A Mate for Morgan Mitchell

Tonight we are "showering" my sweet granddaughter, Brittany. She is getting married on August 9th. Since my daughter asked me to give the devotion, I thought that sharing it on here would " kill two birds with one stone" so to speak. So here goes: I am very privileged to be "Nanaw" to our guest of honor. It was just yesterday (actually 21 years ago) that her Mom and Dad brought home this barely five pound baby girl. Cutest little thing, you ever saw. I think she wore a doll dress that Robin had made. She is a beautiful young lady now. And she is marrying a really cool, smart, godly young man. Who already bought her a nice home, and is fixing it up for her. We love Morgan Mitchell. Having been the wife of one sweet man for 50 years now. (49 on earth, 1 after he went to heaven) I have a thing or two to say to you about marriage. I hope this is not news to you, but it's not about YOU being happy. And yet, it is. Most parents say, "I just want my children to grow up and be happy." Well, it's not our job to make our kids happy! That is their own choice.  Paul said," I THINK myself happy." Acts 26:2a  As a wife you are to be Morgan Mitchell's helpmeet. That means to be a helper in WHATEVER he needs in life. You will be one frustrated little wife if you think that you not getting what you want out of this marriage. We've all heard the quip "When Momma ain't happy ain't nobody happy." I am afraid, many women, yes Christian too, are whining and complaining because they are just not happy and fulfilled in their situation. And I'm sure there are many justified cases.  But happiness is a by product of making your husband happy. And besides, happiness doesn't come from a man. If you think that becoming Morgan Mitchell's mate will make you happy forever, you will be disappointed. Happiness only comes from knowing and loving Jesus. Your must make your time with the a priority every day. Then your next responsibility is to love your man. And that comes before your children, your job, your church work, and yourself.  When Preacher and I first married, he would get thirsty at night. I would just get settled in bed all comfy and he would ask me to go make him a glass of ice water. At first I felt imposed upon ,and I just drug myself to get that water. I'd think, why can't he get his water before he settles in. But I decided that he worked hard all day for me, I could do this for him. And it became such a joy to set the ice water down there for him at night. And there might come a day, like now for me, when you will so glad you did and you would love to get to do it again. So go into this marriage with the LORD as #1, Your husband  #2, and You #3. And guess what? You 'll find happiness. I Love you so much and I am so proud of the woman that you are. God bless you as you become Mrs Morgan Mitchell.

 Ge 2:18 ¶ And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

Them Ole' Cotton Fields, Back Home

Today was a fun day spent going on a little trip with the Senior Saints to Jefferson,Texas. We went on a boat tour of the Big Cypress Bayou, which is on the back side of the town. It was such an interesting historical tour. It was hard to believe that narrow bayou had big steamboats making their way down it, at one time. Because there were no railroads, they had to use the steamboats to transport all the cotton raised in that area. I love history, so my mind starts thinking about all that cotton and how hard people had to work. It reminded me of dragging a big ole' cotton sack down rows of cotton on my grandpa's farm in East Texas. He paid us $1.00 per hundred pounds. Now, cotton isn't real heavy, so it took me a while to get it done. But I don't remember quitting till I got a hundred pounds, most of the time. It taught me that it takes work to get what you need and want. I am afraid that having so much and requiring so little of our children has not helped them. The pain and toil in hard work teaches us character. Do I want the "good ole' days" when I had to go to the well and get our water or go to the outhouse in the dark? No thanks. But my grandparents taught me the value of hard work on that East Texas farm. And for that, I am thankful.

 2Th 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

The Hole of No Hope

It seems easy sometimes to lose sight of hope. Hope is a little word that sure does pack a powerful lot of motivation. As a child of God, I know that I have many things to look forward to in heaven. But I really believe that God knows how we are made, and that we need hope to keep going in this life. I  suffered with depression as a young woman. And the worse thing about being depressed is feeling like you are going down, down, into that "hole of no hope." My heart goes out to any who have suffered this way or may be suffering right now. Please know that you are loved by me and most of all, by our sweet Lord. He doesn't want us to keep falling in that hole. If your problem is one that you see no way to fix (usually the case, that's why we're in it.) F.B. Meyer says, "Faith is the reception of the spiritual to make good the lack of the physical." FAITH is the rope that can take you right outta that hole and put you on the ground, dancing for joy. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. Faith is substance that can make the physical problem seem like NO PROBLEM. What fabulous substance that is! You say,  "I'll take some please."  Then pick up your Bible and get started trading your "hole of no hope" for the "rope of hope" (FAITH).

. Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the WORD of GOD.

Ready or Not, Here He Comes

With the graduation of two granddaughters, one from Bible college (Dallas), and one from high school (Aubree), under my belt, it is on to the next thing. And that will be another granddaughter's (Brittany) wedding. So my summer is well on it's way. One thing about time, it's gonna' go on, (until eternity, of course). Time does not really care if we are ready or not. And that is just why we need to BE ready. As I look at pictures and posts by many friends and family, it is so amazing that youngsters are grown, graduating and getting married. Why, some of those kid's parents were just kids themselves yesterday. Or, so it seems. I have always heard that time crawls when you're young, it walks, when you are middle age, but it runs, when you get older. Yes, it "sure 'nuff" does! It will be one year since my sweet man went to heaven this Sunday (29th). We plan to make a visit to the cemetery to view the Marker that is finally in place. Yes, time waits for no one. It just keep "marching on" my friend, Paul, says. Someday soon, Jesus is coming to get us. Are you ready for that day? You can be, if you'll realize (1) that you have sinned (repent) Rom.3:23. Rom.3:10  (2) that there is a penalty for that sin. Rom.6:23, (3) that Jesus paid the penalty for you. Rom. 5:8,  (4) and accept Him as Savior from sin and it's penalty. Rom 10:9-13.

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 EVERLASTING LIFE.

Resistance or Grace?

As I write this devotion today, my heart is burdened for friends and family. It never ceases to amaze me what the enemy can drag up to cause trouble. I think the root trouble with most of us is pride. Isn't that the sin that got Satan thrown out of heaven? Yet we just invite it right into our lives like we can have it and hold on to it, and God doesn't mind. Hello. He wouldn't allow it in his star angel, so why would he allow it in our lives? And if we are determined to be proud and demanding, He will stiff arm (resist) us. And brother, does that hurt. The pain is almost unbearable. It is not worth the price we pay for it. Any child of God wants to feel God's love and presence, on a good day. But when the chips are down, we really need Him. To humbly come before Him and admit our sin will restore that glorious  peace of mind and heart. You may wonder how I can speak with so much intensity. I am here to tell you that I have been in both places. I'll take the latter, thank you. Having had two complete nervous breakdowns, sedatives by the bucket, shock treatments, and weeks away from my sweet man and two baby girls (at that time) to try and fix me, all to no avail. It was when I humbled myself and admitted my pride and self sufficiency that I began to get over it. it took a while, but the longer we hang on to our pride, the longer it will take. So give it up. Grace, grace, wonderful grace coming down from the Father above.............

James 4:6 But he giveth more grace; Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Are You Covered?

On Father's Day I was able to attend church with my daughter Robin and her family. Isn't God good to work it out so that I didn't have to be alone on my first Father's Day without my sweet man? I had been caring for Mary (the 105 yr. old) since Friday, so I was in the area. Bro. John Horton is the pastor at Gospel Light Baptist Church, and a wise and godly man. His sermon on Sunday was one that was sorely needed by me. He preached out of Ephesians chapter six. He said we MUST put on the armor of God everyday to keep the attacks of Satan from destroying us. We may not think we are having a problem, but truth is, we are headed for a fight. And we will be unfit to fight the battle. Oh, the war has been won (Calvary) but the battles still rage. And if we are not covered, we're going down. And believe this ole gal it ain't pretty. Been there. Done that. So I was again admonished to stay in the BOOK and on my KNEES. And I want to encourage you to do the same on this Monday morning. God wants us to have victory and win in this fight of FAITH. He has provided the armor to do so. Let's put it on everyday and give the world, the flesh, and the devil a run for their money!

Eph 6:10-18  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousnes; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

Friday the 13th- a Day of Praise

This week I added another year to my history (sixty seven of them now). I was not looking forward to it because my sweet man was not here to celebrate with me. He was always thoughtful about special days. I have a cedar chest full of cards that he gave me over the years. He signed them "Bro. Honey." When he first started to pastor, I just couldn't remember to call him Bro. Trull, and I would forget and say "Honey." So some of the folks suggested that I call him "Bro. Honey." And that just took. It was always his pet name for himself to me. God was so good to give me a sweet "Bro. Honey" for fifty years.  I am one blessed woman. And a special thanks to all my precious family and friends for making my birthday wonderful in spite of missing the Preacher.  I can't help but want to praise the Lord on this Friday the thirteenth. Because He is worthy and inhabits praise. And He works through those that praise Him... praise the Lord!  Ps 50:23a Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me:

A Sorrowful June

Normally, June is an exciting and happy month in our family.The Preacher and I and three of our four children married in June. So we have several anniversaries to celebrate. And we have some birthdays, mine included. But this one is kinda hard because it is the first birthday to celebrate without my sweet man, in fifty years. That is on Wednesday the eleventh. This Sunday will be our first Father's Day without him. And on the 20th we would have celebrated our Golden Wedding Anniversary. I was seventeen and he was twenty when we married in l964. I graduated high school a year later as Mrs.Charles Trull.  He went home to heaven on June 29th one year ago. I can't believe that I made it a day without him much less a year. God is so good. The tears have already started to flow. With all the special days, we are feeling the emotion of loss this month. But Jesus understands our sorrow and cares about our grief. So if you think about it, say a prayer for me and my family.   

   Isaiah 53:4  Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: 

A Mansion on the Hilltop

This week I got to spend a couple of days with my second daughter, Robin. She is mother of  four children (ages 15-21). She also has three grown step children. She and her husband Reggie built a very nice home on a mountain about seven years ago. I call it a Mansion on the Hilltop. I love being there because it is so serene. And the scenery is just breathtaking. But getting there is not so fun, you must go on a winding gravel road. Straight up. And most days it is so rough it will shake your teeth. But they are so used to it that they run up and down  it, like nobody's business. Robin is another busy little lady. She and the girls care for Mary, a 105 year old lady, and Wanda, who is in her 80's. They also have another family business in their home that deals with wholesale auto accessories and decals. Everybody helps with it. She does the food pantry for a large church in the city and the food pantry for her own church in another city. Because she plays the piano beautifully, she and her family are involved in the music ministry of their church. Now where would she fit in a minute to read a book? Or visit for her church? Or talk to her Mom? But she does. She is an amazing decorator and cook on top of it all. I think if you asked her why she is driven to accomplish so much, she would quote this verse to you:   Luke 12:48  For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required.

Supper With Sinners

One of the biggest changes in my life these days is having to drive everywhere. Preacher did most all the driving when we traveled. When I did drive, he would come out of a deep sleep if I changed lanes, and say "What's the matter? or "Why are you driving so slow?" So I just said to him, "You need to take the wheel."
I hated driving anyway. But now if I want to go anywhere, I must do it myself. It has actually become a lot easier for me. I can even get up there besides those eighteen wheelers and give 'em a run for their money. So sometimes in life, "you gotta do, what you gotta do" And driving is now my "gotta do" thing. That is if I want to go to Camp Meetings or Revivals, or to see family and friends. So I venture out and go. Oh, I could just sit right here, in my comfort zone, and be bored and lonesome. But who wants that kinda life?
Dr. Sam Davison preached a sermon last night using this text:  Matt 9:10-13  And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.   And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?  But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.  But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Have supper with sinners? Jesus did. Like having to leave my comfort zone to drive, we need to leave off some of our comfortable, fun activities and get out there and tell sinners that Jesus loves them and died for them...... I am so glad that God loves ole' sinners, I'm thrilled and amazed that He sets them free, but the greatest surprise in saving ole' sinners, is that He would save an ole' sinner like me.

A Kiss Under a Bus

I cannot believe it is June already. We have two of our bus kids graduating from high school this year. It is such a joy to see them finish school. One of the boys, Anthony, has been in our church for eight or ten years now. I remember visiting him when he was just a "snotty nose kid." His brother Timothy rode also. Timothy went off to Bible College in Jacksonville for a while. And Leonard, the other graduate, has been faithful to our church for three or four years. Seeing them honored last night, made me think about how much Preacher loved the Bus Ministry. He was the bus director in several churches before he became a pastor. One of his "claims to fame" was that he was the Bus Director at Brookhollow Baptist Church during the 70's. We had a big day one October of over 2,000 on the buses. There was a write-up about that day in Wally Beebee's Bus News.We had over 150 kids saved. I have a framed certificate to prove it all.There were a lot of long days at church back then. The buses would break down and have to be pulled back. But things were exciting and it was so much fun! I do remember having to lay down on a pallet under a bus to talk to my husband one time. He had been at the church for over 24 hours working on buses for a big day. You ask if it was worth all the hassle to go get these kids and bring them to church? I say YES, even if I did have to crawl under a bus to kiss my sweet man.

Luke 14:23  And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled