I was perusing through my "Friend's Status Updates" on Facebook this week and took note of how many different perspectives they had on what's happening in "their world".
Such as:
"Today is a beautiful day...I'm so glad it's spring!"
"We've had enough rain! Lord, help it to stop!"
"Dear Lord, we need some rain!"
"Somebody PRAY...wildfires are coming our way."
"I'm so happy. Life is beautiful."
"I sure wish Friday would get here. I've had enough of this week."
These are not direct quotes, but you understand the "feelings I saw" as I read.
There were also some who had "prayer requests" while others had "praise reports".
Then I thought...SUCH IS LIFE! One person can be sailing through life without a care in the world, while another is going through the darkest valley they've ever encountered. That's the way LIFE IS!
As the day has gone by, I came to a conclusion about this scenario. I realized this is the way God wants it to be. He knows if one of His children is going through "their valley", there are a lot more who have already "been in that valley" and have reached the top of the mountain, and they understand what their friend is going through. Because they have "been there, done that" they can reach back to their friend, take hold of their hand and say, "You're going to make it through! You will not be in this valley forever. God is walking beside you. I know, because I've been where you are."
Then, there are those who have not gone through a valley quite like the one they are witnessing in a friends life, and they do not know how to relate. But, one thing for sure, they can watch and learn "how" to walk through a valley when they happen to be thrust headlong down the mountain into their darkest valley.
I smile as I think about all of the different friends I have in my life, and the diversified personalities they have. It's fun being with people who are not just like me. I can learn from them and maybe help someone else because I've watched my friends as they've gone through desserts and valleys. I have a friend who seems to "laugh" at the most unusual happenings in their life. When I would be crying, they are laughing! I said something about it one day and their comment was, "Well Linda, what do you want me to do, CRY?" I laughed and said, "That's what I would be doing, but you just SMILE and LAUGH through your tears." I'm learning from my friend, that just because "something happens, hitting me in the head that I don't have to cry about it. I will be the first to admit, I haven't got that one down very well, but at least I have a goal to reach for.
I don't know if this is making a whole lot of sense to anyone except me, but I feel better "writing it down on paper" for myself. :-) If it helps you, then I will be thankful that maybe my feeble words struck a chord in your heart, and you can go through life singing a happy song. You might just see your friend struggling then you can say, "You're gonna make it...just keep walking"!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Thoughts Invade
I sometimes wonder where my thoughts come from, then realize it's what was "put in me" by my parents, husband, and godly men and women in my life. While sitting here at my computer I remember being cautioned about young men who were "playboys", not only in moral conduct, but in "spiritual conduct". I can hear it as if it were yesterday, "Linda, there are guys who claim to be preachers, but if they don't get hold of something more than they have they won't be around for long. Be careful of those "fly by night" preachers who don't take the work of God to heart." I heard my father's words in my memory today. As I write those words, I am reminded of another time sitting in a conference when Sis. Kilgore was very upset because some young men were being so "light hearted" during a move of the Spirit of God. She said, "I can't believe they have "no reverence" for the things of God".
I have lived long enough now to understand what Daddy and Sis. Kilgore were saying. I have also lived long enough to see those who were being referred to are no longer living in Truth and Righteousness. It makes me sad to think there are some who still "take the work of God lightly" and some still do not "reverence His presence", but I am not worried, and I'm sure not dismayed!
With the passing of some of the greatest men and women I have ever known, I believe something is being passed down to all of the generations following. I know a lot of young preacher's who love Truth and Righteousness and will let nothing stop them from living the whole Truth and preaching it! I encourage ALL preacher's and wives, no matter your age, to love God and the things of God like never before. Yes, there is a shaking going on, but I will not be shaken! Let the winds blow! Let storms arise! I intend to keep my anchor deep.
Thank you Daddy, Mother, Wendell, men and women of God for the "thoughts that invade" my mind so many years later. I owe a debt...I will pay it with loyalty to you, God, and generations following.
I have lived long enough now to understand what Daddy and Sis. Kilgore were saying. I have also lived long enough to see those who were being referred to are no longer living in Truth and Righteousness. It makes me sad to think there are some who still "take the work of God lightly" and some still do not "reverence His presence", but I am not worried, and I'm sure not dismayed!
With the passing of some of the greatest men and women I have ever known, I believe something is being passed down to all of the generations following. I know a lot of young preacher's who love Truth and Righteousness and will let nothing stop them from living the whole Truth and preaching it! I encourage ALL preacher's and wives, no matter your age, to love God and the things of God like never before. Yes, there is a shaking going on, but I will not be shaken! Let the winds blow! Let storms arise! I intend to keep my anchor deep.
Thank you Daddy, Mother, Wendell, men and women of God for the "thoughts that invade" my mind so many years later. I owe a debt...I will pay it with loyalty to you, God, and generations following.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Homegoing of Rev. Marvin D. Treece
This morning when I learned of the Homegoing of Bro. Treece, my mind started racing back through time when I was a teenager and my brother Keith, and I sang in a trio with Bobbie Shoemake. The Conqueror's Quartet came to California to tour and Bobbie had been asked to tour with them. She asked Keith and me to go along and sing with her. I remember the big bus the Conqueror's Quartet traveled in and feeling really special when I was invited to look inside! We traveled from San Diego to Stockton and made a lot of memories...Great memories that have stayed with me all of my life!
After Wendell and I married we evangelized. We then had our first son, Jonathan. Jonathan was about two years old when we went to Lake Charles to preach for Bro. and Sis. Treece. Oh, we had FUN! The Treece's thought Jonathan was the cutest little guy they had seen (besides their own son, Ricky) and they had many laughs over him. Bro. Treece taught Jonathan to "howl like a coon dog" then he would throw his head back and really laugh when he did. It was SO cute! :) While there, Bro. Treece asked us to stay awhile and assist him. We were there for a short time, but I can say, for this young evangelist family, being with the Treece's was a "little Heaven on earth". Later, Bro. Treece said he wished he had prevailed on us to stay, because it wasn't too long after we left that he started having some physical problems. Down deep in our hearts we wished he had called us back. Being at their church was a beautiful time in our lives. I loved the music lead by Sis. Treece. The orchestra was awesome! I loved hearing the people testify! It was like hearing mini-sermons, because the people had a love for preaching and teaching and had applied the Word of God to their hearts. I loved hearing Bro. Treece teach and preach. And, I loved being in their home. Bro. Treece always asked for peanut butter after we had eaten. I can hear him now..."Betty, grab that jar of peanut butter, please." I thought that was so funny, because he should be full from her awesome cooking, but he HAD to have peanut butter to finish the meal.
Years later...we were pastor of Life Tabernacle and Bro. Treece came to our church to teach. I will never forget sitting on the front pew with my Mother and sister, Karla. He was teaching on Ladies Hair. He passed out some of his notes then noticed we didn't have them. He made sure the usher gave me, Mother and Karla the notes. When we looked at them we got tickled because a lot of it was in Greek! LOL! Mother started her all familiar "giggles" and I tried to hold it together, but it didn't work. The "joy of the Lord" was definitely wanting to gush forth that night.
Bro. Treece stayed in our home that week. One night we had eaten a bite and made our way to the living room to visit. While Bro. Treece talked "Greek" I looked across the living room at my husband and he was SOUND ASLEEP!!!! I tried to get his attention without looking obvious to Bro. Treece, but Wendell slept on. I must have sat there 20-30 minutes ACTING like I knew what Bro. Treece was saying. It took him the longest to realize my husband had "left this world" for another. He finally got up and said, "Well, I think I'll go to bed." (something like that) Oh me! I was so happy to say goodnight! I never felt so "unlearned" in all my life and I wanted to "choke" my husband for leaving ME to understand it all. Bro. Treece must have thought I was grasping what he was saying because he talked, and talked, and talked! He never acted like I was "dumb"! That's what I call a GREAT man! LOL! I told him about it later and like before, he threw his head back and laughed that contagious laugh that I'll always remember.
Every year the Treece family made a Christmas card, we received one. There has always been a note from them saying how much they enjoyed us being in Lake Charles with them. They have no idea what a blessing it was for US! Being with great people of God, who makes you feel loved is just is one of the greatest joys you can experience "down here".
I know Heaven has been rejoicing today because one of God's mighty men has made it home. No longer to suffer in this life, but to sing around the throne worshiping the King! I'm sure that Charley, Kenneth, Bro. Ewing, and Keith were waiting just inside the gate. I can hear them now as they see him..."Come on over here, Bro. Treece! Let's sing...." Yes...the Conqueror's Quartet is singing better than they ever did here on earth...and to tell you the truth...I'm just a little "jealous" they're all together, singing, telling jokes, and laughing again without me there to listen.
After Wendell and I married we evangelized. We then had our first son, Jonathan. Jonathan was about two years old when we went to Lake Charles to preach for Bro. and Sis. Treece. Oh, we had FUN! The Treece's thought Jonathan was the cutest little guy they had seen (besides their own son, Ricky) and they had many laughs over him. Bro. Treece taught Jonathan to "howl like a coon dog" then he would throw his head back and really laugh when he did. It was SO cute! :) While there, Bro. Treece asked us to stay awhile and assist him. We were there for a short time, but I can say, for this young evangelist family, being with the Treece's was a "little Heaven on earth". Later, Bro. Treece said he wished he had prevailed on us to stay, because it wasn't too long after we left that he started having some physical problems. Down deep in our hearts we wished he had called us back. Being at their church was a beautiful time in our lives. I loved the music lead by Sis. Treece. The orchestra was awesome! I loved hearing the people testify! It was like hearing mini-sermons, because the people had a love for preaching and teaching and had applied the Word of God to their hearts. I loved hearing Bro. Treece teach and preach. And, I loved being in their home. Bro. Treece always asked for peanut butter after we had eaten. I can hear him now..."Betty, grab that jar of peanut butter, please." I thought that was so funny, because he should be full from her awesome cooking, but he HAD to have peanut butter to finish the meal.
Years later...we were pastor of Life Tabernacle and Bro. Treece came to our church to teach. I will never forget sitting on the front pew with my Mother and sister, Karla. He was teaching on Ladies Hair. He passed out some of his notes then noticed we didn't have them. He made sure the usher gave me, Mother and Karla the notes. When we looked at them we got tickled because a lot of it was in Greek! LOL! Mother started her all familiar "giggles" and I tried to hold it together, but it didn't work. The "joy of the Lord" was definitely wanting to gush forth that night.
Bro. Treece stayed in our home that week. One night we had eaten a bite and made our way to the living room to visit. While Bro. Treece talked "Greek" I looked across the living room at my husband and he was SOUND ASLEEP!!!! I tried to get his attention without looking obvious to Bro. Treece, but Wendell slept on. I must have sat there 20-30 minutes ACTING like I knew what Bro. Treece was saying. It took him the longest to realize my husband had "left this world" for another. He finally got up and said, "Well, I think I'll go to bed." (something like that) Oh me! I was so happy to say goodnight! I never felt so "unlearned" in all my life and I wanted to "choke" my husband for leaving ME to understand it all. Bro. Treece must have thought I was grasping what he was saying because he talked, and talked, and talked! He never acted like I was "dumb"! That's what I call a GREAT man! LOL! I told him about it later and like before, he threw his head back and laughed that contagious laugh that I'll always remember.
Every year the Treece family made a Christmas card, we received one. There has always been a note from them saying how much they enjoyed us being in Lake Charles with them. They have no idea what a blessing it was for US! Being with great people of God, who makes you feel loved is just is one of the greatest joys you can experience "down here".
I know Heaven has been rejoicing today because one of God's mighty men has made it home. No longer to suffer in this life, but to sing around the throne worshiping the King! I'm sure that Charley, Kenneth, Bro. Ewing, and Keith were waiting just inside the gate. I can hear them now as they see him..."Come on over here, Bro. Treece! Let's sing...." Yes...the Conqueror's Quartet is singing better than they ever did here on earth...and to tell you the truth...I'm just a little "jealous" they're all together, singing, telling jokes, and laughing again without me there to listen.
Gladewater Ladies Tea
A few weeks ago I was privileged to speak at a Ladies Tea in Gladewater, TX. I had a lovely time! I looked forward to going, because I had heard about the Warren family all of my life. Daddy and Uncle Bill Barnes preached for them before either one of them was married, and I had heard many stories through the years about this family. I looked forward to being with Sis. Warren, Sis. Sherry 'Warren' Ainsworth (the Pastor's wife) and her ladies.
Bro. Cullen Warren, who is now retired from pastoring was a young man at the time Daddy had been there in the Warren's home. It was his father that Daddy and Uncle Bill preached for. When I arrived at the Tea I felt like I was going back to some of my roots, since I had heard so much about Gladewater and the Warren family during my "growing up" years. I met Johnnie, one of the Warren sisters that knew Daddy "way back then" and got to visit with Velma Warren George.
She told me that she was referred to as "the little Warren girl". I enjoyed a "stroll down Memory Lane".
The theme for the Tea was "Music". Well, those of you who know me, knows that music is definitely a subject I love and can relate to since I was raised in a family that loved to sing and play. The decorations were beautiful...
...and the food delicious!
I loved this cookie! I wonder why???? Whoever made them made a hit with me, for sure!
One of the things I really enjoyed was a "sing-a-long" with all the ladies who were there. The two songs we sang came straight out of the song book and while singing them I stopped and listened to the voices.
There was 'younger' and 'older' ladies harmonizing and many parts were being sung. I felt like I had "died and gone to Heaven" for a minute. The beauty of those songs being sung took me way back to Grandpa Pound leading songs in church, and making sure EVERY PART was represented. I smile at the memory, as I type.
We were also treated to a beautiful rendition of "The Old Rugged Cross". Velma George played it on the violin.
I loved it! I didn't realize she played the violin, but I should have known because the Warren family is blessed with a lot of talent!
The day before the Tea, I received a phone call from Sis. Russo. She asked if I was going by myself to the tea and "if I was she would love for me to ride with her and Sis. Neely"! Oh my! Sis. Russo and Sis. Neely? They're going to be there? Wow! I told her that "now I can be nervous"!! She assured me with a text later that "I was loved very much by her and Sis. Neely and there was no reason to be nervous, because they knew I would do a good job." :) Well...that was easy for HER to say....LOL! Really, I felt very honored to be with these two ladies. I didn't get to ride with them, but I did get to sit with them at the table and they both looked "lovely" in the their hats. I really enjoyed them being there!
I'm so happy I was invited to the Tea. I have some wonderful memories that I will always treasure. It's so great being in the "family of God" and I love being with "old friends" and making "new".
The theme for the Tea was "Music". Well, those of you who know me, knows that music is definitely a subject I love and can relate to since I was raised in a family that loved to sing and play. The decorations were beautiful...
We were also treated to a beautiful rendition of "The Old Rugged Cross". Velma George played it on the violin.
The day before the Tea, I received a phone call from Sis. Russo. She asked if I was going by myself to the tea and "if I was she would love for me to ride with her and Sis. Neely"! Oh my! Sis. Russo and Sis. Neely? They're going to be there? Wow! I told her that "now I can be nervous"!! She assured me with a text later that "I was loved very much by her and Sis. Neely and there was no reason to be nervous, because they knew I would do a good job." :) Well...that was easy for HER to say....LOL! Really, I felt very honored to be with these two ladies. I didn't get to ride with them, but I did get to sit with them at the table and they both looked "lovely" in the their hats. I really enjoyed them being there!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Have To Blog Later...(maybe)
I said this morning that I would be back to post later, but "later" is now, so I will need to do it...later...like maybe...tomorrow. If tomorrow gets here! Who knows...Jesus might decide to come tonight and if He does I will not be around to blog! I'll be happy to let someone else blog about the "rapture of the church"!
So...until I can sit down and blog, or until I meet you on streets of gold...goodnight! Love you all!
So...until I can sit down and blog, or until I meet you on streets of gold...goodnight! Love you all!
My Favorite Time
It has begun...My favorite time of the year! This is the time when the Texas District is buzzing with activity. Texas Women's Conference has already "come and gone", and we had a fantastic time! I've been occupied with preparing to speak at a Ladies Tea in Gladewater, our fifth granddaughter being born, AND speaking at the conference, so I haven't been taking any time to blog. I've had a few people ask me WHEN I am going to blog again, so I think I better get busy! I have so much to blog about and feel a little overwhelmed with the task! Please be patient with me. I will do my best to blog about everything.
I hope you are all doing well. I'm doing great! This day is beautiful! I have much to thank God for...so many wonderful blessings...(yes, I am singing). I enjoy waking up to the birds singing, lawns being mowed, and all the beautiful sounds of spring. I am definitely blessed! My life is beautiful, because God is in it! I can't imagine what it would be like without Him.
I will be back to blog a little later, hopefully today/tonight. I've got to run for now. Remember...THIS is the day the LORD has made...REJOICE!
I hope you are all doing well. I'm doing great! This day is beautiful! I have much to thank God for...so many wonderful blessings...(yes, I am singing). I enjoy waking up to the birds singing, lawns being mowed, and all the beautiful sounds of spring. I am definitely blessed! My life is beautiful, because God is in it! I can't imagine what it would be like without Him.
I will be back to blog a little later, hopefully today/tonight. I've got to run for now. Remember...THIS is the day the LORD has made...REJOICE!
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Introducing Ansley Lynette
Ansley Lynette
7lbs. 5 oz.
20 1/2 inches
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
7lbs. 5 oz.
20 1/2 inches
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
NEW GRANDBABY
Today is a big day for our family! We are having our FIFTH GRANDBABY! The doctor says it's a girl...but I'll let you all know as SOON as I can! Of course, boy or girl is perfectly fine with me. GOD IS GOOD TO ME....
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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