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.  

Just ONE Little Word

A little observation that happened to me this morning...

It's amazing how just ONE WORD will create a "want" in your mind.  This morning I read the word BROWNIE while skimming over some email, now I really want one!  :-)  What "word" could you use today to create a hunger in someone's heart to know the true Savior of the world...JESUS?  You may not even realize the impact you are having on someone today, but your "word" just might be the very one that awakens their spiritual appetite to know Him! God knows the exact timing for that one "word" to be spoken.  He see's the heart of the people you are surrounded by, and loves them so much that He reaches to them in some of the simplest of ways. They may not know at that particular moment what is going on, but in the quiet of their evening He will bring to their remembrance that one "word" when something stirred inside their heart.  When I let myself think about Jesus and how He came to redeem us, I think of LOVE...just one simple "word," but the most powerful of all!

Have a blessed Monday! 

Another Lesson In Life

I love the following scripture.

But, God, who is rich in mercy, 

for his great love wherewith he loved us, 

even when we were dead in sins, 

hath quickened us together with Christ,

And hath raised us up together, 

and made us sit together

 in heavenly places in Christ Jesus… 

(Ephesians 2:4-6)

A few months ago I had an experience that I want to share with you.  One night while reading my “Family Page” on Facebook I saw a status update from my sister, Karla.

     
     “HELP FOR A FUNERAL!!!  Please!  Does anyone know this song?" (she quoted the words).  Then said:  "I need to HEAR it and need to know how to play it.  Any help will be greatly appreciated!!!!!!”

Being the "sweet older sister" that I am... :-)...I immediately went into action.  I knew part of the song.  It was way back in my memory someplace!  I picked up the phone and called Karla.  When she answered, I started singing what I could remember.   She wasn’t where she could write it down, so she called me back within a few minutes.  While sitting at the piano, finding the chords, and singing it very slowly to her (no telling what it sounded like).  Then, my PHONE rang!  It was11:27 PM! Who would be calling so late? This concerned me a little.  When I answered, my friend Donna said, "Linda…have you found that song yet?" I laughed, then answered, "No…I’ve got part of it, but I can’t remember it all."  Then she said, "It goes like this..."

Donna sang it and told me the chords all at the same time!  Donna was calling from her hotel room in a totally different state than Texas, where she was getting ready to speak at a conference!  I couldn't believe she was taking the time to call about a song!  Now, that is a true friend!  I called Karla immediately.  We changed the key to the one Donna was singing in and Karla was satisfied “enough” to be able to “figure it out from there”.
 

Here are some other facts to this story: 

Gene, Karla's husband searched the internet (found some words), but no music.  If Gene couldn't find it, I was pretty sure nobody would.  But, I went to the internet anyway. I was thinking, "Maybe, just maybe I would run across something.  After all, at least I KNEW the song."  So, my search began.  I searched: Youtube, iTunes, the Imperials, Murrell Ewing, Joan Ewing.  Nothing!  I know there's probably someone out there right now that will go to the internet and find the song, or at least "try" to find it.  If you do, please let us know where it was.  :-)

I went back to Facebook and realized our friends were trying to find it!  Here is the comments/conversation that was happening:

 
"I think I can get this to you tomorrow.  Give me your email address and I will email you a recording (at least as well as I remember it), maybe it will help. J"

Karla:  "That would be awesome!!!  Thank you!  If anyone has a chord chart or something – please…"  I could hear the desperation in her "tone of voice".  I figured with her "desperation" SOMEONE would come up with the chord chart, so I asked her to share the chord chart when she got it.

Karla:  "I will definitely share!  With all the collaboration we should get it figured out real good.  Appreciate the help!" 

Another friend wrote:  "Wow…have not heard that song in a long time."  I starting thinking, "Well, if they haven't heard it in a long time, at least they might be able to wrack their brain to pull some chords together.  But, nothing came after that!

Then, Gayla came on and said, “I want it too please.”  It was her brother that had passed away and had sung this song, and Karla was needing to play it for his service.

A minister of music and a lady that knows a lot of older songs asked:  "Who sang this?"

Me:  "I heard Bro. Murrell Ewing did.  I thought I had heard the Imperials sing it.  I don’t know.  I’ve searched and can’t find it."

Help kept coming in: 

"I will have to ask my mom.  I remember her singing it at revivals.  Many years ago."  I thought, Yay!  Maybe we're getting somewhere!  I was starting to get excited! 

"Here is a site with all the Imperials records."  WOW!  Maybe it's there...so I went and listened to a lot of old songs, on old albums.  Nothing...

"I’ve sung this for years and believe Sis. Joan Ewing wrote the song.  The rest of it is…"  We got some more words.  Closer...closer...closer. 

"I would like a copy of the chord chart, too. I have it written out but I’m not positive it’s correct since I’m going from “old memories". 

I think my heart skipped a beat!  Someone finally has something written out!  I had to help my sister!  I could hardly wait to get her the words and chords.  I know, I could have dropped it, but she was needing the words and music NOW!  The service was coming up and she couldn't let her friend down.  I understood her feeling. 

Then, my friend, Kay came to the rescue.  "It’s written by Joan Ewing and sung by Bro. Ewing."  At least now we knew who wrote it, and who sang it!  Surely, we will be able to find it.  We could call Sis. Joan Ewing if we had to! 

Here’s the CLINCHER! 

Pam, a music minister wrote, "Would you believe this is on page 329 in the "Sing Unto the Lord" songbook?"  Her words were music to our ears!

My response was, "YOU’RE RIGHT!  I had forgotten that it was there!" I knew I had that wonderful songbook sitting in my home someplace, so I went on a search.  When I found it I went straight to page 329!  Right there in front of me were the words AND the music!  

 Whatever I think Christ to be.  

That's just what He'll be to me;

If I know Him as a Friend above others, 

then in my Lord I've found a brother...

I was so happy, yet totally floored at what all we had gone through to find this song when all I needed to do was search in my own house.  I had played out of that songbook thousands of times!  Why didn't I remember?

I know...you're shouting at me, "WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH "SITTING IN HEAVENLY PLACES?”Since we are all human, we sometimes tend to forget how wonderful it is to be part of a glorious church!  Every Sunday, every mid-week service, every rally, camp meeting, or conference we go to, we are privileged to "sit in Heavenly places", because we feel the presence of Almighty God!  Then, something happens! Life crashes in on us and we get side-tracked.  Not realizing what is happening, we don't spend time with the Lord in our home.  As life would have it, and satan, we start missing church.  Oh, we have our "reasons" we've concocted, but during this process, the "heavenly place" grows dim.  It doesn't take long for us to forget what the Lord has done for us.  It takes just a few times not going to church, or a few times listening to that disgruntled friend, and we forget.  It only takes letting the cares of life overtake us, and those times spent in the presence of God are forgotten.  Then, satan starts talking and telling you that “The grass is greener on the other side of the fence" and you feel the pull of the flesh to go enjoy the things of the world.  You better be careful!  As my husband says, "The grass you're seeing may be greener, but there might be a septic tank on the other side of the fence!"  When we get into a carnal mind it's easy for us to be blinded from the bright lights of this world!  "Greener grass" will lure you into a cesspool of sin, and you'll be drawn into the bright lights that your carnal nature tends to love.  Once you have gone that far, it's easy to forget  the "heavenly place" you had RIGHT UNDER YOUR NOSE! 

I love being in the presence of the Lord!  I love hearing songs that lift my spirit to His.  I love hearing words of encouragement from the family of God, and hearing anointed preaching that gets into the inner most parts of my heart!  I love it when I sense God is in the sanctuary, because I know I'm safe from the enemy of my soul!  I LOVE being with the saints of God!  Each time we're together and we worship in spirit and truth we "sit in a heavenly place”.

I'm really glad Karla needed that beautiful song a few months ago.  And, I'm glad we found the song. But, more than her being able to play and sing this song for her friend I'm glad I had a spiritual realization come to me, once again, that those things I treasure the most are  right here "under my nose".  I don't have to search the world over to find the contentment that I have found my whole life by "sitting in heavenly places". 

Dear Anonymous

A few months back I wrote a post entitled Stranger Danger.  I received a comment from Anonymous in which several of you commented on.  I recently received this reply from our friend, "Anonymous":

"I hadn't been back since I left my original comment that night. I have to say I wasn't expecting a response, I guess I was wrong. I was going to just say that I'm not really any closer than I was that night, but after reading your response and the comments others left, I will give thigs some serious thought. Maybe hope is still out there. " 

Dear Anonymous,

I cannot get you off of my mind.  I have been praying for you.  The words to a song my sister, Ronda wrote tells you how I feel about those who are "lost in the fog of life's sea".

And nothing's changed as far as we're concerned.
We love you now just like we did back then.
So come on home where you belong;
You've been away for much too long.
And Jesus wants to take you back again.

I'm still waiting to hear you're HOME!  Your Friends are standing on the shore waiting for you with open arms!

P.S. Anonymous...I may not know who you are, but Jesus does and He loves YOU!

Interesting Sunday

Today has been one of those days that I wish could have been different, but in the midst of sickness and pain I was able to still be in the presence of God. Wendell got sick a few days ago with bronchitis and evidently everything that goes with it, because the past two days has been terrible for him. Then, I had a strange pain hit me in my back, so needless to say, we haven't been good for anything or anyone.

I'm so glad God doesn't feel like we're not worth worrying about. He came to us even though we couldn't get dressed and "go to Him" and worship in a church someplace today. We were suppose to be with our dear friends, Carl and Veda McLaughlin, but it just wasn't possible. I am not writing this for anyone to feel sorry for us, but I would ask for a few extra prayers to be sent Heavenward on our behalf. We have a busy schedule and responsibilities to fill this week and really would like to be able to do them.

This morning we were blessed to "tune in" to Life Tabernacle, our home church in Wichita Falls, and was blessed to be a part of the worship and praise. We also loved hearing one of our favorite evangelists, and dear friend, Greg Henry preach. What a message he brought about "A Positive Repentance". Thank you Life Tabernacle for making the services available to those who are not there.

As the day wore on I knew we were not able to go to evening worship anyplace, so we decided to visit The Pentecostals of Alexandria. What a time we had in the presence of the Lord as we viewed from afar the heartfelt worship of the POA. We also enjoyed a message/lesson brought by Mark Morgan. As Pastor Mangun went back to the pulpit, after Bro. Morgan was finished, another sweep of the presence of God filled the sanctuary. It was wonderful! I want to say thank you to POA for being available to us.

I have said in the past that I am very thankful for technology. I can only imagine being a missionary on the other side of the world who gets to tune into any number of services here on our side of the world. It's wonderful to know that when you're going through a troublesome time and CAN'T get to church you can join with those who did, and get a touch from our great God. When you're alone, and feeling down because you're not able to "be there" with your friends, it's great being able to "sign in" and be a part of a church family. It really helps lift your spirit!

So...on we go into another week. I feel blessed to know Jesus, and to have you as my friends. I hope your week is filled with the blessings of God, and if you happen to go through a trial, know there are friends "out there, somewhere" who care. If, for some reason you cannot connect with any of your "earthly friends", be sure and "connect" with your greatest FRIEND...He's always available. Jesus is there whenever you want to talk to Him. He's ALWAYS wanting to "be with you".

A Whole Lot of "Little Things"

The last two nights Wendell and I have gone to Sectional Conferences. We have enjoyed both of them. We've enjoyed the fellowship and hearing Bro. Russo preach. There's been a "good feeling" in the air!

Last night while traveling home, the Lord spared our lives from having a fatal accident. The truck that ran a stop sign going at a fast rate of speed came within a half a second of hitting us broad side. He never stopped! We kept traveling, but after driving a few minutes I turned to Wendell and said, "We could be dead right now." I felt a little sick to my stomach just thinking about what "could have" happened. I'm so thankful God keeps His hand on us as we travel. It seems the fact that "life is so fragile" has hit home way to much lately, so to be able to write on my blog tonight makes me really happy!

Years ago I sang a song that said..."It's a whole lot of little things that makes me love Him so." I wonder what all we could write down over a period of a few days that God has done for us? The "little things" that we take for granted everyday that God does would probably surprise us.

Tonight, at Section 3 Conference, Sis. Beasley, a retired missionaries wife, and my husband's Sunday School teacher when he was a little boy spoke for a few minutes in our ladies meeting. She told how at the beginning of one year she had challenged the ladies of her church to "keep a journal" of all the things God did for them. After about six months one of the ladies started having many problems, and was feeling frustrated and wondering if God was ever going to do anything for her. She picked up her journal and started reading what she had written. She was amazed at the prayers God had answered, and things He had done for her. She said after she read her OWN JOURNAL of the greatness of God, that she was encouraged and knew He would come through again. I'm sure it would do us all good to write down at least one thing God does for us everyday of this year. It would help us to understand how much He loves us, and cares about all the "little things" in our lives.

"This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." (Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT)

As usual, I started out to write just a few lines tonight, but have ended up writing a lot more. :) I guess when I start typing my fingers signal my brain and says it's time to "think". I don't know if there is an explanation for how that works, but if there is I'll let someone else figure it out. I'm going to sleep!

Goodnight! Sweet Dreams!

And So It Begins

The time for relaxing has come and GONE! Tomorrow evening begins one of my favorite times of the year. The Ministerial Advancement Program (MAP) starts tomorrow night when ministers and wives come for training. All levels for licensing in the TEXAS District, UPCI will be represented. (Local, General, Ordination) One of the reasons I enjoy it so much is that those who come are hungry to learn all they can about ministry, and improving in whatever way they can. It is a pleasure to be with these men and women who have committed their lives to the calling of God. Another reason I love this time is that I have the privilege of being part of it. I will be teaching some classes, and will enjoy being with the beautiful ladies that will be in them. We also have the opportunity of spending time visiting, and getting to know each other. Please say a prayer for all the teachers and participants that God will walk into our midst and speak to our hearts in a special way.

After MAP ends we will be starting our Sectional Conferences, so we will get to see many of our TEXAS District ministers and wives. I love it when we get to be around all of these wonderful people! These are the conferences where business is conducted that keeps the organizational machinery running well. Also, our Superintendent, Bro. Russo brings a message to all of us, and I always look forward to hearing from him. We will have a great time! God is moving in the TEXAS District and I am thankful! We get reports of revival springing up all over the district, and it's wonderful to hear how God is touching lives, bringing them to know Him. Isn't He a great God to have MERCY on all of us mere humans? His love still AMAZES me!

There's been a lot of WORK going on in the District Office over the last few weeks. It's been "exciting and mind bending" on those who are involved, but when you're moving forward to greater things it involves getting out of our comfort zone. It also takes a lot of work and dedication. Let me say, there are a lot of DEDICATED people who are working for a great cause and we appreciate and love them all.

This "busy day" comes to an end. It has been a good day! God has blessed us with His presence, His peace, and His strength. I trust you have felt His presence today. Maybe it was from a "word of encouragement" spoken by a "friend". Maybe it was a "smile" given from a "stranger". Or, maybe God came to you in a special way through His word as you read and meditated on Him. Whatever means He used to touch you, you were blessed. What more could one ask for? I'm so glad I know HIM!

There is Hope

Today while going about my business and taking care of a lot of things that had to get done, I was listening to Sirius Radio in the car. I got tired of listening to the news and all the harsh voices as they discussed and argued over what a political person did "right or wrong", and as they discussed about a crime someone had committed. You know what I'm talking about, I'm sure! It's enough to get on a very sensitive nerve and stay on it until you want to scream back at the radio! In my state of frustration over the affairs of the world, I decided to turn the channel to Enlighten. I know...some people can't stand Southern Gospel music, but that is neither here nor there. The fact is that as I was listening and enjoying thoughts of peace and joy that I have knowing "this world is not my home", there were two songs that really caught my attention. I heard a quartet singing an old hymn that I've sung many times when my husband was giving an altar call. The familiar words filled my ears. "Coming home! Coming home! Never more to roam. Open wide Thine arms of love. Lord, I'm coming home." I looked at the display on my dash that would tell me who was singing, and saw the name of the song that was being sung, but it wasn't what I was expecting. It said: "The Apple Tree Song". Huh? What was that suppose to mean? By now, Sirius Radio had my attention!

The song happened to have a narration about a young man who had become rebellious and had to leave home. Really, it was a "tear jerker", but I kept listening. When the boy left home he asked his parents that "if at anytime it was okay for him to come back home, would they please tie a white cloth in the tree?" They lived next to a railroad track where trains passed everyday. He knew he would sometime ride the train by the house and would be able to see the "Apple Tree" in the front yard. If there was a white cloth hanging on it he would know he was welcome to "Come Home". One day as he was nearing the house he got really nervous, and a gentleman on the train with him noticed. He spoke to him and asked what it was that he was so anxious about. He was a minister and wanted to help him. The young man told him this story then said, "Sir, can you please look out the window and see if you can see a tree with a white cloth hanging in it?" The gentleman wiped the fog from the window and broke out into a smile. He said, "Son, not only is there a white cloth hanging on the tree, but it has white blossoms all over it! There are white cloths hanging all over that tree, and there is an elderly couple standing under the tree waving at this train! Son, your parents are waiting for you to "Come Home"!"

I could picture that elderly couple waving at the train. I could feel their heartbeat as they looked for the son who had left "home" so many years before! I was living in that story! Then I heard another quartet start singing "Forgiven Again"! Yes, I knew at that moment I would be writing this tonight!

I was talking to my sister Karla today, and we were discussing someone who has been away from God. I made the statement..."Until they are no longer living....there's still HOPE!"

I am writing to tell someone...THERE'S STILL HOPE! It doesn't matter what you have done...THERE'S STILL HOPE! It doesn't matter how long you've been away from God...THERE'S STILL HOPE! Please listen to the voice of God...He is standing with open arms waiting for you to COME HOME! Don't let your pride keep you from "coming home". Clear the fog away from the window of your heart and look! You will see the "White Welcome Cloth" hanging from the Old Rugged Tree!

...softly and tenderly Jesus is calling...

A Tribute to a Beautiful Lady

There is a special lady that lives a long way from me that I want to give tribute to. For some reason I cannot get her off of my mind. She has been a "life-long friend" and I admire her greatly! Before I was born she was friends with my parents. In fact, before Daddy married Mother, Daddy traveled with a young man name Bill who eventually married the lady I am talking about.

Aunt Joyce...You are one of the sweetest and most beautiful ladies I have been privileged to know all of my life. As I little girl I always looked forward to seeing you and Uncle Bill. You have always been so much fun! I remember many times listening to you and Mother talk and giggle. It didn't have to be anything much, and at times I would wonder what ya'll were laughing about, but you just kept on "giggling" like two teenage girls. I have heard Mother speak of you all of my life. She loved hearing you preach! She would say, "I LOVE hearing Joyce preach!" I would ask her why, and her answer was always the same. "She has something to say and she is a lady when she is in the pulpit." I don't know how many times I heard her say those words! After I got older, I also loved hearing you preach! You have always been so "real". There has never been any pretense about you.

Through the years I always knew that wherever you were, if I walked up I would be greeted with a warm hug from you. I always got that "warm fuzzy feeling" because once I was in your presence you made me feel so special. Thank you for loving me and letting me know it.

Your life is a perfect example of how to walk with the Lord. Your dedication, your passion, and your love for God has been a guiding light to me through the years. You are one of the people I admire for knowing HIM! You have never flaunted that you were spiritual, you just were! You have never been judgemental of others. You have loved those who were not perfect. You are a beautiful example of being "Christ-like". Thank you for your stand for righteousness, holiness, and separation from the world. Oh, how I wish everyone would have the "spirit of holiness" you have portrayed, and love it like you do.

I do not know why I have felt led to write this tonight. I really want you to know how I feel, and everyone else to know that if they want to see a "true, Christian lady" they need to look at your life and pattern their walk after you.

Aunt Joyce, I submit this for all the "blog world" to see, because I love you so very much! Thank you, thank you, thank for your love for me! I will carry your name forever, and I trust I will bring you the honor you deserve!

I love you!
Linda Joyce

Note: For those of you who do not know who I am speaking about: Aunt Joyce was married to Rev. Bill Barnes and they pastored in Farwell, Texas for years. He died many years ago from a brain tumor. She is now married to Rev. Robert Baglin. He is a wonderful man, and loves her so very much. They live in California.

Wedding Bells

Today in Wichita Falls is a day I have prayed for, for a long time! Kassie Dutton is getting married, and I wish her all the happiness in the world! She has kept herself from the clutches of the world that could have buried themselves into her soul. I am so very proud of her for her stand in living for God when she could have gone a different direction. She knows of what I speak, and some who read this post will understand. I just want to say she has been a beautiful example of a true Christian! Thank you Kassie for standing strong! I love you and know you're going to be happy "from this forward", to the man of your dreams...Randy Pounds!

Warmed from the Inside Out

It has been a quiet day. It's COLD outside, but my heart is warmed with the blessings of God! Nothing extraordinary has happened, yet maybe it has......

God's love!

God's grace!

God's mercy!

It all still AMAZES ME! That's a REAL REASON to have a "warm heart"! I love how He takes care of me.

"Super Blessing"

I received two coupons in the mail this week for "Buy One Meal, Get One Free" at Logan's and it was just for Super Bowl Sunday. I saved both of them so I could share with someone, just in case we were to have dinner with some friends. I would have been happy to share with them.

Anyway, Wendell and I went to eat by ourselves today, so I told him I was going to find someone in the restaurant that I could give the other coupon to. We were welcomed by the hostess as we walked in, and we went to our table. Before I sat down I got both of the coupons out of my purse - one for us and the other one to "give away". I told Wendell I would be back then walked around looking at the people who were there. I spotted what looked to be a "single Mother, her two children and a Grandmother". I walked up to the mother, spoke to her, and noticing she was putting the menu down I laid the coupon on her menu and asked her if she had received one of these coupons. She said that she had not, so I told her I wanted her to have this one. She smiled and said thank you. That's all I did! I turned and went to our table and sat down.

We were ordering our meal when I saw the grandmother coming to our table, and this is what she said. "I just wanted to come and say thank you for that. Just before you walked up to the table the little girl said to her Mother that she would like to have a GOOD meal tonight!" The mother looked at her daughter and answered her with, "Well, Sug(ar) I just can't do that tonight." The grandmother then proceeded to say, "Then you walked up and gave her that coupon. I just wanted to come and tell you. Thank You!"

Tears filled my eyes as she walked away. It wasn't me that just "wanted to share", but God had a plan to bless someone I didn't even know. My heart is overwhelmed with how much God loves us ALL!