Pat Smith

The Stanley Creek community, named for a gold prospector, began in the mid-1700s as one of the earliest settlements in Gaston County. Gold was mined in the area until the California Gold Rush. Among the prominent people visiting the area was Andre Michaux, botanist and adventurer, who discovered the tree he named Magnolia macrophylla. In 1860, the Wilmington, Charlotte & Rutherford Railroad came through the area on land owned by the Brevard family. Brevard s train depot was the primary rallying point for soldiers leaving for the Civil War and for sending supplies to troops. Around the end of the 1890s, Stanley Creek Cotton Mills was organized, beginning the textile era, which continued until 2000. Two Stanley men patented a dyeing machine, and Gaston County Dyeing Machine Company was born. Many of Stanley s men went to fight in the nation s wars, some losing their lives. Several athletes went on to major-league baseball, and a nationally recognized sculptor lived in Stanley."

Have you experienced a devastating loss that has you questioning your faith? Does it feel like God has abandoned you when you need Him most? Are you questioning why this tragedy happened and how you will survive the overwhelming grief that seems to consume every aspect of your life? In Tears of a Father, grieving father Pat Smith takes you through the aftermath of the death of his son and shares how he emerged from anger and depression to once again live a life of hope and purpose. In these pages, you will discover: What you need as you continue your life's journey Where God is in the midst of your pain How to receive the peace you so desperately need Read about loss from the perspective of someone who has felt its paralyzing blow and come away with an even stronger faith in God and see that, although at times it may feel like it, your life is not over. Discover how to trust in God once again and find the future He has planned for you. Pat Smith was born and raised in Norman, Oklahoma, where he currently resides with his wife of thirty-five years, Kathy. Pat has no formal training in writing but has experienced every parent's darkest fear, the loss of a child. It was during this dark time in his life that his Christian faith was repeatedly tested. Pat not only survived this tragedy but emerged from it with an even stronger faith in God. His desire is that you too will find peace amidst your struggles through his words of hope.

In this book you will learn 14 Essential Tips for those Beginning Martial Arts. These tips are simple yet effective ways of helping you achieve success in whatever martial arts you study, regardless of your goal.

In this sequel to my popular Essential Tips for Beginning Martial Artists, I include 14 more tips that are essential for those interested in learning martial arts, and for new practitioners. Topics include using martial arts books, videos, and online sources in training, and cautions about such materials.