I have endured the passing of my parents, 2 brothers and my first wife of 16 years, 2 months and 3 days along with 4 years batching and married to my present wife of 7 years and 6 months. I have one "daughter" that is not of my blood but just as cherished as one could be. When I asked my wife to marry me, I also asked my daughter to be my daughter and to claim me as her dad. Unbelievably, they both said "YES" !... My wife is on disability social security and my daughter is now minus a husband for he walked out in February and we are helping her to pick up the pieces and paying some of her and granddaughter's bills.

I am semi retired and enjoy my wife, daughter, and especially my granddaughter.

IT IS GOD'S MINISTRY
by Carl Evans 11/14/2006
WHEN WE ARE SAVED WE ARE ADOPTED BY GOD
THROUGH CHRIST INTO HIS OWN FAMILY,
AND WE ARE CALLED TO REPRESENT THE ALMIGHTY
IN AND WITH OUR LIVES THROUGH HIS MINISTRY.
IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT KIND OF WORK
WE MAY DO TO SUPPORT OUR FAMILY,
BUT IT'S JUST NOT FOR A PAYCHECK BUT
TO REPRESENT OUR LORD TIL ETERNITY.
THOSE WHO PREACH OR TEACH THE WORD OF
GOD OR SING FOR HIS HONOR AND GLORY,
MUST REALIZE THAT WE ARE INVOLVED WITH
OTHERS TO KEEP ON TELLING HIS STORY.

WE MAY BE GARBAGE COLLECTORS OR REPAIR
MEN AND WOMEN BUT WE ARE DOING IT FOR HIM,
FOR WE REALIZE THAT WE ARE IN A WAR TO
HELP SAVE OTHERS FROM THE DEVIL'S WHIM.
EVEN IF WE GIVE A CUP OF WATER AND SOME BREAD
TO THOSE WHO FIND THEMSELVES IN THE LURCH,
WE MUST MINISTER AS TO THE LORD SO THEY CAN
FIND GOD'S GRACE AND JOIN WITH HIS CHURCH.
SO, IF WE EVER FIND THAT THE JOY HAS GONE
OUT AND WE ARE ONLY ENTERTAINING THEM,
THEN WE MUST REMEMBER WHO LEADS US AND
REFOCUS ON OUR PURPOSE AND UPON HIM.
THEN HIS JOY WILL RETURN TO OUR SOUL
AND WE'LL HAVE A DETERMINATION WITHIN,
TO BE USED BY THE LORD TO HELP
THOSE WHO ARE LOST AND LIVING IN SIN.
----------------
A CHILDLESS MOTHER
by Carl Evans 11/14/2006
SHE NEVER HAD A CHILD BORN TO HER
AND SHE COULD NEVER UNDERSTAND
BUT SHE LIVED HER LIFE DUTIFULLY
HOPING FOR A CHILD IN GOD'S PLAN.
THEY TRIED MANY TECHNIQUES WITHOUT SUCCESS
HOPING THAT THIS TIME IT WOULD BE RIGHT
BUT NOTHING DEVELOPED FROM THEIR EFFORTS
AND ONE COULD TELL THEY WERE LOSING THE FIGHT.
SO THE WOMAN NEVER KNEW THE JOY
OF HAVING A CHILD DEVELOP IN HER WOMB
BUT THEIR LIVES CONTINUED ON AS USUAL
THOUGH THEY STILL HAD A CHILDLESS ROOM.

THERE WERE MANY TEARS SHED DURING THOSE
DAYS AND YEARS THEY WERE HUSBAND AND WIFE,
BUT THEIR CONSISTENT NEED FOR A CHILD
WAS INTERRUPTING THEIR HOME LIFE.
SHE HAD SUCH A NEED TO BE A REAL MOM
FOR SHE LOVED CHILDREN VERY MUCH
AND SHE WANTED THE FEEL OF NURSING
HER OWN BABY WITH A LOVING TOUCH.
THROUDH ALL HER LIFE, SHE FELT THAT GOD
MAYBE COULD NOT TRUST HER WITH A CHILD,
AND THOUGH THAT WAS NOT GODS' IDEA
IT WAS SOMETHING THAT BOTHERED ALL THE WHILE.
SHE HAD MANY HEALTH PROBLEMS BEFORE AND
AFTER THEIR MARRIAGE AND INTIMACY,
BUT SHE COULD NEVER GET AWAY FROM THE
HURT AND RAISING A CHILD FROM INFANCY.
SHE WAS IN HER EARLY FORTIES WHEN SHE DIED
AND THERE WERE MANY WHO MOURNED THAT DAY
FOR THEY WERE THE ONES WHO WERE TOUCHED
AND THANKFUL THAT GOD HAD SENT HER THEIR WAY.
SHE HAD WANTED TO BE A MOTHER TO HER OWN
BUT GOD HAD FOR HER LIFE A DIFFERENT PLAN.
HE USED HER TO TOUCH OTHER PEOPLE AND CHILDREN
THOUGH SHE COULD NEVER UNDERSTAND.
IF YOU ARE ONE OF THOSE WHO CAN'T UNDERSTAND
WHAT GOD WANTS FROM YOUR OWN LIFE,
THEN FOCUS ON JESUS CHRIST AND HE WILL
GUIDE YOU TO HELP OTHERS LIVING WITH STRIFE.
--in memory of my first wife Maude Germany Evans 1952-1994--

 FOR SUCH A PURPOSE (CAME I)
         by Carl Evans 7/16/2006
    ONCE UPON A TIME, THERE WAS A LADY
     WHO SAVED A PUPPY FROM A SAD DESTINY.
    SHE NURSED THE RUNT TIL HE BECAME GROWN
     AND TURNED INTO HER GUARD DOG OF RENOWN.
    ONE DAY THEY WENT INTO THE WOODS TO SEE
     AND CAME UPON A WILD WOLF AND TURNED TO FLEE.
    THE DOG TURNED FROM THE LADY TO MEET HIS FOE
     AND AFTER THE FIGHT THE WOLF WAS BROUGHT LOW.
    SHE'D SPRAINED HER ANKLE TRYING TO GET AWAY
     WHEN THE KNIGHT INTERCEDED AND SAVED HER DAY.
    SHE WAS CARRIED AWAY TO HIS CASTLE HOME
     AND WERE WED IN BLISS AND NEVER MORE ROAMED.

    ONCE A BABE WAS BORN IN A LITTLE TOWN
     THAT WAS DESTINED TO DIE AND WIN A CROWN.
    HE WAS ABUSED BY THE HORDES OF ENEMIES
     TO KEEP HIM FROM CLAIMING HIS DESTINY.
    ALL OF THEIR DEEDS SUCCEEDED TO A DEGREE
     BUT HE ROSE AGAIN TO RETURN TO ETERNITY.
    THE RESULTS OF THE SELFLESS LIFE OF THAT MAN
     REAPED SUCH A HARVEST OF SOULS TO FULFILL GOD'S PLAN.
    HE'S STILL SAVING SOULS FROM THE TIES OF HELL
     FULFILLING TH FATHER'S WILL TIL ALL IS WELL,
    AND WILL CONTINUE TO USE WILLING PEOPLE
     TO BRING OTHERS INTO HIS FAM'LY AND UNDER HIS STEEPLE.

    WE WERE BORN INTO THIS WORLD TO SERVE
     AND FROM THE MASTER'S TASK WE'RE NE'ER TO SWERVE
    BUT GAIN CLEANSING AND STRENGTH FROM HIS BLOOD
     AND LIVE FOR HIM IN HUMILITY AND IN LOVE.
    TO FULFILL HIS PURPOSE IN OUR LIVES WE MUST
     PLACE OUR FAITH IN HIM AND LIVE LIVES OF TRUST
    HELPING OTHERS TO SEE THE ERROR OF THEIR WAYS
     WITNESSING TO THEM WITH HIS GRACE THROUGHOUT THE DAYS.
    WE HAVE A HOME PREPARED FOR US IN THAT LAND ABOVE
     AND WE ARE TO TROD THIS EARTHLY PATH WITH HIS LOVE.
    THE DEVIL IS ON A RAMPAGE TO DETOUR MANY SOULS
     BUT WE MUST NOT WEAKEN BUT LEAN ON GOD TO BE BOLD.
            ----------

CHOCOLATE
by Carl Evans 6/6/06
IT COMES IN MANY SIZES AND STYLES AND
ITS' COLORS ARE BLACK AND WHITE.
IF YOU EVER GET A HANKERING,
IT WILL SATISFY YOU JUST RIGHT
MOST PEOPLE LIKE IT IN SOLID FORM
BUT OTHERS IN ITS' LIQUID,
AND THE AFTER EFFECTS OF IT
SEEMS TO BORDER ON WICKED.
MANY TIMES THE RESULTS OF IT
CAN BE SEEN ON YOUR BODY
BUT YOU WILL NEVER WORRY ABOUT
IT FOR IT'S A GREAT ANYTIME TODDY.
IT'S SOMETHING THAT A SOCIAL GET
TOGETHER REVOLVES AROUND,
AND EVERYONE SEEMS CONTENT WHEN THE
DREAMY SMILES REPLACES THE FROWN.
BUT BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR SECRET
FOR OTHERS ARE SEEKING TO KNOW
WHAT IT IS THAT YOU DO THAT
GIVES YOUR FACE SUCH A GLOW.

OUR TRUE FRIEND by Carl Evans 1995

 What is a friend? What good can they do? When you're hurting, do they care 'bout you? A true friend is a golden treasure and in many ways a sure pleasure. Friends are always there when you need them willing to share your tears and burdens. There's no greater friend one ever knows than HE who will walk in life's shadows. He comes to us in the darknesses that HE may light up the recesses. He brings healing to our ailing soul and creates within a heart that's whole. His name is Jesus for HE arose to save from hell all those who chose. He will make us all entirely whole and put HIS Spirit into our soul. He guides us throughout all our days and teached us HIS eternal ways. Our own lives will surely be blessed as HE takes us through every test. He will show what others can be if they just trust HIS victory. Then we can claim it for ouur own and sow the seeds that must be sown.

In the afternoon and evening you can hear them sing,
as we sit on the front porch and enjoy our old swing.

It's soothing to sit and listen in the cool evening
after the day's work has been done and the heat is lessening.

Their call is a lonesome one so many people say,
but it sure does add flavor to a good country day.

I've never seen one in all of my years
but their tune sure sounds good to my country ears.

It's in the spring months when they mostly appear,
and I treasure that time and hold it so dear.

God gives to us the music of HIS creation
to brighten the days of life's duration.

How bleak our personal lives would surely be
if we could not enjoy what HE's given us to see.

AS THE DAYS GO BY
by Carl Evans
ONCE UPON A TIME HE HAD BEEN A HEALTHY MAN
WITH A FAMILY OF LOVE AND A LITTLE PIECE OF LAND.
HE'D WORKED MANY YEARS TO PROVIDE FOR HIS FAMILY,
THINKING GRAND THOUGHTS OF HIS FUTURE DESTINY.

DREAMS OF GRANDEUR AND SUCCESS FILLED HIS MIND
NEVER NEEDING TO WORRY OR LOOKING BEHIND.
HE'D LIVED HIS LIFE IN HIS OWN FASHIONED WAY,
NEVER THINKING OF WHAT HE WOULD FACE ONE DAY.

THEN CAME THE AGE AND PROBLEMS OF ALL KIND
BUT HE ENDURED IT ALL UNTIL IT TOUCHED HIS MIND.
HE FORGOT THE ONES HE HAD LOVED SO VERY MUCH,
AND WHAT IT FELT LIKE TO RECEIVE THEIR TENDER TOUCH.

THEN ONE DAY WHEN THEY COULD CARE FOR HIM NO MORE
THEY TOOK HIM TO THE "HOME" AND LEFT HIM AT THE DOOR.
THEY VISITED HIM WHEN THEY COULD FIND THE TIME
AFTER ALL, HE WOULDN'T KNOW THEM IN HIS MIND.

THEN THE DAY CAME WHEN HE WENT TO MEET HIS MAKER,
THE ONLY ONES THERE WAS THE STAFF & UNDERTAKER.
THE DAY OF THE FUNERAL DAWNED BRIGHT AND CLEAR,
WITH JUST A FEW OF THE FAMILY HE'D LOVED SO DEAR.

THERE WERE A FEW TEARS THAT ESCAPED THEIR EYES
WHETHER IT WAS SADNESS OR THE SUN IN THEIR EYES.
WHEN HE WAS LOWERED INTO THE PREPARED GRAVE PLOT,
THE FAMILY WAS GONE AND THE BODY WAS LEFT TO ROT.

IF THIS POEM HAS GOTTEN YOUR ATTENTION,
PLEASE FEEL COMPASSION WHEN THE AGED ARE MENTIONED.
FOR ONE DAY IF WE LIVE LONG ENOUGH DOWN HERE,
WE'LL BE IN SUCH A STATE AND KNOW WHO LOVED US DEAR.
LET JESUS CLEANSE AND FILL YOUR SINFUL SOUL
THEN YOU CAN BE A HELP TO MAKE OTHERS FEEL WHOLE.


THE EAGLE IS STILL FLYING
by Carl Evans 10/17/2001
With all that's happened lately, the world wonders if we're strong
enough to fight back the foes that have dealt us so much wrong.
The Eagle is still flying high above this lonesome land
looking around for enemies and helping the weaker man.

We still believe in freedom and will fight for moral rights
to help this land of ours to keep on shining the lights.
No matter what you try to do to this nation of mine
we'll keep on working hard and letting the freedom light shine.

We've given help to many throughout this old sinful land
and had it thrown back at us by evil rebellious hands.
Ask yourself- where would you be if we had not shown mercy
and gave many dollars to free you from adversity?

How many nations have been helped by the love of the U S A?
How many have seen the light and are walking a new way?
We've done our best in helping others to have a better day
and will continue to do so for that's the American way.

But don't think we are easy for that's a foolish notion.
If you think we're weak, wait til our forces get in motion.
So, beware of the evil intentions of all of you
no one escapes from threatening the red, white, and blue.

WHAT HAPPENED?
by Carl Evans 7/2003
What happened to the good old USA
that'd cause it's people to forget the way?
It was a nation founded for freedom and rights,
but somewhere along the way we've lost that light.

We've allowed selfishness to cloud our own minds
and have left those great values somewhere behind.
What happened to that which parents should teach,
so future generations can be reached?

Train your children in the way they should go
and when they are grown, the right path they'll go.
Have we been so busy fulfilling our goals
that we forget the many needy souls?

They need to see the love that only God can give
and receive forgiveness so in Heaven they'll live.
May we be the shining lights that the world needs
and be the willing vessels for God to plant HIS seeds.
We have the power to fulfil God's own will,
if we will by the Holy Spirit be filled.

I'M SO GLAD YOU CAME
by Carl Evans 8/25/2003
I'm so glad you came to see me today
for I've been having a dreadful day.
I woke up this morning with aches in my bones,
and no one has visited and I've felt so alone.

The doctor says I'm doing really fine,
but I'm having a little trouble with my mind.
I can't remember everyone as I used to,
but I remember the visits and smiles from you.

I can even remember when I held you near
you were always fun to hug and love my dear,
but I can't do the things I used to do
and it leaves me feeling so sad and blue.

Soon, I won't be able to care for myself
but your hugs and smiles'll be my mem'ries wealth.
I hope that you'll come to visit me there
until I go to that heavenly land so fair.

Up there I'll feel great without any misery,
and some day I hope and pray you'll be with me.
Then we both can have some heavenly fun
as we worship God's only beloved Son
----------------------------
SO WHAT, WHO CARES
by carl evans 2000

Many people are living lives of immorality
and not caring where they'll be when they reach eternity.
So What Who Cares
Many are being killed by the hatred in their hearts

Many are living off someone else and never trying to do their parts.
So What Who Cares
Many are living in streets without any help from the state.
Their eating is sparse and poor but they've accepted their fate.

So What Who Cares
There are those who are elected to represent the common people in D.C.
but do they really care for hurting and poor families like you and me?

So What Who Cares
There are millions of babies being killed before they are born
but the doctors and other performers involved have no concern

So What Who Cares
There are many radicals whose purpose is to put down the moral rights
because they have been blinded by Satan and can't see God's light.

So What Who Cares
There is coming a day when the light of God will stop shining
in this land of ours and then those same people will be whining.

So What Who Cares
Just let us lay in the pigpens of life and don't rock the boat of sin
for we are content to be found in the situation that we are in.
Because We Just Don't Care Anymore.

OLD HOMEPLACES
by Carl Evans 1998
Tis a very sad sight to me
to see an old homeplace empty.
What once caused a home to glow
has now become a dulling show.
What used to be a pasture land
is where bushes and briars doth stand.
Where once great crops were grown
has now become a brushy throng.

What happened to the wholesome care
that was shared by those who lived there?
Where have the children all gone
that gathered round the family throne?
The old house stands in disrepair
and their love life ended in "despair".
The place that love did touch
now stands in shambles and such.

The barn is bowed with its' age
and the fam'ly has turned its page,
but the mem'ries still linger on
in that old home that is gone.
Thus ends one cycle to this place
and begins anew with a new face.
Maybe they will clean up the old home
t'will be a place where people come.
--------------------

UNKNOWN SOLDIERS
by Carl Evans 9/10/2001
No one knows the places nor the faces anymore,
for the many unnamed soldiers on some distant shore.
They served a simple flag with such grand bravery
not knowing when they would begin their eternity.

One single purpose they had in their own frustrated minds
to be as brave as could be when they joined their ragged lines.
They lie in some unnamed grave plot without a stone
to mark the burial of those who died unknown.

Many of those grave plots have been forgotten by most
but some are still tended to by a compassionate host.
They are sowing seeds of kindness for one day they'll be there
though they may be forgotten there'll still be someone who care.

Soldiers are not just those who fight in some army,
but those who stand for rights even in your family.
Whether it's your parents or others that you may know
that do great but seemingly small things without public show.

It may even be a friend that has proven to be true,
even though they are never noticed by someone like you.
Let us appreciate those who've fought for the rights of all
who volunteered their time when some watchman gave the call.

No matter that they may be minuscule in your own eyes,
they were willing to give of themselves to help save some lives.
-------
SANTA'S SHINDIG
by Carl Evans
I GREW UP ON A COUNTRY FARM WITH MANY ANIMALS AND SUCH,
AND ONE OF MY FAVORITE MEMORIES HAPPENED WITH A SPECIAL TOUCH.
IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT WHEN WE WERE EXPECTING A ROOFTOP CLATTER,
BUT WHEN WE HEARD SUCH A COMMOTION, WE WONDERED WHAT'S THE MATTER.

WE WENT OUTSIDE TO FIND 8 TINY REINDEER HOOKED TO A SLEIGH,
BUT NO OTHER WE COULD FIND ON THAT MEMORABLE DAY.
THEN WE HEARD A VOICE CALLING THROUGH THE DARKNESS, "CAN YOU HELP ME PLEASE?"
WE FOLLOWED THE VOICE UNTIL WE FOUND A SMALL MAN IN THE TREES.

AT FIRST, WE DIDN'T RECOGNIZE WHO THIS STRANGE LITTLE MAN COULD BE.
THEN THE LIMBS PARTED AND AMIDST THE BRANCHES AND LEAVES WE COULD SEE.
HE WAS CLOTHED WITH RED, GREEN, AND WHITE BUT ALSO TWIGS AND LEAVES.
THEN CAME THAT TREMBLING PLEA AGAIN, "CAN YOU HELP ME PLEASE?"

I RAN TO THE BARN TO GET THE LADDER AND PUT IT UP THE TREE WHERE HE SAT.
WHEN HE CLIMBED DOWN, MY LITTLE BROTHER SAID, "BOY, HE SURE IS FAT".
THEN WE COULD TELL THAT HE WAS SANTA CLAUS AND WE ASKED FOR INFORMATION,
AND HE BEGAN TO RELATE THE STORY OF HOW HE'D SLIPPED ON THE ROOFS FOUNDATION.

HE SAID, "I HAD MADE IT TO THE ROOFTOP AND ALMOST TO THE CHIMNEY
WHEN I STEPPED IN SOMETHING SLICKY AND BEGAN TO SHIMMY.
I LOST MY BALANCE AND SLID DOWN THE ROOF TO LAND WITH A THUD.
WHATEVER I LANDED ON WAS BELLOWING, SNORTING, AND CHEWING A CUD.

I FELT LIKE I WAS RIDING A TORNADO FOR IT WAS THAT TOUGH,
AND FINALLY IT LAUNCHED ME ONTO THIS LIMB THATS ROUGH."
MY MIND WAS GOING FAST TRYING TO FIGURE IT ALL OUT.
THEN I REALIZED HE WAS TALKING ABOUT OUR LONGHORN STEER NO DOUBT.

BUD WAS ABOUT AS TAME AS COULD BE AND WOULD NEVER HAVE HURT ANYONE
BUT WHEN SANTA LANDED ON HIM, HE MUST HAVE FELT LIKE HAVING SOME FUN.
BUD WOULD COME INTO THE YARD AND SNUGGLE UP CLOSE TO MY ROOM
AND STAY THERE UNTIL SOMEONE CHASED HIM AWAY WITH A BROOM.

SO THAT'S THE STORY THAT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE MOST
OF HOW SANTA CAME FOR A VISIT AND BECAME OUR ENTERTAINING HOST.
---------
TO OUR DAUGHTER
11-22-1999 by:DADDY-Carl Evans

ON THIS DAY, YOU TURN SIXTEEN
SUGAR IS SWEET, BUT SO ARE YOU.
THOUGH THERE ARE TIMES WHEN YOU SEEM MEAN,
OUR LOVE FOR YOU REMAINS FULL AND TRUE.

THERE'LL BE MANY TIMES IN YOUR LIFE
WHEN YOU WON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO,
BUT WE ARE ALWAYS NEARBY
AND OUR LOVE NEVER FAILS YOU.

IT WON'T BE VERY LONG UNTIL
YOU LEAVE THIS SHELTERED NEST.
YOU'LL MAKE MANY DECISIONS IN LIFE
AND DISCOVER THE VALUES THAT ARE BEST.

YOUR BELIEFS WILL BE TESTED BY THE WORLD,
AND YOU'LL BE TEMPTED TO GIVE IN,
BUT HOLD STRONG TO YOUR CONVICTIONS
AND RELY ON THE SAVIOR WITHIN.

FOR THEN YOU WILL HAVE TRUE SUCCESS
IN YOUR LIFE AND NEW FAMILY,
AND YOU WILL HAVE THE PEACE THAT HEAVEN
GIVES TO KEEP YOU SAFE ETERNALLY.


I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU
(to MY daughter)
BY Carl Evans (DAD)
I'm in love with you and I'm not ashamed.
You mean so much to me tho you don't have my name.
My heart was opened the day I first saw you
and now my heart is filled with your love so sweet and true.
You filled a void in my life the day that you became mine
and I'll always thank the Lord for you being my sunshine.

MY ANGEL
by Carl Evans
This poem is to my daughter so filled with great love.
Sometimes she doesn't do what she oughta though she came from above.
On this day she turns seventeen a young child--woman.
Sometimes she's filled with peace othertimes her life is stormin.

God has a plan for her life regardless of the bad times
And He will fill her with power to reach for the sublime.
Though many changes are taking place in her physical body and mind,
She must never forget God's values nor leave Biblical beliefs behind.

Though we always love and cherish her love n hugs n wonderful kisses,
We must let her live her life for God---with all of the misses.
We will always pray for her to obey and serve the Master,
to heed HIS inner voice within to go slow and not live so faster.

Slow down daughter and live and your decisions will be some good ones
and you can understand what the value is in serving God's Son.
It won't be long before you leave the home that's nurtured you.
We hope and pray that God will give you everything that is true.

No one has ever loved a child more than I have loved you.
Though we aren't blood related my love for you will always be true.
--------------------

ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
by Carl Evans

This little girl that belongs to me will soon leave me truly behind
to commit to another - a vow divine and become an entwined vine.
I've seen you change through the years and experienced your joys and tears
to become a maturing one who still serves God's holy Son.

Whatever is behind you can make you glad or blue
but remember - you can be happy for we all still love you.
You've learned some truths for life regardless of your faults and sins
but no condemnation will ever come since Jesus is your Savior and Friend.

No matter where you go in the hope-filled years ahead,
don't forget the ones who've helped you nor the one sleeping in your bed.
For your life would not be complete if you forgot any one of those.
You are still a vessel for God for you are one that HE chose.

Live your life to the fullest in humility before the Divine.
You are now vowing to another but I'll always be in your mind.
written for Angel M. McCoy ("Evans") and David Durr
on their wedding day August 21, 2001
-------------
SUCH A BEAUTIFUL BABY 9/20/2003
by Carl Evans
O what a beautiful baby you have given to me
must have come from heaven for she's pretty as can be.

With beautiful eyes of brown she's beautiful to see
thank you for this baby you have given to me.

When I look into your face my heart does a flip flop
I want you to know dear my love will never stop.

She’s perfect as possible in her beautiful body.
Daughter open your eyes to see what you've given to me.

She’s my first grandchild and I’ll cherish her as can be
I’ll always thank you lord for what you've given to me.

May i nurture her in your eyes and help her to be all she can
lord, look what you've done for I’m a happy grandfather man.
Kimberly Michelle Durr born 9/24/2003

Musings from Carl Evans "I am not a THEOLOGIAN that knows all about GOD. I'm just a student who has a VERY VERY LITTLE knowledge and insight and am still seeking to know HIM and how HE works in, on, and through us." Carl Evans 2005 Every endeavor for an objective must have a starting point. --------- Good plans make miracles---but ONLY GOD can make the miracles The more a person loves, the more he/she suffers. You will always find many patriots---away from the fighting. The farther away they are, the louder they talk. The bigger the crowd around them dictates the volume of patriotism--different crowd/different patriotism or degree of patriotism. Experience increases and improves our skills and our chance of a job. People believe what pleases them best. Everyone needs something/someone to test them (their ideas)--prove them. Ideas without checks by others lead to fantasy not reality. When there is none to test the young, they turn into soft sponges-accept all ideas and doctrines. Love is the greatest building force in this earth.

 A CANDLE LOSES NOTHING BY LIGHTING ANOTHER CANDLE!!! We will never walk on the water with Jesus if we keep sitting in the boat. The promises of God are sure and stedfast, but when we're going through the valleys (hard times), we grasp and grasp and can't seem to find hope in them sometimes. They bring no comfort. Possibly, it's because our minds are on the fear and not on the Father. When a person has no outlet for his/her beliefs and thoughts, he/she can very well become a pickled pig/egg. When you're single and over 40/50, you feel less energy than when you are over 50 and have someone who cares for you and depends on you. Channeled energy. Sometimes the Destination in this world is not as important as the journey.

The journey of life teaches us many important truths and values to use in life. There will be choices and decisions made and we must walk proudly in our journey of life, hoping we make enough right decisions to honor God. We have to commit it all into HIS HANDS! Sometimes, people see more trouble in a situation than is actually there. If fear and emotions are in control, 10 enemies can look like 1,000. Some people have to get through their talking before they can start thinking. We criticize someone else for something we don't see in us. An adulterer can easily judge someone who cheats or overcharges and vice versa and will never see their own faults or will think that their faults are not as sinful as the others sins. When the door of happiness closes, another one opens; but often times we look so long at the closed door that we don't see the one which has been opened for us.

Remember that the most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man. Remember, God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called. Life is more accurately measured by the lives you touch than the things you acquire. Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching. Sing like nobody's listening. Live like it's Heaven on Earth. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of reward. Peace is seeing a sunset and knowing who to thank. "The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything that comes along their way." Don't believe everything your children tells you but be sure to believe in your children.

---------- Have you ever noticed that life always looks much better in dreams than real life? Keep on dreaming but have a touch with reality. Have you ever noticed how people are so much like animals? When one dog finds something to howl about, all the other dogs join in-- regardless of what they're barking about. -------- If we knew all the answers to our questions, we would not need God so much. When we are standing too close to the problem, we can't see much else, but when we get farther away from the problem, we can see the bigger picture. The further from the problem we go, we can look back at the problem and see a much bigger picture and the problem only becomes a speck in the distance and the speck is one of many within the bigger picture. ----------

Some people will allow their past to make their decisions and doctrines. They feel that they are always right and they are the only one who is always right--even if they are wrong. They will never admit their wrongs and that will cause divisions in family, churches, and communities. The only time they use "I'm sorry" is when it has been duly noted that they are wrong and will say those words in a sarcastic way without meaning any sincerity about it. All of the positives of life will be interlaced with many negatives. Victories will be interlaced with some battles and victories. Life is filled with negatives and positives or failures and victories. Look at so many of our present technologies which had been accomplished through working through the failed tests. (Thomas Edison, NASA, etc.). ---------

There is much difference in reading the Bible and any of the many fiction books. Fiction books deal with your head and emotions but reading the Bible deals with the spiritual soul of mankind. In reading fiction, you can read faster and finish the book with a bood emotional feeling. Reading the Bible takes much longer for there are so many truths to be disciphered or discerned. One can read the Bible for 10,000 years and still not know every truth and principle that lies therein. God shows a few aspects of Himself to a few and others can give us HIS truths from other areas of Scripture. NO ONE person can divulge every aspect of God's truths. To get the most from God's Word, we must" 1)read and meditate on a few consistent scriptures at a time-within the context, 2) apply the truths to our lives-salvation, sanctification, and service, and 3) share with others what the Spirit has taught and quickened you for they need to know and share with others too. --------------

Pioneers 11/27/2005 Most of the pioneers were not acquainted with the hardships of traveling across the plains going to Oregon or California. Many were not knowledgeable of protecting and providing for themselves and families. However, they learned day by day going through the struggles and conflicts. When they started, they would mostly be considered babes naive about the hardships. By the time they got to their destination, minus a few possessions and family members, they were hardened physically and psychologically and even spiritually if they leaned on the Lord and learned from Him and more experienced pioneersmen. They would be able and ready to take on the taming of the land. Life is the same for christians who go through the troubles and trials and furnaces and comes through with wisdom because they learned to lean on the] Lord and applied the promises of God to their struggles. Caleb would have been in trouble if he'd came straight from Egypt into the Promised Land and conquer the hardest part of that land. However, having gone through the wilderness wanderings and hardships which seasoned him, he was able to claim the hardest area. -------------

 THE PIONEERS LIFE (THE LIFE OF THE PIONEER) by Carl Evans August 2005 Pioneer life was a hard life with little or no conveniences. They had to make clothes and other useful things from what they had at hand, traded for, or grew it. Every generation grew up with a few more conveniences than the previous generation did. Everyone had to make do with what they had, and they reared families with those basic needs and beliefs. Those basic beliefs were instilled in their children from the time they could walk and passed down through generations.

There was no place in the pioneer home for those who lagged at work due to laziness. Many times, daddy's belt or momma's switch was a good persuasive tool. Discipline was not lax in the pioneer home. The work was shared by all of those who lived and dined in the home. However, a home without discipline is a home of spoiled brats and no one wants to interact with them very much.

The chores were many and varied: washing several days used dirty clothes in a stream or a cast iron washpot or kettle and then rubbing the stains out on a corrugated rub board, heating water over a smoking wood fire, plowing the fields with homemade tools and when no horse or mule was owned-- even being pulled by the man or woman, cooking basic food over smoking wood fires with ashes and sometimes bugs getting in some of the food, cutting wood with a worn but sharpened axe, hoeing the weeds out of the vegetable gardens, and many other varied things. But, through it all, they persevered and by doing so taught their children to persevere through boring chores and circumstances of life.

 They learned to lean on each other and especially the great Creator God who came to them in the Savior Jesus Christ. They would never even consider that they could get by without HIS many mercies or benefits and never would they deny HIM when they went through some troubling times. There were always a few who did not follow HIM, but they would never dare to deny HIS existence. It was a time for all people to help out each other for they knew there would be a time when they themselves would need help.

Everyone from miles around would arrive to help when a neighbor was ailing-to plow the crops, raise a cabin, see a wedding, help with birthings, and help comfort a family in the loss of a loved one and to bury them. HOUSING The houses that the pioneers lived in were made of native materials and hard labor. For most people, houses were made out of logs hewn from the pine or hardwood trees in the area. The trees had to be the right length and girth to be cut to fit with the rest of the logs.

Good strong stones or solid heart pine blocks would be set up at each corner of the building and in between these corners to stabilize and to level the house. Each log was debarked and notched-most times about half way through so the next log would rest in the notch of the bottom log, leaving a small gap between each log to be chinked with mud and straw so as to keep the cold winds from entering the cabin.

The cabins usually began with 2 rooms which would give the family enough room to live in for the time being. Then a lean-to would be added on later when there was more time to do the work. Then, they would build another 2 room cabin and build a roof to cover the open area between the 2 cabins. This would be called a double-pin house with a "dog trot" open area between the two. This area allowed the breeze to blow through and allow people to relax and visit.

Many times in summer, everyone would sleep on pallets in the cool open area. Dogs would be able to rest and sleep in this open area too. Other cabins were built in a complete pattern with several rooms under one roof. Porches were always built to provide a shady and cool spot to sit a spell and visit with neighbors. Houses in other parts of the nation would consist of building with adobe, stone, and other sources as long as it could be a livable shelter.

The roof was made with shingles, mostly of cypress, but when it was not locally found, cedar and oak shingles were used. The shingles were made by using a froe-a thin metal tool flat on both sides but with one side sharpened. They would take a block of wood and trim the sides so it was square and then split it into thin (about 1-2 inches thick) slats and let them dry before use. Several days later, the dry shingles would be laid on top of each other, beginning at the lower part of the roof which is the eaves, and moving upward to the roof peak. Unbelievably, they would repel the rain from coming through the roof.

There was always caution when the fireplace or wood stove was in use so as to keep sparks from landing on the dried shingles. The shingles would be attached by hewn wooden pegs ("nails") or by metal nails when available. On the topmost log, they would place split logs to separate the house from the roof and thereby forming an "attic" or loft. These attics would be used for drying and storing certain vegetables, and also be used as an extra sleeping area for mostly children. The split logs would also be used to make furniture, shelves, chairs or stools and other necessities.

The roof of the cabin consisted of rafters-a small diameter but strong pine sapling or some other tree-like cedar. Each rafter was peeled of the bark and let dry a few days even a week or two. Rafters would rest on the top log of the cabin and the peak log. The peak log was larger than the rafters but smaller than the cabin logs. It would rest on the split support logs that were seated-nailed if they had nails or used hewed wooden pegs to hold them in place. The support log determined how big the attic would be and how high the roof would be.

Slats would be placed across the rafters and the shingles would be placed on top of the slats or peeled and split poles. Shingles were overlapping, with the thicker end at the top and the thinner end at the bottom, resting on the bottom row. A second layer of shingles would be placed over the first layer to cover the seams between. At each end of the house would be a fireplace chimney made of stone and mortar or mud and straw. The chimney had to be built just right so the fire would be able to draw--pull the smoke up the chimney but not the heat from the rooms.

THE WOMEN FOLKS To say the least, the women were used to hard work and it began to show on them in their early years. A thirty year old woman could look like she was 20 years older. Their hands were rough and sometimes red from the lye soap used in washing clothes, dishes, and bathing. If there were no working age children in the household, the women had to help in the fields, working alongside their husbands.

They also had "their own" work in the home to do. Most times, the house cleaning was neglected so as to get more work done in the fields. Manytimes, the women were lucky to get 5 hours of rest each night before they started their work. They would get up about 2 hours before the children so as to kill a couple of chickens or go to the smokehouse for smoked meat and prepare it along with pans of biscuits, eggs, syrup, and gravy.

This would be the time for the husband and wife to have a quiet time for themselves and share in a cup of coffee if they had it. After the meal, dishes would be washed and the dinner (noon) meal would be getting ready to be cooked later. It was a hard life especially for the pioneer women. Life expectancy was shorter than for the city women. Doctoring consisted mostly of home remedies, and at birthings, the only help for the woman was neighbor women or mid-wives.

Sometimes the women died, possibly leaving a newborn to care for. In such cases as this, the man would be remarried as soon as possible so as to have a woman to do the housework and tend to the children. Many of these marriages would consist of more children fom the previous marriage to live under the same roof. In between the work and sleeping time, the women and girls would be working on quilts, making and sewing up clothes, and making rugs out of rags to cover the cold wood floors and many other things.

They believed that too much idleness was the devil's workshop. The girls always could make their own toys consisting of dolls made from corn cobs or some extra cloth that could be arranged to resemble dolls. DAILY ROUTINE They would rise from their rough beds before the daylight appeared, put on their several days worn rough clothes, go to the barn or shed and milk the cow or cows who had been separated from their calves overnight and after milking allow the calves to nurse the rest of the milk, take it to the house and strain the trash and other impurities from the milk and usually put it in a can or jug and cool it in a spring or dug well or a dugout hole, feed the chickens a little homegrown corn and let them forage the rest of the day for food.

They would eat the simple breakfast that had been prepared by the women, usually consisting of homegrown or bought flour for biscuits or most likely corn bread made from their own corn which had been ground beforehand at a nearby mill, along with some homemade syrup, eggs, and bacon or ham that they had raised and smoked. Then, they would go to the fields and work the crops-chopping weeds and plowing until just before noon when the women would give the signal for the noon dinner meal. They would never go to the table without washing the dirt from their hands and face and dusting the dirt from their clothes.

The noon meal usually consisted of soups, stews, or just cornbread flapjacks with lots of butter,syrup, milk and some pork meat of some kind-bacon or fry meat. After the meal was eaten, and dishes were cleaned, all would retire to a shady spot and take a quick nap or find odd jobs to do, then return to the fields and work until an hour or two before dark to do the evening chores such as bringing in wood for the fireplace/stove, milking the cows again and separating the calves after they were finished nursing, shutting up the chickens so the varmits wouldn't get them in the night, gather the eggs, and eat their supper meal, and when all was finished and it was too dark to do anything else, would retire to a porch if they had one and enjoy the coolness of the evening sharing with the rest of the family until time to go to bed. The only light in the house was a homemade candle, coal oil lamp, and the fireplace.

Usually, clothes were washed on Saturdays and baths were taken in the used wash water that had been setting in the sun most of the day. The water would be really dirty after all had bathed. Baths were taken during the week too, especially if they had worked in the field, but sometimes they just took birdbaths.

On Sunday, they would go to the nearest church, usually by walking or riding horses or in a wagon if they had one, and fellowship with others while talking about the weather and crops, etc., and worshipping the Lord. The same daily routine was followed except on Sunday, there were no working in the fields. There was more resting on Sunday so they would all be ready for work the next six days.

In later years, due to the mobility of automobiles, Saturday was the day when the family would load up in the pickup and go to town to get necessities that they did not or could not grow, and to see the sights and meet friends. It was always the highlight of the week, even if it took an hour or more to travel 20 miles to get to town on a rough and rutted dirt road.

FOOD The simple food was grown on the farm, and in that way, they would eat what they had sweated for. Breakfast usually consisted of biscuits or corn bread along with homemade syrup and pork, eggs, flour gravy, and milk. Coffee was a luxury for most people, unless it was made from something else parched to the right color.

Dinner usually consisted of plenty of vegetables and some meat along with biscuits and/or cornbread followed by milk. Supper was basically a repeat of dinner - leftovers along with something extra prepared.

During the summer, they canned their vegetables, etc. in cases and cases of Mason Jars. After the crops were "laid by", the men and boys would go to the woods and find good oak, ash, and hickory trees to cut with a axe and crosscut saw and split it for the fireplace, smokehouse, or stove. Sometimes, some of the wood would be stacked in the woods to season until they needed it. The rest of the wood was hauled by a slide or wagon to the homeplace and stacked off the ground so it could season.

In the Fall, there was harvesting of the crops of corn, beans, peas, peanuts, and the saving and sorting of seeds for the next years crops. It was also the time when hogs were caught with the aid of good hog dogs and penned up to be fattened for cold weather hog killing. During the easier days when no crops were plowed, the odds and ends of mending that had been put off were tended to. There were always a garden throughout the year, even if it was only some greens.

Plows were sharpened or repaired by a neighbor blacksmith, and axes and hoes along with other things were prepared for the next needed time. During this time, the family would load up the wagon and go into the woods to gather pine for kindling and trees were cut and split to make rails to fence the animals out of the cropland. In later or more successful years, some of the pine that was good enough for posts were piled up off the ground to season and used for fence posts when fence wire could be afforded.

Split rails were to be seen up until the 1950's, when people were a little better off with jobs. After the 50's, people started using fence wire and barbed wire to fence their fields and gardens and yards. There was a fun time when in late summer or early fall, the family would gather wild grapes, muscadines, and huckleberrys to make into jellies and jams and placed in Mason jars. Blackberries were picked along about June and dewberries were picked about April and processed. In late fall, children would go to the woods and pick up nuts such as hickory nuts and pecans.

Hunting in the fall consisted of squirrels, rabbits, coons, and deer to add something new to the regular diet. In the winter's first long cold spell, the big old washpot was set up, filled with water and fired with good hardwood and plenty of pine knots to keep the water boiling hot. A 50 gallon metal barrel was set in place with the open end slanted up and was filled with boiling water for scalding the hog to loosen the hair. The hog had already been killed and bled and was waiting for the boiling water to be ready and placed in the barrel for scalding.

After the scalding to loosen the hair, the hog was placed on a table or boards set up on sawhorses and the scraping of the hair was done. Then the hog was disemboweled and the inner parts were dumped in a washtub for later processing. The hog was cut up in sections: head, shoulders, hams, and middlings and salted away in a wooden box/boxes prepared and waiting. Salt was added to each layer of meat and then covered the top layer and sealed up. After a time, the meat would be taken out and washed in hot water and hung in the smokehouse to be smoked by a continuous small smoking fire to finish the "curing" process.

The other parts of the hog: heart, liver, lites (lungs), and usuable intestines were prepared for their separate uses. The heart, some liver, and lights were made into a "cush" or hash, while the usuable intestines were well cleaned out with water and turned inside out to be thoroughly cleaned for a good chitlin meal while some were filled with the ground up sausage and hung in the smokehouse to be smoked for later consumption.

The smoky washpot was filled with pork fat and choice pork cuts and boiled for a time and then placed in gallon syrup cans or crocks and stored in the attic/loft. If the family needed more help, there were neighbors aplenty to come and aid the family and would take home some food for their sweat labor.

RECREATION and SOCIAL LIFE Recreation was a rare occasion for the pioneer, but they always found some time to enjoy a relaxing interaction with others. The boys would always have a few homemade toys such as could be made from small saplings or small blocks of wood for the younger ones to make into toy wagons, etc., while the older ones would have checkers, dominos, horseshoes, pitching washers, and many other things to entertain themselves with.

The middle age youth would have their slingshots or shooters and they were usually proficient with them to knock down larger birds or squirrels, etc. and could survive in the woods with that food source provided. Hunting with guns was something that brought much fun and relaxation to all men and would consist of several people in the party and would usually last all day. It took several people to help bag their supper.

Many times, they would make a fire and cook some of their catch along with maybe a few biscuits or cornbread that they had brought with them. They would bring the leftover bacon or ham from breakfast in case they had poor hunting that day. They would most likely have a couple of hunting dogs in their party to aid in their success. Sometimes on Saturdays, a group of boys from the countryside would group together and go hunting and be gone most of the day.

In the late fall and winter time, they would be hunting deer, rabbits, coon, and other good animals that were eatable. Coon hunting was done on full or "blood" moon nights when you could walk through the woods in almost a semi-darkness with everyone bringing along some pine knots and a few matches to help them see when the night wasn't so bright.

Sometimes, on Spring or Summer weekends, they would gather and camp out on a creek and set out trotlines or set hooks in the creek and bait them with worms they had dug beforehand. They would have their cast iron skillet, along with some taters, flour, and corn meal and lard to fry up the fish they caught.

They usually brought with them some leftovers from home in a syrup bucket just in case. Sunday afternoons were mostly for riding horses all over the country. After church and dinner, guys would gather at a neighbor's house and as they rode, they would pick up a few more riders. While the older folk's were relaxing at home, the younger guys would be using up their energy riding around, playing around, and maybe find a creek to go swimming in and many other activities.

There was always something to do. All you had to do was use your imagination and energy. Those were the days to glory in your youth for it wouldn't be long before they would have their own place to work from dawn to dark and raise a family and even help take care of their parents or grandparents.

There were always socials to go to in milder weather during the fall and winter months, whether at church or someone's house. A taffy pull was the most common party. At other parties, the boys and girls would play games under the watchful eyes of several adults. Then they would eat cookies and drink punch, lemonade, or coffee and then be on their way home by wagon roads or through the woods.

They were never afraid of the darkness for they'd grown up in the dark woods. It was always a joyful time of their lives to alleviate the pains of the hard work they had to do to make a crop and a living. Funerals and weddings were another social event between the pioneer families. Almost everyone would be at these events to share the sorrow or to celebrate the beginning of a new family.

MEDICAL TREATMENTS There were very few doctors in the pioneer area, so the people depended on proven home remedies to get them through a sick spell. There were always some "healers" in the area who were adept with herbs and other remedies. Still, many families lost loved ones regardless of who was doing the doctoring. Home remedies always consisted of Cod Liver Oil, turpentine, and many other store brand remedies.

One that was successful for pneumonia and coughs, etc. was the mustard plaster and boiled onion poultices which would be warmed up and placed on the chest. Sometimes, the poultices would be made of other varied materials (including dried cow patties). Sassafras roots were always available to dry and boil and make into a tea to thin the blood and other uses. Kerosene was useful for cuts and swollen parts of the body and many other medicinal uses.

Many a woman used the mustard plaster to help many a person to get well, even after the doctor gave up on the patient. Mustard plasters were made with 1 tsp soda, 1 tsp dry mustard, and 1 tsp flour mixed with warm water to make into a paste and smeared on a clean, dry cloth, then warmed up and applied to the childrens chest area and left on all night, occasionally warming it. It took a little more flour for adults. Goose grease was used to keep from blistering.

Other poultices were made from such things and bread soaked in milk, rosin gum from a pine tree, etc.. Many of these pioneer medicines were learned from the Indians over several hundred years of trial and error.

LAND/ HOMESTEAD When the old homeplace fields wore out from years of planting, they would develop itching feet and move on to a new area to cut the trees and clear the area for farming the next year. The move would usually take place in the fall of the year after the harvest was in.

They'd load up everything in wagons and head out to the "promised land" with dreams of better times. The livestock would be herded by the younger boys or men while traveling through. Their travels would take them into another state but most times they would skip the next state from their old home.

They may just leave their old farm to whoever came along or sometimes could get a little money for it or more bartered goods. There was little money to be had or shared with stores so they would barter with other farmers or townspeoples for essentials to get them to their new home.

When they arrived at their new home, they would settle in to cutting logs to build their houses and clearing out the tree stumps in the best farming land. Gardens would be put in as soon as they arrived and broke the land up. These gardens would most likely consist of greens and green onions or whatever else could be grown in the cold weather of winter. Burning the scrub trees and stumps and brush would fertilize the land and make it more fertile for a few years of crops.

They would turn loose their livestock into the nearby woods to roam for food and water. It was hard work to start a new farm, building a house, and other buildings that were needed, along with cutting firewood and stacking it for use and splitting certain trees for rail fences to put around their farming land to keep the livestock out since they had no money to buy wire fencing yet.

Sometimes, they would have to pay a homestead fee for their land but other times they would just squat on the land and claim it. There were no problems in doing this until the railroads came through and maybe claimed most of the land for building the railroad through the area. At those times, the people could buy the land for a little money from the railroad companies. However, most of the time, there were many thousands of acres between railroads for people to own. In the spring of the year, the homesteaders would find many good meals such as poke greens from the "newground" which had been cleared and burned .

 After washing the new green leaves several times to clean out the poison, the greens would be cooked with some smoked bacon, ham hocks, or hog jowls for flavoring and eaten with cornbread. It was some very good eating, especially if you didn't have a garden or crop to live off of yet. The woods were always full of good eating if you knew how and where to find it.

RELIGION-CHURCHES Religion has always been a hot but important topic for most people and the early pioneers were stedfast in believing in God and worshipping Him at every opportunity. Many of the churches had no pastor but that didn't stop the people from gathering together and reading the scriptures and singing praises. Many times and old deacon would read scripture and make some remarks on it. At times, a traveling parson would come through their area and hold meetings, mostly in a brush arbor setting.

Sometimes a church would be started and would have a preacher come every other Sunday (half-time pastor) or one Sunday each month (quarter-time pastor) or with a larger community or small town, they would have a full-time pastor. It didn't matter to the congregation which one they had, as long as they had one to open the Bread of Life to them occasionally. Manytimes a group in the church would disagree and form their own church farther away and in this way the Gospel could be proclaimed in a larger area. Sometimes, the departing group would start up a different denomational church. That was the way of people but it did produce more churches in the area to get the good news out to communities.

EDUCATION The pioneers were blessed if they could read and write on a 2nd grade level. Most of them were illiterate and had no hopes of bettering themselves out in the wilderness away from civilization. Up until the early 1900's very few schools and teachers were available and if they were, the children were able to go to school just a few months of the year due to working in the fields.

Parents had to have all the help they could get. Most kids only had a 2nd or 3rd grade education by the time they married and started their own farms and families. However, most of them continued learning bits and pieces for the rest of their lives-even if it was just a can label. Education was very important to the pioneers and they made their children go to school as long as they could afford to. Every generation wanted better times for their children, so they tried to provide better opportunities for education. Even if they only had a 2nd grade education, they at least had that much and were not considered "ignorant". --------

MY LIFE'S STORY I was born on January 6, 1943 in our log and framed house that was built at a log raising in 1936, helped by kind neighbors. The front 2 rooms are log and the rest of the house was added on as framed rooms. It would be done when the crops were harvested and had time to cut the trees -- dried and peeled. The old house is still standing and is my present residence. I sleep in the same room that I was born in.

At birth, I was basically born dead. The old country doctor (Dr. Vines) had two neighbor ladies who had experience in birthing, etc., and he handed me to the ladies and told them to do what they could while he was trying to save my mother. The ladies would dip me from a tub of cool water into a tub of warm water to get me to breathe. After some time, one lady told the Dr. that if he could fix half an adult heart shot, that they believed I would come around. The story is one of a miracle that only God could work.

My mother-Lola Travis Evans- lived to be 91 years and 5 months old. She was a tough worker and farmer. She could outwork most men and my dad- Clarence Leroy "Roy" Evans who lived to be 88. My dad's parents lived to be in their 80's and my mom's mother lived to her 80's but her father was killed by an AWOL soldier 2 months after I was born. He was 70 years old. Along about the age of 60, my mother fell and hurt her hip and it pained her the rest of her life but it didn't stop her from farming. She travailed the rest of her life with a crutch under her arm, and even drove the pickup to church and town.

One of my parents had a 3rd grade education and the other had a 3rd or 4th grade education. They were always reading whatever they could get their hands on and would always get me to pronounce a word and sometimes what it meant. There were 6 children born to them-5 boys and 1 girl and two born dead or lived for a short time. I remember my mother telling me that when my oldest brother was about 7 or 8, he would take a slide and load the plows he would need and pulled by the mule and travel about 4 miles to plow a field all day and come home when finished. He'd take his dinner meal consisting of leftover biscuits and bacon in a gallon can that we used to put home grown sugar cane syrup in.

My parents share-cropped different places until they bartered for 40 acres by swapping a yearling calf and so many pounds of smoked pork. No money was to be had back then. People who had any money could have hired help to farm their crops for 50 cents a day. Many times, I heard my parents tell me so. In the winter time, after the crops were harvested, my dad would hew crossties from the hardwood trees that we had plenty of. One time, he missed the tie and split his foot wide open in the instep. He had a big scar and bothered him for the rest of his life.

The next 40 acres they bought was connected to the first land and paid off by my dad cutting and hauling the timber to sawmills to sell. They were married in June 1923 and celebrated their 60th anniversary before my dad had to be admitted to a nursing home and one year later, my mother was admitted. Dad was in there from the time he was 82 until he was 88 and died. Mom was in there (to help take care of Dad) from age 77 until 91 when she died.

The last 2 years my dad was at home, he could do nothing much but go to the table, the front porch, and then to bed. Mom took care of him even if she had to do everything else on the farm. Out of the six living children, I was the "baby" of the family and learned almost everything the others knew-even some of the bad things. My sister was the next oldest and my second "mom" and taught me my ABC's and numbers before I started school. She is 75 now and still thinks she can boss me around (HA).

I lost my oldest brother in 1994 at the age of 64. I lost the second oldest brother to a helicopter crash while he was working offshore on the oil rigs. It happened in 1975 in the Gulf of Mexico, about 20 miles offshore. He left a wife of 20 plus years and a married daughter, teenage son, and 1 granddaughter about 2 years old. He was very close to me.

My health has always been poorly, because of the birthing. In my first 12 years, I had pneumonia and double pneumonia every winter. I have been diagnosed as hypopituitarism. The pituitary gland controls every organ in the body. In 1978, at 35 years old, I married and grew up. We never had any children because of my problem and her problems. She died in 1994 after being married 16 years, 2 months, and 3 days.

I married again in 1998 to a woman who had a grown son and a 14 year old daughter whose sperm donor left when she was 3 years old and never paid child support, along with being married to 2 women at the same time. When I asked my wife to be my wife, I also asked her daughter to be my daughter, and believe it or not, they both said "YES". I am also the only child of my parents who went past high school.

 I received a B.A. and a Master of Divinity degree. The Lord has been good to me through all my years. I am also a minister presently out of a pastorate-voluntarily. I write inspirational poems and help less educated preachers out sometimes along with helping people understand the Scriptures better. I still preach sometimes in my local church. I live in west central Louisiana. I hope that some people may enjoy and appreciate what the pioneer families went through and that, without the pioneers, there would be no "sea to shining sea" in the United States of America.

If you need anymore help on the "poor" pioneers who made it across this great land, please email me at cephans@yahoo.com Poems by Carl Evans copyrighted

ON YOUR WEDDING DAY by carl evans This little girl that belongs to me will soon leave me truly behind to commit to another - a vow divine and become an entwined vine. I've seen you change through the years and experienced your joys and tears to become a maturing one who still serves God's holy Son. Whatever is behind you can make you glad or blue but remember - you can be happy for we all still love you. You've learned some truths for life regardless of your faults and sins but no condemnation will ever come since Jesus is your Savior and Friend. No matter where you go in the hope-filled years ahead, don't forget the ones who've helped you nor the one sleeping in your bed. For your life would not be complete if you forgot any one of those. You are still a vessel for God for you are one that HE chose. Live your life to the fullest in humility before the Divine. You are now vowing to another but I'll always be in your mind. written for Angel M. McCoy ("Evans") and David Durr on their wedding day August 21, 2001

THINKING OF YOU by carl evans 8/2001 No matter where I go you are always on my mind. Your memory stays with me and I thank God you are mine. We've been through many years and overcame the fears. We've seen our children born and shed so many tears. But in all of these things we've travailled through it all, to come to where we are awaiting our Masters' call. Our work isn't finished yet for there's more for us to do, so we'll cling to the Lord whose love remains so true. Always remember my dear that you'll always be mine, so this is being written cause you're always on my mind.

REFLECTION by carl evans 10/18/1995 Sitting on a bench in the park listening to the squirrels bark, thinking about the mem'ries we shared throughout the years we were paired. Your birthday will come in three days and I'll go through some teary ways, knowing that you are better off up there but how much I miss you down here. Many times we don't know how well off we are until that precious one becomes a star.

The one who remains behind in tears and pain has to endure it all for Heaven's gain. But who wants to think positive in times like these? Who wants to be good when your heart is diseased? I want to roll around in my tears and grief but God comes and speaks to my heart relief. He wants me to remember the moments we shared. He wants me to know that you always cared. We love to have our times of pity ole me, and roll around in the dirt of misery.

We feel a catharsis in the shedding of tears and reliving the pain from all the years. But, by doing this, we fall in the old trap of hanging on to this burdensome wrap. When through it all, we ought to be free by bringing it all to Calvary. For there we shall find salve for what ails our soul casting out burdens on Christ to be whole. He'll take away the tears and sadness from our face and give us an abundance of HIS Amazing Grace. Then, we can live with joy and serenity that will last throughout all eternity. So, gird up our loins and be made complete for its time that we rise to our feet. God has something great in store for you while in this world your're traveling through. Keep your lamps trimmed and your eyes lifted up staying with Jesus and drinking from HIS cup. We can make it only in HIS power leaning on Him as HE leads us higher. written in memory of my wife Maude Elizabeth Germany Evans 10/21/1951-5/14/1994

TO OUR DAUGHTER 11-22-1999 by:DADDY-Carl Evans ON THIS DAY, YOU TURN SIXTEEN SUGAR IS SWEET, BUT SO ARE YOU. THOUGH THERE ARE TIMES WHEN YOU SEEM MEAN, OUR LOVE FOR YOU REMAINS FULL AND TRUE. THERE'LL BE MANY TIMES IN YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU WON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO, BUT WE ARE ALWAYS NEARBY AND OUR LOVE NEVER FAILS YOU. IT WON'T BE VERY LONG UNTIL YOU LEAVE THIS SHELTERED NEST. YOU'LL MAKE MANY DECISIONS IN LIFE AND DISCOVER THE VALUES THAT ARE BEST. YOUR BELIEFS WILL BE TESTED BY THE WORLD, AND YOU'LL BE TEMPTED TO GIVE IN, BUT HOLD STRONG TO YOUR CONVICTIONS AND RELY ON THE SAVIOR WITHIN. FOR THEN YOU WILL HAVE TRUE SUCCESS IN YOUR LIFE AND NEW FAMILY, AND YOU WILL HAVE THE PEACE THAT HEAVEN GIVES TO KEEP YOU SAFE ETERNALLY. To my daughter dearest who is so sweet to know you've given me many challenges to help us all to grow. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH. DADDY

I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU (to MY daughter) BY carl evans (DAD) I'm in love with you and I'm not ashamed. You mean so much to me tho you don't have my name. My heart was opened the day I first saw you and now my heart is filled with your love so sweet and true. You filled a void in my life the day that you became mine and I'll always thank the Lord for you being my sunshine. MY ANGEL by Carl Evans This poem is to my daughter so filled with great love. Sometimes she doesn't do what she oughta though she came from above. On this day she turns seventeen a young child--woman. Sometimes she's filled with peace othertimes her life is stormin. God has a plan for her life regardless of the bad times And He will fill her with power to reach for the sublime. Though many changes are taking place in her physical body and mind, She must never forget God's values nor leave Biblical beliefs behind.

Though we always love and cherish her love n hugs n wonderful kisses, We must let her live her life for God---with all of the misses. We will always pray for her to obey and serve the Master, to heed HIS inner voice within to go slow and not live so faster. Slow down daughter and live and your decisions will be some good ones and you can understand what the value is in serving God's Son. It won't be long before you leave the home that's nurtured you. We hope and pray that God will give you everything that is true. No one has ever loved a child more than I have loved you. Though we aren't blood related my love for you will always be true.

 SUCH A BEAUTIFUL BABY 9/20/2003 by Carl Evans O WHAT A BEAUTIFUL BABY YOU HAVE GIVEN TO ME MUST HAVE COME FROM HEAVEN FOR SHE'S PRETTY AS CAN BE. WITH BEAUTIFUL EYES OF BROWN SHE'S BEAUTIFUL TO SEE THANK YOU FOR THIS BABY YOU HAVE GIVEN TO ME. WHEN I LOOK INTO YOUR FACE MY HEART DOES A FLIP FLOP I WANT YOU TO KNOW DEAR MY LOVE WILL NEVER STOP. SHE'S PERFECT AS POSSIBLE IN HER BEAUTIFUL BODY. DAUGHTER OPEN YOUR EYES TO SEE WHAT YOU'VE GIVEN TO ME. SHE'S MY FIRST GRANDCHILD AND I'LL CHERISH HER AS CAN BE I'LL ALWAYS THANK YOU LORD FOR WHAT YOU'VE GIVEN TO ME. MAY I NURTURE HER IN YOUR EYES AND HELP HER TO BE ALL SHE CAN LORD, LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE FOR I'M A HAPPY GRANDFATHER MAN. KIMBERLY MICHELLE DURR born 9/24/2003 4:09 am 8lb 7.7oz 19 3/4in. long ---------------------

 MY ROSE 4/11/2000 by Carl Evans My darling, you are my morning rose that gladdens my day and teases my nose. Your aroma sweetens my long day and helps me to endure my lonesome way. My life with you is like buds unfolding each day brings a beautiful beholding. Though the thorns show up when you are mad, the aroma overcomes and makes me glad. The petals unfolding one at a time makes me happy to know that you are mine. Though problems occur from time to time in this world we know it will turn out fine. My faith is in the Lord for HE saved my soul and HE uses you to keep me whole. -----------------

MY LIFE by Carl Evans 9/21/2005 I'm an old farmboy from Luzianne and traveled across this big old land. I've seen some sights that blessed my soul and drank from streams that were icy cold. I've traveled from the east to the west and from up north but my land is best. I've been loved by many in this old world and my love is strong for a certain few girls. I married first to one for sixteen years and her death was followed by many of my tears. I stumbles along four years til I met the one that would love me so dear and keep me going on. She brought with her a girl of fourteen that needed a daddy that wasn't mean. The two brought many joys to my lonely life and helps me to carry on regardless of strife. Five years later I became a Paw Paw too a little girl so sweet and I love her true. The Lord has been so good to me giving me HIS promise of eternity. My desire is to be useful to HIM in ministry blessed by HIS wisdom, guidance, and my family. -----------

ROADS OF LIFE by Carl Evans 5/1997 Many roads we will find that will lead us through life. Some of them will bring joy while others bring us strife. There'll be many detours and forks along the way. Some will bring you sadness but some will bless your day. We can't go our own route depending on our smarts. We must seek and depend on the Lord in our hearts. The decisions we make must be guided by our Lord. Roads paved with good intent are some we can't afford. So when you face a fork in life of ups and downs, seek the Lord and HE'll give you a life that abounds.

--- MY EYES ARE ON THE LORD by Carl Evans 6/1997 There's no better place for our sights to be than on the Precious One from Calvary. He came to us from the beginning to give our own lives a happy ending. When we turn it all over to the Savior our lives receive a brand new flavor. Then we can live in a better way bringing more honor to HIM every day. Let us never lose sight of our true role as we all strive toward God's future goal. For He has something great in store for us so we must keep on following Jesus. He's the Redeemer for all mankind and the only ONE who can get us there to that great meeting in the air. Where, we'll spend all eternity freely worshipping the Almighty and doing the things HE gives us to do in a land where everything is new. ------

 TURN AROUND (at First Baptist Church) by Carl Evans 1997 Sometimes our lives are so mundane that our church worship becomes just plain. We went through the normal motions and worshipped with our formal notions, but God was not moving much at all until Brother Dwight we did call. We needed someone who would awaken us and share with us the fruits of Jesus. Then God used him to stir us up and God began to fill our cup. Many surrendered to God's own way to walk His paths in a new day. We're not cool, calm, and collected anymore for we've a taste of what's in store, when God works through His chosen few to add to His family and our pew. Catch a vision and hold it tight until God works it all out right. Be humble and live your life pure only the Lord can lead us sure. Tell someone that you love them and bring honor and glory to HIM. ---------

OUR FATHER IS WAITING by Carl Evans 2/16/1998 From the prodigal son we learn the essence of life itself. It is found in knowing the Father and not in our personal wealth. ---------- LOVE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE by Carl Evans 12/12/2005 Love makes the difference between a husband and wife and dealing with issues and working through strife. Love makes the difference between a family and home and keeps them contented to never ever roam. Love makes the difference between religion and faith and ceases the rituals and clings to pure faith. Love makes a difference between brother and sis and seals the relationship with a hug and a kiss. Love makes the difference between love and hate based on the giving love of GOD and not fate. Love makes the difference between pride and loyalty serving to help new citizens to be part of a nation and family. -----------

 FOREVER by Carl Evans 12/21/2005 Such marvelous love a gift from above joined in unity being a family. One that we can share to show that we care such a matchless grace in this little place. Through windows comes light to show such a sight smiles on their faces like sparkling vases. Hands clasped together life will be better facing it as ONE living for the SON. Forever, we'll be 'til eternity. -----------

HEROES by Carl Evans 2/1997 Heroes are made of people just like me and you. They are made from the good deeds that we do. There are times when we are often misunderstood, even when we help others to do something good. Whatever the case is, we must continue on if we want to bring glory to God's only Son. One of these days we shall receive our true reward if on this earth we are faithful as God's steward. So, carry on in your service to Heaven's King being full of faith, doing good in everything. --

 WHO'S ON THE LORD'S SIDE by Carl Evans 2/1997 Elijah told us to trust in the Real God and not place our hope in trees and birds and sod. He challenged Baal to do miraculous acts but there's only ONE who lives and that's a fact. Choose you this day whom you will forever serve and from that decision nevermore do swerve. There's no one at all who can match my Savior for He adds to my life HIS divine flavor. So stand strong while obeying the Almighty and enjoy the blessings of eternity. --------

 MAKE YOUR OWN TRACKS by Carl Evans 2/1997 We played a game when we were small, Follow the Leader it was called. Many there are who still follow this the goal in life they've surely missed. Many goals in life we follow only leaves us feeling hollow. So we must change our life's true goal by taking Jesus as our role. Then let HIM guide in all our ways and we will surely have blessed days. Imagine what Jesus can do if HE has sway o'er me and you. So don't do as some others do only let Jesus lead you true. Then you'll be a heavenly scent and in your life you'll be content. Only then you'll be your own man fitting in with the Master's plan. For He's the ONE who'll help you stand while you possess HIS promised land. ---------

WHERE ARE YOU by Carl Evans 2/1997 Sin entered the life of man and marred the perfection GOD planned. Though HE knew it all along it saddened HIM when they did wrong. HE knows what we are made of and sent HIS Son to show HIS LOVE. So when man commits their sin we have a Savior to call in. Just don't go hiding from HIM or you'll find yourself on a limb, having to lean on your strength which never yet has gone the length. If you ever do try to hide you'll get lost without HIM beside. He'll let you live in the mire until you of sin surely tire. It matters not where you may hide the Spirit searches high and wide, to bring you into fellowship and grow you in discipleship. So where are you living today living in sin or for THE WAY? Are you fitting in with HIS plan or trying to be your own man? -----

WHY ARE WE HERE? by Carl Evans 1997 Was there a purpose for our birth or just another soul on earth? Do we just live our lives for self and gain for us limited wealth? Why do we never look beyond this old world's false golden fronds" Maybe then we can really see what the LORD meant for us to be. HE wants us to live happily and we can when we are set free. We are to be reaching people bringing them under the steeple, teaching them HIS own Holy ways helping them throughout all the days. In that way we can make a sure mark by bringing God's light to those in dark, --------

UNKNOWN SOLDIERS by Carl Evans 9/10/2001 No one knows the places nor the faces anymore, for the many unnamed soldiers on some distant shore. They served a simple flag with such grand bravery not knowing when they would begin their eternity. One single purpose they had in their own frustrated minds to be as brave as could be when they joined their ragged lines. They lie in some unnamed grave plot without a stone to mark the burial of those who died unknown. Many of those grave plots have been forgotten by most but some are still tended to by a compassionate host. They are sowing seeds of kindness for one day they'll be there though they may be forgotten there'll still be someone who care. Soldiers are not just those who fight in some army, but those who stand for rights even in your family. Whether it's your parents or others that you may know that do great but seemingly small things without public show. It may even be a friend that has proven to be true, even though they are never noticed by someone like you. Let us appreciate those who've fought for the rights of all who volunteered their time when some watchman gave the call. No matter that they may be minuscule in your own eyes, they were willing to give of themselves to help save some lives. -------

THE SAVIOR'S LOVE by Carl Evans 10/1997 I have experienced the love of my own family and friends, but there is a sure greater love that will be there until the end. That love came to each and every person that inhabits this earth, but there are so many of those who never will perceive it's worth. Sin has blinded so many eyes and hardened their own ears and hearts and can't seem to understand what the Lord wants to do in their hearts. Their understanding is based on what many doubters have told them, and can't understand what to do with the babe born in Bethlehem. God still seeks to reach every one to believe in the Lord Jesus. If we overlook Calvary, we won't know what He'll do in us. So before you give up on life, give the Lord a chance to make you into the new person HE wants and be one of HIS chosen few. ----------

THE ANSWER IS STILL THE SAME by Carl Evans 4/1997 In this old world many questions abound that just causes us to go round and around. We search all over the world for the way to get us through any and every day. But we fail to find the key to success for we look everywhere but at Jesus. He's the answer for ever part of life without HIM, there will always be much strife. When will we ever learn to obey HIM instead of giving in to every whim? Following the way of true righteousness will give to us life that's richly blessed. ---------

TELL ME A STORY by Carl Evans 4/1997 I love to hear a story about how God's love is true, how other saints lived their lives letting faith carry them through. They had many days of woe as they stood up for their rights and face their old enemy as they traveled through dark nights. There were times in their own lives when the thought that they had failed to carry through in trials resisting the flames of hell. But when it was all over they could look back and be sure that it wasn't their own strength but faith which carried them through. This truth encouraged them all to stand fast and see the LORD deliver them through the fires and same from enemy hordes. Knowing what they knew will help us live our lives rich and free always trusting in Jesus the Lamb slain at Calvary. ---------

RUNNING FROM GOD by Carl Evans 2/20/1997 Many people fail to listen to the wise advisors of old, running through life living their way not knowing they've lost their goal. The Bible is full of stories of men who'd not listen to GOD instead they followed their own way and found turmoil where'ere they trod. Many ran away to escape from the mission field God had sent while others rebelled against God because of their own sinful bent. Ahab was a king of Israel and disobeyed God's Holy laws and failed to obey God's commands but carried out his selfish cause. Jonah thought he could run away and hide from God's own commandment but soon found himself in a storm riding the ship of discontent. These and others forgot that will find you wherever you are He's known as the Hound of Heaven and HE'll chase you near and far. It's all because of HIS great love that HE doesn't give up on us but wants us to be blest and glad by following HIS Son Jesus. ---------

WHEN WE CALL by Carl Evans 5/1997 Life is full of troubled times for all of us around here. When we need good words of hope, there are few to give us cheer. But let us remember the words our Lord spoke for us all that He'll be with us always and all we need do is call. When sins are surely covered by the blood of God's own Lamb we can be assured of help from Heaven's own great I AM. For when we are bought by blood there's nothing that can best us for we have not a dead man but a real living Jesus. So when the storms of life crash down upon our weary soul turn our eyes upon Jesus for He'll preserve us whole. Then we can turn around and help others who are in need and we'll be in God's sight a holy and precious breed. -----------

 THIS OLD HOME by Carl Evans 3/1997 The house I live in is an odd one to tell, part log and part frame but I love it so well. It was built by my dad before I was born with help from some neighbor men one misty morn. The two rooms they built gave us a place to live and how we thank God for neighbors hearts that give. They came from miles around with their food to share and worked and cleaned while the kids ran without care. Dad added a lean-to during his spare time and a porch to enjoy in the summer clime. It was some time later when planks were added and enjoyed it all from the porch chairs padded. From a lifetime of being a share-cropper my family began to farm in proper. They started with forty acres of clay land traded with livestock from a family man. Many there were who laughed at and teased my dad saying, "clay hills are no place to raise a lad". Some of the best crops my folks ever planted came from that very clay land that was slanted. While my dad worked the weekdays away from home the rest of my family never did roam. There were cotton, corn, and much vegetables grown wherever the seed was carefully sown. The barn was built from peeled and notched pine poles with a loft to throw fodder through the door holes. Then were the other cribs and sheds erected to store the farm produce that we expected. Dad bought the forty acre tract next to us paid the loan by cutting timber without a fuss. About forty acres were put to the plow rows and rows of crops grown with good old knowhow. We had chickens, goats, some cows, mules, and a horse and we made our living from the land of course. About forty acres was left for the woods to provide fun and hunting for all the hoods. Many have left their tracks upon this good land the lessons they've learned here helps them be a man. From plowing in the fields by the dawning of day encouraged by Mom to walk in God's own way. to be cont'd ---

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