mel winstead

What Happens When I Die?

2012-02-09T15:24:00.000-05:00

What Happens When I Die?: There are many ideas about what happens after you die. But which one is correct?

Preaching through 1 Thessalonians these days

2011-09-29T21:57:00.000-04:00

Mark, my brother

2011-06-02T14:37:00.003-04:00

Four years ago today, I lost my bro-bro Mark. It was on a Satruday afternoon that he died, and so I have prayed for his friends and our family every Saturday afternoon since - EVERY Saturday afternoon. I want his friends to know that I pray for them by name: Chris Gardiner, Chris Whitehurst, David Ellis, Cassidy & family, the Sweeley boys, the Parrish boys, Mike Spence, Mike King, Ray, Isaac, Isaiah, and others. I talked with a family in my community a few days ago who lost their nineteen year old son in the same way two years ago. I think I realized then that these kinds of wounds are the kinds that will never go away (but I am comforted by the truths of 2 Corinthians 12). I do have very fond memories of Mark, though. We sure had great times together in the 32 short years he was here. I miss him and think of him often. That probably comes through the most when I think of something crazy he said or did, and I laugh - usually out loud, whether anyone else is around or not, or even cares or not. I will continue to love his family, and in the years to come, I will inform/remind his kids who they belonged to (including Alana and Isaiah). Isaac, you were old enough to know you belong. I love all of you - Paul, April, momma, Isaac.

almost 14 inches of snow in Nash county today!

2010-12-26T19:37:00.005-05:00

Me and my brother Paul built this snow man this evening.

Lyd and her cousin Marshall. Guess who the horse was pulling them?

The yard stick measured almost fourteen inches of snow on my truck, everywhere in the yard (away from treess), and on the deck. It's the biggest snow I remember in Nash county since the winter of 1980.

We didn't have a white Christmas day yesterday, but we certainly had one today.

daddy0's deer

2010-12-16T14:44:00.003-05:00

Haven't had much time this Fall to hunt. But I bagged this 6-pointer Tuesday evening, tracked him for 2 hours and could not find him. Next day, a friend found him for me. The coyotes had consumed the meat, so that only left me with the antlers, which I sawed off and took home. Oh well, next time?

Preaching through colossians these days.

2010-11-20T22:30:00.001-05:00

Please hold.

2010-08-20T08:20:00.000-04:00

Father's Day

2010-06-20T18:59:00.003-04:00

Today is Father's Day. I want to honor my earthly father, Nick Winstead (May 11, 1950-February 19, 2009). I miss him deeply. I still feel a little lost in this world without him. Many others are probably like me and my family. We reminisce by saying things like "as daddy used to say . . ." and we'll quote some funny saying daddy had. For me, I also like to look through his newspaper scrapbook of his backetball feats in high school. Recently, I found daddy's name on the Raleigh News and Observer Sports website in a section on local basketball legends. Under the heading Top Scoring Games, Nick Winstead is listed thirtieth with 53 points against Middlesex high school in 1967. Other names you might recognize that scored higher were Donald Williams, Phil Ford, Jameson Curry, and Chris Paul. The entire list can be found here: http://myndsports.com/?page_id=12410.

At any rate, daddy certainly instilled in me a love of the game of basketball. I still play weekly (usually). I asked God to turn it into a ministry for me - that is, to redeem the time I was spending out on the floor. God did that the very next day (I won't go into it right now) and I have been able to minister to two particular young men who have visited church with me several times, and even gone with us on a mission trip to work on Camp Duncan in Aberdeen, NC. I thank God for redeeming not only our souls, but our lives, our days, our hours (if we let Him). I also thank God for my daddy, Nick Winstead, son of a Nash County tobacco farmer.

FOXNews.com - Nine Big Stories the Mainstream Media Missed in 2009 - Slide 1 of 9

2009-12-31T10:22:00.001-05:00

FOXNews.com - Nine Big Stories the Mainstream Media Missed in 2009 - Slide 1 of 9

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PRAISES!

2009-08-04T19:26:00.001-04:00

God is so good. I have a list of answered prayer / blessings from God. I could, of course, list myriads of blessings from God, for every nanosecond that every molecule in my body is living, it is due to God’s grace. At any rate, here are a few praises to God Almighty, my heavenly Father:
Last Sunday evening I attended First Baptist of Indian Trail to see and hear the bluegrass gospel band, Dailey and Vincent. They are the 2008 Bluegrass entertainers of the year and they are awesome and very professional. Most importantly, they clearly shared the gospel of Jesus Christ through word and music and I myself was revived through it all. And yes, they performed their most famous song “By the Marks.” I encourage you to listen to that song a few times; you can find it on YouTube.
Next, my mentor, David Black, has been healed of malaria. He was hospitalized at UNC for several days and has been very sick. But God had mercy . . .
Also, God has blessed me with a smart and awesome wife and a sweet and precious (and obedient!) daughter. They are the lights of my life! You too, Pepper.
God has blessed us with a very fruitful garden this year. And what I was unable to plant, neighbors have provided, as usual.
My brother Isaac visited us for the weekend. We had a great time playing basketball, fishing, shooting rifles, and hunting for arrowheads.
I was afforded the opportunity a few days ago to witness my testimony and the saving gospel of Jesus to a couple of truck drivers down at the local truck stop. I provided them with a Trucker’s New Testament and some other gospel literature. They were humble men and we had a good talk. I will continue to pray for them. I was born again myself while a truck driver and out “on the road” in 1995.
Sunday, a twelve year old young man came forward at the end of the service and wanted to be saved. Of course I led him to Jesus who is the only one who can save. A younger young man also came forward and became a believer recently and wants to be water-baptized (a thirty-something year old man in our church has experience personal revival in the last ten months and is being used mightily of God in his home, our church, and our community. In fact, he is the one who led the younger boy to Christ recently). This man has become a deacon in the Lord’s church here – not by name, but by what counts – function.
This coming Saturday, our church will have its biggest “event” in its history. We will have two music groups to minister by song, a guest speaker (apologetic), and a meal (we’ll barbecue a hog). I am praying this ministry will help in the disciple-making process.
Sunday, as a ministry (not my idea, but Jeremy Varner’s), we will have the local county basketball league winners out to our church (along with their families), to minister to them in recognition, by the gospel message, and with a meal.
Well, what great opportunities to serve Christ. They’re all around us! I preached last week on the tragedy of lost (missed) opportunity. What opportunities is the Lord providing you with today?
Praises, blessings, are all around. Praise God.

South Union Basketball Champs!

2009-07-21T11:24:00.002-04:00

On Sunday, the South Union Athletic Association (SUAA) completed its summer Men’s Basketball League with the “Black” team (teams were named according to jersey color) emerging as the victors. Games were played at the “old school” gymnasium. Playoffs began Saturday at 5PM and wound up at 10PM. The championship game was played Sunday at 2PM. The black team was comprised of Charlie Conner, Charlie Helms, Jake Booth, Evan Cawthorn, Mel Winstead, Dennis Richardson and David Jowers. The black team seized the championship with a 66-52 win over the “white” team. High scores were meted out by Dennis (16), Mel (13), Evan, and Charlie Helms (12 each). The white team’s Austin Pritt knocked down 16 as well. SUAA president Gary Helms will be accepting Fall league sign-ups at the SUAA gym on August 30 from 3-6PM.

Picture: From left to right:
Charlie Conner, Evan Cawthorn, Charlie Helms, Mel Winstead, Dennis Richardson, Jake Booth, and David Jowers (not pictured).

Mark Winstead: Two Years Later.

2009-06-02T14:43:00.000-04:00

As I begin to write, my eyes are filling with tears. My brother died two years ago today. I miss him. It is every bit as painful as the day Paul and I received the phone call. I have never been hurt or experienced such pain of loss or tragedy like that before then and probably never will. I was raised with and grew up with that boy – years of laughter, fighting, having fun, swimming in the Tar River, fishing, playing basketball, watching B-ball and football games on TV, etc. There are no words to describe the memories and years of things we did together. Neither are there words to describe the pain I still feel at losing my brother (not to mention having lost my daddy since then also), but I am putting these few words up on the blog for Mark’s family and friends, and for his kids – they’ll appreciate and cherish reading them one day, I’m sure.
Mark was a fun guy to be around. Everybody knows that. He enjoyed laughing, enjoyed family, enjoyed his kids, enjoyed just hanging out with friends. We’ll never know on this side what specifically caused the despair of life, but it’s sad. I still hurt for Cassidy and Alana as well. For Cassidy, since she was the spouse left behind, and I know she’s gone through all kinds of emotions and questions. For Alana, because she’ll grow up without her daddy, but hopefully she’ll know him through our family and through reviewed memories, through pictures, through videos, through friends who knew him and shared time with him also. Mark had said “Don’t worry momma, because I’m in heaven.” I hope so!!! I know when I get there, one of two things will happen: 1) I will see my little brother again, or 2) My Savior, King Jesus will put His arms around me and as He has promised, “will wipe away every tear.” Thanks, Lord.
An 18-year young man in our community committed suicide a few weeks ago. I did not know the family, but felt compelled as a pastor and Christian in the community, and led by compassion and hurt for his parents, I went and met the family and talked, and prayed, and felt grief (again) with them. Romans 12:15 presents God’s people with an odd but interesting command: “weep with those who weep.” And so we do. Some of us have the capacity to weep at a much deeper level than others, but God has given it to all believers to show love and compassion to those who are hurting, if for nothing else, to be able to share with them that God loves them and gave His Son for their life!
For my family: I love all of you, every one of you, and I have prayed for you today. Seek God and look to Him for comfort and strength (Psalm 105:4-5; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

More thoughts about daddy

2009-02-27T11:11:00.004-05:00

One of my earliest remembrances of daddy was when we live in Morehead City when I was about 5 years old. Back then, the beach still had lots of sand dunes, before all the condos and hotels took over. We were walking through the dunes one day as a fmaily, and I stepped on a broken beer bottle and gashed my little foot. Daddy and momma had to take me to the ER. But when daddy picked me up to carry me to the car, amidst the pain, blood, tears, and screaming, I knew "everything was going to be alright!" My big daddy had me in his arms and I was going to be okay; nothing could hurt me now. I have always loved being colse to daddy, hugging, being hugged, patting him on the back, looking to see if I was as tall as him yet - all the things growing young men like to think about.
Then daddy began taking me and my brothers fishing. We fished all the time when I was younger. Then he started working with us in basketball. Daddy could easily dunk and since I wanted to be like daddy, I turned a five gallon bucket upside down in front to the goal, got a running start, and could dunk like that (I don't advise this for any kids - it's dangerous).
Later, I wanted to be a truck driver like daddy was. I rode on some trips with him and he taught me how to drive and even let me drive. I was hooked. I followed that dream as well. It was during that time that I became a Christian and went off to Bible college.
Daddy supported be during those years - he was proud of me and told me so, and that was a huge thing for me.
Daddy has gone now, and I am so sorrowful and heartbroken. I even think I'm still in a state of unbelief at his passing. I will remember and think of him for the rest of my days. One of my uncles told me last week (daddy and his brothers lost their daddy when they were in their 20's) "boy, it's something you'll never forget." I think he's right.
Now, I have my own child to hold in my arms but I feel so inadequate to be a daddy now that I've lost mine - it's a weird feeling. Maybe it's just that I wish daddy were still here so that Lydia can have the fun with him that I had when I was a kid. At any rate, God has plans for me that I need to get on with, and He will see me through the pain and grief, not around it, through it. Job 1:21 was the final verse I quoted at daddy's funeral; read it.

Slideshow of daddy

2009-02-25T14:30:00.001-05:00

Pics of Daddy

2009-02-24T11:46:00.002-05:00

Daddy,

You are loved, and you will be missed! Friends,

thanks for all the kind words and prayers offered up on online guestbooks, phone calls, and cards. It has all been very comforting. This ordeal has been a struggle for me. I feel like I am too young to have lost my daddy already. I feel like a little child. Y'all know my daddy was a big man and it was always comforting to have him close by or hugging you, or putting his arm around you. I will miss all of that. But as I mentioned in daddy's funeral service, it hurts very deeply, and I miss my daddy already, but at the end of the day, I have to say with Job: the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

Daddy at the piano.

2009-02-22T21:54:00.000-05:00

This pic was taken by a family friend, Frank Quinlan, photographer.

Nick Winstead

2009-02-22T21:36:00.004-05:00

My daddy, Nick Winstead, died Thursday in Rocky Mount, NC. He was 58 years old. I can’t believe that I have lost my brother and now my daddy within less than two years of each other. It’s been a sad week this week. It has also been an exhausting week for Heather and I having to travel so much while dealing with family issues, being heartbroken and sad, and just feeling generally frazzled. I have posted a few pics here for tonight. I took part in daddy’s funeral service today. Perhaps I’ll say more about it tomorrow.

Marshall (Nick) Winstead

2009-02-20T20:42:00.001-05:00

My daddy's obituary can be found at www.wheelerandwoodlief.com or, tomorrow morning at the Rocky Mount Telegram online.

My Daddy, Nick Winstead

2009-02-19T21:37:00.002-05:00

For friends and family,
My daddy, Marshall Wayne Winstead, 58 years old, died yesterday. It has been a horrendously sad day at my family's house. I guess I'm still "numb" right now. Just pray for me and my family to realize God's grace during this time.

Lydia's Snow Day!

2009-01-22T21:55:00.003-05:00

Tuesday we got 3-4 inches or more of snow. Lydia had a 'grand 'ole time,' as you can see. Heather and I had fun, too. Seeing Lyd enjoy things for the first time brings joy to daddy's heart!

Happy New Year's Day!

2009-01-01T20:47:00.003-05:00

It's time! It's time to begin reading through the Bible in a year. I finished reading through the Bible in a year a few days ago. Tonight I will start back in Genesis again. This past year I read the Holman Christian Standard Bible. It was a pretty good English version. This year, I will start reading the English Standard Version. I have actually set a goal to double up the allotted number of chapters for each day so that I will finish reading the Bible this year by the end of June! Pray for me to accomplish this task. I encourage my blog readers and friends to read through the Word of God this year. You will be amazed at how much you will learn about God's hand at work in history, in the world, in your life. He gives amazing wisdom and strength in the reading of Scripture. Enjoy the journey!

2008-12-31T16:21:00.003-05:00

Okay, so Dallas is done for this year. They deserve to be out of the playoffs since they didn't show up for the Philadelphia game. Oh, but wait, they did show up but without protecting their quarterback. That's my assessment , in a nutshell. What a shameful game, at any rate! I guess I will pull for the Carolina Panthers in the playoffs. So, "Go Panthers!"

2008-12-15T11:51:00.002-05:00

Last December, I was privileged to attend a Cowboys/Panthers game in Charlotte. It was my first ever. As a life-long Dallas fan, I was overjoyed with the moment. Last night, I watched one of the best Cowboys games of the year. Nope, there were no spectacular Romo to Owens throws, or Romo to Witten passes. Only good, solid defense! Dallas sacked Eli Manning (this past season's Super Bowl winner, and still one the best quarterbacks in the game) at least 8 times. The giants had only been sacked 11 times all season up until the Dallas game last night. Sweet defensive work, 'Boys! They've shown Carolina how to beat the Giants next week.

What's redemptive out of this post? Sometimes the best offense is good, solid defense! I know this is true from having played college basketball and now coaching High School basketball. I always focus more on defense. It is key. In the Christian life, one can do their best service to Jesus and His kingdom often by only having a good defense against falsehood. In other words, know the truth (Jesus said doing so would set you free! - John 8:31-32). Know the truth and know it well. When others ask about your faith, or even about your service or devotion to Christ and His church, your defensive stance should be quick, active, and noticeable. If you can always give a good defense as to why you believe what you believe or why you do what you do, you can stop or slow any "giant" of false or wrong-headed thinking in your friends' lives.

Lydia at One Year

2008-10-26T21:27:00.003-04:00

Lydia turned 1 year old in September. In the pic above, she's letting you know she's "one." Her mom taught her to do that. Heather also took that photo - it's studio quality. In fact, the Wal-Mart photo shop gave Heather trouble as Heather attempted to make copies, because the lady thought it was a professional job. Well, it was. Me and Heather - in our study, with a sheet over the window as a backdrop! Anyway, children are definitely a blessing and a gift, as the Scriptures declare. And Lydia has brought much joy to our lives. And yes, the time has "flown." But I'm trying to cherish every moment.

Cedar Chest for Lydia

2008-10-26T21:19:00.003-04:00

Lydia's daddy built her a cedar chest for her one-year birthday. A farmer in our church gave me the lumber and allowed me to use his shop to build the box. Lydia will use it as a toy box for now, but it should also last for her to carry off to college with her one day, God willing. Oh yeah, and you know the wonderful odor cedar gives off. This one is especially strong. I love to open it.

Lydia - Summer 2008

2008-08-12T10:55:00.002-04:00

Top: Lydia rides a horse with her dad at Vacation Bible School. Second: Lydia waving. Third: Is that the most precious thing you've seen all day? Above: Lydia gets a wagon ride from her cousin Karolina.

Lydia at Myrtle Beach, SC

2008-08-12T10:45:00.001-04:00

Mark Winstead - one year later.

2008-06-02T10:28:00.000-04:00

My brother Mark Winstead died one year ago today. Needlessly do I write that it was a horrendous tragedy for me and my entire family as well as for Mark’s many friends. As with many others, I have not forgotten where I was, what I was doing, and how I felt when I received the news. Mark’s death has been a great loss to me personally. The hurt and pain is still severe. I grieve for myself, my family, my child, Mark’s wife Cassidy, his children, and his friends.
Mark touched many lives both in Rocky Mount, NC and in a couple of other cities. He had a big family and a tremendous amount of friends. Some of those friends were my mutual friends. A few still call or contact me by internet. One emailed a few days ago. Another emailed after this person got out of prison – this person was in prison when Mark died – I can’t imagine how he felt to not get to the funeral. I encourage all of them to share their thoughts with the rest of us, to share how they feel a year later (I would also appreciate any pics of Mark any of you could send me). I am sure with most of them shock is still a factor, and heartbreak is an ongoing reality. I think Cassidy and Alana are hanging in there even though it’s been tough. Heather and Lydia and I got to see them several weeks ago.
My memories of Mark are so multitudinous that I will only share a few (some I probably already shared). We used to swim in the Tar River on those hot summer days. We were “river rats,” as we used to say. Mark and I shared a lot of party time together back in the early days. Some of you were there. One friend in particular I am thinking of (we used to hang out at her place) lost her dad to suicide, so she knows where we are emotionally. Hmm, interesting that Mark was there for her during those days of tragedy. Mark rode with me a lot after I first got my driver’s license – we thought we were on top of the world with our new-found freedom. Then M. came along – her and Mark had a child and they all lived with us. It was a wild and crazy time for everyone. Unfortunately, Mark and I had grown apart a little bit, mostly because I had moved away and moved on, I guess you could say. But I still loved him and he knew it. We had great times of laughs and carrying on when we had family get-togethers. I don’t know if I ever told him explicitly, but I want my whole family to know now that I cherish every single solitary moment that I can be with and around my family members. I love all of you. I also love Mark’s close friends that I know.
Mark’s death hurts and pains me for many reasons. The circumstances surrounding it add to the intensity of the pain. I want to say though, that God has sustained me by His grace. I know I have a life to live for Jesus and a job He wants me to do – so I must carry on. When I think of Mark, I think of Proverbs 27:1. There the Bible says “Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.” Who knew that that Saturday afternoon would be the last time Mark would be seen alive? Who knew that three weeks before at the Winstead family reunion, I would see him for the last time? Who knew that the night before when I talked with Mark on the phone, that it would be for the last time? God promises no man tomorrow. We just don’t know that we’ll be here tomorrow or if anyone else will be here tomorrow. For that reason, it is imperative to examine one’s heart and life and to consider the claims of Jesus Christ. He says that all men are sinners and are separated from the Creator God. He says that He is the only way to God. Jesus says that the one who believes on Him will have eternal life and not perish. I pray weekly for all of Mark’s friends – I name you by name to the Lord – praying for you and your relationship to God. Consider the claims of Christ. After all, you might only have today. Thanks for stopping by the blog. God bless.

Lydia at 7 months

2008-05-06T21:18:00.002-04:00

Our daughter has been a blessing in our lives and we thank God for her. Her little life continues to teach me many things about myself and about life in general. . . One of the most important things is the well-worn adage, "life is fragile, handle with prayer!"

Mark Winstead (re-post, because of editing issues)

2008-03-18T09:56:00.001-04:00

Three weeks ago today, my brother Mark Winstead, took his own life. I know it seems odd that I am writing so much about him and that I am starting a blog at this time. Actually, I have been planning the blog for many months; I’ve just been very busy as many of you know. Nevertheless, I will still create much dust of words as I write about my brother, simply to honor the memory and to share about my excruciating pain with those who care about Mark and his family. As many of you know (I’m speaking largely to family and close friends, especially Mark’s friends, his wife Cassidy, and his three kids), Mark was an awesome guy to be around. He was a trip. He loved the UNC Tarheels and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He used to be a Cowboys fan as I still am, but he turned a few years ago. Anyway, we liked to talk about games and the like on the phone and at family get-togethers. Speaking of family get-togethers, the last time I saw my brother alive was at the Winstead family reunion at the West Mount Ruritan Club in Rocky Mount about three weeks before his death.Mark absolutely loved all the kids in our family. He just loved holding them and playing with them. I like kids too, especially the ones in my family, I just hope I’ll be as loving in the sense of holding and nourishing my own as Mark was with all three of his when they were little.Mark and I used to have to share a bedroom when we lived at home. We had lots of good times together. He would go riding with me when I first got my driver’s license. We spent long summer days jumping off the train tressle in Rocky Mount and swimming in the Tar River. I’ll never forget the time Mark and one of our friends got busted by the Sheriff’s deputy and got a ticket (I hid under the tressle). Some of you have been there with us – you know who you are – I probably should not name names without permission.My wife and I had been packing because we sold our house and were moving to Marshville, NC to pastor my first church – Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. I had just finished my last week working at the seminary the week before and Heather and I were frantically packing, cleaning, and hauling away clutter and junk. On Wednesday, May 30, I got a call saying Mark had some domestic problems and so he was going to stay with my dad at the beach for a while. I called Mark and he said he was “at his end.” But let me say, HOW can I know what someone means by that?!? I offered to call our pastor for Mark to set up some counseling. He said he was interested but did not think he would be able to do that right now. He said he was interested in doing anything to alleviate his family problems. Mark called me later and asked if I would call the pastor of our home church to see if anyone could help Mark with a job (he was unemployed at the time). So I called the pastor and he called me back later and said it looked like Mark could easily get a job. I called Mark Friday night, I think between six and seven o’clock, to ask if he was interested in the particular job. He said he was and so I told him I would have the man at church to call him. I also reminded Mark I was moving the next day, but I had not asked him to help as I normally would have because he just had surgery a couple of weeks before and I knew he probably should not be lifting anything.Anyway, Saturday, after Heather and I attended a graduation ceremony in Durham, we went home because I was expecting Paul and some friends from work to come help me load the moving tuck. After the truck was about half loaded, Paul got a call from daddy around 5 o’clock saying he had just come in from the grocery store and called out to Mark to help unload the groceries but did not get an answer. He searched the house and found Mark in the tub (the shower curtain was closed). In Mark’s hands were a couple of pictures of his kids: I do not yet know exactly what pictures they were. Anyway, me, Paul, and Heather headed to Paul’s house in preparation to go be with the rest of the family. I would like to thank the men who finished loading our truck and drove it three+ hours away to our destination. You fellows were a blessing. I also want to thank our new church for unloading the truck and for all the help they’ve been to us.The following four days were the worst of my life, by far. The loss of my younger brother (Mark was 32) has eclipsed any tragedy or heartbreak in my life to date. I am still struggling with it. The pain was all but unbearable. I even shudder to think how my life would be now if I did not have the Lord Jesus Christ to turn to for comfort and strength. If I did not have a relationship with God through Christ and did not have His Word to look to for wisdom and direction and did not have friends who called and wrote to say they were praying for me (and for many, I know that they were genuinely crying out to our God in my behalf and were not just saying religious jargon that many people say in times of crises and tragedy), I would be a total wreck. Yes, God gives believers the gift of mourning and grieving and those things are necessary for our emotional and spiritual health, I think. Yes, I have lain on the floor and cried like a baby; I have felt as though my own heart would fall out of the chest. I have been so sad and deeply pained by this tragedy that it is surely indescribable. Yet because of Christ in my life, I do not blame anyone that is left behind and I am not mad at Mark. Rather, I am so sad that I could not have been there for him in that trailer that Saturday afternoon to talk to him, to comfort him. I am saddened that he was there alone, hurting so deeply, and with no realization of hope.Mark did write on the bottom of “the note” he left “Don’t worry, Mom because I’m in heaven.” I definitely hope he is. No one can know though, except God. Of course, because I believe the Bible and its author, I don’t think that I’ll be worried about things like this when I arrive at the Savior’s side in heaven, but I like to think that I’ll be extremely happy to see my brother there if he’s there. I miss my brother. Oh, how I miss him!!!To Cassidy and Mark’s friends: I love you guys and have enjoyed knowing each of you over the years. Thanks for the kind words and for being there with us through the funeral stuff. Thanks for taking care of Cass and their baby girl Alana. I do pray for y’all often. If any of you don’t know God in a personal way, I ask you to consider the claims of Jesus. He died for our sins, to give us forgiveness and to reconcile us to God. Turn to Him, turn to Jesus Christ and trust Him as your personal Savior. He loves you. There is hope in Jesus Christ. Read some of the following Bible verses: John 1:12; 3:16, 36; Acts 16:31; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 10:9-10. Call me or email me if you want to talk or need help in this area. I’ll be thinking about you and praying for you. Thanks again, guys. And thanks to the people from the churches - Falls Road Baptist and Englewood Baptist (and I'm sorry if there were others - I don't know about them)and the Christians from there who brought food, prayer, and comfort. I praise God for you.
posted by mel winstead at 11:34 AM on Jun 23, 2007

Lydia, more recently

2008-02-25T19:04:00.003-05:00

Lydia, around Christmas time.

2008-02-25T19:00:00.002-05:00

"33"

2008-01-09T23:16:00.000-05:00

33. That’s how old my brother Mark would have been today. I also thought about titling this entry Mark Winstead, the Final Chapter. But it won’t be the last for me or for anybody who knew or loved him. How can you forget the boy? I’ve thought a lot about him in recent weeks, especially because of the holidays. Our family, much like many families in our region, goes home to be with family during Christmas. Our family has been especially fond of getting together for Christmas over the years. Mark especially loved our get togethers as well. He’d usually be watching a game on TV or outside throwing the football. In fact, the last time he was at our house, we were out in the street throwing the football. Also, we took our firstborn daughter Lydia home so the family could see her. It was a joy for us all. But I know for a fact that if Mark had been there no one else would get to hold Lydia because Mark would be holding her the entire time, almost. He just loved the babies and kids in our family that much. We missed him. One neat thing that happened was that Heather had ordered all of us siblings a brass keychain with Mark’s name and dates inscribed on them; they were a very nice gift from my thoughtful wife!
As I said, I have thought about Mark a lot lately. I have seen his wife and baby girl a couple times over the holidays and I love them but it is saddening to be around only half the puzzle when the other half is gone. One of Mark’s dear friends, he knows who he is, has called me twice just to chit-chat. I have savored every second of our conversations as he was the man closest to Mark in the last few years. Friend, you can call anytime to talk about Mark or any other needs or concerns you need to share. One final thing that has had me thinking about my brother is the NFL playoffs, since Mark’s team the Tampa Bay Bucs have lost out, and my team, the Cowboys are still in. It was just that it was always a fun season for us all to talk about what was going on in the wide world of sports. Anyway . . .

Seattle Seahawks and Celebrityville

2008-01-06T14:47:00.000-05:00

The Seahawks played an exciting game last night and I'm glad they sent the Redskins packing. Why? Two reasons: 1) the Dedskins beat Dallas last week although that was Dallas' fault. I'm a little disappointed in the Cowbows for not playing with excellence, even though they didn't even need the game. 2) I know the coach of Washington, Joe Gibbs is a real-deal Christian and he's even got a book out. . . But I also remember hearing last year (last year, it was Seattle that sent Dallas packing , out of the playoffs) how much, if not most of the Seahawks teammembers are dedicated Christians as well. So, I'm glad they could advance in the playoffs.
Two things got me to thinking , though, even during the game. These guys that publicly claim to name the name of Jesus, the King, the Savior, I wonder if they remembered, when they got to the locker room, to declare before each other and the world, that praise and thanksgiving should be given to God, instead of taking all the accolades for themsleves. David Robinson, the 7'2'' center for the San Antonio Spurs, was a positive example of this about three years ago when they won the NBA championship. The first thing out of the man's mouth (in center-court, on the mic) was, well, this city knows what I'm going to say, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ . . . I am thankful myself for those men and women out there in celebrityville who are faithful.
Speaking of the celebrities and stars, I was also reminded of the rock-star, Head Welch, as I was in a conversation with a man the other day. Head was in the heavy metal band Korn, but was transformed by the good news of redemption and forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ about two years ago. I have an audio CD that you could get at that time from a church in Bakersfield, CA where Head (Brian) gave his testiomy. If you would like to read of God's transformation of this man, so you too can praise God for how He delivers from the domain of darkness, into the light of His Son, you can google Head Welch, or go to his website, Head2Christ, or read a testimonial at http://www.beliefnet.com/story/222/story_22281_1.html. I guess there are a few things worth gleaning form the TV box and celebrityville. I like to think these type of people are inlfuenced by the types of faithful Christians in the same sphere, mentioned above.

How 'Bout Them 'Boys!

2007-12-23T17:34:00.000-05:00

Isaac and I went to an NFL game Saturday night (my first ever NFL game!) We gladly watched the Dallas Cowboys (barely) beat the Panthers. The tickets were given to us by a church member and it was a blessing to spend time with family in an enjoyable outing like this one. I have enjoyed watching the Cowboys since the early 90's when Aikman joined the team. They are now led by the dual forces of Tony Romo and Terrel Owens, who, unfortunately, was injured last night. If he's out for the playoffs, I'm sorry fellow Dallas fans, but they will NOT make it all the way without him. Anyway, I decided to share a few of the pics I took at the game. I included a couple of Panthers pics for the Panthers fans in my life.

Lydia, growing!

2007-12-23T17:28:00.000-05:00

Heather and I were blessed with the most awesome stocking stuffer ever this year!

More of Lydia

2007-11-05T18:42:00.001-05:00

Lydia is now almost seven weeks old already. Unbelievable; it seems like time is already flying . . .

The guy in the yellow shirt holding Lydia is her uncle, Paul Winstead.

Lydia . . . again

2007-09-27T09:32:00.000-04:00

Welcome Home Lydia!

2007-09-21T22:24:00.000-04:00

We welcomed our gift from the Lord home on Wednesday, September 19. She had to stay a little longer in the hospital because of two days spent in the NICU due to complications resulting from an early birth and long labor process. She seems to be doing fine now and we are having fun enjoying our little addition.

Announcing . . . Lydia Damaris Winstead

2007-09-21T22:08:00.000-04:00

Mel and Heather Winstead were blessed with a daughter, Lydia Damaris Winstead, on Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 7:50 p.m. She weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20 inches in length. She surprised Mommy and Daddy by arriving three weeks early, but we could not be happier or more thankful to have her here with us.

It's All Greek to Me!"

2007-09-07T13:55:00.000-04:00

A couple weeks ago, I began teaching New Testament Greek at a seminary here in North Carolina. I recently read Dave Black's blog (Thurs., Sept o6) in which he was encouraging his first year Greek students by empathizing with their possible feelings of inadequacy and being overwhelmed http://daveblackonline.com/. Prof. Black posted an expressionist image of Eduard Munch's "The Scream." I actually have a very large poster of that painting; I just never thought that school work made me feel quite like the image in the picture. Nonetheless, I would like to also encourage my students that, after 2-3 three weeks of beginning Greek grammar, it will get better. I told the students in the very first class session, that it only takes dedication and tenacity to learn Biblical Greek. If they will stick with it, they'll "get it." Besides, the rewards of opening God's Word and being able to read and interpret the GNT are almost unsurpassable. Furthermore, I'd like to thank Dr. Dave Black for instilling in me the desire to set my goals high and work hard at getting into the Biblical language and going deeper, much deeper than just knowing enough Greek to read a lexicon. There is so much more going on in the grammar and syntax of Koine Greek than just trying to translate word for word. I have shared some of these types of "nuggets" with my students and I think it helps to 1) solidify what they're studying, 2) encourage them to go further, and 3) to put it all together. Finally, the image I have uploaded here (for those of you that didn't know it) is a papyrus fragment of John 18:31-33 (P52), dating to the early 2nd century, AD.

"Humpty-Dumpty Was Not Pushed"

2007-08-12T16:21:00.001-04:00

James 1:13-18 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.
The Bible verses above are those from which I recently preached. The outline I followed was that provided by MacArthur's Commentary: 4 proofs that God is not responsible for our temptations: The Nature of Evil (1:13b)
The Nature of Man (1:14
The Nature of Lust (1:15-16)
The Nature of God (1:17)
John Phillips has written: “Modern psychology has invented all kinds of ways for guilty people, suffering mentally from the consequences of their own bad behavior, to shift the blame to their parents, their partners, or other people in general. But God refuses to allow us to get away with such evasions. The desire to shift the blame, however, is as old as Adam.” (Exploring the Epistle of James, 43). But as William MacDonald has reminded us, James tracks the lion to its den (Believer's Bible Commentary, 2221). When we sin, it's of our own doing. It's our own fault; it's our own wrong response to temptations and / or trials in our lives. And, James warns us, "do not be deceived."
So, I warned our people to not be deceived by the deceitfulness of sin. For it is only when we recognize, confess, and forsake the sin in our lives that true transformation and change can take place.
So, when we sin, do we blame others? Do we blame God? Or do we examine ourselves and confess the sins to God, accept the forgiveness and cleansing brought about by Jesus Christ, and commit to being evermore diligent to hate the sin in our lives as God hates it?

When there’s sin, whether it’s in the form of disobedience or not, God’s principles should be followed. Admit, Confess, Forsake. Don’t try to by-pass of short-circuit the convicting and subsequent sanctifying work of the Spirit in your life or your childrens’ lives.

No, Humpty-Dumpty was not pushed, he fell from somewhere he should not have been in the first place. He was there because of lack of discipline from without and self-discipline within.

2007-07-30T21:58:00.000-04:00

These two pictures are shots I took of sunsets in the past two weeks. The area I live in is near Pageland, SC and as you can see, the sunsets are beautiful. I enjoy taking the time to be amazed at the beauty left behind in a fallen world. Imagine what the Garden of Eden looked like before sin, and what the restored Paradise will look like in the future for believers! Psalm 19:1-6: The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. 2 Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. 4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world. In them He has placed a tent for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; It rejoices as a strong man to run his course. 6 Its rising is from one end of the heavens, And its circuit to the other end of them; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

persevering through trials

2007-07-30T21:51:00.001-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I starting preaching through the New Testament book of James. The second sermon was from James 1:4-12. The passages teaches on believers persevering through trials. We quoted an incredible line from the Puritan John Trapp: "One son God hath without sin, but none without sorrow." Chew on that for a while. Jesus and Paul both promised that we would go through trials and tribulations. The trials are used by God to strengthen our faith, to prove its genuineness, and to provide us with greater ability for service to Him. Apologies to those thinking about the issue of whether or not God causes evil or trials in our lives. This passage was simply encouraging believers while in their trials. The text says that the trials will bring endurance and finally, completeness and maturity. James uniquely piles on the imperatives in his letter: "let endurance have its perfect result," and "let him ask of God"; both are commands from Scripture! Persevering through trials and asking God for the wisdom to understand them or Him more deeply is the key

"The Instruction of Children" by Spurgeon

2007-07-12T12:04:00.000-04:00

For those who have and minister to children:
"We testify that Christ is able to to change man's nature, and then good fruits will come as a matter of course. But I am afraid that in many Sunday-schools the children are taught a different doctrine, somewhat after this fashion: "Now, dear children, be very good, and obey your parents, and love Jesus, and you wil be saved." That is not the gospel, and it is not true. Often do I hear it said, "Love Jesus, dear children." That is not the gospel. It is, "Trust Him_ -- "Believe." Not love, but faith is the saving grace, and that love of Jesus of a sentimental kind, which does not spring out of faith in Him, is a spurious emotion, a counterfeit of love, not at all the love of God, shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Spirit. The root of the matter is, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shalt be saved;" and that is the gospel for a child of two years of age, and the gospel for a man of a hundred. There is only one gospel for all that are born on the face of the earth -- "Believe in Jesus."
These words spoken by the British preacher Charles Spurgeon over 100 years ago are still needed today. I am afraid too many parents fail to share and show the true gospel message to their children. Indeed, saving faith has to do with repentance and faith in Jesus and His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. I t does not come by obedience to parents or good behavior. Instead, the behavior will come from one who has truly trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior and is being discipled in the truths of God's Word. Many legalistic parents try to make their kids conform, instead of teaching them about the transformation Christ brings. On the other hand, many supposed Christian parents, who are too lax about their child-rearing and their own commitment to the cause of Christ, fail to share the true Gospel message with their kids and instead settle for telling them to "love Jesus," "be good," etc.

1611 Translators to the Readers

2007-07-10T22:59:00.000-04:00

1611 translators to the readers:

"The Scripture is a tree, or rather a whole paradise of trees of life, which bring forth fruit every month, and the fruit thereof is for meat, and the leaves for medicine. It is not a pot of Manna, or a cruse of oil, which were for memory only, or for a meal's meat or two, but as it were a shower of heavenly bread sufficient for a whole host, be it never so great; and as it were a whole cellar full of oil vessels; whereby all our necessities may be provided for, and our debts discharged. In a word, it is a Pantry of wholesome food, against molded traditions; a Physician's shop of preservatives against poisoned heresies; a code of profitable laws, against rebellious spirits; a treasury of most costly jewels, a fountain of most pure water springing up unto everlasting life."
I love this selection from the translators of the 1611 "authorized" edition of the English Bible. I have quoted it many times in sermons for its "punch." It supports the very comprehensive sufficiency of the Scriptures. It's a great illustration for passages like Psalm 19, 119, and 2 Peter 1:3. I also love the passages like Romans 1:16 that mention the awesome power of God's Word. And then there's the Lord's comment in Matthew 22:29 "You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God." In effect, Jesus equates the Scriptures with the power of God. What inspiring and encouraging passages of Scripture. And it goes without saying, look at the lives (mine!, yours?) that the Word of God transforms. Man, that takes power! Praise God for the Holy Written Word of the Almighty, living God. Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. " Have you had yours today?

Freedom 2007

2007-07-04T18:13:00.000-04:00

I exercized my right to be lazy today. So my only blog post about July 4th is to direct your attention to an excellent post by the Kirby Konnection at http://donaldkirby.blogspot.com

Ever Read C.H. Spurgeon's Testimony?

2007-07-03T22:08:00.000-04:00

LIFE FOR A LOOK AT THE CROSS.
Like the apostle Paul, C. H. Spurgeon, the most famous preacher of our day, made much of his “Christian experience.” As abbreviated from his own words, it came about as follows: The Word, as revealed through gospel tracts, awakened me to an awful realization of the heinous sinfulness of my sin. In deep despair, I went from one worship- place to another seeking the way of forgiveness and eternal life. But all in vain, as the preachers seemed to me to speak to souls already saved and to have no message for my poor ruined soul. Time after time I went in earnest prayer for some word of pardoning grace, only to leave as if 1 were a dog to be refused even the crumbs of the children’s bread of life. But one Sunday morning, as I was wending my way to a service, God’s goodness sent a snowstorm which drove me into a little Primitive Methodist Chapel located on an out-of-the-way side-street. There were only about a dozen or so people there, and the storm had kept even the regular minister away. At last a weakly-looking man, an artisan of some sort, went into the pulpit to preach. His text was from Isaiah 45 :22, and he stuck close by it as he knew little else. He began by saying: “Dear friends, this is a simple text. It just says ‘Look,’ and that’s something we can all do. A poor man can look as well as the richest. An ignorant man can look as well as the wisest. A child can look as well as the gray-haired. But the text says ‘Look to Me!’ No use lookin’ to yourselves, nor to your fellow-men, not even to God the Father till you first look to Christ. Jesus calls you: ‘Look unto Me! I’m sweatin’ great drops of blood! Look unto Me! I’m hangin’ on the Cross! Look unto Me! I’m dead and buried! Look unto Me! I ascend into heaven! I Look unto Me! I’m sittin’ at God’s right hand! 0, poor sinner, look unto Me!’” Then, seeing that the Spirit had opened the eyes of my heart, he cried directly to me: “Young man, look to Jesus Christ! Look! Look! Look! You need only look to Him!” I looked, and at once saw the way of salvation. As Israel looked and found healing when the brazen serpent was lifted up, so it was with me. And now “redeeming love has been my theme and shall be till I die.”
Good stuff, huh?

John 17 The Sanctifying Scriptures

2007-07-03T21:52:00.000-04:00

John 17.17 – The Sanctifying Scriptures

“Don’t be severed personally from the regular sanctifying work of the Scriptures” (quote from John MacArthur at a chapel lecture at Southeastern Seminary in 2002.)

I. Background = Outline of John and Jesus on the way to the Garden:
1 – the word
2 – the wedding
3 – born again
4 – Woman at the well
5 – 5.18 – makes Himself equal with God; the witnesses
6 – bread of life
7 – if anyone is thirsty
8 – the truth will make you free
9 – heals the man born blind
10 – the good shepherd
11 – raises Lazarus from the dead
12 – foretells His death –v.24
13 – Last Passover
14 – comforts His disciples
15 – I am the vine
16 – the Holy Spirit
17 – High priestly prayer
18 – the garden and the arrest
19 – on trial / crucifixion
20 – resurrection
21 – re-commissioning service, farewell breakfast

II. The Work of the Word: Sanctification; it sanctifies by:
A. Washing, cleansing – Ephesians 5.26: so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
B. Strengthening – Eph. 6.10-17.
C. Empowering – Romans 1.16
D. Teaching – 2 Tim. 3.16; Psalm 119.
E. Protecting – Eph. 6
F. Discernment – Heb. 4.12
G. Saving – James 1.21: Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.

III. Our response:
A. Crave: I Peter 2.2
B. Obey: Deut. 6.4-6
C. Preach: 2 Tim. 4.2
D. Study: 2 Tim. 2.15; Joshua 1.8
E. Meditate upon – Psalm 1.
F. Continue in it – John 8.31
G. Teach - Deut. 6; I Tim. 4
H. “Eat”: Jer. 15.16

· The sanctifying work of God will perform its work – I Thess. 2.13; 2 Cor. 3.18.
How do I let God’s word sanctify me? Start by reading.
Neh. 8.8
Ezra 7.10
So, remember Jesus’ prayer . . .
And His words in Matthew 22.29 – know the Word of God, brother! You’ll need it! How has your response been lately? Have we craved, obeyed, preached, studied, meditated, continued, taught, “ate” the Word of God? Or, have we been feeding at the wrong table lately?

Mel and Mark, 2001

2007-07-02T11:31:00.000-04:00

More pics of Mark

2007-07-02T11:27:00.000-04:00

Pics of Mark

2007-07-02T11:18:00.000-04:00

Mark and Cassidy at thier wedding, July 15, 2006.
Mark and Isaiah
Brothers.
Mark, Alana, and Isaac.
Mark is second from left end.

Mark Winstead (Part 4) Why?

2007-06-30T17:50:00.000-04:00

"Why?" is one question I have not yet asked myself concerning the way Mark died 4 weeks ago today. Why have I not asked "why?"? It's pretty simple. I already know a couple of reasons why; I knew them all along ever since we got the tragic news on Saturday, June 02. For anyone to go like my brother did required a loss or lack of hope. Hope helps people to see things will get better, people can change, there's a better way, there's help, and there are others out there to think about, others who care deeply for you. Dear readers, there is hope in Jesus Christ. There is an infinite amount of comfort and grace that God offers those who come to Jesus for forgiveness and salvation. Jesus sealed the deal on the cross for those who realize their need of salvation and hope and turn to Jesus as their own Lord and Savior.
Also, Mark had problems with person(s) close to him. Perhaps he was mad and wanted to hurt them. I can't know that for sure. But I do know that even IF relationships cannot be reconciled immediately, sometimes they can be with time. If not, there's still other options.
I am writing this piece to say that I am not mad at Mark (I've said this already in an earlier post). I do not ask "why?" because I would drive myself crazy with the question since I'll never find an answer in this life. I am HURT that I lost my brother and especially in this manner. But I am also saddened by the fact that Mark died like this alone and chose not to look for help among his family members. I guess what I am trying to say is that I wish I could have been there for him.
I will always hold the multitude of great memories of my brother for as long as I live here on this earth. MARK was a great guy to be around. I miss him and I cannot hide the sadness and pain. I do know many others are praying for God's comfort in our lives. I feel and experience that comfort and its effects more strongly as the days go by. But I will never lose the memories of Mark Andrew Winstead. I hope to see him again.
Finally, I do praise God for the family members I do have left. I love you all and I pray for you daily.

Mark Winstead (Part 3)

2007-06-28T22:07:00.000-04:00

Today, Heather and I attended the funeral of a young woman who was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in the community a few days ago. Just going to a funeral made me extremely sad considering the loss of my brother almost a month ago. Additionally, the fact that the woman left behind a husband and four children and so many in her community that loved her dearly and came and spent many joyful hours in her restaurant, saddened me all the more. I could sympathize with the family and friends, and their presence at the funeral showed that she impacted many lives and many families. I would like to draw three lessons from today, two that come directly from this lady's funeral and one that I have been burdened about since Mark's death.
The first notion is that of genuinely sympathizing with neighbors who lose loved ones. Do we really care about people? Do we show them? I am addressing born again Christians at the moment. Do we really care about people and their hurts? Do we take time to talk to people and find out what their concerns are? Doing so is an excellent way to share the good news of hope and forgiveness that is found in Jesus Christ. Believe it or not, I actually believe that some time in the future, somewhere in this community, I will come into contact with someone who needs the Lord in their life and I will be able to have an audience with them simply because we took the time to attend this lady's funeral. My challenge is to my fellow Christians to look "outward" a little more. Too many of us have been looking "inward" for too long. People out there are hurting and we know the cure!
The second lesson I think I can draw from today's journey is that of impacting others. As I said, this lady had lots of friends and family attending the funeral. As many of you know that were at Falls Road Baptist Church in Rocky Mount for Mark's funeral, if you did not know it already, he influenced a lot of men, women, and children. People loved him (I know I love him). By the way, I praise the Lord that so many people got to here such a strong, clear, and needful message of the gospel and the salvation and forgiveness available from King Jesus. Anyway, my point here is to have you consider how you are influencing people. Are you impacting their lives for the better? Are you influencing them toward God or away from Him? I think you can only go in either of those two directions.
The third and final thing I've been mulling over is this: If any soul out there reading this blog post has any member of their family at all that is the least bit "estranged" from them or not in contact with them because of family feuds, unforgiveness, or whatever, I beg you for your own sake, call your family, write to them, pray for them, visit them, tell them you love them. Reconcile with them. Understand that I'm not suggesting that my brother Mark and I had a bad relationship at all. We did not. In fact, I had talked to him on Thursday and Friday before his death on Saturday. He called me to see if I could help him find a job and I called him back Friday night to tell him I thought I had found him one, and he said he was interested. So I told him I'd have the guy call him soon. He said okay . . . At any rate, Mark and I had a great relationship as far as I know. Of course it wasn't the best in the world, but I think we had a mutual respect and a deep-seated love for each other. But here's the punch-line: as bad as I've been hurting and been heart-broken over what happened, I can't conceive of the further and deeper pain I would be enduring if I had had an estranged or strained relationship with him. I am begging friends and family, if you have a strained relationship with family members, trust me, you don't want to get the phone call Paul and I got on Saturday, June 02, 2007, most especially if you happen to have a strained relationship with a family member. Get right with the Lord and then get right with your family members. May God bless. If I can help you guys, please feel free to contact me.

Mark's family

2007-06-26T01:50:00.000-04:00

Family portrait from this past Thanksgiving, 2006. This picture was taken at mine and Heather's now former home in Youngsville, NC. Mark and Cassidy are on the left with Alana being held on front-right by my niece, Savannah. Ray is the young man on the far left. He was a very close friend of Mark's at the time of the picture. I forgot his last name - sorry, Ray.

Mark Winstead (Part 2)

2007-06-26T01:46:00.000-04:00

In sharing the memories I have about my brother Mark (Jan. 09, 1975 – June 02, 2007), I would like to share some of the thoughts I wrote down with pad and paper in the days following Mark’s death as we were all busy helping Cassidy make funeral arrangements. Much of what I wrote was written through tears. I did not write down everything that flooded into my mind during that time but I will record some things now in hopes of encouraging or helping others.
One of the hardest things throughout the whole ordeal was reading the suicide note Mark left behind. My dad found the note on the kitchen table. The note instantly tipped him off that something was probably terribly wrong (pray for my dad, Nick Winstead – I cannot imagine how he felt that day!). As we all read the note, we were torn again by the seeming contradiction of love and sadness compared with what had happened.
On the ride home from Morehead City on Sunday night, I was struck by something peculiar. When I got home, I dug around and found what I was looking for. Having a rock-n-roll background, so to speak, I thought of Kurt Cobain. Before I became a Christian, I was really into the heavy metal style music as was Mark. One of Mark’s heroes back in the day was Kurt Cobain, the singer of the band Nirvana (I have since shared with Mark about Head Welch’s conversion (Head was in the hard-core band Korn) a few years ago; I do not know if Head is still walking with the Lord – maybe some reader out there can update me). Mark really loved Cobain. Cobain committed suicide back in 1994. His last words in his note were: “ . . . it’s better to burn out than to fade away.” Now, let me clarify immediately that I am in no way saying that Mark was influenced by what Cobain did 13 years ago. I do know it affected him at the time – back in ’94. But the only parallel between the two guys’ notes was the concern that the wife take care of their daughter. But what I want to comment on is Cobain’s last words. He could not know what tremendous pain I’m sure he caused his family upon his death. And I know Mark did not think about all of his family – he’s got a big one – or he would not have done what he did. He must surely have put all of us out of his mind for a few moments, just long enough . . . Anyway, I disagree with Cobain’s thoughts because it simply is not better to burn out than to fade away if burning out is going to cause so much pain to those who love you so very much.
There’s help out there, people. Jesus is there. He loves you. He offers hope. There are friends you can call; there are churches you can call; there are hotlines you can call for care, comfort, counsel. But your best and most solid and definite help can only come from Jesus Christ. You don’t have to burn out or fade away. You can have a new life in Jesus Christ. He wants you to come have a personal relationship with Him. A section of the Bible reads: “For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. 16 Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-21). Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." By the way, this is the passage of Scripture God used to help me realize my need of a Savior back in 1995. I trusted Jesus Christ as my own Savior at the age of 22. God transformed my life, gave me hope and peace, and forgave me of my sins. Jesus can do the same for you, my friend!

Matthew 16:24-26: On Discipleship

2007-06-25T07:21:00.000-04:00

Yesterday morning (Sunday), at our church, Mt. Moriah Baptist in Marshville, I preached a message from the passage Matt. 16:24-26 on the elements of true discipleship - self-denial, cross-bearing, and loyal obedience. I was blessed and challenged by MacArthur's words in his commentary on this passage: "This passage sets for the heart of Christian discipleship and it strikes a death blow to the self-centered false gospels that are so popular in contemporary Christianity. It leaves no room for the gospel of getting, in which God is considered to be a type of utilitarian genie who jumps to provide a believer's every whim . . . It undermines the gospel of self esteem, self-love, and high self-image, which appeal to man's natural narcissism and prostitutes the spirit of humble brokenness and repentance that marks the gospel of the cross" (45).
I learned from further study that the attitude Jesus mentions here is the same as that which He mentioned in the Sermon on the Mount in Matt. 5:3, "blessed are the poor in spirit . . ." - those who know they are sinners, know they can't get to heaven on their own merit, and they turn to and rely fully on Jesus Christ's saving power which is based on what he did for us on the cross. It's to come to God with the attitude of the man in Luke 18, who beat on his chest and cried to God: "have mercy on me, the sinner!" I also quote from A.W. Pink. Arthur Pink said: "Poverty of spirit may be termed the negative side of faith. It is that realization of my utter worthlessness which precedes the laying hold of Christ . . . It is the Spirit emptying the heart of self that Christ may fill it: it is a sense of need and destitution" (17). Jesus said elsewhere in John 14:6 that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no man comes to the Father except thgough Him. If you come to Christ on His terms, He will accept you; He will not turn you away (John 6:37), and He will never leave you (Heb. 13:5). You can be eternally secure in the loving arms of the Great Shepherd; you can have the hope of knowing you belong to God and that you have a personal relationship with Him.
For those who are already Christians. I think the lessons from this passage for us are deep, but they are simple. Denying self takes discipline and above all, it takes humility. Maybe some of us could use a good dose of humility in our lives - you'd be surprised at the peace God gives His own children when they're truly humble. Maybe a short Bible study, just simply looking at the New Testament passages on humility would help you tremendously. Secondly, cross-bearing is a call to total commitment; it's when we're faithful to our Savior in the face of persecution and hardship, no matter the cost. Remember Jim Elliot's words?: "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose." Lastly, loyal obedience. Jesus said in John 10:27 that His sheep follow Him. He said earlier in that great passage of Scripture that His sheep listen to His voice. Whose voice have you been listening to recently - the world's?, the culture's?, false teachers (they're everywhere)?, your own? "Follow Me" is a continual aspect of a true believer's life - it's a pattern. How's your love-life with the Lord? William MacDonald (Believer's Bible Commentary, 1268) said "To follow Him means to live as He lived with all that involves of humiliation, poverty, compassion, love, grace, and every other goldy virtue." And how do we know how Jesus lived if we don't read and study about Him in His word - Colossians 3:16?!?

More Mark Pics

2007-06-24T22:27:00.000-04:00

These are all family photos. Above -center - is a pic taken a week before Mark's death - our niece Autumn, Mark, and our nephew, Kacey.

More Pics of Mark

2007-06-23T20:15:00.001-04:00

1) Mark, Isaac, and Alana. 2) Mark and his wife Cassidy. 3) Mark and his three siblings. 4)Mark and Cass at their wedding last July. 5) Mark and Cass at I don't know where.

Pics of Mark

2007-06-23T19:53:00.000-04:00

This picture is from my wedding. My wife is the bride, obviously. Mark is on the far left just below my dad.

On the left picture is Mark and his baby girl, Alana. The top four pics are: Me, Mark, and Isaac, Mark and Isaiah, Mark and our mother, and Mark and our sister April at mine and Heather's wedding.

Photo Gallery for Mark- pics are from 2001, my wedding

2007-06-23T14:30:00.001-04:00

Wisdom is Better

2007-06-23T10:17:00.000-04:00

A few days ago my wife (Heather) and I did a short Bible study for some elderly ladies at an assisted care facility. I shared from the Scripture "For wisdom is better than jewels; and all desirable things cannot compare with her." (Proverbs 8:11). The purpose was to encourage these folks in their seeking after Christ and His wisdom on a daily basis. We never get too old to learn from the Lord and His wisdom, and we never get too old or wise that we don't need daily bread from His Word. An example passage was from Job 23:12 where the biblical sage said that he had treasured the words of God's mouth more than his necessary food. Job also was the one who talked about men sinking shafts deep into the heart of the earth to mine her jewels and wealth. They dug so deep the birds of the air and other animals had never seen down there. But man could not find wisdom there. It's way is with God alone (Job 28). So, where can you find wisdom from today? Prov. 2:6 - from God' mouth. James 1 says if we lack wisdom we need to ask of God. Finally, Colossians 2:3 and 3:16 show that wisdom is found in Christ and meditating on His word. Perhaps you can use a good dose of God's wisdom today. Take time to spent with your Lord. You're not too busy, but perhaps you're just following wrong priorities. In Christ is found all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Mel Winstead Hits the Big Screen

2007-06-22T11:05:00.001-04:00

Mel has hit the big 17" monitor screen, that is. I am now blogging along with millions of other friends and cohorts, most of whom I've never met. Many friends and brothers in the Lord have inspired me to begin this journey of sharing and responding to thoughts, ideas, concerns, and information. What I hope to accomplish primarily is twofold. The first is to encourage other believers in Christ in their daily walk with the Lord. With that said, I will post essays and other bits and pieces from which I have personally found encourgement and strength myself. Therefore, melwinstead.blogspot.com will not primarily be an in-house debate between myself and other theologians / Bible students. It will be more Biblically oriented in that it will seek to edify through Bible-related material. After all, as Thomas Watson said, "Ignorance of Scripture is the mother of error."
Secondly, through my blog, I will provide information and challenges to my frineds and acquaintances who do not profess Jesus Christ as their own Lord and Savior. He has totally transformed my own life since I turned from my sin and by faith embraced Him and Him alone for my soul's salvation twelve years ago (I was 22 years old at the time). Read Jesus' own words in Matthew 11:28-29, John 1:12; 14:6, Romans 3:23; 6:23; 10:9-10; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21. He is the only way to a reconciled, forgiven relationship with God. Jesus died to give man HOPE if you will trust in Him. If you fall into this second group of friends who are curious about the things of God, you need help, or need to know that there is HOPE, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Along with the two items discussed above, encouragement to other believers and challenge and help to unbelievers, I will post photos and family information from time to time. I might also give links to other articles or items of interest located elsewhere. Thanks for stopping by my place. God bless.