Jim Phillip Ledbetter Sr.

Opening Remarks:

On behalf of The Chancey and Ledbetter Families, I would like to welcome all family members, friends, and loved ones here today. Here in this majestic place we hope you find God, Community and Family - Peace, and Love.

Let us pray

Who gives this woman to be married to this man? Please - Observers - be seated...

Thank You for coming - to share in this formal commitment that Jimmy Phillip Harris Ledbetter and Tamra Sue Chancey are about to make to one another.

AND To bear witness to this blessed union; - This “formal re-dedication” - for their married life together –

It is only right that they should be surrounded by the people dearest and most important to them. Tamra and Jimmy - now ask for your blessing,

encouragement, and support for their decision to be openly and officially recognized as partners for life.

Something about Jimmy was born in Ridgecrest as a military brat. The day he was born was one - I was totally unprepared for - as his Doctor allowed me to bring him into this world. That image of him in my shaking had - is seared into my brain and my soul, and even now - I see it just as vividly - as it was back - then. Jimmy grew up with a Big Brother (Sonney) and Sister (Michelle) and a younger sister (Jennifer). He - as a youngster loved to play in the back yard with his toad frogs and his German Sheppard, Sasha. Who loved him as only a pet can. As was my little buddy he loved to ride around on the back of a small motor cycle we had - in a makeshift child seat that I made out of a milk carton. AS we explored the wonders of the back alleys of base housing. Even at 3 or 4 he was a tag along Fisherman, with his little kids fishing pole – which I would bait and help him throw in – knowing he would not catch anything. And he in his little jumper suits would followed me around through the underbrush of streams in our local areas. THEN - one day he actually got a fish on his kid’s line and pulled it out of the water. I was stunned! AND that changed EVERYTHING right then and there. That 6 to 8 inch thing flipping around at the end of his line - might as well have been JP’s Daddy Shark or even Jaws … because the fish, and the pole went into the creek and downstream. As I tried to figure out which one to attend to first as he was screaming his head off – and heading back to camp.

As an older child he was always infatuated with Ninja Turtles, Transformers and Robo-Cop – His mom use to worry - because he was so engrossed with Robots - that he actually started believing he was one. Later - As he grew - Jimmy enjoyed martial arts as the family joined the American Taikwondo Association, and at which he excelled - and became a Black Belt. And we spent many weekends at tournaments around southern CA.

He also enjoyed hiking with me and his siblings on the weekends in the mountains behind our home - where we explored caves - that even I - would not go in now!!! And where we gave him the nick-name of “Eagle Warrior”.

HE graduated from Burroughs HS and for a while worked at various jobs

He is now a respected member of the community with scores of people who rely on him for - hospice care - and who have personally indicated how warm, kind, considerate, compassionate and trusted he is and how much they respect and appreciate him providing their care.

Jimmy’s parents Kathy & Jim Sr. Have been married for 37 years.

Something about Tamra (who says her name is totally hillbilly) was born in Ridgecrest, and her Dad said he was so excited when his wife was pregnant with her … and even more excited that the newest family member was a girl, a fact they kept from him until she was born. Tamra grew up with one sister (Erica) and one brother (Cameron)

According to her parents she was a happy baby, the apple of their eye, the youngest of 3 - and spoiled to the gills. She enjoyed dance while growing up and was also a cheerleader at Sherman E. Burroughs High School.

Erika shared with us that – that - when she was younger. Erica - fondly remembers putting a baby seat on the back of her bicycle - so she could pick Tamra up from daycare after she got out of school. Both her father and sister said she was the baby, and that - she was the “little princess”.

Her Dad & Mom said growing up she was such a good girl - but was not - about being funny. And could be a real stinker however - when mad – stomping her feet and speaking her mind.

She later lived and worked in Las Vegas after High School, which - she wanted me to assure you - IS NOT WHAT THAT MIGHT CONJURE UP IN YOUR MINDS. In fact she went to Kaplan College for Medical Assistant Training & obtained her Medical Assistant Certificate there. She also worked as a Medical Assistant at Jacobs Medical Center in Vegas for 2 ½ years. Tamra is now a lead Medical Assistant and is in charge of Referrals and Authorizations at Ridgecrest Regional Hospital and has become an integral part of that community based profession. Now She - is currently enrolled in Cerro Coso Community College - to finish that education and become a registered nurse.

Tamra’s Parents GARY & VICKIE - have been married for 45 years.

THE STORY OF Jimmy & Tamra

These two knew each other in HS - and around Ridgecrest - in various settings. But met again - some time later. Seems Tamara was working as a Bartender in Vegas - while doing her college work. And IT JUST SO HAPPENED THAT Jimmy was in Vegas one day – and out on a double date with his friend and Tamara and her friend. And though Jimmy was on that date with the friend, it seems - with that interaction - the seed was planted. AND Over the next few weeks Jimmy went back to Vegas numerous times to see “Tamra”. And it ended up about a month or two later that - the chance meeting wound up seeing Jimmy and Tamara getting together.

And - They have found the courage, wisdom, and LOVE - (The most powerful force on the planet). To struggle past various obstacles to now stand upon the middle ground - And that brings us all - up to speed and to where we are right now … here today at this most wonderful moment.

And looking at this place it appears - they wanted to do it up right!!!!

About Marriage & Love:

Marriage is perhaps the greatest and most joyous, yet sometimes challenging of adventures and relationship two humans can ever embark upon. But it is what God intended for us when we join together. I am sure my wife and family can certainly attest to the challenging part of that statement.

In the past marriage there were not so many distractions or temptations to entice one to betray the vow, the required devotion and this most sacred.

Nor to give in to excesses

AND - Today marriage is assailed on every side by a world that tries to destroy it. Yet those strong of mind, body, and soul and will-power;

WHO "understand" its importance - Dedicate themselves to this SOLEMN Oath/Vow/& Promise. AS will be sworn to here today. And those who do WILL make it to the end. And REAP the rewards of that union and a virtuous and well spent life.

However no mere ceremony can create a successful marriage: Only you can do that;

Through dedication & perseverance; Talking or............. Listening

Helping & Supporting; Trusting and BEING Trustworthy; Through Tenderness & Laughter; Learning to appreciate differences; And to make the important things matter AND; By learning to forgive

And to let the rest…GO

I will tell you right now - that being closer to the end of our trail - than the beginning of Kathy and I’s adventure - it is much easier to preach these ideals about marriage - To You --- than it is to live them... - AND - It is easier to say it - Then to do it! And that it is difficult to live up to all those things just mentioned. All of the time!

BUT - I CAN tell you which of those - is the most important of all - It IS - Learning to Forgive One Another. If not by word or deed – but by the mere act of letting the last disagreement or argument fade into the past and oblivion ... where it belongs. DO THAT and you will be successful and reach the end of your journey together.

This is some of what Christ meant when he said - the Greatest of all things - is Charity. "If I have the world but have not charity – Then I have nothing and I AM nothing." Of course HE meant Charity in its broadest since -

Charity - Is Compassion - Is Giving & Caring - Is LOVE - This is what he meant about having this trait.

In this beginning moment of your union together - This Vow you will now take publicly - should have forgiveness - and LOVE – deep within it - and that Love should rise above - all other considerations. So - this ceremony for you today - that we bear witness to - is to – SET IN STONE - The choice you now make to stand together as life mates and partners for the rest of your life.... NO MATTER WHAT!

Mark Twain said.

"To get the full value of JOY - you MUST have someone to share it with."

I am glad that you have both found someone to divide your JOY with. Remember the good times much more than you dwell on the not so good ones. It is the Team you now create --- Today ... That will sustain you -- if you keep your Vow.

Robert Frost's Great Poem - Two Roads Converged in a narrow wood. Has many hidden meanings – in English Classes I was always taught to look between the lines and beyond the mere words of a POEM.

To find the author’s hidden meaning and if possible find some of our own.

This POEM is an apt example of this momentous moment in time - for Jimmy and Tamra's "embarkation" from this day forward.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler,

For Long I stood & pondered both

And looked down one - as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then looked again - and took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for my passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both "that morning" equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, - I kept the first for another day!

Yet - knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted - if I should ever come back.

And I shall be telling this tale with a sigh

Somewhere - ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a narrow wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by, And

That has made all the difference.

When you finish this ceremony today - you officially - embark upon that path mentioned above - and there is no going back - And in the end - in those waning years together – It will have been your life's adventure and this choice today - will have "Made All the Difference"

A promise that should over ride all other of life's concerns. And let “No One” - and "NOTHING" intervene or interfere - or take priority over that bond you now promise to each other. That you will Love, honor and cherish each other - till death do you part.

And we - hope & pray - that those young ones who are now already part of your family - Mariah, Madison and JP - will strive with all their abilities. To be a positive influence and a big part of that unity and that YOU will help Mom & Dad - to endure during the time that Jimmy and Tamra have you with them. And after you have struck out on your own - one day when you are ready. You too will tell stories with a smile or a smirk - on your face - like your uncles and aunts do - of their younger escapades and memories.

You know - Jimmy asked me once - "How do you do it - in raising kids?"

I could only SAY

"Love them with all your heart, mind and soul."

And Partners may have different styles - but in your own ways - you have the same goal. And the rewards will come in due time and in ways you may not expect.

In my own growing - I learned that you "Love your children - in spite of what they might do along the way" or the "Mistakes they might make". That gives them a foundation to return to - after their failures.

Which is so very important in life. Each of Kathy and I’s children had that “support” in one form or another.

Another -Twain - Quote HE Shared of his childhood -

A. My Mother loved me - Unconditionally

B. My Father - made me earn it!!!

That pretty much sums up our efforts - to raise our family. Both ways have merits and both have drawbacks. This concept of “LOVE” - especially applies in marriage and to the two of you – “Love each other” – In spite of the everyday – simple - mistakes the other may have made in the past - or make hereafter.

George Washington ... our 1st & greatest President. Once said - that if you take the "Moral Imperative" out of the OATH – and he meant FAITH & OUR CREATOR! Then you will destroy civilization - as we know it. Today - in a world where people rarely - "LIVE UP" - to any promise, oath or commitment – even short term ones - and turn - from GOD. And even scoffs at his existence. It is then imperative - that we, particularly Couples like Jimmy and Tamra - Not become - part of the ongoing destruction of so sacred a Promise, OATH & Commitment ... that is being made here today.

It is for you to help Save the World - and be a beacon of strength & hope - and to set the good example - as a couple, as partners, and as a loving household for the next generation – Who stand here - or sit right there - behind you.

By making this open, public statement and commitment HERE - NOW - Beneath the gaze of God - and these people. You hereby swear to endure to the end! - Let Love Bind you here - now - and through the entirety of your lives.

First Corinthians 13. Talks - About CHARITY & LOVE!

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs... Perhaps the most difficult to live up to for all of us. Love does not delight in evil - but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. “Love never fails”.

As we look on today and participate today - we all hope and pray for your success in the days, weeks, months and years to come.

And as we watch this ceremony of dedication today - that - that "LOVE" - will give you the strength to face the coming challenges (FOR THERE IS NO SUCH THINGS as an EASY ROAD in Marriage). And To face them together - supporting each other with all your heart, minds and souls.

Finally

That brings us to the important & the FUN part. Here we are, on your wedding day. It's all over but the Promises now. Remember to always cherish each other as you walk through life. Celebrate the good times and never lose each other during the bad.

Let’s Do the Rings____________

The exchange of wedding rings symbolizes the vows and promises the bride and groom have exchanged. May we have the rings, please, starting with Jimmy to Tamra First…

(Groom): Jimmy, - as you place the ring on Tamra’s finger, please repeat after me: I Jimmy, take You Tamra, to be my wife.

To Love, Honor and Cherish

To have and to hold, in sickness and in health,

For Richer or Poorer.

For Better or Worse.

In joy and in sorrow.

And with this ring, I take you as my wife,

For as long as we both shall live.

(Bride): Tamra, as you place the ring on Jimmy's finger, please repeat after me: I Tamra, take You Jimmy, to be my husband.

To Love, Honor and Cherish.

To have and to hold, in sickness and in health,

For Richer or Poorer.

For Better or Worse.

In joy and in sorrow,

And with this ring, I take you as my husband,

For as long as we both shall live.

I do’s:

Jimmy,

Do you take Tamra - to be your Lawfully Wedded Wife? (“I Do”)

Tamra,

Do you take Jimmy - to be your Lawfully Wedded Husband? (“I Do”)

Then - By the power vested in me by the American Marriage Ministry and as allowed by - the State of California - and - by each of you,

I now pronounce you husband and wife. Jimmy, you may kiss your bride.

It is my GREAT pleasure to introduce to all of you -

Mr. and Mrs. Ledbetter!