40 Years of Marriage

May 29, 1971 seems like such a long time ago, I can still remember that morning waking up at Mom and Dad's house as tho it were yesterday. I never knew that a young 19 year old girl could or would be lavished with so much love and caring from one young strapping good-looking blue eyed man. Lee and I had met when we were in the 6th grade at our church and it was only for a brief time of meeting him that he moved back to Oklahoma with him Mother and young brother. I didn't think much about it at the time, but just thought Wow, that guy at chuch was so cute and he had to move back to Oklahoma, that was just my luck. Growing up I never really dated that much and even the guys I dated were-well, now looking back losers and as my daughters now say "Mom, what were you thinking?"....I don't know what do you think of when you are 13? Uh....Boys. Well, as the next couple of years would have it I went on with my life and Lee went on with his life in Oklahoma never knowing that God was working behind the scenes (like we would see him work so many times in our future lives) putting these two 19 year old kids together.
In the summer we both turned 16 and were about to embark upon the 10th grade, Lee's Mother decided it was to move back to Tally. Boy was I excited when in the back of the church walked this blue eyed boy with long wavy blonde hair, he almost looked like a blonde Elvis (well to me he did). I was on cloud 9 the rest of the day and for awhile after that, until my cousin announced that she was going out with my guy, my blue eyed, blonde (Elvis) haired boy. I was so sad, I really thought he was for me and that God had set everything up for me just the way I wanted and then she gets him?
Well they didn't last for too long and I was on the prey again, praying and claiming what was rightfully mine. And with some help from a friend I went on my very first date with the blue eyed "Elvis" to a Sunday School party and the rest is pretty much history.
We dated from that moment on and our Senior year of High School he asked me to marry him and the next year we were married on May 29, 1971.
I am rambling on with all this in trying to tell a story, but the real story is that God does work behind the scenes in our lives, even at an early age when he is deciding who our soulmates will be and even when he is deciding what children we will have. God already knows. His word promises us in Jeremiah 29 vs 11 "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you a hope and a future".
As Lee and I look back over 40 years of marriage we can see God's plan he has had for us and we look forward to the future to the plan's yet unseen by us that God has planned. He is faithful
In the words of our favorite singer Karen Carpenter:
"We've Only Just Begun To Live"...

Living Life But Always Watching

There seems to be a whole lot of concern over is today the Day the Lord returns May 21,2011 I can tell you from my standpoint it very well could be. Everyday at any moment it could be the day. God's word tells us in Mark 13 vs.32 "Be on guard! Be Alert! For you do not know when that time will come. Therefore keep watch. Okay so you ask me how do I apply that to my life? Do I get scared or nervous about the return of the Lord. Am I to put my life on hold and sit around and wait? No, by all means I am to keep living the Christian life God has set before me. I am to be a lifeline of his love and continue to share the goodnews of the Lord with others. We are to keep on enjoying our families and honoring God. We are not to live in despair and darkness. Like a single candle that burns in the night and illuminates a room, so are we to be a candle in a dark and confused world. We now more than ever should show people that God is love and not to be scared of his return. Will he come today or tomorrow or next week or year. That is not man's job to predict. The Bible says in Mark 13 vs. 32 "No one knows the hour not the angels in heaven nor the Son, only the Father". So as we go about our Beautiful day today enjoy it, smile more, love deeply but be always mindful that this could be the day of our Lords return. In the words of one of my favorite old hymns - Until then my heart will go on singing until then with joy I'll carry on. Until the day my eyes beold that city umti the day he calls me home.

Heavenly Manna

Exodus 16 vs. 4 "Then the Lord said to Moses, I will rain down bread (manna) from heaven for you.  The people are to go our each day and gather enough for that day"
Have you ever found yourself in a difficult time in life, disappointment gathers on every side like a fast coming storm.  One moment the sun is shining down, birds are singing, then off in the distant you can smell the rain the air.  You are suddenly made aware that somewhere off in the distantance a storm is brewing.  The clouds start to gather in shades of gray and the earth trembles with thunder and the storm intensifies around you.  Life is a lot like this, your storm could be your finances, the death of a loved one, your own health being attacked.  There are all kinds of storms we all face, while a lot of them come with warnings,some of them are just suddenly thrust upon us out of nowhere. 
It is how we react to the storms that make the difference in our lives, we can run and be fearful or we can run into the arms of God the one who created us and rains down manna upon us.  His word in Exodus 16 tells us that the people had to go out daily and gather enough for the day.  God wants us to go out each day and gather his word in our hearts and in our souls and then and only then, will he rain down heavenly manna.  We have to be willing to gather and receive his manna by reading his word, praying and trusting him daily for all our needs, even at the darkest times of our lives, when storms are bruing that is when God can do his best work in us.  God gives us his strength and he nourishes us on a daily basis.  Answers do not always come all at once, but as we yield our storms of life to God's will and allow him to rain down manna on us, he will meet our needs.
I love the lyrics to the song by Casting Crowns "I was sure by now God you would have reached down and wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day.  But once again I say, it's still raining, but as the thunder rolls, I barely hear you whisper in the rain, I'm with you.  And as your mercy falls I raise my hand and praise the God who gives and takes away.  And I will praise you in the storm and I will lift my hands. For you are who you are and no matter where I am, every tear I have cried, you hold in your hand, you have never left my side.  And tho my heart is torn, I will praise you in the storm"
While smelling the rain and expecting the storms in life, my prayer is that each of us will be able to remember that God will pour out his heavenly manna and that a rainbow is waiting on the other side of the storm for us to enjoy.    

Moving Forward

Today was the last day in Oak City's old sanctuary.  We are in the process of building a new Church on the same grounds, the old sanctuary will be torn down and a New and larger one will take it's place.  As I look back over the past 4 1/2 years that we as a family have attended Oak City, I am made aware of the many memories there.  Our family all joined the church together there after many years of seeking God's will as to where we would call our church home.  I remember the first time we went, is was as if we had been there since the beginning.  It wasn't so much about the building because on the outside the church looked small and old and not very inviting, but as soon as you walked through the doors, you knew you were in a special place, an anointed place, a place filled with smiles and warmth of some of the most amazing people.  I know that God already knew all the things in life that we would face and he had this special place for us to be where we could be loved and cared for and where we could return that love to others. 
This was the place where Holly would use her voice which is so anointed to touch lives for God.  This is the place where Kelly would come out of her shell and be the 'Star' in a Christmas play and even sing a solo.  This is the place where JHugh would find friendships and Christian male role models that he so longed for.  A place where God would bring Daniel into our lives, a true Miracle for Holly, Macy and our family.  This is the place where Papa would get to enjoy his favorite past-time of playing softball and bonding with some of the greatest friends he has ever had.  This is the place where Jesse, Macy and Cole would have the most amazing Children's Service - Kidtropolis, whoever would have guessed they would be sliding into the children's service on a real slide.  This is the place that Grammy dreamed of and desired for herself and her family, a place where we are could feel apart and be under a Great man of God and be under the anointing of God.  A place filled with uplifting Praise and Worship to our God.  A place where we could just be ourselves and be loved and accepted by God and others.  Not compromising with the world but being part of God's chosen people and folowing after his commandements and walkin in his will and in his favor.
Pastor Matt Campbell told us today "that God always rejoices when we Dare to Dream".
As I dream about the future and what I want for myself, my family and my church.   I want to see God's Supernatural miracles, I want to see lives changed, I want to be a part of God's plan where we take the gospel to everyone and that all will hear of his love.  Pastor Matt was so right today when he said "It's not about the building, it's about the people in the building that make-up the Church.  And each and everyone of us are missionairies and are chosen by God to go out everday in our everday lives and make a difference and show his love to the world.
I am excited about the future of Oak City and I am excited for my Children and Grandchildren that they are part of God's plan for this church.  I believe God is going to use each of them and his favor is upon them.
I love this song, it seems to sum up the reason why we move forward not only at Oak City, but in each of our lives, so we can declare the freedom we have in knowing Christ as our Savior.

I'm not going back

I'm moving ahead
Here to declare to you
My past is over in You
All things are made new
Surrendered my life to Christ
I'm moving, moving forward

What a moment
You have brought me to
Such a freedom I have found in You.
You're the healer
Who makes all things new

I'm not going back
I'm moving ahead
Here to declare to you
My past is over in You
All things are made new
Surrendered my life to Christ
I'm moving, moving forward

You have risen
With all power in Your hands
You have given me
A second chance
You make all things new
And I will follow You

Tick Tock Tick Tock

Tick Tock Tick Tock as I am writing this post, the only sound I hear around me is the clock going Tick Tock Tick Tock.  Time is something we can never take back, but can always hope for. 
The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3 that There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.an indefinite, frequently prolonged period or duration in the future: Time will tell if what we have done here today was right.
What have you done with your time?  Have you spent it well?  Did you take the time to tell those you love how much they mean to you?  Did you do your work as unto the Lord?  Did you tell others of God's love?  Did you enjoy looking at a rainbow?  Did you listen to God speak through his Word? 
These are just a few of the things that came to mind today, there are countless ways in which we can use our time here on earth.

Over the past 2 weeks, I have lost 3 friends who were all beautiful Christan women.  They all used their time wisely and for the kingdom of God.  What they did and how they carried their lives was reflected in the outpouring of love when they each left this world.  Their time was well spent.  They each touched lives for God and they showed love to their love ones.  They were hard workers and they carried God's love to their workplace.  They loved their families and trained their children in the ways of the Lord.  They were all Proverbs 31 women, whom loved life and the beauty that God created for them to live in.
Tick Tock Tick Tock.....What will you do with your time left here on earth?  What kind of legacy will you leave?  What will people say about your life when you are gone?  And most importantly .... What will God say about your life? 
Will he say "Well done tho Good and Faithful Servant, Enter In"....Tick Tock Tick Tock.....

A Place in Time

Our beautiful Mema has Alzheimer's and after a visit with her today, I realized the Mema we all love who knows us all by our outward appearance no longer is able to do that.  We have to tell her who we are and then she is taken back in time to a place where she remembers. 
Mema is 89 years old and told us with tears in her eyes, that she had been saved at the early age of 15.  She recalled the times of her childhood where she yearned for her Daddy to be saved and how excited she was the day he gave his life to the Lord.  She can tell you all of her children's names and remembers so many detailed things about their lives growing up, but just moments later, she is trying to recall who the face before her is. 
The Alzheimer's Foundation states that Alzheimer's is a brain disease that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time.  I find this disease so interesting.  Observing Mema the woman we have all grown to love is slowly slipping away, but the beautiful christian spirit that she has lives on.  While visiting with her, she quoted scripture after scripture with us and sang songs to us of God's love.  The spirit of God that lives within each and everyone of us cannot be broken.  The Bible tells us "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8:38-39
The legacy that Mema is leaving for all of us is far beyond any disease that would try to rob her of her testimony.  I found this poem today and thought it was befitting for such a wonderful person whom I love so dear - Willa Lee Thurmond (Dink) A Devoted Christian, Mother, Grandmother and Friend.

Do not ask me to remember.

Don't try to make me understand.
Let me rest and know you're with me.
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.

I'm confused beyond your concept.
I am sad and sick and lost.
All I know is that I need you
To be with me at all cost.

Do not lose you patience with me.
Do not scold or curse or cry.
I can't help the way I'm acting,
Can't be different 'though I try.

Just remember that I need you,
That the best of me is gone.
Please don't fail to stand beside me,
Love me 'till my life is done.
- Unknown

Why doesn't God answer all our prayers?

After a long battle with cancer, a friend of ours went home to be with God today.  She was a very strong woman of God, she never waivered in her faith and believed that God was going to heal her right up to today.  When I think of this, I as a lot of others ask "Why doesn't God answer all our prayers?" 
I think when we look for answers like this, we only are looking at the result - the healing, never looking at how through the unanswered prayer God had a purpose had his own answer. 
Through my friend's unanswered prayer God taught us all faith, endurance, dedication and love.  Lavonne was dedicated to her family and her God, she endured a lot of pain and suffering and the love she had for her spouse, her son, her grandchildren, her  family, her church and her friends.   The example of her Godly life was a legacy none of us will ever forget.
The prayer for Lavonne to be healed went deep into God's heart, he cared enough about us that he was willing to let another one of his own suffer so that we might come to know him more.
I dedicate this blog today to a woman of God Lavonne Dilmore-Gause.  May we all be as trustworthy with our lives to God, the way that you were.

Faithful Friday

Today is Faithful Friday.  Faithful Friday is a day in which I can look back and share the way our Heavenly Father has been faithful to us.  Deuteronomy 7 vs 9 says "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands."

Looking back over my life it is almost impossible to list all the ways in which God has been faithful to me.
I love the song "He's been faithful, faithful to me, Looking back his love and tender mercies I see. In my heart there have been questions, even failed to believe but He's been faithful, faithful to me."

1.   After several years of marriage, I so wanted a baby and got pregnant and then miscarried.  I was very hurt and even a little mad at God (that's alright God understands when we get mad at him, after all He made us.)  In time I got pregnant again and God was faithful to me, he brought me a beautiful baby girl  (Kelly) and 3 years later he brought me another beautiful baby girl (Holly).
2.   The Economy has hit us all pretty bad and sometimes I am get discouraged and think "When will this ever end and why is this happening?"  I wonder how will we get through this?  But looking back I see the Faithfulness of God and how he has carried me all these years.
3.   Holly went through a difficult divorce and I prayed and prayed for a true 'soulmate'.  In God's timing he brought into her life a wonderful Christian man.  God was faithful to her and to me as a Mother whose love and concern never grows old for their children.
4.   I lost my job several years ago and God provided me with another one.
5.   Kelly at a young age went through a horrible accident outside our home with some other kids playing wiffle ball.  She was hit in the eye with the ball and it tore her retina.  The Doctor's said she would probably not be able to see 100% out of that eye because of the tear.  After much prayer, she left the hospital seeing 100% and now in her thirties she can still see at a 100%.  God was Faithful.
There will be more Faithful Fridays to share even more of the Faithfulness of God.

Happy New Year 2011

Happy New Year.  

Wow, another year has come and gone. Looking back over the year I would like to list some of the great moments of it.
1.  God's hand of protection and provision has been with us all.  God never ceases to amaze me with the way he keeps us in his care and in his will.

2.  Daniel and Holly (and Macy) got married.

  What a beautiful wedding and a true testament of how God can make something Beautiful in our lives and the lives of our children.

3.  Had a fun time being with friends at our 40th Class Reunion.  These girls were and will always be my Best friends. 

4. Enjoyed watching Macy play Soccer for the 1st time. As in this picture, she was always looking over her shoulder for our look of approval.

5. Loved watching Cole in his 1st year of T-Ball, I don't think I have ever laughed as hard. This picture says it all... Cole feels so confident in his team-mates, that he decides to lay down and rest while they finish out the inning.

6.  Jesse places 1st of Floor, 1st on Vault, 3rd on Bars, 6th on Beam and 3rd All Around at Gymnastics State Meet.  What a proud moment for all of us.

My Family

7. This picture was taken at Easter.  As I reflect back on 2010, I am so blessed to have such a beautiful family.  Not just the outside appearance (of which I am partial), but this family has such an inner beauty.  They are all fun loving, full of life and have hearts full of love for each other and others,but mostly for God.