We gathered at the farm for a wonderful day with family and friends, building precious memories that will linger for years to come. Shane, Diane, Nick, Jake, Chris, Beverly Higgins, Tanja, Rob, Alex, Tripp, my mother, Uncle Louis, Aunt Elizabeth, Linda, Uncle Buck, Donna, Tony, and the beautiful Miss Brittany all were there for food, fellowship and fun! Jake, Chris, Tripp and Alex played ball. Tripp rode the little tractor with Papaw! He was so excited! Shane, Alex and Brittany worked on guitar skills and played a few tunes for us. It was a most enjoyable day. We are sorry that all of our friends could not come and be a part of the day, but distance is so often an enemy!
Memories are created at times like these. We reminesced, told funny stories, and ate. And ate. Did I mention that we ate? I cooked burgers and dogs! But Glenda and mom fixed all kinds of goodies, from Glenda's trademark baked beans, to cheesecake with fresh strawberries. It was just the kind of day that makes you feel like you want to do it again!
Next year, maybe you can come and be a part of this time of togetherness with us!
I can hear it now, Charlie would say, 'You got it made!' And ya know....he'd be right!!
Keep the faith!
CARRY ON!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
A Memorial....
I sat and listened to the preacher preach a few weeks ago. It was a Wedensday evening revival meeting service. I really hadn't expected to hear from the Lord when I went to this revival. I just went to be going. But suddenly, the message took a turn. It was a message about the struggles that we find ourselves involved in and the plan that God has for our lives when we go through the heavy trial.
The children of Israel had come again to the crossing of the Jordan. It was now time to pass this obstacle. The priests had already stepped into the river and God had parted the water for the people of God to pass through. God spoke to Joshua and told him to have a member of every tribe to take a stone from the river and use it to build a memorial. I had always visualized a pile of stones, looking somewhat like a pile of rip-rap alongside the river. But this wordsmith drew a picture that is still vivid in my mind. These were not small stones, but massive stones that were used to build walls. They were quite heavy as they labored to get them out of the river. It seemed that the memorial was not going to be placed until they reached the place where they were going to camp for the night. It was not to be a pile of rocks along the river bank. And it wasn't going to be easy to carry those stones to the site of the camp. But they struggled under the load with great difficulty. It was backbreaking to these men as they labored to carry the stone that they had harvested toward the site of the memorial. Finally they reached the place and lay the stone aside.
It would be years later that they would return to remember the struggle that they had suffered in order to recieve the promise of the Father.
What is the struggle that you are faced with today? I have a few.... And sometimes it seems that there is no end to the struggle. But in the words of a song penned by Andrae Crouch, "our trials only come to make me strong!" There is a victory just over the horizon!
A few days ago, I was driving into town to check the mail to see if there was good news. As I turned the corner just down the road from our home, I began to cry and lament. "God, just where are you? I just need to know that you are still there!" Suddenly the phone rang. I started just to let it go to voicemail because I was in my own world of despair. But instead , I answered. There was a young lady that was going through her own struggles in life on the other end. She didn't mention her struggles to me that day. She simply said, "Pastor, the Lord spoke to me this morning and told me to tell you that "the days that are ahead will be more blessed that the days of your past. Don't allow this discouragement to get on top of you!" I began to weep! It was difficult to be transparent to this little gal that had troubles that far outweighted my own. But through my tears, I told her how she had been a blessing to act in obedience.
Well, the check that "is in the mail" still hasn't arrived, and I sure need the money, but God is so faithful to send men and women of God to speak a word of encouragement just in time!
It is another place of memorial! I stopped on the way to town today, and placed a stone along the side of the road. It won't mean anything to anyone else, but I will remember.....
"This is another place where God spoke to me...."
"And He walks with me and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His Own..."
Keep the faith!
CARRY ON!
The children of Israel had come again to the crossing of the Jordan. It was now time to pass this obstacle. The priests had already stepped into the river and God had parted the water for the people of God to pass through. God spoke to Joshua and told him to have a member of every tribe to take a stone from the river and use it to build a memorial. I had always visualized a pile of stones, looking somewhat like a pile of rip-rap alongside the river. But this wordsmith drew a picture that is still vivid in my mind. These were not small stones, but massive stones that were used to build walls. They were quite heavy as they labored to get them out of the river. It seemed that the memorial was not going to be placed until they reached the place where they were going to camp for the night. It was not to be a pile of rocks along the river bank. And it wasn't going to be easy to carry those stones to the site of the camp. But they struggled under the load with great difficulty. It was backbreaking to these men as they labored to carry the stone that they had harvested toward the site of the memorial. Finally they reached the place and lay the stone aside.
It would be years later that they would return to remember the struggle that they had suffered in order to recieve the promise of the Father.
What is the struggle that you are faced with today? I have a few.... And sometimes it seems that there is no end to the struggle. But in the words of a song penned by Andrae Crouch, "our trials only come to make me strong!" There is a victory just over the horizon!
A few days ago, I was driving into town to check the mail to see if there was good news. As I turned the corner just down the road from our home, I began to cry and lament. "God, just where are you? I just need to know that you are still there!" Suddenly the phone rang. I started just to let it go to voicemail because I was in my own world of despair. But instead , I answered. There was a young lady that was going through her own struggles in life on the other end. She didn't mention her struggles to me that day. She simply said, "Pastor, the Lord spoke to me this morning and told me to tell you that "the days that are ahead will be more blessed that the days of your past. Don't allow this discouragement to get on top of you!" I began to weep! It was difficult to be transparent to this little gal that had troubles that far outweighted my own. But through my tears, I told her how she had been a blessing to act in obedience.
Well, the check that "is in the mail" still hasn't arrived, and I sure need the money, but God is so faithful to send men and women of God to speak a word of encouragement just in time!
It is another place of memorial! I stopped on the way to town today, and placed a stone along the side of the road. It won't mean anything to anyone else, but I will remember.....
"This is another place where God spoke to me...."
"And He walks with me and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His Own..."
Keep the faith!
CARRY ON!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Jimmy made it home...
I appreciate the continual prayers for my son, Jimmy who is stationed in IRAQ. He is home for a few days of R&R. I know that his family are enjoying having the Sarg home!
I just returned from a trip to the OK/TX state line on I-40. during the trip, I passed the location of the accident that claimed the life of Dottie Rambo on Mother's Day morning. Glenda and I join the millions who have been blessed by the unique and prolific talent of this great lady. We sing her songs, and mourn her passing. She will be missed greatly by the body of Christ.
My good friend, Pastor Greg, shares the same problem I have in being regular with the blog. But I will continue to do better, I hope!
Another member of Jacob's Well has been healed! Last night Billie Terry walked without assistance at the great revival in Lakeland, FL. What a powerful outpouring! God is still doing the miraculous.!
Carry ON!
I just returned from a trip to the OK/TX state line on I-40. during the trip, I passed the location of the accident that claimed the life of Dottie Rambo on Mother's Day morning. Glenda and I join the millions who have been blessed by the unique and prolific talent of this great lady. We sing her songs, and mourn her passing. She will be missed greatly by the body of Christ.
My good friend, Pastor Greg, shares the same problem I have in being regular with the blog. But I will continue to do better, I hope!
Another member of Jacob's Well has been healed! Last night Billie Terry walked without assistance at the great revival in Lakeland, FL. What a powerful outpouring! God is still doing the miraculous.!
Carry ON!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!
Today is Glenda's birthday. She is ____ years old today! And as beautiful as ever! She is the best thing that has ever happened to me. She is such a woman of God, full of character and strength. I have been blessed to have been joined with her for all these years.
Glenda is a prayer warrior. I have always enjoyed seeing her in action when the enemy has thrown "stuff" in our path. She immediately begins a warfare with the enemy. Recently, while we were facing some major situations, I walked in to find her on her face in the floor of our home, travailing. I jus stopped and listened as she wrestled in the spirit. Then came the breakthrough! WOW! Satan shivers when this woman focuses on touching the Master!
And to hear her sing the song of the Lord early in the morning.... What a blessing as she worships early in the morning while preparing for work. What a precious heritage our children have.
Her children stand and bless her; so does her husband. He praises her with these words: "There are many fine women in the world, but you are the best of them all!" Prov 31:27-29TLB
Happy Birthday, Glenda!!!!
Glenda is a prayer warrior. I have always enjoyed seeing her in action when the enemy has thrown "stuff" in our path. She immediately begins a warfare with the enemy. Recently, while we were facing some major situations, I walked in to find her on her face in the floor of our home, travailing. I jus stopped and listened as she wrestled in the spirit. Then came the breakthrough! WOW! Satan shivers when this woman focuses on touching the Master!
And to hear her sing the song of the Lord early in the morning.... What a blessing as she worships early in the morning while preparing for work. What a precious heritage our children have.
Her children stand and bless her; so does her husband. He praises her with these words: "There are many fine women in the world, but you are the best of them all!" Prov 31:27-29TLB
Happy Birthday, Glenda!!!!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day
We are celebrating Mother's Day with our family today. This is the first time that we have had the opportunity in seveal years to spend Mother's Day with our children. It is an awesome day.
Jimmy is still in Iraq, but will be leaving for R&R on Tuesday and will arrive in Texas on Thursday evening if all goes well. Unfortunately, we will be unable to see him since the children are in school and we cannot make the journey due to work schedules. I am grateful that he is getting to spend 18 days with his family.
I hope that all is well with you and your family and that you have enjoyed the day with your family as well.
By the way.... Keep the faith!
CARRY ON!
Jimmy is still in Iraq, but will be leaving for R&R on Tuesday and will arrive in Texas on Thursday evening if all goes well. Unfortunately, we will be unable to see him since the children are in school and we cannot make the journey due to work schedules. I am grateful that he is getting to spend 18 days with his family.
I hope that all is well with you and your family and that you have enjoyed the day with your family as well.
By the way.... Keep the faith!
CARRY ON!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
A Week Ago....
This has been a very busy couple of weeks for me. Business has picked up a bit, and I am grateful. Last Wednesday, while sitting alongside the interstate near waiting for an associate near Ashland, Ky, I received a call from some of our dearest friends in Virginia. They were in a crisis and needed prayer. Their son, Scott, was enroute to the Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge, VA by ambulance. In a few minutes they called again, to tell me the news that Scott had arrived at the hospital and within the ten minutes between calls, he had suffered a massive heart attack and went to be with the Lord. This was very shocking to everyone. Of course, the Simmons' were devastated.
As I sat there in the car, the words of the psalmist came to me: "In my distress, I cried unto the Lord and He heard me!" My mind raced back to the first time that I had met Scott. He was in a very difficult situation. He was almost at the bottom. I remember the day that Scott finally, with great sincerity, called upon the Lord, yielding his life to the Master. It was just over two years ago. Scott's life was never the same again.
I was asked to officiate at the services for my friend. It was a very sweet time as more people than the chapel could hold, packed into the seats to remember Scott. It was a moving service as his friend Monty came to the podium and gave a tribute that brought tears to everyone's eyes. I ministered a message from Luke 15 concerning the father's love for the prodigal. What a moment as several have called to ask the Lord to come into their lives.
Scott was a truck driver for Stephens Transport, Inc. He was in attendance every Sunday morning for the sermon at the church where I pastored by means of cellular phone. Every week, a cell phone was placed near the sound speaker so that he could participate in the service wherever he was. He was interested in the scripture and would listen by the hour to the scripture on tape, often calling to ask for my interpretation of the passage to which he had listened.
Glenda and I have often questioned God's purpose regarding our ministry in Virginia. Last Sunday, I said 'so long' to one who returned to the Father while I was pastoring in Virginia. He had run the race and had run it well! It could well be the reason that God sent me to Virginia. I was grateful that I had been a part of God's design.
Dear friend, be not weary in doing well, for you will reap a harvest for the seed that you sow!
Please keep Debbie, Thelma, Bill, and Rita in your prayers as they pass through these difficult days!
CARRY ON!!!!!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
This is the day....
I am excited about the things that the Lord is doing among those who are passionately seeking His Face! We are seeing healings in each of our services, bondages broken, addictions cast out, and joy infused!
Isn't this what it is all about? The scripture is very plain when it declares that the "joy of the Lord is our strength!" This past few months has been a stretch for Glenda and me, but it is awesome to rest in the knowledge that the Lord is our strength.
Someone wrote and asked what it was that we were doing with ourselves nowadays. Several have inquired as to whether we are retired! NOT HARDLY!!!! We are just in transition into the next phase of our ministry.
Glenda is the manager of a wireless phone store here in our area. She is working a lot of hours trying to get things up to speed. The company that she went to work for has recently been bought out by a larger company, so there have been transitional issues with that area of her life as well as on a personal level. Things are beginning to level out and soon it will be a typical work week for her.
I am still working to get a small business off the ground. The industry I am involved with is somewhat difficult to infiltrate, but I am confident that it will pay off someday soon! In the meantime, I am taking advantage of the opportunity to seek the Lord, work as much as I can get the opportunity, and minister as the doors open. Some days ago, I was seeking the Lord and telling Him about all my situations, and He reminded me that He had not failed to meet our needs in the 37 years that we have been married, and this was not going to be the year that He failed to meet them.
A man of God recently spoke a Word to me: "This season of your ministry will be greater that the seasons of the past! Plod ON!" What an encouraging word from the Lord. Each month it seems that we are falling behind financially, but God has promised! And He always keeps His word!
This week end, Glenda and I will be ministering in Kentucky for Sunday AM and PM. I feel that God has a special word for the pastor and the congregation. Please remember to pray for us as we travel in ministry that we will hear from the Lord for each of the ministries that we will touch, that we will be the vessels that God will use to encourage.
For many years, I have tried to be an encourager of the believer and especially those who have devoted their lives to ministry. The other day, I was feeling a bit downhearted. Then I recieved a call from a brother who was in a spiritual crisis. I began to speak hope and faith to him by the Word of the Lord. Suddenly, I realized that what I was speaking to my brother, was a word for me as well! I began to feel encouraged in the Lord. The circumstances have not yet changed, but the outlook is better than the downlook!
Look up, dear friend! When you look up, you are less likely to fall. When you look up, you are less likely to see the dirt! When you look up, you will see the blessings of His provision! So..... Look Up!
While walking down the street today, a man came up to me and stopped me. He shared a need, and we simply prayed together on the street. When we left, he shook hands with me and left a small cash offering in my hand. It was greatly needed and most appreciated! It was more than a monetary gift! It was a word of encouragement to me that God knows my needs. And one never knows when God will use one to meet the need of another... So Carry On and do the thing that God is speaking to you!
I look forward to your response to this blog each time I send it out! CARRY ON!
Isn't this what it is all about? The scripture is very plain when it declares that the "joy of the Lord is our strength!" This past few months has been a stretch for Glenda and me, but it is awesome to rest in the knowledge that the Lord is our strength.
Someone wrote and asked what it was that we were doing with ourselves nowadays. Several have inquired as to whether we are retired! NOT HARDLY!!!! We are just in transition into the next phase of our ministry.
Glenda is the manager of a wireless phone store here in our area. She is working a lot of hours trying to get things up to speed. The company that she went to work for has recently been bought out by a larger company, so there have been transitional issues with that area of her life as well as on a personal level. Things are beginning to level out and soon it will be a typical work week for her.
I am still working to get a small business off the ground. The industry I am involved with is somewhat difficult to infiltrate, but I am confident that it will pay off someday soon! In the meantime, I am taking advantage of the opportunity to seek the Lord, work as much as I can get the opportunity, and minister as the doors open. Some days ago, I was seeking the Lord and telling Him about all my situations, and He reminded me that He had not failed to meet our needs in the 37 years that we have been married, and this was not going to be the year that He failed to meet them.
A man of God recently spoke a Word to me: "This season of your ministry will be greater that the seasons of the past! Plod ON!" What an encouraging word from the Lord. Each month it seems that we are falling behind financially, but God has promised! And He always keeps His word!
This week end, Glenda and I will be ministering in Kentucky for Sunday AM and PM. I feel that God has a special word for the pastor and the congregation. Please remember to pray for us as we travel in ministry that we will hear from the Lord for each of the ministries that we will touch, that we will be the vessels that God will use to encourage.
For many years, I have tried to be an encourager of the believer and especially those who have devoted their lives to ministry. The other day, I was feeling a bit downhearted. Then I recieved a call from a brother who was in a spiritual crisis. I began to speak hope and faith to him by the Word of the Lord. Suddenly, I realized that what I was speaking to my brother, was a word for me as well! I began to feel encouraged in the Lord. The circumstances have not yet changed, but the outlook is better than the downlook!
Look up, dear friend! When you look up, you are less likely to fall. When you look up, you are less likely to see the dirt! When you look up, you will see the blessings of His provision! So..... Look Up!
While walking down the street today, a man came up to me and stopped me. He shared a need, and we simply prayed together on the street. When we left, he shook hands with me and left a small cash offering in my hand. It was greatly needed and most appreciated! It was more than a monetary gift! It was a word of encouragement to me that God knows my needs. And one never knows when God will use one to meet the need of another... So Carry On and do the thing that God is speaking to you!
I look forward to your response to this blog each time I send it out! CARRY ON!
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