Things That Shouldn't Have To Be Said

“Mothers shouldn’t kill their children. Fathers shouldn’t abandon their babies. No human life is worthless, regardless of skin color, age, disability, or economic status. The very fact that these things must be proclaimed is a reminder of the horrors of this present darkness. And I hate it.”

    - Russell Moore

Be the First

Men- Want to lead your wife and family? Then you must..

Be the first to love
Be the first to serve
Be the first to sacrifice
Be the first to repent
Be the first to apologize
Be the first to forgive

... because (other than repenting and apologizing) that is the way Christ leads His Bride. We are commanded to love our wives "as Christ loved the church." (Ephesians 5:25)

Been crucified lately?

Veterans Day 2015

Today is Veterans Day in the USA. November 11th was originally called Armistice Day, in memory of the end of World War I. It is now called Veterans Day in honor of all U.S. military veterans. Many of my family members are veterans. I wish to make special recognition today for and to:

1. My Dad (Col. B.F. Simmons, USAF, retired, pictured at left), my late Grandfather (Jefferson L. Simmons, Mississippi National Guard in WWI in France, pictured below Dad), my late Uncle Franklin Simmons (Navy "Sea Bee" in WWII), Uncle Terrell Simmons (US Army), Uncle Charles Shirley (Air Force), Uncle Hal Shirley (Army National Guard), my late Uncle Cranford Nelson (Navy), Cousin Harry Nelson (Navy), Cousin Jimmy Walters (Marine Corps), Cousin Shain Vice (US Army), Brother-in-law Gary Meier (US Army), nephew Dale Meier (US Army, 82nd Airborne), and any other family members I'm forgetting.

2. All our men and women serving and protecting us on the front lines of Afghanistan, and many other dangerous places around the world.

3. All current and retired American veterans.

4. The families of those lost in Vietnam, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, and so many other places. I am thankful and grateful.

Adoration By The Batman

My 4 year old grandson made sure his #1 hero Batman knows the real reason for the season. I hope you know it too. Even the Dark Knight adores the Christ Child - Holy Nativity, Batman!

Veterans Day 2014

Today is Veterans Day in the USA. November 11th was originally called Armistice Day, in memory of the end of World War I. It is now called Veterans Day in honor of all U.S. military veterans.Many of my family members are veterans. I wish to make special recognition today for and to:


1. My Dad (Col. B.F. Simmons, USAF, retired, pictured at left), my late Grandfather (Jefferson L. Simmons, Mississippi National Guard in WWI in France, pictured below Dad), my late Uncle Franklin Simmons (Navy "Sea Bee" in WWII), Uncle Charles Shirley (Air Force), Uncle Hal Shirley (Army National Guard), my late Uncle Cranford Nelson (Navy), Cousin Harry Nelson (Navy), Cousin Jimmy Walters (Marine Corps), Cousin Shain Vice (US Army), Brother-in-law Gary Meier (Army), nephew Dale Meier (Army, 82nd Airborne), and any other family members I'm forgetting.

2. All our men and women serving and protecting us on the front lines of Afghanistan, and many other dangerous places around the world.

3. All current and retired American veterans.

4. The families of those lost in Vietnam, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, and so many other places.I am thankful and grateful for your service and sacrifice.

Smaller List

2013 Veterans Day Salute

Today is Veterans Day in the USA. November 11 was originally called Armistice Day, in memory of the end of World War I. It is now called Veterans Day in honor of all U.S. military veterans.I wish to make special recognition today for and to:

1. My Dad (Col. B.F. Simmons, USAF, retired), my late Grandfather (Jefferson L. Simmons, Mississippi National Guard in WWI in France), my late Uncle Franklin Simmons (Navy "Sea Bee" in WWII), Uncle Charles Shirley (Air Force), Uncle Hal Shirley (Army National Guard), my late Uncle Cranford Nelson (Navy), Cousin Harry Nelson (Navy), Cousin Jimmy Walters (Marine Corps), Cousin Shain Vice (US Army), Brother-in-law Gary Meier (Army), nephew Dale Meier (Army, 82nd Airborne), and any other family members I'm forgetting.

2. All our men and women serving and protecting us on the front lines of Afghanistan, and many other dangerous places around the world.

3. All current and retired American veterans.

4. The families of those lost in Vietnam, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, and so many other places.

I am thankful and grateful for your service and sacrifice.

Fill Your Marriage Box

From Marriage Facebook Page & DaveWillis.org

Celebrating an Ordination

Today we were honored to be present for the ordination of our son--in-law, Zane Hartfield, to the ministry at Grace Temple Church. (Twitter @gracetemple) We were totally impressed by the instructions and charge given by Pastor Dwayne Higgason.

May Zane's sphere of work and ministry be wide and broad, but may his walk with God be even deeper still.

Cutest Sheep in Bethlehem

Well, in my totally unbiased opinion, I think my little grandson is the cutest little sheep in the Christmas play. Wouldn't you agree?

Veterans Day Salute

Today is Veterans Day in the USA. November 11 was originally called Armistice Day, in memory of the end of World War I. It is now called Veterans Day in honor of all U.S. military veterans.I wish to make special recognition today for and to:

1. My Dad (Col. B.F. Simmons, USAF, retired), my late Grandfather (Jefferson L. Simmons, Mississippi National Guard in WWI in France), my late Uncle Franklin Simmons (Navy "Sea Bee" in WWII), Uncle Charles Shirley (Air Force), Uncle Hal Shirley (Army National Guard), Uncle Cranford Nelson (Navy), Cousin Harry Nelson (Navy), Cousin Jimmy Walters (Marine Corps), Cousin Shain Vice (Major, US Army), Brother-in-law Gary Meier (Army), nephew Dale Meier (Army, 82nd Airborne), and any other family members I'm forgetting.

2. All our men and women serving and protecting us on the front lines of Afghanistan, and many other dangerous places around the world.

3. All current and retired American veterans.

4. The families of those lost in Vietnam, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, and so many other places.

I am thankful and grateful for your service and sacrifice.

Awaiting Heaven's Biscuits

Ten years ago today my grandmother, Norene Yeager Shirley, went to be with the Lord after 93 years on this earth. I'd give anything to be able to go back in time to hug her and tell her I love her. Wish I'd done that more often when I still had the chance. I'd live to just one more time be able to drive up the dirt road to the old farmhouse and see her standing on the porch with open arms welcoming me, with a lemon icebox pie waiting on the table ready to eat.

At the time of her death she was survived by 8 of her 9 children (two of them have since passed on) and by 29 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. The number of her descendents has continued since then to grow exponentially! She left a tremendous inheritance of faith to her family. We all miss her and value her example and legacy.

Keep the biscuits warm in heaven's ovens, Mamma Shirley. We will be expecting a hot meal when we get there.

Memorial Day Gratitude

On "Memorial Day," Americans honor our veterans, especially those who died defending our freedom.

Although I do not know of any family members who died in combat, I want to remember those of my relatives who did serve and helped protect our nation:  My Dad (Col. B.F. Simmons, USAF, retired), my late Grandfather Jefferson L. Simmons (Mississippi National Guard in WWI in France), my late Uncle Franklin Simmons (Navy "Sea Bee" in WWII), Uncle Charles Shirley (Air Force), Uncle Hal Shirley (Army National Guard), Brother-in-law Gary Meier (Army), nephew Dale Meier (Army, 82nd Airborne), Cousin Shain Vice (U.S. Army)and any other family members I'm forgetting.

Thanks to all American veterans and to the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us all. Thanks to those serving now in so many far away and dangerous places. You are remembered and honored today, and every day.

A Personal Note

I haven't been on the web as much as usual for the past few days due to a family medical crises.  Yesterday, my 83 year old mother had cancer surgery.  I am overjoyed to report that her prognosis looks good, the surgeon thinks that they got it all, and does not think that she will need chemotherapy. She was discharged from the hospital today and went home to recover in peace.

Thank you Lord Jesus, for all the grace and mercy we have received this week, for the prayer support of our family and friends, for the wisdom and skill given to a great doctor, and for your healing power at work in Mom's body. And thanks for the Christian testimony of my Mom and Dad and their example of a strong marriage.

To God be the glory!

Thanks for the Prayers

Thank you to all who prayed for my mother after my prayer request last week. She went home from the hospital on Friday, and is doing better. Still a long way to full recovery, and we appreciate your continued prayers.

God is good! Thanks, again, for your prayers.

Personal Prayer Request

My mother had a stroke Sunday morning. We'd appreciate any and all prayers for her, my Dad, and our family.

Father , we pray for a kingdom breakthrough in Mom's life, and ask for a down-payment on heaven's benefits to heal her body and restore her health.  Strengthen and comfort Dad and be with us all during this trial. Amen.

Dedicated Baby

My 4 1/2 month old grandson, Ethan, was prayed over by his parent's pastor in dedication to the Lord this Sunday.  We we pleased to be there as very proud parents and grandparents.

Lord, bless this boy so that he will grow up to know you, please you and honor you all of his days.  Give his mom and dad great wisdom to raise him right. Amen!

(and isn't his little suit just cute as can be!)

The Next 30 Years

Today is my 54th birthday, and I am feeling a little nostalgic.

Last Friday night I visited the campus of my Alma Mater, Mississippi College, to attend a Homecoming weekend gathering of alumni from the 1970's. Two thoughts that struck me hard that night were (a) How young the current college students look, and (b) How old my fellow 70's alumni looked! (just kidding).  It really was good to talk to several old friends.

As I wandered the campus before the event, remembering events and thoughts from over 30 years ago, I asked myself how I would have acted, what I would have done back in 1978, if I could have known then what the next 30 something years would look like for me. You know, there is no way to really answer that question. I'm glad I did not know.

But my Lord did know. He knew my future then - both what I now (in hind sight) consider my struggles and failures, as well as what I call my triumphs and successes. They were, and are, all in His hands. Maybe He considers my successes to be fluff, and my perceived failures to be character building triumphs?

He also knows what the next 30 years will look like.  I'm glad He won't tell me - I am content to leave it all in His hands, and take it day by day.

Here's to the next 30 years.  May He be glorified in them all.

My New Grandson

Here's a few pictures of my new grandson - Isn't he beautiful!

I'm a Grandpa!

This has been a special day for us. I find it hard to believe that my baby girl is now the mother of a baby boy!
Ethan Miles Hartfield was born today at 1:42 pm, weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces, 21 inches long.  Mother and son are doing great, and he is beautiful!