the drinks. Asking where the bathroom was she pointed to the back of the store. “They are out back,” she said. This concerned me as I remembered my Grandma’s bathroom which was in her day, “out back.” That was not exactly what I had hoped for. I quickly recalled the spiders from those days along with the heat and the outdated catalogues with their pages moving in the breeze as you entered the “facility.” I proceeded to walk the distance around the side of the store to the back of the building. Then I saw “them!” They weren’t actually wood with a half moon on the door and it appeared that this might work. As I stepped inside I was thankful to find that the fixtures were modern though covered with red dirt. The wind whipped around my face. It reminded me of an old Clint Eastwood movie where just the man, the dusty prairie, and a seemingly deserted town Being in such a deserted little spot, I decided to try the room next door marked “HIS”. There was a door on that one! I could powder my nose, be gone, the hens could lay a few eggs, and the cows come home before anyone saw me in the wrong “outhouse.” I slowly stepped inside. This could work! Or so I thought until I turned to shut the door and the thing fell off the hinges!! I busted out laughing! Where in the Sam Hill was I? Did the Lord even know where this place was? I decided to cancel my “plans” and wait for a better opportunity once I reached civilization. Bring the family and come on13out for a Taste of Thai Gift Certificates Catering Banquet Room WE Have Pick-Up Window Thai & Chinese Food 1900 S.E. 34th Ave. Ste. 1100 Amarillo, TX. (Tradewind Village) 806-373-9995 Open 7 Days A Week 11:00 am—9:00 pm Take-Out Available Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work…. Back inside the store I told the clerk my story. She then informed me that if I broke down in the area, there would be no one to call for help. I believed her! Guess that is why the doors are off, there is no one around to fix them!! I have a heart for the vintage era. I love old places and antiques along with the stories of the old west. Occasionally we are fortunate enough to come across a piece of yesterday and I have discovered that we need to relish that moment. It was absolutely an addition to my little journey that left me laughing every time my mind wandered back to the incident. You just have to love Texas and all the wonderful little out of the way places that have a quaint sort of charm. The last time I was out that way again, the place had been remodeled with an up to date convenience store. The ladies room was nice. I am just glad I got to see the original before the new store went up. We all need a good blast from the past now and then to keep the memories alive. Dewayne Colson 806-681-8422 Ponderosa Mobile Home Park 400 S. E. 58th Amarillo, Texas Canyon School District All Covered Parking 806-622-1030 “Good News” Page 14 Eddy Helms Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church Why Would I? "The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, `Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.' Luke 14:21 Driving through a neighboring town the other day I saw the electronic marquee of a church that was advertising their worship service times. As the times of service past it announced that everyone was welcome to join them in the worship services. Now the church was big and beautiful with all of its brick and stained glass windows. I would almost guarantee that the inside was very fancy and clean. Now I am not saying that you should not give to the Lord your best in the place the church gathers to worship. But when the building is so nice that some would not even enter it because they have nothing compared to it of their own. It is ironic that a place that should welcome everyone would turn some people away but it happens. When Jesus was about His three years of ministry from Galilee to Jerusalem, He did not have a common building that He taught and did miracles in. Most of the time it was a seashore or a mountain slope. We sometimes forget that the church is not a building but a unified body of believers that are on mission with God to continue the work of Christ. We are the physical representation of Christ in this world to go and make disciples as Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:18-20. you are welcome to join us then we are not acting as Christ to seek those who are in need of Christ. We build our big fine buildings and just expect that will make people want to come join us. Jesus tells us that the fields are ripe for harvest. I have not ever found a crop growing inside the church, except the children of members. They are out in the alleys, the highways, and the byways of this world. In verse 23 of this passage of scripture in Luke we read that the master told the servants to make them come in, so that his house may be full. How do we make them come in for the hospitality of the Lord? It is simple! Show Christ to them on the outside then there will be a desire to join you in your temple. It is with the love of Christ outside the four walls of the buildings that we call church that the hospitality of the love of God is shared at least to begin with. Make them desire to join you with the love you show to them in the marketplace. Blessings Eddy When is the last time you told Jesus how much you love Him? CYBER-ATTACKS The World’s first KNOWN power outage caused by hackers in a cyber-attack happened on December 23, 2015. Hackers used a very destructive malware and infected 3 or more power companies in the Ukraine. This caused blackouts in the region of Ivano-Frankivsk. The power company, named Prykarpattyaoblenergo, was infected by the “BlackEnergy” trojan. This trojan was first discovered in 2007 and was updated 2 years ago to add new features, such as making computers that were infected unbootable. Researchers are pin pointing the infection to employees opening Microsoft Office files that contained malicious macros. According to Ukrainian news service TSN, the outage was the result of the nasty malware that disconnected electrical substations. If you suspect something is awry in a received email at work, DO NOT open it. Ask your IT personnel for help. Do not use a personal device (Flash Drive, Phone, Tablet, Etc) plugged into a work related USB port. You cannot be sure that the device is virus free and you could be the one responsible for causing the hacker to gain access to your workplace computer systems. For the home user, it is best to not use your computer if you suspect it to have a virus. The best way to repair it is for it to be OFFLINE. If you are not sure how to repair viruses, bring it to us at Animal Computers and we will help you out with everything you need! (806) 433-4518 Animal Computers Darren Lard - Owner 6937 Bell Suite G Amarillo, TX 79109 http://www.animalcomputers.net Yes hospitality is one of the things we are to do even as Paul tells us in Romans 12. But that is to make them feel comfortable and accepted no matter the location. We can take our offerings and tithes and build some very nice locations of worship but it is not the church. We should be spending our time and monies on the ministry of Christ instead of sitting back and saying everyone is welcome to join us. Those that need Christ to be Lord and Savior of their lives are not in need of fine carpet, stained glass windows, and temperature control. They are not even in need of you unless you are as Christ to them. The point is that we must stop as the church thinking that if people will just come to us we can change the world. Everyone is so welcome to join us that the average Christian has seldom ever invited personally the beggar on the street to come with them to their church. Jesus not only welcomed the beggar but he went to him. Christ walked through the towns and villages seeking those in need as He saw them as a sheep without a shepherd. We want people to find Christ but when we say Windows Sticky Notes AD Space Available $20.00 Monthly No Contract 806-335-0704 806-418-8797 ANIMAL COMPUTERS FOR ALL YOUR COMPUTER NEEDS Darren Lard-Owner 6937 Bell Suite G Amarillo, TX 79109 806-433-4518 WWW.ANIMALCOMPUTERS.NET animal99@gmail.com 24 Hour Turn Around In Most Cases “Good News” Page 15 Franki Robertson Insurance 15 FAX: 806-367-9893 3616 S. Georgia Amarillo, TX. 79109 806-367-9892 Email: frankirobertson1@gmail.com Friends & Family Worship Center 1111 N. Buchanan, Amarillo, Texas 806-381-2131 Training Disciples Demonstrating Christ Love Never Fails Therefore To Love Is To Have Success... 806-690-5590 Bring This Ad For A Discount! What kind of love is this that I am called a child of God? ! John 3:1 Sunday Morning 9:00 am Prayer/Sunday School 10:00 am Worship & Ministry Wednesday Night 7:00 pm Radio Broadcast: Every Monday at 5:30 pm KJRT 88.3 FM Free Nursery for all services Pastors Joe & Jacquie Kirkwood Thank you for supporting our advertisers! “Good News” Page 16 Life—Home—Auto IRA’s—Annuities-Disability DANNY L. CATHEY—Agent 7710 Hillside Rd. Ste. 600 Amarillo, Tx. 79119 Email:dcathey@txfb-ins.com HAPPY VALENTINE DAY! Deposits of love protect against Emotional bankruptcy! 810 No. Western Office: (806) 358-0077 Fax: (806) 352-6248 Cell: (806) 640-4048 The Victory Report Good News is made possible by advertising dollars. Having been in print for many years, it has been a joy to share testimonies, good news, laughter, tears, stories and encouragement along with memories from days gone by. People from all over have responded over the years to tell me how much they enjoy the paper, including the ads! 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