She Saved It In Her Heart

I had the blessing of going to lunch today with my mother. She turns 75 years old tomorrow. She has loved me for all the days of my life. She invested into my life when I was too young to appreciate her late nights and weary days. I am not certain if I have always lived up to her expectations and hopes for me, but I have always desired to make her and my father pleased with my life and choices. I am not all I wish I was for the Lord, but what I am, I owe to parents. Happy 75th, Mom!!!

My Quiet

I needed her more than she needed me. God brought the gentlest soul into my life eight years ago when I said,"I do". Life is often turbulent for those who live for the Lord, as well as the unbeliever. It is a joy when you come across those who have a timid and yet powerful spirit. Those who are settled and peaceable bring refreshment to the hearts of those near them. Such is the case with my wonderful wife, Kim Pledger. She speaks calm and peace to those who know her. She is, "My Quiet". 

He Held onto the Rope

Ten years ago, I was blessed to present this poem to Dr. Russell Anderson. He was preaching at our church in Florida as he has done on several occasions. We wanted to do something to show our gratitude for his many years of labor and love for those who preach the gospel, particularly the late, Dr. Jack Hyles. Brother Anderson was like a brother to him and will always be remembered for his investment into the ministry of First Baptist Church and Hyles Anderson College. Dr. Anderson "held onto the rope" as Brother Hyles gave his life for the souls of men. Both made a great impact for Christ and His kingdom. 

Prayer For Our Finest Families

In August of 2018, Clay County Sheriffs Office and our community lost one of our own, Deputy Ben Zirbel. The burden of those who serve in law enforcement and in the military does not only fall on the shoulders of those in uniform, but weighs heavily on the lives and hearts of their families. This poem was written for all the families of those who go into harms way that we might sleep in peace at night.

"Calvary" by Bruce Brooker

Brother Bruce Brooker has been my friend and the driver of my Sunday School bus for the past many years. He has driven a church bus for Calvary for the last 12 years. He is also a Junior Boys' Sunday School teacher, and an usher for our church in Middleburg, Florida. He recently wrote a poem for my father who led him to Jesus nearly 20 years ago in his front yard on a Thursday night. The poem speaks of his love for his pastor and church. I hope it will be a blessing. 

Cotton Pickin Fields

My grandmother, Ellen Mae Pledger, was born in 1914 and died in 1999. She had eleven children and labored from kitchens to cotton fields to provide the best she could. As my father was growing up, he and his siblings tagged along she worked in the Arkansas summer sun. She was a selfless soul who never made much of this worlds wealth, but served the needs of others. She was faithful to carry her kids and her Bible down to the First Baptist Church in Coal Hill every Sunday. Through Grandma's prayers and efforts, she reared a line of preacherboys. Her influence is felt three generations later as her great grand kids continue to serve the Lord. Thank God, for those 'cotton pickin' fields.

"Grandma's Hope" - Dedicated to Jeri "Mema" Maddox

On the 85th Birthday of my mother in law, Jeri "Mema" Maddox, I attempt to honor her for the consistency of hope she has shown throughout the years of her life. She has watched many of her immediate and extended family members go through the various struggles of their lives, yet never losing hope that God was going to complete His work in their lives and in every circumstance. In a day of hopelessness, may all of remain committed to hoping for a better day. Happy Birthday, Mema.