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

Whew...I'm Tired...but HAPPY

As I've said many times since moving to Lufkin...this time of year is one of my favorite times. A lot is happening and we get to be involved in "building the kingdom of God".

MAP was wonderful this weekend. The Lord visited with us and touched us through the ministry of the Word and worship. It's always good to know His approval is on you and the effort that is put forth for meetings such as MAP.

It has been cold and rainy today. Snow has fallen in many places, but we haven't seen any. I don't think it will be coming our way, so we will just enjoy the quiet rain, cold atmosphere, and the FIRE in the fireplace. I love hearing the crackling of the wood, and feeling the warmth that's coming across the room to my recliner as I read, write, and enjoy resting this evening.

I've been on Facebook for a few minutes tonight and have loved seeing the pictures of the new fallen snow. I also love reading comments of friends telling about their services today, and how God did some great things at their church. To hear great reports makes my heart happy! I love hearing that God has filled someone else with His spirit, and someone got a touch they had been longing for. I love how God works on a "personal level". He knows exactly the needs of His people everywhere and performs miracles in our midst. "Thank you Lord, for loving us the way you do! Your mercy endures forever!"

I hope you all have a wonderful Monday. It's another day to serve the Lord with GLADNESS! Walk into your work place with JOY in your heart, a spring in your step, and a SMILE on your face. Let the world know He LIVES and there's still HOPE!

"Revival Continues"

A few weeks ago we had the privilege of preaching in Ranger, TX. I wrote about the little guy that made me happy by his statement, "Sometimes I crack myself up", but I haven't had a chance to write about being with Pastor and Sis. Gunstanson.We had a lovely time with them. Prior to that Sunday we had never had the opportunity to be around the Gunstanson's, except for Youth Camps and Camp Meeting. At those times everyone is hurrying here and there taking care of "duties" and we don't have a chance to "talk", so we looked forward to being with them in church and having Sunday dinner with them.

While sitting in the adult Sunday School class I looked at the familiar surroundings. We had been in the Ranger church many times through the years so we felt very much at home. As I looked around I noticed a sign hanging at the front of the church, and liked it! It said, "Revival Continues". I loved the positive statement of revival! But, what caught my attention was the couple sitting by the sign. What I saw spoke volumes to my heart!Bro. and Sis. Barnhill have been in the Ranger UPC church for as long as I can remember. They have been faithful through the years and have been friends to every Pastor and his family who have been there. They have helped raise Pastor's children, including our own granddaughters, Savanna and Scarlet. During the seven years Jonathan and Brenda were in Ranger as the Pastor they could count on Bro. and Sis. Barnhill to help them with the girls at any time. The Barnhills have stood by every Pastor and been an encouragement to them along with all the other saints. I have great gratitude for these lovely people. So, as I sat there looking at that sign and looking at the couple who was sitting in their familiar pew, my mind started working.

The reason REVIVAL CONTINUES in any church...is because there is a Pastor who loves his people and the work of God, and there are FAITHFUL SAINTS who love God, their Pastor, and their church! They have given their lives to keeping the doors of their church open year after year. They have supported their Pastor through the years, standing with him through every situation with love and support. They love each other and want to see the lost come to know Jesus. They never get tired of living for God. God, is their LIFE! They know when things do not seem to be going "right", they take it to the Lord on their knees, praying until the windows of Heaven open and God's blessings are once again poured out on their church! Yes...REVIVAL CONTINUES because faithful saints and men of God who work together to see it happen!

Bro. and Sis. Gunstanson...thank you for inviting us back to a very special place and allowing us to worship with you. You are doing a wonderful job leading your church into Continued Revival. The worship and praise, the depth of prayer, and the presence of God we felt while there in Sunday Worship will not be forgotten. You were a blessing to us!

Tiny Sparrows

We just pulled out of Lordsburg, NM. We had stopped to fill the car with fuel then on over to McDonald's to get a snack. When we pulled up to McDonald's we noticed a small stream of water coming from a rubber tube in the ground and big black birds were enjoying the refreshing water as they drank and showered, basking in the warmth of the sun. Upon getting back in the car, my husband took off the top piece of bread on the filet of fish he was going to eat and threw it out for the birds to eat. We thought the black birds would swarm the bread, but they were too busy to notice anything had changed around them. Then, out of nowhere we saw a tiny sparrow fly in and take ownership of the bread. Before we got out of the parking lot, there were several more "tiny sparrows" that had joined the feast. As we drove away the words of Jesus came to my mind and I turned to my husband and said, "If I see the sparrow that falls....how much more...."

Rusty Goodman use to sing a song entitled, "HOW MUCH MORE". This song tells how much Jesus really loves US.

If he knows when a Robin, falls from his nest, And he grieves... when he sees it die.

If he kisses the rose, with the morning mist, How much more, does he love you and I?

If he cares for the lilies, in an open field, and caresses each petal w/ dew.

If he acknowledges a tree, when the winds make it kneel, how much more does he love me and you?

If he takes out the tide, turns the desert from it's dry, And carves out rivers to sea.

Just to give a little brim, one more place to swim. How much more does he love you and me?

If he's prepared a place, for all that has been. I've been told and believe it's true.

He's preparing me a place I cannot comprehend. That's how much he really love me and you.

How much more than a fragrant rose, that he gives life In the spring.

Or does he love me less, than the bird in a nest, That never sows... yet he soars on the wing

If he can speak a word, and calm an angry wind, And Peace be still, can calm a rolling sea.

Then he can speak peace be still, to the storms that's within. That's how much he really loves me.

My friend...What are you worried about? What is it you've been needing God to take care of? Don't you think since He sees the tiny sparrow that falls, that He sees you as you stumble and fall? Take courage! He is watching you and will take care of your need!

Think on these things...

His greatness...
His love...
His mercy...
His care...

You're not alone...He's right beside you...

If you need a reminder...

What a beautiful day it is! The weather is perfect! The sun is shining, but not too hot. A tiny breeze is blowing, but not too strong. The birds are chirping, but not too loudly. It's a very pleasant day! It reminds me of what Heaven must be like. Perfect!

I hope you are all having a wonderful day. I hope your stress level is way down. I hope your loved ones are doing well. I hope your spirit is peaceful and calm. I hope your body is feeling no pain. I hope your mind is alert. I hope your eyes are seeing clearly. I hope you're doing just FINE! :-)

I just dropped by to wish you a very beautiful day!

Don't be discouraged.
Don't dwell on the negative.
Don't listen for anything less than a "good report".
Don't let anger rule your thoughts.
Don't let anyone make you feel bad.
Don't worry about one thing!

Control your thoughts!
Control your words!
Control your heart!

Be joyful!
Be thankful!
Be sweet!
Be positive!
Be helpful!
Be a friend!

Love, no matter what!

Get out of yourself!
Reach to others!
Never lose hope!
As long as there is life and God...there is Hope!

So...whoever you are, whatever you're doing, if you need a "word of encouragement"...here it is...You are beautiful because God made YOU!

Now...go have a wonderful, magnificent, incredible day!

Trust HIM!

Here are a few scriptures to give you strength for your day. God is in control of everything, and HE loves us and will NEVER forget His own!

Pro 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

2Sa 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

Psa 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Psa 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Enjoy your day! We have SO MUCH to be thankful for!

I WILL!

I may get weary....but I WILL gain strength!

I may get down....but I WILL be up again!

I may question....but I WILL believe!

I may not have the answers....so I WILL turn to the One Who does!

Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. (Mic 7:8)

My Rock, My Peace, My Hope

Psa 61:2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

I go to the Rock of my salvation...

My anchor holds and grips the solid rock...

There is peace in the time of trouble...

I have hope...there's a land that's better...

When I walk up the streets of gold...

Won't it be wonderful there...

These have been just a few of my thoughts today. Be strong!

Just one more thought...

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus...

Life, Circles, and Storms

Does life ever slow down?  I don't think so, and that's okay with me!  We are in Mineola tonight, preaching for Keith and Carla Clark in Quitman tomorrow.  We had a great time with them tonight.  I will blog about the weekend AFTER "the weekend".  LOL!  I know I'm "going in circles", but that's the way life has been for a lot of people lately.  

With "IKE" hitting so forcefully, many of our friends and their churches have been affected. Jon and Brenda had some damage from water coming in through the roof, but they will get it fixed and all will be well.  I'm glad it wasn't more than it was.  We are just now getting ALL the power on at the District Offices.  The grounds are getting cleaned up from the limbs and trees that were damaged, and things are slowly getting back to normal.  Our "home" is still in the shop.  It's suppose to be ready sometime Monday, but we're not counting on it.  We know how those things go, so we've learned to relax about it.  

Here's a little humor to help get your mind off of your problems:  We have been in so many hotels lately that we don't know which way to turn when we walk out of our room!!!!  Is that because we're getting OLD, or is that what happens when people travel a lot?  :)  What's really bad is when you get up in the middle of the night and run into the WALL! Your nose might look funny for a few days, but at least you FINALLY "find your way" back to bed!!! LOL!

Back to storms:  The weather has been BEAUTIFUL this week!  It's amazing how during a storm you think the skies will never be blue again, but every time, the clouds and rain go away!  This song is one of my favorites.  

Someone said that in each life,

 some rain is bound to fall.

And each one sheds his share of tears,

And trouble, troubles us all.

But the hurt can't hurt forever

And the tears are sure to dry;

And it won't rain always,

The clouds will soon be gone.

The sun that they've been hiding 

has been there all along.

And it won't rain always,

God's promises are true.

The sun's gonna shine

 in His own good time,

And He will see you through. 

BE ENCOURAGED!  GOD IS IN CONTROL!

Rain, rain, go away

"Rain, rain, go away....come again another day"! I never dreamed at the end of June, in North TEXAS, that I would EVER say this little rhyme! It's just a rhyme we said as kids when we had a "rainy day". We have had so much rain that it is now flooding!! How unreal is that? If you've ever been in Texas in the summer you know that we are usually about to melt from the heat. Wow! It is 70 degrees today and has been raining non-stop this morning. I do love the rain and cool weather. I am not complaining at all!! I can still feel the heat from the last 23 summers when you didn't even want to go outside, because you felt like you would smother from the stifling heat!! We acutally have beautiful green grass, and the flowers are still pretty and I didn't even plant any this year, because usually by the time we get finished with all the travelling in the summer we come home to wilted, dead flowers because of the HEAT! Maybe I didn't plant the right flowers. Oh well! All of you Texans, I know the constant splattering of the rain gets a little tiring for some, but let's ENJOY the COOLNESS that we have this year! Remember, JULY, AUGUST, and SEPTEMBER are still ahead of us. Who knows...maybe it will SNOW! LOL! Wouldn't that be something? LOL! I can just see eveyone's faces if we had a snowstorm! We would know for sure that Jesus would tell Gabriel to go blow the trumpet and call us all home if that were to happen! The Lord knows it would put us into such shock that He would have to come rescue us from this crazy, mixed up world. What a BEAUTIFUL DAY for the Lord to come again! Just a little thought for a COOL, rainy day in North Texas. Have a GREAT DAY!