BECAUSE HE LIVES...IN STEVE SIKES

“How God Was Great in 2008″

The years 2001-2007 were very hard years for the Steve and Patti Sikes family. I'm not saying that there weren't other very hard years...but in many ways these years were over the top! We often felt like punching bags, every time we tried to get up we'd get punched back down. Life was hard! Nothing that happened to us in those years changed the fact that GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME AND ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD. In fact, this is the calligraphy of my friend, Cindy Grubb, that hangs above my computer screen:

After 18 months of prayer and 40 days of fasting on my husband Steve's part, GOD brought us to a place in our lives where we KNEW He was in control. He moved us. He began to heal our family. He gave us many new perspectives of wounded healing and transformation. He had us where He wanted us - stuck on our knees. Oh, we're still on this journey of life. Life is still hard! We still have a daughter who suffers from chronic pain - now in the thirteenth year. We still have other major health, financial, and daily life challenges. The calligraphy above my computer continues to remind me.

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Today, I am grateful for how I have seen God work - up through 2008 in my marriage. Specifically, on this, the 35th anniversary of Steve and Patti Sikes, I would like you to know how God shows up in my life everyday BECAUSE HE LIVES IN STEVE SIKES. We are both children of God...made in His image.

• I am a lion.
• Steve is a lamb.
• I am a living stone.
• Steve is a wonderful counselor.
• I am an overseer of souls.
• Steve is a mighty prayer warrior.
• I am a mother hen gathering her chicks under her wings.
• Steve an everlasting father.
• I am a creator.
• Steve is a prince of peace.

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In yesterdays post, I made the following comments:

"We'll meditate on those

four descriptions / names of JESUS CHRIST.

I'll share some of Dan's thoughts,

some of my own, and

along the way the Holy Spirit will touch our hearts

with new and convicting thoughts

about these wonderful concepts."

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And so, all day yesterday the Holy Spirit of GOD convicted me. I could not get off my mind how much my husband, Steve was like those names of our LORD JESUS CHRIST: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Please look back above at my descriptions of Steve to see the similarities. There is so much that I could say from my heart that would explain it more, but I'll say those things to Steve. I'd like to let 3 things tell you about this man that I am so in love with and so grateful for.

1. The words of his own children, who at my request, yesterday afternoon and evening wrote some big things that they appreciate their dad for.
2. The words of his co-worker in ministry, Dan Cooper, that were written in this past Sunday's bulletin at the Pitman church of Christ.
3. The words of a song written by Alexis Carter (an amazing singer who's voice has been compared to Whitney Houston's voice). After she was stunned to learn that "her preacher" was moving, she wrote a song about him and drove many miles to a recording studio that same week to cut the CD.

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BECAUSE HE LIVES IN STEVE SIKES, our children have this to say:

Jordan - son:

• One thing I love about Dad, is his humility. He has so much talent and giftedness, and yet he never is boastful or arrogant. He doesn't flash his diplomas, honors, and accomplishments. He doesn't parade his tassels for everyone to see. He truly works for the Lord and not for men.
• Another thing I love about Dad, is his tenderness of heart. He feels and understands people. His ability to perceive hurts and pains in others is uncanny. I can't count the times I've seen my daddy cry. I know this is God's work at molding in him the heart of his Creator.
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Jacqueline - daughter-in-love:

The two things I appreciate most are:

• I'm blessed to witness my husband's daily walk of integrity. I know without a doubt that much of who he strives to be is a mirror of his earthly dad, who is also a mirror of his Heavenly Father.
• I appreciate that nearly every time we (or Jordy) call, whether in triumph, fear, or defeat, he takes the time to pray for us right then and there. We know you're both on your knees for our little family all of the time, and we take comfort in that.

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Jessica - daughter:

• I love that he is able to see the good in everyone. He has the ability to make everyone feel like they are the most important person in the world. He has a truly rare gift.
• I love his sense of humor. Laughter is the best medicine and he always is able to give me the dose I need.

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Caleb - son:

• My Dad means so much to me. He is slow to anger, quick to listen and he has a lot of love.
• Being a son of my father, I forget that there aren't many men like my dad, who do the right thing even when it is hard, extremely hard. Thank you dad for loving all others. Yes, you love even when it seems hard, but from observation I think you just love to love.

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Krista - daughter-in-love:

• Steve does not look at someone's past and what they were, but their future and who they are becoming.
• His wisdom, patience, humility, abundance of love and understanding (his FAITH) - being able to observe what a true Christian father is like teaches me how to be more of a daughter of Christ to my earthly father. The outcome is my dad is growing closer to Christ because of Steve's FAITH.

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Crystal - daughter:

• No matter how many stupid mistakes and decisions I've made, Big Guy has always been there for me. Still, to this day, I sit on Big Guy's lap and give him zerberts!
• Big Guy is the most genuine person I have ever known. When someone is going through trials, he goes through the ups and downs with them. He has true compassion that never fails -no matter what the circumstances.

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BECAUSE HE LIVES IN STEVE SIKES, Dan Cooper had this to say:

"The Sikes are celebrating their second Christmas season with us here in New Jersey and I am still psyched about having them here with us. I simply love co-ministering with Steve. He is as passionate about ministry as I am! We are team players.

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• Steve Sikes loves ministry, and he is really good at it.
• He loves preaching, and his sermons always connect me to God's word.
• He loves people, and his people skills are obvious to all who meet him.
• He loves sharing the Good News with the lost, and he invests time and energy in truth-seekers.
• He loves Christian counseling, and people (both Christians and non-Christians) come to see him from the north, south, east, and west. He loves teaching, and his classes are always stimulating and educational. He loves to give gifts and express appreciation, and he gives joyfully and generously.
• He loves to sing, and his bass voice helps me to sing better.
• Steve loves to pray, and praying with him is an experience that has deepened and enriched my personal prayer life.

.Yes, I thank God for bringing Steve Sikes to the Pitman Church of Christ. I say again, God is good - All the time. Still psyched about Sikes, Dan"

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BECAUSE HE LIVES IN STEVE SIKES, Alexis Carter had this to say in the words of the song that she wrote about him - MAN OF GOD:

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CHORUS:

How beautiful the feet of them who preach the gospel of peace

and bring glad tidings of good things to them who hear the Word.

How beautiful the feet of them who preach the gospel of peace

and bring glad tidings of good things to them who hear the Word.

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VERSE 1:

There's gonna come a day that all those who heard your voice will say,

"This man, he taught me how to seek the LORD,

so that I might be saved.

No other's sown what you've sown.

With the LORD, you've helped God's Kingdom grow.

You never spared the rod!

Oh, you mighty man of God!

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CHORUS:

How beautiful the feet of them who preach the gospel of peace
and bring glad tidings of good things to them who hear the Word.
How beautiful the feet of them who preach the gospel of peace
and bring glad tidings of good things to them who hear the Word.

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VERSE 2:

I witnessed how you submitted to the Spirit,

as God dealt with my heart.

Through you, He changed me forever.

All this, I owe my service to you.

You never strayed from the Word.

You spoke the truth.

That's what I heard.

At times, I know its hard,

Oh, you awesome man of God!

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CHORUS:

How beautiful the feet of them who preach the gospel of peace
and bring glad tidings of good things to them who hear the Word.
How beautiful the feet of them who preach the gospel of peace
and bring glad tidings of good things to them who hear the Word.

How beautiful the feet of them who preach the gospel of peace...
How beautiful the feet of them who preach the gospel of peace..."

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Then, Alexis reads and says at the end of the song:

"Romans 10:15

'And how shall they preach unless they are sent?

Just as it is written,

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring

glad tidings of good things!'

BE ENCOURAGED!"

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Thank you, my children, Dan, and Alexis.

Today, I want to encourage (put courage in my husband) to ask God for another 35 years on this planet with me. I am so grateful for how God has transformed and is transforming Steve Sikes into His image!

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Today, Steve and I share the same anniversary with Steve' parents, Jack and Robbie Sikes, known to many of you as Papa and Mama Sikes. They have planted a heritage and legacy of faith, hope, and love that is rare. They just say, "Pass it on!" Thank you, Papa and Mama. Happy 61st anniversary!

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NOTE: Alexis' recording of this song is on my computer. Although I haven't figured out how to upload it to my blog, I can certainly email it to you.

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PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT FOR STEVE! If you have never left a comment on a blog before, just click COMMENTS just below here. Then, click anonymous, write your comment, do what it directs you to do, and then you can either sign your name or not. Thank you!

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