December 2010

Well Howdy!

 It is so hard to believe that the year of 2010 is coming to an end. Then again it seems impossible that there has been nearly two years of these Forrest Lines. This is the last one, for now anyway. I would like to be able to convey to you how much of a blessing I have received in doing these. I want to thank you for reading, the officers and board for allowing it, the webpage management for patience, and of course the Sweet Lord for His love, grace, blessings, and guidance not only with these but all the time. Before I go any further and say anymore allow me to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and the best year yet in 2011.

I thought so seriously about skipping the story this month but since it is the last one maybe you can endure one more. A burglar breaks into an elderly couples home since he had heard they have a good deal of money in chest at the foot of the bed. At entering the bedroom he hears a voice say ‘Me and Jesus are watching you’ which startled him. He turns on the light and sees a bird. He asked the bird ‘Did you say that?’ The bird replied ‘yes.’ The bandit ask the bird his name to which he replies ‘Moses’. With a smirk he asked ‘What kind of senile old coot would name their bird Moses?’ the bird squawks ‘The same kind that would name their Pit Bull Jesus.’ Then before the guy could question the bird demands ‘Sic Him Jesus!’ J

I know sometimes we feel like no one is watching. No one knows my troubles and worries. No one cares I’m all alone and facing this all by myself. You know though if you’re a child of God you can talk to Him and He cares for you more than anyone. If we look at Matthew 14 verse 14 Jesus has left to a deserted place after hearing of the beheading of John the Baptist yet is moved with compassion on the multitude and healed their sick. If He wasn’t too busy for them then He is not for us now. On down a few verses to the 22nd verse He [according to King James version] constrained His disciples to get into ship and go before Him to the other side. Sometimes in our lives we have business on the other side that God needs us to attend to and sometimes there are some storms to go through. Verses 24 and 25 the ship is tossed at sea and Jesus comes walking to them at the fourth watch of the night. I remember in instances the days were 6pm until 6pm being one day but I believe in this case the fourth watch being referenced is actually between 3am and 6am. If you have ever worked night shift especially a 12 hour you notice that it seems around 2 to 4 is the darkest of the night shortly before dawn. The point I think is He was coming to them in the darkest time. So when we are being tossed on life’s sea and the storms are raging keep praying and keep watching cause He is coming if He is not already there. Verse 27 Jesus tells them to be not afraid it is I. Isn’t it great to know that we as Christians have an I in a storm. If you notice He was walking on the water so any storms we have is still beneath His feet. Then  verse 32 the wind ceased once He was in the ship. Our faith is increased as we come through the storms and know the awesome power of the loving omnipotent, omnipresence, omniscient, true living God we serve. When the evil of the world says you are alone say; Not So. You know you have a Heavenly Father that has His eye on you [Psalms 34:15] and He is just waiting to see if His dear precious child needs His help.

Keep looking up, you know HE is coming back and we are a day closer than we were yesterday!

Thank you so very much for stopping by and reading.

May God bless You and God bless America,

Forrest.

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November 2010

Howdy! Thanks for stopping by.
Many know that almost anything reminds me of a story and if time allows I will tell it at the drop of a hat. I told this story recently at a gas station as I went in to buy a 'throwback Mt. Dew' for the ride into work. A police officer was walking his beat downtown in a large city. He noticed a man on his hands and knees on the sidewalk about a half of a block away. The officer strolled over and noticed the man was searching for something. He asked the man 'What are you looking for?' The man replied through slurred speech he was looking for his wallet. The officer asked; 'where did you drop it?' The man replied, 'as I was coming out of the bar down there.' The officer looked and then being puzzled questioned; 'why are you way down here?' The man looked up and replied, 'because there is not a light down there.' :-) I have spoken with and noticed people searching for that 'something' that is missing. You can see them buy new cars, trucks, homes, boats, or other items thinking that is where happiness will be. They are searching for peace and joy and thinking that the situation or the stuff they own will bring it. In reality, that happiness has a short life span. They are missing that Holy Spirit living in them. There is a vacuum that nothing of this old world will fill. In Nehemiah 8:10 we see the joy of the Lord can be our strength. In Jeremiah 29:11 we are given a glimpse of the Lord's thoughts for us. Then the peace that we can have in our lives in Philippians 4:7. That peace and joy is all through love and grace of God. That amazing grace that still amazes today.  Most have heard that John Newton is credited for writing the song Amazing Grace. Of course it was not what the hymnal has today. It was he that wrote; that saved a wretch like me. At one point in his life he was a servant to a slave trader and was brutally abused. After being rescued by a sea captain that had known his father he ultimately became captain of his own ship, one which supplied the slave trade. May 10, 1748 it appeared all would be lost and the ship would sink during a terrible storm and he cried out for the Lord to have mercy on him. He remembered the day and celebrated the anniversary of the day for the remainder of his life. As a side note he later became a preacher. You may not remember the month and date or hour but can you remember a day that you asked God for that grace? You accepted that gift of love? There is a song that says, 'Standing on Jordan's stormy shore I can lift my trembling hand once more for I know how I made it. I've made it by God's amazing grace.' I take it to indicate when we are standing on death's door, we as Christians know we are going to Heaven and that is nothing except by God's grace. If you are thinking of how you cannot comprehend this undue forgiveness without any merit. Don't feel like the Lone Ranger, that is why it is amazing. You are loved so very much by the same God that created the universe. You are so very important to Him. If today was the last day on this earth for you are you certain of your eternal home?

Thanks for stopping by and reading.
May God Bless You and May God Bless America,

Forrest.

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Well Howdy! Thanks for stopping by.

It seems October is usually bringing the change of leaves and fall colors making it one of the prettiest months. It is nothing short of beautiful. In Psalms we are told that the whole earth proclaims God’s Glory chapter 19 and verse 1. Of course we have Halloween at the end of the month and sometimes that can bring mischief. I’m sure you know by now but most anything reminds me of story. The mischief of the previous statements reminds me of a pastor moving to this church with a cemetery and outside city limits. He had some young boys playing hide and seek in the cemetery one fall night the first year he was there. He came in from visiting this particular Saturday night almost a year later at dusk. Seeing a figure in the cemetery he strolled over to see what was happening this year. He heard a man speaking. As he came closer he realized the man wasn’t speaking but crying out in pain. He kept repeating ‘Why did you have to die?’ The pastor spoke as he approached to not startle the man and then tried to console the man with ‘I know it is hard having a spouse die but...’ The man sobbed ‘this not my wife.’ The pastor said ‘we are not suppose to outlive our children but…’ Once again the man sobbed ‘this is not my child.’ The pastor not deterred started ‘well our siblings are special to us..’ Once again interrupted with ‘this is not a sibling of mine.’ The pastor finally asked ‘who is this that has you so upset?’ The answer; ‘this is my wife’s first husband.’ :)

Sometimes questions are not so important and sometimes they are very important. It is very important when we ask; do you know Jesus or know of Jesus? Hell has a crowd of people that knew of God and Jesus but did not know Them on a personal level. Demons know of Trinity of God. Let’s look at Mark 5:1-19, it is also relayed in Matthew 8:28-34 and Luke 8:26-39. We see that the demons that controlled this man came and bowed to Jesus knowing His authority. I wonder if the community thinks some people are like this man and are too far gone to be saved. We notice no chains or fetters, which were short chains with shackles, could hold him. Let’s look at the torment that this man suffered through in verse 5. Day and night he could get no rest. He lived in the mountains and among the tombs. Which were made in the rock of the mountain. He was in a dead place and in a dead end life. He was crying and lonely not loved and shunned. He was inflicting physical pain upon himself by cutting with sharp rocks. Have you had the community put chains on you of you must look a certain way that you broke? How about you must attend a certain church? You must dress a certain way? These chains will not keep you from salvation nor will they give you salvation. It is the personal relationship with Christ [Romans 10:9]. Let’s look at the difference when Jesus is known instead of known of. Look at verse 15 we see he is in his right mind, clothed, and sitting with Jesus. There is such a difference that it scares people. He is no longer in that dead place and dead end life he now knows the One that gives life, through infinite love and grace that still amazes today. Notice John 14:6 Jesus is telling us He is the way, the truth, and the life.  In Mark verse 19 he wants to go with Jesus but instead he is told to go home and tell his friends and family of his past and the great things the Lord had done and the great compassion he has been shown. Sometimes we think we can’t be used of God but we can, if we are available to Him. If you do not know Him and just know of Him allow me to tell you regardless of your situation and/or past God loves you and has a great compassion for you. HE wants You to come home and know Him and have that personal relationship with you. The community may not think you are much or may even be scared of you but you are precious and so very special in God’s eye.

Thanks again for stopping by and reading.

May God bless you and may God bless America,

Forrest.

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Well Howdy and Happy Labor Day!

Mentioning Labor Day started me thinking [that is scary isn’t’ it? J]; I know sometimes we can be discouraged by not seeing fruits of our labors. Just wanted to remind you of Galatians 6:9 and keep keeping on.

I know many have heard different variations of the following story. I tell that there were several of us at a community festival called Frontier Days. They had examples of quilt making, how butter was made, grinding of corn meal, and many other items including farm implements. Noticing smoke and a crowd we walked closer to the end of one row and there was a blacksmith. He was making different items but when he finished a horse shoe and dipped it in the water the steam boiled from it. As soon as he put it down there was a teenage man that reached out and picked it up to release it immediately. The blacksmith laughed and asked ‘is it hot?’ The young man replied ‘No it just don’t take me long to look at a horse shoe.’ J I was recently shocked when an evangelist said that an elderly and well respected pastor said he did not believe that your average church attending Christian believed that Hell was real. The younger evangelist asked how could he say that. The reply was actions speak louder than words. Again starting me to thinking; If you knew the road was blocked ahead of you wouldn’t you at least flash your lights at oncoming traffic? If someone drops a letter or box don’t we try to help pick it up? If you almost slipped on a wet floor wouldn’t you try to warn anyone following you?

I have a memory of years ago when I was in single digits of age, I want to think around 4 or 5. My dad’s garden tiller motor was around chest high to me. I thought it was a big deal to prop on it. One evening he had tilled the rows of a half acre garden and pulled to the end to inspect his work. I ran up to be close to dad and propped with my hands on the two round objects on top of motor. One was the breather for the air filter the other was the muffler. In the split second that I touched the muffler it sent a tidal wave of pain causing a scream heard for no telling how far. I was rushed to the hospital and can remember today the nurse holding me down as the doctor using tweezers and utensils pulling burned skin off. Of course they had given me something for pain and most of what I felt at that point was probably fear.

I can remember feeling a little more light headed than normal in August of 2009.  J  We had been in a prison and it had been so very hot. One of the bikes was reading an outside temperature of over 105 at departure time. We could not seem to get enough to drink. We left and stopped to have lunch and I was wanting more to drink than eat. Three of us had plans that evening so we started home before the others in the group. On the interstate one of the bikes broke down. We worked trying to fix it. The cars and trucks zooming by seemed as hair dryers and was blowing nothing but hot air on us. The rest of the group caught up with us and it was decided to load the wounded bike in a trailer. When I got back on my bike I was so craving something to drink, my mouth like cotton and seeing spots. I had to wait a second before leaving. We traveled a couple of miles to the next exit to cool in the store and drink cold refreshing water, Gatorade, or similar.

As wonderful as Heaven is going to be and not able to imagine the beauty, I don’t think we can imagine how awful, horrible, lonely, and miserable [for a few] Hell is going to be. If we look at Mark 9: 43-48 we see that Jesus is telling it is better to go through life maimed than go to Hell. We can also notice that verses 44, 46, and 48 are repetition of each other and this is Jesus speaking. Obviously it’s important if He repeats. See with my ordeal that happened over 20, okay, over 30 years ago, the muffler stopped burning me as soon as I pulled my palm off of it. The pain was still there and then there was more relief from the pain at the hospital. In Hell the fire is never quenched and never stops burning. Matthew 13 verses 42 & 50 warn of us of the fire, wailing and gnashing of teeth. Grinding/gritting the teeth and screams from excruciating pain from being burned all over and never any relief. In Luke 16 verses 19 through 24 we are told of Lazarus and the rich man. The rich man is begging for one drop of water to be put on his tongue. I can assure you I was very uncomfortable that day on the side of the interstate but I was not to the point of thinking that one drop of water could help. It also says his torments. I cannot help but believe anyone in Hell remembers the times they were told of the saving grace of Christ and God’s salvation plan. I believe the feeling of hopelessness and loneliness from being separated from God is overpowering. I think that all the senses are assaulted; the screams of pain and agony, the smell of burning flesh, the fire causing intense pain, the sights that are gruesome all while the memories of not accepting the free gift of salvation to avoid it all. Again we cannot imagine how horrible it is and mere words cannot do justice.

If you have not accepted Christ as your savior please do so today. I feel like one of my problems is I get involved in the close circle of ‘my life’ and miss some of those divine appointments. It is a hectic and busy time in which we live and I think Satan uses that to keep us on the go with full calendars of things to do. I have to work on being sensitive to those divine appointments cause nothing compares to someone’s eternal home.

Thanks for stopping by and reading.

May God Bless You and God Bless America,

Forrest.

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August 2010

Well Howdy and Thanks for stopping by and reading.

As I have mentioned before my mind wanders and sometimes it leaves entirely. J I thought of this story and the way I tell it; Imagine my surprise when mom came home from meeting with my second grade teacher at a parent teacher conference and beaming with pride she told my dad that they had so much to be proud of with me. I gave her a second look and smiled nervously. She said she didn’t know I was interested in being an astronaut but the teacher had told her I was taking up space. J I just could not stay focused in elementary school and it was a tough chore for me. We all want the best for our children and want to think the best of them. You know we have a Heavenly Father that is the same with us. Can you imagine if He had need of a refrigerator your picture would be on it. The same with a wallet; He would have your picture in there.

I was listening to a sermon recently and the pastor said something to the effect of how we are side tracked with trinkets. Trinkets could be anything that takes your attention and focus off of your walk with the Lord. David was a man that praised God with his whole heart [Psalm 138:1] and was loyal to the Lord [1st Kings 11:4]. Yet we see in 2^nd Samuel 11 that he lost his focus. There is no place more miserable for a child of God than to be out of His will and doing contrary to right. We get caught up with a trinket and we have treasures in Heaven. Sometimes Satan will use multiple trinkets and then mix in a few problems to keep us so very busy we have no time for ourselves, our families, and our walk/talk with Christ.

I have read that a pastor struggled when a young child would ask him if their kitten or puppy that was hit by a car and died would be in Heaven. He came up with the answer of just imagine everything that would make you happy and multiply it by ten and I can promise you that it will be better than that. Can you imagine the most perfect day for you? The weather is not too cool or too hot. The ones you love surround you. No strangers you know everyone. No misunderstandings, no hurtful words, and nothing but care and love. Indescribable beauty nothing that you have ever seen could compare, it would be similar to; a thimble of water  to all the oceans of earth. No worries and no pain. That day will never come to an end for the redeemed child of God.

I attended a funeral recently and one of the pastors speaking really touched me and I’m going to try and repeat his thought. He said that his brother ran a shop in this small town and he was visiting with him. Another man had come in and asked his brother where he lived. His brother’s reply was similar to; “I live right outside the city limits. In fact from my back porch you can see the city limits.” The pastor said he started thinking on that. He wasn’t there yet but by faith he could see the city limits of Heaven. He brought up that Praise God there were a few things that would not be there. It did not matter how far you looked in any direction you would not find a hospital. Again look all you want and you will not find a funeral home. Then Glory to God there is not a square inch used as cemetery! The initial point was Psalms 116:15.

Thanks again for stopping by and reading.

God bless You and God bless America. Psalms 33:12.

Forrest.

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July 2010

Well Howdy! And Happy 4th of July!

I know you would expect something to do with this great nation’s independence celebration this month. I feel lead to a different topic though. A story came to mind that I think ties in; It seems a father was looking for a bird with the ability to talk for his daughter’s birthday. He looked through classified ads and one caught his interest. It was a bird that could speak four languages fluently and carry on conversations with anyone in each. He didn’t get his hopes up knowing it would be out of his price range, but set an appointment to meet the owner and see the bird. After pleasantries upon arriving, he asked to see the bird. The bird could remember his name from the start of the conversation. The man was amazed at the bird’s conversational skills and asked him about his life. The bird was named Bob and said that he had worked with a sheriff’s office to inform them of illegal activity in homes where he was placed as a fake contest prize. Bob told that he was later moved to DEA and later still spent almost five years with the CIA before being retired with hearing loss which made him unable to be as good of an informant. The father, Bill, was very much interested in the bird and thought he could keep tabs on activity in house while he was gone. He asked the owner how much for Bob - expecting thousands. The owner said she was moving and would take $100.00 for Bob and $125.00 for Bob and the cage. Bill was almost too excited to suppress his actions. He could not control himself and asked why so cheap? The owner replied that Bob was a liar and she had checked it out. Bob had not worked but 4 years and 2 months for the CIA. J  That few months was a big deal apparently to the owner. I wonder if sometimes we don’t make a big deal out of something that isn’t or should not be. In John 15:12 we are told to love. This person we are upset with is or can/should be a brother or sister in Christ. I know as siblings we can get on each other’s nerves to the point you would like to lay hands on them and forget to pray. J Maybe sometimes we as brothers and sisters in Christ do the same thing. There is a testimonial told by a brother from the point of view of him being a victim of others whereas, if he was doing as he was suppose to there was no way it could have happened. The others did not know he was not going to act as planned weeks in advance.  It was used to good however because God wanted him to be used in another format that day. I wince when it is told but the big picture with the victory of multiple salvations at the end of the day and story is what is important. It is not big enough to confront with the risk of hurt feelings.

I also wonder if we are not willing to turn our backs on a brother or sister that is hurt due to stumbling with their walk with Christ. Most likely if you know the situation then others do and this brother or sister is probably about as low as they can be over it. I wonder if we rush to pile on rather than offer a word of encouragement and maybe a helping hand up. Some people call it shooting their wounded.

On second thought I would like to include something of independence for this month’s thought. Allow me to encourage you to include Romans 3:23, 6:23, and 10:9 into your personal testimony and have a rough outline in mind. Every situation is different and we need to be able to adapt to it.  It may be that you have a few minutes with someone at a waiting room, elevator, etc… and you could lead them to the independence of the saving grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. One of the teammates usually pulls a trailer behind his bike that he and others built out of a coffin/casket. Recently, folks that accept Christ are asked to sign and date the lid with a marker. One wrote that he was serving life but that day he had been set free by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Thanks for stopping by and reading. 

God Bless You and may God Bless America, 

Forrest.

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June 2010

WELL HOWDY! AND HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

I'm thinking of the story of a young boy riding with his dad to town. They are riding beside a large river and the boy notices a bridge. He asked his dad how did the bridge stay up with no support underneath. The dad replied he knew it was engineered to where the weight was distributed back to land but wasn't sure how. The boy then notices a barge. He asked his dad how could that stay on top of the water with such loads on it. The dad replied he wasn't sure it did look like it would sink. The boy then notices a plane and asked how it could stay in the air as heavy as it must be. The dad again replies I'm not sure. The boy then asked his dad was he bothering him asking all the questions. The dad's reply was; 'No, how else will you learn anything.' :-) I'm not sure he was informed after asking the questions. It seems in today's society we may put more demands on ourselves than our children do. We want the best for them and for them to have it better than we did but they will outgrow or wear out the 100.00 pair of shoes. We make a bigger impact being dad than playing an ATM. I haven't heard of a man on his death bed stating his wish working more overtime and being gone more. The opposite of having spent more time with the family and seeing the children more has been true though. Training up on the right path as Proverbs 22:6 instructs. Showing them how their parents care and love each other as well as the children. If our children treat their spouse like we do ours, is that a good thing? If they bring up their children having family time, Bible study, and prayer time as we do is that a good thing?

Do our children know they are loved; actions, deeds, and words exhibit that love? In Luke the 15th chapter starting at verse 11 it speaks of a son that departs from his upbringing. I so like to read verse 20. It speaks of the father looking for his son. The father ran to him while he was still a far off. I know we rest easier when we know our children are home for the night. We are seeking them coming home safe and sound. You know this Father in this scripture is a picture of our Heavenly Father. If you haven't accepted that gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, would you do it today, right now? Don't wait that is one of Satan's most used tricks; wait until tomorrow or Sunday or whenever. If you have accepted Christ and have ventured off into the world similar to this young man the Father is seeking you and if you will start back He will run to you with open arms. You are irreplaceable. All through the Bible there are time after time of forgiveness of God. He loves us that much. If your children don't talk to you for a period of time you long for that. Have you spoken to your Heavenly Father today?  

Thanks for stopping by and reading.

God Bless You and God Bless America,

Forrest.

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May 2010

Well Howdy and Happy Mother’s Day!

I’m thankful for praying parents in general but especially for the mothers. I didn’t turn out to be much but I could only imagine if I didn’t have a mother that loved and prayed for us all. My dad was the last in our family saved in his early 60’s and I give a lot of credit to my mom’s life example and prayers for that. I know of a preacher’s story and his dad was a bootlegger and they moved over 20 times in just a very few years to stay ahead of law. The preacher at 19  went to boot camp for the Army in one of the Carolinas. He thought he wouldn’t be troubled with his mom praying for him and seeing her tears rolling. Little did he know that God answers prayers when you are out of state as well. He has said that he couldn’t wait to get a leave and head back and go to church with his mom. He had told the Lord if He would let him live and get back to Alabama, that was what he would do; go to church with his mom and walk the aisle to ask for Christ to come into his heart. His grandmother was praying for him as well and they had an arsenal of family and friends praying for the entire family. His dad was the last of the family saved later in life as well. My mom smiling tends to misquote Exodus 20:12 to obey instead of honor. I tell her that I love and honor her but I’m grown and will do what I believe to be right if that is to obey her or not. J

I had a story come to mind that I think applies; Sunday school class is being taught and the teacher states that we are told to honor your mother and father [Exodus 20:12] is there a ten commandment that would instruct us on how to treat our siblings same as brothers and sisters. An older sister raises her hand and anger in her face and voice looks at her younger brother and states; thou shalt not kill [Exodus 20:13]. J

Several years ago a mom was being carjacked as she came out of a gas station. She was going to allow the robber to have the car until he said she could not get her baby out of its car seat [can you say ‘mistake’]. He went to yank her away from the car and she came out with the locking device ‘the club’ and was like a windmill in a tornado. The police came and he was carried to the hospital to be later arrested after recovering from multiple broken bones including his jaw and wrist. She was asked if she thought she was a hero and she said no anybody would do the same for their children. I know there are times we wonder if we took the right child home from the hospital and you can see why some animals of the wild eat their young J but keep praying for them. Proverbs 22:6 tells us they will remember and you never know what they will remember of your time together. Some of the oddest times have been cherished memories for my son and myself. Allow me to encourage you to show your children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, and grandparents you love them every time you see them. Never can get and give enough hugs, you know? Remember mom on her day; May 9^th.

Thanks for stopping by and reading.

God Bless You and God Bless America,

Forrest.

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April 2010

HAPPY EASTER!

There is reason to be happy no doubt; an empty tomb to show our Savior rose along with a Holy Spirit that lives in the blood bought children of God. We are told to always be rejoicing in the Lord Philippians 4:4. I have been thinking of God as our Heavenly Father recently. I know with my son I hurt for him, or cheer for him, and rejoice with him as events unfold. He has every right to be like his father [me] in that younger years we were a tad on the rambunctious side. In the past he has reminded me of the story of a man getting a call at his home since he was in such a rush to leave he forgot his gas card at the station. The home phone rings once and they hear a muffled ‘Hello.’ The station manager; Scott, asks if he could speak with Mr. Jones. The quiet reply was; ‘no, this is his son; Bent, and he is busy. Then Scott asks to speak with Mrs. Jones. Bent once again whispers ‘no she is busy.’ Not discouraged Scott asks if there are any other adults in the house. Bent softly answers yes there are four others but you can’t speak to any them for they all are busy. Scott in frustration asked; ‘what on earth are they so busy doing?’ The whispered reply from Bent; “they are all looking for me.” J We can imagine what Mr. Jones was in such a rush for. Our children are so precious to us. We are even more precious to our Heavenly Father.

My son recently returned from his year in Afghanistan and it was so good to have him back on United States’ soil. Even though he is still thousands of miles away it seems like home compared to days away. There is still some time change issues but if he really needs to talk or ask me something I’m a call away, and within seconds we can be talking. However with our Heavenly Father we can call on him anytime for anything. I get a spirit lift out of Jeremiah 33:3.

Within a day or two of being back my son texted me with a simple message similar to; “Good Morning Dad I love you.” It made my day and I told him so. Those of us that are parents know what it means for our children to say something of their appreciation or love. Psalms 34:1 is  good text verse. Has it been long since something was said similar to; Father thank you and I love you?

Regardless of what was going on my love for my son never was in question. With our Heavenly Father it does not matter where you are or where you have been. It does not matter who you were or whom you have become. It does not matter the circumstances or the choices you have made. HE LOVES YOU. Look at Romans 8:39, Ephesians 2:4 ,1^st John 4:19, and Revelation 1:5 for few. I shared with some earlier that I had read that the day with the most collect callswas Father’s Day. Apparently the kids call collect to home and wish dad a happy Father’s Day while he pays the tab. In reality that is what was done for us on a much greater scale for gift to us and cost to Him. In 2^nd Corinthians 5:21 Jesus became sin for us. It could be pictured as God being asked how much does He love and Jesus stretched out His arms laid on and was nailed to the cross for [we fill in our name here]. Legions of angels at Jesus’ beacon call and He withstood the torment for us. The crucifixion was a form of death that dealt excruciating pain. If you read what happened to the body through crucifixion it makes you whence or at least squirm. That is how much we are loved.

Thanks for reading.

God Bless You and God Bless America,

Forrest.

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March 2010

Well Howdy, thanks for stopping by and reading.

Maybe I should say Happy St. Patrick's Day. From what I've read St.
Patrick was sold into slavery, escaped, and later became a priest and
went back to Ireland to spread Catholicism. Quite a bit more than a day
to wear green. Similar to the story of the hunters in Alaska; The pair
had completed their time and the plane came to fly them out of the
mountains and back to a major airport for their trip home. Both hunters
had killed a moose. The pilot said they could not carry all their
supplies, them, and both adult animals. He suggested they use a local
village and have them ship back some items over a period of time. The
hunters were defiant and said that last year they had killed about the
same animal size and they didn't have any more supplies than last year
and the pilot loaded all on the plane. The pilot checked his addition of
weight and again said it was too heavy. The hunters questioned his
ability as a pilot or was his plane under powered. He reacted as they
wanted and told them he was the best pilot and no plane could out pull,
maneuver, or fly faster than his plane in this same class. They loaded
all the items and were off. The pilot fought the plane but brushed the
tree tops and had to turn and land back on same air strip. He questioned
again what was the difference from last year. The hunters admitted there
was no difference they had to circle and land last year too. :-) There
was quite a bit more to the story they didn't reveal. You ever wonder where
we get the statement of; give them enough rope and they will hang
themselves? How about the blind leading the blind? If you read the story
of Mordecai and Haman in Esther chapter 2 through 7 and then Matthew
15:14. There is more to the statements than we normally think of.

I have a friend that has stepped over into glory recently. News of this
was shocking in that he was not in bad health nor was he very old. I'm
thinking  of his terrific sense of humor and he almost always was wearing
a smile. He influenced people he was surrounded by positively. He had
played in gospel bands in the past to help spread the good news of the
gospel of Jesus Christ. When they put up his marker in the cemetery it
will have his full name, date of birth, a dash, and the date he stepped
over into Glory. You see the most important part is the dash. It is the
'dash' that we effect people. Are we living our 'dash' where people know
that we are ready to leave for Glory? What is the cliché if we were
accused of being a Christian and it went to trial would there be enough
evidence to convict. You see there is more to our 'dash' than living in a
whirl and racing for work, from work, to practice, to grocery store, to
and from etc. I have a sticker on my bike helmet that says; 'eat right stay
fit and die anyway.' :-) There is always something you would like to see or
plan for in the future but if today was your last day, did
you tell your loved ones you loved them maybe give them a hug if you
physically could? Is there a close friend[s] you forgot to tell how much
they have meant to you? Does the thought of this being the last day scare
you because you do not know where your eternal home is going to be? If so
read Romans 3:23, 6:23, and 10:9. Seek out one of your Christian friends
and there is more than that in there. There is so much love in there for
you, just for you. John 3:16 and 17 is overflowing with love.

Thanks again for stopping by and reading.

God Bless you and God Bless America,

Forrest.

 

---

Feb 2010

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

These thoughts may be similar to my stories in that I get a lot of
requests, but I keep telling them anyway. :-)  As for now, I was
informed
that I could continue sharing Forrest's Line on the SRM website. I'm
thankful for the opportunity to continue.

Several years back my son told me that we needed to watch something good
on television. He continued to tell me that all I watched was news,
sports, singing, and preaching. I told him as long as I didn't let the
news misguide me then that was about all that was good enough to watch.
:-)
 

For a few years it seems that the news media has been biased.  You may
have heard the story told on them; it states that Sarah Palin had met
with
the Pope.  While there, the Pope's miter was whisk off by the wind into
a
river.  Palin walked out on the water, picked it up, and brought it back
to him. The next morning headlines were, "Palin Cannot Swim." :-)    Of
course that is a fictional story for a smile.

Something that doesn't bring a smile is the speaker that is not aligned
with the Bible.  As I heard a preacher say recently, "Do not use a man
to
find out what the Bible says; instead use the Bible to find out what the
man says."  I also heard a pastor, that it would appear, was setting the
congregation up for questions.  He stated that the Christian life was
easy, as the Bible refers to the burden and yoke being light.  He was
referring to Matthew 11:30. I think the teaching is that our burdens can
be carried with Jesus if you are yoked up with Him.  He will handle the
majority of the load if you will walk with Him. However, you still go
through the trials.  If you try to run ahead of Him, the entire load is
on
you and you can't get very far.  The same is true if you try to sit down
or hold back.  Personally, I am guilty on both counts. Not only guilty
of,
regrettably to say, so stubborn more than once.

I do not think it is teaching that we will not have any problems or
burdens as this pastor was implying.  If so, it would have said "Come
join
the life of leisure" or "Come join the parade."  A yoke is usually
considered to be a harness for a team to haul or pull a load.  If Jesus
is
allowed to handle the load you have to walk in step beside Him.
Matthew 5:45 tells us that the sun shines on good and evil and rain
falls
on just and unjust.  Job 14:1 tells us that man born of woman is of few
days and full of trouble.  If a person is taught that the Christian life
is all peaches and cream then what happens when troubles come?  I think
many start questioning their faith.  Paul prayed multiple times for the
thorn to be removed from his flesh and God said no for His grace was
sufficient in 2nd Corinthians 12:7-10.  Sometimes I think we are refined
by the test of trials.  I know Malachi 3:3 says the sons of Levi but it
seems that we all go through the fire.  From my understanding, a silver
smith puts the silver in the fire, skims the dross off and repeats
the process until it is refined completely.  One was asked how he knew
when the process was complete.  His reply was, "When I can see myself in
it." Sometimes onlookers and, you can yourself, see Christ in you in
those
times when the fire is at its greatest. Most times we do more growing
when we are in those trying times of our lives.
God answers His children's prayers with Yes, No, or Wait.
Remember that today's battles can be tomorrow's victories.

Thanks for taking time to read.

God Bless You and God Bless America,

Forrest.

---

Jan 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
May God Bless, Prosper, and Keep You during 2010.
It is hard to believe that it has been a year since the first Forrest
Lines was posted. I have spoken with some of the officers of SRM but not
on the future of these thoughts, so this one could be the last one. It may
be decided to have someone else turn in thoughts for this year with their
own title. It is ironic that my fear at the start was coming up with 12
different thoughts. But the Sweet Lord has blessed with more than enough,
similar to His other blessings on me, so much more than I deserve and then
the gift salvation too. As I have heard in the past; 'All this and Heaven
too.' If it is decided that this is the last one, I would like to thank
you for this opportunity. This has been a blessing to me and I hope and
pray it has been for you.
Since it is all about HIM and not us on earth, I do not normally call
names in these articles. This is an exception. Breana Dean appears to be
an up and coming star. She sings and writes her own music, as well as,
plays guitar. She wrote a song [Thankful] in which she tells of how she
has been singing since an early age [I believe 5]. Her mother believed in
her and drove her to engagements, many for long distances. Breana has not
realized her dream of becoming a "Star"; even though she does have a
couple of Cd's and 'Thankful' is on one. But in the song she tells of
being thankful, even if everything ends and she has to walk away. She is
thankful for the memories she has of her mother and herself and things she
has learned. I think that this applies to me with these articles. I'm
thankful for the opportunity, blessings, and lessons I have been taught
through these. I know many have heard me tell this but I do not want to be
like the young boy walking out of the grocery store. An elderly woman
notices how well behaved the young boy is and, after asking permission
from his mother, gives him an orange. The mother is beaming with pride and
then asks her son what he is supposed to say. He replies 'peel it' as he
was handing it back to the nice lady. :-)
If we look at Philippians 4:4, we are told to always be rejoicing in the
Lord. A few turn of pages and in 1st Thessalonians 5:18 we are instructed
to give thanks in everything. Even though sometimes the trials are
painfully tough, we know that we can still praise God. We can praise and
be thankful because we know it is His will and plan.
The week before Christmas I struggled with a loss but also knew that
nothing catches God by surprise so I could take comfort in His plan and
will. The week of Christmas a death in the family and I attended a funeral for the family member on Christmas Eve. Family and friends can be thankful that the grave is not the end and since he was
a Christian man, we will see him again never to part again. At the
ceremony there could have been folks that needed to hear the gospel of
Christ. We also know Romans 8:28 tells us that it is working for good
whether we can see it or not.
Thanks for reading.
God Bless You and God Bless America,
Forrest. 

---

Dec 2009

Merry Christmas;
It is not proper P.C. correctness to say Merry Christmas and many people long to hear it so allow me once again to wish you Merry Christmas. :-)
I wonder sometimes if we don't make things harder than they have to be. I received an email stating that middle school students could answer a riddle while college students struggled. The riddle was; what is more loving than God, more evil than Satan, rich people need it, poor people have it, and if you eat it you will die.
If we read Hebrews 11:1 we have the definition of faith. This chapter has heros of faith too if we continue reading. I believe that Matthew 19:14 Christ is telling us that we need that child like faith. You know children especially young ones know that their parents are looking out for them and their best interest. They will jump from diving board or slide down a large slide from their point of view when mom or dad are there for them. They know without being told but to hear 'I got you and here for you' is so assuring to them. Same with us when storms of life come; we know our Heavenly Father has our best interest in mind and that is His plan and we can almost hear 'I got you' when it seems we are in the midst of the storms. One of the great preachers of the past said; when we can't see God's hand we can trust His heart.
In case you think I'm like the stories of the three elderly sisters I haven't forgot. The story of the sisters tells that they live together and the oldest nearing a hundred years of age hollers downstairs and said she could not remember if she was getting in the tub or out of it. The middle sister in her mid nineties goes to help and is distracted by aligning a picture on the wall and says that she could not remember if she was going up or coming down the stairs. The youngest in her early nineties, said I'm so glad that my memory is so much better than the other two while knocking on wood. She then tells them she is on her way as soon as she sees who is at the door. :-) The answer to the riddle I haven't forgotten is; nothing. If we read the first line and answer it, then all others don't matter similar to if God is first in our lives then the other things will fall in place.
Thanks for reading.
Good Bless you, and God Bless America.
Forrest.

---

Nov 2009

Well Howdy!

 

Thanks for stopping by and reading. In November we celebrate Veteran’s Day. For years I have tried to make an effort to thank our military men and women, especially those that had not been thanked and those who were called names for doing their duty as our government had instructed. It became a little more meaningful when my father signed up for prescriptions through veterans. He had not asked for anything for his time in war. It seemed like so much paperwork and appointments to make. It became even more meaningful when my son signed up for military service. He has recently returned to Afghanistan after a two week break back state-side. Which reminds me of a story;

 

It seems that Bo didn’t know that his best friend, Matt, (which he had met while in Basic training and was now stationed with) was from such a wealthy family. Bo had been invited to spend some time with Matt and his family and he quickly accepted the invite. When they arrived at the airport a limo picked them up and carried them out to Matt’s parent’s home. After introductions, Bo was shown to his accommodations in a guest house behind the mansion. He was given the keys to one of the ten cars parked in the twelve-car garage. The next night, there was a large party in their honor. Matt’s dad asked for everyone’s attention and then expresses his pride of the military as a whole and especially of the two young men in their company. He then pointed to the pool closest to the crowd. He explained that he would give $250,000.00 and the right to date his daughter or $500,000.00, if preferred or married, to anyone willing to swim it end-to-end but he had poisonous snakes released into pool that afternoon. No sooner than he explained it, there was splash in one end and in the next blink of the eye Bo climbed out of the other end of the pool. Matt’s father was excited and ran to his side and asked which he preferred - more money or less money and the right to date his daughter. Bo breathed deep and replied, “Neither, I want five minutes with the low life that pushed me in!” J

 

There is a sacrifice from our military and their loved ones as well as our veterans from the past. There is a bumper sticker that gives us a thought. It states,” If you can read this thank a teacher, in the USA thank a Vet.” Our rights, freedom, and privileges have been protected and fought for by Veterans. It goes back to our founding fathers. Five of the signers of Declaration of Independence were captured, tortured, and killed as traitors. Twelve had homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in war and another two had their sons captured. Nine died from wounds or hardships of war. These men were prominent and well educated and knew by signing, it would cost them dearly and they would be killed if caught. For many others, it cost them their material possessions and families. It is told that George Washington said that the difference in the Christian American and any other is they would rather die on their feet than live on their knees. Of course he was speaking of living as a servant of group or government. The framers wanted the government to work for the people.

 

There have been two people willing to die for you. That would be the people of the United States Military and Jesus. Many of our past heroes have given their lives for us. If we look at 1^st John 4:10 we see what Jesus laid His life down for. We are also given a glimpse when we read John 3:16. You can know that love. You are not too bad nor do you need to do anything first! Read Romans 3:23 and flip a couple of pages to Romans 6:23. Turn a few more pages to 1^st Timothy 1:15, Paul (formerly Saul) had been responsible for many Christians’ death in his past. If we read 1^st John 1:9 it doesn’t say we are forgiven of some or a few or most it does say ALL. If you will turn back to Romans 10:9 you will see He did it for you.

 

Thanks again for reading. God Bless You and God Bless America,

 

Forrest.

 

---

Oct 2009

Well Howdy;

Thanks for stopping by and reading. Here we are in October with weather changing to more comfortable day time temperatures and cooler nights and causing foliage to start changing colors. It is a sight to behold the beauty of some of God’s creation. With the thought of differences and similarities I would like to ask if you can think of what Terry Bradshaw of NFL fame, Jimmy Connors the tennis legend, and myself have in common? I’m hoping you are thinking of athletic abilities but to drop another hint we will also include Rusty Goodman the gospel music great. Now, I would like for it to be athletic ability or music inclination however, it is we share the same day of birth [not year I’m not that old, thank you J]. We share a similarity of one day being significant to us but then they are respected and well known for their specific talents and I’m just another man to the world. Yes, that does remind me of a story about Bob, at least that is the best I can remember the way it was told to me. J

Bob is speaking of knowing many popular and famous people causing three of his coworkers; Jack, Bill, and Frank to challenge him on knowing so many. Bob tells them to name someone and if he knows them he will tell them if he can get an appointment to meet that person. The first one; Jack, names Dolly Parton of song writing and music fame. Bob stated he thought he could do that and within 3 weeks they drove to outside Nashville and his three coworkers were treated to not only meeting but having lunch with Ms. Parton. They were amazed but Bill mentioned he thought it was a fluke. Bill said he was a football fan and would like to meet Archie Manning. Bob stated he would see what he could do and within a month they drove to the New Orleans area and was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Manning and allowed to have pictures made with him. Frank stated he was going to make it next to impossible and wanted to meet the Pope. Once again Bob informs them he would investigate the possibilities. It was logistically almost a nightmare but they were flown over to city that the Pope was entering. Bob told the three that they needed to stand at this doorway and he would get the Pope to come out on his balcony and wave at them. Several minutes later Bob and the Pope steps out onto his balcony and waves at the three surprised friends. Then from behind them they hear a man ask ‘who is that up there on the balcony with Bob?’ J

We can only be ourselves and use the talents we have been given. I would like to say I could play tennis, football, or music as well if not better than the previously mentioned men but it would be a dream or the start of a story. We all can’t lead the singing or play instruments or astound people with our speech or athletic ability but we can be the best we can be. All our stories are just as unique as the individual. It takes us all to be the ‘Church’ and as one body. 1^st Corinthians 12 is the text for us and especially starting in verse 19 and continuing. Verse 21 really brings out the point that we need all and we all play a vital role. It was such a blessing at the Trail of Tears gas giveaway in Florence on 19^th of September to see bikers and non bikers, multiple denominations and non denominations, young and not so young, varied backgrounds, and generally all walks of life become as one in one common mission of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Remember you are irreplaceable, you are needed, and loved because you are you.

God Bless You and God Bless America,

Forrest.