Fallen Heros

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This Friend I've Got

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Iron Sharpens Iron

 Iron (Sharpens Iron)

* Welcome friend, come on in and pull up a chair.

You’re in a safe place. Here you can freely share.

We’re all brothers, just a bunch of ordinary men.

Yes, we aspire to be Christ-like, but no one is free of sin.

(He says:) 

Why would I share my pain, grief and strife with you?

‘Cause it’s just not a natural thing for a man to do.

Why should I open my heart and bare my soul?

Come on now, tell me what’s really your goal.

I really can’t think of anything you could say, 

to make me want to stay. So, it’s time I was on my way.

* You tell me, you’re not interested in anything I have say.

What could I possibly say that would make you stay.

Hold on now Friend, wait for another moment or two.

I've got so much more I'd like to say to you.

There’s this very special man, a close Friend I've got.

Maybe you have heard of Him or maybe you’ve not.

I know He’d truly like to get to know you too. 

His friendship is so important for me and you.

His name is Jesus Christ, the son of our Living God.

He’s the Light of the world. Yes, I know that sounds odd.

(He says:)

This thing you’re telling me can’t be true. 

Excuse me Friend, but this conversation is through.

I’m sorry, but I really don’t believe. 

So now it’s time I take my leave. 

* Just a minute more my Friend, I’m begging you, please don’t go. 

There’s so much more about this man, I’d like you to know.

God, our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ his Son, 

Have their arms open wide, for you and me and everyone. 

Almighty God is our King, and Jesus our Lord and Savior.

They're patiently waiting; their Love will never waiver.

So, come on now Friend, let us not tarry, let’s not be late.

My Brothers and I will help you walk through the open gate.

 

John V. Prater.                                                                   Oct 2025

My Etsy Shop

My Etsy Shop has reopened.  SouthForkCreek

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The Bear

The Bear

When I was a kid, my Grandpa Vincent Prater told me a story about a Bear that lived up the holler near their house. He and my Grandma lived for many years up on South Fork (Hwy 1098) in Breathitt County, Kentucky.

The story goes like this; Grandma would bake pies and put them in the open kitchen window to cool. But she always had to make an extra one for a Big Ole Black Bear that lived up the holler. The Bear would smell the pies, come down out of the holler, lumber up to house and grab one of the pies. Then would run up a giant pine tree that was there next to the house. He would sit there high up in the tree and enjoy his pie. This was sort of a regular thing.

Finally, Grandpa got tired of the Bear’s shenanigans and decided he'd fix that Bear. So, one day he went out into the yard and cut down that big pine tree and hauled it away. The next week Grandma made her pies and put them in the window to cool. This time Grandpa was sitting at the kitchen table waiting for the Bear. He didn't have to wait very long before he saw the Bear coming out of the holler, making his way toward the house. Just like every other time before, the Bear lumbered up to the window and grabbed a pie.

But this time he ran thirty feet straight up before he realized the tree was no longer there.

Written many years ago...

Memorial Day

                                Fallen Heroes

If our Fallen Heroes could speak to us, this is what they might say...

Thank you for being here today, to honor me in this way.

I truly appreciate that some of you have come from far away.
Thank you for the flowers and the flag you've placed on my grave.
For the tears over the years, and the sweet memories you save.

Thank you for the cards and letters and the goodies you always sent.
For waiting by the telephone, you’ll never know how much it meant.
Thank you for being there each time I stepped off the plane,
For the tears, the hugs and kisses, even in down-pouring rain.

Thank you, wives, husbands and friends. I'll forever hold you in my heart.
For raising our children and teaching them the reasons we were apart.
Thank you, sons and daughters, for giving me purpose, hope and faith.
I did my duty upon the sea, and on distant lands, so you’d always be safe.

Thank you for the street, the highway, the school and the mall.
In my honor they carry my name, a reminder to one and all.
I am sorrowfully aware of the sadness and anguish you have borne.
No, the sacrifice was not too great, please don’t forever mourn. 

Thank you for honoring me today, I’m forever grateful, though I cannot say.
     

         23 May 2025.                                                               John V. Prater

New Entry

 Saturday, April 26, 2025 - found me sitting in the back yard, spending time with the Lord reading my daily devotional and enjoying my morning coffee. I began to consider where I am currently regarding my walk with Jesus and reflecting on where I was just about a year ago. Deciding I would write a few paragraphs for my blog, I started to scribble some words in my journal – to transfer to the blog later. What started out as a short blog entry grew to nearly eight handwritten pages in the journal. Looking at the time, I also realized I had been sitting there for more than three hours. My simple blog entry had become a full-blown testimony.

The above is the opening paragraph to my newest entry on the Spiritual Constructs page. To continue reading, please following the link provided, or simply choose the Spiritual Constructs page on the right.

Spiritual Constructs