Dad remembered

Sept 2013, Dad left this world.

He came home with hospice (Melissa and Dee – gave him such loving and excellent care) – he hung on till his youngest granddaughter drove in from Austin and passed 20 minutes after she arrived and said goodbye.

Korean War US Army Sargent, 120th Combat Engineers, 45th Infantry Division. He was a technician at Dupont SRW from the mid-1950s to his retirement in 1986.

The bottom of the Neches River, white Perch, and catfish were his passions, and getting stuck in gulleys in his jeep.

He loved us by sharing his life and interests with his sons and grandchildren. We seemed to live on the Neches River each summer growing up.

The spook trail entertained his grandchildren at Halloween and throughout the year.

He taught his sons to garden, peel pine saplings for fence posts, build fences, change oil and spark plugs, and work on an Evinrude 5 hp motor at Mud Lake while his brother fished and we prowled the woods and shot BB guns.

He served his church FMC Buna his entire life. He served on the school board and was president for a long time. He got to sign each of his son’s diplomas.

He gave me and my brothers a golden life – I love you, Dad, and miss you.

Today is a Good Day to Have a Good Day

“Embrace the Positivity: Today is a Good Day to Have a Good Day! ☀️

Let’s start the day with a positive mindset and a heart full of gratitude. No matter what challenges come our way, we have the power to make today a good day. Let’s choose kindness, spread joy, and focus on the blessings that surround us. Remember, positivity is contagious – so let’s make today a day to inspire and uplift others. Here’s to embracing the goodness in each moment and creating a day filled with happiness and positivity! 🌟 #GoodDay #PositiveVibes #Gratitude”

On Father’s Day

while many celebrate the loving and nurturing relationships they have with their earthly fathers, it’s important to acknowledge and embrace the reality that not everyone shares this experience. For those whose relationships with their fathers have been marked by absence, disappointment, or pain, the concept of fatherhood can evoke mixed emotions. However, within the Christian faith, there is a profound and comforting portrayal of God as the ultimate embodiment of fatherhood—offering unconditional love, boundless grace, and unfailing support to all His children.

The biblical depiction of God as a loving Father is a cornerstone that can provide immense comfort and strength. Scriptures like Psalm 68:5, which describes God as “a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,” and Matthew 6:26, where Jesus reassures that God cares deeply for His creation, asserting that not even a sparrow falls to the ground outside the Father’s care, offer powerful reminders of His encompassing and protective nature.

In reflecting upon this divine fatherhood, we see a Father who is ever-present—not distant or disinterested. This is a Father who listens to prayers, who sees every tear, and who walks alongside His children through both the valleys and mountaintops of life. Unlike human relationships that may fail or falter, God’s love remains steadfast and unchanging.

For those who feel the absence of a paternal figure, God offers Himself as a sanctuary and guide. The reassurance found in Deuteronomy 31:8, where God promises never to leave nor forsake His people, can be incredibly comforting. It’s an assurance that you are not walking this journey alone, but are accompanied and loved by a Father whose commitment to His children is eternal and all-encompassing.

On this day, if the traditional celebrations of fatherhood don’t resonate with your experiences, you might find solace and hope in the relationship offered by God. In Him, you can find the qualities of the ideal father—compassion, protection, guidance, and an everlasting love that does not disappoint.

In the spirit of Avicii’s “Hey Brother,” the message that “there’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do” reflects not only the depths of human sibling bonds but can also be seen as a mirror of the divine love God extends. He is a Father who, in the person of Jesus, demonstrated that there truly is nothing He wouldn’t do for His children—even to the point of giving His own life.

Today, whether you are celebrating, reflecting, or finding a new understanding of fatherhood, may you feel the deep, unending love of the Father who calls each of us His own, who knows us by name, and who offers us a place in His eternal family.

4

Life remembered

Once upon a time, in the year 1976, there was a high school student named John. He was a part of the Class of 1976, a group of vibrant and ambitious individuals ready to take on the world. As he reminisced about his high school days, he reflected on various aspects of his teenage years.

Firstly, John was asked if he had married his high school sweetheart, and he proudly replied with a resounding “yes.” He had indeed tied the knot with his high school love, a relationship that blossomed during their time together.

Next, he was asked about his wheels back in the day. John’s eyes sparkled with nostalgia as he mentioned his 1967 Chevrolet stepside green truck. It was his pride and joy, a faithful companion that he cherished dearly.

During his high school days, John worked at Food City, a local supermarket. He spent his time stocking shelves and bagging groceries, learning the value of hard work and responsibility.

John’s hometown was Buna, a small and close-knit community where he grew up. It was a place filled with fond memories and cherished friendships.

When it came to extracurricular activities, John was a part of the choir and band. He had a passion for music and enjoyed expressing himself through melodious tunes.

Reflecting on his high school experience, John was asked if he would go back if given the chance. Surprisingly, he answered with a firm “no.” He believed that life is meant to be lived forward and that his high school days were simply a chapter in his journey.

Prom night held a special place in John’s heart as he not only attended with a date but also married her later in life. Their love story had stood the test of time, and they continued to cherish each other’s company.

When it came to academics, John’s favorite subjects were science and math. He enjoyed the logical thinking and problem-solving aspects of these disciplines.

Freedom

Gal 4

Sons and Heirs

1What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything. 2He is subject to guardians and trustees until the date set by his father.

3So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principlesa of the world. 4But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons. 6And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.

I watched sound of freedom

2 million plus slaves worldwide. Most are children

Evergreen: Bridging Tradition and Technology for Solving the Digital Divide and Enhanced Community Support

Who we are:

At Evergreen Technology Solutions LLC, our mission is deeply rooted in the harmonious blend of time-honored traditions and cutting-edge technological advancements. We are a dedicated team committed to making a tangible difference in our communities, addressing needs that larger corporations often overlook. Our approach is people-centric, focusing on personalized solutions that resonate with the unique challenges faced by those we serve.

Core Values and Vision:

Our core philosophy, “People helping people,” encapsulates our commitment to filling the gaps left by big companies. We believe in the power of human connection, understanding that technology alone cannot replace the warmth and understanding of a human touch. Our team, composed of seasoned professionals and innovative thinkers, works tirelessly to deliver services that are effective, empathetic, and tailored to individual needs.

Innovative Solutions in Action:

At Evergreen, we seamlessly integrate traditional methodologies with modern technology. This unique approach allows us to offer reliable and revolutionary solutions. Whether leveraging advanced wireless networks to enhance communication in remote areas or employing sophisticated data analytics to predict and address community needs, we are always at the forefront of technological innovation, ensuring our services are relevant and ahead of the curve.

Community Impact:

Our impact is most evident in the communities we serve. By focusing on the areas often neglected by larger corporations, we’ve brought about significant positive changes. From improving public safety networks to ensuring robust telecommunications infrastructure, our projects are varied but united in their goal: to empower communities and improve the quality of life for their residents.

Future Endeavors:

As Evergreen forges ahead, our focus remains steadfastly on our rural communities, ensuring they are not just reached but profoundly impacted by our services. Our commitment goes beyond mere expansion; it’s about deepening our engagement and support quality. We assure you that our growth will always uphold the high standards of service you’ve come to expect from us. We aim not to be the biggest but the best in what we do, maintaining our dedication to quality over quantity. We understand the unique challenges rural areas face, and we pledge to continue providing innovative, reliable solutions tailored to these needs. By staying true to this vision, we are not just growing our presence but also enriching the fabric of these communities with the unwavering quality and care they deserve.

John 14. The way

Jesus Prepares a Heavenly Home and Shows the Way

In times of uncertainty and hardship, many people find solace in their faith. The Bible, as a source of spiritual guidance and comfort, offers numerous passages that provide hope and reassurance. Among them, the verses found in John 14 stand out as a powerful reminder of the enduring promise of a heavenly home and the guidance offered by Jesus Christ.

At the heart of John 14 is a message of hope and assurance conveyed by Jesus to his disciples. The chapter opens with Jesus speaking to his followers, offering them words of comfort and encouragement as he prepares them for his impending departure. He reassures them, saying, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1, NIV).

In the subsequent verses, Jesus goes on to make a profound promise: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2, NIV). This metaphor of a heavenly home, with abundant space for all who believe, serves as a powerful image of the eternal dwelling place that awaits those who follow Jesus. It speaks to the deeply comforting notion of a loving and welcoming God who has prepared a special place for each of his children.

Moreover, Jesus assures his disciples that he will return to take them to this heavenly abode, stating, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3, NIV). This promise of reunion and eternal togetherness underscores the unwavering love and care that Jesus has for his followers, offering them the hope of a future beyond earthly trials and tribulations.

In addition to the promise of a heavenly home, Jesus also presents himself as the way to reach this destination. He declares, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, NIV). Here, Jesus offers a clear and unequivocal path to God, emphasizing the exclusive and indispensable nature of his role as the mediator between humanity and the divine.

These words hold profound significance for believers, serving as a reminder of the centrality of Jesus in the Christian faith. They highlight the unique and irreplaceable role of Jesus as the conduit through which individuals can find reconciliation with God and access the promise of eternal life.

As we reflect on the timeless wisdom contained in John 14, we find enduring comfort and hope in the promises of Jesus. The assurance of a heavenly home prepared for us and the unequivocal declaration of Jesus as the way to God’s presence offer solace and guidance in the face of life’s challenges. Regardless of the trials we may encounter, the words of Jesus in John 14 serve as a beacon of hope, guiding us toward a future shaped by faith, love, and eternal promise.

In closing, let us hold fast to the profound truths revealed in John 14, finding strength and reassurance in the knowledge that Jesus has prepared a place for us and shown us the way to everlasting communion with God. May these words continue to inspire and uplift us, guiding our hearts and minds toward the enduring hope found in our faith.

I thought it would last forever or at least my lifetime

Joshua Blake Hargrove – I love you and miss you. I thought we had more time. 21 years have passed now. I remember almost everything. I still think about touching your bare foot as you slept in your bed as a I left early for work. I would give almost anything to do that again.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YY9zSWEgrEBkyTJQ8