Our Sad State of Affairs- JULY 4, 2021

This is a post I have written and shared in the last 3 celebrations of the Fourth of July; however, never in my lifetime have such things that are taking place, every day in our country, left me and so many of my fellow Ameicans feeling so hopelessly depressed about the sad state of affairs in which our country now resides. GOD PLEASE HELP US ......

It seems that each year, this day of celebration gets here just a little bit quicker and leaves me a little wearier and a little less hopeful for what lies ahead. We all run hither and yon, wishing all those we know a “Happy 4^th”, singing patriotic songs, eating BBQ and watching fireworks. We collectively ask for God to Bless America and then, somehow seem perplexed when gas prices keep rising, crime escalates and our leaders debate in open forum the merits of partial birth abortions, gay marriages and legalized gambling. How can a righteous and holy God bless this mess that we now call America?

In fact, after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Anne Graham Lotz was queried on the Early show, the host asking, “How could God let something like this happen?  Her response was quite profound. She said, “I believe that God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we’ve been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And, being the gentlemen that He is, I believe He has quietly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand that He leave us alone?”

And that my friend, unfortunately, is the sad state of affairs that we find ourselves facing in this year, 2021. In my almost 72 years on this earth, I cannot remember a time when we as Americans have faced so much discourse from all. Yes, there were turbulent times as we righted the wrongs left behind by slavery; we have vehemently disagreed over wars fought during the Vietnam and Iraq eras and I am sure, as wars continue to exist, we will continue to fight over which wars are just or unjust. But through all of these times, we (the vast majority of Americans that work hard to take care of our families and leave this world better than we found it) have always remained civil to each other, showing respect for each other as fellow Americans, no matter how far left or right our opinions divided us. Alas, it seems so long ago that we held each other in high esteem and cherished the freedom that allowed us to express our hopes and fears without condemning those with whom we disagreed.

It is in this unholy and turbulent atmosphere in which I believe God has slowly and surely left us to our own demise... and I am sure that it is breaking His heart to see how far we have fallen from our roots as a Christian nation. A country that He ordained through our forefathers, whose beliefs and allegiance to the Creator were unshakeable... one that began with such great and magnificent promise is now sinking fast and unless, God Himself, orchestrates some cataclysmic jolt….this nation that still prints “In God We Trust” on our money, is doomed to a bitter end.

There is one bright and shining star though ….His CHURCH, ordained to be both salt and light for such a time as this. Let us not shrink from the battles that lie before us, but rather put on the whole armor of God and wage war. We serve the Great Commander-in-Chief who has never been defeated ….and HE NEVER WILL BE!!!! Proclaim this July 4^th as our day of Dependence on the Creator of the Universe….and fight the good fight…..we know the outcome, WE WIN!    

MARCHING ON...Celebrating the coming Victory,

WPQ

You Are What You Eat

In my quiet time this morning, I read a devotional about our bodies being the temple of God and it made me realize how much I love and adore my wife, Terri, for keeping me trim and fit after almost 32 years of marriage. There is no doubt in my mind that I would be the size of a barn, or perhaps not even be here, if not for her investment in making sure that we eat healthy, balanced meals; so lovingly prepared in her own special ways. When we met some 32 years ago, my diet consisted of anything fast food with an occasional salad thrown in for good measure....being athletic and playing softball helped; but it is the wholesome, nutritional meals that we eat as a family that keeps me in good health as I approach my 72nd birthday in August. So, to all you fellows out there that has a wife that looks after your health by watching what you eat and preparing good food for you and your family, why not do what I did this morning...

Wrap your arms around that wife of yours... hug her and give her a great big kiss and tell her, THANK YOU...because we all know we are what we eat!  If not, the poem that follows is for YOU!

 

 INTO VIEW...or  YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!

 It has often been said, "you are what you eat."

'Tis an old adage that most always rings true...

Just take a look at your friends over time;

But don't forget to view....YOU!!!!

 

You'll see short ones and small ones;

 Some thin as a one-lane bridge...

Some tall like a high-rise building,

Some wide as a commercial fridge.

 

But no matter the shape of the bodies you see

There's one thing they all have in common...

It had a lot to do with the things they ate;

And I don't mean noodles and ramen!

 

My doctor told me I should watch what I eat,

Since these "extra" thirty pounds are killing my feet;

So I've laid off the potatoes and the mounds of red meat,

So I eat like a bird....chew; swallow; repeat!

 

Yes, I miss those days of pizzas and beers

When I called up my friends to come over here;

For so many are gone to that feast in the sky

Because they ate too much ice cream and pie.

 

So if you want to live a life filled with joy

Then skip the fries and the shrimp po' boy.

Just leafy greens and some carrots too,

And others will smile when you come into view.

 

 

W. PATRICK QUEEN ©  JUNE 2021

 

 

Celebrating One of Life's Greatest Gifts...A GODLY FATHER!

This week is Father's Day....a special day set aside to remember, reflect and in many cases, reverence the man in our life we called, DAD. For me this is a bitter sweet day since my father passed away at the young age of 63(shortly before I turned 35). He has been gone longer than I knew him. He did not get to meet my wife, Terri, or hold in his arms, his granddaughter, Alyson. I know he would have been EXTREMELY PROUD OF THEM...just as I am.

My dad was the sweetest, kindest, most humble man I have ever known; and many of you who may read this, know exactly what I am saying because you had the good fortune to know him too...as an uncle, Sunday School teacher, choir member...the list goes on. I took the time, in June 1977, to write the poem that is part of this post. It was originally entitled, EULOGY TO A FATER, because I wanted my father to know how much he meant to me before his call to heaven. In fact, at his funeral, I placed a copy of the poem in his inner, jacket pocket and sent him home to be with his Heavenly Father who he loved with all his heart. My wife and I changed the title to the poem when we began our business, Thankful Praise Prints, so that we might share it with those who felt compelled to tell their fathers how much they loved and honored them...it was always one of our best selling poems.

I am sharing it once again because I believe we can NEVER tell our dads, too many times, how much they mean to us and the great influence a godly father has on his children. My hope and prayer is that I have been as good and a faithful dad as my father, WINFORD W. QUEEN was to me. I think about him every day and miss the times we would have shared as we both aged. I try to emulate the man he was and I hope that this poem always let him know how important he was in my life.

If you have a dad like mine, YOU HAVE BEEN TRULY BLESSED!!! Let him know, in no uncertain terms, the difference he has made in your life. If you father was not a great dad, but he is still living, it is never too late to start to improve that relationship. God bless ...and if you have the wonderfully blessed   responsibility of being a father....it's never too late to be a good, no, make that GREAT ONE!!!!

 

ESSENCE OF MY DAD

Often, I have stopped to think

of times both good and bad;

And in each fleeting memory,

I reverence my Dad.

He stood both tall and straight,

Colossal in my mind.

He spoke in tones both harsh and firm,

Yet so gentle and so kind.

 

An unquenchable desire for life;

A zest for Life and living;

He fought and scraped to provide for me

Through his unselfish giving.

A guiding hand who led my steps

Down paths I dared not tread,

A steady mind, a sturdy back were the

Essence of my Dad.

 A willful man, his beliefs ran deep;

He taught me to be good;

Yet, when times got rough

Or I failed my Dad....He always understood

So surely on the day he passes,

I truly will be sad,

But never will I forget the man,

I loved and called...My Dad!

 

W. Patrick Queen  © June 1977

 

 

Speaking the Language of the One You Love....

 

This is a reprint of a former blog...

Speaking  the Language of the One You Love....

I was reading in the Scriptures today in Ephesians where Paul is schooling those followers on how they are to love their wives and how the wives are to love their husbands. We see in these verses that Jesus is the head of the Church and gave himself for it...and husbands are to love their wives and do likewise.

But what happens when you speak the words of "I LOVE YOU"  to your spouse...does he or she truly understand what your are saying and the impact that such a phrase should carry? Or are they underwhelmed by the words because as we all know, ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.

So what is your wife or your husband's "love" language and how can you know and engage them in such a way that your words have meaning and are felt deeply?

For some it is presents, trinkets, or small gifts that says "I love you." For others quiet times with each other, removed from the cares of daily life best says that you hold a position of great love in your partner's life. For some it is a great gesture that moves your loved one to tears for it truly says it all...that your live would be meaningless if not for the love you share.

For me, it is the simple written word, expressed in some poetic form that best allows my bride to know my heart and the depth of my true love for her....and so yesterday, after hearing a song on the radio, I penned this poem for the love of my life....my sweet wife, Terri.

 

YOU WILL ALWAYS BE ...BEAUTIFUL IN MY EYES!!!

 

I looked into the mirror just the other day

Saw a face looking back that I barely even knew.

It was one covered in lines and wrinkles

Each one there simply because of you...

 

Now not for reasons that you might think

Did these lines appear on my face.

Not for the troubles that we've seen
When caught between a rock and a hard place.

 

Each line was there around my mouth...

 Many etched into the corners of my eyes;

Each one telling those who would view

The what...the who's...the whys?

 

You see each line was their because

Of the many times you made me smile

And every time you've made me laugh

They lingered a longer while.

 

And now I hope that you understand

Though each line is now a part of me;

For when you laughed and made me smile,

Your opened my eyes to see...

 

That no matter what each day may bring

Be it Laughter...or Pain ...or Sighs.

 

This you should always know

No matter where we may go

In my life you will always grow

 

EVER MORE BEAUTIFUL IN MY EYES!!!!

 

W. Patrick Queen

April 2018

 

 

Take the time TODAY...do NOT let it slip away without telling your spouse just how much, how deeply and for how long you will love them. Speak their love language and let them hear what is truly coming from your heart. For 31 years, I have signed every note and every card with this simple phrase...

I LOVE YOU.....Forever and a day,

 WPQ

TODAY IS A SAD DAY....

Today is a very sad day for me and I believe, a sad day for America. I watched the mixed reaction and news coverage from the many so-called news outlets as they reported the death of a man that I believe was a true American icon....Rush Hudson Limbaugh.

Now, let me temper my remarks regarding my admiration for Mr. Limbaugh since I was never a diehard follower of his radio talk show. In fact, in his 30 plus years of voicing his opinion over our radio airways, I probably listened to his show less than 20 hours...TOTAL. But in listening to him, I was always overcome with admiration for his love for our country; his willingness to debate with his callers the pros and cons of both his and their opinions of the state of our country, our political leadership (and their flaws) and other timely topics that indeed made for good, if not great, talk radio.What bothered me last night was the way the left-leaning media bashed the man and his legacy and had the audacity to label him a malfeasant...all the while holding up to the "noble" life of the recently deceased porn purveyor, Larry Flynt; the publisher of Hustler magazine and his pornographic empire.

Now, I never agreed with Rush Limbaugh on everything, and sometimes, I agreed with him not at all; BUT I ALWAYS AGREED WITH HIS RIGHT TO SHARE HIS OPINION AND LET THOSE OF US ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RADIO SPEAKER MAKE UP OUR MINDS AND FORM OUR OWN CONCLUSIONS...and for me that is enough of a reason to mourn his death.

I also believe that Rush Limbaugh had a GREAT BIG HEART and used that caring spirit to spread much joy and love to others as he shared his fortune with charities, endowments and other means of giving to those in need. I believe, as he did, that he had talent that was on loan from HIS CREATOR and that he always sought to find a way to share his talent, thoughts and time with others. I believe that he sought to use his platform, and his ever-growing audience, to instill in his listeners how we might come together in unity to redeem this great nation so that we might return to our roots of faith in our Creator...and in so doing, we might begin to live together in harmony as we continue our search for LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS...those inalienable rights guaranteed to us by the hands of our founding fathers in our Constitution.

Was Rush Limbaugh a perfect man? I think that answer would be an emphatic NO! But as Christ said to those men, standing around the harlot, with huge stones in their hands, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.”

And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” John 8:7b-11

I think that is the message behind this blog today...we can look at the life of Rush Limbaugh; pick up the big stones, ready to hurl them at this man with whom we may disagree... and possibly even have chosen to hate with a vitriol which seems to be more commonplace in our nation with the passing of each new day...or we can do as our Lord and Savior has commanded us to do; “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 'But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,  that you may be sons of your Father in heaven;" Matthew 5:43-45a (bold, my emphasis)

So I say in closing, it does not matter if Rush Limbaugh was in your 'Living Life Large Hall of Fame' or in the 'Despicable Wing of Whackos'...he was a man, created by a loving, heavenly Father, who sought to use his talents to make a difference in this world...and whether you agree with him, his politics or anything else associated with him, let those who will miss him mourn in peace; pray for them in their sorrow and remember your day to depart this world could happen at any moment...So, act the way you want others to act when they hear that you are dead and gone...so that you may be counted as a son of your Father in heaven.

Laying down the stones....Walking away in Love,

WPQ

 

 

Poem for the day...

 

There is coming a day,

When each of us will know...

That the angel of death has come

And 'tis time for us to go.

 

But what will be our departing cry

As we leave this mortal life?

Will we celebrate the good we've done

Or revel in the misery and strife?

 

And what about the ones we loved;

What will their praises be?

Will their eyes fill with many tears,

Expressing sorrow or frivolity?

 

So live each day as if it were the one

When God's trumpet calls for you...

You've spent your time loving others;

Doing what He'd have you do...

 

So when the casket lid is closed;

Silence will be the deafening tone...

And a pile of rocks will be left behind

Because everyone dropped their stone!!!

 

 

WPQ  February 2021

Does One Letter Make a Difference?

While my wife and I sat in front of my desktop computer this morning to listen to the broadcast of our church's morning worship service, I was struck by our pastor's message about how God's grace was set to be bestowed on us before the beginning of time. He spoke about the Word and how that was used by God to draw us unto him and out of this World....and in that moment, I saw there was one letter between the two words that would make ALL THE DIFFERENCE in our relationship with our Savior. In fact, the WORD says it best in I John 2:15-17 which reads;  

"Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever." New Living Translation (bolding, my emphasis)

And there is the difference between the two works...the "l". When we let the WORD into us, we come to know Christ as our Lord and Savior and we have the Holy Spirit living within us, to direct us as we seek to do what pleases God; however, when we let the WORLD dwell in our hearts and minds, we seek to do what we want and not what God wants...which tells all those who view our life and the way that we live that the LOVE OF THE FATHER DOES NOT DWELL WITHIN US! We need to let the WORD of God dwell deep within our heart, mind and soul so that there is no room for the world to come in. World in spells Disaster in our lives for God is not truly with us. WORD in spells peace, love and the desire to do what pleases God and gives our lives a sweet aroma of surrender to the Father's will.

I believe I can best illustrate this by sharing a little of my history regarding my service in the US Navy…and some interesting parallels that will help us understand this concept of the Word versus the World.

Now, I was stationed aboard an old tin can destroyer, USS Strong DD-758, a World War II relic, if ever there was one. Our ship was tethered to the pier in our home port of Charleston, SC when it wasn’t in route overseas for a  Mediterranean cruise or sailing about the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean. I learned early as a seaman in the deck force that the ship needed to be in the water to do the most good…to perform its duties and function as a member of the Sixth Fleet. I also learned that though it was good for the ship to be in the water, it was extremely BAD for the water to get into the ship. When that happens, the ship is on its way to becoming a fish hotel on the bottom of the ocean...no longer fit for service and its intended purpose. The ship had to stay afloat in the water or it was just a large chunk of metal that had little value…it could not fulfill its true mission as a naval vessel unless it was in the water; however, it made for a very bad situation if the water got into the ship.

And that my friend is true for you and me regarding the WORD and the World. We have to live in this world and function as a servant of God until He calls us home to and for our glorious reward. But living in this world DOES NOT GIVE US CAUSE to let the World live in us. When that happens, James tells us in the fourth chapter of his book, verse 4;   ^"You are not faithful to God. Don’t you know that to be a friend of the world is to hate God? So anyone who chooses to be the world’s friend becomes God’s enemy." NLTR

So the question is quite simple....how has the one letter "l" affected your standing with God, your Heavenly Father? If the world is in you with all its lust, greed, power and pride, then YOU ARE AN ENEMY of  GOD....and the WORD tells us how that battle will end...YOU LOSE!!! But, if the WORD is in you, as you seek to do the Father's will, then keep on keeping on by letting His Word dwell in your heart as you listen to and following the leadings of the Holy Spirit....and YOU WILL KNOW LOVE, JOY, PEACE AND FELLOWSHIP THAT WILL LAST FOR ETERNITY...at home with the Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit in ONE....and it can all be yours if you pay attention to that one little letter...L!

Living in the WORD...Leaving the world behind,

WPQ

 

Poem for the day...

 

If you choose to love the world

Then Life's  battle you will lose;

For living in the Word of God

Is the life that you should chose.

 

For God wants for each of us

To know Jesus, His only Son;

To embrace Him as our Savior

And accept what He has done.

 

For on the cross, He shed His blood;

Not a drop did He withhold.

So those who would accept Him

Could live life, brave and bold.

 

So don't give in to worldly things;

For these shall pass away.

But let His Word indwell deep within

As you walk with Him each day!

 

 

WPQ © January 2021

The Secret to a Happy New Year

 The following is an excerpt from the book, OUT OF THE STARTING BLOCKS!

The Secret to a Happy New Year…

 

Just about everyone starts off the New Year by making a few, well-thought out New Year’s resolutions. In fact, I would venture to guess that most of us reason that if we will remain true to our vision of a better “you” and will commit ourselves to the fulfillment of our resolutions…we will enjoy a truly HAPPY New Year…..The sad fact of the matter is that RARELY EVER HAPPENS.

 

So, in order to insure that you and my other faithful reader enjoy a blissful and extremely HAPPY New Year, I have decided to share my secret with you; although in truth, it really belongs to the apostle Paul. He wrote in Philippians 4:11-12 the following, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low and I know how to abound. In any and EVERY circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.”

 

And there it is, my friend….in a few simple sentences, the great apostle Paul tells us the secret to happiness….for life, health, wealth and everything else. We need to learn contentment, whether in good times or bad, whether happy or sad, in plenty or want or abundance or need…..

LEARN TO BE CONTENT AND YOU WILL BE HAPPY!

 

Now, I know that sounds almost too simplistic and as you stand there scratching your head, think on this….We learn contentment when we abandon comparison….It is the constant use of comparison that leads to discontentment. If we buy a new car that meets our needs, we have reason to be happy…. until we compare our ride to that of our boss or neighbor or anyone else who has a newer, sleeker model. The bloom of comparison leads to the seeds of discontent and there goes the joy and happiness that was once ours.

 

Time after time after time, when we compare what others have with what we don’t have, we tear down our foundation to happiness. We need to see what we have as sufficient for our needs…as God’s measured blessing to insure our happiness and to keep us focused on doing His will.

 

Whenever you trade your contentment for discontentment, you become myopic in your vision for the Lord’s work and in His will for your life. You become so self-centered in looking at what you don’t have that you are rarely thankful for what God has given….this is more than just seeing the glass as half-empty or half-full….it is a greater truth that speaks to the heart of who you are and who you want to be in Jesus Christ.

 

Contentment is a learned response to the actions of a loving God….you can choose to be happy with little or with much…with great wealth or abject poverty….with exceptional wellness or poor health….the list is inexhaustible ….but the choice is always yours ….and the correct choice will lead to contentment and happiness that is often inexplicable to those who view your life from outside the faith.

 

So, learn this invaluable lesson that Paul sought to teach each of us….in EVERY SITUATION, in EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE….don’t look around to see if others have more or less than you…learn to be content in your situation….then you will be able to live in the fullness of verse 13 in Philippians 4 that says, “I can do all things through Him that gives me strength.”

 

Choose today to be a person that lives with a flexible cup that is always ready to expand or contract  based on the Lord’s provisions…it is a mindset that will lead to contentment and one step closer to living a life that will honor your Heavenly Father….get started today; and oh, by the way, this is a secret that is okay to share with those you love….I know that’s what I intend to do.

 

Go On…..Make it a Happy New Year,

 

WPQ

 

 

Poem of the day....

 

At the start of a brand New Year,

There is so much stuff to do;

Plans to make; goals to set

If there's to be a better you?

 

But this year why not take a break

 From resolutions and such things...

Just set your heart on obedience

As you follow the King of Kings!

 

Don't run after earthly things;

Don't fret...don't scream...don't vent.

For your Father will provide all your needs...

If you will just learn to be content!

 

 

  WPQ © January 2021