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!

Such Is Life

I was perusing through my "Friend's Status Updates" on Facebook this week and took note of how many different perspectives they had on what's happening in "their world".

Such as:

"Today is a beautiful day...I'm so glad it's spring!"

"We've had enough rain! Lord, help it to stop!"

"Dear Lord, we need some rain!"

"Somebody PRAY...wildfires are coming our way."

"I'm so happy. Life is beautiful."

"I sure wish Friday would get here. I've had enough of this week."

These are not direct quotes, but you understand the "feelings I saw" as I read.

There were also some who had "prayer requests" while others had "praise reports".

Then I thought...SUCH IS LIFE! One person can be sailing through life without a care in the world, while another is going through the darkest valley they've ever encountered. That's the way LIFE IS!

As the day has gone by, I came to a conclusion about this scenario. I realized this is the way God wants it to be. He knows if one of His children is going through "their valley", there are a lot more who have already "been in that valley" and have reached the top of the mountain, and they understand what their friend is going through. Because they have "been there, done that" they can reach back to their friend, take hold of their hand and say, "You're going to make it through! You will not be in this valley forever. God is walking beside you. I know, because I've been where you are."

Then, there are those who have not gone through a valley quite like the one they are witnessing in a friends life, and they do not know how to relate. But, one thing for sure, they can watch and learn "how" to walk through a valley when they happen to be thrust headlong down the mountain into their darkest valley.

I smile as I think about all of the different friends I have in my life, and the diversified personalities they have. It's fun being with people who are not just like me. I can learn from them and maybe help someone else because I've watched my friends as they've gone through desserts and valleys. I have a friend who seems to "laugh" at the most unusual happenings in their life. When I would be crying, they are laughing! I said something about it one day and their comment was, "Well Linda, what do you want me to do, CRY?" I laughed and said, "That's what I would be doing, but you just SMILE and LAUGH through your tears." I'm learning from my friend, that just because "something happens, hitting me in the head that I don't have to cry about it. I will be the first to admit, I haven't got that one down very well, but at least I have a goal to reach for.

I don't know if this is making a whole lot of sense to anyone except me, but I feel better "writing it down on paper" for myself. :-) If it helps you, then I will be thankful that maybe my feeble words struck a chord in your heart, and you can go through life singing a happy song. You might just see your friend struggling then you can say, "You're gonna make it...just keep walking"!

Thoughts Invade

I sometimes wonder where my thoughts come from, then realize it's what was "put in me" by my parents, husband, and godly men and women in my life.  While sitting here at my computer I remember being cautioned about young men who were "playboys", not only in moral conduct, but in "spiritual conduct".  I can hear it as if it were yesterday, "Linda, there are guys who claim to be preachers, but if they don't get hold of something more than they have they won't be around for long.  Be careful of those "fly by night" preachers who don't take the work of God to heart."  I heard my father's words in my memory today.  As I write those words, I am reminded of another time sitting in a conference when Sis. Kilgore was very upset because some young men were being so "light hearted" during a move of the Spirit of God.  She said, "I can't believe they have "no reverence" for the things of God".

I have lived long enough now to understand what Daddy and Sis. Kilgore were saying.  I have also lived long enough to see those who were being referred to are no longer living in Truth and Righteousness.  It makes me sad to think there are some who still "take the work of God lightly" and some still do not "reverence His presence", but I am not worried, and I'm sure not dismayed!

With the passing of some of the greatest men and women I have ever known, I believe something is being passed down to all of the generations following.  I know a lot of young preacher's who love Truth and Righteousness and will let nothing stop them from living the whole Truth and preaching it!  I encourage ALL preacher's and wives, no matter your age, to love God and the things of God like never before.  Yes, there is a shaking going on, but I will not be shaken!  Let the winds blow!  Let storms arise!  I intend to keep my anchor deep.

Thank you Daddy, Mother, Wendell, men and women of God for the "thoughts that invade" my mind so many years later.  I owe a debt...I will pay it with loyalty to you, God, and generations following.

Homegoing of Rev. Marvin D. Treece

This morning when I learned of the Homegoing of Bro. Treece, my mind started racing back through time when I was a teenager and my brother Keith, and I sang in a trio with Bobbie Shoemake.  The Conqueror's Quartet came to California to tour and Bobbie had been asked to tour with them.  She asked Keith and me to go along and sing with her.  I remember the big bus the Conqueror's Quartet traveled in and feeling really special when I was invited to look inside!  We traveled from San Diego to Stockton and made a lot of memories...Great memories that have stayed with me all of my life!   

After Wendell and I married we evangelized.  We then had our first son, Jonathan.  Jonathan was about two years old when we went to Lake Charles to preach for Bro. and Sis. Treece.  Oh, we had FUN!  The Treece's thought Jonathan was the cutest little guy they had seen (besides their own son, Ricky) and they had many laughs over him.  Bro. Treece taught Jonathan to "howl like a coon dog" then he would throw his head back and really laugh when he did.  It was SO cute!  :)   While there, Bro. Treece asked us to stay awhile and assist him.  We were there for a short time, but I can say, for this young evangelist family, being with the Treece's was a "little Heaven on earth".  Later, Bro. Treece said he wished he had prevailed on us to stay, because it wasn't too long after we left that he started having some physical problems.  Down deep in our hearts we wished he had called us back.  Being at their church was a beautiful time in our lives.  I loved the music lead by Sis. Treece.  The orchestra was awesome!  I loved hearing the people testify!  It was like hearing mini-sermons, because the people had a love for preaching and teaching and had applied the Word of God to their hearts.  I loved hearing Bro. Treece teach and preach.  And, I loved being in their home.  Bro. Treece always asked for peanut butter after we had eaten.  I can hear him now..."Betty, grab that jar of peanut butter, please."  I thought that was so funny, because he should be full from her awesome cooking, but he HAD to have peanut butter to finish the meal.

Years later...we were pastor of Life Tabernacle and Bro. Treece came to our church to teach.  I will never forget sitting on the front pew with my Mother and sister, Karla.  He was teaching on Ladies Hair.  He passed out some of his notes then noticed we didn't have them.  He made sure the usher gave me, Mother and Karla the notes.  When we looked at them we got tickled because a lot of it was in Greek!  LOL!  Mother started her all familiar "giggles" and I tried to hold it together, but it didn't work.  The "joy of the Lord" was definitely wanting to gush forth that night.

Bro. Treece stayed in our home that week.  One night we had eaten a bite and made our way to the living room to visit.  While Bro. Treece talked "Greek" I looked across the living room at my husband and he was SOUND ASLEEP!!!!  I tried to get his attention without looking obvious to Bro. Treece, but Wendell slept on.  I must have sat there 20-30 minutes ACTING like I knew what Bro. Treece was saying.  It took him the longest to realize my husband had "left this world" for another.  He finally got up and said, "Well, I think I'll go to bed."  (something like that)  Oh me!  I was so happy to say goodnight!  I never felt so "unlearned" in all my life and I wanted to "choke" my husband for leaving ME to understand it all.  Bro. Treece must have thought I was grasping what he was saying because he talked, and talked, and talked!  He never acted like I was "dumb"!  That's what I call a GREAT man!  LOL!  I told him about it later and like before, he threw his head back and laughed that contagious laugh that I'll always remember.

Every year the Treece family made a Christmas card, we received one.  There has always been a note from them saying how much they enjoyed us being in Lake Charles with them.  They have no idea what a blessing it was for US!  Being with great people of God, who makes you feel loved is just is one of the greatest joys you can experience "down here".

I know Heaven has been rejoicing today because one of God's mighty men has made it home.  No longer to suffer in this life, but to sing around the throne worshiping the King!  I'm sure that Charley, Kenneth, Bro. Ewing, and Keith were waiting just inside the gate.  I can hear them now as they see him..."Come on over here, Bro. Treece!  Let's sing...."  Yes...the Conqueror's Quartet is singing better than they ever did here on earth...and to tell you the truth...I'm just a little "jealous" they're all together, singing, telling jokes, and laughing again without me there to listen.

Gladewater Ladies Tea

A few weeks ago I was privileged to speak at a Ladies Tea in Gladewater, TX.  I had a lovely time!  I looked forward to going, because I had heard about the Warren family all of my life.  Daddy and Uncle Bill Barnes preached for them before either one of them was married, and I had heard many stories through the years about this family.  I looked forward to being with Sis. Warren, Sis. Sherry 'Warren' Ainsworth (the Pastor's wife) and her ladies.

Bro. Cullen Warren, who is now retired from pastoring was a young man at the time Daddy had been there in the Warren's home.  It was his father that Daddy and Uncle Bill preached for. When I arrived at the Tea I felt like I was going back to some of my roots, since I had heard so much about Gladewater and the Warren family during my "growing up" years.  I met Johnnie, one of the Warren sisters that knew Daddy "way back then" and got to visit with Velma Warren George.

She told me that she was referred to as "the little Warren girl".  I enjoyed a "stroll down Memory Lane".

The theme for the Tea was "Music".  Well, those of you who know me, knows that music is definitely a subject I love and can relate to since I was raised in a family that loved to sing and play. The decorations were beautiful...

...and the food delicious!

I loved this cookie! I wonder why???? Whoever made them made a hit with me, for sure!

One of the things I really enjoyed was a "sing-a-long" with all the ladies who were there. The two songs we sang came straight out of the song book and while singing them I stopped and listened to the voices.

There was 'younger' and 'older' ladies harmonizing and many parts were being sung. I felt like I had "died and gone to Heaven" for a minute. The beauty of those songs being sung took me way back to Grandpa Pound leading songs in church, and making sure EVERY PART was represented.  I smile at the memory, as I type.

We were also treated to a beautiful rendition of "The Old Rugged Cross". Velma George played it on the violin.

I loved it! I didn't realize she played the violin, but I should have known because the Warren family is blessed with a lot of talent!

The day before the Tea, I received a phone call from Sis. Russo.  She asked if I was going by myself to the tea and "if I was she would love for me to ride with her and Sis. Neely"!  Oh my!  Sis. Russo and Sis. Neely?  They're going to be there?  Wow!  I told her that "now I can be nervous"!!  She assured me with a text later that "I was loved very much by her and Sis. Neely and there was no reason to be nervous, because they knew I would do a good job." :) Well...that was easy for HER to say....LOL! Really, I felt very honored to be with these two ladies.  I didn't get to ride with them, but I did get to sit with them at the table and they both looked "lovely" in the their hats.  I really enjoyed them being there!

I'm so happy I was invited to the Tea.  I have some wonderful memories that I will always treasure.  It's so great being in the "family of God" and I love being with "old friends" and making "new".

Have To Blog Later...(maybe)

I said this morning that I would be back to post later, but "later" is now, so I will need to do it...later...like maybe...tomorrow.  If tomorrow gets here!  Who knows...Jesus might decide to come tonight and if He does I will not be around to blog!  I'll be happy to let someone else blog about the "rapture of the church"! 

So...until I can sit down and blog, or until I meet you on streets of gold...goodnight!  Love you all!

My Favorite Time

It has begun...My favorite time of the year! This is the time when the Texas District is buzzing with activity. Texas Women's Conference has already "come and gone", and we had a fantastic time! I've been occupied with preparing to speak at a Ladies Tea in Gladewater, our fifth granddaughter being born, AND speaking at the conference, so I haven't been taking any time to blog. I've had a few people ask me WHEN I am going to blog again, so I think I better get busy! I have so much to blog about and feel a little overwhelmed with the task! Please be patient with me. I will do my best to blog about everything.

I hope you are all doing well. I'm doing great! This day is beautiful! I have much to thank God for...so many wonderful blessings...(yes, I am singing). I enjoy waking up to the birds singing, lawns being mowed, and all the beautiful sounds of spring. I am definitely blessed! My life is beautiful, because God is in it! I can't imagine what it would be like without Him.

I will be back to blog a little later, hopefully today/tonight. I've got to run for now. Remember...THIS is the day the LORD has made...REJOICE!

Introducing Ansley Lynette

Ansley Lynette
7lbs. 5 oz.
20 1/2 inches




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NEW GRANDBABY

Today is a big day for our family! We are having our FIFTH GRANDBABY! The doctor says it's a girl...but I'll let you all know as SOON as I can! Of course, boy or girl is perfectly fine with me. GOD IS GOOD TO ME....


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Dear Lord, You Know...

My heart is overwhelmed today. I am usually upbeat and happy, but today I am overwhelmed with some "turn of events" that have taken place.

Upon finding out this weekend that several of our Pastor's wives are facing sickness in their bodies, I have found myself more than melancholy. I know God is our healer and will take care of them, but I am hurting for them. They are in my prayers! I know they need all the support they can get. "Dear Lord, please wrap your arms around them and walk with them through this trial. If You decide to heal them we will proclaim Your awesome power! We are looking for a miracle from YOU! Thank You, Jesus!"

I think I will sing a little...

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

Friends...

Today was a wonderful day! My friend, Sandra came to town and we got to spend some time together. There is nothing like having someone to share life with. Sandra, you are a blessing in so many ways, and today was a REAL blessing to me! Thank you for always being a friend to me.

Earlier this week the Gandy's came to town and we got to spend a few hours with them. There was a little business to take care of, then we got to enjoy eating supper with them and had a short visit. God is so good!

I LOVE MY FRIENDS! Thank you Lord for giving them to me.

We ARE Living in the Last Days

Ever since I was a little girl and could understand what the preacher was saying over the pulpit I have heard it preached that Jesus is coming soon! I have sat in services that was so full of conviction that I knew I better get myself to the altar and pray any sin out of my heart that a little girl could have. I've grown up "in the church" and I've listened to preacher's preach under the anointing of God, and as they came to the end of their message they gave an appeal to come to the altar. I have watched grown men who were under so much conviction grip the back of the pew so hard that you couldn't pry their hands away! They would not yield to the bidding of the man of God, or God Himself. I've wondered what could hold them so captive that they didn't want God in their life. I still do not understand it.

The events that have been taking place in the world are some of the very things I heard preached about all of my life. Many nights, I've gone to bed thinking that the Lord would come that very night. I've prayed and cried wanting to be saved more than ANYTHING! I can honestly say there is NOTHING in the world that I want. And for sure..there is NOTHING worth missing Heaven over.

My heart is stirred for those who have known "truth" yet do not seem interested in "living" truth. It takes more than just knowing Jesus. It takes a relationship with Him that causes us to WANT to be LIKE Him. I shake my head in disbelief when I see people "dilly-dallying" around with the things of God. It's one thing to have never known the Lord in the fullness of truth, but it's totally different to have KNOWN HIM, and to have turned your back on Him and all the things He's done for you. I shake inside to think of what it would be like to be lost FOREVER!

I don't know who might be getting ready to come read my blog tonight, but for some reason when I sat down at my desk to check my blog, I felt to write! It's TIME to wake up out of your sleep and return to the Master's house! He is waiting and longing to take you in His arms. He is wanting to wipe away your tears, and heal your broken heart. I feel His mercy extending to you tonight.

COME HOME! COME HOME!
Ye who are weary, COME HOME!
Ernestly, tenderly Jesus is calling.
Calling, Oh Sinner, COME HOME!