"Castaway"

The enemy is throwing everything he can at people who are living for God!  I heard a man say, "I realized I had become bitter and I didn't like what I felt in my heart. I had never felt that way before."  It's great when a person can RECOGNIZE this foreign feeling. When you no longer feel the change that's happened, you are being deceived.  "Create in me a clean heart...renew in me a right spirit."  A song called "Castaway" that Sis. Bobbie Shoemake, my brother Keith and I sang a long time ago still plays in my mind today. "If I carry the gospel to the regions of the lost, to a world that's going astray. Don't let me fail in sight of the gate and become just a castaway."  The chorus went on to say..."Castaway...castaway...lost forever on a cold, dark ocean. Turned away...castaway...lost, just a castaway."  (I think the words are correct, but you get the message.) I remember one service we sang it in. Bro. Shoemake preached with a soberness and deep conviction to a youth group about a clean heart. The altars were filled with kids who wanted to be saved, no matter the cost.  Do we still feel this way?  Will we give up ANYTHING that's pulling us away from Him?  Do we even RECOGNIZE what is happening in our heart that is pulling us away from Him?  Are we willing to fall at the foot of the cross so our human spirits are broken once again?  There's too much ME in me!  Like the man who was transparent about his heart...there's been  times, "I've felt something in my heart I'd never felt before, and I didn't like it!"  The words to that song will haunt me the rest of my life..."Don't let me fail in sight of the gate and become just a castaway."  #thinkinoutloud 

If you feel this post is too heavy, too negative, too convicting...I'm not sorry. It's time we, who claim to be Apostolic, fall at the foot of the cross and crucify our flesh!  I can hear our elders, through tears, admonishing  us to "PREPARE FOR HIS COMING!  HE'S COMING SOON!"

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.  

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)

Goodbye...But Not for Long

Late this morning I was checking my newsfeed on Facebook, and ran across a post by my friend Shirley Stanley.  She was sharing that Bishop Bud Davis of the Lufkin First United Pentecostal Church had gone in for surgery this morning, and when given anesthesia, passed away.  I was shocked, as is his precious wife and family, church family, and all of the Texas District.  Our love and prayers are with Sis. Davis and family. 

My morning seem to slow down a bit upon hearing the news, then after awhile I found a song being played in my mind:

Heaven will surely be worth it all.
Worth all the sorrows that here befall;
After this life with all its strife,
Heaven will surely be worth it all.

Bro. Bud Davis has gone on to his reward.  This week we will celebrate his life, and remember him for the great man he was.  I do not understand why Bro. Davis was taken from us, but one thing I do know is...Bro. Davis will meet us on the other side.  I can see him walking up as we enter the gates, and hear him saying, "I'm so glad you're here!"  Bro. Davis we will definitely be there!

Last week another warrior of the cross was ushered into Heaven's gates!  Pastor Armando Navarro, was a wonderful man of God!  He was the Pastor of Lufkin Rosa DeSaron, UPC, and also the Spanish Ministries Director of the Texas District.  Every time I saw Bro. Navarro he had a big smile on his face, and was always so kind!  What a great loss for his beautiful wife and family, his church, and our district!  Bro. Navarro, we will meet you "in the morning"...just inside the Eastern Gate.

This afternoon I was at Wal-mart, and saw Bro. Martin Navarro.  After greeting each other, we both went about doing our shopping.  I was somewhere around the bread aisle when I saw Bro. Martin again.  I told him how sorry I was about his father's passing, and he was appreciative of my condolences, then he smiled and started talking about Heaven, and how Bro. Navarro would not want to come back.  We talked a little about our loved ones who have gone on before, and about Bro. Davis passing this morning.  Bro. Martin said, "I'm sure Dad and Bro. Davis are having themselves a time!"  I couldn't agree more.  We talked about how my parents, brother, and Bro. Navarro wouldn't even think about coming back to this earth with the pain and suffering they had gone through.  They were now on the other side, and though they loved us they had "made it!"  It's only us who remain that grieve. 

This evening as my husband and I drove through the country with the top down on our convertible, I looked toward the sky.  It was a clear beautiful evening with no clouds.  I couldn't get away from the two men we will greatly miss in our lives and in the Texas District.  As we drove, my mind was busy once again singing songs about our "blessed hope".

Won't it be wonderful there...having no burdens to bear...

In the sweet by and by...we shall meet on that beautiful shore...

Beulah Land...I'm longing for you...and someday on thee I'll stand...

Won't we have a time when we get over yonder...OH...won't we have a time...

Yes, two warriors...preacher's of the Gospel have said good-bye to all of us, but one of these days...we will see them, again.  I just feel like it won't be long!

Rest well Bro. Navarro and Bro. Davis...for when we all get over there we have a lot of rejoicing to do...together!

A Time Well Spent

As I was getting ready to go to bed tonight, I felt drawn to sit down at my piano. The songs that flooded my mind and got my fingers to "tickling the ivory" were:

Everybody Will Be Happy Over There
Until Then
I Want to Go There
Lord, When Are You Coming?
I Want to Hear Your Welcome

Once I started singing, I didn't want to stop, so I kept playing and singing for awhile. The longer I sang, the more "homesick" I got for Heaven. I want to be ready to meet The Lord when He comes to take us all home.

There's something great about letting your "soul" sing. It lightens your load. It re-focuses your mind. It brings to remembrance the one thing that's most important, and keeps Heaven in view. Oh yes! I had a wonderful time as I sang. My voice isn't as strong as it once was, and at times it struggles to reach a note, but my heart had no problem of reaching into the heavens. Then, I felt Him walk into MY world, and I had the desire to grow closer to Him!

Could It Be?

Seeing all the planning of parties, shopping for gifts, and the busyness of life, I have a quiet nagging inside that's saying..."All of the above is well and good, but REALLY...the MOST important happening in my life is the 'twinkling of an eye' trip I'm planning, and Who I'm going to see when I get there!" Friends, don't get too distracted in this world! We have a hope and a promise! My heart is singing..."

I want to go there; I want to go there.
Christ said I could go; His Word tells me so, the beauties of Heaven to share.
I want to go there. I mean to go there!
My mansion awaits, just inside those gates, and I want to go there!"

Do you think we just might be spending this Christmas where roses never fade, and the light we see shining is coming from the throne because JESUS, the light of the world is there?

Lift up your eyes and look to the sky...HE'S COMING!

Hope Beyond This Life

While sitting here reflecting over the last few days the song comes to me...

There is coming a day,
When no heart aches shall come.
No more clouds in the sky,
No more tears to dim the eye.
All is peace forevermore,
On that happy golden shore.
What a day, glorious day that will be.

There'll be no sorrow there,
No more burdens to bear.
No more sickness, no pain,
No more parting over there.
And forever I will be,
With the One who died for me.
What a day, glorious day that will be.

WE HAVE A HOPE BEYOND THIS LIFE!

In the midst of sorrow...we have joy. The "happenings" around us may take our "happiness" away for a time, but the joy that comes from God, stands strong and unshaken!

In the last few days we have lost another beautiful "warrior of the cross". No, we didn't see her up in front of the crowds, but she was a strong, unwavering woman of God! I never saw Sis. Pam Rhoads without a ready smile and worship coming from her heart. Even in the pain and suffering she went through, her faith remained strong! We will miss her on the 'ole camp ground! I do not understand the ways of God, but I trust Him! One thing I do understand is that my heart is longing more and more for "home" where there is no more pain, sickness or death!

I'm longing for home, for the sun's going down.
I long to go where, sweet rest can be found.
I'm just about through, with this old house of clay.
I'm leaving this world...for glory someday.

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.

It Won't Be Long

This morning while I was waking up, my mind wandered off to Heaven.  For many years I have wondered how I would know the people I knew while here on earth, because when I haven't seen someone for many years it is sometimes hard to remember them, especially if they have changed a lot.  Which, is usually the case after a LONG TIME!  So, as I pondered this for a few minutes this morning the scripture came to me about "being known as we are known".  I don't know if that's exactly the way it says it, but I'm sure you know what I'm referring to.  I don't get into a lot of "theological thinking", but all my life I've been told that we would know each other "on the other side".  I've always thought, "if we don't know each other, I can't see how it would be heaven".  I know...I have to think like a human that has never been there, but I can't think any other way!  :-)  On with my thoughts...

So...this morning when this thought came to me I got SO EXCITED!  I told Wendell later that "it was like a revelation had happened", and when I realized that I would REALLY KNOW all of my friends and those I've loved here on earth, my heart and mind started dancing because Heaven is going to be so AWESOME!

For those of you who know me really well, you know that I absolutely love being with friends, so today I have thought about getting to Heaven and it being one, big...HOMECOMING PARTY!  The Special Guest will be Jesus and it will take place "in front of the throne".

How long will it take for all of us to make our way to the throne?  I don't know, but I do know this...I will be there as SOON as I can get through the throng of people!  So, y'all be sure and make your preparation because I really believe it won't be too much longer.

Until Then...my heart will go on singing...

This Lonesome, Homesick Feeling

Over the last few weeks I have been lonesome to be with my family and friends! I have made mention that maybe it's because Jesus is getting ready to tell the angel to blow the trumpet and call the Bride of Christ home. I don't know if that is what's happening, but that would be a great happening for the Church!

A few days ago, I started thinking, trying to figure out what it is that's causing my feeling of "lonesomeness and being homesick". I then realized for the last 10 years I have felt this way about this time of year. August 5, 2001 my beautiful Mother was called home to be with the Lord. It was Sunday evening at church time when she took her last breath. We all thought that was very fitting, because she entered into the gates of Heaven at the same time she would have been walking through the sanctuary doors at church to worship her Lord and Savior! Oh, how I've missed her! I thought that the years would take away this lonesome feeling, but it seems it is worse this year. I am not wanting sympathy, because for me that only makes it worse, but I just wanted to say "I'm ready to see her again!"

Many of our friends and loved ones have been taken from us, and we all have had our times of sorrow. I really think that this "homesick feeling" makes us WANT to go to Heaven more as the days go by. God has been good to all of us, no matter what our circumstances have been. I know He has never left any of us, and He never will. How about you all? Are you ready to go? Are you anxious to meet Jesus face to face and hear Him say, "Well Done, thou good and faithful servant?" It's going to happen someday and maybe it will be SOON!

A beautiful song comes to mind:

There's a beautiful home far over the sea.
There's a beautiful home for you and for me.
And it's glittering towers the Son will outshine.
And that beautiful home someday shall be mine.

I'm longing for Home! For the sun's going down.
I long to go where sweet rest can be found.
I'm just about through with this 'ole house of clay.
I'm leaving this world for Glory someday.

If the trumpet sounds tonight, just "look for me in front of the throne"! I'll be looking for YOU!

New Kind of Feeling

I'm going to say right up front that I'm sure there's not too many people that will understand what I'm going to write. Now...I've really got your curiosity up! It's really no big deal, but to me a "new kind of feeling" hit me this week.

As you all know, I LOVE to TRAVEL! I'm also one that doesn't get too attached to my houses. Ok...I can hear some of you ladies now as you catch your breath, and I see you shaking your heads! Unlike most ladies I have known in my life, I actually have no problem letting someone come into my kitchen and allowing them to organize it the way they think it ought to be done. I have moved several times and I always welcomed the help of unloading boxes and putting things away. I guess one reason why it didn't bother me to have someone else "organizing my kitchen" is I knew I could go into my kitchen and put things where I wanted them, if I wanted it different.

When we moved into our last house in Wichita Falls I had two interior decorators come in and decorate it. They asked me what I liked, and my answer to them almost made them faint! I said, "You know...I really don't know what I want. I just want you to decorate my house. I want it to be beautiful and when I walk in I want to like it!" They couldn't believe I wasn't going to tell them what I wanted. I figured that's what interior decorators were FOR! I had too many other things on my mind to have to worry about decorating a house! Are ya'll still breathing????? They were thrilled that they had free-reign in my house, and were so kind to tell me that if I didn't like something I could take it down, put it in the corner, and they would pick it up! I did exactly that. They left a price list of all the things they used and I decided what I wanted and didn't want! It was GREAT!

When I moved to Lufkin and bought a smaller house I was so afraid all my pretty things I had bought 3 years earlier would not fit. I was very surprised when most everything I bought, flower arrangements included, fit beautifully!!! Talk about excited! I was one happy lady! Some of my furniture did not work, but that was okay, because we were starting a brand new "style of living" in our "patio home". It is very cozy and I enjoy opening the blinds in the morning to look outside at the beautiful trees, and I love watching as the birds and squirrels play around the trees. I've even had beautiful humming-birds at my bird feeder! It's a very lovely setting and it brings peace to my mind.

Now for that "new kind of feeling" I have been experiencing...

As I walked through my house this week, I realized that I am really getting attached to it! I've talked to ladies through the years that they HATED being away from home, and to be very truthful, I really didn't understand it! Any time I could be on the road for a few days seeing the beauty God created was always wonderful to me. Now...this week, I had a "lonely feeling" go through my heart when I thought about leaving my HOUSE! I'm still trying to decide if I like that or not. As much as we travel I really don't want to start wanting to be home when we have to be gone!

I wonder if the way I've been feeling is how we all should feel about the "home" we have never seen before. Somehow, I get a "new kind of feeling" when I think about the "home" that is waiting for us, and I feel "homesick" to go. I've been traveling here a long time, and have friends and family that are waiting for me. Jesus is also there and He's wanting to see me. This "new kind of feeling" that surrounded me this week is making me think a little differently now. I understand a little better what the "longing for my eternal home" feels like.

Daddy and Mother used to sing a song that I have loved through the years. I can still hear their voices from the living room as they sang:

I've got a longing. I'm homesick to go!
To a land without heartache, no sorrow, or woe.
There's nothing but trouble in this world below.
I'm homesick for Heaven, I've got a longing to go!

There voices were strong and I could feel the passion they had for Heaven. Then Mother went into a different tempo and they continued:

Lord, when are you coming?
Lord, I've waited so long.
Come and get me Jesus.
Lord, I want to go home.

Footsore and weary. Lonesome and blue.
Homesick for Heaven and my Savior, too.
I've been reading my Bible.
'Bout a land beyond the blue.
Come and get me Jesus.
Lord, I want to go home.

I love the words to that song! But, more than the words I LOVED the presence of God I felt as they lifted their voices as one. Yes, I've got a "new kind of feeling", but now that I think about it, it just might be more about Heaven than it is about my "earthly home".

High Tech Mimi

I had to jump on here tonight and say...I'm glad I am a high-tech Mimi! LOL! I found out late, but in time to log-on to Louisiana Camp Meeting to hear Pastor Anthony Mangun preach about taking our families to Heaven! I have claimed my family for God through the years, but I continue to claim them! I don't plan on ANYTHING taking them away from the Truth they have been taught and have lived. In Jesus Name...we WILL meet on the streets of gold.

Click HERE to listen Louisiana Camp Meeting Services. You will be blessed!

I Wonder...Just Wonder

What is heaven going to be like?

My mind gets to thinking about it all, and after I've thought about all the beauty that is there, of which there is no way to even imagine, my thoughts wander back to what is really going to make it special.

1. Jesus will be what makes it Heaven for me.

2. Seeing my loved ones who have already gone "home".

3. Seeing my sons and their beautiful wives, and our granddaughters "over there". I can see them as they look around, trying to take in the FACT that "we've made it"! I know we will all be totally overwhelmed with the realization that......this is HEAVEN!

4. Meeting up with friends who made it to the other side before I did.

5. Meeting saints from all over the world, for the FIRST time!

6. Worship, praise, and adoring our Savior and King!

There is so much more that will make it Heaven, but the one thing I think of are the relationships I have made here on earth. As you see, #1 is Jesus...my Savior. I have a beautiful relationship with Him! I'm so glad I know Him, love Him and serve Him. He's the One that makes my life worth living. If it had not been for the Lord....where would I be?

Then, to think about seeing my family when we all get over there...wow...talk about laughing! We love to laugh when we're together here, but when we all actually realize we're in Heaven...well...the angels will have to step aside, because we are going to have a PARTY!

Tonight I was at a special meeting here in Lufkin. Go 2 Heaven Lufkin was wonderful! There were several UPC churches that gathered at the Civic Center tonight for a crusade. Eastview UPC and Pastor Hunt was the "host church" and they did a wonderful job of organizing a powerful service for the community. The music was great, the program of the service was well-planned, and the preaching by Pastor Hunt was anointed and very powerful. There were a lot of people in the altars, and I know some received the Holy Ghost.

When the altar call was given I went forward. I wanted to be where the action was, and there was a lot of "action". I smiled at one of the ladies from Cornerstone church as she was praying for a lady. Then, she stopped and told me "who" this lady was that was needing a touch from God. I couldn't believe it! I had stopped to pray for a lady that was raised in a church in Allison, TX where my parents had pastored before I was born. After she finished praying, I started explaining about this, and she said, "I know. I've already heard." :) I loved it! I then stepped back to speak to Sis. Clifton Boydston from Allison who remembered my parents. The lady I had been praying with was her daughter! It really is a small world!

After church, I went to eat with the "singles". My husband was not there because he is out of town, so I decided to go and enjoy the fellowship...and of course to EAT! :) I was sitting there and two of the ladies told me they remembered my parents and brother from a "long time ago", and I was overwhelmed once again about how neat it is to be raised in the church, and to remain a part of the people you were brought up to love and appreciate. I was so thankful that my parents had been part of an organization that they loved and respected, and that they took us to meetings in the district and to national meetings so that I could meet others "just like me".

As I write, my mind thinks about the awesomeness of Truth, and how great it is to have friendships/acquaintances from all over the world. These people love Truth with every fiber of their being! They would give their lives for "so great salvation"! I know a lot of these people personally, and I know the strong devotion they have for God, and the love they have for one another. These friendships have "stood the test of time", and the Truth is what has been our "common denominator". True, pure love from these beautiful people has kept me through the years, and has given me a solid foundation upon which to build strong relationships that have not crumbled.

No wonder when we all come together in one big meeting we can feel comfortable! Truth has set us free from the bondage of sin, and the attitudes that would divide. I'm thankful for God's love that we've been given, and I am thankful for the love of "fellow travelers" who have realized that we are only "passing through this land" and that our time here on earth is not for long. We have seen the "lights of home" and we intend to walk through the gates of that beautiful city, and we will enjoy walking on streets of purest gold...together.

What is Heaven going to be like? I guess we'll have to wait and see, but I think I've got a pretty good idea, because I've had a little taste of Heaven here on earth!

My Heart Sings

Last night we went to the Installation Service for Pastor Jeff and Lee Jones. The presence of the Lord was felt throughout the service. One of the ministers that was introduced sang the chorus of this beautiful song: "Just to Walk With Him". My mind, my heart, my soul was like a sponge as I recognized the words to this song has been and still is my very heartbeat! I don't want anything to take the place of my time with Jesus! Here are the words.

Just to walk with Him means everything to me.
Just to know He's there and His hand is leading me.
Though the world may pass me by, go their way, let me be.
Just to walk with Him means everything to me.

For the last few days my heart has been singing songs of "yesterday", and as I sat at my piano here in my home, I felt the strength and power of the songs that kept flooding my mind. As I would sing I felt His presence come close.

I've been on the mountain with Jesus.
I've been in the valley so low.
But not one time has He failed me.
When to Him with my burdens I go.

So let me walk with you Jesus.
Don't ever leave me alone.
For without you I could never.
No, never make heaven my home.

Then...

What can He do with a life that's steeped in sin?
What can He do with no hope of life within?
Lift up the fallen man, out of the sinking sand,
Through Calvary's saving plan.
That's what He can do!

What can He do for you? Low helpless, sad, and blue?
He'll do what other friends can never do.
He hears each time you pray.
Drives all the doubts away.
Turns darkest night to day.

That's what He can do.

Who wouldn't want to serve Jesus Christ? He NEVER goes back on His promises. He has been what He said He would be in my life!

I could go on and on "singing" these songs because they are in my heart and I love to sing, but I will stop for now. I trust you all have a wonderful Sunday in the presence of the King!

Oh, I just can't stop without this song that came to my mind. It was written by my dear friend: Bobbie Shoemake

It won't be long now, 'til we see Jesus.
It won't be long, 'til He appears.
The lights of glory are shining brighter.
And I just feel it won't be long.

When the trumpet sounds, I will meet you all on the other side! We just might hear it this week!

Won't we have a time when we get over yonder?

Happy Birthday Daddy

Today is my Daddy's birthday. If he was still with us here on earth he would be 80 years old! I really miss Daddy and his wisdom. He was a man of true love, true character and true wisdom.

I would like to sit down and talk to him about all the events that have taken place over the last few years in just "my families" life. He would be so proud of Wendell and all he is doing. His heart would swell with pride over his grandsons and the churches they pastor. I can hear him giving Jonathan and Andrew advice and then telling them they're "doing a great job". Then, he would say, "You're just a chip off the ole block". Of course, meaning himself! :) I can hear him telling me he loves me and then turning around and saying something about my husband, whom he loved very much. Yes, I miss his deep booming voice, and the "whisker hugs" he would give me just when his face needed to be shaved!!!

But, I can say without hesitation, one of the things I miss the most is hearing him talk about Heaven! Daddy LOVED to sit and talk, but when it came to his favorite subject Heaven, he could talk for hours about what he thought it would be like. The walls of jasper, gates of pearl, Jesus on the throne, worship and praise, and heavenly music all around. He loved quoting Revelations 21, and I loved hearing him quote it, and it seemed as if all of heaven came down! I wish he was here today so that he could experience all the benefits of his dedication and love for truth. But, since he is not here...I have NO DOUBT that he is HAPPY where he is in HEAVEN...(happy home above).

So, on this day, his 80th birthday let me say once again...

"Daddy, it won't be long till we will see you again. We know where you will be when we enter the gates of that city you preached about all my life. We know where you'll be waiting for us, and as soon as we can make our way through the streets of that city, we will meet you "in front of the throne". I can't give you a gift that is bought with money, but I can and will give you the gift of "meeting you again in front of the throne". When we get there we will have one BIG PARTY and it won't even matter what age you're suppose to be, for we will live on forever with a brand new body that will never grow old!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY! We will all see you again soon!

Back Home From Michigan

After a long day of travel we arrived back home in Texas! Our plane was delayed for a short time leaving Flint. We were suppose to have a lay-over in Detroit, but because we left Flint later than expected, we arrived in Detroit in time to get to the gate where we were to board the plane for our next flight. As everyone was boarding the plane I ran and grabbed a sandwich for us to have a little snack once we got settled in our "little spot" on the plane. I was the last one on the plane. The rush I was in was quite exhilarating! :) We found our row and sat down, not knowing we would be there for quite awhile. Just as we started to wonder when we were going to take off the pilot came on the speakers saying the plane was going to get a "bath to get rid of anything foreign that might have attached itself to the plane". I looked out of the window and saw a "de-icing machine" coming toward the plane. I also saw a few snow flakes starting to fall! We were really wanting it to snow while we were there in the "cold country" and NOW it looked like it just might...after we were on the plane! :(

Talking about the "cold country"....according to the temperatures we saw in Flint, (20's and 30's)... it didn't feel THAT cold. Sis. Henson laughed because I was carrying my coat over my arm most of the time I was there and SHE was wearing her coat to keep warm! Then, when we arrived in Houston it was 76 degrees and I got COLD! Now, figure that out! When I walked into the restaurant it was FREEZING. It felt like we were in the North Pole!

Ok...back to our flight....we finally took off and was having a good flight when the pilot came over the loud speaker. "We are asking everyone to be seated, buckle your seat-belts, and remain seated until the seat-belt light goes off. We will be coming into some light to moderate turbulence for the next 10 minutes. Thank you for your cooperation." I closed my eyes and asked Jesus to take care of us, took a deep breath, and then a scripture came to mind. "He that dwelleth in the secret place....shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty..." I was confident He knew exactly where we were at as we flew in the "wide open skies He had created" and I felt His peace come to my mind! I won't say I wasn't nervous at all, but I wasn't as scared as I would have been if I hadn't focused on the One who is the "Master of the wind"! We were then informed that our pilot had been told to go a different route to avoid bad weather. We had to fly "out of the way" and that put us arriving about an hour later than we expected, but we were safe and that was important! We were definitely ready to get out of the plane when we arrived in Houston, but I'm sure glad there was someone in a tower that gave the pilot instructions on where to go to "skirt the storm".

I thought about our "adventurous day" for a little while. We could have flown into the storm without knowing there was danger ahead, but instead we just had to go through a short time of "rough sky", because someone in a tower was watching over us. I wonder how many times God has sent us a different route so we wouldn't go straight into the "storm"? We might have gone through some uncomfortable turbulence and thought it was a "storm", but only God knows how He kept us from being totally destroyed!

Arriving home was nice. Wendell and I feel good. We are tired in body from the long day of travel, but alive and well in our spirits. I really can't put into words the contentment, satisfaction, and the feeling of fulfillment I have tonight. We had a wonderful time with friends, some "new" friends, a new church family, and we feel our lives have been made richer because of these wonderful people. Once again, I can only imagine what Heaven is going to be like.

When with the Savior we enter the gloryland;

Won't it be wonderful there?

Heaven...It's Real

Tonight I sat down at my piano and started playing and singing. After Wendell and I practiced a song that we have been wanting to sing, I kept singing.

Our life has been quite busy the last several weeks, or should I say months. After I sang one song after another, I started singing about Heaven.

The songs went like this...

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.

Then I sang...

We read of a place that's called heaven.
It's made for the pure and the free.
These truths in God's Word He hath given.
How beautiful heaven must be.

How beautiful heaven must be,
Sweet home of the happy and free.
Fair haven of rest for the weary,
How beautiful heaven must be.

My heart was lifted up as I continued singing...

I want to go there. I want to go there.
Christ said I could go, His Word tells me so,
The beauties of Heaven to share.
I want to go there. I mean to go there.
A mansion awaits just inside those gates,
And I want to go there.

The presence of the Lord came to me as I sang about my home that is prepared and waiting for me to enter!

HEAVEN....what a place it's going to be! Walls of jasper, streets of gold, gates of pearl, a chrystal river flowing by the tree of life...YES it's real and I want to go! I can't even imagine the beauty that is within the gates of that city!

Then the thoughts came to me about all those who are waiting for me when I get there.

Daddy
Mother
Keith
Mom Elms
Pop Elms
Grandma Pound
Grandpa Pound
Grandma Layne
Grandpa Layne
Bro. McCoy
Sis. Opal

Oh yes! There are MANY SAINTS who are waiting for us "on the other side"! I could continue naming people who are dear to me, but I thought I would leave it open for those of you who might happen upon this blog, or those of you who faithfully read it, to think of your loved ones who have gone on to their reward.

Another song just came rushing into my thoughts...

At the sounding of the trumpet
When the Saints are gathered home,
We will greet each other by the crystal sea.
With the friends and all the loved ones
There awaiting us to come.
What a gathering of the faithful that will be.

What a gathering....gathering....
At the sounding of the glorious jubilee.
What a gathering....gathering....
What a gathering of the faithful that will be.

I definitely plan on being there...

When the saints from every nation gather 'round the throne in gloryland.
I intend to be among that number standing at the Lord's right hand.
While eternity shall roll along within that happy gloryland.
I'll be singing there around the throne with the eternal glory band.

I'll be singing there in gloryland so bright and fair.
I'll be numbered with that heavenly host up there.
When a million years have come and gone in gloryland.
I'll be singing there around the throne with the eternal glory band.

I know I've pulled out some "oldies"...but they are still "goodies"! Singing songs about Heaven brings me back to the realization that "there really is a Heaven" and "I plan on going there"!

Let your mind reach back and remember songs about your "beautiful home". You will feel your spirit soar and your heart will be lifted up to know that "It Won't Be Long Till We See Jesus"!

Very Special Day

Today, we celebrate two beautiful parents who lived according to the Word of God, and wrapped their lives around HIM!

Daddy and Mother are celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary on the streets of gold. They have probably taken a stroll down to the "River of Life" holding hands, talking, and I'm sure Mother is giggling about something!

While growing up, I sat at the dinner table many nights and listened as Daddy talked about Heaven and how wonderful it would be to go there. Daddy and Mother would sing songs about Heaven, and we would listen as he gave his version of what he thought it would be like. I never saw him more excited than when he talked about "that beautiful home".

Ronda and Karla, today on the other side, I'm sure Daddy and Mother are enjoying the ultimate Anniversary Celebration as they reminisce about "life" and what a great time they had while here on earth. I know they are talking about that day when the trumpet sounds and we walk through the "pearly gates". But, remember...don't even stop and look around to find them at the gate, because they won't be standing there as we walk in. They will be "in front of the throne" waiting! I know they are making their plans for when we get there.

I'm just thinking....I'm not so sure they haven't left the river to go talk to Jesus, and tell Him they think it's time for the trumpet to sound!

Maybe it won't be much longer....

A Quick Reminder

THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME!

I'm so glad I don't have to worry about what this world "is doing" or "is not doing"! I am thankful for my HOME on the other side, and for friends and family who are making the journey with me! Love you all!