Next, I Would Like To Ask My Wife, Laura, To Join Me Here

finishing my degree. Even though I have the experience to do the things for God, I

How much does it mean to you to carry out his legacy for him and your family?

As kidney failure and resulting complications ended Father’s life at age 103 on July 18, 1990, still at the Ramkota, where he had been so contented in his last years. He was comfortable and peaceful as he quietly slipped away. Bishop Paul Dudley of Sioux Falls, who had called upon him a number of times, administered the last sacraments to Father to assist him on his final journey. He often said he was ready to go and join his beloved wife Julia, and so at last his wish was granted.

One of my favorite parts about my granddad particularly was how he always had something inspiring to say to me every day to keep me going. Sometimes it feels like he’s still inspiring me today while in heaven. I believe I would be struggling more if I didn’t have him around when I was little. He was the only father that was there for me when needed most. I miss him all the time, but

Through difficult task I get to know myself, I get to know the rewards of discipline.

Willa Cather once said, “The end is nothing; the road is all.” It’s not about the destination it’s about the journey. The lessons you learn as you go along are what make you. Whether or not you reached your goal means nothing more than a certificate or a pat on the back.

My dad had been on the transplant list to receive a new liver for about eight months, when he suddenly passed away. When I heard the news, I knew I had one of two options, I could turn my back on God for what He allowed to happen or I could turn to Him for support and reassurance. I, by the Grace of God, chose to turn to Him during this troubling time and will be forever grateful for that decision. In that moment, I felt like the relationship we shared was so much greater than it had ever been before. He was no longer this individual that I worshiped once a week, nevertheless a part of me wherever I went. No two people deal with the death of a loved one the same way, but having Him there with me as I grieved, strengthened my faith and my relationship with our

As Christians, many may ask what the end goal is. What is the purpose of living a life with virtue or good character? N.T. Wright presents three different options of what this might look like, and why it is important. The first option puts heaven as the final goal. This goal can only be achieved by faith in Jesus Christ because of his death and resurrection. We work towards this goal in what we do in our everyday lives. The second Christian model that Wright talks about is the goal of working towards God’s kingdom through our own everyday activities. This way of living was demonstrated to us by Jesus up until his death on the cross. As Christians we need to live a life anticipating God’s coming kingdom on earth by

I dedicate this book to my mother, Annie Smith Tyson. My grandmothers Henrietta Bates and Rebecca Shephard. These three women stood in the gap for me on many occasions, along with my beautiful, wonderful, strong, and powerful mother. My grandmothers who now watch over me within the great cloud of witnesses, taught me how to walk as an individual but with a heart to serve. They were the ones who showed me how to believe God, how to call upon His name and how to trust Him. Their unique qualities brought God into my life and into the hearts of others, through lives of prayer, lessons on life and great wisdom. Whenever I needed something, my grandparents would pray and teach me how to pray. They led by example; I was always encouraged to trust

My life seems to consist of an unending series of interruptions that keep me from doing the job I originally thought was the priority for that day. At first, this was a constant irritation until I read a quote from a well- known Roman Catholic author, Henri Nouwen. He said, “My whole life I have been complaining that my work was constantly interrupted. Then as I neared the end of my life I discovered that the interruptions were my work.” (Reaching Out, 1986) Jesus lived with the highest and clearest sense of direction; yet, if we look more closely, His life was a continuous series of diversions, delays, and off- the-cuff plans. He paid attention to interruptions as he directed his life toward one overarching purpose and that was to get to Jerusalem and die. He noticed everything and everyone with an inner ear to the whispers of the Holy Spirit and the desires of His Heavenly Father. In the words of Mark Buchanan, “What’s more, He invited others to go and do likewise.” Purposeful people have an ironic secret: “they manage time less and pay attention more.” (The Rest of God ,2006)

Life is a complicated twist of suffering, laughing, and learning all merging to tell a great story - or great many stories. Based on this view, "it is not the end goal or outcome of life that gives life meaning but rather the quality of the story, the quality with which one lives out and develops his or her role."

In our own lives, I believe that this is something we should perhaps take into consideration. By making the smallest changes to our bodies, mind and relationships we can change the dynamic system of our lives. Overtime these small changes will make a dramatic imprint on our lives. Have you ever considered losing 5 kilo’s or trying to obtain a higher mark in your next exam? Every one of us can make a difference in our lives, all it takes is a small change; whether it be losing the 5 kilo’s to be a healthier person or getting an A in the next exam so that you can get a good job one day, all these things ultimately effect who we are one day going to be.

“The journey of 1000 steps begins with 1 step” (Lao Tzu). Throughout one's life, there are many journeys one must travel through. All of these journeys never include a point A to point B. It’s more of life journey and many things people overcome to become the person that they are today. The journey is always more important the destination. It matters more because the return home always makes a better man. This is because one has learned and are proud of who you have became and tasks you when through to become the best version of you.

Momma and daddy (George Rhodman) were very active in our church, Standfield, and our community. Love of the Lord, family, and all people, my parents exemplified that unconditional love. In fact, momma designed our church edifice and daddy built it with their own resources. Serving the church with dedication, professionalism, and their service blessed all. Health challenges curtailed my parent’s participation in church events, but their faithful service for all those years continues to bless us. The success that I have realized in my life and the ministry can be tied to my parent’s dedication and faithfulness. Through forty years of marriage, child rearing, and

Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.