I DID IT!

As I am typing the last few pages of my blog are printing!  YES!  Now, I can relax a little knowing that I have a "hard copy" of some of my life.  I never dreamed it would take so much time to just PRINT!  Now, all I need to do is get some binders to put all these pages in.  That is on my agenda for tomorrow...well, I guess it is already "tomorrow".  Goodnight...or...Goodmorning! 

This is a LOT of Work!

Today I have sat at my desk and computer for most of the day printing off my blog.  Maybe I didn't have to do it, but I am feeling better by the second, although my neck is killing me.  :-)  I really cannot believe I have written so much over the last 6 years.  When I started my blog I didn't know whether I would enjoy writing and keeping a blog.  I really started it to understand what everybody else was doing.  I get tickled thinking about one of the first times I heard about someone "writing a blog".  I didn't have any idea what a BLOG was!  After starting mine, I quickly became attached to it and it became a "very close friend".  I could write what was happening in my life.  I could share my thoughts with everyone, and, I could stay in contact with friends and family, because a lot of times I got comments from them.  I also made "new friends".  I can see how "blogging" would fit me just right.  I love being in contact with everyone and feeling like they are part of my life all the time. 

When I became a part of Facebook I found that I really enjoyed it, but I noticed that I quit writing on my blog as much.  I also saw that those who commented on my blog didn't comment much anymore, to my dismay, but at least I could stay in contact with a lot of them on FB.  The one thing that has kept nagging at me during all of this has been the friends and family that I have who are not on FB.  So, I am really trying to get back in the habit of writing again.  Another thing I don't like about not writing on my blog is that I have not kept a "journal" of my life and thoughts like I did when I was writing a lot.

I guess I'm doing a little confessing tonight.  Maybe I shouldn't be putting this out for all the world to see, but we must confess sometimes. :-) I've always heard that "confession is good for the soul", I just hope it's "good for my blog". 

I will say goodnight for now.  I hope you are all doing well.  If you have a burden that you can't seem to carry, give it to Jesus!  He is standing by waiting for you to hand it to Him. 

Been Working Hard

For some time I have been wanting to organize my blog and put it into binders, so today, I have been printing my blog.  It is taking hours to do all of this and I'm not even close to being done, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.  So far I've printed all of 2009, part of 2008 and have 2006, 2007, 2010, and 2011 to print.  :-)  Whew!  I'm excited about getting it all done, and now that I'm "on a roll" I don't want to stop until it's finished.  I am really amazed at how much I've blogged over the last 5 years.  I love going back and seeing what all has happened, but now I'm kicking myself a little for not blogging as much in 2010 and 2011.  Life got so busy and a little crazy at times, so I didn't sit down and blog as much as I did in the previous years.  Printing all of my blog is going to cost me a "small fortune", but at least I will have it. Then...MAYBE I can start organizing some of my thoughts I've written into a book.  I'm not going to hold my breath, but that is my hearts desire.  I've heard someone say..."Dreams come true if you don't oversleep."

God's Been Good to Me

As I sit here on the couch in the evangelist quarters in Deweyville, TX my heart is overwhelmed with thanks! My mind started singing a song...I guess it's because my heart is so full. Here is the song...

"I've been blessed with so many things...God's been good to me.
I have FAMILY and FRIENDS who share in all I do." (that's the part that got my attention)

Oh yes! I'm so thankful for all of my loved ones and friends who take time to care and give me the gift of love through friendship. Over the last few weeks we have been blessed to be with many friends on different occasions. One of which was the Texas District Minister's and Wives Retreat in Granbury, TX. We had great fellowship with each other, and awesome, anointed teaching from Bro. and Sis. Robert Henson from Flint, MI. Everyone that I've talked to has said how much they enjoyed this time of refreshing. Sis. Donna Myre and Texas District Ladies Committee did a splendid job of planning the retreat. I really can't think of one thing that could have been better. I do wish all of our preacher's and their wives could have attended!

Following the retreat we had a good weekend preaching in Porter, TX for Pastor and Sis. Jerry Green. We had not been there to preach since the early '70's, and at that time we had no children. Memories flooded our minds as we enjoyed the presence of the Lord. We were treated very nice and had a wonderful time.

On Monday evening we were so honored to have our friends Bob and Donna Myre, and Robert and Shirley Henson drop by our home for coffee...and cookies. To have friends take time to be with you is wonderful! After a "too short" visit, they had to get back on the road, so standing at the front door we all joined together and prayed. I stood in the presence of great men of God and their wives, and my heart was so overwhelmed with thankfulness that I almost couldn't pray. I listened as Bro. Henson and the others thanked God for friendship and prayed that God would bless our home. Tears of thankfulness and joy flooded my heart, and I had to wipe my eyes and grab hold of my emotions so I wouldn't be totally overwhelmed. Yes...God's been good to me!

This past week was spent in preparation to speak at Section 3 Ladies Fellowship Conference. I felt so strong about what the Lord had given me to speak on and I looked forward to being at the conference. When we arrived in Deweyville Friday afternoon, we were welcomed by Darrell and Jeanetta Orange. We had some time to visit over a delicious meal at Tuffy's Restaurant, and once again the warmth of friendship was highlighted in my heart.

Jeanetta and I went on to the conference. When we got there we were greeted by beautiful ladies and from the moment I walked through the door I felt at "home". It was a great feeling! When the music started the ladies responded with spontaneous praise! God came into meet with us and did a beautiful work among us. After the service, Pinehurst UPC ladies served us a delicious meal. Everything was beautifully decorated! I enjoyed visiting with several ladies, and loved the warm hand shakes, and hugs. God's been good to me!

Today, was a wonderful day! We got to spend it with Jonathan, Brenda and their THREE GIRLS! Our granddaughters are so SWEET! We got hugs and kisses from Savanna and Scarlet, and I held our tiny bundle of love, Shayla Marie in my arms. It was wonderful!

So...as my husband is preparing for Sunday services, and I am winding down for the night, I must go back to the beginning of this post and say...God's been good to me! If for some reason you still haven't caught on to what I am saying, :-)...I don't know what else to say, except....

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME....ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD!

I feel like the most blessed lady in the whole wide world! God's been good to....ME!!!!!

Our Two Youngest Granddaughters...

Ansley Lynette at 5 months old! She is a SWEETHEART!

These were taken of Ansley when Andrew and Mandy stopped by after their vacation to Disney World. Ansley was so quiet and when we would look at her she would smile real big. Andrew said, "Mom, that's the way she was the whole time we were gone! Even during the day when it was hot she just smiled and never fussed." By the way, she LOVED the Disney characters and wasn't afraid of them at all.

Jonathan with his "newest daughter"...Shayla Marie

Brenda sent this to me today. She is 3 weeks old and now weighs 7 lbs. What a little sweetheart punkin' eater, as Wendell calls all SIX of our granddaughters!

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...

Introducing the Newest Elms

Parents: Jonathan and Brenda



Shayla Marie Elms
6 lbs. 2 oz.
18.5 inches long

We are blessed once again with another granddaughter! She's so tiny, beautiful and sweet!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Vacation Time

This week, we are enjoying a few days in Colorado. It has been absolutely beautiful weather and we are enjoying all the gorgeous scenery! I am always so impressed with how God made such a beautiful world! I'll never understand how someone could say "there is no God". When I get home I will add some pictures to my blog so you can see where we have been. Of course, pictures never tell how gorgeous it really is, but I must say I have some good ones, thanks to my iPhone 4. I have been very pleased at how good the pictures have turned out while using the camera on my phone. (I'm not advertising for Apple, but... :-)

I hope you are having a great week! Cast all your care on the Lord, because He cares for you!

This Is Like Heaven...

Today I'm sitting at my computer doing a little studying, and searching for some things to go with a thought I am working on. As I'm looking, a song pops into my mind. This happens quite often, so I stopped to listen to the words, and try to relate it to what I have been thinking about. My mind started singing:

This is like Heaven to me...
This is like Heaven to me...

It really got my attention, because I wasn't thinking about Heaven. I was thinking about "friends, and friendships, and reaching out to others", then it dawned on me...
HAVING FRIENDS, FRIENDSHIPS, AND RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS IS A LITTLE TASTE OF HEAVEN! So, I guess I can say "I have been living in a little bit of Heaven the last several days.

We just got back from a lovely time of fellowship and lunch with Pastor and Sis. Greg Gerald. Bro. Gerald texted my husband earlier today and asked if we would have time to meet them for lunch, so my husband forwarded the message on to me. I was thrilled to go eat with them. When they walked into the restaurant their daughter Katelyn was with them, so we got a hug, and a short conversation with her before she hurried off to be with a friend. As we sat and talked, I thought, "The Gerald's didn't call because they had some business to talk about, and there was nothing urgent. They called because they wanted to just be with us, and have lunch." We had a wonderful time talking, talking, talking, and our hearts were warmed by their love and friendship. Thank you, Bro. and Sis. Gerald for stopping by and making this life feel a little closer to Heaven.

My mind now wanders off to being with Pastor and Sis. Richard Flowers this past weekend. On Saturday evening we went to eat with them. We had a great time sitting around the table and talking about the things of God, life, and ministry. After the Sunday service we were invited to their home, and Chad and Mendy came over. (the Flowers son and daughter-in-law). Again, we sat and talked for a long time and enjoyed this very special time "sharing life" with each other.

After the weekend, the "icing was put on the cake" when we got to get hugs and kisses from our granddaughters, Alayna, Ashlyn, and Ansley. Also, the big bear hug from our son, Andrew, and sweet hugs from Amanda (Mandy). You just can't be more blessed than this!

This is like Heaven to me.
This is like Heaven to me.

After my brother passed away, Wendell and I looked at each other and said: "There is nothing more important than being with friends and family, and being with each other. From now on, nothing will keep us from having time with them. Life is too short to be wrapped up in "things" that take us away from people." Family is wonderful, friends are great, and taking time to be with each other is how God made us to be. People is what life is all about!

If you feel lonely, sad and blue, take time to stop and talk to a friend. Be there for someone when they need you, or just want you to sit and visit awhile. There's so many things that will take you away from what is "important" if you let them. Instead, let's all make up our minds to "touch someone" so we can all experience a "little bit of Heaven here on earth".

Someone Is Praying

This evening I walked into our home after being gone for several hours. As I was walking through my living room I was greeted by the presence of God! It was as if He was saying, "Hello, I'm glad you're here." I was very happy to "see" Him, too. As the evening went on I heard my husband as he talked to the Lord. He was thanking Him for being so good to us and for keeping His hand on us. I haven't asked him if He might have felt the Lord's presence as I did earlier, but I have a feeling he probably did.

I have a beautiful piano sitting in my living room. I love to sit down and play. Sometimes I feel drawn to it more than at other times, and tonight was one of those nights, so I sang...

"It is no secret what God can do.
What He's done for others He'll do for you.
With arms wide open He'll pardon you.
It is no secret what God can do."

I tried to remember all the words to the verses, and failed on some of them, but I still enjoyed singing the song. What a message there is in it. It doesn't matter to God what condition you are in when you come to Him, He's just happy to see you when you acknowledge your need of Him.

I then sang...

"And...He walks with me and He talks with me.
And He tells me I am His own.
And the joy we share as we tarry there.
None other has ever known."

I could keep singing to you tonight in this blog post, but I just wanted to say that I enjoyed my time with Him tonight.

While getting ready to go to bed the thought came to me. "I wonder if someone has been praying for me?" Then another song came to mind:

"Someone is praying for you. Someone is praying for you.
When you feel you're all alone and your heart could break in two.
Remember, someone is praying for you."

Yes, I believe someone has been praying for me. There is a peace that passes all understanding in my heart tonight. Tomorrow is the 10th year since Mother passed away, but for some reason I don't feel the sadness I have been feeling over the last couple of weeks. I do believe it's because "Someone has been praying for me."

"Thank you God for my friends and those who love me enough to pray. YOU have been so good to me! Bless my friends, in Jesus Name...Amen!"

Dear Friend...if you feel all alone, and you feel like no one cares...remember there are friends who are praying for you! Your name has come to their mind and they have prayed especially for YOU! Now...just lean back and rest in His arms and let Him fill you with PEACE!

Friends for Life

Before going to sleep last night I checked my email messages to see if anything had come in during the last few hours.  My eyes fell on an email address that I was familiar with and I knew it was from a very special lady.  She had been thinking of me and wanted to check to see how I was doing.  I cannot tell you the warm feeling that filled my heart as I read her words.  I will just say, her message to me was "right in time" for the moment.

I am thankful for the life-long friends I have.  Since they have been part of my whole life they know me about as good as I know myself.  They seem to always have the words to say and know when to say them.  I'm thankful that even though I may not talk to them everyday, they can feel in their heart what is going on in mine.  They are TRUE FRIENDS that will stay with you through the ups and downs of life.

Thank you, DEAR Friend...for your sweet email.  You know who you are and I'm so appreciative of your words, your life, and your love.

If you have a friend (s) that you have known most of your life why don't you write them a note and let them know you're thinking of them.  They just might need to "hear your voice" tonight. 

To ALL my friends...THANK YOU for loving me the way you do.  You are all very special to me. 

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!

Pure Sweetness

Pure Sweetness knocked at my door yesterday and when I answered it I was greeted by happy voices yelling "SURPRISE"! Andrew and his family were standing there with big smiles and ready hugs!  I had been very lonely this week and when I saw it was them my heart jumped with happiness.  It's amazing how much better one feels after getting a lot of hugs and kisses from three little girls, and great big hugs from their Daddy and Mommy!!!  There is a strength that comes when a person receives love that is given unconditionally!  I enjoyed holding our little miracle baby Ansley and rocking her to sleep, playing games with Ashlyn, and playing the piano with Alayna. 

Each one of them have different "levels of wants" and I must say I enjoy each one.  Getting to spend time with Mandy discussing a lot of things that interest her and me, and then watching Andrew and his Dad have fun together makes me realize once again how blessed I am!!!  

I Have A Father

The last few days I've had a "heavy-icky-yucky-feeling" in the middle of my chest. I'm not having heart problems, so I know it's not a physical feeling. It's really a feeling I cannot explain. It's a feeling that happens when you feel like something is not right, but you don't know what it is. It's that feeling you wish you could get rid of by saying "abba-ca-dabra" and it disappears. I've heard others say this same thing at times and they said they couldn't explain it either. It's a feeling of being "dumped on the side of the road" yet you don't know why. Now, that I've got your attention real good, let me go on.

The reason for this post is not to alarm anyone about my well-being. I am fine...except for this "heavy-icky-yucky-feeling" in the middle of my chest. :-) In trying to figure out why I feel this way, I came to the conclusion that it's partly because I'm "human" and partly because "the enemy loves to make you feel this way". He loves to bring feelings of unrest into our minds. He is the "accuser of the brethren" and tries to stir up feelings of doubt and guilt when you haven't done anything wrong! Sometimes he uses others as an "instrument of discouragement".

You know, it's not only WORDS that can stab you in the heart. There are spirits and attitudes that can send you reeling! You can be doing fine when all of a sudden you have that "heavy-icky-yucky-feeling" in the middle of your chest, and you look around to see where it came from and can't explain it. I'm telling you satan loves to intimidate us like that! This is when you have to stop in your tracks and ask yourself questions like Daddy use to ask me when I was a little girl afraid to go to sleep at night. I remember so vividly laying in the bed and crying. I wasn't crying loud, but somehow the ears of my father heard. He would come in to my room, sit down on my bed and put his arm across my little body and ask..."Honey, what's wrong?" Feeling silly that I was crying and Daddy had heard me, I would say..."I don't know." He would persist..."There has to be a reason why you're crying. You can tell me. Why are you crying?" Finally, after a time I would say, "I'm scared". Yes, you know the question. "What are you scared of?" I never could really figure out what I was scared of, so he would ask more questions. "Have you done something wrong that you're afraid to tell me and your Mother?" Other questions were asked until he was convinced that I was "just scared for no REAL reason" and would talk to me in his deep voice telling me that "There is nothing for you to be afraid of. If you haven't done anything wrong and if you can't figure out what it is, then everything is okay. Me and your mother are right here in the other room and if anything were to happen we would hear it and would be right here to take care of you." Then, he would put the icing on the cake and say "Let's pray then you'll be able to go to sleep." By the time Daddy finished praying, gave me a goodnight kiss and a hug, my little world was right again and I would turn over and go to sleep. I don't know "why" children get scared like this. It's probably because we are just children needing reassurance that everything is okay in our small world.

As a "grown-up-kid" I'm glad I have a GREAT BIG FATHER that understands the times we go through when we have that "heavy-icky-yucky-feeling" in the middle of our chest. I'm glad I can tell Him how I'm feeling, even though I can't explain "why". I'm glad He doesn't make me feel stupid for being "human" and I can be confident that what I tell Him in prayer...He understands. Then, after I tell Him all about it He let's me know that He's "just in the other room and if anything happens He will be there to take care of me."

Now...I can rest in knowing...everything's gonna be alright!

TODAY...is the beginning

I have heard this saying for years..."Today is the beginning of the rest of your life."

I know the theology of it, and understand that you can't go back, and you can't go forward unless God gives you the next breath to breathe! Have you ever really thought about how fragile life is?  I have!  You really don't have any option except to live TODAY.  We must realize "what we do today will affect our tomorrows".   The decisions I make today, "right or wrong" will give birth to things in my life that bring me "joy or sorrow" in the future.  I really want to make the right decisions!

We are living in an age that people "do what is right in their own eyes".  They don't care what anyone believes, and they seem to not care what God thinks.  They are going to do what they want to do regardless of the repercussions.  It is so sad when you see those who live life only for themselves.  The only thing they care about is what makes them "feel good" even if what they do destroys someone else.  They will have to answer to God someday for their actions.  Hopefully, He will be able to get through to them before they come before the judgement seat of Christ.    

Friends and family, I am writing to encourage you to not be consumed with what is happening around you.  One of the ploys of the enemy is to get us distracted with the things that are happening in this world.  He wants us to be frustrated and worried!  He wants us to lose our hope and faith in God.  He wants us to get caught up with life and comparing ourselves with others.  He wants us to feel like we are a nobody because we don't "live according to the flesh".  He wants us to look at those who are successful in this life, so we will be unhappy with what we have.  He knows if we lose confidence in who we are, we will begin reasoning within our minds that we can let go of all we hold dear to be successful.

WAIT A MINUTE!  STOP and THINK!  Get your eyes back on Jesus!  HOLD ON to what you know is right according to the principles of the Word of God!  HOLD ON to TRUTH and RIGHTEOUSNESS!  It doesn't matter who criticizes you for your godly values and commitments.  HOLD ON to them!  Make the DECISION from this day forward to live for God with all your heart!  HOLD ON and make it to the other side!   When we all go dancing across the threshold of Heaven and we realize we have made it "home", I am sure we will be overwhelmed with the fact that we are THERE!  We just MIGHT take a second and look back on the day when we decided to make the RIGHT DECISION...for the rest of our lives.

Dear Blog

Dear Blog,

Oh my word!  I cannot believe I have missed so many weeks of writing on you!  I have been very, very busy and by the time I get home and sit down in my "easy chair" my mind is not able to write its thoughts.  Hopefully, after all of the hub-bub of May and June I will be able to collect my thoughts.  I really hope you understand...

Daddy's 81st Birthday

May 17th has always been a special date for our family.   It's Daddy's Birthday!  Today, he is 81 years old! Since he is in Heaven, I'm sure his body is not feeble and old! What a wonderful thought that is! I can see him in his prime as he walks down the streets of transparent gold. He might even have a fishing pole over his shoulder headed to the Chrystal River flowing by the tree of life. Heaven is REAL! I plan on going there! In fact, there are some days that I am really ready to go!

HAPPY 81st BIRTHDAY, DADDY! 

You're having a party like you never had here on earth! I love you and will see you as soon as Gabriel sounds the trumpet!

P. S.  Be sure you have the fish cleaned and ready to fry!  Tell Mother to get the oil hot, potatoes peeled and sliced, red beans soaking, AND...the hush-puppies ready!  I can't wait to eat some of her cooking again!  :-)  I know she's already thought about the Homemade Vanilla and Strawberry Ice Cream!  See ya'll soon!

Birthday Blessings

As I sit in my sunroom overlooking the beauty that surrounds me, I hear birds singing and the wind rustling the leaves in the trees. The beauty I'm experiencing this morning is wonderful, but it doesn't compare to the beauty I feel in my heart!

I woke up early this morning and started thinking about the blessings of God in my life. I get overwhelmed with thanksgiving when I think about the Lord and all He has been to me. Then, I think about my family and how God has blessed us in so many ways. After I've visited there for awhile my mind wanders on over to the many friends I have in my life. There is nothing that compares to the love I feel from all of these. You can own possessions and have need of nothing, but without God, family and friends who love you, there is an emptiness inside. I am abundantly blessed with the love of many, so my heart is overflowing today!

Today is a beautiful day! I don't have to have a lot of gifts. Just give me the gift of love and friendship. I am made RICH when I see your smile, feel your embrace, and read your words written from your heart.

Thank you all for a beautiful life! I am blessed because I know YOU!

Hard Questions Must Be Answered

I have asked myself several times through the years this question: What does the backslider, the one who has been raised in Truth think about this "present day church"? What do THEY think about the "changes" that have taken place within some churches? I am talking about a true backslider who KNOWS they are lost! I'm talking about the one who went out into the world and lived a life of sin, and they KNOW "to be right with God" they will have to come back to their "roots", because they know it is the only way they can be saved. I got those questions answered for me a few weeks ago...

I was driving my car with someone who fills the above description. I do not remember the reason the following statement was made, but it hit me like a big boulder and I haven't been able to get away from it. The statement that was hurled in my direction made me stutter a bit. They said, "I don't understand how things that use to be a sin, are now okay." That's it. Very simple. Direct. It was said in a matter of fact way, and I was shocked. They were transparently honest revealing the heart of a "true backslider". At that moment I knew I had heard the "deep thoughts" of many who have once known the Lord.

Let me ask all of us who claim to be "living for God". Are we living our life in such a way that could confuse those who are wandering in a cold world knowing when they want to come "home" they will not find the "old paths" they walked? Or...will they return to the SAME CHURCH they left behind?

Yes, I've heard the arguments about it all. I've heard "separation from the world" made fun of by those who were once separated. I've heard that's "old-fashion and doesn't apply to us". I've heard "no one believes it like that anymore". Yes...I've heard it all. So...I am asking a hard question tonight:

What message are we sending our loved ones and friends as they look at us? Are they wondering where the "true church" is? Or, do they KNOW when they are ready to "come back home" they will be greeted by saints of God who are the same as they've always been?

Backslider, as you look around you to see if "Home" is like it use to be...Let me say YES! We are the church you left. Some may have changed, and do not love the "old paths", but the CHURCH IS STILL THE CHURCH! We still believe the same doctrine we've always preached! We still believe we must live a "holy life, pleasing unto the Lord". We've heard from those who have returned that "there isn't a night that goes by that you do not think of the times you felt the presence of God sweep over your soul while standing at the altar, where you first met Jesus face to face. Yes, we have been praying! We will continue to pray and "watching the door" of the church to see if it is YOU, the "one lost sheep" who just came HOME!

Balanced Thinking

I have so many thoughts racing through my "tiny brain" today! I have started this post over and over. I am wanting to choose my words carefully, because the printed word seems to go so much further than a spoken one.

After the happenings of yesterday, and upon hearing the news of one of America's enemies being killed, I have heard and read many reactions. Some reacted with..."GREAT! I'm glad he's dead!" Someone else said..."I know I should be happy, but when I think about the consequences of sin I can't help but feel sorry for the man." Some have said things like..."It sure isn't the present administration that has brought this great victory to America. They shouldn't get the credit!" Some have given accolades to President Obama, others to our former President, George W. Bush.

Through all of the "voices" I am hearing, I stopped and listened to my own "thoughts" and questioned myself a little. And I must say, I have been looking for a "balance" in all of it. I think so many times we get on a "band wagon of emotions" and say things that really don't add up.

September 11, 2001...the "day the world changed", was a terrible day for America! We had been attacked by an enemy we had only heard about, but had now become reality. We were stunned by the happenings of that day. Then, last night, ten years later we learned of a "great victory for America" and the "punishment" of the one who was the master mind of the horrible attack on our people on September 11. I want to say that the "victory" we heard about last night, didn't "just happen" last night. It has been happening over the past ten years! It started the day our former President, George W. Bush spoke to our nation on the day of the attack. As he learned of the attack on the World Trade Center Towers, one of the things he said was:

“Terrorism against our nation will not stand.”
- George W. Bush – Remarks at Emma Booker Elementary School. Sarasota, Florida – delivered 11 September 2001, 9:30 A.M. EDT

A couple days later President Bush said: “Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children. “
- President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001

President Bush did an outstanding job leading our nation during this crisis. I cannot imagine the pressure he was under as he was thrown into this horrible happening, yet in the midst of it all he kept America SAFE! I'm thankful for his leadership during this time. I wish I could meet him someday and tell him how much I appreciate all he did! President Bush has moved on in life, and will never be forgotten. Now, we should pray for President Obama and those he has working beside him that God will lead them to make the right decisions for the future of our country.

With all of that said, let me go on. Most great victories do not "just happen" because of ONE person. Great victories happen when a group of people makes a concerted effort to do "what it takes" to produce that VICTORY! ONE MAN or ONE WOMAN can make a GREAT IMPACT on our lives, and that of a nation, but the total victory does not come to pass just because of that ONE person. Great victories happen when EVERYONE puts their mind and strength into whatever needs to be done, no matter how long it takes, then at some point in time all efforts culminate into one GREAT VICTORY!

A nation, a church, an organization does not just happen because ONE person decides it's going to happen. Great things happen within these "structures" because someone lays a foundation, then others come along and build on it. I will say again...A GREAT VICTORY is WON because MANY PEOPLE have done their part to see it happen.

The churches we have been privileged to pastor through the years were filled with great people. These people loved God, and they were faithful in the good times, and the bad. They gave of their time, talents, and treasure to see the kingdom of God go forward. These churches had different pastors throughout their history and we were happy to be part of building on the foundations of those who had labored before us. Now, there are other men who pastor these churches, and they are doing their part to see that the church goes forward in victory and growth. As time goes on, someone else will become the pastor of these churches, and saints who are strong pillars now will step aside to let a younger generation take the leadership. The church will continue marching forward in revival and growth as these great men and women of God continue laboring in the Kingdom.

I guess what I am saying in all of these words I've written is: If we are not careful, we can get caught up in things we "like or don't like" about our President or leaders in the church, and never stop to think that we might be "swayed" by the thoughts and words of those around us. It is hard to be "balanced" in an unstable environment. We, as Christians should try our best to be a balance to those around us. We should strive to stay "calm, cool, and collected" whenever things are not going the way "we think it ought to go". We should be positive in a negative world. I don't want to be the reason for anyone being "tossed to and fro" in their emotions when they need an anchor. I want to do my part to give honor to those who have fought for the freedom of America. I also want to give honor to those who labored before us in the work of God. I want to make sure I give credit to those who have lead us into great victories. And, I want to give honor to those who have worked beside their leaders helping them to see their VISION of VICTORY come to pass.

As we labor together in the Kingdom of God, in a FREE NATION UNDER GOD, please join me in saying...

GOD BLESS our leaders, past and present!
GOD BLESS the men and women who have fought for our freedom!
And...GOD BLESS AMERICA!