Am I An Indian?

Last week, as usual, I picked the boys up after school. Hayden was sitting in the back seat and Hunter was in the passenger seat. We are heading home and we are having our usual discussion about their day. What did you have for lunch? Did anyone in your class get in trouble? (The last question is simply a bait to allow the boys the opportunity to confess)

I looked over at Hunter and he had already started on his homework. He likes to start on his homework before we get home so he will have more time to play baseball in the yard. He was working on something to do with Indians.

He asked me a couple of questions and then I proceeded to let him know that my great-grandmother was full-blooded Indian. After hearing this news, the floodgate of questions was opened. After a while he started trying to figure out how much Indian blood he had. After I told him that I was 1/8th Indian, I tried to explain to him that he was 1/16th Indian. He looked over at me with a funny look and said, "No, Daddy. How many quarts?"

Do You Remember?

I posted earlier what I would miss about some of my instructors. Here are a few things I'll remember about some students.
Jared...your wrong.
Mark...iron your shirt.
Josh...Arkansas stinks.
Alex...turn your chair like the rest of the class.
Martin...go back to Texas(you can leave your wife and kids here, they're sweet).
Tommy...awesome guns.
Tim...the boogey man
Justin...have any holes in your wall?
Joey...check your britches.
Micah...want some fish?
Wayne Lee...Deacon/Calvary.
Josh L...what did you tell the husband when counseling him?
James...buy a used car, not new one.
Jonathon...wake up
Jessie...country
Cole...how can 2 totally different sounds come from the same box?
Richard...poked anyone lately?

Noon-Time Recollections

How'd you like that title Bro-in-law? Well, I'm done. I have finished my seminary course at LMBIS. This Friday, they will bid me farewell at the commencement exercises. I do not expect to see tears in the instructors' eyes. But I might produce one.

I love LMBIS. I have spent more time within her walls than the average student. Some might accredit this to my lack of intellectual acuity, but I would rather say it was simply the result of my life choices. Whatever the reasons, after completing my first year in 1986, I have now seen the waving of the checkered flag.

I am forever indebted to those men and women who work at the school. I have been blessed to sit at the feet of men who love my Lord and His Word. Not once has my mind been impregnated by force with doctrines, but it has been challenged to let the Word of God speak. Not in the LMBIS voice, but in God's.

I am blessed to live close to the school. They may graduate me, but they have yet to ban me. So the glow of my balding head will be lighting the halls of the school in the days to come. Some may graduate with a belly full of school and disappear for years to digest their intake. Me, I'm still starving. I want more!

I want more of Bro. John's bashing my use of the English language. I want more of Bro. Wager's attempts at explaining to me the beauty of the construct state of Hebrew nouns. I want more of Bro. Joe's banging his head against the board in disgust because some student just made the same Greek translation mistake again...for the 10th time. I want more of Bro. Jim's taking role on the last day of school(By the way, it was a scheduled day of school). I want more of Bro. Wooley's infectious optimism and attitude(he will be missed). I want Bro. Don to still call me a dumb preacher.

But most of all, I want more of the sweet fellowship.

Blow Your Nose

Sounds like it is time for some Claritan. Someone needs to take something to help unclog the organ of discrimination. The vast majority of these posts have been double-dipped in sarcasm. Can't you smell it?

The brethren who roam the same woods I do relate to one another with knee-deep, roll ya britches up sarcasm. Are we serious about the stands we take? Yes. Do we roll it up in double-battered chimichanga of personal insults, before we serve it to each other? Yes.

If you don't like it...don't sit at our table and try to eat with us.

I love it! I love the way, Snyde, Carter3, LLL, Slim, ArchBishop, Bro-in-law1, Bro-in-law2, Mikey Matty, and Neally fuss with one another. We are waiting on you Harry. Join in.

Smells like someone got their feelings hurt on another site. If an attack on your views is the cause, either change your views or learn to deal with it. If you feel like people were mean to you, go find another playground. I say this because I personally know every one of these men. They are good men who would never intentionally offend someone. What we do here is the nature of our relationships with each other. We play a little rough with each other. We have fun doing it. So no offense is meant by this, but if you can't run with the big dogs, that's OK. I'm sure there are plenty of Chihuahuas wanting to play.

Bro. Truth. Awesome. Keep your anonymity. You've got us all guessing. I love it. Hope you can handle eating with us.

Not Exactly Poker

Do you buy raffle tickets if the money is going to a good cause?

Do I Want That Face on My Book?

Dealing with Facebook. If you have a "friend" whose page has some inappropriate comments, should you revoke their privilege as being listed as one of your friends?

What's Up With The Steeple?

This question is posed by one of my boys. Why do churches have steeples? I know I could look it up, just figured some of you quick witted brethren might have fun with this one.

A Message from a Burrito

I love camp. But to tell you the truth, things have been mighty quiet around here. Bro. Doug has been busy getting everything ready for your arrival. From building repairs to landscaping, he keeps things looking good. Bogg Springs is a beautiful place to spend a week at camp.
There were a few of us burritos left over from last year and we’ve been in this freezer just waiting for Spring to come. Bro. Doug has gone out and brought in some new boys. Supposedly, they are “better than ever”. They claim to be made from the choicest meat from the best of the herd. Every year…same old story. These new burrito boys are no better than we old ones are. We’ve been around for years. It reminds me of the boys at camp every year thinking they can beat the preachers…same old story.
But enough about me. You folks will be coming to Bogg Springs Youth Encampment from Monday, June 29th through July 3rd. The fee for camp this year is $77. That’s quite a deal for a week’s worth of meals like me.

We look forward to seeing you at camp this year.

Signed,
Last Year’s Camp Burrito…that’s still talking to you.

You asked For Questions...You Got Um #5

Do God's people still have "gifts?"

You asked For Questions...You Got Um #4

Why did Abraham lie about Sarah being his wife? Was it the right thing to do?

You asked For Questions...You Got Um #3

Why do people claim "God has convicted me", as their reasoning for believing something? Isn't conviction a word that carries a negative connotation.

You asked For Questions...You Got Um #2

Why was it that the only question Pharaoh asked Jacob was "How old are you?"

You asked For Questions...You Got Um #1

What is proper attire for worship services at camp?

Snyder Made Me Do It

At the behest of Bro. James, I ask this question...Does Jesus tarry His coming?

The Three Amigos...Wilkes Style

Recently, much mention has been made of my family. Most of the attention has been focused on the relationships between three men...myself, Bro. Michael Reese and Bro. Jason Hebert.

For the benefit of those who are ignorant, all three of us are Pastors of Missionary Baptist Churches. Michael married my sister, Karen. Karen is the middle child in our family and as such, she claims irreparable damage. She was lost in the middle.

Karen...Poor Karen. Middle Child Syndrome. Michael married her knowing she had this problem. So I am forever indebted to him for his willingness to take on the responsibility of caring for one who has an issue for which there is no cure.

Jason married Cindy. Cindy is the youngest of us kids. The baby. You know what a commitment a baby is. They need an extra dose of love and care. I will always be thankful for Jason's extra helpings of love and care he doses out toward her.


Often the entire crew makes road trips together. All 13 of us. These trips are usually to the national ABA meeting. These trips are not for the faint of heart. We have saved a life on the concrete of I-20 (literally), had van problems in the Guadalupe Mountains, made repairs in the parking lots of El Paso, searched for tire shops in the boondocks of Alabama, been broke down in Daytona, been on the wrong side of town in Kansas City and suffered through an attack of the scours which demanded stops at every exit.

But the good stuff is found in the relationships between myself(the Navigator), Michael(the Driver) and Jason(the Chef).

As the Navigator, I line out the itinerary for our cross country excursions. I am Good. I know exactly what time we will arrive at our destination. I set allotted times for rest breaks and meals. You must train your bladder to function according to my itinerary. Unscheduled "potty" breaks are unacceptable.

Michael Reese is our primary driver. After we get him "booted up" (getting his mind focused to the task at hand) he does quite well. We do have occasional trouble with his hard drive going into hibernation. As a result, you can be guaranteed at least one u-turn during every trip.

Jason Hebert is our chef. Although he never actually cooks anything on our trips, he is the one who plans our meals. He is probably more diligent about his responsibilities than anyone else. Before he has swallowed the last bite of food on his plate, he is already discussing what eating establishment will be our next destination.

One might ask, "What do the wives do?" I'll answer that question as soon as my wife quits yelling at me.

Priorities

No trap here. Just curious. In what order would you place the following financial priorities of the church?
1. Care for the Pastor.
2. Necessary building improvements (ie. a new roof)
3. Unnecessary but desired building improvements (ie. a gymnasium)
4. Mission support

It's Time To Go

Does God ever lead His men by discouragement? Most of the time, a pastor does not resign and move on until the church is in disarray. Is this the way God is working?

Simple question. Very complicated situation. Just challenging your cranium to house activity, rather than just serve as the soil holder for your crop of hair.

Daddy's Challenge

I have two sons. Both seem to enjoy success at whatever they set forth to achieve. Whether in the arena of academics or athletics, few brass rings have eluded them. Now don't misunderstand, I am extremely thankful. Our boys, at this stage, enjoy their academic challenges, so their mother and I have little problem getting them to fulfill their obligations.

Our concern is making sure that they always give God the honor and glory. It is an easy thing to become high-minded when every step is a successful one. Do we want our boys to stumble? Absolutely not! But at the same time, problems breed dependency and we want our boys dependent on the Lord.

They are still young. Pride is not yet a serious problem. But it is coming I'm sure. I know that hard challenging days are ahead. But I do not want to wait until they are 16 to teach them the lessons they need in order to grow into the men God would have them to be.

So how do you help teach the "perfect kid" the lesson of humility? We've tried telling them they're stupid...but they are as smart as their momma. We've tried to tell them they're ugly...but they are as good looking as their daddy. What do you do?

You Better Get The Kids In The Book

Conney told me to address the issue of young children and the mentally getting to heaven. I normally ignore his commands, but I feel compelled.

Revelation 20:15 "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire"

It is commonly believed that a name is written in the book of life when one is saved. If this is true, when does the young baby ever get his name recorded? One thing I do know...if the name is not recorded, the lake of fire is his destiny.

What Was I Thinking?

Man, am I a goof. As a preface, let me say...I am sorry. I had no idea that the posting of the lyrics to "Simple Man" by Charlie Daniels would offend anyone.

As to whether or not this has tarnished the shine of my character's luster...you be the judge (if you consider yourself worthy). But anyone who knows me, knows how I live. What you see in my public life is exactly what you will find behind the doors of my private life. Perfect....No! Forgiven....Yes! Striving for the mastery....Always!

But I must at this point try to stomp out the proliferation of ignorance. So here is a little more information about the man, the song and the "word".

Charlie Daniels was raised in a christian home. He turned his back on his upbringing. He turned to the world and wrote songs centered on drugs and alcohol. But today's Charlie Daniels is a different man. Read this quote from him...

"I make no secret about my Christian faith. On stage I do a hymn and I tell the people that Jesus is my Savior and Lord. Many people misunderstand the Gospel message. They think that you have to be "good enough." People need to understand that they can never be "good enough." There was only one Person in the whole world who was -- Jesus Christ.
I try to get across the message: "You're a sinner, and I am too. When we accept the Savior who puts our sin under His blood, the sin is gone." It's as if that sin never existed. That's something that is hard to understand, but that's what the Bible teaches. You've got to accept it and believe that it's true, that it's the Word of God. The Bible is not just pretty words that someone sat down and wrote one day. The Bible is God-inspired. It is real."

Now, whether or not you want to be a fan is up to you. I never said that I was or wasn't. I simply posted the lyrics to one of his songs. I thought about this song at a moment when I was becoming increasing frustrated with the direction of our country. Are the lyrics "a little rough around the edges"? Absolutely! Do the lyrics cry out for a need of true justice...Absolutely! Was my posting these lyrics an attempt to proclaim a spiritual message...No! By the way, neither was my posting about a dog smelling like fritos, but it caused no uproar.

The word. Considering the context, the word "hell" in the song can have no reference to the place of eternal torment. How can a person be madder than "hell"? Have you ever been happier than "heaven"? According to Webster's 1828 the word "hell" also means "The place at a running play to which are carried those who are caught" or "A place into which a tailor throws his shreds". The online etymology dictionary also records that the word "hell" is used as "figuratively for "any bad experience" since at least 1374. As an expression of disgust, etc., first recorded 1678."

Do I use the word as a slang. No! I do not like how crude it sounds. Is it a sin? I'll let someone more qualified than I make that determination.

In closing, I titled this post "what was I thinking". Here's why. Instead of that old filthy country music station, I decided the other day to tune in to a "christian" station. While listening, an ad came on encouraging everyone to attend a "Rock and Roll Worship Leader Camp". As I ponder my choice to tune in..."What Was I Thinking".

Confused

I keep hearing terms like "Safe" or "Under the blood" when referencing young children. Would anyone like to elaborate, so that a simpleton might better understand?

What About the Kiddos?

When the Lord comes back and takes the saved to be with Him, what about young children and babies who have not been saved?

A Simple Man's View

These are the lyric's to the song "Simple Man" by Charlie Daniels...

I ain't nothin' but a simple man
They call me a redneck I reckon that I am
But there's things going on
That make me mad down to the core.

I have to work like a dog to make ends meet
There's crooked politicians and crime in the street
And I'm madder'n hell and I ain't gonna take it no more.

We tell our kids to just say no
Then some panty waist judge lets a drug dealer go
Slaps him on the wrist and then he turns him back out on the town.

Now if I had my way with people sellin' dope
I'd take a big tall tree and a short piece of rope
I'd hang 'em up high and let 'em swing 'til the sun goes down

Now I'm the kinda man that wouldn't harm a mouse
But if I catch somebody breakin in my house
I've got twelve gauge shotgun waiting on the other side

So don't go pushing me against my will
I don't want to have to fight you but I dern sure will
So if you don't want trouble then you'd better just pass me on by

As far as I'm concerned there ain't no excuse
For the raping and the killing and the child abuse
And I've got a way to put an end to all that mess

Just take them rascals out in the swamp
Put 'em on their knees and tie 'em to a stump
Let the rattlers and the bugs and the alligators do the rest

You know what's wrong with the world today
People done gone and put their Bibles away
They're living by the law of the jungle not the law of the land
The Good Book says it so I know it's the truth
An eye for and eye and a tooth for a tooth
You better watch where you go and remember where you been
That's the way I see it I'm a Simple Man

A Few Good Men

Last night I had the privilege of attending an awards ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base. Among the attendees were some of the "higher brass" in the area. Bossier City's Mayor, the Base Commander and numerous Colonels and Captains were in the room.

I never served in the military. I always had a longing to, but God had a greater plan for my life. But I do come from a family rich in military heritage. My dad is a Vietnam vet. His dad was a World-War 2 vet. My mom's dad was a World-War 2 vet. So I do have a fair knowledge of the military and their protocol.

The banquet last night was a mixture of both military and civilian personnel. The ratio of attendees was about 90% military and 10% civilian. Upon arrival, everyone walked around socializing with one another. After a while, my wife and I found the table with our names on it and sat down to keep Grandma Pearl company(She can't stand for long periods). Shortly thereafter, I noticed something. Me, my wife, and two other civilians were the only people sitting. All military personnel, dressed in their "mess blues"(which is the equivalent of a civilian tuxedo), were still standing and socializing. One young Sergeant, who was to sit at our table, was standing behind her chair. It was blatantly obvious that she wanted to sit down...but she couldn't.

Military protocol demands that at a military meal, no soldier sits until granted permission to do so.

Then, after the arrival of the base commander, who was running late(what could he have possibly be doing that was more important than banqueting), all soldiers were granted permission to be seated.

Some loathe the military and its life. (A subject to be considered another day) But I admire the discipline, in regard to his relationship to commanding officers, of a soldier. He does what he is told to do. He doesn't have the privilege of an opinion...he does what he is told. I wander if these verses fit?.........

2 Timothy 2:3-4
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

One extra note...Bossier City's Mayor, Lorenz Walker was the keynote speaker. He said, " Do you know what politicians and diapers have in common? They both need to be changed often...and for the same reason."

Undisciplined, Dunce or Dingy?

What is wrong with me? I can study until my mind collapses from fatigue, yet I still have trouble with retention. I have been exposed to, and use, all of the memory techniques available. I do find some benefit with associational memory, but soon after I not only forgot that which I intended to remember, but also that which I associated it with.

So, I have to figure out what the problem is. Maybe I just lack mental discipline. Although it would be painful to admit, it is a possibility. I do have a lazy nature (most of us do) but as far as my studies are concerned, it is extremely rare for me to be preparing at the last minute. I am usually prepared well in advance. But I will confess that my mind is as factually sharp as a butter knife. Some people can retain dates, and names and facts with relative ease, I do well to remember my name. But I do not have any trouble with analytical thinking. My mind is sharp in analysis and quick thinking. So if you ever need an explanation for something, just ask, I can usually figure it out...just remember though, that five minutes later I may forget that we ever had a conversation.

Maybe it is not a lack of discipline, maybe I just don't have it. Some people (Bro. Michael Reese) for example can remember everything. If you ever want to know who preached in chapel on a particular Wed. in 1986, call him, he'll remember. I can barely remember 1986. Some people have it...others don't. Maybe I'm just a little dunce-like in this area.

But there exist one last possibility I would rather not mention, but for honesty's sake feel compelled to do so. Maybe I'm dingy. Dingy is defined as a slang word meaning crazy or insane. But it is usually used in describing a person who misses some of the simpler things. Remembering a few facts for a test seems simple enough, but boy do I have trouble with that.

Quite embarrassed is how this syndrome leaves me feeling. Taking a simple test of straightforward facts and bombing even though I prepared...embarrassing. Forgetting people's names...embarrassing. Kissing the wrong woman on the cheek and telling her you love her (thinking it is your wife)...embarrassing. (Don't call the professionals, I'm just kidding about the last one).

Enviromentalist Toe-Jam

I know. The title it, well...it just sounds gross. Just humor me.

A couple of weeks ago I decided to take my boat to the lake. It has been a few months since I had run it, so I figured she was tired of sitting there, and I didn't want nautical arthritis to set in on her bow.

You see, gasoline engines need to be run from time to time. They were designed for that purpose. They were not built as residential complexes for the less-than-desirable creatures of the animal kingdom. I promise you this, you would not make a pet of anything you'll find living in an idle piece of equipment which once served as a mode of transportation. (Unless, you happen to find some perverted pleasure in walking your pet rat or cockroach).

So I charge-up the batteries and take Ole' Betsy to the lake. She fires right up and purrs like a kitten with a milk mustache. I make a few laps around the lake and start to bring her in to let her rest and then...she dies.

My motor is an old one. A 1979 115hp Mercury. The "Tower of Power". I like an old motor. No computer. No multitude of sensors. Just fire and gas. So, if the motor quits running, you have lost either your fuel supply or your spark needed for combustion. It's really about that simple.

So, I look at my clear-view inline fuel filter, and I see this "stuff". This "stuff" has clogged my filter and is preventing fuel from getting to the motor. But this foreign material is unlike any I have seen before. It is not the usual accumulation of loose dirt particles, it is a translucent, gooey looking blob.

I am able to get back to the ramp and load the boat, but the real fun has just begun. Now, I start my trek to world's unknown to discover the origin of the UGOS (Unidentified Gooey Object or Stuff).

With relative ease, I accomplish my mission. Because of a dual mission (protection of the environment and energy independence) some egg-head invented "gasoline" made from grain products, primarily corn. This miracle fuel is called Ethanol. This is not new, but re surged with higher fuel costs. It is an alcohol-like liquid which is used as a subsidizer in gasoline. It is not used to enhance the performance of the fuel, but rather as a filler. But Ethanol has many drawbacks. One of which, is the damage it can do to some types of plastics and fiber glasses (such as the fuel tank in my boat). It "eats away" at these materials and forms a jelly-like substance which is extremely harmful to fuel systems.

By law, in La. anyway, gas pumps which are pumping Ethanol "enhanced" fuels (usually at a ratio of 10%) must be clearly marked as such. So I guess I must have been jelly-filled for pumping the mess in my boat. But I do lay claim to ignorance.

So, my intent of giving Ole' Betsy a good day of exercise ended with my having to clean a bunch of "environmentalist toe-jam" out of her system. Thanks Sierra Club!

The Doors

Have you ever heard, or maybe used, the reference to God "opening and closing doors"? This expression is usually used when a person is facing a difficult decision. In an effort to find the proper exit, people ask God to shut down every unprofitable lane and draw them to their proper destination. Certainly, no one is arguing the desire for God's leadership or His ability to control all things and present opportunities. But if we are not careful, we will crash.

Life is about choices. Some spiritual. Some physical. Not all situations have a "wrong" choice. Blue shirt or red shirt? My choice. But neither choice is a "bad" one.

But some choices do have consequences and some of these consequences can be quite severe. If you refuse to acknowledge your sinful condition and need of a Savior, eternal torment will be your consequence. But it is your choice.

As God's people, we need to be careful how we view God's role in our decisions. Waiting for God to "open" or "shut" doors before we will commit to a decision, is often the result of a skewed view. Before we make a decision, we are often looking for external manifestation even though we have already received internal confirmation.

"Life is a highway" and if we desire that God close off every lane other than our own and only open the exits He wants us to take, we are desiring a somewhat Calvinistic existence.

One of the most difficult decisions I have ever made was leaving Holleyman Chapel MBC to come to Whispering Pines MBC. If I had decided to stay where I was, would that have been an ungodly choice? Whispering Pines wanted me to come in view of a call. The door of opportunity had been opened. But should I have waited for doors to close? Maybe I should have waited for my business to start failing, the church to start splitting, my wife to lose her job and the boys to start having serious problems at school. Then I would have known that God was closing doors.

But the problem was that I already knew what God wanted. Not from some external "signs" such as the slamming of doors, but by God leading in my heart. I just knew it!

Most pastors receive numerous opportunities to go preach in view of a call at another church. These are open doors. Are they not? But just because a door opens does not mean that it is God's perfect will for us to walk through it. I think it wise that we base our decisions not on external expectations but rather on those things the Lord has already given us...His Word and His Spirit.

Death Stinks

Today I'll be attending my 3rd funeral in the last 10 days. I just want to offer a short suggestion to my preacher friends. Death stinks. Do not try to make a funeral some sort of celebration of life.

I learned this lesson a couple of years ago when I had to bury my mom. Few people had more love for life than my mom. She was about as giving and loving as any I've ever seen. Her death created a huge void in our family.

When we had to bury her it hurt...bad. I didn't want to celebrate her life, I wanted my mom back. I know that was an impossible request, but that's all I wanted nonetheless.

Every family you will have to minister to, is in this same boat. They are extremely damaged. They are not in the shape to celebrate anything and we as preachers shouldn't be foolish enough to expect it if them. Leave the hyper-spirituality for the fairy tale world. Those who are having to bury a loved one are hurting. Death (our great enemy) has taking away one who is dear to their heart.

Love them. Help them any way you can. Pray for and with them. Preach Jesus.

The Old People Were Right...Again!

When I first started on the endeavor of writing my thesis for my Master's Degree (25,000 words) I kept hearing people say how 25,000 words was not enough to sufficiently cover a subject. Although never expressed audibly, I'm thinking these people just don't know what there talking about.

I know that they have already walked this path before. I know that they have already written their thesis. But I'm Mike Wilkes. And I am smarter than they are. How in the world would I ever be able to write 25,000 words in such a short period of time? These instructors are asking way too much. I am a husband, a dad, a coach, a pastor, a counselor, a student, a hunter, a fisherman and a lawnmower. No way would I ever be able to put together that many words and certainly not in the time allotted.

Now, a couple of weeks after having turned in my thesis (26,720 words)I am rethinking my positions.
#1 I wrote my thesis on the Humanity of Jesus, I didn't cover the subject adequately in 25,000 words and probably couldn't with 50,000.
#2 Even with all my other obligations, I had plenty of time to get it done
#3 I don't know everything
#4 Old People are always right

Another Stick Gone

I am sitting here getting ready to go to the funeral for Bro. Dwight Bird. Bro. Bird was never a man of notoriety in our national work. But he was a good stick. Let me elaborate.

A while back a preacher-friend and I were discussing the increasingly liberal paths the Lord's people seem to be taking. Both of us were concerned and we were deliberating the ways in which we might help to curb these trends. After a while we both concluded that the course of many of the Lord's people and His churches is like a raging river which is out of control.

My brother then stated that there was little we could possibly do. That's when I told him that we needed to be "sticks in the mud". "Stick in the mud" has long been a term used to describe someone who was unwilling to "change with the times" or "go with the flow".

I went on to explain to my friend that a "stick in the mud" is not going to reverse the course of a stream. But if you can put enough sticks in the mud, it sure will slow down the process of erosion.

I thank God for some of the erosion slowing sticks I have known. Thank you Bro. Bill Pickard, Bro. Don McCormick, Bro. Ken Price, Bro. Willie Knight, Bro. Dwight Bird. Thank you men for being "sticks in the mud".