Friends with Benefits

Friends with Benefits

Good Afternoon Everyone!! I would like to start this blog off by asking a question.  What is the definition of the term Friends with Benefits?  Friends with benefits is when a person is trying to exploit or gain the advantage of another or others.  I know because this has happened to me personally.  I have been in relationships with women, and the only thing they are trying to obtain from me is money and a place to stay.  I begin to realize that right now, some women are looking for a sugar daddy.  A sugar daddy is one who gives freely to his mate in order to keep her satisfied.  For example, money is usually exchanged when it comes to a relationship of this magnitude.

Next, the term friends with benefits consists of paying bills for the next person without receiving anything in return.  It also has a whole lot to do with trying to gain the upper hand over another person.  The benefits on the other hand, are usually an even exchange.  For instance, some men usually would like to receive sex as a method of payment.  I know because I was gullible like that in the past.  I only wanted sex as a payment for an even exchange of resources.  Another example, is during the time, I was a student in college, and I used to pay for sex from female prostitutes and other women.  I ended up spending a total of over $100,000 dollars within a 24 year period.

Further, I am not saying that I am a very weak person, but I was living inside of the world and indulging in worldly passions and desires.  Even though, I was successful as far as employment is concerned.  I wanted what I wanted, and in most cases, I acquired it very quickly.  Romans 12:2 says do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  I know that if I had continued to live inside of the world, I would not have any success whatsoever.

Moreover, in Matthew 5:28 says He whosoever looks at a woman to lust, had already committed adultery in his heart.  I guess I was thriving in lustful passions and desires.  Friends with Benefits has a lot to do with gaining an advantage financially over another.  It is that, men and women are looking for some sort of exchange in some sort of way.  Leviticus 25:17 says do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am The Lord.  This means that God knows exactly what you are in need of long before you ask Him.  This is for all of us.  2nd Thessalonians 3:10 says if a man does not work, he shall not eat.

In Addition, I want to inform everyone that in Proverbs 15:3 says the eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.  If anyone on earth do not believe that God is not watching them, then you are wrong.  Friends with Benefits hurts the poor a whole lot more than the rich.  This is simply because if a man can barely take care of himself, what good is he for another? I want to say this, but some women are classifying themselves as High Maintenance.  This means that a man is supposed to get a woman’s hair done, pay all of her bills, and perhaps her children.

Also, I would like to add when it comes to the term Friends with Benefits, this is a form of submission to man or woman themselves.  In the Bible, it states that a person should love God with all of your heart, and with all of your soul, and with all of your mind.  This is the greatest commandment.  The second is just like it;, love your neighbor as yourself.  Friends with Benefits is when one person completely yields to another.  You are giving up some or all of your resources.  Therefore, it deprives a person to the point of depletion.

In Conclusion, I am simply saying that you have to think before you act.  Everyone have to really consider the consequences and the repercussions to giving to another in 2022 terms.  When it comes to myself, I will seriously ponder about all of my decisions in advance.  I will have to allow God to enter into my heart and guide me throughout my life.  Jeremiah 33:3 says call to me and I will answer you, and tell you great and unsearchable things that you do not know.  Friends with Benefits is only a metaphor.  A metaphor is an implied comparison.  Friends with Benefits with God is a good thing, but with mankind and the world, it leads to destruction.  If a man or woman tell you that I am a friend who wants benefits, tell them that you will pray for them. Thank you for reading my blog.

The Life and Times of Anthony Joseph Hopkins from Dayton, Ohio Part two.

The Life and Times of Anthony Joseph Hopkins from Dayton, Ohio February 16, 2022

                           Preface

        Good Day Everyone!!  My name is Anthony Joseph Hopkins, and I am from Dayton, Ohio.  This book is dedicated to all of the members of my family who are no longer with us right now.  My mother, sister, great aunt, and my two grandmothers and grandfathers.  It has taken a very long time for me to write this autobiography.  The people who I am dedicating this book have been solely responsible for helping me to get on my feet.  They have molded me into the person that I am right now. 

        Next, I want to inform everyone that this book will be written in first person.  The reason why is because I do not have permission from my family members and friends to use their names in my book.  I am also dedicating this book to all of my family members and friends.  I am a person who has come a very long way in my life.  The purpose of writing this book is to edify everyone from all walks of life.  Writing helps me to cope with a mental illness called schizoid affective disorder.  I was diagnosed with a mental illness on July 15, 1997.  This day was on a Tuesday. 

        Further, I want to inform all of you that my memory is excellent.  I remember when I was a child, my sister told me that I am going to be successful someday.  She also mentioned to me that I am going to become the first person out of the family to graduate from high school.  My two grandmothers and grandfathers taught me how to be a human being with a lot of common sense.  My mother used to read to me when I was inside of her stomach.  My mother was young when she gave birth to me.  My mother graduated from Roosevelt High School in Dayton, Ohio in 1961.  She graduated from school with honors.

        Moreover, my mother had given birth to nine children.  My mother got married when she was 23 years old.  My sister was born on September 18, 1967.  She was my mother’s second oldest child.  My grandmothers were the Rock which kept the family together.  My grandmothers allowed me to live with them when I was at least 6 months old.  My grandparents took me to church all of the time. 

        Finally, the purpose of this autobiography is to help those people who did not earn enough education to read this book without using a lot of big words.  I am writing this book because I am edifying a nation of young people who grew up very hard in life.  This is a book that is simple.  This is an easy read.  This is a book that will take everyone on a journey through the mind of a person who had a very difficult upbringing.  This is a book that will have everyone thinking twice and reflect on their own life.

 This is a book that is not boring.  The purpose of this book is to cause everyone to examine their life and say “Did I go through that myself.  I am writing just to cope well with my own personal demons.  I am writing this book just to help everyone think and reflect on their own personal life. 

        On Thursday June 24, 1965 at 7:30PM I was born to my mother.  My mother was 21 years old when I was born.  My father did not acknowledge my mother because his name is not on my birth certificate.  Therefore, I became a bastard child.  Like they say, mother’s baby daddy’s maybe.  I was born at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio.  After my mother had given birth to me, she took me to my grandmother’s house.  I guess, my mother had a life other than being a mother for the first time.  I supposed being a mother was very difficult for her. 

During the first 7 years of my life, I was raised by my great grandmother.  I recall attending Bethel Church of God in Christ, which is located in Dayton, Ohio.  Bethel Church of God in Christ became my church for quite a few years.  My two grandmothers accepted me into their household.  I grew up with a lot of women inside of the house.  While living with my grandmothers, I read the Bible.  I attended Edison Elementary School in Dayton, Ohio.  The first 7 years of my life had many ups and downs. 

However, it was rough living on the West Dayton, Ohio.  I remember a whole lot about my childhood.  I remember when the African Americans lived around a lot of factories.  I also remember when the police used to harass African American Men all of the time.  There was a period of time when single women used to keep the men away from their houses.  If you were not married, you could not live with a single mother with children.

 The Child Welfare agencies used to come around and check to see if there were any men’s clothes inside of the house.  If so, then a mother would eventually got evicted from her house.  A single mother would lose her food stamps and benefits because she had a man living inside of the residence.  Also, my mother during that time, got married to her husband in 1967.  This was also during the time when my sister was born.  My sister was born on September 18, 1967 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center.  I do remember when African American children attended schools inside of their neighborhood. 

My mother and her husband lived inside of an apartment located on 1119 West Third Street in Dayton, Ohio.  My mother was doing very well for herself.  Her husband was a veteran in the Armed Forces.  My mother had given birth to a third child on May 31, 1970.  My brother looked like his father.  I was still living with my two grandmothers until September of 1972.  My mother had given birth to another child on July 19, 1971.   As I recall, my mother asked my oldest grandmother could she let me live inside of her apartment with the rest of the family.  My mother had given birth to her fifth child.  On August 12, 1972, one of my baby sisters was born. 

My mother and her husband were happy living together.  In spite of the alcohol that they consumed together, it did not stop them from having children.  I know because every time my mother and her husband used to argue, I ended up staying with my grandmother.  My friends at school used to fight me all of the time.  I even had friends who used to protect me from the school bullies throughout the time I attended Edison School and Franklin School.  My friends came from dysfunctional families themselves. 

One thing that I forgot to mention is that one of my relatives had given birth to her first child when she was 14 years old.  My cousin was born on October 27, 1970.  She looked exactly like her mother.  My grandmother became very angry during that time because one of my female relatives was having sex without using protection.  Afterwards, this same relative gave birth to another child on August 29, 1972.  I was only seven years old when all of this has been taking place. 

Oftentimes, things did not change inside of my grandmother’s house either.  I was forced to go live with my mother.  My female relative kept having children.  It is a shame because my grandparents were upset because my female relatives did not listen to her own mother.  I want to inform all of you that both places had chaos.  My mother used to help me with my homework because I did not like math.  My mother helped me with my math homework because the teachers at Edison School were preoccupied with taking care of other children.  To be honest with you, parents used to bring their kids to school just to get a break from them.  Therefore, all of the schools inside of the neighborhood became safe havens for children.

My mother and her husband became occupied with giving birth to children that I was up to here with the giving births to children.  My mother had me raising children myself.  I remember when I had to change baby diapers and take care of my younger siblings that I did not have a proper childhood.  My safe haven at the time became a nursery for children.  I am referring to my grandmother’s house.  My older female relatives kept giving birth to their children.  Do you know that it is frustrating when a mother could not stop having children?  The 1970s were very difficult for all of us in the family.  I stayed with my grandmother for another few years because Children Services came to my mother’s house and they remanded my siblings into their custody because of what was going on inside of the house.

My female relatives were having children nonstop.  As I recall, I had to sit inside of my mother’s house and change diapers while my mother used to stay away from the home.  I recall having a conversation with the school nurse regarding my mother’s husband.  This is because we ended up getting tuberculosis in 1976.  My mother’s husband had the disease and we all had it.  The 1970s were hard on me because I had to travel from place to place.  Some of the excitement that I had was when I used to play basketball at Edison School.  I played basketball at the YMCA during the weekends.  I also played basketball at Franklin School for one year.  In spite of all of the dysfunctional family behavior in my own family; I still spent time with my friends inside of the neighborhood.

My mother had given birth to three other children from 1974 to 1977.  My siblings and I had a lot of fun.  I know that I am the oldest child in my family.  I guess, I relied on church, school, and the YMCA as a safe haven.  My mother pawned her shotgun at the Pawn Shop just to pay for a membership at the YMCA for all of us.  My family had grown tremendously during the 1970s.  While I was a student in school, I was a C average student.  I could not stand math.  I abhorred math intensely.  The subjects that I had excelled in were English, Spelling, Science, Social Studies, and Gym.  I did not like math. 

In Addition, I also used to play basketball at Riverview Park from 1976 to 1980.  I will also admit that I had to attend Summer School in the 3rd grade and 7th grade.  I had to attend Longfellow and MacFarlane Schools because Edison was not open during the summer.  I used to write inside of a journal just to keep my thoughts in check.  The 1970s were rough on me because I had to fight a lot of people.  I want to inform everyone that I attended Roth High School on September 5, 1979.  I was a freshman during that time.  I was taking NJROTC classes.  As soon as I got to high school, I made a lot of mistakes.  I was smoking marijuana with my friends.

Also, I traveled in high school to Norfolk, Virginia and Chicago, Illinois.  As I got older, I rebelled against my mother and her husband.  I do recall fighting girls in class.  I had a lot of fun, but my family members were doing everything that I was doing.  I remember my freshman year in high school, I only missed 22 days the entire year. 

The 1980s were terrible for me and my family.  I remember when I missed over 100 days the entire year my sophomore year in school.  I failed school for two straight years.  When my baby brother was born on April 29, 1980, I had to stay at home and take care of him, I really did not care about myself back in the 1980s.  My mother sent me to Job Corps in Grand Rapids, Michigan on June 22, 1983.  I really did not stay in Job Corps very long because my behavior was terrible. 

On April 18, 1984, I was inside of a car with a Caucasian Man and I was transported to the hospital because we crashed into a railroad bridge.  I had to wear a neck brace for almost a month.  I had whiplash.  Three months later, I broke my left-hand playing basketball on Friday July 6, 1984 at 3:45PM.  I was so intoxicated that I had to wait until the next day before I was able to have surgery on my left hand and wrist.  The 1980s were working out for me.  I guess I had to change my attitude.  The definition of the word attitude is a state of mind or a particular feeling.  I do remember graduating from high school on June 10, 1986 from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Dayton, Ohio.  The School Counselor stated to me that I finally finished school.  The School Counselor prayed for me for three years. 

I recall learning how to box when I was 14 years old.  I did not excel in the sport because I spent too much time getting high and drinking beer.  My life was filled with ups and downs.  I learned how to play pool when I was eight years old.  Santa Claus blessed me with a pool table when I was in the 3rd grade.  I had that pool table for 4 years.  I do recall living in different neighborhoods in Dayton, Ohio.  I used to live inside of a rat-infested house located on Williams Street.  This occurred when I was 12 years old.  My mother was angry because I started drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana at an early age.

 My mother stayed away from the house for at least 2 years.  My siblings and I had to raise ourselves.  This is the reason why my siblings and I do not get along because they continue to talk and live in the past.  I am too old to be trying to live in the past.  What happened in the past stays in the past.  There were so many things that has transpired that it is very hard to leave the past in the past.  I entered college for my freshman year on Monday April 1, 1987.  I enrolled in college at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio.  I wrote so many papers in my first year that I really did not want anyone to know about my past.  I stayed in college for 2 years.  I did better in college than in high school.

I do remember spending time in the Marine Corps.  I did not stay in there very long either.  I hurried up and went back to college.  When it comes to employment, I worked at restaurants such as Skyline Chili for almost 2 years.  I also worked at the King Cole Restaurant as a dishwasher.  I also worked at Church’s Chicken for one day.  It was hard because they had me frying chicken.  I could not keep up with the demand of the customers.  I used to go to the Pine Club Restaurant with my grandmother during the weekends.  I had to cut onions all of the time.  I also peeled potatoes.  My grandmother used to pay me for helping her at the restaurant.

I want to inform everyone that I have made a hard bed for myself.  What I am saying is that I am responsible for making a lot of mistakes.  I want to say that most of the time during the 1980s, I became a juvenile delinquent.  I smoked marijuana and I have consumed Canadian Ace Beer.  This became my beer of choice.  I want to inform all of you that I have made a lot of mistakes.  My mother gave up on me.  My father only seen me one time in his life.  This was the time I was 5 years old.  I want to say that my life was rough because I had to raise my younger siblings and myself. 

Furthermore, I had problems in school because I graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School at the age of 20.  I had to attend Longfellow School, which became an alternative school for troubled kids.  I attended Longfellow from September 6, 1984 until January 30, 1986.  I remember earning 9 high school credits in one year.  To be honest, I had spent a great deal of time at the Montgomery County Public Library in Dayton, Ohio.  I want to say that the library itself became a safe haven for me.  At least, I did not get into trouble while I was at the library.

Eventually, I had to go to college at Central State University for 2 years.  I remember writing my first paper it was about sexual immorality.  I received an A- on the paper.  I went ahead and hand written my paper.  I had taken classes on how to use a computer.  Matter of fact, I still have my computer disk from college.  I enjoyed my time in college.  I had an opportunity to make new friends.  I was surprised because I became both an extrovert and introvert during my college career. 

In Other Words, I was all alone.  I stayed with my grandmother until September 30, 1986.  My grandmother told me to spread my wings and fly.  I knew exactly what she meant.  She put me out of her house.  I finished high school and I had to leave.  Frankly, I had to leave.  My female relative stayed inside of my grandmother’s house until she was 45 years old.  I come from a dysfunctional family.  I really did not have my first sexual encounter until I was 21 years old.  I had to purchase sex from a woman.  From June 24, 1986 until July 3, 2010, I purchase sex from women.  I remember when I was involved in my first relationship.  I was 24 and my girlfriend was 35 years old.  She used me for money and sex.  I contracted gonorrhea from her because I was performing oral sex on her all of the time.

Besides, I was learning about the opposite sex.  I used to be intimidated of women.  I purchase sex for a number of years.  This is simply because I acquired a sense of maturity.  I was a person who had to learn the hard way about everything that I got involved in.  My family members clowned me because I had spent a great deal of time learning about women.  Although I lived with my grandmothers and other female relatives.  I got used by the women of the streets because I did not have any role models growing up.  My grandparents, aunt, uncles, and other relatives did not know exactly what I was doing.  I kept it to myself. 

In Spite of all of the women that I got connected with during the years, I have managed to get involved in one relationship for a total of 9 years.  My relationships that I have had during the 1980s were brief.  I did not learn anything from these women.  The only thing these women wanted was money.  Back to the lecture, I had to learn a lot about women by spending my money on them.  When I thought about it, I thought all women wanted money and that is it. 

Ordinarily, I became a person who was content with only having sexual encounters with women.  I have a lot of female friends that I grew up with.  It is that, I managed to make a complete fool out of myself.  In the Bible, it states that if a man is involved with a prostitute, he becomes one with her.  1st Corinthians; KJV says 1 Corinthians 6:16 KJV: What? know ye not that he which is joined to a harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.  I did not know that if I continued to have sex with female prostitutes, I become one flesh with her.  This is the truth!!  To be frank with all of you, I really did not know that if I continue to affiliate myself with these prostitutes, I become one flesh with her.

Contrarily, I am living in sin, if I unite myself with these women.  I really did not know this until I started reading the Bible.  This is the reason why my grandmother told me in my face that: He who keeps mouth and soul, keeps himself from troubles.  My grandparents were God Fearing People.  They used Bible verses every single day.  My grandparents were very intelligent people.  I see why my grandparents and mother were giving me instructions out of the Bible.  I attended church on a regular basis with my grandparents.  This is the reason why I am a biblically sound person.  I use Bible verses each day. 

Most Important, I became a very honest person.  I really did not know about 1st Corinthians 6:16 until my grandmother told me that I was a harlot lover.  My grandparents told me to stay away from street women.  I did not know at the time that I was making a big mistake by having sex with female prostitutes.  I literally did not know what I was doing to myself.  My parents stayed on me because I was the oldest person out of my mother’s children.  I understand why my grandmothers emphasized the Bible to me.  I know all about the Bible.  I read the Bible every single day of the week.  I read one Bible verse per day. 

Otherwise, I would not have finished college.  I would have been dead from AIDS or contract a serious disease from having sex with female prostitutes.  The 1980s was a period of transition for me.  I have learned a lot about women.  I lived inside of the YMCA for a year and a half.  I also lived inside of rooming houses from 1988-1990.  I used to live at 925 Porter Avenue in Dayton, Ohio.  I did not know that the house itself housed mentally ill people.  This is the reason why I had to stay away from the clients that were living inside of the house.  I worked at the Skyline Chili Restaurant for almost 2 years.  I also worked at McDonalds Restaurant for a short period of time.

In Addition, I was learning about the opposite sex.  I have made a hard bed for myself until 1990.  My grandmother told me to go to church, and I did attend church on a regular basis.  I remember when I cohabitated with an older woman.  She used me for the money that I had given her.  I caught her having sex with another man.  This was during the time that I was living on 108 Federal Street in Dayton, Ohio.  I was in a relationship with a real harlot.  She was having sex with other men for money.  On October 29, 1989, I contracted gonorrhea from having sex with my girlfriend.  We agreed to live inside of the same place.  I literally paid all of the bills.  This woman made a complete fool out of me.

Then, she made me cry because I saw her having sex with another man.  She told me to my face that she did not love me in the first place.  I remember when this young lady ran down the street in the rain.  She told me to my face that she was using me.  Afterwards, I moved out of the apartment that I was living with her.  I went to Alcohol and Drug Treatment back in 1990.  I stayed in treatment for at least 6 months.  I learned a valuable lesson from my relationship.  I did not trust women after that.  It has taken me years before I was able to forgive my cohabitating girlfriend. I remember working at Arby’s Restaurant in Downtown Dayton, Ohio.  I worked there for at least 3 months.

Meanwhile, I had to receive treatment again.  My girlfriend gave me gonorrhea inside of my mouth.  I had to go to the Health Department in Downtown Dayton, Ohio.  I had to receive a shot of penicillin.  I also had to take medication for 14 days.  I moved out of the apartment on 108 Federal Street.  I want to inform everyone that I stayed with my grandparents for a short time.  I remember staying with my grandparents until I went to treatment.  I had a hernia operation on Friday May 4, 1990.  I had a hernia for doing some heavy lifting.  I had a huge bulge on my groin.  I was washing dishes at the King Cole Restaurant inside of Downtown Dayton, Ohio.  I worked at the King Cole Restaurant from November 20, 1989 to September 1, 1990. 

Prior to my surgery, I had sex with another harlot.  I received oral sex.  I actually stopped drinking and smoking marijuana on Wednesday May 2, 1990.  I decided to give up the high cost of low living.  I had to make a living for myself.  God sure was with me.  This is simply because I had to stay inside of St. Elizabeth Medical Center for the night.  I was not able to urinate because I had severed my main bowel.  I had a catheter inside of me.  It sure did hurt going inside of me and out of me.  I met a nurse that I grew up with.  She knew me from Edison School. 

I stayed inside of St. Elizabeth Hospital until 5:00PM on Saturday May 5, 1990.  I was transported by my grandmother neighbor to my grandparent’s house.  I stayed with my grandparents until I was able to go to treatment from drugs and alcohol.  My former girlfriend stayed inside of 108 Federal Street with her associate.  I did not see her until Friday September 1, 1990 at 5:30PM.  I saw her moving inside of an apartment on William Street.  She was making a life with her lover.  On this particular day, I moved to Toledo, Ohio on the same day that I saw my ex-girlfriend.  I remember Toledo, Ohio very well.  I stayed inside of a hotel on the Eastside of Toledo, Ohio.

Subsequently, I lived in the Toledo, Ohio area for almost 6 years.  I remember when I carried a map with me.  I studied the map of Toledo, Ohio for at least 3 months.  While in Toledo, Ohio; I remember going to the Mission which was located on Jefferson Street.  I stayed at the Mission for less than a week.  I got a job working at Midwestern Bulk Bag Company, which is located on City Park Avenue.  I worked at the company for at least a few months.  I remember traveling to Dayton, Ohio on Friday October 31, 1990.  I was with a close friend of mine.  I met him while working with the company.  During that time, I was having sex with harlots on a regular basis.  I was not involved in a relationship anymore.  At least, I thought I was moving on with my life.

In the meantime, I was getting accustomed to the Toledo, Ohio Area.  I remember spending the night at the job because I was still homeless.  My supervisor at the time, allowed me to move inside of a room at his mother’s house on Delaware Avenue.  I stayed there for only a few months.  I had to pay at least $500.00 dollars per month for a room.  I met my supervisor’s family members.  They were very nice to me.  My main objective was to attend school at the University of Toledo.  I worked at the Midwestern Bulk Bag company for at least 6 months.  I attended Friendship Missionary Baptist Church located on Nebraska Avenue in Toledo, Ohio.  I got baptized at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on the 4th Sunday of 1991. 

Honestly, my time in Toledo, Ohio went very well.  The supervisor and I got into an altercation because he did not pay me.  The supervisor at Midwestern Bulk Bag Company swindled me out of my money.  I had to go to a Hearing at the Employment Office because he refused to grant me unemployment compensation.  To be honest with everyone, I did not work there long enough to receive unemployment compensation.  I had to move from the residence located on West Delaware Avenue in Toledo, Ohio.  I had to go back to the Mission until April of 1991.  While at the Mission, someone had stolen my wallet.  I saw the person who had taken my wallet.  I chased him down Madison Avenue with a brick inside of my hands.  I had to start all over.  I was furious at that man.

I used to go to the 15th Street Mission just to eat every single day.  I stayed on Yates Avenue for a period of time.  I had to move out of the place on Yates Avenue after getting into an argument with my roommate.  He was not paying his portion of the rent.  The 1990s were very good to me.  I remember spending the night with a young lady, who had twin girls.  I attended the University of Toledo on Monday April 1, 1991 until June 14, 1996.  While attending the University of Toledo, I had taken classes at the Substance Abuse Services Incorporated.  I attended classes with quite a few other young men.  I received a brief scholarship at the University of Toledo.  At least, my classes were paid for one academic year. 

I remember staying at the Mission for another week, until one of my female classmates allowed me to spend some time with her at her house.  We were in the same class.  I remember taking a class called Culture and Concepts at The University of Toledo Community and Technical College at Scott Park.  The class was crowded every single day.  I received a B+ as my final grade.  I also had taken an English class as well.  My female classmate brought me to her father’s house.  Which was located at 126 Rosalind Place in Toledo, Ohio.  I stayed at the house for almost 4 years.

Also, I want to say that the house itself used to be a crack house.  There were other tenants who lived at the house on Rosalind Place.  These individuals were very nice to me.  I know that the house itself was old, but I needed somewhere to live.  I caught the #24 Delaware Avenue Bus to school every single day.  There were times when I stayed on the campus because I had to study for my mid-terms and final exams. 

Then, I had slept inside of one of the classrooms at University Hall for a few days.  I then saw my friend, and we had a lot of fun.  She was from New York!!  I can tell because of her accent.  I used to hang around her on a daily basis.  I remember taking a class called Techniques of Interviewing with a famous teacher at Comm-Tech.  I enjoyed the class because I had learned how to communicate with other people.  I want to inform all of you that I used to have a very serious disposition problem.  I used vulgarity during class.  To be honest with all of you, I almost got kicked out of school because of my behavior.

All of my teachers prayed for me for 5 consecutive years.  I had to receive speech therapy due to a broken jaw.  The therapist stated that my jaw prevented me from saying certain words.  I also had a learning disability as well.  Therefore, I had to receive additional help with college because I used to have a writing problem.  I accepted the extra assistance with college because it enabled me to learn how to read and write better.  On Saturday June 12, 1993 I earned my Associates Degree in Social Services Technology.  My mother, baby sister, and nephew attended my college graduation.

There are so much that I can talk about in this manuscript.  I cannot mention the names of the people that I was involved with because I have not received their permission to share their names and other information about them.  I had to attend church on a regular basis.  I remember my instructors stated to me that I had to watch my mouth in class.  I had learned how to write very well.  Although I had problems in math, I still managed to pass my math classes with a D+ average.  I could not grasp the formulas when it came to math.  I passed all of my other classes with a B or a C+ average. 

I am a person who has come a very long way.  I had come a very long way in life itself.  I want to say that I connected with other women in college.  I remember being transferred to the Bancroft Street Campus during the Fall of 1993.  I had taken some very difficult classes.  While taking classes at the Bancroft Street Campus, I had to move to 526 Highland Avenue because my house got burned down during my Junior year of college.  I stayed with a real nice family.  I had to catch the #26 Bus home from college.  I caught the #22 Bancroft Street Bus to class.  My classes started at 8:00AM.

During the next couple of years, I had to enroll into some very difficult classes.  I prayed about it.  I had a game plan.  It was to finish my Bachelors Degree by June of 1995.  I got accepted into the University College program.  I had to develop an individual plan.  I wrote it!!  I got accepted by a Committee of people who were solely responsible for looking at all of my classes that I had to take.  To be honest with all of you, I had too many credits to graduate from college.  I remember taking a very difficult class called Social Psychology.  The instructor gave me a C- as my grade because he stated that my final paper was scrapped.  The class was difficult, but I managed to pass the final exam with an A.

Specifically, I had to get really serious about my career during that time because I got a Job working at the Jerusalem Outreach Center in Toledo, Ohio.  I completed my internship and I received an A+ because I had experience when it comes to Street Gangs.  I used to be involved in Street Gangs for 11 years.  Frankly, during the time that I was involved in Gangs, I had managed to miss school, and indulge in alcohol as well as smoking marijuana.

Truly, I made a complete fool out of myself throughout the 1980s and almost messed up during the 1990s.  This was during the time that I did not care about myself.  The only thing that I was doing was reading the Bible all of the time.  I knew that I had to make some changes as far as my behavior is concerned.  I had to put myself in check because I was getting older.  It appeared to me that I was dealing with harlots and traveling across the country.  I remember when I used to live on Rosalind Place in Toledo, Ohio; I was having sex all of the time.  I did all of my homework from class first and foremost.  I had sex with a very beautiful light skinned woman, but I cannot mention her name.  I made love to her for 3 years straight.

Honestly, I became addicted to sex.  I had to get a job back then because I had to pay for my classes.  I had to have some money to support my sexual appetite.  I know that I did not have any business dealing with harlots.  I know that I got hired as a Library Assistant at the University of Toledo Carlson Library on Friday December 15, 1992.  I had a lot of fun working at the Library.  My classes were getting difficult.  I attended church and I prayed to God about my classes at school. 

Thus, I want to say that my family itself was growing.  My siblings were having children.  I had managed to avoid getting any female pregnant.  I used condoms all of the time.  I did what my mother, aunt, great aunt, and grandmothers told me to do.  I stayed in school until June 14, 1996.  It is that I had to pay rent at the place that I was living at.  My rent went up to $250.00 per month.  This was also a time when I started college work study.  I remember when the Landlord spent 3 years in prison.  He was involved in selling drugs.  He spent time behind bars for selling drugs to the police. 

I was working three jobs back during that time because my classes and tuition went up.  I had to pay more money for classes at the University of Toledo.  I had taken my classes and I worked on campus.  I want to say that I learned a whole lot about real life.  Throughout my 5-year career at the University of Toledo, I have managed to make friends with some very nice-looking young ladies.

 I learned how to maintain professional behavior.  I had to move back to Dayton, Ohio for one year.  I transferred to Sinclair Community College for one year.  I had an operation on Wednesday November 26, 1996.  I had stomach ulcers, and I was suffering from acid reflux disease.  My mother and my grandparents became my biggest supporters.  I had a lot of fun, but things got serious when I contracted scabies on Monday January 13, 1997.  I had scabies for 49 days.  I had to go to the hospital several times for treatment of the scabies.  My family members were very upset with me.  For the next three months, I had to live with my sister in Fairborn, Ohio.  I had to pay rent at my sister’s house.  She had 4 children during that time.  I was working two jobs at that time.  I worked at Kroger and Sinclair Community College.

Afterwards, I decided to move to Charlotte, NC on Sunday June 15, 1997.  After careful deliberation, I had decided to travel to Charlotte, NC because I had problems that I was not able to resolve with my family.  From June 15, 1997 to February 28, 1998, I was living at the Men’s Uptown Shelter.  I had to attend AA Meetings on a daily basis.  I remember staying at the Men’s Uptown Shelter, I went to the hospital several times for my behavior.  I remember on Tuesday July 15, 1997, I got into a fist fight with someone inside of the Offsite Room.  I threw a chair at someone.  The person who was conducting the AA Meeting transported me to the hospital because the medication Prednisone messed me up.  I became manic.

I remember staying one week inside of a Behavior Hospital.  I had to take a medication called Depakote.  I was prescribed 3600 milligrams of Depakote, and I had to take other medication just for behavior reasons.  Inside of the hospital, there were patients who were worse off than me.  I had problems with medication, and they sent me to the hospital.  During the eight months at the Men’s Uptown Shelter, I met some friends.  I met someone who was from Maiden, NC.  I also met someone who was from Philadelphia, PA.  I hung around my friends at that time.  I had some good times because I was getting familiar with Charlotte, NC.

Next, I had to apply for Social Security on September 21, 1997.  I had to appear to a Hearing at the Access Project with members of the Access Project and other staff members from the Social Security Administration.  I got approved on February 21, 1998.  I remember leaving the Men’s Shelter, owing them $738.00 dollars in rent.  I moved inside of my apartment at Charlottetown Terrace Apartments.  I stayed there for almost three years.  I used to frequent the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Atkins Library on a daily basis.

Subsequently, I ended up getting a job working at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte on Monday March 5, 2001.  I was enrolled in classes at the UNCC for less than a month because I was automatically withdrawn from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for not getting my immunization shots.  Prior to my UNCC experience, I worked at the United States Census Bureau for less than six months.  I had to take classes at the job.  I do remember going back home for three months because I got into an argument with a close female friend.  It was a misunderstanding that I had with her.  I went home just to cool off behaviorally.  I came back to Charlotte, NC on October 3, 2000. 

Before my UNCC experience, I worked at the UPS located on Graham Street in Charlotte, NC for less than six months.  I worked at temporary places for almost six months.  I ended up living with someone for at least nine years.  Got involved in a relationship with a female for nine years. I had a lot of fun with her.  We are still friends through this day.  I want to inform all of you that she taught me how to cook, and be a real man.  My previous relationship with an older woman did not work out because she used me for what I can give her.

I want to inform all of you that I have changed behaviorally because my close female friend taught me how to really be a man.  I know that I am guilty of running away from my problems.  I am guilty of not completing all of my tasks as assigned to me.  I am the type of person who does not like to argue with anyone.  I will debate if necessary.  I really like the college life.  I love women from all racial backgrounds.  I have 15 manuscripts copyrighted.  I have a lot of essays.  I have a journal that I have been keeping since 1985.  My life at this time is simple.  I will admit that I have a whole lot to say, but I will have to allow the general public to finish writing my autobiography. 

Furthermore, I want to say that there is a whole lot that I have left out because I would like for all of my family members and friends to comment on my autobiography.  There is so much to talk about.  I love music!!  I love to travel to different cities that are inside of the United States.  I will admit that I have spent so much money on sex that I could have purchased a brand-new car.  I have so much to share that I have to share it at another time.

Further, I want to say that I am very familiar with the cities that I used to live at for the past 30 years.  I have a photostatic memory just like my family members.  I would like to share my experiences when it comes to dealing with animals and people.  I used to have three dogs.  One of my dog’s name was Midnight.  Midnight saved my life on Sunday December 26, 2004.  I was getting ready to sink inside of a sinkhole in Charlotte, NC located on Cindy Lane in Charlotte, NC.  I used to walk my dogs on a trail all of the time.  Midnight used to sleep inside of my shoes when he was a puppy.  I trained him to use the restroom outside as a little puppy.  As soon as he barked at the door, I knew exactly what it meant to me.  I had to take the dog outside for a walk. 

I loved that dog so much that I wanted to bring him to Ohio.  I used to have two other dogs that I became very fond of.  I had a dog named Spot.  He used to belong to a previous owner.  Spot was only three months when I became acquainted with him.  The dogs used to keep me busy.  I love animals of all types.  I used to pick up snakes off the ground with my bare hands.  I love both cats and dogs.  I love nature.  I love working with people from all diverse backgrounds.  I used to work at the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System for a short period of time.  I used to work at numerous of jobs.  I worked at Barnes and Nobles Bookstore for six months.  I worked at other jobs inside of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Area for several years. 

I worked at Charlotte Hornets Arena for a short period of time.  I always kept my day job.  I had to work at least two additional jobs because the cost of living was higher in Charlotte, NC than in Dayton, Ohio.  I remember breaking my jaw during a fist fight that I have had on January 16, 1997.  I want to inform all of you that I got involved with a woman who had several brothers.  I did not know at the time that her brothers did not want me around her.  This is a shame because her previous relationship led to her getting assaulted by her male companion. 

The young lady that I contracted the scabies with on Thursday January 12, 1997 lives in denial.  She stated to me that she did not know me.  She is a liar because we had sex inside of my cousin’s house.  I remember it very well.  I have gotten paid from work on that day because I walked home from work.  I had some money on me.  I saw her, and she asked me What was up?  I told her that I wanted to do something with her.  Suddenly, we had sex.  Only God knows exactly what happened on that particular day.  I want to inform all of you that I have been clean and sober for over 30 years now. 

I have had a lot of fun in my personal life.  I know that this is an autobiography about my personal life.  I have to allow a Power that is greater than myself to review my life from the time that I was a baby until right now.  There is so much that I am leaving out because it is a complete book of my personal life.  I want to inform all of you that God is my Personal Savior.  God knows exactly what happened in my personal life. 

The Life and Times of Anthony Joseph Hopkins from Dayton, Ohio

The Life and Times of Anthony Joseph Hopkins from Dayton, Ohio February 16, 2022

                          Preface

        Good Day Everyone!!  My name is Anthony Joseph Hopkins, and I am from Dayton, Ohio.  This book is dedicated to all of the members of my family who are no longer with us right now.  My mother, sister, great aunt, and my two grandmothers and grandfathers.  It has taken a very long time for me to write this autobiography.  The people who I am dedicating this book have been solely responsible for helping me to get on my feet.  They have molded me into the person that I am right now. 

        Next, I want to inform everyone that this book will be written in first person.  The reason why is because I do not have permission from my family members and friends to use their names in my book.  I am also dedicating this book to all of my family members and friends.  I am a person who has come a very long way in my life.  The purpose of writing this book is to edify everyone from all walks of life.  Writing helps me to cope with a mental illness called schizoid affective disorder.  I was diagnosed with a mental illness on July 15, 1997.  This day was on a Tuesday. 

        Further, I want to inform all of you that my memory is excellent.  I remember when I was a child, my sister told me that I am going to be successful someday.  She also mentioned to me that I am going to become the first person out of the family to graduate from high school.  My two grandmothers and grandfathers taught me how to be a human being with a lot of common sense.  My mother used to read to me when I was inside of her stomach.  My mother was young when she gave birth to me.  My mother graduated from Roosevelt High School in Dayton, Ohio in 1961.  She graduated from school with honors.

        Moreover, my mother had given birth to nine children.  My mother got married when she was 23 years old.  My sister was born on September 18, 1967.  She was my mother’s second oldest child.  My grandmothers were the Rock which kept the family together.  My grandmothers allowed me to live with them when I was at least 6 months old.  My grandparents took me to church all of the time. 

        Finally, the purpose of this autobiography is to help those people who did not earn enough education to read this book without using a lot of big words.  I am writing this book because I am edifying a nation of young people who grew up very hard in life.  This is a book that is simple.  This is an easy read.  This is a book that will take everyone on a journey through the mind of a person who had a very difficult upbringing.  This is a book that will have everyone thinking twice and reflect on their own life.

 This is a book that is not boring.  The purpose of this book is to cause everyone to examine their life and say “Did I go through that myself.  I am writing just to cope well with my own personal demons.  I am writing this book just to help everyone think and reflect on their own personal life. 

        On Thursday June 24, 1965 at 7:30PM I was born to my mother.  My mother was 21 years old when I was born.  My father did not acknowledge my mother because his name is not on my birth certificate.  Therefore, I became a bastard child.  Like they say, mother’s baby daddy’s maybe.  I was born at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio.  After my mother had given birth to me, she took me to my grandmother’s house.  I guess, my mother had a life other than being a mother for the first time.  I supposed being a mother was very difficult for her. 

During the first 7 years of my life, I was raised by my great grandmother.  I recall attending Bethel Church of God in Christ, which is located in Dayton, Ohio.  Bethel Church of God in Christ became my church for quite a few years.  My two grandmothers accepted me into their household.  I grew up with a lot of women inside of the house.  While living with my grandmothers, I read the Bible.  I attended Edison Elementary School in Dayton, Ohio.  The first 7 years of my life had many ups and downs. 

However, it was rough living on the West Dayton, Ohio.  I remember a whole lot about my childhood.  I remember when the African Americans lived around a lot of factories.  I also remember when the police used to harass African American Men all of the time.  There was a period of time when single women used to keep the men away from their houses.  If you were not married, you could not live with a single mother with children.

 The Child Welfare agencies used to come around and check to see if there were any men’s clothes inside of the house.  If so, then a mother would eventually got evicted from her house.  A single mother would lose her food stamps and benefits because she had a man living inside of the residence.  Also, my mother during that time, got married to her husband in 1967.  This was also during the time when my sister was born.  My sister was born on September 18, 1967 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center.  I do remember when African American children attended schools inside of their neighborhood. 

My mother and her husband lived inside of an apartment located on 1119 West Third Street in Dayton, Ohio.  My mother was doing very well for herself.  Her husband was a veteran in the Armed Forces.  My mother had given birth to a third child on May 31, 1970.  My brother looked like his father.  I was still living with my two grandmothers until September of 1972.  My mother had given birth to another child on July 19, 1971.   As I recall, my mother asked my oldest grandmother could she let me live inside of her apartment with the rest of the family.  My mother had given birth to her fifth child.  On August 12, 1972, one of my baby sisters was born. 

My mother and her husband were happy living together.  In spite of the alcohol that they consumed together, it did not stop them from having children.  I know because every time my mother and her husband used to argue, I ended up staying with my grandmother.  My friends at school used to fight me all of the time.  I even had friends who used to protect me from the school bullies throughout the time I attended Edison School and Franklin School.  My friends came from dysfunctional families themselves. 

One thing that I forgot to mention is that one of my relatives had given birth to her first child when she was 14 years old.  My cousin was born on October 27, 1970.  She looked exactly like her mother.  My grandmother became very angry during that time because one of my female relatives was having sex without using protection.  Afterwards, this same relative gave birth to another child on August 29, 1972.  I was only seven years old when all of this has been taking place. 

Oftentimes, things did not change inside of my grandmother’s house either.  I was forced to go live with my mother.  My female relative kept having children.  It is a shame because my grandparents were upset because my female relatives did not listen to her own mother.  I want to inform all of you that both places had chaos.  My mother used to help me with my homework because I did not like math.  My mother helped me with my math homework because the teachers at Edison School were preoccupied with taking care of other children.  To be honest with you, parents used to bring their kids to school just to get a break from them.  Therefore, all of the schools inside of the neighborhood became safe havens for children.

My mother and her husband became occupied with giving birth to children that I was up to here with the giving births to children.  My mother had me raising children myself.  I remember when I had to change baby diapers and take care of my younger siblings that I did not have a proper childhood.  My safe haven at the time became a nursery for children.  I am referring to my grandmother’s house.  My older female relatives kept giving birth to their children.  Do you know that it is frustrating when a mother could not stop having children?  The 1970s were very difficult for all of us in the family.  I stayed with my grandmother for another few years because Children Services came to my mother’s house and they remanded my siblings into their custody because of what was going on inside of the house.

My female relatives were having children nonstop.  As I recall, I had to sit inside of my mother’s house and change diapers while my mother used to stay away from the home.  I recall having a conversation with the school nurse regarding my mother’s husband.  This is because we ended up getting tuberculosis in 1976.  My mother’s husband had the disease and we all had it.  The 1970s were hard on me because I had to travel from place to place.  Some of the excitement that I had was when I used to play basketball at Edison School.  I played basketball at the YMCA during the weekends.  I also played basketball at Franklin School for one year.  In spite of all of the dysfunctional family behavior in my own family; I still spent time with my friends inside of the neighborhood.

My mother had given birth to three other children from 1974 to 1977.  My siblings and I had a lot of fun.  I know that I am the oldest child in my family.  I guess, I relied on church, school, and the YMCA as a safe haven.  My mother pawned her shotgun at the Pawn Shop just to pay for a membership at the YMCA for all of us.  My family had grown tremendously during the 1970s.  While I was a student in school, I was a C average student.  I could not stand math.  I abhorred math intensely.  The subjects that I had excelled in were English, Spelling, Science, Social Studies, and Gym.  I did not like math. 

In Addition, I also used to play basketball at Riverview Park from 1976 to 1980.  I will also admit that I had to attend Summer School in the 3rd grade and 7th grade.  I had to attend Longfellow and MacFarlane Schools because Edison was not open during the summer.  I used to write inside of a journal just to keep my thoughts in check.  The 1970s were rough on me because I had to fight a lot of people.  I want to inform everyone that I attended Roth High School on September 5, 1979.  I was a freshman during that time.  I was taking NJROTC classes.  As soon as I got to high school, I made a lot of mistakes.  I was smoking marijuana with my friends.

Also, I traveled in high school to Norfolk, Virginia and Chicago, Illinois.  As I got older, I rebelled against my mother and her husband.  I do recall fighting girls in class.  I had a lot of fun, but my family members were doing everything that I was doing.  I remember my freshman year in high school, I only missed 22 days the entire year. 

The 1980s were terrible for me and my family.  I remember when I missed over 100 days the entire year my sophomore year in school.  I failed school for two straight years.  When my baby brother was born on April 29, 1980, I had to stay at home and take care of him, I really did not care about myself back in the 1980s.  My mother sent me to Job Corps in Grand Rapids, Michigan on June 22, 1983.  I really did not stay in Job Corps very long because my behavior was terrible. 

On April 18, 1984, I was inside of a car with a Caucasian Man and I was transported to the hospital because we crashed into a railroad bridge.  I had to wear a neck brace for almost a month.  I had whiplash.  Three months later, I broke my left-hand playing basketball on Friday July 6, 1984 at 3:45PM.  I was so intoxicated that I had to wait until the next day before I was able to have surgery on my left hand and wrist.  The 1980s were working out for me.  I guess I had to change my attitude.  The definition of the word attitude is a state of mind or a particular feeling.  I do remember graduating from high school on June 10, 1986 from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Dayton, Ohio.  The School Counselor stated to me that I finally finished school.  The School Counselor prayed for me for three years. 

I recall learning how to box when I was 14 years old.  I did not excel in the sport because I spent too much time getting high and drinking beer.  My life was filled with ups and downs.  I learned how to play pool when I was eight years old.  Santa Claus blessed me with a pool table when I was in the 3rd grade.  I had that pool table for 4 years.  I do recall living in different neighborhoods in Dayton, Ohio.  I used to live inside of a rat-infested house located on Williams Street.  This occurred when I was 12 years old.  My mother was angry because I started drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana at an early age.

 My mother stayed away from the house for at least 2 years.  My siblings and I had to raise ourselves.  This is the reason why my siblings and I do not get along because they continue to talk and live in the past.  I am too old to be trying to live in the past.  What happened in the past stays in the past.  There were so many things that has transpired that it is very hard to leave the past in the past.  I entered college for my freshman year on Monday April 1, 1987.  I enrolled in college at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio.  I wrote so many papers in my first year that I really did not want anyone to know about my past.  I stayed in college for 2 years.  I did better in college than in high school.

I do remember spending time in the Marine Corps.  I did not stay in there very long either.  I hurried up and went back to college.  When it comes to employment, I worked at restaurants such as Skyline Chili for almost 2 years.  I also worked at the King Cole Restaurant as a dishwasher.  I also worked at Church’s Chicken for one day.  It was hard because they had me frying chicken.  I could not keep up with the demand of the customers.  I used to go to the Pine Club Restaurant with my grandmother during the weekends.  I had to cut onions all of the time.  I also peeled potatoes.  My grandmother used to pay me for helping her at the restaurant.

What Does the Bible say about Doctrine?

What Does The Bible Say About Doctrine?

        Praise The Lord Saints!!  Praise The Lord!!  How are all of you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  What does the Bible say about the word doctrine?  What is an example of doctrine? An example of doctrine is the Truman Doctrine that said the US would work to contain the Soviet Union. Doctrine is defined as a principle or group of principles which are taught by a religion or political party. An example of doctrine is the teaching of the Ten Commandments in Christianity. 

Doctrine (from Latin: doctrina, meaning “teaching” or “instruction”) is a codification of beliefs or a body of teachings or instructions, taught principles or positions, as the essence of teachings in a given branch of knowledge or in a belief system. The etymological Greek analogue is “catechism”.  What is the true doctrine?

Celsus’s own beliefs, the “true doctrine” referenced in his title, is that of Platonism which from a modern materialist perspective has its own issues of supernatural and thus unproved claims and assumptions. Yet this Platonism is not central to his critique of early Christianity.

Doctrine. … Doctrine (from Latin: doctrina, meaning “teaching”, “instruction” or “doctrine”) is a codification of beliefs or a body of teachings or instructions, taught principles or positions, as the essence of teachings in a given branch of knowledge or in a belief system.

This doctrine states that there is one God, a singular divine Spirit, who manifests himself in many ways, including as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. This stands in sharp contrast to the doctrine of three distinct and eternal persons posited by Trinitarian theology.

Celsus

Celsus was either a Greek or a Roman who wrote during the latter half of the 2nd century AD. Very little is known about his origins or life. The work in its original form has been lost and the True Word survives only as excerpts from a work by the Christian scholar Origen, who quoted Celsus to rebut him.

What is sound doctrine KJV?

The term is found only once in the Bible, in 2 Timothy 4. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. — 2 Timothy 4:3-4 KJV.

Where does the Trinity doctrine come from?

The Christian doctrine of the Trinity (Latin: Trinitas, lit. ‘triad’, from Latin: trinus “threefold”) holds that God is one God, but three coeternal consubstantial persons or hypostases—the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit—as “one God in three Divine persons”.

Did the early church fathers believe in the Trinity?

Whether the earliest Church Fathers believed in the Trinity is a subject for debate. Some of the evidence used to support an early belief in the Trinity are triadic statements (referring to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) from the New Testament and the Church Fathers.

Is it True that the air that we breathe doesn’t belong to us?

Is It True That Our Breath That We Breathe Does Not Belong To Us?

This is an essay that will focus on answering this very important question.  First, I would like to say that our breath that we breathe does not belong to us.  Psalms 100:3 says; know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His Pasteur.  This means that God has made us period!! He knew us even while we were inside of the womb.  Job 27:3 says; as long as my breath of God in my nostrils.  This means that it is God who is responsible for keeping us alive.  I cherish His breath that is inside of me.  I give Him credit for being with me in my time of need.  It is the Lord that I love because for me to live is Christ.  Let it be Jesus!! All that it is completed.  
Next, I believe in the name of Jesus Christ.  Let it be Jesus!! I am very happy that Jesus Christ is my personal Savior.  Through it all, my eyes are on you.  It is well with me!! It is well; it is well with my soul.  My soul does not belong to me.  I love like Jesus because it is God and His Son Jesus Christ, who I give praise to each day and night.  You are stronger Lord!! I must decrease and you must increase! Jesus, you are Lord! I am willing to let your name be lifted high.  Sin is broken.  Jesus, you are Savior of all. 

Further, I want to mention another Bible verse that has some interest inside of this essay.  Job 32:8 says, but there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.  This means that we are all children of God.  I am no longer a slave to fear.  Therefore, I am a child of God.  We have been chosen by God.  It is God who have drown our fears that we have in our current life.  2nd Timothy 1:7 says; for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and of a sound mind.  Lord Jesus, you are rich in love.  Bless the Lord, my soul blesses the Lord.  I worship your Holy name.  I sing like never before; on my soul. I worship your Holy name.  It is you Lord that I praise each day of my life.  I will admit that I have made a lot of mistakes in my life.

 
Moreover, I would like to place emphasis on another Bible verse from the Book of Job.  It comes from Job 34:15.  It states that all flesh would perish together, and man would return to dust.  This means that we all will pass on someday and eventually return to dust that we were formed.  Lord Jesus, I worship you each day of my life.  Nobody loves me like you love me.  I stand faithful and true, I will always love you.  Jesus, you love me like a mother loves her children.  Your love is unconditional.  I worship you as long as I am breathing.  Lord Jesus, I thank you for the little things.  I praise you Lord Jesus.  I even thank you for the little things.  I thank you for everything that you have given me.  I also thank you for the things that I do not have right now.  Lord Jesus, you have never left my side.

In addition, I lift up my hands and eyes to you Lord Jesus.  I will always praise you in all of my personal trials and tribulations.  I will admit that I have been hearing voices that are not the Holy Spirit for the past nine years now.  Forgiveness was bought by you Lord Jesus.  Thank you Lord, for opening your arms to me.  I am very sorry for everything that I have done wrong throughout my 56 years of existence.  Thank you Lord Jesus, for being there for me, and everyone else that exist on earth.  I pray for every living creature on earth.  There is power in the name of Jesus.  Lord Jesus, please follow me every day; as long as you allow me to live.

Also, I want to thank you Lord Jesus for allowing me to surrender to you.  I came here with nothing.  When I leave this precious earth, I will not take anything with me.  Please make me your vessel. Lord Jesus, please allow your hands to console me.  On Sunday February 15, 2015; I surrendered to you.  I was baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.  I will admit that I have been baptized a total of nine times in the past eighteen years.  Thank you Lord Jesus for making me a new creation.  I am desperate for you.  I am lost without you.  I cannot do absolutely nothing without you.  Lord Jesus, it is you, who have ordered my steps.  You even count the steps that I take as well as the hairs on my head are all numbered.  I belong to you.  I love you!!

Finally, Lord Jesus, I thank you for my breath that you have provided for me.  As I hear and read your precious Word.  Lord Jesus, I am really thankful for the air that I breathe each day.  I do not take this for granted.  I praise the one who have set me free.  Death has lost its grip on me.  Lord Jesus, you are my living hope.  Psalms 56:8 says your number my wanderings, put my tears inside of your bottle, and are they not inside of your Book?  Only Christ in me, sets me free.  Lord Jesus, there was a period of time when I used to be afraid of death.  Right now, I love you.  I truly thank you for being yourself.  I thank you for all things.

How do you learn to cast your cares to God?

How Do We Learn How To Cast Your Care Upon God?

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins February 2, 2020

        Praise The Lord Saints!! Praise The Lord!! How are you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  I want to ask all of you a question.  How do we learn how to cast our care upon God?

 First, I want to inform all of you that all human behavior is learned.  We learn all things by watching our parents, other people, and watching other things.  How do we learn how to cast your care upon God?  Second, we are supposed to pray to God and inform Him that I am casting all of this to you.  I am casting all of my troubles, concerns, and issues to God. 

        Next, I want to say that we are supposed to let go of all of the things that concern us.  I am talking about all of the things that are currently bothering all of us.  I want to inform all of you to please establish an intimate relationship with God.

 How do we do this, please be honest and truthful with your Higher Power.  I know for me that all of my behaviors that I have learned in my life, were learned by listening to my parents.  I even learned how to use vulgarity from my parents.  Every time my parents used to argue with each other, my siblings and I heard everything that they were saying.  Actually, how do you really cast your care?  Give it to the Lord by telling Him that I no longer can bear this burden. 

Further, I want to inform all of you that I had to learn how to cast all of my burdens to God.  I want to inform all of you that it has not been easy to cast all of my burdens.  Jesus Christ has listened to all of my concerns for the past 54 years.  I am a 54 year old man, who is suffering from multiple health problems right now.  Casting all of your care is very easy.  I have to learn how to literally let it go.  I will admit that I tend to dwell on things that bothers me for a long period of time. 

Moreover, I want to say that I am a God Fearing Man.  I will admit that I have been dwelling on the past.  For Example, it has taken me 12 years to forgive my ex-wife for what she has done to me.  I will also admit that I have an anger management problem.  I have taken anger management classes for 8 straight years; while living in Charlotte, NC.  I want to inform all of you that I am a very nice person.  For those, who actually know me, I have been allowing other people to take advantage of me.  I know that my family members, and I have our differences, and I love them very much.  I know that some of my family members tend to dwell on the past.

        In Addition, I want to say that I have to stop dwelling on my past myself.  I want to inform all of you that I am looking for a solution to all of my current problems.  I want to say that taking medication does not help me.  Therefore, I would like for all of you to please keep me in your prayers because I am in a whole lot of pain right now.  I am in pain physically, emotionally, and mentally.  God knows exactly what is actually going on with me.  Many people actually think that they really know me as a person. 

Also, I want to inform all of you that only God knows me from the inside out.  When it comes to casting our cares to the Lord, He knew me from the time that I was inside of my mother’s womb.  I know that my life has not been very easy because only God knows my heart.  Man only knows the outer appearance.  It is the Lord that knows my heart.

Finally, I want to inform all of you that all of this encourage me to pray every single day and night.  I belong to God.  My money belongs to God.  The air that I breathe each day belongs to God.  Everything belongs to God.

In Conclusion, I want to inform all of you that it is time to let go of the things in the past.  It is time to give all of our problems to God.  I know that I am still a Work in Progress.  I am not perfect, but loves me from the inside out.  Please give all of your problems to the Lord Jesus Christ because He really loves you.  I know that I have Him as my personal Savior.  I love all of you very much.  Please take good care of yourselves. 

Discipleship is Christ in You!

The heavenly Father’s plan from the beginning of time was to place His eternal Son in every believer. If you are a Christian, all the fullness of God dwells in you. Christ’s life becomes your life. When Christ lives in you, He brings every divine resource with Him. Every time you face a need, you meet it with the presence of the crucified, risen, and triumphant Lord of the universe inhabiting you. When God invites you to become involved in His work, He has already placed His Son in you so that He can carry out His assignment through your life.

Matthew 10:36

Matthew 10:36 and How it Pertains to All People!!

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins January 31, 2020

        Praise The Lord Saints!! Praise The Lord!! How are all of you doing tonight?  Fine, I hope.  I would like to start things off by asking everyone a very important question.  What does Matthew 10:36 really mean to all of us?  The answer is simple.  A Man’s enemies will be those of his own household.  What is the definition of the word foe?  A foe is a chief or principle enemy.  This can become in a form of principalities, powers, and demonic spirits. 

Therefore, I want to inform all of you that I am powerless over people, places, and things.  However, when it comes to the institution of the family, things can breakdown very easily.  There can be disagreements over comments and other issues.  It is that the very first family in the Bible was Adam and Eve.  They had two children named Cain and Abel.  I am focusing on these two individuals because God favored one over the other.  Eventually, Cain killed Abel over the simple fact that Abel was favored by God. 

Next, I want to inform all of you that in my family, I had 5 brothers and 3 sisters.  My mother had me out of wedlock.     I am saying this because my siblings and I do not get along with each other.  I want to say that it is not very easy to have brothers and sisters by different parents.  My Father’s name is Joseph Webb.  He was married at the time that I was conceived.  My mother made a conscious decision to take me to my grandmother’s house because she suffered from Post-Partum Depression.  I ended up staying with my grandparents for the first seven years of my life.

Further, I can relate with this Bible verse because all of our hairs on top of our head are all numbered.  When it comes to the subject at hand, I was subjected to having my name changed to Anthony Joseph Russell.  This is simply because my mother got married as soon as my sister was born.  My mother did this out of false pretense.  I did not understand why my mother had changed my name just to affiliate with a man.  That does not make any sense.  To me personally, I attended Edison Elementary School in Dayton, Ohio from 1971 -1976.  My mother changed my name to appease her husband Mr. Willie Andrew Russell Sr.

Moreover, I want to inform all of you that my mother had 8 consecutive children by Willie Andrew Russell Sr. This has taken place from 1967 to 1980.  I am simply saying all of this because this man tried his best to kill me by putting my head inside of a very hot stove back on May 30, 1972.  I will admit that I was staying with my mother at the time.  I came home from school hungry and I decided to get something to eat.  This man grabbed me and slapped me a few times on my face.  He put my head inside of a hot stove because he did not know how to properly discipline children.  He was not my father in the first place. 

In Addition, I want to say that this man was very abusive both physically and verbally.  My mother shot him at the time because what he had done to me.  My half siblings and I really do not get along because we have never learned how to really relate well with one another.  I also will admit that I became the Man of The House at the time because my mother and stepfather used to leave the house for a long period of time.  I also understand that I am not supposed to say things that are against God in any way.  This means that God is taking an account of what we actually say out of our mouths.  We will be held accountable for our actions.

Finally, this is the reason why I do not believe in men and women having children out of wedlock to begin with.  Anytime that men and women get together, it is best to start things off by being friends; instead of having sex with each other.  This is simply because it makes things worse.  When it comes to Matthew 10:36, my own family members and I do not get along with each other.  I know that this pertains to those who live inside of our household.  I know that it is not very easy for me to really relate well with people who are very contentious.

In Conclusion, I know that when I was a child, I stayed with my grandparents for safety sake.  This is simply because I was around someone who really did not like me as a person.  My baby brothers and I relate a whole lot better than the middle children.  I can really say that: there is also a lot of division inside of all of the members of the family.  There is also a lot of use of vulgarity and a lack of love in the first place.  My family members tend to group with one another and forsake those who are older than them.

        In Summary, I want to inform all of you that I am in serious need of all of your prayers.  This is simply because there are members of my family, who are really against me personally.  Matthew 10:36 is very serious to me because I am not accustomed to drama.  I cannot stand anyone who goes against the truth.  I am not supposed to fellowship with darkness in any form.   

Even when it has a whole lot to do with this world.  Favoritism also exist in my own family.  This is a complete shame.  Favoritism also goes against God’s principles.  My family members really choose these things.  I am saying all of this because I am not used to this form of behavior.  Please pray for me and the rest of my family.  Thank You very much!!

What is the definition of Spiritual Discernment?

What is The Definition of Spiritual Discernment?

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins January 28, 2020

The fundamental definition for Christian discernment is a decision making process in which an individual makes a discovery that can lead to future action. In the process of Christian spiritual discernment God guides the individual to help them arrive at the best decision. 

Next, I want to inform all of you that the definition of Spiritual Discernment is separating what is worldly from spiritual.  It is distinguishing the spirit of truth from the spirit of error.  This means that if someone is saying something that does not make sense, please look at the Holy Bible for the answers to all of your questions.  We are supposed to decide what the truth is.  One of the things that I actually do is consult with my personal Savior Jesus Christ about what I have heard to see if it lines up in the Bible. 

        Further, I want to inform everyone that the Lord Jesus Christ will guide you and lead you in the right path.  It is that when it comes to Spiritual Discernment, we have to understand that there are false prophets out there, and we have to expose them.  I pray to the Lord Jesus Christ for all things.  I also realize that it is not me who is doing the work.  It is the Holy Spirit that is inside of me that is doing all of the work.  I used to hear voices that were not the Holy Spirit for 10 years.  I know that God’s word tells me the truth.  God’s word also talks to me.

        Moreover, I want to inform all of you that having Spiritual Discernment is very important.  This means that you really understand what is true from what is actually false.  I am a type of person, who pay close attention to what the Pastor is saying on the pulpit.  I have received total acceptance from God.  Spiritual Discernment comes from the Lord Himself.  I know that this is something that is not acquired overnight.  It takes a lot of prayer, reading the Bible, and becoming a doer of the word of God.

        In Addition, possessing the gifts of the Holy Spirit is very important.  It enables all of us to distinguish the full truth that comes from God.  I know that I have been baptized almost 5 years ago.  As soon as I got baptized, I have felt a complete change inside and outside of me.  Spiritual Discernment gives me an opportunity to fully understand God’s message.  I know that I am still a Work in Progress according to God.

 I know that I am going to make mistakes in my life.  I truly want to say that I no longer destroy my own Temple by drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana every single day.  I know for me personally, I have been clean and sober for 30 years from marijuana as of January 21, 1990.  I have been clean and sober from alcohol since Wednesday May 2, 1990.  Spiritual Discernment had to really grow on me.  This is simply because I used to let people take full advantage of me.  I used to be a Yes Man.  I used to concur everything that someone says out of their mouth; without fully thinking all about the consequences in my personal life.

        Also, I want to say that I have learned a whole lot about real life, and real life situations.  I used to be a person that did not understand what Spiritual Discernment until the very last minute.  This is simply because at one point, I dwelt inside of the world.  I obviously did what others did inside of the world.  Spiritual Discernment gives you a sense of maturity.  It will really make you aware of all things.  What is the definition of awareness?  Awareness is knowledge or perception of a situation or fact. “We need to raise public awareness of the issue” concern about and well-informed interest in a particular situation or development.  “A growing environmental awareness”.

Awareness is the state of knowing something, such as the awareness that the sun comes up every morning. The adjective aware gets turned into a noun when the suffix -ness is added, so awareness is the state of being aware, or having knowledge of something.  Definition of discerning. : showing insight and understanding: discriminating a discerning critic.  There are three different types of awareness. There is prompted awareness: when asked, people tell you they know the organization when picking them off a list. There is unprompted awareness: when asked, people come up with the organization on their own without having to look at a list to say “Oh yeah, I know. “

        Finally, I want to say that having discernment is very important to everyone.  This is simply because our job is to know the truth.  We have a job of spreading the Gospel, casting out evil spirits, and to make disciples of everyone.  I have invited people to Church all of the time.  Sometimes, people come, and there are times when they did not come to Church.  I have been very understanding to everyone.  I share the Gospel with everyone.  I share the Gospel online and in my personal life.  What is Spiritual Discernment?  Spiritual Discernment is a learned behavior.  God will have to give this to you.  I know that it has taken me years to have Spiritual Discernment.  Being able to distinguish the truth from error takes a lot of practice.

        In Conclusion, I want to inform all of you that this is not a very easy gift to acquire.  God has to bless you with this gift.  I know that I have always been aware of things that people do; whether it is right or wrong.  This is something that takes a lot of experience.  I will admit that I used to be a follower for 18 years of my personal life.  From 1972 to 1990, I did exactly what everyone else was doing.  I concurred very easily because I used to be easily influenced by people, places, and things.  Currently, I am a person that has changed my behavior for the better.  My relationships took a lot of time.  Relationships takes time.  Spiritual Discernment is a gift that someone has to be blessed with it.

        Postscript: I want to inform everyone that God has given me wisdom and grace.  I have acknowledged that Jesus Christ is my personal Savior.  I really love people.  I know that it has not been very easy learning about Discernment that comes from God.  We have God’s Spirit inside of us.  I want to inform all of you that Spiritual Discernment is a very careful walk with the Lord.  We have to take an inventory about everything that we have done in my life.  We have to take an inventory when it comes to being around other people.  We have to make the most of our time because the days are evil.  We have to be very careful how we spend our personal time.  God loves you and so do I.    

Please take good care of yourselves.  Please keep me in your prayers.  I really love all of you very much.  Please take good care of yourselves.  I really mean it.  God and Spiritual Discernment is what I have in my life right now.  Whenever, you have Discernment, it means that you cannot believe everything that people tell you.  We all have to ask God for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.