Frank Murry Hampton Sr., my older brother served in the US Army in the Vietnam war (1963-67). He passed away year 2000 leaving his wife Julia, four children; Frank Murry Hampton Jr., West Helena, Kenneth Hampton, California; DeIvory Estelle Hampton-Scott, Indiana; and Kerry Rudolph Hampton, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Jeremiah Rudolph Hampton, my younger brother, served in the US Navy (1963-68). He currently resides with his wife(Maxine Hampton) in West Helena, Arkansas. They have one son(Tyronza Hampton) who resides in California.

Robert Murray Martin, my oldest son, (not pictured)served in the US Navy 1985-1992. He was deployed at Desert Storm, Desert Shield and the Persian Gulf. He currently resides in Atlanta, GA with his wife Nikki and five sons( DeVarus) a Freshman at Georgia Southern University; ( DeMarcus) member of ROTC; (Christian) elementary school; (Christopher and Chancellor).

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends__John 15:13.

FREEDOM COMMEMORATES

Dear Members of the Military:

Sons, fathers, husbands and brothers,

daughters, wives, sisters and mothers;

It was your bravery and commitment

that sustained this land,

and kept us free from the enemy's hand;

There's 'only' so much a few good soldiers can do,

and we're proud that this group included you;

Time you spent away from your home,

protecting the weak,

inspired the strong,

encouraged the intercessors to pray,

and gave new meaning for every new day;

To those who left and did not return,

your loved ones aren't alone;

we're here...

because you were there,

so our time and love we'll gladly share,

all because we sincerely care;

On this day of celebration,

let's not forget we're a blessed Nation,

we must never fail to honor our God,

our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,

He fought the greatest battle ---

and paid the greatest price;

Today America appreciates,

families celebrate,

Freedom commemorates.

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REFLECTION

Reflection

Reflection

Tell me what do you see when you look at me?

When I look at you, I see deep-seated unrest and concerns that surround humanity--I see layers upon layers of compassion, sympathy and desires; I see anxiety to make changes in unfavorable conditions and adverse situations. I see masses of scars that are memoirs of struggles for survival. I see deep imprints beyond your footsteps and bruises lodged around your heart from pressure of carrying heavy burdens and weights; I see watery eyes holding back tears of sorrow, because of the seemingly endless weeping through the night from agonizing internal pains that you suffered alone. I see facial lines from question marks in your forehead because of the many times that you wondered why you felt locked in shackles of poverty and that every key you used to gain freedom seemed to fail you. I see remnants of anger that once flourished because of the inconsideration that you found when you sought help among people who could've helped if they would've only taken time to care. I see disappointments because of hyprocracy and dishonesty practiced in high places. I see fear and doubt--conditions that preyed upon your hope and faith--trying to hinder you from moving forward; but most of all, I see MOUNTAINS of inner strength bursting through with power and force of many mighty armies--fearless as a den of deadly cobras, ready to strike and to capture all opposition--moving forward and upward to higher plateaus!!!

Aaah--At last, I see iron-clad victory and billowy-white clouds of peace overshadowing your entire Being, applauding your persistence as you graciously smile and say, "it is well, thank you Lord."

Now you may ponder, "how can you see all of this when you look at me?" "Well, I can see all this when I look at you, because when I look at you, I see a woman who fears and reverences God, I see a woman who LOVES--I see ME."

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Indoctrination

I am born again in the name of Jesus,
not against my will,
but with all that pleases;
Doing what my Lord commands,
is my heart's desire,
and only His love sets my soul afire!
Come all of you,
praise Him with me,
try my Lord's plan,
it'll surely set you free;
Rise up, stand to your feet,
you'll see,
in Him is the best place to be;
Open your heart's door,
receive His unconditional love,
forever more;
NOW is your time, reach out to Him,
refuse sin's darkness, repent,
believe, and He'll walk in;
All who comes He will not turn away,
So, take the first step
while it's still day;
Talk to our Savior,
His arms awaits you,
For all your sins,
He died too;
Only in Him all peace lies,
nothing upon this earth truly satifies;
I know on Him you can surely depend,
His grace is sufficient,
and love never ends;
Today is your time to come,
take your place in JESUS,
God's only begotten SON.
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MOTHERS DEAR

Mother's Day is a special day to express love and gratitude for our mothers,
For all the kind deeds you have done for your children, as well as for many others;
Mothers, you are dear, sweet, compassionate, also understanding, and have done your very best,
You have trodded paths of grief, suffered pain,
disappointments and shame,
Yet you passed every test;
Mothers, we're so proud of you today, and all the whole year through,
And our sincere desire is to show our love, and to never fail you;
Mothers dear we'd also like to say,
We're praying for your comfort and happiness in a very special way;
These words written here are very few, but comes from the depths of our heart,
And we realize that this is the most important part;
Gifts, flowers, and cards are very nice to express our thoughtfulness too,
Yet nothing surpasses saying these words,
" mother dear, we truly love you."

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
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Selection from: Complete Bits and Pieces
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Every Day

Every day is a good day,
For God has made it so;
Enjoy your time upon the earth,
And let your spirit grow;
Reach out and touch someone whose near,
With the power of your love,
Whatever gifts that you may have,
Came down from up above;
So, keep compassion in your heart,
And readily share His Word,
Give thanks to God, praise His name,
For He alone deserves.
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Selection from: "Pieces of My Heart"
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Christ the Wisdom and Power of God

Unfortunately, we tend to live in a way that draws attention to ourselves...our cars, our clothes, our careers, our position, our cleverness, our success. And when life is all about us, it's hard for people to see Jesus in us. Jesus saved us to be reflections of His glory (Rom. 8:29), but when we live for ourselves, our shadow gets cast on the canvas of His presence in us. (Our Daily Bread, Joe Stowell)

The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate. These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men. Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder; the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish. The ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down...those who with a word make a man out to be guilty, who ensnare the defender in court and with false testimony deprive the innocent of justice."

Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. It is because of Him that we are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God...that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

Don't get in the way of a great painting in progress. Live to let others see Jesus in you. (Our Daily Bread, Joe Stowell)

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Supporting Source and Scriptures: Our Daily Bread, Joe Stowell; Rom. 8:29; I Cor.1:18-21,27, 30; Is 29:13-14;21.

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It Does Not Matter

It does not matter what the skeptics say,

For I'll continue to watch and pray;

I know it was His voice that I heard,

When I read and believed His Holy word;

His Holy Spirit resides in me,

Protecting my soul and keeping me free;

Skepticism is of the mind of the flesh,

A haunting foe determined to crush;

But not this soul of mine,

Will I allow skepticism to bind;

Now I'm free as the roots of a tree,

Running l o n g and growing deep;

I know in whom and what I believe,

The blood of Jesus washed my sins away

And I have the faith of a mustard seed;

Skeptics, be still...hear this...Jesus also loves you,

And He gave His life for your deliverance too;

No, it does not matter what the skeptics say,

For my footsteps are ordered day by day;

I'm determined to keep standing tall,

I may lean, but will not fall.

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Even so let your light so shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. ---Matthew 5:16

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