Just A Touch

The memory...sitting in a church service...Daddy steps to the pulpit...mother on the piano or organ...they start singing...

Just another touch Lord from you,

To help in the trials I go through.

Though dark may be the night,

It brings a ray of light, 

When I get a touch, Lord, from you.

...the sweet, soothing presence of God covers the congregation...tears flow as we once again realize we cannot make it without His touch. 

Tonight, I sat down at my piano and started singing this beautiful old chorus. I felt His presence come and rest on my spirit. What a beautiful experience when I get..."just another touch" from my sweet Lord. 

Singing from An Old Songbook

I've been sitting at the piano going through an old songbook we sang out of when I was a child. Oh the memories that flood my mind.  As I played and sang I started thinking...Anyone that's having a rough day, and this life has them down, needs to read the words to the songs in an old songbook. They'll remember "that blessed hope" and how wonderful it will be when we get on the other side!  They'll remember that even though this life has its problems..."It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!"  What a grand homecoming we're going to have!  Im just...thinking out loud and dreaming about my future home.  

It's Time to Grow

Saints of God...your frustrations in life, your fear of the future, and your walk with God will improve 100% IF you:

  

1. REALLY "take it to the Lord" in prayer.  Time spent on your knees in submission to God is a whole lot different than breathing a prayer of frustration.  

2.  Read, study and APPLY the Word of God. 

3. Be faithful in your commitments to God.  

4. Be faithful to your local assembly (in ALL things). 

5. Apply the taught and preached Word your Pastor delivers from the heart of God.  

Weak Christians do not live an overcoming life!  They think they can get all the strength they need from "talking" to the Pastor/Pastor's wife/another saint.  If you want to be an "overcomer" GROW IN THE LORD!  Don't be a spiritual child running to the Pastor or anyone else with every little adversity that comes your way.  Learn to deal with your own spirit, attitude and life through your access to the throne of God and His Word!

ALERT:  Pastors are having their strength drained from them by anemic saints who think all they need to do is attend church. I thank God that, for the most part, we pastored saints who knew how to survive in this present world. They did the things I mentioned above and lived an overcoming life. 

And the last thing I feel to say...

6.  Support your Pastor and his family. Love them!  Take care of them.  Be loyal!  

(This photo is Sis. Connie Bernard's Bible at Camp Meeting this year. I loved it!  She marked scriptures as her husband was teaching.  I asked her how long she's had it. Her answer:  35 years!  What a treasure!) 

Look to the Sky

"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."

It's so easy to get caught up in this life and forget we do not belong here.  As Christians, we are only passing through.  Don't forget...we're just pilgrims.

I'll never get accustomed to the worlds thinking.  I don't have my head in the sand, and neither do I live in a fairy tale world.  However, the longer I live the more I feel I do not belong here.  Signs of the times are everywhere.  The world is not going to get better. Jesus never promised it would, but He did promise He would give us the power and strength to make it through this life with victory.  I'm so thankful for His promises.

As each new day dawns I find myself "looking for my blessed hope."  Many times I walk outside and look to the skies.  You may ask...What do you see?  Blue skies, clouds, the sun, birds, maybe an airplane or two.  A better question is...What are you looking for?  I'm looking for Jesus to come back! Since a child I have been told He's coming and I still believe it today.  I'm living my life, not for this life only, but for the life to come.

An old song I've heard and even sung through the years comes to mind:  "I'm longing for Jesus to come back.  I long for Jesus Christ my King.  To come and take me to my home beyond the sky.  Up there where angels shout and sing."

Saint of God...LOOK UP!  We have a "blessed hope!"  One day, we WILL behold Him...in all of His glory!

Keep Walking

I hear it ringing in my ears...joyful praise. I see down through the years...saints of God rejoicing, because of our HOPE!  I am reminded...I am blessed because of my spiritual inheritance. So, I sing...

The burdens of life may be many,

The frowns of the world may be cold;  

To me it will matter but little,

When I walk up the streets of gold.

When I walk up the streets of gold, When I walk up the streets of gold;

How my heart will rejoice in that morning,

When I walk up the streets of gold.

With joy I shall enter that city,

The face of my Savior behold;

And I shall be changed and be like Him,

When I walk up the streets of gold.

What wonderful visions of beauty,

What glorious scenes shall unfold;

And what dazzling splendors surround me,

When I walk up the streets of gold.

For ages and ages I'll praise Him,

And never grow weary or old;

Love-crowned I'll abide in His presence,

When I walk up the streets of gold.

"And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint." (Galatians 6:9 AMP)

This Great Truth

I wish my brain didn't start working when my body is ready to rest, but what else is new?  I think I was born to stay awake at night.  Since I'm wide awake I'll share where my brain took me when I put my head on the pillow. HA!  

I was raised in a strong revival church. My Dad preached the Word of God without fear or favor. He preached the principles of the Word and expected me to "line up" to them. He preached that Heaven is worth every trial and every test, and whatever I had to do, to get there...DO IT!  He preached that Hell is real and it wasn't prepared for me, and whatever I had to do, to stay out of Hell...DO IT!  He preached with strong conviction and anointing, and when he gave an altar call I wanted to make sure my heart was right!  I can honestly say, I never got bitter over the life I was expected to live. I'm thankful for how I was taught and that I fell in love with Jesus. I'm thankful for a Dad and many other preachers that preached a strong message of "holiness unto the Lord."  

Now, if you've read this far...you're probably wide awake like me. I hope you will eventually get sleepy and go to sleep. Most of all, I hope what I have shared from my "wide awake brain" will put a praise of thankfulness in your heart for this great Truth!  I'm just THANKFUL...that's all!   #thinkinoutloud

Simplicity

Simplicity...I like that word. I remember when life was "simple." There was very little "grey" in the world. Society had guidelines that most agreed on, and the principles of a good life were valued.  My mind goes back to when men took care of things that men take care of, like...their wife and family by working hard to "bring home the bacon."  They did business with a handshake and good name. The women loved homemaking...sewing, cooking, and keeping their home sparkling clean. They taught their children respect for others, to look after the elders, to love Dad, and do whatever they could to make him happy because "he works hard to take care of the family."  The men didn't try to do the women's jobs, and the women didn't get involved with the men's jobs. The women were respected and the men revered by the women. It was the "simple life." Adults enjoyed evenings on the front porch drinking sweet tea and watching the children play Hop-Scotch, Jump rope, and Hide 'n Seek.  Laughter rang out as families enjoyed each other, and neighbors waved their greetings from their front porch.  Awww...it's refreshing going back in time when lines were drawn and no one tried to erase them. Today...in our society, things are grey and so mixed together that many do not understand the role they are to fulfill. Children wander aimlessly trying to find their direction. Adults act like children, and don't seem to care that their kids don't have a clue about what's "right" and what's "wrong."  Yes, I use to dislike hearing people say, "Ohhhh for the good ole days." Now, I understand it was just their heart yearning for the "Simplicity of Life."

Worldly Discontentment

"And the mixed multitude among them [the rabble who followed Israel from Egypt] began to lust greatly [for familiar and dainty food], and the Israelites wept again and said, Who will give us meat to eat?" (Numbers 11:4 AMP)   

I wonder if those who followed the Israelites out of Egypt did so because of the mighty miracles God had performed in their midst. Did they just go "along for the ride," because they knew God was with His people and they wanted to watch the show?  However, when it came down to "unfamiliar heavenly food" provided by God they were not satisfied, so in the midst of another miracle they grumbled and complained that they didn't have what was "familiar" in Egypt. As the children of God listened to the complaining of those who were going along for the ride, THEY became discontented with God's provisions.  

Friends...There are people who hitch their wagon to The Church, yet never become part of The Church.  They hold onto "what they left behind."  We must never be influenced by those who will not sell out to God.  Do not let  "worldly discontentment" change your mind on your journey to the Promise Land! #thinkinoutloud

Special Messenger

I love the special reminders God sends. Today, my husband came home from the office, and when he opened the door he motioned for me to come outside.  When I joined him he told me to look up.  Circling over our neighborhood, just above our home was a bald eagle!  He was beautiful as he soared above our heads. We stood there for a few minutes enjoying the moment, then he turned and flew away in a straight line and we watched him disappear into the blue sky.  It was as if he had given his message and had another destination in mind. I turned and walked into the house and instantly started quoting the scripture..."But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31 KJV) Thank you, Lord for your ever present care for us.

Everyday Lessons

Her head would be dangling off my lap if I wasn't holding it in my hand. "Mimi won't drop me. I think I'll get some zzzz's."  No stress!  No fear!  Totally relaxed!  Lessons in everyday life can be heartwarming. Look around you and learn. #thinkinoutloud 

We Are Family

The "family of God" is so amazing!  

Benefits of family:

Love

Acceptance

Needs met

Traditions

Memories 

Conversation

Discipline

Protection 

Understanding 

And...so many more. 

"I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God!"  

Stay with the family!  Don't throw them away, because you think you can make it on your own. Family...will love you, encourage you and take care of you when no one else will. Family... knows your past, is in your present and will be by your side into your future. Nothing can take away their love for you. Family...understands your weakness and enjoys watching you soar in your strengths. Family...weeps with you, and rejoices with you! 

GOD'S FAMILY...there's no one greater!  #thinkinoutloud 

True Love

She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.” (Matthew 15:27 NLT)  

When our little Pixie Belle begs for food, I think of this scripture and can't help but think of the love God shows toward us.  When we're hungry...He feeds us. When we are thirsty...He gives us a drink.  When we're cold...He clothes us. When we are weak...He's our strength.  I cannot comprehend His love toward me. 

 

I have realized much since our little Pixie Belle came into our lives. Many times I'll say, "Pixie, I wish you could understand how much I love you."  She looks at me with those beautiful black eyes and at first I think she understands my words. Then, she looks away and once again I realize she cannot understand. I reach down, take her in my arms, knowing her lack of understanding,  and I love her...anyway. 

I'm only human.  I do not understand God's love. However, when He wraps me in His arms, I feel safe, secure, and I get a glimpse of True love.  

Still In Love

We were recently at Tupelo Children's Mansion for the Board of Directors meetings. We so enjoyed being there!  This picture was taken at one of the meals. So, if you've forgotten what we look like...here we are. 

Snippets from Facebook Posts

Greetings!  I've had a few people tell me they still check my blog to see if I am writing anything.  If you're one of those loyal readers let me apologize for not keeping Echoes from the Elms updated.  Here are a few thoughts I have recently put on Facebook.  They are individual posts.  If you read this post, please comment if you can and let me know.  I trust my friends are doing well.  Hopefully, we can connect again. 

1.  I'd love to write just "sweet and fluffy" things on Facebook, but I find no real substance in "cotton candy thoughts." I do know that through every trial, and every test...God is there! That's a fact that will add strength to your bones. #thinkinoutloud

2.  There are times one MUST take a stand for righteousness. It doesn't matter who thinks you're crazy for doing so. If it's something you know is right...STAND! Don't give in to those who want to play in the "shallow waters of worldly indulgence." #thinkinoutloud

3.  I love new converts! The look of recognition that comes into their eyes is priceless. There quiet approach to the throne is beautiful. Their exuberance once they understand what's happening is exciting. Nothing is more beautiful! #thinkinoutloud 

4.  When Jesus is in the room...pay attention to what's happening. He's got a reason to be there. Some people are so nonchalant when He shows up it frightens me. To stand in His presence and not give praise to our Redeemer? Oh my! #thinkingoutloud

5.  Moses threw the "Tablets of Stone" and broke them because he was angry at the people for turning to an idol they had built. Don't judge him too harshly. I wonder how many times we allow anger to cause us to break the Word of God in our lives? #thinkinoutloud 

6.  Reading the Old Testament ceremonial laws. I wrote in my Bible..."Just think...all we have to do is PRAY!" We can come before God, worship Him, and give Him our petitions...anytime, anywhere! I love being in His presence! #thinkinoutloud

7.  What a great Valentine's Day! We attended the last service of TXD Singles Conference and it was absolutely awesome! The worship was great, and the ministry of Bro. Tes Stewart...outstanding! Afterwards, we went to El Chico to support the Single's Ministry and enjoyed fellowship with Bro. Gary Carter and Bro. Stewart. Sis. Cheryl Carter was at another table close by entertaining missionaries and speakers. The reason...the Single's packed El Chico out and the big tables were taken. TXD Single's ministry will get 10% of the food sold while we were all there. After we got home, we changed clothes and took our motor home back to storage where it will stay until our next trip. Then, we went to Dairy Queen and got a Blizzard. You may say, "That's not a romantic Valentine's Day." You're right! But it has been a very fulfilling day as we rubbed shoulders with great people and felt the touch of Almighty God. I am truly blessed, and I feel honored to serve beside my husband with whom I have spent more "special days" doing ministry than I can count. I am LOVED by a great man, and I'm proud to walk by his side. #thinkinoutloud