The Ordering of Steps

Today started out to be a "normal" day, but there was something special planned for us! I believe, as most of you do, that our "steps are ordered by the Lord".

At noon, Wendell and I went to lunch, as is our routine. We had a good, lunch, then sat back and waited for the waitress to bring our ticket so we could pay out. After the last refill of tea she told us that our lunch had been paid for by an "Anonymous" person. We were surprised! Whoever it was...if that person happens to read my blog I want you to know that we appreciate the gesture of kindness and love. THANK YOU!

We got up from the table, and while my husband was talking to a friend, who had come in while we were eating, I stepped outside to get warm. The sunshine felt so good! As I stepped outside, I passed a lady coming into the restaurant. I knew she was a Pentecostal lady and I was almost sure I had seen her before. We spoke, and she went on inside. I stood outside waiting for my husband. He never came out! The friend he had been talking to had been gone for awhile, so I figured he was talking to someone else. I slowly made my way back into the restaurant, and saw my husband enjoying conversation with a man. I knew he had to be the ladies husband I had spoken to earlier. I was right! Just as I stepped up to my husband, this lady joined her husband and we met. That was the beginning of several hours of conversation today.

I'll get back to the "story" in a minute, but I want to say...One thing I absolutely love about being where we are at this time in life are the many opportunities we have to meet minister's and wives. I love making new friends and I treasure those times very much. Anytime we can be with minister's and their families, I am happy!

Back to "today"...We stood and talked for a long time, until we were invited to "sit down and visit" with our "new friends". I chuckle to myself because I can hear those who know me real well say, "you were invited out of self-defense"! :-) Let me just say that what started out a "lunch with my husband" turned out to be "an afternoon of fellowship.

Missionary David and Kathy Brott from the Philippines made their way into our hearts during those several hours of sitting in Cotton Patch, and later at Olive Garden. I'm really glad that their evening appointment with a pastor did not work out. I know they would have loved sharing their burden with a Pastor and his church, but getting to be with these wonderful people today was just what God ordered for us. Thank you, Bro. and Sis. Brott for welcoming us into your life. We enjoyed the "visit"!
Sis. Brott and I talked, and talked, and talked, and talked! We found out we have a whole lot "in common".
When you are both married to men who are preacher's of the gospel, and you have been in full-time ministry for many years with your husband, AND have grown children, AND grand-children, AND go to General Conferences, AND travel, and...and...and...I think you know what I'm saying...you do have a LOT "in common". We serve the same God, believe the same doctrine, love living a life that is pleasing to the Lord, love people, love friends, love...love...love... It's just so refreshing and FUN to have so much to talk about to a "new friend".

In the family of God we really should never meet a stranger! We're all in this TOGETHER! It's beautiful to experience and enjoy the freedom of friendship. No big "I's" and little "You's"! We are all working together to see God's work go forward. We are all heading to the same place that is out of this world. We are all looking for "His glorious appearing and listening for the sound of the trumpet"! Yes, I love making "new friends", and the thing I love about it all is that someday we will ALL be together "forever".

God bless all of our missionary's and their families, at home or abroad! You are some of my HEROES!

Winds Blow...Then...Lay Down

We have experienced wind blowing this week! WIND! Some love it, others hate it! I'm one that doesn't like it when it's blowing hard, but enjoy a breeze especially if it's hot and humid. My husband does NOT like wind! Our daughter-in-law, Mandy loves it! She said "it makes me feel carefree, like I'm riding a motorcycle"! My Mother loved it when she was sheltered in her house, and she could open her windows and "hear it whistling" around the eaves of the house. As you see, everyone has different feelings and opinions about this part of nature. But, when a "life wind blows" and it feels like it's going to "blow your house down", I think I can safely say that all of us would rather have a "calm day".

A short time ago I wrote a post about "Praise Him Anyhow". Today, while reading what I wrote, I realized I was "writing to ME". The last few weeks I had a "wind come along and blow". It wasn't a "fierce wind", but one that definitely got my attention. I was "pre-warned" by the Weather Man of life, but didn't realize what it was all about until later. As I was trying to figure out what the "wind warning" was all about I was given another "heads up" from another source. I prayed, but even in my praying I felt "out of control" and "fearful"! Today, I decided I better turn it over to the "Master of the Wind" and I'm thankful that while on my knees I felt a "calm in the midst of the storm". It's as if God stepped on my boat and said, "PEACE! BE STILL!" He didn't have to yell at the "wind", all He did was "speak" in a clear, soft, voice, and the "wind" decided it better obey.

So, as I write a few words to encourage someone today, I am happy to say that no matter the "winds" that are blowing in your life, you can invite the Master to "speak to the wind of fear" and you will have PEACE!

"Jesus, please touch each situation today! You know the "winds" that are blowing in each life. You know how to control it, and bring peace to the minds of your people."

In Jesus Name...let it be so!

Special Birthday Wishes

Today is another SPECIAL DAY in my life! It was 36 years ago today that I became a Mother for the first time! It didn't take very long for our first born son, Jonathan Paul Elms to enter this world and when he made his appearance I couldn't have been happier. The years have flown by and it seems like yesterday that I had one of the greatest experiences in life. To bring our very own son into this world was more than my heart had words to say.

"Jonathan, you have brought so much joy to Dad and I. We could never thank you enough for being a son that has always honored and respected us. You have brought much joy into our lives with your talents in music, but when you decided that "music was not your calling" and accepted the call of God on your life to become a Preacher of the Gospel, we couldn't have been more thankful! Thank you for standing for truth and righteousness! Your life brings us much JOY! We pray this year is wonderful and the blessings of the Lord overflow abundantly!"

We love you!

Praise Him Anyhow

Upon hearing some disturbing news from a friend, my heart was saddened. I closed my eyes to just think and pray a moment, and the words to a song I haven't heard in years came to my mind. It is not one of the songs we hear all of the time, so when it invaded my thoughts it got my attention.

Lord, You are worthy.
Lord, You are worthy.
Lord, You are worthy to be praised.
For You have redeemed me, by Your great mercy.
Lord, You are worthy to be praised.

I then heard Sis. Nona Freeman saying..."Praise Him in the storm! Praise You, Jesus! Praise You, Jesus! I praise You, Jesus!"

Yes, even in the storm I will praise the Lord! Even when the sky is dark, I will praise Him. For trusting Him to take care of our needs, and our impossible situations is "ultimate faith". My human thinking see's "no way", but Jesus knows "the way". He can step into the deepest ocean of fear, and say "PEACE BE STILL" and the wind and waves will obey! Yes, when He walks into the scene of your situation, your situation will change immediately from darkness to light!

Trust Him...trust Him...that's what He wants. When He see's you're trusting Him in the midst of fear, He will bring you Peace. He's not wanting you to drown in the impossible! He doesn't walk away when you are fearful. In fact, because He understands that you feel out of control and helpless, He will come running to you to wrap you in a cocoon of peace and safety. He knows you're shaking. He knows you understand that you won't make it without Him. He knows you love Him! He knows you trust Him! He knows and...He loves you!

Trust Him! Love Him! Praise Him! Relax knowing He does all things well!

Oh! How I love Him! How I adore Him! My breath my sunshine, My all in all. The great Creator became my Savior. And all God's fullness dwelleth in Him.

Thank You, Jesus!

God's Peace

"God's abiding peace is in my soul today. Oh, I feel it now! Yes, I feel it now! He has taken all my doubts and fears away though I cannot tell you how."

The words to this song came to me just as I was getting ready to sign off and go to bed. Evidently, someone needs to read these words. I don't known what you are facing in your life, but God is there with you! When you're on the mountain top He is there. When you're in the valley, He is there! You do not have to be afraid, for He knew the storm was coming before it ever formed. Trust Him and lean into His strength. He will hold you up and shelter you from all harm!

"So let the storms rage high...the dark clouds rise...they won't worry me. For I'm sheltered safe within the arms of God. He walks with me and naught of earth shall harm me. For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.".

"Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand. But, I know WHO holds tomorrow. And I know Who holds my hand."

Birthday Wishes

10-10-10 is a very special day for me, because I gave birth to a bouncing baby boy THIRTY THREE YEARS ago, and we named him Andrew Keith! It doesn't seem possible that its been THIRTY-THREE YEARS! All through his life I have noticed his tenderness toward God and his very kind, sweet nature. He may be 6'5" and be a big man in stature, but he is a Teddy bear at heart to those around him. He is a great Pastor to a wonderful group of people who have given him their love and support. We are thankful Andrew is being used by God to preach the Word and to love hurting souls, bringing them to know God. His strong resolve to "love truth as it has been handed to him" is heartwarming to see. Andrew, Dad and I could not be more thankful for the love you have given us and for your strength of character you have portrayed in many situations in life. In difficult times you have shown great strength and love for God. Thank you for the love and respect you have given us. You've always honored us in words and actions and we appreciate it more than we can say. We love you!

Also, EIGHT YEARS AGO...we were blessed again with a beautiful grand daughter that was born on her Daddy's birthday! Alayna Joy came into our hearts with JOY and HAPPINESS! She has been one of life's greatest joys!Andrew and Mandy named her right when they gave her the middle name JOY! Singing, dancing, giggling and happy...are a few of the things I think of when I think of Alayna. Alayna, we love you so much...we can't stand it! Keep living for God and bringing JOY to everyone around you. You're a little sweetheart to Papa and Mimi!

Then...I do not want to forget another special person that was born on this day...CAMERON LAYNE HOLLEY!
Happy Birthday, Cameron! It's hard to believe you are NINETEEN years old! We have watched you grow up and turn into a great young man with a heart after God. Uncle Wendell and I are so proud of you and love you so much!

The Work of God

It has been a good day! I love it when there's not a lot of things bothering my mind. I'm thankful!

I am in the process of preparing for the Texas District Board Meetings that start Monday. I take care of the snacks for the meeting and enjoy doing it. It's fun serving those who are leading our district.

My mind goes back many years ago when I was a teenager. The Western District Board (California) was meeting at our church in Fresno. Our church was over the food and snacks for the meeting and I was asked to "serve the board" in the "board room". It was such an honor to serve men of God and I couldn't believe I was one of the ones chosen to serve. When I look back over the years, and the respect I had for those men a wave of thankfulness floods my heart that I could serve our leaders way back then! I was just a young teenager, yet was given an opportunity to serve!

I'm amazed at how God prepares us for the future. That wasn't the only training I had in serving preacher's and their wives, but it was one of the highlights of my young life. The thought went through my head, "What if I accidentally spill something on one of them, or drop a plate of food on the floor"? I was so shy and afraid I would do something wrong, but my Mother told me I had to do it, so I did! I believe she was looking down through the years, and was doing her part to train me for whatever God had planned for my life. I'm sure she didn't know my husband was going to be the Texas District Secretary in the future, but she was training me for whatever I could do in the kingdom of God, and she wanted me to be ready.

The years have flown by, and I am no longer the young teenage girl that served another district board so long ago, but I still look forward to serving great men. Men who love the work of God. Men who love the organization they are part of. Men who love those they serve. Men who love the Kingdom of God and wants to see it flourish in these last days.

When the Texas District Board meet in the board room next week I am sure there will be a time of prayer before they begin. Over the past two and a half years there have been times I've been at the office, in the kitchen, and heard the familiar sound of prayer coming from the board room. It wasn't a "quiet" prayer, but heartfelt, deep prayer that ushered in the presence of God! In the middle of my role as "Martha" I felt the awesome power of God and wanted to fall to my knees in prayer.

The men that have been elected by the ministers of the Texas District do not come together to have a fun-filled time, although there will be some laughter, but when they meet they want God to be with them as they make decisions that affect our district. Maybe you could join with me and breathe a prayer for the Lord to be with every decision they make next week. I'm sure they would appreciate it.

As usual, I really wasn't sure what I was going to write about when I sat down at my computer. But, maybe I gave you a tiny glimpse of the "work of God and those who are leading us". From my perspective, we are in good hands in the Texas District and I feel safe!

If you need a reminder...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love, no matter what!

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

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

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

Memories Made - General Conference 2010

Some pictures that I really love all by themselves.

Sisters...Oh, how I love these two!

The Elms Brothers...David, Wendell, Bernard, and Royce

With my sisters-in-law...Linda, Sandy, Linda, Annette

Now the slide show...(there's a game that scrolls across the bottom of the slide show. Click the X to remove it so you can see the captions of each picture)

There is nothing like getting together with friends and family from all over the nation and world. I love it more than I can express!

Home Again

We have had an incredible week at General Conference! It feels a little strange to be sitting at home tonight. Usually, we have to travel 2-3 days to get back home, but since conference was in Houston, TX we only had two hours to travel. Wendell is unpacked and ready to hit the ground running in the morning, and I'm in the process of unpacking. I've done some, but as you know ladies usually take more to conference, so it takes us longer to put it all away.

The conference was outstanding! We heard powerful messages, and anointed singing. I left refreshed, excited, more thankful than I was already, and happy! Now, you can't make it any better than that! There are still reports being put together of the final count of those who received the Holy Ghost last night at the crusade. I've been hearing the number 3,000. There were people on foreign fields and here in the states that were watching via webcast, and the reports kept coming in of those who were receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost! I'm anxious to hear the final count, and all the testimonies of what God has done!

The South Texas District did an outstanding job hosting the event! Their hospitality was TEXAS STYLE! Thank you, South Texas!

It was wonderful seeing so many friends and family! Although you get tired in body, there is nothing more enjoyable than being with those you love.

We are home and already getting ready for another meeting next week. Time keeps marching on, so we must be about our Father's business.

It's Been Great

I'm stopping by this morning before laying my head on the pillow to say, General Conference has been wonderful! Have I told y'all lately that I absolutely LOVE being with my friends and family? :-) I am tired and my feet are screaming at me, but I really hate to see it all come to an end. We have one more day and then GC 2010 will be history. I will miss seeing everyone, but I know that one day we will all be together FOREVER! What a great and glorious day that will be!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Fun, Food, and Fellowship

The fun, food, and fellowship has begun! We arrived this afternoon, and when we were unloading we were greeted by one of our dearest friends. It's always great to see Bobbie! She's like family to me, so our time at General Conference started off just right. Later, Bro. Shoemake joined us and we had a wonderful time with more friends and family. It seems like no one can quit talking, hence the reason I am typing this post at 3:18 A.M! This will be my life for the next five days, and I love it!

Since my body is tired, and my eyes are about to close, I am going to try and sleep. I have to be up in a few hours for a breakfast I will be attending.

Now....IF my brain will just turn off.....Goodnight....

General Conference Time

We are finally at the threshold of the week we have all been preparing for. I've listened to ladies talk about going shopping, and listened to them as they said they couldn't find anything in the stores this year. Being one that does not like to shop, it takes everything in me to go to the mall. I had to go this year for a few things, and had to go by myself. Through the years I've enjoyed my sister Karla going with me, but this year it wasn't possible to do our "two day shopping trip". We did get to shop for a couple of hours in Wichita Falls when I went to a wedding a few weeks ago, and we had a good time. Karla "makes me" try on clothes that I would never take off the rack. When I have to go by myself I hear her voice. "Linda, you don't know if it's going to fit or not if you DON'T put it on! You never know...it just might work!" :) It's nice having a "baby sister" that loves to tell the "older sister" what to do! Anyway, I don't know where all that is leading as I type, but before I get too deep in the middle of "sibling love" I will move on.

General Conference is almost HERE! To be honest, of which I am all the time anyway, I didn't want conference to be in Houston! I have nothing against Houston, but I love to travel two or three days to get to conference. Since it's in Houston we only get to travel a couple of hours and we're there! Also, it's been HOT here in East Texas up until today! I haven't been in the mood to put on "fall clothes" since it's been so hot. Who wants to wear "fall clothes" when it's in the 90's and above? Not me! Besides, the humidity that lingers in the air is enough to suffocate anyone who is brave enough to step outside! Talk about being transparent! I'm going to get in trouble from the Houstonians that just might read my blog. Now...let me make myself and everyone else feel better!

Earlier in the evening I looked outside and saw the trees waving in the wind. That was a strange sight here in East Texas, but the wind had picked up over the afternoon. I had been hearing about the beautiful weather that had come in north of us, so I imagined that the wind was "blowing out the heat" and bringing some cool air to us. After a few hours I stepped outside. What a WELCOME I got!!!! There was a cool breeze blowing, and the temperature had dropped to 68-70 degrees! FALL had arrived!!!!! It was wonderful to step outside and not "smother" from the humidity and heat!

I've been checking the weather for Houston off and on this week. My "weather sources" are showing it's going to be a beautiful, sunshiny, week. If the weather man is right, it's going to be in the mid 80's during the day and will drop about 20 degrees in the evening. They are also saying there is going to be zero precipitation!!!! For those who do not live in this area you might not understand the importance of ZERO PRECIPITATION! But, please take it from me...if it rains in TEXAS...it's not a sprinkle or two. If it's going to rain, it's most likely going to be a GULLY-WASHER and there is no way to stay dry if you have to be in and out of buildings! So, just to let anyone know that may be wondering if I'm feeling better about conference being close by...I'm feeling pretty good about now! :) I really don't think I've ever been as relaxed about packing. The way I see it is, if I happen to leave something at home that I DESPERATELY NEED, I only have two hours to drive home to get it!

I am really looking forward to seeing all my family and friends. When we get to be in one place at the same time, my heart is HAPPY! When I see those I have not seen for a long time, it's like a big "family reunion" and that makes me HAPPY! When I step inside that huge auditorium where the best music you have ever heard is playing, and the singers start singing, I'm HAPPY! When I hear the voices of thousands of people as they worship Jesus Christ, King above all kings, I'm HAPPY! Then to top off the service, I have the privilege of hearing some great, anointed preaching, and my soul is HAPPY! When we make our way through the crowd with friends or family, and can barely get out the door because the ones you are with, and ourselves, get stopped by so many people that it takes us a LONG time to get out and go eat, I'm HAPPY! The closest thing to realizing what it's going to be like when we all get to Heaven has got to be when people from all over the world come together for the UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH INTERNATIONAL GENERAL CONFERENCE! Yes, I'm HAPPY just thinking about it!

So...back to the stress of the shopping trips I've heard about and experienced. It doesn't matter to me whether you have on a new outfit or not. It's just going to be good seeing you! Your smile, your hug, and the warm hello's is all that really matters to me.

So....YA'LL HURRY UP AND GET HERE, because we're going to have a wonderful time, and I can't wait to see you!

Ponder

Tonight as I was going about the house taking care of things when a word I have not heard in a long time popped into my head. PONDER! Upon entering my mind, my mind started recalling things from the past. After awhile I decided to sit down and look the word up.

PONDER - 1. to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate. 2. to weigh careful in the mind; consider thoughtfully.

I can see him sitting in the living room. There is "noise" in the kitchen as supper is being cooked. There is "noise" coming from one of the bedrooms where music is being played. There's a young girl sitting at the piano practicing her piano lessons and there's "noise" because the "piano music" was not being played correctly. There he sits, in the middle of "noise", but he doesn't seem to notice. He's sitting quietly, looking at nothing, or no one. Upon seeing this scene, the young girl goes to the kitchen to inquire of her Mother. "What is Daddy doing? Why is he just sitting there and staring off?" The Mother had seen this many times throughout their marriage and knew exactly how to answer. "Your Daddy is meditating." That was quite a big word for the little girl to understand, so she asked, "What does THAT mean?" The Mother explained..."That means your Daddy is thinking about something important. He may be thinking about what he is going to preach tonight. He probably has a lot on his mind. Don't disturb him! He needs to be alone right now." The little girl nods her head, goes and looks at her Daddy again, but she wasn't about to disturb him, because he was "meditating".

This picture is painted vividly in my mind and it will never be thrown away. I remember it as if it were yesterday! I really believe that some of the greatest messages I've heard have come from men and women of God who took time to "ponder", and in those times God spoke to them and developed a message filled with "power, passion, and anointing".

Now, as I look back, I wish I could have crawled into my Daddy's mind and read the many thoughts that were there. He was a powerful preacher of the Word! He never had a diploma stating he had a doctors degree in theology, but he didn't need it. He was a studier of the Word of God. He loved talking about God and His Word more than anything else! He loved preaching and ministering to people. No, he may not have been "smart" in the world's eyes, but he really didn't care what they thought. He wasn't planning on staying here for very long anyway, but while he was here he wanted to preach the gospel to all who would listen. He preached without fear or favor, and it didn't matter if you agreed with him or not. When he had a word from the Lord, he wasn't fearful of man or the false doctrines that are destroying "relationship with Almighty God". Many years down the road I'm so glad I didn't interrupt when Daddy was "meditating, pondering, communing" with God! The messages I heard him preach through life, are what gave me the desire to have my own relationship with God. They are what made me WANT to be saved above all else! They are what gave me a glimpse of Heaven. Daddy made Heaven so real, and beautiful that nothing is worth me not going!

Daddy is not the only preacher I have seen "ponder...meditate". I have watched my husband as he was "in another world", and knew that this was not the time to disturb his thoughts. I have watched our sons, Jonathan and Andrew sit and stare! Oh yes, I recognized it! I knew they were being drawn into another place. I knew when they step to the pulpit that they would have the same "power, passion, and anointing" as their father, and grandfather.

In a few hours we will all gather in a sanctuary to spend time with God in Morning Worship. Preachers everywhere will bring the scriptures to life as they preach with "power, passion and anointing". I'm sure there were little girls and boys that watched their Daddy today, as he sat in the living room, staring off into another world. Mother's were asked the same question I asked..."Mommy...what is Daddy doing? He's just staring! "Oh honey...Daddy is meditating. Don't bother him."

Yes...the "cycle of life" continues....

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.

Teach 'Em, Train 'Em, Let 'Em Go...

My husband received a call yesterday inviting him to preach at the Texas Bible College service today. He accepted the invitation and I'm glad he did. We love young people and want to see them succeed in ministry. Our children, teenagers, and young adults are our greatest asset in the Kingdom of God. As life marches on, each generation comes on the scene and is used by God. Each one does what they were called to do, then the next generation steps in and takes the leadership. It is a beautiful "cycle of life"!

I love being around young people. They have ideas and dreams that have yet to be fulfilled, and the passion and call of God on their life pushes them to learn and develop. When I see young ladies that are learning to play, sing, teach and become leaders, I see myself so long ago. They want to be used by God...just as I wanted to be used by Him. They want to flow in the spirit...as I wanted to. But, one thing I see different in the way they are, and the way I was when I was their age is...they don't SEEM to be as fearful when asked to be up in front of a crowd. I stand in amazement when I see young ladies step to the platform with confidence, and I love watching as God takes their talents and uses them for His glory!

I really want to be an encourager to the next generation! I know they have things to learn, but so did we when we were young. I really think its good for us "seasoned" adults to remember that someone gave US a chance! I think back to the pastors that had us come and minister to their churches when we were young, and wonder how they did it. :-) I remember going to the piano after my husband's message. I was so scared that I wouldn't do it "just right", then after church the pastor's wife would compliment me and tell me what a great job I had done. I was thinking the whole time..."If you only knew the torture I go through to be up there"! But, as I look back, I'm sure she knew how I was feeling. She also knew how to encourage a young preacher's wife! I made plenty mistakes, but I had people in my life that would smile and say it was okay. I am thankful for those that sometimes "put up with my fumbling around". I'm so glad they didn't give up on that "young, scared preacher's wife".

Isn't "teaching, training and letting go" what life's all about? An elder becoming jealous of one they have trained does not make a lot of sense to me. Aren't we suppose to allow our "young" to come on the scene with their burden and dreams, then stand back and watch them as they are successful in their leading? This is the time of life I have been working towards. It's a beautiful time! I can either "wish for the good old days" or enjoy "today"! Today, I can relax knowing we have, and still are doing our part in training and leading the next generation into truth and righteousness. We can feel confident that we are giving them tools to lead the generations following THEM. My husband has said through the years that he wants "the younger ones to come along and stand on our shoulders so they can take the work to a higher level". I love his philosophy!

Yes, we are still running beside them in the "race", and do not plan on stopping for awhile longer, but we're also at a time in life that we can enjoy the fruit of our labor! It thrills me to watch and listen to those we have mentored through the years as they use their talents and calling from God! I love to hear them preach and sing. I love to hear them pray the prayer of faith. I love for them to lay THEIR hand on MY head and ask God to take care of my need. I love just standing around after church listening to young men and women as they teach me something I did not know, and they don't even realize they are helping me to understand THEM.

I feel that a good and healthy attitude to have, is to enjoy the "cycle of life" as it rolls along, allowing the young, strong and passionate to take the lead. If we have done our best at teaching, leading, and training, then we can know without a doubt that the Truth we have taught through the years will be preached without fear or favor!

In my heart I hear music playing. Wait! What is that song? Oh! That's it...

"Glory, glory hallelujah...His truth is marching on"!

A Few Rambling Thoughts

I love my life! God has been so good to me! I sit here tonight getting ready to go to sleep, and I think back over the day and the little things that make "life worth living". I don't have a lot to say, except for I've enjoyed being at home with my husband today. I loved watching him work around the house, doing "Honey Do's". I didn't tell him to do anything, but that's what he called it. He is quite a man! I am thankful he is not lazy!!! In fact, sometimes I have to tell him to stop working, because he has worked long enough and hard enough. I'm thankful he is the way he is. I wouldn't know how to act if I was married to someone who just wouldn't do what needs to be done. :) One thing for sure...he's not going to sit around.

This evening after the days work was finished, I came in the house, sat down at the piano and started playing. Sometimes I just want to sit and play, and sing, and sing, and sing. Today was a day like that. Singing and playing for me is soothing to my spirit. When I play the piano or organ, I can feel the stress of the day go away, and I start feeling my mind and body relax. There's something special about music that does that for me. At one point in my playing and singing I felt like I was ministering to my own "household". Of course, that would only be me and my husband. :) The presence of God came walking into our home, and I knew He was here. There was no grand entrance, just a quiet, peaceful calm that flooded in. I'm thankful for those times.

I have enjoyed visiting with friends and family today via the internet. I'm glad we have such a great invention. Of course, if everyone that's a Christian treats it as a "relationship tool" and not a "degrading instrument" we can enjoy it that much more. I'm glad I don't have to worry about friends or family that wants to tear down those they are connected to. Life is too short to get up tight over what someone else is doing "wrong". Thank you to those I am friends with for being Christ-like.

I have a heart filled with thankfulness tonight! There is a song that came to mind last night when I was reading my Bible that our ensemble at Life Tabernacle sang years ago. "If it had not been for the Lord on my side. Where would I be? Where would I be?" One of the times we sang the song was when we were invited to sing at a service where Bro. Urshan was preaching. When he finished preaching he asked us to sing it again. I don't know how long we sung, but it seemed like forever! He loved it! :) Why did that come to mind tonight? I don't have any idea. I guess that's my next thing to be thankful for.

I'm thankful I have memories to enjoy! So many people look at the past and have nothing good to say about it. I choose to look at the past and ENJOY it! Oh, everyone has something they could talk about that is negative, but that's not fun! Life has it's ups and downs, but we feel better if we focus on the GOOD THINGS in our life. Anyway, the "past is the past" and you can't go back and do it over. You must walk forward enjoying NOW and looking to the future.

Well, I guess I will "sign off" for now. I really don't know if many people come to read much anymore, so I guess I'll just write for me and whoever wants to listen. :) Goodnight!

Today

This day has come to an end, and I think I will go to bed. But, before I go, I wanted to say "it's been a good day"!

God is still God...He never changes!

He has watched over my family...always has...always will!

I'm thankful I know that He will "never leave me, nor forsake me".

It's great to be alive!

As Savanna use to say..."Have a nice sleep!"

Happy Anniversary....Wendell

Dear Wendell,

Tonight I sit here thinking about my life with you. I fell in love with you at the young age of 12! After I saw you that very first time, I was determined that you would be MINE...someday! A couple years later you finally took notice of the "little 14 year old" that was "google-eyed" over you. Of course, I didn't let you know how I felt until a few years had gone by. Now, many years have gone by, and as I look back over 38 years with you I want to say....I am so happy that one day you stole my heart, and I never got it back. You have lovingly held it in your hands, and wrapped me in your arms...and I have been safe. Thank you for your love and devotion. You have done a wonderful job taking care of your bride!

Through the years we have gone through valleys and rested by the "cool still waters" of God's presence. We have climbed mountains, and stood at the top viewing the beauty of life that surrounded us. We have laughed until we cried, cried until we laughed, and shared in each others dreams. We've had dreams that have been fulfilled, and still have some we are reaching for. I'll just say that... "I love dreaming" with YOU! After 38 wonderful years I still sing:

Whither thou goest, I will go.
Wherever thou lodgest, I will lodge.
Thy people shall be my people, my love.
Whither thou goest, I will go.

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!