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.  

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!

Pure Worship

I will be right up front and tell you that I'm fired up!  When I walked in my house tonight I was very tired and really thought I would be going to bed after washing my hair, but my mind decided to review some things I had read this week.

1.  I received an article in my email about "male-friendly churches".  Here is what I said about it on Facebook:

Reading an email from the Leadership Journal my mind became a little frustrated! What caught my attention was the Subject line in the email. You might have received the same one. "Make Your Church Male-Friendly". :-/ Evidently, this problem exists in churches that are not Apostolic. Didn't Jesus have 12 disciples that were MEN? They definitely were not "pansies"! Since our churches follow the Apostolic doctrine and separation from the world and it's thinking, I don't think REAL MEN have a problem of needing our churches to be more MALE-FRIENDLY. From what I've observed, it takes a REAL MAN to follow Jesus and His teachings! If the church world isn't careful they will be making church another gender debate! In my opinion we do not need to stoop to the leadership level of the "church world" and try to fashion our churches after their thinking. Yes, we need Men's Ministry, and we have it. REAL MEN that want to have a MAN-FRIENDLY church can find it when they seek TRUTH in Apostolic Churches! This is just a little that's been going on in my mind this evening. :-)

2.  On a FB page I'm part of, someone had come to a music director and asked if he could find "manly songs" to sing in church.  This was my reply to that request:

OK...I've read a lot of the posts, but I want to say that I am tired of the "world's thinking" and "church world's thinking" infiltrating OUR thinking. The Apostolic Church should never be drawn into the "carnal thinking of the church world". (I'm pretty sure most of us are Apostolic.) As Apostolic worship leader's we should raise our thoughts and hearts higher than the thinking of those who do not possess the precious gift of the Holy Ghost and know God in all Truth! Relationship with Jesus is not "sensual, sexual, and intimate in the way the world thinks". It is pure and holy! Sing songs that lift Jesus up and speak of relationship with Him! When a person has been rejuvenated from the power of Almighty God and their mind has been changed from the "old man", their thinking changes and they want to be drawn into His presence. Just a final thought...If there's a song that feels a little "strange" when we sing it, or something in our spirit doesn't feel right, maybe we shouldn't be singing it. If we're living close to God like we should be the Holy Ghost will lead us in what we should and shouldn't sing.

I do not feel like I have the answer to all of this, but since I wrote on Facebook, I remembered a statement my husband said to me a few weeks ago.  I can hear his voice very clearly as he said, "Honey, I'm afraid that what's happening is that the devil is trying to destroy our praise and worship through some of our music and songs we (our churches) are singing."  That hit me like a brick!  My husband is a man of few words, but when he speaks I sit up and take notice.  And, when he speaks about the things of God my ears, heart and mind listen very intently.  

Let me quote again what I said at the end of one of my Facebook posts:  "If there's a song that feels a little "strange" when we sing it, or something in our spirit doesn't feel right, maybe we shouldn't be singing it. If we're living close to God like we should be the Holy Ghost will lead us in what we should and shouldn't sing."  We definitely need to be led by the Holy Ghost!

If you know me at all, you know that I love music and that I do my best to flow with the times.  This is not what I'm talking about right now.  What I want to say is this:  One of the things our Apostolic churches have been known for is our music, and the power that falls when we are singing and worshiping the Lord.  I could talk a long time about the the powerful services we have had when a group or a choir began singing and the glory of God filled the sanctuary.  My mind goes to many services where I saw men and women with their hands raised, tears streaming down their faces as they worshiped God through song.  One of the most powerful times I remember is when our choir was singing "At Your Feet".  The song brought men and ladies to the altar, some came out of the choir and they fell to their knees in worship to Almighty God!  There are many songs that are about relationship to Jesus, such as "Jesus, I love You because you care.  I couldn't imagine if you weren't there."  Our congregation (men and women) was once again moved into the spirit of worship.  Who cannot worship when you're singing about the One who gave His life so we could be free from sin?  

Hence my concern...satan would love to destroy the "pure worship" we have in our churches by attacking the meaning of the songs we sing!  The world is full of sin and those who have forgotten WHO they were when they were born.  I can't help that some have decided to have a demented relationship with someone of the same sex,  and that some of them think about a relationship with Jesus as being a "lover relationship".  I can't help that they choose to live like they do, but I can stop the onslaught of satan that is doing his best to destroy our PURE WORSHIP to Jesus Christ!  Let's not forget who Jesus IS!  He is God manifested in the flesh that came to earth to redeem us from our sin!  We must be careful that our mind is not contaminated by the carnal thinking of the world that causes us to think in the same sick way that the world does.  Let the Church be the Church!  Let us stand up and stand against the trick of the enemy, and sing songs of worship to our King and Savior, Jesus Christ!  I will not let the very one that was cast out of heaven because of his pride, stop me from singing about my love to the One that gave His ALL for me.  

I challenge every music director to pray against the sensual spirits that are trying to destroy our pure worship!  I challenge you to stand up and sing with more conviction, and power than ever before.  I challenge you to pull out some songs about "power in the blood", "the old rugged cross", and sing about "when He was on the cross...I was on His mind."  Soften the music, soften the drums, let the guitars and bass be silent for a few lines while you sing, and sing about the Name of Jesus!  See what will happen in your churches when you sing "Oh, love of God...how rich and pure!"  Watch people sing with tears flowing down their face as they remember where He brought them from.  

SING CHURCH SING!  DON'T LET THE WORLD TAKE YOUR SONG! 

Music Reflections

While getting ready to retire for the evening my mind started working.  It seems that is when I get a "thought" to write about and I know I will not rest until it has been "written on paper" or at least typed someplace.  Tonight, I chose my blog.

I have written many times about music and songs that have been a part of my life, but tonight this thought came rushing in.  "I have been "expected" to learn all different styles of music through my life.  Why not "expect" those who are learning to play to do the same?  Why, should they get off the hook by saying, "I don't know how to play that style."?

I'm going to rewind life a few years and let you see a little bit into how I was taught to play.  Are you ready?

1.  I was taught that music was important.  That's not necessarily how it was said, but the actions of my parents and family were such.  As a young child I was "expected" to sing the songs when the adults were singing. I didn't have a choice of whether I liked it or not.  When it was time to sing EVERYONE sang, and if you knew how to play an instrument, you played.

2.  When I was old enough to take piano lessons, Mother decided I was going to take them.  I don't remember there ever being an option.  She found a piano teacher who taught classical music, and I went to piano lessons weekly.  Mother could have taught me to play at home, but wanted me to learn the "basics".  I took piano lessons for several years, and I was "expected" to practice piano thirty minutes a day.  That's a long time for a 4th grader!  I couldn't go play outside until my homework and piano  lessons were  finished.

3.  When I was about 12-13 years old (I think) Mother decided I needed to take accordion lessons!

After learning the basics, I was told I needed to start playing the accordion IN CHURCH!  No one would hear me and it was good training.  After all, if you're not going to play an instrument in church, why even learn to play?  That was the thinking I was brought up with.

4.  At the age of 15-16, my brother started a youth choir.  He asked me to play the piano.  I nearly died!  I told him I wasn't going to do it, so he appealed to a higher authority which happened to be our Dad, who was the Pastor.  Needless to say, I played for the youth choir!  I can still hear Keith's words..."If you think you're going to marry a preacher, then you better be learning to play the piano in church!" Well, Keith, as you know, "I married a preacher and the rest is history." I love you for pushing me to do what I thought I couldn't do, and thank you for believing in me.

  5.  During these years I was told I was going to play the piano for song service.  I was scared out of my mind!  I just knew everyone would hear all the mistakes I'd make and besides that there were very good musicians that would be sitting in the congregation and they should be the ones playing.  What I didn't realize at that time was I was being trained to pick up the mantle of music so I could be a blessing to my future husband, and the churches we would be in as evangelists.  Then, when we became the pastor of a church I could help out in the music department.  One thing that helped me during this time was Mother told me to practice "church songs out of the songbook" at home.  I didn't know how she "walked the bass with her left hand" and at the same time kept her right hand going with the melody.  I thought I would never get the hang of it!  Many times she stopped what she was doing to show me how she played the song.  It looked so easy when she was playing, but when I sat back down and played, it just didn't flow.  I finally decided through many tears that I would sing the song and play the bass with my left hand.  Then, I would play the melody with chords on my right hand.  I practiced that over and over, then I tried putting left hand and right hand together!  It's a wonder I didn't kick the piano over a few times out of frustration!  I did end up in tears many times!  Do you think Mother was sympathetic?  No way!  She would just say, "Just keep working at it.  You'll get it someday!"  When I "HAD TO" play in church, it made me feel better to know that Mother or Bro. Lindley would play the organ.  That way no one could hear all the mistakes I'd make!  

6.  After Wendell and I got engaged he shocked me one day by saying, "Let's go over to the church and practice some songs so we can sing together on the evangelistic field."  Once again, I nearly died!  I told him I couldn't play and sing at the same time.  Besides, he wanted me to play the accordion and him to play the bass and I just KNEW I couldn't do it.  Finally, after many mistakes, a few disagreements, some laughter and tears, we got it together!

Oh, I could go on and on!  I have so many memories of being MADE to play in front of people!  I'm SO GLAD Mother never gave up on me!  I have played many hours in church services, and have a very thankful heart for a Mother that saw a plan for my life, and charted my course so I would be able to fulfill my place as a minister's wife.

Many years later my sister, Karla stretched my abilities again.  She "expected" me to learn new choir songs that was a different style of music, harder keys, and different beats.  Some I never really "got", so I was really thankful for a great bass player and drummer that "knew the beats".  Then newer praise and worship choruses were introduced, and for me, they were not "easy" to play.  Did I get off the hook just because I didn't know how to play that style?  No!  I was pushed to learn a different style!  Was it my favorite style to play?  No!  I still liked the "traditional-Pentecostal-out of the songbook-southern gospel style of music."  After all, I had worked HOURS to learn to play it so that's what I was comfortable with.  I am still not comfortable playing some styles, and honestly do not feel I do a good job at it, but I refuse to give up.  Why?  I am a musician!  I have a talent to give to the Lord, and a desire to be a blessing in His Kingdom.  Besides, I was trained and taught that playing in church was the greatest place to use my talents and abilities.  Are there musicians that are a whole lot better than me?  YES!  But, I also know there are some that are awesome in some styles, but really do not know how to play "my style".  Am I bragging?  No.  I have nothing to brag about, but I do have a lot of years of being in the work of God and I'm wanting to stand up and say...

WE NEED MORE MUSICIANS who are COMMITTED to the work of God so much that they'll do WHATEVER IT TAKES to learn what needs to be learned, so they can be a blessing in whatever field they are placed!  Don't be so easy on yourself!  Musician,  APPLY yourself to be more than you are now.  You're going to have frustrations and tears, but there is so much JOY when you do the thing you thought you couldn't do!    So what if you you don't know how to play "that style".  LEARN IT!  Find someone one that knows how to play it, and let them teach you.  They may feel a little intimidated or even a little old-fashioned, but they have something to teach you.  It would do them good to feel they are investing in the future.  I know it's not always EASY to play something different, and it seems you'll never "get it",  but STRETCH yourself anyway, so that you're able to fulfill the needs of a congregation when called upon.

I really need to go to bed, but feel the urgency to go to the piano to PRACTICE!  Unfortunately, that's not possible at this time of night, but as soon as I get a chance I'm heading to the piano and probably to the prayer closet so I won't be too frustrated when I'm learning those new songs.  But, one thing for sure, before I get up from the piano I will go back in memory and pull out a "golden-oldie" and sing and play "to my heart's content".

The Beauty of the Song

Sitting in my room tonight waiting on some more of our friends and family to arrive, I find myself really excited about tomorrow. The hotel lobby will be full of people excited about seeing their friends. There will be a lot of smiles, handshakes, and hugs as we greet each other. General Conference is really like a big family reunion!

When we arrived, we checked into our very nice room, then almost immediately called the Shoemake's to let them know we were on our way to their room. Don't worry, we had been invited. LOL! Bobbie knew that I was very anxious to get her new CD, so she had it ready for me when I walked through the door! I've listened to it and absolutely love it! I've listened to her sing all my life, and it doesn't matter where we are or what time of day it is, when she sits down at the piano, the atmosphere in the room changes. I've been reflecting about her singing tonight, and wrote a little note on her Facebook page. I thought I'd share it with you....

"Bobbie, YOU are simply AMAZING! I've listened to you all of my life, and when you sit down at the piano and start playing, the presence of God enters wherever you may be. You minister to everyone around, and God even comes to enjoy the gift He gave you! THANK YOU for following your heart and recording again! I wish every home had this CD so they could experience what I have through life. I love you and I can't wait to get MY CD!"

Now that I've listened to it, I can say:

1. It's Bobbie Shoemake...her style.
2. You won't hear a lot of extra music. She doesn't need the "filler".
3. Since she is playing the piano and accordion on this CD you will enjoy her voice and style of music.
4. It's simply....Bobbie.
5. It's a wonderful CD to play as you go to your "prayer time".
6. While listening, I felt tears streaming down my face, because of the presence of the Lord I felt.

Now, for those of you who do not know what I mean by "Bobbie Shoemake style" you will need to experience it. For those who know her, you will understand what I'm saying when you hear it for yourself. In our modern age of technology we have grown accustomed to a lot of music. We get sidetracked while we listen to the awesome musicians and all the "licks" they can do on their instrument, not realizing that in the midst of the "noise" we lose the beauty of the song. When you listen to Bobbie sing on her new CD you will not get lost in the "noise", but you will find yourself knowing the One who gives the song.

BOBBIE SHOEMAKE'S NEW CD RELEASED!!

YES! I am very EXCITED tonight! I am listening to Bobbie Shoemake's NEW CD, "The Real Me" that was released on Oct. 5. I have to say I'm more excited about this new CD than I am the new iPhone that came out this week. When Bobbie sings there is a depth to her song and you can feel the presence of God as she ushers Him to wherever you may be. I am wanting everyone to buy this CD or download the MP3. You will NOT be disappointed! I PROMISE!

Home...Where the Heart Is

Today I decided to stay "home". Even though I am living in a motor home, it is still "home" to me. My "little space" is an oasis from the busy-ness of life, and I'm thankful I have it. Yes, I will be happy when my house sales and we can get all of our "familiar things" moved to a new home, but as of "right now", I am going to enjoy a few hours of being in my "home on wheeles".

Life can get complicated and frustrating, if we allow it to affect us in this way. It's not worth the stomach ache, head ache, aching muscles, and frustrated mind! "Cast all your care upon HIM for He careth for YOU!" HE knows the "why" of your situation.

This past weekend was another time I enjoyed very much. We were invited to speak at a "Life Conference" in Section 8. On Friday night was a Sectional Rally in which my husband ministered. It was wonderful and brought strength to all in attendance. After church we got to fellowship with some of the ministers.

Pastors: Hopper, McMahon, and Strawn

Sis. Strawn and Sis. Hopper

Sis. Hendrick, and Sis. McMahon On Saturday morning the Ladies of Section 8 came together for worship and the Word. Kaylynn Strawn is the Ladies Leader for this section and does a wonderful job in leading and speaking to the ladies. Her presentation of "Just One Woman" was so touching and made me thankful "Jesus stopped by" to talk to me one day. Sis. Knight, presbyters wife, spoke about "The Soil of Our Heart". In her own quiet, put-together style she brought the Word alive in our hearts and minds. Beautiful! Dayna Mcmahon lead us in worship through song. She is anointed by God to lead and does a great job on the keyboard. I wish I had just a little bit of her voice! Beautiful! I was asked to speak and it was such a privilege. With the ladies hearts wide open to hear the Word of the Lord we had a wonderful time together as the Lord ministered to our needs. He spoke directly to us and confirmed His Word, and I was thankful to know His approval was on us. After the service we were invited by Dayna and her ladies to a luncheon at a beautiful Bed and Breakfast. It was very lovely and the food delicious!

On the steps of the Bed and Breakfast: Sis. Knight, Me and Sis. McMahon We had been invited back to Copperas Cove to minister, so we headed for another great weekend with this church. The presence of God was again manifested throughout the services and we were swept into His presence as the musicians played and the singers sang. Sunday night was another "highlight" for us. The choir got up to sing. The musicians started playing and I sat in AWE when I recognized one of the hardest songs for a choir to do, and musicians to play!!! "PSALM TWENTY-THREE" was done with such precision and power that you couldn't stay seated! It was like an electrical line from heaven to earth had been attached to me and I was pulled out of my chair in worship and praise. I know other choirs do the song, but I had only heard Life Tabernacle Sanctuary Choir sing it. I was totally impressed with the choir director and her ability to "pull the music" out of those under her leadership. The greatness of God is so awesome when you witness how He uses each individual for His glory!

I must go and take care of some things that are pressing, but I want you to have a wonderful day. No matter what you are doing today...out and about...busy as a bee...at home taking care of a million things that must be done...or just "being home"...let your heart be refreshed with His presence and let it be a reminder that "This world is not our home...we're just passing through...our treasures are layed up...somewhere beyond the blue..."

Keep travelling on...

Homer Weekend

I hope you are all having a wonderful day! We are "waiting" for the wind and rain to hit here from Hurricane Gustav. We've been told by authorities here that they are thinking we will get only 3-5 inches of rain, which I'm thankful for. I guess we'll just keep waiting until.....

Jonathan sent Brenda and the girls to us on Saturday, then he came Sunday afternoon, after they had a Sunday morning service. Of course, a lot of people had already evacuated, but they had a backslider pray through, and had new visitor. Jonathan was glad he stayed!

Yesterday, my husband was invited to preach at Homer, TX, just outside of Lufkin, and we had a great time! Last night, Jonathan, Brenda and the girls went with us and it was wonderful having them with us in church! We don't get that opportunity very often, so it was really nice!

We had awesome church and the presence of God was wonderful! It was a great experience! Their music was different from what I've been use to, but it was refreshing. Simple chords, beat, and words! I told a man who played one of the guitars that all they needed was a good "fiddle player"! Everyone sang with ALL THEIR HEARTS and you could feel the excitement as we praised the Lord. Everyone had such a passion for God, and their passion was contagious, and I found myself being carried into the presence of God. Bro. and Sis. Frankens and family were so enjoyable to be around. You could tell they were sold out to serving God and others.

In our travels we get to visit a lot of churches, and we have experienced all types of worship and praise. I love seeing how God uses so many different personalities to do His work. I really do love it!

Well, the trees are starting to move a little more from the wind that is picking up. I'm not worried or concerned about the storm. I know we are in His hands. There's not a safer place to be! If it gets too "wild" we will head over to the "camp kitchen" with the McInnis' and TBC students who are still here. Like Bro. McInnis said, "At least we will have something to eat if we're in the kitchen." :)

TEXAS CAMP MEETING

I will not take the time to elaborate on what all has happened this week, but I can just say...WOW! To "kick off" the week there was a TBC Benefit Concert on Monday night, and I want to say that it was wonderful! The singers sang with passion and anointing. We had a wonderful variety of music, from "Bluegrass Gospel, to "good ole' Pentecostal singing, to contemporary. We were touched by the Holy Ghost as the songs mininstered to our hearts, and I was proud once again to be part of The United Pentecostal Church. You won't find better music anywhere! Tuesday morning Camp Meeting "officially" started. We have heard powerful messages, and solid teaching in each session. There has not been a "down time" since it started! The "spirit of unity" has definitely been felt here on the "ole' camp ground". I can honestly say I've never been to a better Camp Meeting, and I'm thrilled to be here!

One of the highlights of the week for me was today when I walked into the tabernacle and heard Sis. Robbie Guidroz playing the piano in the morning Bible Study. Bro. Guidroz was the Devotional Speaker and he had her play for worship. I love listening to her as she skillfully "tickles the ivorys" to the glory of God! She is a beautiful lady through and through, and one of my "favorite people"!

I will share some Camp Meeting pictures with you at a later time, but I just wanted to say a little today about what has been happening. Have a wonderful evening. I will try to post a little more tomorrow.

Quick Post

I wanted to write a real quick post before going to sleep tonight and just say I will be posting about our weekend in Deweyville soon. We had a great time and I took some pictures I want to share, so keep watching for them. I have not been able to post today, because we have been on the road to Wichita Falls. We needed to pick up a few things that we've needed so decided to take a FAST trip to get them. Of course, knowing they were having choir practise at the church I got there as quickly as I could to see a few who were still standing around talking. It did me a lot of good to get a lot of hugs and smiles. I will go to sleep tonight with a contentment knowing I am loved!