Blessings from Barb...

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Felicity

So beautiful!!

Isn't it though?! I love it...!!

[Falla39]

Originally Posted by Barb

Hope these words bless someone tonight as they always bless me...

Though men may strive to go beyond the reef of space
To fly beyond the distance shining stars
This world's a room so small within my Master's house
The open sky is but a portion of his yard

As winter's chill may cause the tiny seed to fall
To lie asleep till waked by summer's rain
The heart grown cold will warm and trob with life anew
The Master's touch will bring the glow again

How big is God
How big and wide His vast domain
To try to tell these lips can only start
He's big enough to rule the mighty universe
Yet small enough to live within my heart

He's big enough to rule the mighty universe
Yet small enough to live within my heart

Sis. Barb,

This is so beautiful it makes tears come to my eyes!!

Tonight I listened to the Collinsworth Family with my 17 yr.

old grandson and my husband. They loved it! I thought of you!

Blessings,

Falla39

[Barb]

Majesty, worship His Majesty
Unto Jesus, be all glory, honor and praise!

Majesty, kingdom authority, flows from His throne
Unto His own, His anthem raise

So exalt, lift up on high the name of Jesus
Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus the King

Majesty, worship His Majesty
Jesus who died, now glorified,
King of all kings

Jesus who died, now glorified,
King of all kings

Jesus who died, now glorified,
King of all kings!!

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Falla39

Sis. Barb,

This is so beautiful it makes tears come to my eyes!!

Tonight I listened to the Collinsworth Family with my 17 yr.

old grandson and my husband. They loved it! I thought of you!

Blessings,

Falla39

I just saw this, Mother...how sweet of you!!

Kim plays that song I posted, How Big Is God, on one of her music CDs...I keep thinking to order one for you.

I need to get on that...

[Barb]

This is not a Mother's Day post because it is a week early. However, as I was out and about this morning without mom (she was a tad under the weather so I left her hips at home...as we are joined at the hip, you can imagine it was quite uncomfortable for me), I was thinking about mothers.

Having never given birth, I cannot begin to imagine that ordeal, first of all...whew!! Secondly, the emotions involved in motherhood I can't relate to.

But it is a fact that mothers are a different breed. Some are nurturing and warm...some are smothering creatures. Others are aloof and unable to be warm.

Age, and the Lord I must admit, has caused me understand that mothers do the best they can with what they have. They are human and not perfect. They make mistakes in judgment and often err on the side of caution.

But I think most do try to do their best by their children. Their behavior as a parent is based greatly on how they were raised...the kind of mother they had. And a good portion of it is just their emotional makeup...in other words, some cannot give more because they don't know how or simply cannot.

I thank God for the woman who pushed me out into the world on December 8, 1951. It hasn't always been easy for either one of us...I have not always been the adorable person you all know and love today. To be honest, we have not always been close or gotten along well, but thank God for helping us to work it out.

Jesus thought enough of His own Mother that one of the last things He did in this life was intrust her care into the hands of a friend. How important it is to make sure that our mothers are provided and cared for.

So in this time of remembering, let us take the time to be grateful for the one who cried and moaned and travailed so that we could see the light of day.

I'm grateful...

[Falla39]

Originally Posted by Barb

This is not a Mother's Day post because it is a week early. However, as I was out and about this morning without mom (she was a tad under the weather so I left her hips at home...as we are joined at the hip, you can imagine it was quite uncomfortable for me), I was thinking about mothers.

Having never given birth, I cannot begin to imagine that ordeal, first of all...whew!! Secondly, the emotions involved in motherhood I can't relate to.

But it is a fact that mothers are a different breed. Some are nurturing and warm...some are smothering creatures. Others are aloof and unable to be warm.

Age, and the Lord I must admit, has caused me understand that mothers do the best they can with what they have. They are human and not perfect. They make mistakes in judgment and often err on the side of caution.

But I think most do try to do their best by their children. Their behavior as a parent is based greatly on how they were raised...the kind of mother they had. And a good portion of it is just their emotional makeup...in other words, some cannot give more because they don't know how or simply cannot.

I thank God for the woman who pushed me out into the world on December 8, 1951. It hasn't always been easy for either one of us...I have not always been the adorable person you all know and love today. To be honest, we have not always been close or gotten along well, but thank God for helping us to work it out.

Jesus thought enough of His own Mother that one of the last things He did in this life was intrust her care into the hands of a friend. How important it is to make sure that our mothers are provided and cared for.

So in this time of remembering, let us take the time to be grateful for the one who cried and moaned and travailed so that we could see the light of day.

I'm grateful...

Sis. Barb,

Good insightful thoughts indeed!! Blessings on you and your sweet mother,

in Jesus Name!!

Falla39

[Barb]

It's not unusual for the mind to wander and to half listen...happens to me all the time.

Sometimes my concentration level is not where it should be. You know how it is...someone is telling you something and in the middle, your thoughts are running somewhere else or you're thinking about what you're going to say in response.

I don't think I'm unique in this...we just don't listen.

The Elder who preached at our church today briefly mentioned this. He gave an example of not listening...he said that he and his wife were at dinner with her family the other day and he tried this experiment.

He said, "Imagine you are driving a bus and you go about a quarter of a mile and pick up 3 children. You drive another 4 blocks and pick up 2 more...go another 6 blocks and pick up 4 kids, and finally drive another mile and drop off 5 children.

What is the bus driver's first name?"

No one could answer...Bro. Bertram said, "See, you weren't listening...I began, 'Imagine YOU are driving...' You don't listen!!"

When I came home tonight I began to think how this is true with me and with spiritual matters. How often have I missed an important point in a sermon because I was thinking of something else?! Or what wonderful lyrics did I miss because I didn't care for the melody?!

Where is my mind and why am I not listening?!

Sis. Nona Freeman cited this incident in one of her books. It is a conversation with a dying Saint...

A casual observer would have thought me a real Christian. I went through the motions knowing the right things to do and say, but my heart was not in it. I carefully did all the pastor expected but while my lips voiced meaningless praise words, my mind toyed with every conceivable fantasy.

Real worship is a concert from the heart, soul, and mind. I went through the actions of singing, testifying, praying, and listening to messages while in my mind I cut out a new dress, planted flowers, painted the kitchen, visited friends and relations, or went shopping with limitless funds.

Oh, my friend...if only I could go back one more time and sing one of those lovely old songs about the Blood of Jesus. I would picture the cross and praise Him with deep gratitude for the precious flow that redeemed me.

When the leader said, 'Let everyone pray', how fervently I would lift my voice to the King. When the preacher opened the Word, I would follow him in my Bible, make notes, and allow the living Truth to nourish my soul. I would have real concern and compassion for a lost world, and do something about it, if I could.

But it's over and done...my chance is forever gone. The dear Lord has assured me He’ll take me to His house, but I go with

empty hands.

Her final words to Sister Freeman were, “Whenever you think of me, warn others to be real, to serve God from the heart, and not to waste the precious fleeting moments.”

I had all but forgotten this testimony until I heard the Elder today. May I forever after remember to draw in the reins of my mind and keep my attention stayed on Him.

It is only when I do that I can hear the still small voice compelling me and drawing me closer...closer to Him!!

[Falla39]

Originally Posted by Barb

It's not unusual for the mind to wander and to half listen...happens to me all the time.

Sometimes my concentration level is not where it should be. You know how it is...someone is telling you something and in the middle, your thoughts are running somewhere else or you're thinking about what you're going to say in response.

I don't think I'm unique in this...we just don't listen.

The Elder who preached at our church today briefly mentioned this. He gave an example of not listening...he said that he and his wife were at dinner with her family the other day and he tried this experiment.

He said, "Imagine you are driving a bus and you go about a quarter of a mile and pick up 3 children. You drive another 4 blocks and pick up 2 more...go another 6 blocks and pick up 4 kids, and finally drive another mile and drop off 5 children.

What is the bus driver's first name?"

No one could answer...Bro. Bertram said, "See, you weren't listening...I began, 'Imagine YOU are driving...' You don't listen!!"

When I came home tonight I began to think how this is true with me and with spiritual matters. How often have I missed an important point in a sermon because I was thinking of something else?! Or what wonderful lyrics did I miss because I didn't care for the melody?!

Where is my mind and why am I not listening?!

Sis. Nona Freeman cited this incident in one of her books. It is a conversation with a dying Saint...

A casual observer would have thought me a real Christian. I went through the motions knowing the right things to do and say, but my heart was not in it. I carefully did all the pastor expected but while my lips voiced meaningless praise words, my mind toyed with every conceivable fantasy.

Real worship is a concert from the heart, soul, and mind. I went through the actions of singing, testifying, praying, and listening to messages while in my mind I cut out a new dress, planted flowers, painted the kitchen, visited friends and relations, or went shopping with limitless funds.

Oh, my friend...if only I could go back one more time and sing one of those lovely old songs about the Blood of Jesus. I would picture the cross and praise Him with deep gratitude for the precious flow that redeemed me.

When the leader said, 'Let everyone pray', how fervently I would lift my voice to the King. When the preacher opened the Word, I would follow him in my Bible, make notes, and allow the living Truth to nourish my soul. I would have real concern and compassion for a lost world, and do something about it, if I could.

But it's over and done...my chance is forever gone. The dear Lord has assured me He’ll take me to His house, but I go with

empty hands.

Her final words to Sister Freeman were, “Whenever you think of me, warn others to be real, to serve God from the heart, and not to waste the precious fleeting moments.”

I had all but forgotten this testimony until I heard the Elder today. May I forever after remember to draw in the reins of my mind and keep my attention stayed on Him.

It is only when I do that I can hear the still small voice compelling me and drawing me closer...closer to Him!!

Sis. Barb,

This is not only a wonderful insightful post but a very challenging one as

well. Sis. Freeman has also inspired me many times with her special gift of

presenting and challenging us with her testimonies and the Word of God!

As a young wife and mother, I was stirred when she and Bro. Freeman

would come for special missionary services. Through the years as she

spoke at campmeetings, ladies conferences or just as a special speaker

at a dedication service or revival, the words always seemed to speak to

the depts of my soul!

It was my priviledge to attend her 90th birthday party with our three

daughters. She recently told our youngest daughter she was looking

forward to her 91st and had asked God to allow her to go to Africa one

more time. The plans are for her to atttend the dedication of a new

church building in honor of her late mother, Sis. Carrie Eastridge. Sis.

Eastridge went to Africa in later years of her life as she wanted to help

in the work of the Lord. She built a small church but it is now outgrown.

They have built a new church in her honor and Sis. Freeman plans to still

be in Africa on her birthday and Lord willing, will attend this dedication,

possibly taking part, if not dedicating it. May the Lord Jesus give Sis.

Nona Freeman the desire of her heart as it certainly appears she had

delighted herself in the LORD!

Blessings,

Falla39

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Falla39

Sis. Barb,

This is not only a wonderful insightful post but a very challenging one as

well. Sis. Freeman has also inspired me many times with her special gift of

presenting and challenging us with her testimonies and the Word of God!

As a young wife and mother, I was stirred when she and Bro. Freeman

would come for special missionary services. Through the years as she

spoke at campmeetings, ladies conferences or just as a special speaker

at a dedication service or revival, the words always seemed to speak to

the depts of my soul!

It was my priviledge to attend her 90th birthday party with our three

daughters. She recently told our youngest daughter she was looking

forward to her 91st and had asked God to allow her to go to Africa one

more time. The plans are for her to atttend the dedication of a new

church building in honor of her late mother, Sis. Carrie Eastridge. Sis.

Eastridge went to Africa in later years of her life as she wanted to help

in the work of the Lord. She built a small church but it is now outgrown.

They have built a new church in her honor and Sis. Freeman plans to still

be in Africa on her birthday and Lord willing, will attend this dedication,

possibly taking part, if not dedicating it. May the Lord Jesus give Sis.

Nona Freeman the desire of her heart as it certainly appears she had

delighted herself in the LORD!

Blessings,

Falla39

Bless you, Mother Falla...

[Barb]

I have been singing this most of the afternoon...

I've had my share of life's ups and downs
God's been good to me, and the downs have been few
I guess you can say, God has blessed me
For there's never been a time in my life
He didn't bring me through

If anyone should ever write, my life story
For whatever reason there might be
He'll be there, between each line of pain and glory

Jesus is the best thing that ever happened...
Jesus is the best thing that ever happened...
Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me

If anyone should ever write, my life story
For whatever reason there might be
One day, I was lost but Jesus found me

Jesus is the best thing that ever happened...
Jesus is the best thing that ever happened...
Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me


If anyone should ever write, my life story
For whatever reason there might be
I was on my way to hell, but Jesus lifted me

Jesus is the best thing that ever happened...
Oh, Jesus is the best thing that ever happened...
Church, Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me

Family and friends can love us and be there in the really hard and difficult times. But regardless of what comes or goes, Jesus is STILL the best thing that ever happened to me!!

He removes all doubt...speaks peace as no one else can...lifts the heart...heals the wounded and broken in spirit...truly Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me!!