God's In Control

When it seems all hope is gone...remember...GOD is in CONTROL!

I saw this picture on a friend's post on Facebook, and it spoke to me! No longer did I see the Children of Israel walking through their Red Sea, but I saw God working miracles for US...TODAY! Don't give up hope...YOU have a GOD that can do ANYTHING! TRUST and BELIEVE! He's working all things for our GOOD!

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!

Rambling Thoughts

There's NOTHING like "OLD FRIENDS" to sit and talk about the "stories of life", laugh awhile, maybe shed a few tears, but still ENJOY every second.

Old friends or New friends...they are ALL priceless!

Loyalty...WOW! Just a few words on that one...if you're part of "something" SUPPORT IT WITH ALL YOUR HEART. Don't let anything or anyone get by with trying to destroy what you love.

I can't wait to get my hands on Bobbie Shoemake's NEW CD! You should be able to order it SOON! It's GREAT...no doubt about it!

I am MISSING my kids and grandkids! I would LOVE to sit and visit awhile and hold our younger granddaughters, and visit and hug our older ones. Mom Elms use to say with tears in her eyes, "I just wish I could feel Jonathan and Andrew's little bodies in my arms!"

After living a "long" life...I'm not sure it's the will of God for kids to move HOURS and HOURS away from their parents!!!! :-) I know, we did it. Now, I question our sanity! I can now understand the feelings of our parent's hearts.

This week has been BUSY, but I have enjoyed being with friends, and preparing food for the Texas District Board. But now...I'm T.I.R.E.D. (still worth it)

Next week is GENERAL CONFERENCE and I am not even close to being ready to go! Still looking forward to it.

For now...I'll stop rambling. Just had to write a few things on my blog to help me keep my sanity... LOL!

In a Moments Time

The last few days I have worked getting ready for the Texas District Board Meetings that started today. I love it when they are having meetings, because I get to "entertain" at the office and I always enjoy being with my friends who come with their husbands.

Last night I went to bed very tired and in a considerable amount of pain. I had been on my feet all day and late into the evening cooking. I told my husband it was worth it, because it's an honor to serve those who are serving us in our district. A little while later I made my way to bed and Wendell was already fast asleep. As I turned off the light the pain in my body seemed to accelerate. I knew sleep was not going to come for awhile if I kept hurting THAT much! So, I spoke to the Lord about it...

"God, you have raised people from the dead. Opened blinded eyes. Did many miracles! I'm just asking you to take away the pain in my body. I need my rest so I can feel like serving tomorrow. I also need you to help me through the day and keep the pain away. Thank you, Jesus! I know you're going to help me."

I turned over and " in a moments time" the pain had subsided! I had great sleep last night! When I woke up early this morning to finish the preparations, I put my feet on the floor and took a few steps. I hadn't got across the room when I realized the pain was still gone!! I praised Him for touching me!

I am now getting ready to go to sleep, but I wanted to share with you that today has been a good day! I am going to sleep well, because I know God will make it happen. I love how He let's us experience His power when we let him know we need Him and there's nothing we can do about our circumstance.

I will say goodnight with the verse of a song I use to sing.

If you are burdened with troubled.
If you are filled with despair.
Jesus will heal every heartache.
Reach out and you'll find Him there.

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.