Write Offs

[one shot scott]

MikeP, you have a good heart. And so does anyone who takes a write off under their wing. You guys are the true heros.

[Undertaker]

I had a friend, we used to go hunting and fishing. One day his wife called me and asked me if I knew where he was. I could sense anxiety, so I stopped what I was doing and went searching. I found him. He had been gone from home for four days. He was dirty, broke, and wild eyed.

We spoke for a bit, and he started to tell me about his crack habit. It was sad to hear my friend had fallen into that trap. He spent four months in a rehab that used the love of God to help cure the sick of soul.

He has been a home bodied man, AND about the house, ever since. Started his own business, A/C refrigeration. I can see the happiness that his choices have brought, in the eyes of his boy and his girl. His wife sure grins alot.

I'd like to think I helped with all that, but I really didn't. Someone else ran that little show, I just was along for the ride.

It is funny- life, that is. My older brother lost his twelve year old cabinetmaker job this past January. Guess what- he started working for my friend who is teaching him a new profession. My brother is happy.

I am glad my friend and I had a good talk, on the day I found him. He truely was lost. Now he hunts and fishes with his boy and he is indeed Dad once again. He never has time to go fishing with ME anymore, but I know I could call him, and tell him that I am in trouble, and he would be there for me.

There are many that have need. They are everywhere. You just do the best you can with what your given. It is nice when your efforts are rewarded in a manner that is visible.

I met a beautiful girl one day. She came to visit a friend of mine. Stunning is what she was, curly, fire red hair, big blue eyes. She had two boys, one was about eight, the other about six. Their father was a crack head who got her addicted. He would use her to gain entry to parties, as he would make her available to whomever.

The kids were withdrawn and stood in the yard and watched my friend's kids riding their bikes. Turns out, neither had ever riden a bike. It didn't take long to fix that. You should have seen them go go go. Their mother came outside and she just stood there and watched them. She seemed startled, as if she had never imagined that her kids would wish to ride bikes.

I remember the sadness of it all when she loaded up to go wherever it was she was living. I knew those boys were going back to hell. I watched that junk car drive away, and I felt that more could have been done. But...she wasn't ready to walk away from the devil.

I feel lucky to have had parents that taught me things, bought me things, tried to raise me right. Yes- I was lucky.

I try to be good always, but my soul can't hold all the sadness I have seen. I had to learn to let some of it go. I pick my fights carefully. A man can only do so much. For every sucess brings gladness, and the knowledge that, this time, I got lucky.

Mike- you and yours do good work. Keep growing both kinds of commodities big and strong. Don't let the ones that got away, keep you at bay. You have to lose a few along the way, or you ain't doing it right. Paul

[Grizzly Adam]

One of the most satisfying successes I've seen lately is the growth of a "write-off" who not only found love and a chance to change among us, but who is also learning to read at 57.

Several Sundays ago, he read a short bible verse at the start of the service, up in front of everyone. It was wonderful to see the joy on his face! He looked like a little kid ... he was beaming!

Never underestimate the impact of small things you can do, guys. All it takes is enough humility to realize that had things been different in your life, it might have been you in difficult circumstance. In many situations, the old saying "There but for the grace of God go I" applies! When we suspend judgment and extend grace ourselves, we are given many opportunities to serve others.

Remember: Little things mean a lot ... to the "written-off".

[one shot scott]

Remember: Little things mean a lot ... to the "written-off". [/quote]

Very well said. Such a small act of kindness can show anyone that they are valuable, repected, and cared about.

[maple]

Wish I could write, and inspire, like you guys do.

I'll do my best.

Maple

[saxman]

I have
1 Barska x bow scope
1 lumi zone
2 red dot scopes
some factory excal arrows
Several fixed and folding hunting knives
I will PM you the rest Mike.

[Mike P]

Sax thank you so much for your kindness and generosity.

The list of items continues to grow.


I will post another thread about Excalibur Kids very soon.

I just need one more fish to nibble.

[ohiobonecollector]

Well spoken Mike, I understand and agree with what you say. Just think if we took a few mins. of our time and how it could help change the life of a child. I think how some of the simplest things we sometimes over look go so far in the mind of of lil ones. It is up to us to promote the values we have. If we dont who will? And what will they learn?

[Grizzly Adam]

I keep my inventory of stuff pretty clean, as I don't like to have much that I don't actually use cluttering up my spaces ... but once this program takes flight, I would be willing to buy and donate something. I can't do anything extravagant, but I'd like to help.

[Mike P]

I can't do anything extravagant, but I'd like to help.

That is most kind grizz.

If we all take that attitude we will have a very successful program.

[awshucks]

pm, hit wrong button, lol.