Special Thoughts

What do People see when they look into our eyes? I pray that someone may see compassion and love for others there. What does our life reveal? Read this writing I found and think on these things! SPECIAL THOUGHTS It was a bitter, cold evening in northern Virginia many years ago. The oldman's beard was glazed by winter's frost while he waited for a ride across the river. The wait seemed endless. His body became numb and stiff from the frigid north wind.He heard the faint, steady rhythm of approaching hooves galloping along the frozen path. Anxiously, he watched as several horsemen rounded the bend.He let the first one pass by without an effort to get his attention. Then another passed by, and another. Finally, the last rider neared the spotwhere the old man sat like a snow statue. As this one drew near, the oldman caught the rider's eye and said, "Sir, would you mind giving an old man a ride to the other side? There doesn't appear to be a passageway by foot."Reining his horse, the rider replied, "Sure thing. Hop aboard." Seeing theold man was unable to lift his half-frozen body from the ground, the horseman dismounted and helped the old man onto the horse. The horse man took the old man not just across the river, but to his destination, whichwas just a few miles away. As they neared the tiny but cozy cottage, the horseman's curiosity caused him to inquire, "Sir, I notice that you let several other riders pass bywithout making an effort to secure a ride. Then I came up and you immediately asked me for a ride. I'm curious why, on such a bitter winter night, you would wait and ask the last rider. What if I had refused and left you there?"The old man lowered himself slowly down from the horse, looked the rider straight in the eyes, and replied, "I've been around these here parts for some time. I reckon I know people pretty good." The old-timer continued, "I looked into the eyes of the other riders and immediately saw there was no concern for my situation. It would have been useless even to ask them for aride. But when I looked into your eyes, kindness and compassion were evident. I knew, then and there, that your gentle spirit would welcome the opportunity to give me assistance in my time of need." Those heartwarming comments touched the horseman deeply. "I'm most grateful for what you have said," he told the old man. "May I never get too busy in my own affairs that I fail to respond to the needs of others with kindness and compassion."With that, Thomas Jefferson turned his horse around and made his way backto the White House.

Camp Meeting

"And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing, and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing" Isaiah 34:26 Showers Galore and even more! I don't have much time but something is buring in my soul and I had to tell just a little of what the Lord did for us at camp meeting. I prayed before camp and told the Lord that I surely appreciated the mercy drops but I needed Showers of Blessings. He went far beyond my expectation and just sent us Floods of Glory. The people piled in from all over. I don't know how many states were represented~but someone said we had about 40 preachers there. My husband is an usher and several nights he and the men had to get folding chairs out in the vestibule and the hall doors were opened and chairs lined the openings. But the main thing is !The Lord was there! That is the main thing, isn't it? He especially blessed us Wednesday night. People were praising and shouting and going to the altar. Other's going to the back with those that wanted to be saved. A flood of glory would sway across the congregation, things would get a little quiet then another flood of glory would come. This lasted until 9:30pm, then no one wanted to go home. We kind of felt like the disciples, "Let's just build a tabernacle and stay right here." After all that, we wanted preaching. I guess we got home about 11 pm. I have never seen a service quite like this. We have good services at church regularly but this was beyond anything we could ask or believe for. Our pastor just let the Holy Spirit move. My heart was blessed beyond measure as so many others were. Many said they had never been in a service such as we had. But it was all the Lord's doings. I will write more later about this. As for now, I ask that you pray for my Mother. I had to go three days during camp and bring her to emergency room one time, the doctor another day. One day I was just there to watch her and see how she was doing. She seems to see things and tell things that did not happen and her memory is getting worse. She has been in bed since the first part of the week. The doctor took her off some of her meds but as of yesterday she was no better. She slurs her words and talks real low. We had a CT scan done on her head but it did not show signs of more mini strokes. I suppose the next thing is an MRI. I really think her memory is going and she is fighting to keep it. She sleeps a lot. We really don't know what the problem is. We realize that she won't be with us long but she does still regconizes us. It was tiring to shuffle tending to her and going to camp but the Lord worked it out. Just be sure and pray for all of us. Some of my siblings live way off and it is so hard on them not to be here. I have a brother and sister that is having trouble with their heart. Pray that the Lord would touch them and get them through this crisis in our life. Until I can get back to the computer, I just want to say I love all of you. You are part of my family and I do so much appreciate every one of you that are praying.

Memories of Dad

All Dad's Children!

This was taken on Christmas Day 1988, the day we said our last good-byes to Dad.

Six children and their companions.

Twenty years have past and we still miss him.

He left with all of us a lot of memories. We share our memories now. Since I was one of the older children~ I have some memories that the younger children do not have.

He loved his kids. I remember when he drove and old log flatbed log truck.

We kids would meet him at the end of an old bumpy road and hop on the back and here we go lu-pity- do. I think he enjoyed it as much as we did. He worked hard and out in the sun. He ran a sawmill and the sun got hot. But he never complained. I remember we use to go grab a salt tablet out of a little machine. I guess we thought we were by ourselves, but Dad and his boss were laughing at us. After that we would just go get one when we were around. Like we needed salt! But it was salt licking good.

He would not put up with any foolishness. Especially at the dinner table. Sometimes we girls would get tickled about something and Mom would start laughing. He just got up from the table and went to the living room. Guess he figured he couldn't battle us all.

He corrected us when he had too, but it broke his heart. He was a tender man. All children loved him.

I remember sitting on the porch swing with him. Dad had a way of getting a message over without coming right out and saying it. Some of those talks are imprinted in my mind. Especially about whom I picked for my life's companion. He let me know in his own way that the one I was talking to was not the one. I'm glad I got the message and listened.

I know had it not been for his correction in my life ~I really don't know where I would be. I was not a little girl when Dad whipped me last. But it left a lasting impression. Let me say that he hurt my feelings rather than my behind. He let me know who was in charge and it surely was not me. He never had to whip me again. I think of him putting me on his knee and with tears running down his face saying, "I didn't want to do it but I did it because I love you." I think because of parental correction ~ I could give my will over to the Lord easier. And when trials come ~how many times can I feel my Heavenly Father whisper "I didn't want to permit this trial but I correct because I love you."

When we children were babies Dad was the ice man in town. I barely remember this. I do remember the ice house. This was before the days of refrigerators. It was back in the days of ice boxes. The ice compartment

held what, a 50 pound block of ice? I don't remember. But I do remember the big tongs that he would pick the ice up with. Everyone had an ice pick. Are those still in the stores? I don't know, but they were essential back in the ice box days.

Everyone knew Dad. They called him Red, because he had red hair. Even the nieces and nephews called him Uncle Red. His real name was Daniel Allen. Several in the family named their children after Dad. I was suppose to be Henry Allen. But since I was a girl they just called me Aliene. It is pronounce like the Al in Allen and the latter part sounds like lean. I'm always glad they didn't name me Henrietta Aliene.

He always kept mints in his pocket for the children. The grandchildren would get on his lap and the first thing they would do is reach for his pocket. They loved Paw-Paw. When great grandchildren came along ~he was Pe-Paw to them.

Dad was a early to bed, early to rise person. Most mornings he was up at 2:30 or 3 am every morning of his life. He would sit in the living room and read his Bible. He always made his coffee first. Sometimes I wonder if he didn't take a little snooze while waiting for daylight~but knowing him, probably not.

He always loved dogs. Pedigree, stray, whatever. I surely did not get that love for dogs. Most of Dad's dogs stayed outside, but he would not chain them. I like dogs from a distance. I guess my allergies have always kept me away from cats and dogs.

He caught me on top of the dresser in front of the mirror trying to stick bobby pins in my hair. I was little but I remember him saying, "Daddy's

baby girl trying to get pretty?" "No. Daddy, I just want curls." Man, doesn't pride start early in a lady's life? He could have spanked me that day but all he did was picked me up and stood me on the floor.

Oh, I'm sure I got my share of spankings sice I had four siblings under me. But Mom did most of that since Dad worked.

Oh, another thing! Every Sunday morning I had to fixed his tie for him.

Somehow it always got untied when he took it off. I also had to fix Mom's hair, start a search for lost shoes, belt, anything the younger ones lost.

Sometimes it was really a hassle to get to Sunday School on time, but we always made it.

Dad was not a man that like to open gifts in front of people. He always laid it down beside the chair and watched everyone else. Eventually he got to the place that he would open them, take a peek and lay the package on the floor by his chair.

For some reason he liked silver dimes. I remember as a small child that we had a fire and lost everything. Dad went for a search of dimes when the fire was out. Those dimes meant a lot to him because that was for his children's Christmas. Later in life he had a coin collection. I remember baking him a birthday cake and on the top I put a roll of silver dimes. That was the first thing he went for.

He had a sense of quiet humor. When my husband ask for my hand in marriage Dad simply said, "I don't give my girls away. What do you have to offer?" My husband simply said, "I'm a country boy and all I have is a pig." Would you believe when my husband came for the wedding he brought my Dad a pig? Unbelievable! I say!

Dad could chop wood until he passed away. I think my husband must have taken some lessons from Dad. He is not quite as old as Dad was, but he likes to chop wood and sweat. Ugh!

I guess I could go on ~ but I'm glad for sweet memories. I know there are so many children out there that wish for a Dad that cared. I feel so blessed that the Lord gave me the Dad He did.

Happy Father's Day Dad! We're looking forward to the day when there will be no farewells. Even though it has been over 20 years now we still miss you. We know one of your favorite songs was The Lifeboat. Well, Your Life Boat carried you safely home and we know it won't be long until our Life Boat will soon be coming to carry us safely home. Just watch for us on the banks of the river.

Camp Meeting

Camp Meeting June 21-25, 2009

Fundamental Baptist Church

Livingston, Louisiana

It is that time again! The men and young people have been busy getting the beds all ready and ladies doing what they can do to get ready. We always start this on Father's Day. People will be coming in Monday from different states. It is always good to see those that come back every year. The fellowship is always good. The good ole southern cooking is out of this world. Three meals a day, rooms, a lot of work ~all free. FBC here in Livingston plans for this all year.

We need an outpouring of the Blessed Holy Spirit to be in our midst. If He doesn't come ~ everything is in vain. We always have out standing preachers. Two main ones for the night service and others in the morning.

Would you pray with us that this will be a camp meeting that will stand out in our minds for a long time. Where souls will be saved, the saints lifted up and God getting the glory.

If you are near enough ~ it will be worth the effort to stop by.

I Did Not Know His Name

I DID NOT KNOW

I did not know His love before, the way I know it now.

I could not see my need for Him, my pride would not allow.

I had it all, without a care,the "Self-Sufficient" lie.

My path was smooth, my sea was still, not a cloud was in my sky.

I thought I knew His love for me,I thought I'd seen His grace,

I thought I did not need to grow, I thought I'd found my place.

But then the way grew rough and dark,

the storm clouds quickly rolled;

The waves began to rock my ship, my anchor would not hold.

The ship that I had built myself was made of foolish pride.

It fell apart and left me bare, with no where else to hide.

I had no strength or faith to face the trials that lay ahead,

And so I simply prayed to Him and bowed my weary head.

His loving arms enveloped me,and then He helped me stand.

He said, "You still must face this storm,but I will hold your hand."

So through the dark and lonely night He guided me through pain.

I could not see the light of day or when the storm might wane.

Yet through the aches and endless tears,my faith began to grow.

I could not see it at the time, but my light began to glow

I saw God's love in brand new light, His grace and mercy, too.

For only when all self was gone could Jesus' love shine through.

It was not easy in the storm, I sometimes wondered, "Why?"

At times I thought, "I can't go on." I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.

But Jesus never left my side,He guided me each day.

Through pain and strife,through fire and flood,

He helped me all the way.

And now I see as never before how great His love can be,

He worked it all out for my good, although the way was rough.

He only sent what I could bear, and then He cried, "Enough!"

He raised His hand and said, "Be still!"

He made the storm clouds cease.

He opened up the gates of joy and flooded me with peace.

I see His face now clearer still,I felt His presence strong.

I found anew His faithfulness, He never did me wrong.

Now I know more storms will come,but only for my good,

For pain and tears have helped me grow

As naught else ever could.

I still have so much more to learn as Jesus works in me;

If in the storm I'll love Him more, that's where I want to be.

Written by:Wendy Greiner

Don't Judge

"Judge not, that ye be not judged. for with what judgment ye judged, ye shall be judged. " Matthew 7:1

There is so much in the Word about judging others. Have you ever been guilty? I admit I have and it did not please the Lord and did not build me up. But I have been the one that was judged, and judged falsly. The ones that were judging were my friends, I thought. They did not know the circumstances of the situation. I believe some of them knew, but it was easier for them to judge and keep their distance. It took a lot of prayer and forgiveness on my part. Did they asked for forgiveness for accusing and judging falsly? No! But I knew in my heart that I had to forgive in my heart to get peace.

It sure made a difference when I was wrongfully judged. I learned that being judgmental is easy if we aren't careful. But when you are on the receiving end, which I know you have probably been there too, it sure makes you think before you judge someone again. It was a hard lesson but needful. I'm glad God is our Judge. I try now not to judge, but wonder what that person may be going through. It makes you step back and think before you make any kind of judgment, good or bad. There is a message in the poem below. think about it!

Judge Gently

Pray don't find fault with the man who limps or stumbles along the road Unless you have worn the shoes he wears, or struggled beneath his load. There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt, though hidden away from view, Or the burden he bears...placed on your back, might cause you to stumble too.

Don't sneer at the man who's down today, unless you have felt the blow That caused his fall or felt the shame that only the fallen know. You may be strong, but still the blows that were his...if dealt to you, In the selfsame way at the selfsame time might cause you to stagger too.

Don't be too harsh with the man who sins or pelt him with word or stone Unless you are sure...yea doubly sure that you have no sins of your own... For you know...perhaps if the tempters voice should whisper... as softly to you As it did to him...when he went astray could cause you to falter too.

The Lord Is!

I read this scripture a few weeks back and just meditated on it. First I noticed that The Lord Is. God is everything. There is nothing outside of God. In Isaiah 45:5 He tells us Who He is. "I am the Lord, and there is none else... ...there is no God beside me. I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: that they may know me from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the Lord, and there is none else. I form the light, and created darkness: I made peace and create evil." Then I noticed that He is my Rock. This reminds me of the children's song. The wise man build his house upon the rock and it stood firm in the storms. I'm glad He is my Rock. Sure, the storms will still come and we may waver a bit, but we aren't going down. He's my Deliverer. How often do we need deliverance from the on slaughts of satan? But our God nevers fails to come through for us. He's always on time. But I am afraid, like Peter, when Jesus bade him walk on the water. Peter obeyed and walked but then got to looking at the waves. Do we get our eyes off the Lord and get them on circumstances? If so we are going to have to swim or drown. But if we keep our eyes on our Deliverer we can conquer. He is my Strength in whom I can trust. Oh, how feeble we feel spiritually at times. I know I cannot go in my own strength but our Strength comes from the Lord. Let's keep our eyes on Him. It is so easy to be distracted with all that goes on. We will have to work at the job of looking to Him who is our Strength in whom we can trust. The Joy of the Lord is my Strength. Are we rejoicing in Him? He is my Buckler. He shields me from the so much. We really have no idea of what the Lord shield's us from. I'm glad He does. The Horn of my Salvation. My strength! and my High Tower. My stronghold. What would we do without Him? He really is all we need! The next verse says: I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised. Let's praise Him today for Who He is and what He does! What about praising Him everyday. He is worthy. Bless His Lovely Name!

Need Info on problem

I know that most of you know that I had a round with doctors last year. PCP sent me to ENT, from there I went to a Rheumotologist. They had done every test that they can but have not found any auto immune disease. I do have mild fibromalgia. But I have been plaqued with my lips swelling and little blisters over my upper and bottom lip. It has been so bad the last couple days I had to suck out of a straw. I have tried almost everything I know to no avail. I know if I go to the doctor it will be around and around we go. My husband got me Abreva but this has not done anything. I do take Benadyrl which helps the itching. This condition has been going on for one an half years gradually getting worse. If any of you know anything about this or knows who does~will you put me in contact with the? It has been on and off but now it is more on than off. My lips never get back to normal, If you have an auto immune disease ~maybe you can help me. I have heard that lanolin helps a lot. I am going to try and get some. Well, I can't leave this post without letting you know that God is good. Not some of the time but all the time. He has been so good to us and we feel so unworthy. I am trusting Him to get me through or give me the grace I need each day. Just pray I can find someone that can help me without steroids.

He Controls the Storm

I read this poem and thought how it sums up the storms that come in

in the life of God's children. At church last night the Lord moved in our midst and it was one of those services that you did not want to end. I find such encouragement in meeting with God's people and the Lord works in our midst. If you are in a storm in your life right now, look up and take courage; the storm will pass and at the end you find yourself under a rainbow. Don't you love the rainbow? Always reminds me of God's promises.. "Lo, I am with you always."

The Blessing of a Storm

I did not know His love before,the way I know it now.

I could not see my need for Him,my pride would not allow.

I had it all, without a care,the "Self-Sufficient" lie.

My path was smooth, my sea was still,not a cloud was in my sky.

I thought I knew His love for me,I thought I'd seen His grace I thought I did not need to grow,I thought I'd found my place.

But then the way grew rough and dark,the storm clouds quickly rolled

The waves began to rock my ship,my anchor would not hold.

The ship that I had built myself was made of foolish pride.

It fell apart and left me bare,with nowhere else to hide.

I had no strength or faith to face the trials that lay ahead,

And so I simply prayed to Him and bowed my weary head.

His loving arms enveloped me,and then He helped me stand.

He said, "You still must face this storm,but I will hold your hand."

So through the dark and lonely night He guided me through pain.

I could not see the light of day or when the storm might wane.

Yet through the aches and endless tears,my faith began to grow.

I could not see it at the time,but my light began to glow.

I saw God's love in brand new light,His grace and mercy, too.

For only when all self was gone could Jesus' love shine through.

It was not easy in the storm,I sometimes wondered, "Why?"

At times I thought, "I can't go on."I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.

But Jesus never left my side,He guided me each day.

Through pain and strife,through fire and flood,

He helped me all the way

And now I see as never before how great His love can be.

How in my weakness He is strong,how Jesus cares for me!

He worked it all out for my good,although the way was rough.

He only sent what I could bear,and then He cried, "Enough!"

He raised His hand and said, "Be still!"He made the storm clouds cease He opened up the gates of joy and flooded me with peace

I see His face now clearer still,I felt His presence strong.

I found anew His faithfulness,He never did me wrong.

Now I know more storms will come,but only for my good,

For pain and tears have helped me grow As naught else ever could.

I still have so much more to learn as Jesus works in me;

If in the storm I'll love Him more,that's where I want to be.

Written by:Wendy Greiner Lefko .

Thought I had better post something on my personal blog. Sometimes life gets so hectic that I just do what I have to do. Then I get a little reprieve and can do what I want to do.

Just thought it was time to send all of you another hug! Don't you like hugs? From the right people, of course! Isn't it a warm feeling for someone to put their arms around you and say "I love you?"

We have fellowship and hand shakes during almost every service at church. See? I can't even write a blog without mentioning church or the Lord! But that is where my heart is! Getting back to hugs! Do you long for a big hug from one of your children? Especially your grown ones.

I did not come from a hugging family. Oh, maybe once in awhile, but not everyday. My husband's family was different. You just do not know how many hugs and kisses you could get in one day until you get a bunch of french people together. When we were first married and I met them ~they hug you when you came in and when you go out and maybe in between. I know you are wondering how the name Sanchez is French. It is really a Spanish name and they really came over from Spain. But they spoke French. Didn't matter to me as I don't speak anything put piggy latin, and English, of course. Oh, I was talking about hugs, wasn't I. I wish my mind did not wonder so much.

Anyway, I got to where I like hugs. Do you?

Well, you are getting one anyway. Right now I send each and every one of you another bigggg hug! Have a wonderful day!