The year 2011 has been a wonderful year in so many ways, and my husband and I have been blessed to have two gorgeous granddaughters born, making the total SIX! We couldn't be more in love than we already are with these blessings from God. Thank you Jesus for our sweetheart babies!
We have also been blessed to serve another year in the Kingdom of God. We are so thankful for all of our ministry friends and their families. We are honored to be part of such great people, and feel your love as we travel around the district. We are blessed to be in your company. We are looking forward to another great year in the Texas District and anxious to see what God "has up His sleeve" for all of us. ;-)
As I've gone about my home this evening, unpacking from a very busy three days, I have been feeling the presence of the Most High God bidding me to "draw closer" to Him. I found myself singing...
Jesus, You're the center of my joy;
All that's good and perfect comes from You.
You're the heart of my contentment;
Hope for all I do.
Jesus, You're the center of my joy.
My heart is reaching for more of Him, and less of me in this New Year. Just to dwell in His presence, and know He is near when I whisper His Name is a beautiful comfort.
The New Year...2012...I want to go back to the basics. I really would like to get rid of any access baggage that would weigh me down in my spirit. Whatever "bugs me" because I'm human, I would love to not worry about anymore, but the only way to do that is to focus on the One who is PERFECT in ALL things! I want to know what His Word has to say to me this year, and to know what He expects of ME. I want to know Him more and spend more time with Him in prayer losing myself in His presence just to know Him.
I have a "special project" that I am starting this year that I'm looking forward to. I spent a long time today finding exactly what I wanted and needed to help me with this. It's something that will have eternal benefits and I'm excited! I may disclose what it is at a later date, but at this time I want to keep it close to my heart.
What are your plans this year? Do you have anything you're really wanting to accomplish? Whatever it is, let it become your PASSION, especially if it is something that will draw you closer to God. When 2012 comes to a close may we all look back and say we had a wonderful year and that we love God more than we did when we began the year. May His grace and mercy lead us, may we see the things of God come into focus and the things of the world fade into the background. And, if Jesus chooses to come back for His children, my heart's desire is to see you dancing on the streets of gold!
I will leave my blog for the year 2011 by focusing once again on what's important and singing...
This world, this world is not my home.
This world, this world is not my home.
This world, is not my resting place.
This world, this world is not my home.
Goodbye 2011 ... WELCOME 2012! I'm happy to see you...
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Walmart Encounter
While walking down the "Christmas aisles" at Walmart today, I was greeted by a gentleman with a big smile and happy voice. "Hello Sis. Elms! How are you doing today?" I answered I was doing great and asked how he was doing. You know, the "usual" greeting. He then went on to say, "We are doing great and looking for great things to happen in the New Year!" He had my attention! I love positive statements! I shared with him the thought that had crossed my mind earlier today..."As I was leaving the camp ground awhile ago I got excited about all the events that's going to be happening in 2012 on the camp grounds, and I'm really looking forward to them." "Oh yes, me too!" He replied. Then, he went on to say, "I'm REALLY excited about our church and the revival we're going to have this year!" He then went his way, and I went mine, but as I walked away my heart was lifted up just hearing about the "good things to come". Thank you, Bro. Shubert for the "happy encounter in the Christmas aisle" at Wal-Mart!
I cannot get away from Bro. Shubert's tone of voice. The excitement and happiness he shared today will be with me for awhile. I also can't get away from the fact that even though Bro. Shubert has pastored a long time and lived a lot of life, he was still excited about the work of God in his own church and in our district.
As people age, it's easy for some to forget all the good times of the past, and focus on the negative, causing them to be cynical, critical, skeptical, and negative. They've lived a lot of life, seen a lot of "things" happen, experienced disappointments, had struggles, and now on the "back side of life" they may have pain in their body and to be real honest, it would be a easier to grumble and complain than to be positive and looking forward to the future. Lord, help us all to focus on "good things" and to keep in mind that life goes on and there is a great future ahead for each one of us.
Without a vision...we perish! When we don't look forward...we go backward. When we're not positive...we become negative! We have a great future ahead this year! Yes, we have had our losses in our Apostolic movement, and we've hurt for those we love as they have gone through their loss. It hasn't been "fun" and at times we feel it will never be the same. Let me say...it won't! We've lost many giants of the faith, but we haven't lost the reason for having Apostolic revival! In fact, we have more reason than ever to have it! We are not alone! Somehow I feel all our loved ones are on the balcony of Heaven cheering us on. I can hear them saying..."Keep moving! Keep running! You're ahead in this race! You are winning! If you only knew what we KNOW you would run stronger and faster than you ever have. Keep the faith! Don't compromise! Don't give into the pressures of the outside! Stay focused! Preach truth! Pray! Fast! Commit! The finish line is just in sight! If you could only see what we see from up here...you would simply be AMAZED!"
I am planning on finishing this race! There are those who have veered to the right and to the left, but I'm "running with winning on my mind". I will not be detoured by those who want to get my attention off the goal. I will not listen to their talk of disdain and discontent. I am going to make it all the way!
As 2012 is quickly overtaking us, will you join me in a fresh commitment to keeping the faith, having a positive outlook and to showing the younger generations that what we've all "lived for" is truly worth "dying for"? Let's love one another like never before. Let's stay true to each other, more than ever. Let's support each other, and be loyal to the cause of the Kingdom. As a unified effort we can see greater victories, greater revival, and a greater harvest in 2012.
I cannot get away from Bro. Shubert's tone of voice. The excitement and happiness he shared today will be with me for awhile. I also can't get away from the fact that even though Bro. Shubert has pastored a long time and lived a lot of life, he was still excited about the work of God in his own church and in our district.
As people age, it's easy for some to forget all the good times of the past, and focus on the negative, causing them to be cynical, critical, skeptical, and negative. They've lived a lot of life, seen a lot of "things" happen, experienced disappointments, had struggles, and now on the "back side of life" they may have pain in their body and to be real honest, it would be a easier to grumble and complain than to be positive and looking forward to the future. Lord, help us all to focus on "good things" and to keep in mind that life goes on and there is a great future ahead for each one of us.
Without a vision...we perish! When we don't look forward...we go backward. When we're not positive...we become negative! We have a great future ahead this year! Yes, we have had our losses in our Apostolic movement, and we've hurt for those we love as they have gone through their loss. It hasn't been "fun" and at times we feel it will never be the same. Let me say...it won't! We've lost many giants of the faith, but we haven't lost the reason for having Apostolic revival! In fact, we have more reason than ever to have it! We are not alone! Somehow I feel all our loved ones are on the balcony of Heaven cheering us on. I can hear them saying..."Keep moving! Keep running! You're ahead in this race! You are winning! If you only knew what we KNOW you would run stronger and faster than you ever have. Keep the faith! Don't compromise! Don't give into the pressures of the outside! Stay focused! Preach truth! Pray! Fast! Commit! The finish line is just in sight! If you could only see what we see from up here...you would simply be AMAZED!"
I am planning on finishing this race! There are those who have veered to the right and to the left, but I'm "running with winning on my mind". I will not be detoured by those who want to get my attention off the goal. I will not listen to their talk of disdain and discontent. I am going to make it all the way!
As 2012 is quickly overtaking us, will you join me in a fresh commitment to keeping the faith, having a positive outlook and to showing the younger generations that what we've all "lived for" is truly worth "dying for"? Let's love one another like never before. Let's stay true to each other, more than ever. Let's support each other, and be loyal to the cause of the Kingdom. As a unified effort we can see greater victories, greater revival, and a greater harvest in 2012.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Christmas Morning 2011
What a beautiful Christmas Morning! As I was coming out of a deep sleep and realizing it is Christmas, my husband greeted me with a cup of hot coffee and said "I love you!" How blessed I am to have the greatest man on earth as my husband, my friend! I woke up a little and my mind wandered to the "real reason" we celebrate today, and I found myself singing a song...
What a wonderful Savior JESUS is! To leave the beauty and splendor of Heaven, and come to us as a "babe wrapped in swaddling clothes" is one of the greatest LOVE STORIES of all time. GOD manifested in the flesh...came to earth...to be our SAVIOR!
OH HOW I LOVE HIM! HOW I ADORE HIM!
A song Wendell and I have sung through the years tells the story...
GOD CAME TO US!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS! Even though you were not accepted by many, and they tried to destroy you forever, you are ALIVE and we CELEBRATE your birth...the Savior of the World!
OH HOW I LOVE HIM! HOW I ADORE HIM!
My breath, my sunshine...my all in all.
The great Creator...became my SAVIOR!
And all God's fullness...dwelleth in Him.
What a wonderful Savior JESUS is! To leave the beauty and splendor of Heaven, and come to us as a "babe wrapped in swaddling clothes" is one of the greatest LOVE STORIES of all time. GOD manifested in the flesh...came to earth...to be our SAVIOR!
OH HOW I LOVE HIM! HOW I ADORE HIM!
A song Wendell and I have sung through the years tells the story...
The wonder of wonders as she looked on His face;
That this little boy spoke the worlds in their place.
The stars and the moon shining brightly on them;
The earth and the sun were created by Him.
The wonder of wonders, oh how could it be;
That God became flesh and was given for me?
The Almighty came down and walked among men.
The wonder of wonders He died for my sins.
The wonder of wonders as she looked down and smiled;
That He was her Maker as well as her child.
He created the womb that had given Him birth.
He was God incarnate come down to the earth.
The wonder of wonders as she heard His small cry.
That this voice had thundered on Mt. Sinai.
The small hand she held, so tenderly;
Had made a dry path through the mighty Red Sea.
OH...the WONDER of wonders...
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called...Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
GOD CAME TO US!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS! Even though you were not accepted by many, and they tried to destroy you forever, you are ALIVE and we CELEBRATE your birth...the Savior of the World!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas Y'all
I found this video and thought it "fit Texas" so well! We are having a very relaxing Christmas. It's just me and Wendell this year, because our kids are all gone to be with their other families. We are doing great and enjoying our time together. Life will get really busy after the holidays, so take a deep breath, sit back and relax!
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