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An important post is on God Things, one of my other sites. https://shirleybuxton.wordpress.com/2019/04/16/the-hot-flame-of-calling-and-of-gifts/

By Shirley Buxton

Still full of life and ready to be on the move, Shirley at 84 years old feels blessed to have lots of energy and to be full of optimism. She was married to Jerry for 63 years, and grieves yet at his death in August of 2019. They have 4 children, 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren...all beautiful and highly intelligent--of course. :)

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Sis. Buxton – your writing never ceases to inspire:

“…. and when the flame flickers and through the inky night threatens to die, its keeper bends low, coaxes and feeds fuel, and the heat remains.” The best of American writers cannot hold a candle to that line! Oh, yes.

Speaking of crawling and scraping along, how I can relate. Flunked out of the university at 20 years old & had to watch my mother’s tears roll down her cheeks at the breakfast table after telling her the letter held in my hand said I was “academically dismissed”. Three community colleges and three universities later I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree of said university (with honors) with my wife, three children & Mom and Dad in attendance.

After praying back though to the Holy Ghost (backslidden for 12 years – to the month), I forever longed to go to Bible College. Three attempts fell through the proverbial “cracks”. In a chance encounter in a grocery store parking lot (where I rarely ever shopped), a sister who once attended my church told me about their church starting up the Purpose Institute Apostolic Bible program. I immediately said it’s what I’ve been waiting for.

Within the first 2 years of attendance, our oldest daughter fractured her neck, my father died of an unexpectant fatal heart attack, a very close family member was sentenced to prison, my mother was committed to a psychiatric hospital and our 20-year old daughter was in kind institutionalized for 1 month. I had decided to not attend our 2nd year graduation, but at the last minute swallowed my pride and went any way. (The only shining light in the whole abyss was my wife never told me to “curse God and die” 😊)

I graduated and went on to finish the remaining 2 years to receive the 4 year diploma – 31 A’s & 1 B (so fitting because I am so imperfectly perfect).

I apologize for the wordiness here. Yes, life is challenging. But, there is no challenge like the one God will give you.

Thank you for your post. Keep the candle burning. Your effort is making a difference. And may you & your family have a blessed Easter!

Blessings – David

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Oh, my goodness, what a powerful piece you have written here. Thank you so very much.. .for the compliments, but most of all for sharing the highlights of your life’s journey. What a story. May God’s love and blessings continue to shine brightly on your way. Please stay in touch.

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