WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE

I have not written since March 8th, so much has happened since then too, after fighting a 7 week battle the lord called our pastor home, March 28th at 3 PM he lost the battle, and went on home to be with Jesus, no more suffering, no more worries, no more pain. It is hard to understand why the lord wanted to call this young minister home, he was only 46 years old, the ministry here in Woodbine was his first one as pastor, he had been there for 3 years, every since my husband resigned this church, we felt it was time to come back and be of help to him and the folks at Woodbine Missionary Baptist Church, little did we know then that everything would change like it has, we wanted to help brother Stacy, instead he is gone and we are trying to keep the church together along with another minister, my husband does not want to pastor any longer, so we will be seeking a Missionary pastor to take this position. Keep us all in prayer as we do the Father's will, and please keep Galaine Ervin and her family in your prayers also.

We had a wonderful Sunday, and went to a really good gospel sing, the singing group whose name escapes me right now is really good, and sings many songs acapella, it was such a blessing, and the host church had a sweet fellowship after also, really enjoyed our night out. My arm is healing well and I am using it more and more these days, thanks for the prayers for healing for me, God heard and has done a great job healing it.

Well I guess that is all the news for today, pray ye one for another, and remember Jesus loves you, and gave his life just for you, what have you did for him?

Wow...

It has been a long time, lots has happened since my last post.
I had shoulder replacement surgery Feb 25th, came home 3 days later with a sling and attached rest.  I am recovering very
well, it is hard to type with left hand and one finger, lol.

It has turned cold this week, but a warming trend is starting today. Please forgive me for not being up to date in blogging, really difficult sitting here and typing. 

Keep me in your prayers, also our pastor, he is in intensive care unit, 24 days now, he has pancreatitis and is in critical condition, his name is Stacy Ervin, young man only 44 yrs old, this is his first church, I see why God sent us back there, my 
dear husband is filling in the pulpit in his absence. God bless 
each of you, will try to be more current.

Sharing the Blessings of the Lord

God has been so very good to us, this month in this new year is almost over, but I look upon things that will happen next month, we have had a busy month of January, many doctor appointments and still more to come. I am scheduled for shoulder replacement surgery February 25, so please keep me in prayer. My daughter had an Endoscopy about 10 days ago and they removed two polyps and two hemorrhoids, they a 
biopsy of the polyps and got the results back yesterday, praise God they were benign. God has been good to us, my husband
is taking the Epidural shots in his back, as often as he can, they
seem to help a little, but not as much as we were hoping for.
Our Goldie is getting older and walking with a limp, the cold weather is not good for her either, like me she suffers with arthritis. Zoie our little cutie is doing well, she has grooming yesterday that left her most beautiful, she sure knew it too, posed for many photos to be taken. Here is one

  She has her bows out today and a sweater on to keep her warm the clip came a little too early I am thinking, but she seems to be doing good. Glad to be home with mama and dady relaxing.

The church is doing well, had a few new couples join, and I am enjoying not having to drive an hour to and from church, it is only 12 miles from our home, makes it nice, can be very active in all things now. So I guess that is about all the news I have for now, sorry I do not come more often, but it just seems hard to sit for a long time any more, so keep us in your prayers and I do the same, I do go down my blog in the favorites and pray for y'all hope your day is filled with blessings from on high. 

I am happy to be a Georgia Peach, we have been in Georgia for over 15 years now, I love the weather, it has been in the 80's this week, yeah right, January and those kind of temperature, I love the people, and the ways of the South.  I am so happy God sent us here, it is our home, and our way of life now. I often think on the scripture about being content, it is an awesome thing to be content where you are and with what you have, I have learned this from living a long time, in my youth I always wanted bigger and better, but I have learned to be content with what I have, God has brought me a long way, and has given me a new out look on life.  Once you are content with who you are and where you are, the rest of life comes easy, so to speak. Being content is the most important thing a woman can do for her self, be content with you, be content in God.  Here are some scripture to help you be content where you are, with what you have, and with who you are. 

Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

1Ti 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

We had a good day at church yesterday, very good message on serving the lord in this new year. I taught the ladies bible study Sunday night, it was all about Sarah, and just what her thoughts might of been, how she trusted Abraham very much, but perhaps trusted God a little less, how she took matters in her own hands when God's promise of a son did not come to pass when she thought it was time, as many of us have done too, and it caused much trouble, in fact the trouble goes on today even, with the two sons families fighting over who owns the land. It caused terrible division, we all need to be careful when we get ahead of God, it can cause many problems we are not prepared to handle, it was a very good study, and it was fun being with my old friends from before. 

I am going for my MRI today, and have an appointment with the surgeon the 24th to set time up for surgery. Keep me in prayer please. God bless you all, and remember Jesus loves you, and so do I. 

Well Happy New Year, I fell asleep before the new year, but guess what? It came ahead any how, so it is 2013 now, let us serve the lord with all our heart, our soul and mind, more this year than ever before, our time is running out to tell other of Jesus Christ the Saviour and all he has did for us. This is another year God has given us to be a witness for him. I sure do not want to let my Saviour down. Let's spread the word loud and clear to every one we meet.  Below is the Days of Praise Devotion for today, very meaningful, please take time to read it and take to heart what it is says. 

All Things New

"And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." (Revelation 21:5)

The coming of a new year is a good time to consider that glorious time to come when Christ will make everything new again. In the present age, all things "shall wax old as doth a garment" (Hebrews 1:11) under the bondage of the universal law of decay and death; indeed "the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now" (Romans 8:22).

"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13). There, in the "new Jerusalem," we shall each have "a new name" and sing "a new song" (Revelation 21:2; 2:17; 5:9). We shall have new bodies, "fashioned like unto his glorious body" (Philippians 3:21), and a new dwelling place, prepared by Christ Himself among the "many mansions" in His "Father's house" (John 14:2).

And all the old and dying things will be completely and forever gone. "There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (Revelation 21:4). "And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away" (Isaiah 35:10).

What a "Happy New Year" that will be! In the meantime, we have His "new covenant" and have each been made "a new creature" in Christ (Hebrews 12:24; Galatians 6:15). Since all His words "are true and faithful," we know His promises are sure. Therefore, already, "old things are passed away; behold all things are become new" through faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). HMM

 

Winding Down 2012

My eldest son came up Saturday and we had a good time of fellowship with him and the boys,I made a good Salisbury Steak dinner and baked some special chocolate chip cookies for them to take home, he really liked that.  It was a good day and the babies were really good all day too. Papa rode the oldest boy around in the lawn tractor he love it, here is a photo of that;

 Sunday, my daughter Vikki, Kirby, PJ and Rosemary came to church with us, got to see and hold baby Patrick Jordan Ray the Third, lol big name for a little guy. Papa dedicated him to the lord, praying that they will raise him in church and that he will be saved at an early age. It was a good day, I sang "Mary Did you Know" Chuck and I sang The Twelve Days of Christmas and had the congregation sing along, it was a fun time, then another couple sang a beautiful song, I had never heard before, went something like Jesus had a borrowed manger, and a borrowed tomb, but the cross was his own. It was great song, the pastor preached a good message and it was good being in the house of the lord. The pastor left after church for Northern GA to spend Christmas with his family. Here is the baby dedication photos:

Last night we went to another Church to their Cantata it was so good, just breath taking at times, the Spirit of God was so evident, wonderful singing and a great skit about sending Valentines for Christmas, because God is love, and he sure gave us the best gift of love when giving us Jesus, oh it was so good and very unique.
There was a sweet fellowship after and as usual we ate too much. Got home late, and knew we had a wonderful time in the lord all day long.

Monday our daughter Shellee and her family came up to spend some time with us, love it when my children come home, lol I  made some Chili and grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch. Yummy for the Tummy.

We had a great day Tuesday in Jacksonville, FL spent the day with our youngest daughter and her family, wow she is a good cook, had Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh green beans, and rolls, oh me I ate too much not having to cook it was extra good. Pumpkin and apple pie for dessert, Michelle you out did your self, it was the best.

I had thought much about the events of this past year, with the end of the year fast approaching thought I would reflect on all the trials and troubles, so many have been through this year, and I for one am still praising God and thanking him for all the good and the not so good things that have happened in my life this year.

Our hardest challenge was my husband having throat cancer, not knowing what the out come would be, and trusting God for his healing, if it would be his will, then being able to accept what his answer to prayer would be. As we struggled daily with going for radiation and with gas prices so high, we just trusted the lord daily, finally, putting into practice what Jesus meant when he said give us this day our daily bread, amen, he is so wonderful to meet each need that arises daily.

Well I am here to tell you that God met our every need every day, going almost a hundred miles daily for 33 treatments, we made it another Ministry for us to do for God, we made up little bags, put a gospel tract, a million dollar bill, some peppermints, a little plastic canvas cross the girls in our SS class made, and some of the little pocket crosses. As we handed these out we would ask if they would like us to pray with them, all said they would, we made some friendships along the way too, and each person in that area has heard the gospel, been prayed with, and even the staff. God used this trial for a blessing for us, to teach us and to reach those who we in no other wise would of met. We praise him for his hand upon Chuck, that even though it zapped all of his strength and energy he only missed 2 services of church. Nothing was unbearable because Jesus was hand and hand with him and I, it broke my heart to see him in such pain, and not being the strong man he was, but after almost a year of recovery, he is about back to normal, he still gets real tired easy, but we go and go and he preaches and sings and I do praise God for this trial he allowed us to go through that drew us even closer to our Saviour. Thank you lord for saving me, thank you lord for loving me, and thank you lord for keeping me in your precious sight at all times. My Beloved for 53 years...

What will 2013 bring? I am praying for good health, and to be able to serve God even greater this year, we will start it out right with my husband preaching Sunday the 6th, we will sing, and just have a marvelous time in the house of the lord, with his folks and singing his praises. God bless each of you, and my earnest prayer is that you love the lord with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul, that you will serve him with your entire being and knowing that his blessings will fall upon you.

"Twas’ 11 Days before Christmas around 9:38 

When 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven’s gate. 

Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air. 

They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there. 

They were filled with such joy, they didn’t know what to say. 

They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day. 

“Where are we?” asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse. 

“This is Heaven” declared a small boy. “We’re spending Christmas at God’s house." 

When what did their wondering eyes did appear, 

But Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near. 

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same. 

Then He opened His arms and He called them by name, 

and in that moment was joy, that only Heaven can bring, 

Those children all flew into the arms of their king. 

And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace, 

One small girl turned and looked at Jesus’ face. 

And as if He could read all the questions she had, 

He gently whispered to her, “I’ll take care of mom and dad.” 

Then he looked down on earth, the world far below, 

He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow and woe. 

Then He closed his eyes and He outstretched His hand, 

“Let My power and presence re-enter this land!” 

“May this country be delivered from the hands of fools” 

“I’m taking back My nation. I’m taking back my schools!” 

Then He and the children stood up without a sound. 

“Come now My children, let Me show you around.” 

Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran 

All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can. 

And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight, 

“In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT.” 

(One of the parents shared this poem written by Cameo Smith from Mt. Wolf, PA regarding the CT School.)

I seen this on another Blog and want all of my readers to see it.

God bless each of you, and protect your children best you can, and then leave them in the care of the lord.

Prayer For Hard Times

My heart and prayers go out to those dear people in CT, such tragedy like I have never seen, I think they need to reconsider letting God back in the schools, let them pray and seek the lord for his help. I truly think they need to. I think we Christians need to be as bold as the Atheist who had it take out, we need to get some spine and stand tall and demand our rights as Christians to freely speak of Christ, you can speak of Wicca, you can speak of Mohammad you can even talk about Confucius, but mention Jesus Christ and it is not allowed, WOW, I have had it, I will proclaim the Gospel and shout it from the house top, who will stand with me, let us preach to all the world what Christ has did for us.

Do We need Evidence???

Prayer banned in schools 1962: 
Bible banned 1963: 
10 Commandments 1980:

The Results 


A. Young People

1. For 15 years before 1963 pregnancies in girls ages 15 through 19 years had been no more than 15 per thousand After 1963 pregnancies increased 187% in the next 15 years.
2. For younger girls, ages 10 to 14 years, pregnancies since 1963 are up 553%.
3. Before 1963 sexually transmitted diseases among students were 400 per 100,000. Since 1963, they were up 226% in the next 12 years.

B. The Family
1. Before 1963 divorce rates had been declining for 15 years. After 1963 divorces increased 300% each year for the next 15 years.
2. Since 1963 unmarried people living together is up 353%
3. Since 1963 single parent families are up 140%.
4. Since 1963 single parent families with children are up 160%.

C. Education
1. The educational standard of measure has been the SAT scores. SAT scores had been steady for many years before 1963. From 1963 they rapidly declined for 18 consecutive years, even though the same test has been used since 1941.

2. In 1974-75 the rate of decline of the SAT scores decreased, even though they continued to decline. That was when there was an explosion of private religious schools. There were only 1000 Christian schools in 1965. Between 1974 to 1984 they increased to 32,000.
a. That could have an impact if the private schools had higher SAT scores. In checking with the SAT Board it was found that indeed the SAT scores for private schools were nearly 100 points higher than public schools.
b. In fact the scores were at the point where the public schools had been before their decline started in 1963 when prayer and Bible reading/ instruction was removed from the schools.
c. The scores in the public schools were still declining.

3. Of the nation's top academic scholars, three times as many come from private religious schools, which operate on one-third the funds as do the public schools.

D. The Nation
1. Since 1963 violent crime has increased 544%.
2. Illegal drugs have become an enormous & uncontrollable problem.
3. The nation has been deprived of an estimated 55 million citizens through legal abortions just since 1973

~Another Day to Serve the Lord~

Wow it has been a time, we just had a week Revival; gone daily,
and nightly, I am about tuckered out, but it has been good.
We seen so many blessings this week, as always we go to be a blessing
and we are the ones who are blessed, God is so awesome. I just praise
him for the work he has done in our lives, for healing my dear husband and
letting him preach and sing once again, with power from on high, and
with such boldness and lifting up the name of Jesus. We were honored'
to spend a week with the folks of Bethel Baptist church, in Blackshear,
Georgia.

It is just a year ago when we were going through the removal of throat cancer,
going daily for radiation treatments, and really not knowing what God in store
for our life. The doctors told Chuck he may loose his voice, or it could come
and go, or get hi and low, it was a very discouraging time in the life of a preacher.
But praise God, he seen fit to do otherwise, he never lost his voice, or even
have any voice change, the hand of almighty God was upon him and with us
both through it all. He still has some soreness in his throat, but it does not stop him
from preaching, and singing. We sang Look for me at Jesus feet and the lord
just really broke hearts, last night we I sang he did not throw the clay away, and
we sang together If that isn't love. WOW what a spirit of love and unity we felt.

His messages this week have been on Loving God, God loving us, and loving
each other, for a church to be a true church of God it must be in Unity and in one
accord, we are all made up into one body in Christ, he is the head and each of
us serve as another part of the body, when we do not agree we force one of our
body members to be hurt, like if you hit your thumb with a hammer, the thumb
really hurts, but the whole hand hurts too. So to have complete unity we must be
in one accord, believing what the word of God tells us. These verses here a not
just a suggestion, but actually a command right from God.

John 13:34  A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 13:35  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
John 15:12  This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
John 15:17  These things I command you, that ye love one another.
See we are to be in one accord with our church body to have a healthy and happy church.

We we have another member of our family, our 8th great grand son, Patrick Ray Jr.

I will leave you with these thoughts, May God bless you, and may you bless
the lord oh my soul... Ps 104:1  Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

On this 19th day of thanks giving let us give praise and thanks to our lord, there is so much about giving thanks and praise in his word, so I know it is pleasing to God to hear our praise and thankfulness in all he has did for us. If he did not do another thing but save our wretched soul from a burning hell that would be more than we deserve, but oh he did not stop there, no he has given us a new life in him, to be free from sin and the strife of this world, we have every thought of his in the Bible, and we have ever problem solver in that same bible. Let us give him glory for ever and ever. I say come quickly lord Jesus. 

Mark 14:23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. 

Remember he said he will do this no more until he does it with us, amen, and praise God...
.