Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Amazing!!


I hope this rendition of our National Anthem will play for you all. I'm not sure if I have transferred it from my email correctly. I couldn't wait until July 4th to share this.
I'm told the 2 girls on the right are 6 yrs. of age, the 2 girls in the center are 7 yrs. old and the girl on the left is 8 yrs. I don't know if that is correct but I can tell they are young.
Let me know what you think.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Heaven came down !!!

I've been reading your week-end posts and was so blessed, I just wanted to share a "slice" of our week-end.

I cannot remember when the glory of God filled the house more powerfully than it did yesterday. The presence of the Lord was so strong from the opening chorus. Then, my husband preached a masterpiece about our relationship with God. "Living the good life," was his title. We, the church, definitely are living the good life!! As God does so many times, he led Darrell in a direction within the message to caution us about "lazy worship." I'm not gonna try to re-preach it but I'm tellin' you it was a message that will change our outlook on worship. Not going into the detail but take a second look at the story of the moneychangers in the temple and Jesus' anger. Was His anger only directed at the moneychangers? or those who were purchasing, as well? 'nuff said.
We had moved from the altar service to the place of being dismissed. Then Bro. Marshall asked if I would sing one more chorus before dismissal. We sang and worshipped a little more. Then, as you know, it was one of those times when you just wind things down and go ahead to dismiss. But the worship wasn't over and God wasn't finished. There was a small group left after being dismissed. The music started up once again and the praise continued in such a heavenly manner. I was enthralled. I truly cannot describe the glory that was in that place!! Even now, tears fill my eyes as I think how great our great God is. I know you, too, have experienced this type of church service. No need to try to furthur describe it.

Part of our excitement was a lady friend (probably in her early 40s), who has been backslidden for a few yrs. and had lost her husband in a car accident, being in church yesterday with her 3 daughters and new husband. Kenny told my husband he had been a teacher in a denominal church . . . UNTIL he began to teach about the outward expression of worship. I'm sure you can guess what happened. He was dismissed from his class. After such an awesome service (and they stayed to the very end), he told my husband, "this is what we've been looking for." They were back last night. Another tremendous service. Afterwards, my husband said I'm sure you have a lot of questions. His reply was yes, and if you can answer them then we've found ourselves a new home.!! We are so excited!!

2009 is off to a great start!!

love ya'll

Friday, January 2, 2009

We're off and running

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all !!
You know, during the holiday season there are things that we say we'll do after the holiday 'when things slow down.' Who are we kidding? I doubt any of you have slowed down, yet. I know I haven't. We had a wonderful watch night service, fellowship and food following. Then we prayed the old year out and new year in. It was one of those services of humble reflections.
Then for the first time in my life, on New Year's day, I prepared the traditonal black-eyed peas, cabbage and pork (couldn't do the hog jowls). It really was a wonderful change from all the holiday/banquet foods. I even had time to get some decorations down. THEN THE PHONE CALL CAME. It was my sister, Kathy, who lives in N.C. She was calling about mother's 80th b'day bash we're getting together (mind you, we've known about this for 79 yrs. don't know why I feel the crunch now). I have been doing what I can for this past yr. But there are just so many things you can do a yr. in advance. Well, now the deadlines are quickly coming upon us. I told Darrell there will no sleep for me until these plans are completed. I WAS RIGHT!! I sat up in bed, wide awake, at 2:30 am this morning. Guess what? You CAN accomplish a lot when the house is totally quiet from 2:30 - 7:30. Now, I may be really tired but I sure did get a lot done. whewww. . . when I get this stuff in the mail, I'll really breathe a sigh of relief.
I know many of you have planned receptions for your parent/parents whether b'day for anniversary. Just want to say, I'm open to any suggestions or ideas that would make this day extra special for my mom. Uh, would you mind if I call at . . . say, 3:30 a.m. if I have any questions? Just kidding, really.
May I leave you something to ponder . . . ? ? ? If quitters never win and winners never quit, who came up with "Quit while you're ahead?"
Gotta get busy. . .later