What Do You See?

I saw this "puzzle" on my sister Ronda's Facebook page and took the "test".  The first words I saw were...LAZY, MENTAL, NAIVE, PASSIONATE! Wow!  That's really what I saw, but I know I'm not lazy or "mental".  Naive, sometimes.  Passionate...yes.  So, I didn't let my first look at this puzzle bother me.  A little while later when I was sitting at my computer I went to read comments of others that "took this test" and I figured out what my problem was... ;-) I had read it on the small screen of my phone! When I got on the computer the "puzzle" was BIGGER and much easier to SEE better qualities! (happy, patient, witty, naive - I guess that ones okay) Then, just below it I saw the word, passionate.

I think there's a lesson in this.   Many times we scrutinize ourselves under a microscope causing us to see a lot of negative qualities that we don't like. But, when we look at the bigger picture of how God made us, if we allow ourselves to "look through His eyes of love", we just might see the wonderful things He placed in us. Yes, there ARE times we should place ourselves under a microscope, but let those times be in the presence of God so He can take away the things that hinder us from being all He wants us to be.  Just a thought... 

It is now several hours later than when I wrote the first part of this post: I was visiting with my daughter-in-law Mandy and we were talking about "what we saw" in this puzzle. I read to her this post. In a little bit she said, "Mom, that doesn't say "mental", it's SENTIMENTAL! LOL! We laughed and then I realized that sometimes we need someone else to point out what we do not "see". I must say that I AM SENTIMENTAL, and I'm sure glad she came along and pointed out the "rest of the word" so I could tell you "the rest of the story". I feel much better about myself now. :-)

It's Going to Be Alright

Somehow in my heart tonight I feel there is someone "out there" hurting. There were times through my growing up years I felt like the "world had caved in on me", and I would hear my mother say, "It's going to be alright". I might have fallen and skinned my knee, or my heart might have been broken by a boy, but the comforting words of mother, "it's going to be alright" would break through my pain, and somehow it soothed my feelings.

As I grew up and started going through "life's trials" there were times I thought, it would sure be nice to hear the words "it's going to be alright" and all of a sudden things would get better like they did when I was a child, but it didn't work that way. Yes, I heard those words, but they didn't "fix" the pain. But, it always helped to know that someone understood and cared.

As much as I would like to help you out of your valley, there are some roads you just have to walk on. I'd love to tell you that life is a beautiful rose garden without any thorns, but that's not true.

Life is a beautiful garden full of beautiful flowers, and sometimes when you reach to pick one from the garden you might get hurt, but that doesn't mean the whole garden is now full of thorns. You must keep walking through the garden looking for the beauty and enjoy the beautiful fragrance that surrounds you.

I'm sure some of you know of what I speak, because you've had a broken heart, a disappointment, a terrible relationship blow at sometime in life.

The words to the song, "In the Valley...He restoreth my soul" has kept coming to me this evening.

When I'm low in spirit I cry Lord lift me up.
I want to go higher with Thee.
But the Lord knows I can't live on the mountain.
So, He picked out a valley for me.

He leads me beside still waters.
Somewhere in the valley for below.
He draws me aside to be tested and tried.
But, in the valley He restoreth my soul.

Let me walk beside you in the valley. Let me take your hand and say, "it's going to be alright". Even though "mere words" do not take away the pain, it helps to know you're not alone in your valley. As we walk along, let me point out to you the beauty that's surrounding you. You may be struggling with a hurting heart, but I know the "heart-mender". He is there in the shadows of the valley waiting to "restore your soul". There are times you feel like you're going to die because of the "pain" you're going through, but listen as I tell you, "It's going to be alright"! Everyone must walk through a valley, but if you keep walking you'll see the dark trail you're walking on become brighter. When you lift your eyes to see what is happening around you, you will see the sun has finally broken through.

I know of what I speak. I have been there before. When my heart was about to break and I couldn't see my way clear I "looked up" to see the Light had broken through my darkness. Keep walking! Lift your eyes to Jesus! He is your strength, your hope, and He is telling you..."it's going to be alright".







The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Special Post for Pastor Kenneth Colegrove

At General Conference Bro. Colegrove told me he was going to quit reading my blog if I didn't start posting more pictures.  I told him he better not, because I just might write about HIM.  So...this post is especially for HIM!  When we were at the Elms Family Reunion, the Colegrove's and some of their friends were there, so I took some pictures of them.

Pastor and Sis. Ken Colegrove and their family. (l-r:  Melanie, Lauren, Sis. and Bro. Colegrove - baby daughter, Kinsey is not with them, and Jerad is missing.  sorry Jerad :-) The Colegrove's have been our friends for many years, and are always very sweet friends to us. Before we left Wichita Falls he was our Presbyter, and I tell him he still is. He always just smiles.  We love them very much and are happy to have them in our life.

Rhonda Littlefield and Linda Wheeler have been so sweet to me. I didn't know them very well before moving to Lufkin, but since being here they have really blessed me with their friendship. Thank you, ladies!  Maybe I like them so much, because they are named, Linda and Rhonda!!  LOL!  (most of you know my sisters name is Ronda)

These two gentlemen belong to the two ladies above. Pastor Mike Littlefield and Pastor Gary Wheeler are two of our Pastors in the Texas District and are also our friends. They must have something going for them to capture the ladies they have by their side for life. :-) I'm glad we have had the privilege to know them more.

There you go, Bro. Colegrove! I hope you enjoy this post. If so...maybe you will COMMENT on my blog. :-)

God's In Control

When it seems all hope is gone...remember...GOD is in CONTROL!

I saw this picture on a friend's post on Facebook, and it spoke to me! No longer did I see the Children of Israel walking through their Red Sea, but I saw God working miracles for US...TODAY! Don't give up hope...YOU have a GOD that can do ANYTHING! TRUST and BELIEVE! He's working all things for our GOOD!

The Beauty of the Song

Sitting in my room tonight waiting on some more of our friends and family to arrive, I find myself really excited about tomorrow. The hotel lobby will be full of people excited about seeing their friends. There will be a lot of smiles, handshakes, and hugs as we greet each other. General Conference is really like a big family reunion!

When we arrived, we checked into our very nice room, then almost immediately called the Shoemake's to let them know we were on our way to their room. Don't worry, we had been invited. LOL! Bobbie knew that I was very anxious to get her new CD, so she had it ready for me when I walked through the door! I've listened to it and absolutely love it! I've listened to her sing all my life, and it doesn't matter where we are or what time of day it is, when she sits down at the piano, the atmosphere in the room changes. I've been reflecting about her singing tonight, and wrote a little note on her Facebook page. I thought I'd share it with you....

"Bobbie, YOU are simply AMAZING! I've listened to you all of my life, and when you sit down at the piano and start playing, the presence of God enters wherever you may be. You minister to everyone around, and God even comes to enjoy the gift He gave you! THANK YOU for following your heart and recording again! I wish every home had this CD so they could experience what I have through life. I love you and I can't wait to get MY CD!"

Now that I've listened to it, I can say:

1. It's Bobbie Shoemake...her style.
2. You won't hear a lot of extra music. She doesn't need the "filler".
3. Since she is playing the piano and accordion on this CD you will enjoy her voice and style of music.
4. It's simply....Bobbie.
5. It's a wonderful CD to play as you go to your "prayer time".
6. While listening, I felt tears streaming down my face, because of the presence of the Lord I felt.

Now, for those of you who do not know what I mean by "Bobbie Shoemake style" you will need to experience it. For those who know her, you will understand what I'm saying when you hear it for yourself. In our modern age of technology we have grown accustomed to a lot of music. We get sidetracked while we listen to the awesome musicians and all the "licks" they can do on their instrument, not realizing that in the midst of the "noise" we lose the beauty of the song. When you listen to Bobbie sing on her new CD you will not get lost in the "noise", but you will find yourself knowing the One who gives the song.

BOBBIE SHOEMAKE'S NEW CD RELEASED!!

YES! I am very EXCITED tonight! I am listening to Bobbie Shoemake's NEW CD, "The Real Me" that was released on Oct. 5. I have to say I'm more excited about this new CD than I am the new iPhone that came out this week. When Bobbie sings there is a depth to her song and you can feel the presence of God as she ushers Him to wherever you may be. I am wanting everyone to buy this CD or download the MP3. You will NOT be disappointed! I PROMISE!

Rambling Thoughts

There's NOTHING like "OLD FRIENDS" to sit and talk about the "stories of life", laugh awhile, maybe shed a few tears, but still ENJOY every second.

Old friends or New friends...they are ALL priceless!

Loyalty...WOW! Just a few words on that one...if you're part of "something" SUPPORT IT WITH ALL YOUR HEART. Don't let anything or anyone get by with trying to destroy what you love.

I can't wait to get my hands on Bobbie Shoemake's NEW CD! You should be able to order it SOON! It's GREAT...no doubt about it!

I am MISSING my kids and grandkids! I would LOVE to sit and visit awhile and hold our younger granddaughters, and visit and hug our older ones. Mom Elms use to say with tears in her eyes, "I just wish I could feel Jonathan and Andrew's little bodies in my arms!"

After living a "long" life...I'm not sure it's the will of God for kids to move HOURS and HOURS away from their parents!!!! :-) I know, we did it. Now, I question our sanity! I can now understand the feelings of our parent's hearts.

This week has been BUSY, but I have enjoyed being with friends, and preparing food for the Texas District Board. But now...I'm T.I.R.E.D. (still worth it)

Next week is GENERAL CONFERENCE and I am not even close to being ready to go! Still looking forward to it.

For now...I'll stop rambling. Just had to write a few things on my blog to help me keep my sanity... LOL!

In a Moments Time

The last few days I have worked getting ready for the Texas District Board Meetings that started today. I love it when they are having meetings, because I get to "entertain" at the office and I always enjoy being with my friends who come with their husbands.

Last night I went to bed very tired and in a considerable amount of pain. I had been on my feet all day and late into the evening cooking. I told my husband it was worth it, because it's an honor to serve those who are serving us in our district. A little while later I made my way to bed and Wendell was already fast asleep. As I turned off the light the pain in my body seemed to accelerate. I knew sleep was not going to come for awhile if I kept hurting THAT much! So, I spoke to the Lord about it...

"God, you have raised people from the dead. Opened blinded eyes. Did many miracles! I'm just asking you to take away the pain in my body. I need my rest so I can feel like serving tomorrow. I also need you to help me through the day and keep the pain away. Thank you, Jesus! I know you're going to help me."

I turned over and " in a moments time" the pain had subsided! I had great sleep last night! When I woke up early this morning to finish the preparations, I put my feet on the floor and took a few steps. I hadn't got across the room when I realized the pain was still gone!! I praised Him for touching me!

I am now getting ready to go to sleep, but I wanted to share with you that today has been a good day! I am going to sleep well, because I know God will make it happen. I love how He let's us experience His power when we let him know we need Him and there's nothing we can do about our circumstance.

I will say goodnight with the verse of a song I use to sing.

If you are burdened with troubled.
If you are filled with despair.
Jesus will heal every heartache.
Reach out and you'll find Him there.