My Heart's Desire

Obituary of Jesus Christ

2009-03-30T14:25:00.004-04:00

Jesus Christ, 33, of Nazareth, died Friday on Mount Calvary, also known as Golgotha, the place of the skull. Betrayed by the apostle, Judas, Jesus was crucified by the Romans, by order of the Ruler Pontius Pilate.

The causes of death were crucifixion, extreme exhaustion, severe torture, loss of blood and a broken heart.

Jesus Christ, a descendent of Abraham, was a member of the house of David. He was the adopted Son of the late Joseph, a carpenter of Nazareth, and Mary, His devoted natural Mother. Jesus was born in a stable in the city of Bethlehem, Judea. He is survived by His mother, Mary, His faithful Apostles, numerous disciples and many other followers.

Jesus was self-educated and spent most of his adult life working as a Teacher. Jesus also occasionally worked as a Medical Doctor and it is reported that he healed many patients. Up until the time of His death, Jesus was teaching and sharing the Good News, healing the sick, touching the lonely, feeding the hungry and helping the poor.

Jesus was most noted for telling parables about His Father's Kingdom and performing miracles, such as feeding over 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish, and healing a man who was born blind. On the day before His death, He held a Last Supper celebrating the Passover Feast, at which He foretold His death.

The body was quickly buried in a stone grave, which was donated by Joseph of Arimathea, a loyal friend of the family. By order of Pontius Pilate, a boulder was rolled in front of the tomb. Roman soldiers were put on guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that everyone try to live as Jesus did. Donations may be sent to anyone in need.

Important Update: Correction - Since the time of the publishing of this obituary, we have had it confirmed by many persons that Jesus has risen from the dead! He is alive and well. He has asked that we continue to help others and to share with them the Good News that Jesus Saves From Sin!

Oh Glorious Love

2009-03-14T21:42:00.000-04:00

In my darkness Jesus found me,
Touched my eyes and made me see;
Broke sin's chain that long had bound me,
Gave me life and liberty.

Oh glorious love of Christ my Lord Divine,
That made Him stoop to save a soul like mine;
Through all my days and then in Heaven above,
My song will silence never, I'll worship him forever,
And praise Him for His glorious love.

Oh amazing truth to ponder,
He whom angel host attend;
Lord of Heaven, God's Son what wonder,
He became the sinner's friend.

Oh glorious love of Christ my Lord Divine,
That made Him stoop to save a soul like mine;
Through all my days and then in Heaven above,
My song will silence never, I'll worship him forever,
And praise Him for His glorious love.

by The Talley Trio

My Heart’s Desire

2009-03-12T20:59:00.003-04:00

Let me walk in the path which my Savior hath trod,
Let me follow so close by his side.
For by trusting in him I am happy and free,
In the fold lf his love let me hide.

Let my heart e’er be fixed on my treasure above,
Let the pleasures of earth fade away.
For there’s nothing so lovely as Jesus to me,
Let me ne’er from his love go astray.

Do you ask why I love him the dearest of all?
Why so freely I yield unto him?
‘Tis because he has loved me and died on the cross,
My poor soul lost in sin to redeem.

It is blessed to serve him and do his good will,
For so precious to me is his love.
Let my talents and time all be given to him,
Till he calls me to meet him above.

In his love let me hide (in the fold of his love let me hide),
In his love let me hide (in the fold of his love let me hide);
For by trusting in him I am happy and free,
In the fold of his love let me hide (let me hide).

- By Lucena C. Byrum

Love is a choice

2009-03-10T17:53:00.002-04:00

It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 a.m., when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb.

He stated that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.

On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, we began to engage in conversation. I asked him if he had another doctor’s appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.

I then inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him, "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?" He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is." I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life."

True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

Gone on to her reward

2009-03-02T19:37:00.003-05:00

Yesterday morning, Dori passed away. Her passing was swift and she was well prepared. Over the past week and a half, she said her final goodbyes to her family and to many of her closest friends. Having recently spent time in a nursing home and in the hospital, she had wanted to go her heavenly home from her earthly home, and God granted her desire. She passed away peacefully in her home with her husband and son by her side.

We will certainly miss Dori, but we are thankful that we have many fond memories of her and all the good times we have had for well over 45 years as family friends.

Rescue the Perishing or Perish the Rescuing?

2009-02-28T08:11:00.006-05:00

This story is told of a small town of people who lived on a stretch of dangerous sea-coast where shipwrecks often occurred. Some of the townspeople decided to put some time, effort and money into a rescue operation. A small rescue station was built and the devoted members of the rescue team kept a constant vigil over the stormy sea, ready to use their little life boats to search for survivors in case of a shipwreck.

One stormy night there was a horrible ship wreck, and the small team went into action. As result of their dedicated effort, many lives were saved.

When the news of their rescue was spread around, more and more of the townspeople joined the rescue group. More and more funds were added and, thus, a bigger and better "rescue station" was built. The new building was transformed into a resort clubhouse which provided many recreational facilities for the fun and comfort of all their new members, supposedly, as they waited for another shipwreck. They built a gymnasium with the latest exercise equipment for after all, they reasoned, their members needed to be in good physical condition when they received the distress call to go on a rescue mission. They built a nice big cafeteria to feed all the new members. They kept their members well fed and even scheduled social hours for the entertainment of their diners. They built a large luxurious indoor/outdoor swimming pool so the members could learn how to swim, just in case they got a dreaded distress call. With all the new luxuries, it became popular to be a rescue mission club member!

Again, on a dark stormy night, the alarmed was sounded. However this time, very few of the clubhouse members dared to go out into the stormy waters to save lives. "Why would we want to go get all wet and take a chance of drowning themselves?", they said. A few of the members went out and a few lives were saved.

Later there was a division among the club members regarding the purpose of their existence.

Today, as the story goes, the town has grown in population and there are now a good number of exclusive clubhouses dotting the shore line. However, none of them are interested or concerned about rescue operations any more.

Does this story sound a bit like the modern-day Christian church to you? Have you ever been to a church meeting where the members pretty much kept to themselves, and greeted you rudely and almost coldly, if they greeted you at all? Are there churches that seem more like a social club with well planned social events rather than life-saving stations for the spiritually lost and dying? How many churches today spend far more of their annual budgets on staff salaries and building expenses rather then on outreach endeavors?

There is an old Hymn that goes this way:

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.

Though they are slighting Him, still He is waiting,
Waiting the penitent child to receive;
Plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently;
He will forgive if they only believe.

Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,
Feelings lie buried that grace can restore;
Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,
Chords that were broken will vibrate once more.

Rescue the perishing, duty demands it;
Strength for thy labor the Lord will provide;
Back to the narrow way patiently win them;
Tell the poor wand’rer a Savior has died.

Refrain

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.

God doesn’t have any grandchildren

2009-02-21T13:27:00.004-05:00

Thank God for grandparents! They are loving, kind, caring, and giving! If you were to ask most any grandparent, they would tell you that having grandchildren is wonderful too. In fact, I’m sure we have all heard it said that “If I’d known having grandkids was so much fun, I would have had them first.”

After so many generations of human beings, aren't there suppose to be great-great-great-grandchildren of God? You will notice, however, that the Bible never calls God our Grandfather, but only our Father. Why is that?

God doesn't have any grandchildren. He only has children.

Yes, He too is loving, kind, caring, and giving, but He has never experienced the joy of being a grandparent or having a grandchild.

Though you may have been born into a Christian home, becoming a true believer in Christ, becoming a child of God, is a personal decision. Your parents cannot raise a Christian. They cannot grow a Christian. You must choose to be a Christian.

A personal relationship with God has to be immediate and direct, like that between a father and son or daughter. As we read in John 1:12-13, But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Each individual sinner must come to God through Christ, having been born of God by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. The fact that one’s father is a child of God does not give you a relationship to God as a “grandfather.” If a person does not receive Him by faith, we are not given the right or privilege to consider ourselves as one of His own.

Being born again is not a group experience. There are no twins or
triplets.... or octuplets. God has no grandchildren, only children, born from His Spirit alone. Being born again is a crucial personal choice that will fundamentally and radically change your life.

Are you a child of God? ......Click here to read more.

My little author and song writer

2009-02-16T12:29:00.008-05:00

The other day, my 8 yr old son Austin was sitting at the table writing. When he finished, he gave the double sided paper below to us.

Needless to say, I'm a proud daddy!

By Austin Rude
Once upon a time was a little boy named John. John was in 4th grade. John was very sad because he had no friends because he didn’t know how to play the games that they did. So he practiced and he got better and one day he played the games and they wanted him on their team. So he played it everyday. - The end.

Song
If you are sad
I will be there
If you are lonely
I will comfort you.

That is what the story is about.

Fireproof

2009-02-15T22:43:00.002-05:00

This evening, we met in a home for a time of fellowship and sharing. Recently, some of the saints purchased the DVD titled Fireproof, and recommended that we view it together. So, that is what we did tonight. It was a new experience for us, but we enjoyed it very much.

This movie was written and produced by a church in Georgia as a outreach ministry tool. This same church has previously produced two other movies titled "Flywheel" and "Facing the giants". All three movies are clean, wholesome, bible based movies that are very edifying. They present repentance, salvation and restitution in a manner that is easy to understand. Thank God for people who have a burden and the talent to share the gospel in a manner that is reaching out to many millions of people.

The Gates of Hell

2009-02-14T12:05:00.002-05:00

"I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." - Matthew 16:18

There is a profound truth hidden in this scripture. Throughout the Bible, both the church and the dwelling place of the enemy are viewed as walled kingdoms. In the case of the church, the walls represent salvation and no one can enter the city of God except they be born again.

However, in this passage, these gates are not part of the walls of salvation surrounding the church. They are part of the entrapping walls of the kingdom of darkness. They are said to be "gates of hell." Sadly, may people have been caught through the snares of the enemy. He has lied to them and trapped them, with little hope of escaping on their own.

However, there is indeed hope. As Caption of His army, Jesus is looking for soldiers (Christians) who are willing to go on the offensive and help Jesus take back what is rightfully His. Jesus loves sinners. He is asking us to enlist in His army and go to the devil's territory to rescue those in great need. This battle is not for the faint of heart, but when we get a real vision of lost souls trapped by the enemy, it should compel us to join the victorious army to help with their release.

The church is not to be an isolated compound that entraps its own citizens. It is to be a place of temporary nurturing in preparation for the real external battle, which is with the enemy and his forces of evil. When we view the church as a permanent place of gathering, we will cease the rescue mission that Jesus is calling us to do.

Thank God, with Jesus as our Caption, the church will prevail against the powers of Satan. There are no gates of hell that can stop us.

More comparisons of the church (ekklēsia – assembly, gathering) as a filling station

2009-02-10T13:08:00.006-05:00

Sunday evening at our assembly meeting we had a very good time of fun, fellowship and sharing. We had a discussion about the comparison of the church to a gas station. We discussed the previous comparisons in the blog post below. Afterwards, everyone added a few comparisons of their own. It was neat to hear all the various things that people came up with. It was truly a group effort and the young people had some awesome ideas. From the youngest (8 yrs) to the oldest (late 70s), everyone had something to share.

Below are 21 additional comparisons that we came up with:

(1) There is always someone there to help you – You can call and someone will be there. – I can call on Jesus anytime!

(2) There are different kinds of fuel available at the pump – During an assembly meeting, there are different kinds of spiritual inspiration, i.e... singing, preaching, and testifying - everything you need to fill up!

(3) There is self service or full service. You can choose which service you want. – Sometime you can get everything you need from an assembly meeting on your own, but other times you might need some help from others.

(4) You pay in cash or credit card – Sometimes you have something immediately to share (cash) and we are rich in our experience, but other times you may have to borrow and run on credit (we get our needs met and we contribute later at another assembly meeting)

(5) You need to be careful of what station you choose because some owners water down the gas. – In some assemblies, they water down the Word. Water (our own ideas, traditions, compromise, false teaching, personal convictions, etc...) in the gas line causes damage and you pay the price later with “spiritual malfunctions”

(6) There are some needy people who hang around gas stations (street people, homeless) – We should be aware of the needy that come in among us and help them when possible.

(7) Gas stations have air pumps to inflate your tires – The assembly can add air (life) to our walk with God.

(8) Everyone’s tank is not the same size. Some don’t need as much to “fill” them up. – New converts don’t require as much to fill them as older established.

(9) It doesn’t take long to fill up. Fuel comes out quickly – If you lack wisdom ask God and He will give liberally. We do not need 2 hour lectures every week. With the anointing of the Spirit and the proper preparation, some people can say more in 20 minutes than others do in 2 hours.

(10) A gas station is lit up at night – We are a light in a dark world, but yet we are the light of the world.

(11) Although you cannot see them, the attendant can speak to you while you are filling up and they control the gas pumps. – The Holy Spirit speaks to us while in assembly and He is in control of our meetings

(12) Gas stations are open until late and some are even open 24/7 – God is there for us whenever we need Him. As saints, we should always be available to help others in time of need.

(13) There are multiple gas stations located throughout a town – You can have an assembly meeting anywhere - a park, a home, a conference room, a chapel, etc… You don’t always have to go to the same location. “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I will be with them”

(14) A gas station has trash cans and a garbage disposal – If you need to get rid of something in your life, you can do it at an assembly meeting.

(15) At gas stations, all are welcome – At assembly meetings, all are welcome, sinners and saints.

(16) Gas stations serve junk food as well as good food. – Some assemblies serve bad spiritual food along with good food.

(17) Full service gas stations have car washes. – Assembly meetings are places where we can be made clean by the water of the Word and sinners can be cleansed from their sin.

(18) The gas station has a roof over the filling station so it can protect you from the weather. – Assemblies should be a place where we can find protection from the storms of life.

(19) Full service gas stations have restaurants to provide you with energy as you go along your journey – Assemblies provide us with an atmosphere where we can get our souls feed as we journey along the path of life

(20) Gas stations provide salt – At assembly meetings, we should be given everything we need in order for us to be the salt of the earth.

(21) Gas stations have buffers beside the gas pumps to prevent wreaks and crashes into our source of fuel - The Word and the Spirit are pillars and serve as protection against false doctrine and false spirits that would try to cause havoc in an assembly meeting

You know you are getting old when...

2009-02-09T06:47:00.002-05:00

You refer to someone in their 60s as “young”.
You're asleep, but others worry that you're dead.
Your back goes out more than you do.
You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.
You are proud of your lawn mower and bird feeder.
You sing along with the elevator music.
You would rather go to work than stay home sick.
You enjoy hearing about other people's operations.
People call at 8 PM and ask, "Did I wake you?"
The end of your tie doesn't come anywhere near the top of your pants.
You wear black socks with sandals.
Your joints are more accurate than the National Weather Service.
You finally got your head together, now your body is falling apart.
You don't care where your wife goes, just so you don't have to go along.
You look forward to a dull evening.
You come to the conclusion that your worst enemy is gravity.
Your idea of a night out is sitting on the patio.
You look for your glasses for half-an-hour, and then find they've been on your head all the time.
You wake up, looking like your driver's license picture.
You look forward to taking naps.
You wonder how you could be over the hill when you don't remember being on top of it.
Getting lucky means you find your car in the parking lot.
Your idea of weight lifting is standing up.
Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
Your childhood toys are now in a museum.
You frequently find yourself telling people what a loaf of bread USED to cost.
Your new easy chair has more options than your car.
Your little black book only contains names ending in M.D.
Your ears are hairier than your head.

Happy Birthday To Me!

2009-02-08T08:52:00.000-05:00

Today’s my 47th birthday!

Starting last Tuesday, my dad has been sending me a card in the mail each day (see picture). Every card had a dollar in it for each year. Tuesday it was a 4th b-day card. Wednesday, 10th. Thursday, 12th. Friday, 21st. That makes 47! Saturday, it was a card with 47th marked on it. I won’t tell you how much he put in it!

Mind you, this is my dad who I didn’t think had a creative bone in his body. Honestly, it was kinda exciting coming home from work each day (all hot, dirty and sweaty from sitting at my computer all day) and seeing what he would think of next.

Speaking of my dad, he is the best! My Dad is the most humble, meekest, quietest spirited person on the face of the earth. He doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. I have never heard him cuss or swear. Never mistreat my mother. I don’t even recall them getting into a heated argument!

And devoted???? Dad is totally dedicated to God. His heart is so big (maybe even too big some times – people take advantage of him). He is also a devoted worker. This March, he will have worked in the IH truck factory for 50 years! He only recently started talking about retirement.

I hope that when I get old, I will grow up to be half the Christian that he is!

Wait, I am old!

The church (ekklēsia – assembly, gathering) as a filling station

2009-02-07T11:48:00.011-05:00

We live down the road from a couple of gas stations. I frequent them several times a week and have developed a good relationship with the workers there. As I was thinking today, I thought of the comparison of the assembly of the church to that of a filling station. The following are ten thoughts that I quickly jotted down:

(1) The assembly is a place for a spiritual fill-up – when you are about out of fuel, its time for a fill-up

(2) You get what you put into it – if you don’t contribute anything, you won’t get anything in return

(3) The assembly is a place where you can get an spiritual oil change – you can empty yourself and be filled with the Spirit of God

(4) You stop in when it’s necessary – when you’re feeling low on fuel, you know its time for another visit

(5) The assembly is a place where you meet people with similar needs – all are there for a specific purpose and all have specific needs

(6) The place of assembly is multi-functional – it has more to offer then just fuel

(7) The assembly is a place of diversity – no two cars are the same and no two saints are the same. All are unique and special

(8) A place to make a phone call – If you need to talk to God, you can do it at an assembly meeting as well as at your home

(9) The assembly is a place you can have your vision made clear – The squeegee and wiper fluid are free, but it takes effort on your part

(10) The assembly is not a place where you should park your car permanently – once you get filled up, it is time to take off and live the life away from the filling station.

Can you think of other comparisons? Feel free to leave a comment.

Watch Who You Follow

2009-02-04T16:37:00.001-05:00

The Spider’s Web

2009-01-31T16:13:00.003-05:00

Today, I saw a spider web in our bathroom. In the spider web was a small brownish red spider. Understand, it is in the dead of Winter here. It was way up in a corner and it had weaved a small web. The little guy (or gal) was waiting for a big bug to come along so he could catch and eat it, but that was not likely to happen. There are not too many bugs running around in January. Now, if it were down in our basement, that might be another story all together!

The thought occurred to me…. You can keep knocking down spider webs or you can kill the spider and get to the heart of the matter.

Too many people are only dealing with the webs in their lives. They never get to the cause of the webs. No matter what kind of new “spider web knocker downer” device we might invent to get rid of spider webs, unless we kill the spiders, they will keep reoccurring. Dealing with just the effects of the problem is not good enough. We must get to the heart of the matter.

Trying to get people to change their ways, their attitudes, their habits, etc… is not good enough. They must die out. They must have a spiritual heart transplant if they are ever to get real victory in their lives. Sin and selfishness must be dealt with directly and only Jesus can change a person’s heart.

But, that is His specialty!

Being the nice guy that I am, I didn’t have it in me to kill the little guy. So, I caught him and sent him on a long journey. I figured if he could survive the trip from the toilet bowl to the septic system outside, and the 10 deg temperature, he deserved a chance to live.

Wasn't that nice of me?

A Fun Friday Night

2009-01-31T09:13:00.004-05:00

We are social people. We love having company over and going to friends house to visit. But sometimes, we must do something other than just be with our friends. The scriptures teach in Luke 14:12-14 "When you give a dinner or a banquet, don't invite your friends and family and relatives and rich neighbors. If you do, they will invite you in return, and you will be paid back. When you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. They cannot pay you back. But God will bless you and reward you."

Last night, we had Daniel and Katie over for dinner. Tacos. Taco salad. Yummy! We had a real good time with them. After dinner, we played Snorta, a family friendly game. Daniel is the young man that was in jail last year and accidentally dialed a wrong (right) number. Instead of calling his sister, he called one of the saints who ministered to him.

The Lord worked it out to where he was released and charges against him were reduced. Now that he is out, he is trying to find a job, but is having a difficult time due to the slow economy. Please pray that something will work out for him soon.

There are so many needy people out there. It is no time to be idle.

I cannot be idle, for Jesus says "Go and work in my harvest today.
And then at the evening when labor is done, Whatever is right I will pay."

Another Snow Day

2009-01-29T21:28:00.001-05:00

We had another snow day. The kids were off from school and my work place was closed again. I spent the day working around the house and assembling a computer desk for Megan. This evening, I took the boys to Karate practice. They have been taking lessons for over a year and they now have their purple belts. In a couple years or so, they should have their black belts.

They joined Karate for exercise and to learn how to defend themselves. However, they are doing so good that their Sensei wants them to travel overseas for international competitions. Not sure where all that is going, but we sure are proud of them. They conduct themselves as Christians and we always receive praise for their good behavior and mentoring abilities.

Let it snow, let it snow!

2009-01-28T13:41:00.007-05:00

Today we had the biggest snow storm of the Winter season. Late last night and well into the early morning hours, we had an ice storm that gave us a 1/2 layer of ice. Then it snowed on top of that. About 8 inches or so.

Most everything is closed today and presently we are under a Level 2 Snow Emergency. That means we are not supposed to travel on the roads unless we really have to. They shut down the place where I work so I am off for the entire day.

Personally, I love days like this. While the weather outside is frightful, inside its so delightful. So I say, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

The two pictures are of my two boys and I getting ready to shovel the driveway and a view of a barn out behind our house.

The Trials of Life

2009-01-27T14:40:00.005-05:00

Troubles and trials, we all have them from time to time.

I’d like to share a little bit with my blog readers about a special lady. The world’s best Mom!

She was saved at the age of 16 and lived a holy and godly life from that time until her death at the age of 59. Mom was not a sickly person, but when she got sick, it seemed to always be some rare illness. She had her first surgery, the removal of her gall bladder, when she was just 16 or so. When she was 37, she nearly died of acute pancreatitis and she experienced flare-ups of that condition from time to time. She always said that the pain from these attacks was much worst than having a baby.

But in May of 1998, the doctors gave her some devastating news. She had developed a rare End-stage Liver Disease known as Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (non-alcoholic). Some big words, but it simply is a disease in which the bile ducts inside and outside the liver become narrowed due inflammation and scarring. The bile accumulates in the liver and it literally destroys itself. Once the symptoms become noticeable, it is too late for any corrective action. There is no cure and there is no treatment.

Over the course of the next 5 years, mom experienced many health issues and set-backs. She developed congestive hart failure, kidney failure, severe fluid retention, yellow jaundice, skin rashes, chronic itching, bruises, excessive swelling, internal bleeding, pneumonia, a bacterial staff infection and untimately a rare heart disease known as restrictive cardiomyopathy. Her skin become so thin that when she required a bandage, it would literally tear her skin off when the bandage was later removed.

In all this, she never complained! Even in her weakened state, she kept a smile on her face and was always looking out for the best interests of others. In July 2001, she wrote an inspirational book called Healing in His Wings, just so her testimony might be an encouragement to others who were suffering.

Mom died on May 2, 2003 with all of her immediate family by her side, as well as many of her friends and siblings. Just after she took her last breath, she got the biggest smile on her face and her soul sprouted wings and took off to her long home. It was the most peaceful feeling I have ever experienced.

Below is a sound clip of Mom, in her own words, giving her final testimony. She saw these afflictions, not as a curse, but as a blessing.

I hope that I can just have a fraction of the courage, faith and determination that she had.

Mom's Promotion

2009-01-27T10:59:00.006-05:00

The above picture is my mom and I. It was taken at my graduation from Clark State University in 1983. I had to work very hard to make it through college as we were not a rich family and I had to pay my own way. The only way I made it through financially was by getting grants, student loans and working three jobs. However, mom was always there to provide loving support. She was the smart one, not I.

She passed away, or should I say she was "promoted" from this life to the next on May 2, 2003. She had a rare liver disease for which there is no cure or treatment. She was only 59. At her funeral, Sis Paulette Fields gave a short eulogy in which she spoke of mom's dedication to her Sunday school children. A snippet of it is provided for your hearing (click play button to start).

God only knows how much we miss mom, but we look forward to a great reunion some day!

PS: No blog comments necessary about the hair! :o)

If Jesus Came to Your House

2009-01-26T19:06:00.000-05:00

If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two,
If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you'd do.
Oh, I know you'd give your nicest room to such an honored Guest,
And all the food you'd serve to Him would be the very best,

And you would keep assuring Him you're glad to have Him there,
That serving Him in your own home is joy beyond compare.
But, when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door
With arms outstretched in welcome to your heavenly Visitor?

Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in?
Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they'd been?
Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn't heard?
And wish you hadn't uttered that last, loud, hasty word?

Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out?
Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about?
And I wonder, if the Saviour spent a day or two with you,
Would you go right on doing the things you always do?

Would you go right on saying the things you always say?
Would life for you continue as it does from day to day?
Would your family conversation keep up its usual pace?
And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace?

Would you sing the songs you always sing, and read the books you read,
And let Him know the things on which your mind and spirit feed?
Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you'd planned to go?
Or would you, maybe, change your plans for just a day or so?

Would you be glad to have Him meet your very closest friends?
Or would you hope they'd stay away until His visit ends?
Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on?
Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone?

It might be interesting to know the things that you would do
if Jesus Christ came in person to spend some time with you.

Home Away From Home

2009-01-25T21:01:00.006-05:00

Today, we worshipped with a congregation in Washington Court House, Ohio. These are the saints who were a great inspiration to us when we were going through a transiting time a few years ago. In August of 2004, through divine providence, we were privileged to meet the saints for the first time. We have been occasionally attending services with the saints since that time. Sis Jerri Bomgardner (pictured on the left) was the pastor and she has been a real blessing to us. Prior to her retirement in late 2007, she pastored there for about 40 years and the gift of pastoring is quite evident in her life and in her ministry. She now resides in Mississippi.

The congregation is racially integrated, but primarily black. I love their music! Very upbeat. They clap, shout, stand, and occasionally even dance! :o) They love for me to play the piano and when I do, they don't hesitate to start praising the Lord. Worshipping God isn't all about emotions, but there certainly is an emotional uplift in it.

We have really come to love the saints there. Since it is about an hour drive from where we live, we don't get to make it too often, but when we do, we are never disappointed.

After the meeting, we went out to lunch with Bro and Sis Terry (pictured on the right). They are a beautiful couple. Sis Terry was blinded due to a horrible automobile accident. She was blind for 11 years, but God gave her a witness that she would see again. About a year and a half ago, she began to see "men as trees", or rather chimneys and men (she kept seeing chimneys on the houses around her and thought they were men working on the roofs). Over a short period of time, God completely touched her and now she can see again. Just recently, she got her driving permit and plans to start driving again!

God is good, all the time! Click here to read more.

Back to the Blessed Old Bible

2009-01-24T13:53:00.002-05:00

Back to the Blessed Old Bible
(by D.O. Teasley)

Back to the blessed old Bible,
Back to the city of God,
Back to the oneness of heaven,
back where the faithful have trod.
Back from the land of confusion,
Passing the wrecks and the creeds;
Back to the light of the morning,
Jesus our captain leads.

Back to the blessed old Bible,
Saints of Jehovah rejoice;
Jesus is calling his people
Back to the land of their choice.
Often our fathers have sought it
While we in Babel abode,
Now we have found the fair city
Church of the living God.

Back to the blessed old Bible,
Leaving confusion and strife;
Fleeing from Babel to Zion,
Back to the joy of our life.
Over the mountains we wandered,
Looking in vain for the right;
Now in the evening we've found it,
Truth of the gospel light.

Back to the blessed old Bible,
Back at the Master's call,
Back to the words of our Savior,
Loving, obeying them all.
Never is sects to be scattered,
Never again to do wrong:
Unity, holiness, heaven,
Ever shall be our song.

Back to the blessed old Bible,
Back to the light of the word:
Be on our banners forever,
"Holiness unto the Lord."

Life Long Family Friends

2009-01-21T21:09:00.001-05:00

The picture to the right is me when I was about 6 months old. The woman is "Dori", as we have called her for many years. She is like a second mother to me. She is the best story teller and remembers details vividly. Many times, she tells us kids about things that happened 20, 30 even 40 years ago, and when she tells them, she makes them come alive.

Like the time when Mom was in the hospital and was about to give birth to me. Dori came rushing to the hospital to be with Mom, and Mom was pacing back and forth through the halls. Being best friends and mom being the jokester that she was, she looked at Dori and said, "Girl, your not going to believe this but they told me it's not a baby, its a tumor!". Dori gasped and said, "Oh Faye, I'm so sorry!." Mom busted out laughing and they both got a good laugh. A few hours later, I was born.

So now that you've heard the rumor, its true, I am tumor!

All the funny business aside, please pray for Dori. She has been diagnosed with fast growing cancer and it is in several places in her body. She has had chemo and radiation and is now in a local rest home. I just talked to her husband yesterday and found out that she fell in the early morning and fractured her hip. She has been keeping a positive attitude so far, but this is a real setback for her.

She told me recently that she is ready to go, but felt that God still has a work for her.

Please remember Dori in prayer. She is in Community Hospital.

To Beard or not to Beard?

2009-01-19T13:54:00.000-05:00

From the time I was a little child, I had thin light-colored hair. Yes, believe it or not, I used to be little and I actually had hair on my head! When I was in my late teens, I tried to grow a mustache, but it was a lost cause. Every hear of peach fuzz??? :o) I concluded that I could never grow noticeable facial hair.

A couple of years ago, I attempted to grow a goatee and to my surprise, it was somewhat of a success. It was definitely gray in places, but noticeable none-the-less. I only kept it for a few months because it got itchy.

This past fall, we lost our electricity for a few days due to high winds from Hurricane Ivan. During those few days, I didn't shave. To my surprise, I was actually able to grow a noticeable beard. Deb liked it and wanted me to keep letting it grow. So I did, for 2 months.

In late November, I developed a skin condition (unrelated to the beard) and had to shave it off. Now that things are clearing up, I am thinking about growing some sort of facial hair again. Hey, What can I say? I need to cover up this ugly face as much as possible.

So the question is: To Beard or not to Beard?

Martin Luther King Jr Day

2009-01-19T10:43:00.000-05:00

Today is Martin Luther King Jr Day, a national holiday. He died when I was only 6, but I have heard his "I Have A Dream" speech many times during my lifetime.

One of his dreams has been fulfilled by the recent election of President Elect Barack Obama, who will become our nation's 44th president tomorrow. While I stand opposed to many of his policies and views, particularly his moral positions, I am thankful that we have elected a minority to the White House. This was a major hurtle in our country that has now been torn down.

This also give minorities hope that nothing is unachievable and that even the most powerful position in our country, yes, possibly in the entire the world, can be occupied by a minority. The glass ceiling is broken. This is something that every American should be proud of.

As the scriptures teach, let us pray for President Elect Barack Obama that he will consider God's will in the decisions out ahead.

Busy Day

2009-01-18T22:27:00.000-05:00

Sundays are always busy days. Not only do we have gospel meetings that we attend, sometimes three in one day, but I try to write and post meeting reports on our website: www.JesusSavesFromSin.com We also have some family time after the evening meeting.

Tonight, we had Sam Coons and my dad over for pizza. We had a good time. Since mom died, dad really spends a lot of time with his grand kids. Once a month, he takes Nate to play chess at the South Charleston library. At lot of times, Austin and Megan stay at his house on Fridays and the all the kids and their cousins will play board games on Saturday afternoon at pappaws. They love their pappaw! And he keeps them spoiled.

How many grandparents will keep stocked up on mints, dill pickles and spaghetti-O's? He has been doing it for years now. Nothing like having a good pappaw!

My First Blog

2009-01-17T19:22:00.000-05:00

I decided to start blogging today. Not sure how much time I can put into it, but I'm going to give it a shot. I am already trying to keep up with three websites:

www.JesusSavesFromSin.com
www.BiblicalElders.com
www.newcovenantchurchofGod.com

I hope to at least get one blog in per week.