*Thanks! Forever Grateful To God And You Too*

Greetings and blessings! Especially to my wonderful readers and everyone! Once again, I’m eager, excited yet profoundly humbled to sincerely thank God and thank you too. God’s Word says, “In all and everything, give thanks.”(Ephesians 5:20).Yes, indeed I’m truly grateful and appreciative for everything; the amazing compliments, encouragements, support and especially the much-needed prayers over the past years. However, this September marks 17 years since my first article in 2010 in the Talbotton New Era. And today, September 17th as I write, marks our 54th Wedding Anniversary! Even so, I would like to honestly say that it’s an esteem honor and privilege to come into your presence (homes, lives, minds, spirits and hearts) each week by way of the newspaper. Actually, I’ve literally tried to carefully use this available platform to profoundly honor God and bless you. I have essentially tried to make a positive impact and significant difference, not so much about me but in and for you and your lives. God bless us to be a blessings to others, and that I have tried to do. Perhaps I could’ve fallen short, but I’ve strived wholeheartedly to do so! Praise God, I’m extremely fortunate to have written for 17 years and have often felt that this incredible journey was nearing the end. But perhaps that was me and my plans. But again, “Only God knows the plans [and purpose] that He has for me…” (Jeremiah 29:11). Nevertheless, I stayed the course and been obedient to His lead and guide as He directs my path. Read Proverb 3: 5, 6.

But however, I’ve tried to uplift down-spirits as I write about God and His sustainable Word, His amazing grace, His mercy, His promises and His eternal love for us. I’ve tried through my words to hopefully comfort, encourage the sick, shut-in and the grieving bereaved. I’ve tried tirelessly, using this platform to bring good, positive information, awareness, a smile and even sometime a laugh. I’ve tried to tell others (kids and adults) stories (with photos) that perhaps would not get told. And being a Combat Vietnam War veteran who was blessed to come home, I’m totally indebted and obligated to try and to tell the soldiers’ stories, my fellow comrades. And too, by no means am I perfect, I have really tried my very best to be honest, upfront, considerate, transparent and write only the truth. But again, as always, I’m grateful especially to the Talbotton New Era and staff for trusting and allowing me an opportunity to share a few words each week. A very special thanks to my gracious, kind and dear friend, John Kuykendall, publisher, editor, the magician, miracle worker. Johnny does a phenomenal job! And of course, to my supportive faithful wife of 54 years today, my dear friend Juanita; thank you! Juanita carefully reads first, before any of you; she gives me the 2 thumbs up! (Smile). And yet again, in every story, God always gets the glory! God Loves You and I Thank and Love You Too!