Testimonies
Life has a way of throwing us curves, On to weightier matters, all joking aside, I write these "Tales Of Discovery", to give you a peek into my world, one in which God has so graciously restored to me. In my writing, I hope to convey to you the fullness of life that I enjoy; not because I'm anything special, but just because God can do whatever He wants to, whenever He chooses, and to whoever He pleases! And that's the good news of knowing a saviour like Him, because that means that everybody who chooses to walk with Him...to them he will cause to ride upon the high places of the earth. Now, this is not to say, that one will be insulated from life. It just means that you will be able to withstand the wiles of the evil one when they do come, no matter what situation happen to find yourself in. Over the last month or so, I've been rereading the Book of Psalms and two particular chapters have become "bedrocks" in my life. Read chapters 15 & 24. Each asking the question "Lord, who will enter into your tabernacle.., who will stand on your holy hill?" In one part of ch. 15, in talks about "He that swears to his own hurt, but changes not", and ch. 24 saying "He who has clean hands and a pure heart". Powerful text that point to the kind of person that will gain the gift of heaven. And Jesus promised that, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Mt. 5:8) That's how I have determined to live my life; to be a Godly man and to lead my heart with Gods help in every thought, word, and action. It's taken me a life time to even begin to understand and implement these truths into my life, but the good news is... that God's promised me an eternity to live them out. I hope you'll come along for the ride too. I don't want you to miss it! This is an excerpt from my "Blog", "Tales of Discovery". dh The prodigal son
and for a "Hot Moment," all seems lost. I'm so thankful for the hope I have in Jesus. I know the "rest of the Story."The death of a spouse can reek havoc with ones mind. So many decisions, so much to do, so many unknowns. For a change, I visited a friend who had recently relocated to a retirement center. That visit birth a ministry. For the last two years, I've been blessed beyond measure. With opportunities to preach and sing regularly, God has sent the right mix of volunteers, has provided all the equipment needed to plan, conduct, and record each service. What a joy to see Seniors embracing Bible truth and growing in Christ. At first it seemed my mission was to prepare people who are nearing end of life to make their "calling and election sure." However, I've discovered that our ministry not only gives assurance of Salvation in Christ; it equips Ambassadors who freely share their faith; even when declining health and dwindling funds require them to move again-- to a nursing home. Truly, "All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Rom. 8:28
Barbara Hales
Don A. Hales
I grew up in a God fearing home from as early as I can remember. We went to church every week; I also attended private school up to the 8th grade. I did well in school, and as like most young men living in the world things inappropriate came my way. I started public school after the 8th grade and a whole different world opened up to me. I started smoking, skipping school, drinking, and eventually using drugs. Never finishing the 10th grade I found myself in a boy's home, because I had run away from home and other things that lead my family to believe that I was out of control. Still having trouble with skipping school I finished out another school year only to repeat the 10th grade again. After the boys home still never graduating from high school I quit school at the age 18 to enter the work force, still drinking, drugging, and abusing women, jumping from job to job and home to home never really having anything or anyone to hold dear. This life style continued for many years and I was able to maintain my life and it was OK, (so I thought) but still I wasn't done hurting myself yet. After several stays in the county lock up for driving while either drunk or a suspended license, it still didn't stop me. Then one day crack cocaine entered my life and decided to grab hold of me and wouldn't let go. While it had a hold of me, it took any and all monies that I might have had saved, and continued to take it weekly as well. I would get high in the bathrooms at the places of employment that I had, and it started to slowly take my health as well. Then one day I realized that I was hungry, dirty, tired, and new that I had come from a much better place than where I was presently at. At the age of 38 I cried out for help and He answered my pray. Today I'm praising my Savior all the day long.