Monday Morning Musings

Will resume on November 2nd. 2014

I have TWO birthdays...Do You?

I will wake up tomorrow and because I was born on March 13th. I will celebrate 69 years on this earth. I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior 60 years ago this past January. I used to tell children when I was teaching Sunday School, or Patch the Pirate, that the best thing that ever happened to me was not marrying Preacher, not having 3 wonderful sons, not even being a Missionary. The best thing that ever happened to me was getting saved. When the Lord Jesus saved me...He forgave all my sins, and gave me EVERLASTING LIFE. John 10 tells me that at the age of 9, I was given (John 3:16) everlasting life. Well, that was 60 years ago, and guess what? I still have it! Praise God, one day I will see Him face to face. I have a precious twin sister awaiting me in heaven. Whatever tomorrow brings....It's all good. And yes, I have some surgery schedules...just found that out today....But I'm a child of the King...and He loves me. Thank you to each of you who have sent Birthday greetings. I love you.  

As you see by the heading...I said I have two birthdays. My first birthday is March 13, 1945.  But I also have a second birthday.  That is the day that I mentioned in the first paragraph.  The  day Jesus saved me.  I want you to know that Jesus wants to save you too.

I often use what is called the Roman Road when I share this with others.  There is q song that  I love...it is “Tell Me the Story of Jesus”  Another is “ I love to Tell the Story of Jesus and His love.”  You know that everyone needs to hear the true story of Jesus, so for a few moments I want to tell you about the day I got saved.

It all began one evening when I was almost 9 years old...actually I was 8, but it was January and of course my birthday is in March...so I always say I was 9, but in truth...I was nearly 9.  Anyway, at our house in Quinton, NJ  Mom had dinner ready to go on the table when dad got home from work every evening.  This particular night...started out as normal.  We sat down to eat...and as we started out to eat, dad picked up his fork to begin eating, but suddenly he loudly put down his fork and said to mother, “Call the Preacher, I have to get saved.”  Mom jumped up immediately and call Pastor Al Black. He was knocking on the door in 10 minutes.  Mother rushed us girls upstairs.  We all headed up, but being the inquisitive person that I am, I slipped quietly down and crouched on the lower steps...wanting to listen to what was going on.  As I sat there, I heard our pastor sharing the gospel with dad and then very soon, I heard dad begin to pray.  He was weeping and the earnestness of his words shook  me to the core...I had never heard dad pray, and I had no doubt that he was saved.  That night, we girls got a brand new dad...he was changed.  

I had always gone to church with mother, and I listened to the preacher, I listened to my Sunday School teachers at Quinton Baptist Church.  I knew I was not saved.  I remember our pastor preaching about One day Jesus was coming to take all those saved to heaven.  As a young girl, that scared me to death.  Now not only was mother a Christian, but now...dad was saved too.  My parents were ready for Jesus to come...but I was not ready!  I shared a full size bed with my twin sister and that night when we crawled into bed, I could not stop thinking about what had happened that night.  Dad had got saved...and as I lay in the bed...staring into the darkness, I trembled as I whispered into the silent room...”Don’t come yet!  Please don’t come yet.”  My heart seemed to be beating so loud, that I would glance over at Arlene (my twin sister) to see if she could hear the beating that pounded in my ears.  Again the next night...I would whisper those same words...begging the Lord to wait.”  Finally that 3rd night ....with no sleep the last two nights, I was so tired, so filled with fear, and didn’t know what to do.  As I called out to God for help, I slipped out of our bed, and onto my knees, and as best as a nearly 9 year old could, I called out for forgiveness of my sins.  I knew that Jesus had died on the cross and paid for my sins, I knew that He was buried, and risen again. (thank you QBC sunday school teachers) I quoted John 3:16 and ask Him to saved me.  Finally I crawled back into the bed...and immediately fell into a peaceful sleep. 

Do you know 100% that your going to heaven?  Ladies, there is such a peace in knowing that your sins are forgiven, and you know that heaven is your home.  You must understand that your a sinner. Sin is anything that does not please God...hatred of others, disobedience, angry, and listen to this one....gossip, stealing, cheating, thinking evil, or hurtful things in your heart.  The Bible says, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”  and I’ve only scratched the surface of what sin is...but you get the idea...  (Smile)  Jesus paid for your sins when He died on the cross...so we don’t have to pay the debt...which is eternity in hell.  None of us want that!  But what can we do?  Accept what Christ did when He died on the cross...He died for me, and HE DIED FOR YOU. Romans 10: 9 & 10  

IF you have a question, please call me...and i would be honored to help you. 606 877 5710,  Today I was reminded of the frugalness of life.  Test revealed that my heart function is at 40%.  Ideally it works 100%.  This caused some real concern since I need to have carotid artery surgery and am scheduled for surgery.  I am totally at peach about this.  Not only am I saved, but I belong to God and understand Romans 8:28  “....All things work together for GOOD to them that love God.....”  

I’ll leave you with this final thought.  Do you want peace?  Assurance of Eternal life?  Jesus is the answer. 

I love you ladies.  

Going Home

I remember well that Christmas Eve Sunday so many years ago.  We lived just down the road from that old country church that we loved so well.  As Preacher headed out the door to make that long haul across the mountain over into Vest, where little ones would be watching for that old yellow bus to stop out front.  I stood at the window and watch as he climbed on board and started the engine.  Then he climbed out and with the long handled window scraper, he cleared the windshields snowy cover and then with his bare hands, wiped the snow from the side mirrors, before climbing aboard, and putting the bus in gear.  I stood there every Sunday until the bus disappeared out of sight.  Often one of our 3 boys would go with their preacher daddy on the long drive Up Ogden, over the mountain, through Vest, and then all the way around until he came out of Possum Trot, through Hindman, and back up Big Branch where the Little country church was filling up, and awaiting their pastor’s arrival. 

It was December 24^th. Christmas Eve Sunday and so much planning and preparation had been made.  The children would be singing, some of them saying parts, Special recognition to those who helped faithfully.  I remember that this particular year, Hessie and Jerry Pierce would both be given special mention, and given small gifts of appreciation for their service.  There would be sweet treats for every boy and girl, and some gifts for them too. It was a wonderful time of celebrating Christ coming to earth.  We even had a birthday cake with candles as we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus.  It was snowing softly, but the roads were still passible. 

Finally, Sunday morning was over, again the bus, and vans were loaded and the voices of happy children could be heard singing and laughing as they head home. 

I hurried to our house, excited and so very thankful for the already cooked dinner Martha Cornett had prepared and given us for Sunday dinner that day. Her meals were such a treat.  Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, slaw, biscuits, and a warm from the oven cobbler filled the basket. As I peeked into the basket of goodies, all three of our boys gathered around to get that first glimpse of the meal that they knew would be delicious.  Rewrapping the meal and placing the kitchen towel over the basket to hold in the warmth, I scurried off the pack…we were going home for Christmas.  I pulled out the 3 old suitcases we owned, and opened them wide across the living room floor. Then told each of the boys to go get 5 pair of socks, enough underwear for the week, and their PJ’s. One suitcase always held all the bedtime clothes.  Then back up to get their shoes, and a pair of boots, gloves, and their hang up clothes.  I would look over each item, most were badly worn, but I’d made certain all was clean and ready for this once a year trip to grandma and Grandpa’s house.

Finally preacher was back, and I want to the kitchen to put the Sunday meal on the table.  I had things ready when my husband walked into the kitchen.  The food was wonderful, and the conversation was peppered with laughter as we talked about the Christmas service that morning, and made final plans for the long, all night drive north to be with family.  Oh how light our hearts were that afternoon. 

That last suitcase was finally closed just in time for all of us to head back to church for the Christmas Eve service.  We had decorated the church with candles in each window, a wreath on the front door, and in the center of the room the old floor furnace was glowing red as it heated the room.  It was a wonderful evening, and everyone seemed to burst with joy as they headed back to their homes that evening. It was indeed a special night.  In just a few hours, it would be Christmas.

Preacher and I closed up the building, making sure everything was in order. Our boys put the song books back in the racks.  We said goodbye to our precious church family and drove the short distance back to our house.  Bathroom visits were made, pillows, blankets, handed out, the suitcases in the trunk, and we were on our way.  For several hours, the boys all sat up…three little heads all looking over the front seat…. talking about pumpkin pie, turkey, and grand mom’s cookies.  Six eyes beams into the night as they remembered past Christmas’s…the folding table up-stairs loaded down with presents. The Beautiful Christmas tree that they knew would we shining brightly no matter what time we arrived and a warm welcome awaited all of us.  I must admit my heart was doing flip-flops as well.

It was a 13-hour drive.  Preacher was tired.  Some times I would relieve him for an hour or two, so he could sleep.  He had been up since before daylight on Sunday morning, and now it was beginning to grow light again…it was Christmas and we were all singing.  I remember the song…”Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmothers house we go, the Horse knows the way to carry the sleigh over the white and drifted snow.  Then we’d get to the part about the pumpkin pies and the children were literally screaming out the words. 

Even now my heart seems to squeeze as I remember all the delicious treats that my children knew awaited them.  We weren’t able to provide all the goodies and extra special treats that they knew would be found at Grandma’s house.

It was nearly 9am when we pulled up in front of the house.  I would lean forward for that first glimpse of the house, that first moment when I’d see mom and dad standing there, looking out the window for their first sight of our car pulling up.  We had arrived! The back doors of the car were thrown open, and three boys spilled out, heading for the house.  The front door opened and I saw mom and dad bending down, gathering their grandchildren in their arms.  I stood back, my eyes awash with tears, as I saw mom looking, waiting.  Her arms were open for me.

Dad wrestled and played with his grandchildren, while mom hurriedly tied her apron around her waist and soon the house smelled like bacon, sausage gravy and buttermilk biscuits.  A jar of her homemade blackberry jam was opened and very soon we were gathered around the kitchen table, in the house I grew up in…and I was home.

The years have passed and this year, I’m back in the states, But this year mom is much older, more feeble, her hands tremble, her walk is slow, her strength almost non-existant.  Breakfast is now my job. Now those long ago Christmas happen only in my memory. But still where mom is, I feel that welcoming pull of Home.

And now, just days ago, mom moved her address.  Dad had gone on ahead 15 years before, and finally, once again, they are united…their address:  Mansion over the Hill Top, Golden Avenue, Glory Land.  I look forward with much anticipation to one day going home…my real home.

LOVE

There’s something magical in that word!

“You can Give without Loving, but you cannot Love without Giving”

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated with the word, L-O-V-E.  I remember that I loved my daddy so much that at times I thought my heart would pop right out of my chest.  I thought he was the handsomest man on the planted.  Am I sounding silly? Or just plain dumb? Nevertheless I adored him.  And I knew he loved me.  I would have given anything or everything to him, and still feel that way today.

As you can see up near the top, a Quote that I think is a perfect description of how I feel about the Lord.  I find that because I love Him, I have a deep desire to give to him.  Did you say what do you want to give Him?  Everything!  More!  Yes I want to give Him more of me…more of what I have….More, More, and even more…until I have given Him all that I am, all that I have, and then more.  Are you laughing?  I am really serious. And guess what?  God blessed me with a husband who is almost…yes, I said ALMOST exactly like me.  He keeps my feet on the ground and “reins me in" when I get a little crazy.

Here is one Biblical example of love….and yes, I know you already know this portion of Scripture.  I Cor. 13  I wrote this more from memory, then copying the exact text, so please don’t get upset.  “Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs, Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perserveres … And now these three remain: faith, hope and Love.  But the greatest of these is Love.” By the way, I have not used the exact wording…but some of it in my own words…

Luke 6:38

King James Bible Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.

I love this portion of God’s Word…and I claim it often.  I know that if I’m a giver, God will provide for me.  That’s exactly what it says….Give and it SHALL be give unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and …. Hey look at this…Running over, shall men give …!  Whoa…now who can argue with that kind of promise?  No me!  And best thing is…I have experienced this…over and over again.  God can not lie.  I remember one time, Herb and I needed some big bucks…well, big for us…we needed $14,000.  And we had to have the money…we didn’t have much…but we gave it all.  Yep….we gave all we had…certainly not $14,000, but we did give every cent we had….and trusted God to provide…and He did!  And I have to tell you this….so sweet…so amazing…so much God simply answering our need.  We got a gift for exactly $14,000.  NO it’s never happened again…but we only had that kind of need once in our lifetime…but no one knew about this huge need except for Me, Herb and God….so what do you think?  Right now, our car is 14 years old and it’s starting to cost us a little here and a bit more there, but one of these days, we are going to have to buy another vehicle, not something new, but something to replace this older car and we will again have to throw out the rope of faith and trust God…and because of  depending on Him all these years, we will give what we have and believe He is going to provide.  We love Him and we know that He first loved us.  He has promised to meet our needs…I would never ask Him to provide a Volvo, or a BMW, but I do trust Him to meet our needs.  How much do you love Him?  Enough to give Him your life?  You time?  Your money, and trust Him to your finances.  Read the Bible and believe that every promise in the Book is Yours’ and Mine. Hurray!  Love Him.  And remember you can’t love without Giving.

Have a wonderful week, and Remember to Love the Lord with all your heart.

Let’s Love our Mothers

( I had a picture here, but it didn’t show up...sorry)

I

I am doing all of this today in Pink, in honor of my mother…whose favorite color was pink…I must admit, she looked even more beautiful when she wore pink.  We chose shades of pink when we picked our her flowers for the funeral this week, and I personally chose huge white Spider Mums to highlight all the pink.  I put a small bouquet in the corner of mom’s casket from my granddaughter Leah Darby…it it looked lovely.  We buried Mom yesterday on a snow covered hillside here in Tennessee.  It took two guys to help me up the hill, preacher was a pallbearer so I wondered if I could get to the grave site, but God supplied the help I needed up the slippery hills side as He always does.

Today, I have needed to talk to mom, I felt so strongly that I wanted just one more chance to share my heart…but it was too late.  Girls, that is such a sad state to be in.  Needing to take care of business and its simply too late.  I urge you to take the time NOW, while you have your loved ones…to let them know you love them. 

I have to say that over the past few months, and more so in these past two weeks, I have told mother I loved her.  I have thanked her for loving me, so making sure I always had clean dresses to wear, that I was bathed, and when I grew older, there was a scheduled time for our baths.  There was always wonderful meals, homemade cookies, and Chicken ‘n Dumplings and fried chicken.  Health foods too…like vegetable soup, fish, salad, and oal meal.  Mom was a cleaner too…our house was always clean, and she taught us girls to clean.  At the time, I thought it was the cruelest, meanest thing, and was sure none of my friends had to help clean and do chores. I’ve found out that many of my friends had to do chores, some much harder then I had to do.  And I thanked her for teaching me to clean.

I thanked her for the homemade dresses, I wanted store-bought most of the time, but mother was being wise with the money they had, and now I understand and I have thanked her.

I remember the nights when a fever was raging and I’d feel her cool hand on my brow and I’d hear her soothing words.  I’d see her down the hall, on her knees beside her bed, and I knew she was praying for me.  And while she lay dying, I told her thankyou over and over again.

Read Titus chapter two…God tells mothers to love their children, and mom loved us well….and I thanked her as she lay in the hospital,  I thanked her to for loving dad…and giving us the security of knowing that mom and dad stood united…and we could feel that confidence that tomorrow and the next day, and the next month, and forever that they would provide me with parents loving each other and love me. 

But I have to admit to you that I didn’t often think of these things.  I did often, and in some cases, I never told her thank you.  And now it’s too late.  I rubbed lotion on her swollen feet this week, and I am ashamed to say, I can remember only one other time when I did that.  I wish I had done more loving gestures for her, but now it’s too late.  I know there’s not much Scripture in today, but Yesterday was Valentines Day, and I buried my mother.  I wanted so much to whisper I love you Mom…but laying in the casket was my mom’s body, but mom was not there.  She was in Heaven, face to face with the Lord Jesus, and seeing Dad, and my twin sister, Arlene…and having the time of her life.  So, maybe call your mother, if she’s living and tell her you love her, think of the good things she has done for you…and let her know that your glad she is you Mother.  And tell her again, and again.  Do things for her.  Maybe take her out to lunch.  Does things to let her know that your glad she is your Mother.

Exodus 20:12 KJV -

Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Happy Valentines Day

I love you gals.

Mrs. Curriden

He Really Loves Me!

Here it is February 3^rd. 2014, and I’m still trying to remember to write 2014, and the entire month of January is already past.  I always like to focus on “LOVE” during this month.  I want to do this again this month, but I am starting with God’s love for us.   One of the first verses I always taught my babies was “God Is Love”.   I loved to hear their sweet young baby voices saying those 3 words.  If you’re a mommy of little ones, begin now to teach them about Jesus, and that He loves them. 

I wish that every person alive would truly love the Lord.  Can you imagine what our world would be live if that was the case?  It would be Heaven on earth!   Okay…now to get to the thoughts for today.  “We love Him because He first Loved us.”  I John 4:19  Probably most of you know this sweet song.  Won’t you take a moment and read the words.  How much does he love me? Just like the song says… He loves me like I was His only child…and that is how he Loves you too.

          God Really Loves Me

g                                                c                  
My Father has a great big family. 
                                                                      d      
And there are many children besides me. 
                      g                                                 c            
If you're wandering how He divides His time, 
                                                   d      
let me say I never stand in line.   (this is just me...saying AMEN!)

        g                                                  c          
He loves me like I was His only child, 
                            d                      
never felt so loved before. 
                  c                     d            
I could never ask for more. 
           g                                                c        
He loves me like I was His only child. 
                      d                
God really loves me. 
   c                        d                  
Yes He really loves me. 
          c                         d                      g            
He loves me like I was His only child. 


         g                                               c        
He never favors me above the rest. 
                                                                  d          
But I can't help but feel that I am blessed. 
           g                                  c          
He treats me best I often say. 
                                                                    d        
But all my Father's children feel that way!

Preacher and I have been on the road for 6 days.  We took a huge load of supplies to a Christian Servicemen’s Center in Jacksonville, NC…and took a look at the ministry there too.  We were able to provide the Center with $400.00 worth of supplies, coffee, sugar, powdered creamer, Canned Tuna, Beef stew, chips, chips, and more chips, hot sauce (remembering the guys at Eifel Bapt. Church)  Ramon noodles (a case) Paper supplies, eg  Tissue paper, paper towels, napkins, plastic cups, as well as office paper, and much more.  It was a blessing to be able to be help.  We have a special place in our hearts for the military. 

Here is something that happened just today...an example of God’s love for me.... 

I was wearing a solid gold bracelet that one of the men stationed at Eifel Baptist church 2004-2006 bought for me when he had to go to Turkey for a 3 month Deployment and upon his return, he had brought me this bracelet from Turkey, so it has great sentimental value, as well as costing him a lot of money.  Today we stopped to “walk” and the spot we chose was Walmart.  Preacher headed to the sports section and I picked out Valentine cards for my granddaughter, and both of our mothers, found a pack of scrunchies (multi colored) then decided to go to the restroom before checking out.  As I entered the “stall” I noticed that the bracelet was missing.  My heart took a dive into my stomach…then I bowed my heart and prayed.  As I prayed, I asked the Lord to help me find it, and if need be, keep the eyes of others around it to not see it.  I left the bathroom and tried to remember my steps.  It was very crowded and as I re-traced my steps, I had to dodge so many people.  I continued to pray, and I told the Lord, it’s okay if you’d rather I didn’t have it.  Just as I said those words…something caught my eye…it didn’t look like a bangle bracelet, but still I went to see what it was.  My heart did a jump…it was my bracelet…and it had not been stepped on, and God heard my prayer…it was right in the center of the aisle in front of the row of check outs.  Yes, He loves me like I was His only child.  But, the best part is…He loves you like you are His only child.  We do not have to wait to ask His help with just the BIG things…He wants us to come to Him for everything.  Did you slip and say an unkind word?  Ask Him to forgive you and help you make it right.  Did you forget it was your husbands birthday?  Ask the Lord to help you fix it.  You say…Oh Mrs. C, that’s such a trivial thing.  God see’s your need, whether big or very small, and wants to help. 

He really loves you.  He really loves me.  Enough to keep all those shoppers in Walmart from finding my bracelet.  He really loves us.

Next Monday we will take another look at the Love of God.  Let’s read this verse…before we close.  John 3:16 “For God SO LOVED the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have ever-lasting life.”   Yes, He really love me.

How much do you Care?

Acts 5: 27-28

Your life should make it clear to everyone who knows you that you are a follower of Jesus Christ.

In the past week, I have had a lot on my mind.  Eternity has been the biggest things.  Did you ever come face to face with the thought “I wonder have I done my Best for Jesus?”  Or “I wish I had given Him more?”   I have to say that at the age of 68, I often get frustrated with myself.  I want to do for others; I want to be a blessing to those around me.  My life has changed drastically in recent years.  I tried very hard to keep up with my ministries, like teaching my Sunday school class, but often I let them down, especially after I had a second heart attack…. I just didn’t have the strength to do as good of a job.  It took a while, but I finally accepted it. Philippians 4:11 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content” I had to do what I could, where I was. I can still talk ladies, and that means I can talk about the Lord.

A couple years ago, there was a theme going around, “Bloom where your planted.”  I never used that theme, I am one of those people that like to be different, and God did bless and give me ideas and the Ladies at Eifel Baptist helped so much in carrying out my plans.

What I’m trying to say is…you and I must do what we can, where we are, and realize that often, God sends people into our lives and we have that one opportunity to make a difference in their life.  Do you understand what I’m getting at?  Let me share something that happened to me many years ago.

I was in High school, already a Christian, and carrying my Bible every day. Another student, Tommy, (changed his name) was in my homeroom all four year of high school.  Well the second day of my freshman year, he ask if he could carry my books. (This was a first for me)  Anyway, I handed him my books, with the Bible on top.  He let me know he liked me.  He even went so far as to make a huge poster saying, “I love Jimmiedean!” and held it up for everyone to see.  I let him know that I did not appreciate this.  In later years os school, he frequently ask me out on a date.  Every year, he would ask to carry my books, and continued to send my notes.  We graduated, and I lost touch with him.  It wasn’t long before I heard that he had died. 

I was shocked.  I realized that Tommy was dead, and I had never one time told him that I was a Christian.  I carried my Bible every day.  I think of what a hypocrite I was.  I have thought of him often over these 50 years…and I hope that someone else shared the Gospel with him.  God gave me hundreds of opportunities to tell this guy about Jesus and I blew it. I truly believe that he loved me…and I didn’t care enough to tell him about the One who loved me and died so that I could go to heaven. I had chance after chance to share the Gospel with him.  Will I ever be able to fix this?  No.  And I may have been the only one who could have told him. Remember the story of the rich man in hell calling out for someone to go tell his brothers…so they would not come to where he was. Do you have sisters and brothers who need to know how they can go to Heaven?  Tell them, first of all, let them know that you love them and never want to see them go off into eternity without knowing Christ as Savior.  If you need Scripture verses, contact me via email.  herbandjd@aol.com

I wrote a true story many years ago called, “I thought it was the Preacher’s Job.”  Ladies, it’s not just the Preacher’s job.  It’s my job, it’s your job.  Perhaps one day I will share that story with you, but right now, today, I want you to think about your best friend, someone you love or care about.  Have you ever told them about Jesus?  Have you told them that you are going to Heaven one day?  Pick up some tracts from your church, bring them home, and share them with others.  I know for certain that I have at least two people who have died that I spent a whole lot of time with, but never told them about the Lord.  I know that their blood in on my hands. Below I’ve closed with a poem. I think you’ll find that it’s words hit home.  I know it touched my heart.  Do others see Christ in me?  Do I let them know that the best thing that ever happened to me was not marrying my husband, or ever having my three sons, the best thing that ever happened to me was the day I accepted Jesus Christ as a Savior.  Let’s love our friends enough to tell them about the Lord.

Is your life the window through which others see

The Christ Who died for you and me?

Or is it smudged by the dirt of sin,

No longer a beacon of God's love within?

by

M. Elaine Fowser