Translate

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Our Jewel..

Today marks 3 years since my grandmother Jewel M. Helm passed away. I was there in the room when she drew her last breath. The presence of The Lord was very real that morning. We miss you sweet lady. Can't wait to join you in the sweet bye & bye. In honor of my grandmother I am reposting a poem that she wrote...

A Million Years From Now
By Jewel Helm 
(My Grandmother) Aug,1925 - Nov, 2010

A million years from now I won’t be sorry
That I accepted Jesus long ago
For I’ll be singing with the sainted billions
The ones with blood washed garments white as snow

I know that I will be there on that morning
For Satan cannot triumph over me
But with my sword and shield I’ll keep on traveling
Oh pilgrim won’t you come and go with me

A million years from now I’ll look back smiling
At all the heartache here below
For it is worth it all to be with Jesus
For I’ll be on that hallelujah shore

Oh what a glad rejoicing on that morning
When before His blessed face I stand
There’ll be no foolish heartaches there or mourning
No temptations in that distant land

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Where do you turn?

There are some things that you face in life that will forever change you or bring to light who you are and force you to recognize your inabilities. The way you think, the way you believe, the way you trust, the way you love others perhaps. All of these things are affected during times like these. This I have found to be true. Memorial pivotal moments in life that help shape you. The circumstances of life can leave you grasping to hold on to something that is firm. In moments like these you learn what is solid in your life, also you learn who you can trust and what you can stand on when everything else tends to cave in around you. It will also bring you compassion for others so you can somewhat identify with others pain. Sometimes without the pain of death we may would never value life. Without the struggle of defeat we can never learn the true meaning or emotion of victory. Whatever we face on this side of life however should not keep us captive. When you have an eternal perspective you are not held by the temporal concerns of this life. Yes the ups and downs of this world effect you but should not hold you captive. Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 


O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!
Refrain
His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
Refrain

Words & Music: Hel­en H. Lem­mel, 1922

Monday, November 11, 2013

Remember...

Memories can be like time-machines for the soul. It's amazing that by jogging the memory we can feel such strong emotions, and revisit smells or taste. Sometimes being able to remember specific things about my childhood can be difficult at times. I often regret that I can't seem to remember more. These days now I would like to recall the special things that people or family have done in my life to admonish me as a child in hopes that I could too return the favor possibly or continue the same in my children or others. Some of the most fondest memories I do recall having as a child are those of sitting at the dinner table with the family at home discussing all sorts of things about life. Seeing my mom and dad interact with us or picking at one another which can readily be seen still today if you have the priveledge of knowing my parents. I have always known my mother to be one that wants unity in our home. I watched her contend for that no matter how difficult any of us made it, she still worked hard to achieve that. Sure as any family does, we were not void of contreversy or challenges. My father has always been a man who wanted us to push ourselves and set our minds to do something. If we were going to do it, then pursue it wholeheartily. As a boy I remember watching my parents take all the bills and put them on that same table that we would share meals together. One day came that those bills had surpassed the point of their natural ability to bear. I watched my Dad & Mom call upon the Lord to help them in a critical time in their lives and to be the source of provision for them. In prayer I heard my Dad  humble himself and openly acknowledge that they had overcommited, and made a mess of finances. I guess it sunk in that day for me that the burden of life had weighed heavy upon them. The Lord seemed to honor their prayer and vow that day. I watched over the next course of time as a young man my parents step out in faith and begin a business that the Lord muchly seemed to bless even to this day. This is a memory that years later has made a huge impact on my life and I will keep with me forever. I guess I learned that especially in times of desperation and critical moments for decisions, you need to call upon the Lord. You need to acknowledge your faults, and recognize your trespasses. How have you mis-stepped? Or went about in your own way without asking for the Lord's leading? These are ways that we should examine our hearts. The Bible says in James 1:5 "But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him." Of course there is more conditions to receiving that wisdom as you read further in that chapter but this is a promise for believers. In Psalms 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.




Friday, November 8, 2013

Aspire to higher ground! - Spurgeon

Many saints are content to live like men in coal mines, who see not the sun. Tears mar their faces when they might anoint them with celestial oil. Satisfied I am not that many a believer pines in a dungeon when he might walk on the palace roof, and view the goodly land and Lebanon. Rouse thee, O believer, from thy low condition! Cast away thy sloth, thy lethargy, thy coldness, or whatever interferes with thy chaste and pure love to Christ. Make Him the source, the center, and the circumference of all thy soul's range of delight. Rest no longer satisfied with thy dwarfish attainments. Aspire to a higher, a nobler, a fuller life. Upward to heaven! Nearer to God! - Spurgeon

"I want to scale the utmost height,
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I'll pray, till heaven I've found,
Lord, lead me on to higher ground!"

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/i/highergr.htm