"I Want To Tell You..."

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sosing2me -> "I Want To Tell You..." (4/21/2008 7:08:48 PM)
First of all, the title of this blog thread “I Want To Tell You…” will explain it all. Have you ever just sat and thought “I wish I had someone to tell that to?” I find myself there many times. Most of us have similar experiences. So---I want to tell you about having lost both of my parents, I find that I did not have a clue about the finality of that situation. I watched others as they grieved for parents and could not imagine how that must feel. I took care of my aging parents not only because I loved and love them but it was the way to (as the Bible says) “honor thy father and mother.” I have learned through this experience to not say to people that time heals all wounds. In my mind that is not going to happen. The memories, which I believe is a gift from God, grow sweeter every day. That fact and the fact of eternal life is what heals a broken heart. That is all I want to tell you today. Stay tuned and I will share more in the coming days.

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (4/22/2008 11:50:23 AM)
Well, today I want to tell you that I am feeling a little sad that the weekend is over. You see we travel some now to hear good gospel music. I have found that Southern Gospel concerts are "food for the soul" and is another way to heal a broken heart. God is so good to give us just what we need and just exactly when we need it. This is the food for the soul that I am talking about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0bCzWjA-Ws For all who read this and check out the video--thank you and have a wonderful day. Judy

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (4/23/2008 10:28:52 AM)
Today “I want to tell you…” about Clara. During the time my mother was at a residential care facility I met this most wonderful little lady. She had had a stroke and was unable to speak. She was able to walk and faithful to do so each and every day. She always had a big smile for me. As we got to know each other she would spot me coming in to see mother and there she was with her arms open wide. I would give her a hug and tell her I loved her. She would actually “light up” when she saw me. Well, that made my day. She gave me far more than I gave her. During the time my mother’s health was failing, she worried about mother and could only point in the direction of mother’s room to ask about her. Mother is now in Heaven and Clara has moved to another facility because of a fall that caused a broken hip. I want to tell you that the spirit of this dear lady made a great impact on my life. I thank God for allowing me to meet Clara and to encourage her as she encouraged me. There are lonely, aging people in our care facilities. Some without family close by. Others that simply have no family left. I stand amazed at what they have to offer even though their little bodies fail. I will never underestimate what blessings God has in store when we reach out to our dear little seniors.

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (4/24/2008 11:01:24 AM)
“I want to tell you…” about meeting family members of the gospel groups we travel to see. We have met some really sweet spirited people in this past year. There are mom’s, dad’s, wives, sisters, girlfriends and even their children. It is a joy to see the support the groups receive from their families. [sm=heart.gif]To say the family members are proud is putting it mildly.[sm=heart.gif] The joy of being with the group shows on their faces and becomes totally infectious. To many of them we have become like family too. We can now look beyond the couple of hours for a concert and realize that we have made new life long friends. Friends that we can email and pray for when we return home. Friends that we can laugh and joke with. Bottom line is---We can never have too many friends or too much extended family.

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (4/25/2008 8:24:59 AM)
“I Want To Tell You…” about my Mom and Dad My dad’s name was Jerome. My mother was Josephine. They were kind of like Romeo and Juliet. They were married for 65 years. Two peas in a pod they were called. They did everything together. My mother never worked outside of the home but worked right beside dad instead. Dad was a carpenter. He built over 100 homes in our small town. Mom and Dad started out doing wall papering and painting. They finally started building houses. Dad had told mom when he had $500.00 he would build her a new home and that is what he did. Years ago the homes in our area had all hardwood floors. My mom and dad sanded and varnished them by hand. It was hard work but they were so happy they did not seem to notice. They retired together and enjoyed their yard (full of flowers) and because they were healthy they traveled some. They loved Florida and the beach. Both of them loved fishing and spent a lot of time at the lake. They enjoyed their retirement to the fullest. The best part of mom and dad was the wonderful parents they were to me. They loved their family more than their own lives. They gave me a firm foundation. I grew up in a God loving home and so much so that I do not know when I first loved God any more than I know when I first loved them. I do know when I was saved and that is what really counts. My first memory of God being a large part of our home was the times that dad would gather us all together around the dining room table for a time of Bible reading and prayer. We took turns reading scripture and dad would pray. I saw my dad as a very humble man. A man that truly loved God. My dad was bed ridden the last few months of his life. His mind was perfect but his body failed. I spent everyday with dad and was holding his hand as he made his way to Heaven. My mom was up and about in her last months but her mind began to fail. I was at the hospital and had my hand on her chest feeling the last breath she drew as she made her way to Heaven. I had prayed that I would be allowed to be with both of them if they died before me. God gave me those precious moments and I would not trade them for anything. I could finally be “there for them” just as they had always “been there for me”. Joshua 24:15 says “as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Dad and mom were faithful to that scripture and praise God it was passed on to me.

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (4/26/2008 6:07:21 PM)
“I Want To Tell You…” about our trip to Silver Dollar City We have spent the past two days at SDC in Branson, Mo at the World Fest. During this visit we experienced the most exciting group of children. They are called the “Watoto Children’s Choir.” They are all children who have lost one or both of their parents to either aids or the war. The children perform a “soulful blend of native African rhythm, contemporary gospel music and ethnic dance.” These children have put their complete faith in God and I think could actually put me to shame. It reminded me of this scripture. Matthew 18:3 ” And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” They were bold in proclaiming what Jesus has done in their very young lives. These children are 12 years old and under. Needless to say, our lives have been truly blessed by these children. Watoto has a website where you can see a glimpse of them. Click choir and then “experience the music.” There they are, those beautiful children! www.watoto.com

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (4/27/2008 7:13:28 PM)
“I Want To Tell You…” about Sharyl I met Sharyl at Silver Dollar City on March the 28th of this year. She works at the Apple Butter Shop. I went into the shop and I was the only customer there. My eye was drawn to the little “words” that we put on shelves, tables etc. The ones that say things like “BELIEVE” or “ONE DAY AT A TIME.” I hope you know what I am talking about. This shop had trinkets and gift items in addition to all different flavors of apple butter and apple turnovers. As Sharyl greeted me, I told her that I had used those little items to decorate my mother’s room at the residential care where she lived for over 3 ½ years. One thing led to another and we shared stories of our mom’s both now in Heaven. Tears filled our eyes and I think it was at that moment I knew that I had another friend that God sent to me that day. So, why did I tell you this story? I love realizing that God is always taking care of me in spite of myself. I had no reason to go into this particular shop. Hebrew 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Did God use Sharyl or me or both? I believe I was put in that shop and God used me too on that day. Oh by the way, I went in to see Sharyl at the Apple Butter Shop this past weekend. She spotted me and immediately came to greet me with a wonderful smile and great big hug.

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (4/28/2008 12:39:00 PM)
“I Want To Tell You…” about the scripture I use in my posts. "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up" 1 Thessalonians 5:11 I try to live by this scripture. A certain scripture usually connects with us because of life’s experiences. The story I want to share today happened a few years ago and is one of those life's experiences. I belonged to a Christian Women’s Club. We had a speaker at each meeting and the guest speaker would share her testimony. We were all encouraged to write out our testimony and submit it for approval (at the time I thought that was just a formality.) Upon approval we could then go out to other cities and meetings to share what God had done for us. As the weeks passed, I believed that God wanted me to become a part of this ministry. After agonizing over the decision, I sent in my testimony. I waited for weeks and finally a note came in the mail saying that my testimony was not approved. No reason why it was rejected---just simply rejected. I wondered what is not to accept about someone’s testimony. Did they think: l. God really didn’t do the things I said He did? OR 2. They just didn’t believe me? WHAT???? I was crushed and to this day cannot get it into my head what happened. Not one kind word was said to me. Those were Christian people discouraging rather than encouraging even though I do not believe that was done intentionally. I was discouraged and filled with doubt. At that time, I did not ever want to try to share my testimony again. No one can judge if God has done something in our lives. This I know---What God does for each of us is even better when shared. I believe that one of my God-given gifts is to encourage others. And so I will find someone to encourage today. We all need to be encouraged and not judged. The best part of this is, as we encourage, we feel encouraged ourselves.

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (4/29/2008 2:22:20 PM)
“I Want To Tell You…” my thoughts on sacrifice Sacrifice has been mentioned so many times in my lifetime. I saw my mom and dad sacrifice many times. I, however, did not know anything about sacrifice until my husband decided to get his doctorate in marketing. We had just built a new home and I was employed at a local bank. I had worked there for almost 20 years and did not think I was ready to retire. As it turns out the school he chose was a ten hour drive from our home. The sacrifice we made was something like this. Being separated for two years. Limiting our phone call’s to one hour on Sunday night. We did not have cell phones at that time. My early retirement. It was difficult to have the full responsibility of home, yard and career. Family came first. I am reminded of our gospel quartets and groups that travel to sing, praise our Lord and spread the good news of Jesus. Many of them leave their families behind. This sacrifice I can understand and have empathy for. When I think of the sacrifice made for me by my Savior, I truly see the picture of sacrifice. This sacrifice is not so easy to comprehend. With our sacrifices we are not harmed in any way. We are not mocked or insulted. We are not tortured. We do not have our friends turn away from us or deny us. Maybe what we all go through should be called something else. All of a sudden, it just doesn’t seem correct to call it sacrifice.

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (4/30/2008 10:23:15 AM)
Today would have been my mom’s 87th birthday. One year ago today on her birthday we put her in the hospital. I remember her last healthy days before entering the hospital. My mom never gave up after my dad died. She walked with a walker but that did not stop her. Mother had always crocheted but that was hard for her and so I bought her quilt blocks that she could embroidery. She had completed over 100 blocks the first year after dad died. Mom had moderate dementia and that required a lot of memory work. We used the little addition, subtraction and multiplication cards to help her mind work. She was pretty good at it and so proud when she got it right. I worked with her to remember her children and grandchildren’s names. I always made her call me by name. It was so difficult to exchange places with her. I became the parent and she the child. Mother loved flowers and the outdoors and so I would take her in my car for a drive around town almost daily. We even loaded her transport chair and made a few trips to shopping malls in Kansas City. Every day as I left the residential care where mom lived, she would be standing at the window waving good-bye and blowing me a kiss. I close my eyes and that is what I see. I love and miss her so! Happy birthday sweet Mom!

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (5/2/2008 11:47:37 AM)
“I Want To Tell You…” about my too “holy” bible Do you remember the first time you underlined or wrote something in your bible? Well----I do. For so long I believed the bible was too “holy” to write in. It was, after all, “God’s Word.” No one ever put that idea in my head. It was just something I believed for whatever reason. Any notes I made were on a separate piece of paper. My husband and I started attending a non-denominational church. The pastor, Jim Kane is a happy, enthusiastic, God loving man. He was excited about Jesus all of the time. He just could not preach without a big smile on his face. It was at this church that I learned to relax and enjoy being a Christian. I learned what “fun being saved” meant. My bible became MY message from God. I learned that it is mine to read, study, underline, and make notes in. Don’t believe things “just happen” in life. Don’t believe in mystical magical ---Do believe that God let me know that it was okay to enjoy my bible like any other book I would read and cherish. The next thing I did was purchase a new bible. It was not red-lettered and so I did that with a red leaded pencil. I own several bibles as most of us do. This is still my favorite. It is full of notes. I have highlighted in blue the passages that speak to me. The word “holy” still applies to my bible but it is no longer too holy to enjoy.

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (5/3/2008 8:36:38 AM)
“I Want To Tell You…” Wow, what a beautiful world! As I was traveling down the highway last Thursday I noticed all of the beautiful color in this world. The trees had colors that I had missed seeing during the winter. Everything had come to life and I knew spring and summer were finally on their way. There was yellow, white, pink, rose, purple and GREEN. I then thought to myself—how could anyone ever doubt that there is a God that created all of this just for us. I know because the bible says: Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” I then thought---I am so fortunate to have been raised in a Christian home where I was taught about God. God made me as sure as he made all of heaven and earth. As a good friend of mine (Tanner) would say---“that is awesome!” I look at the trees, the robins, the flowers, the sky and even the little children playing in the neighborhood and just plain get excited that I KNOW and love God. There are people everywhere that do not know God as I do. That thought could make me sad but instead I am determined to be ready to share God any time I am given an opportunity to do so. After all, if we think this is a beautiful world---We ain’t seen nothing yet!

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (5/4/2008 6:54:52 AM)
“I Want To Tell You…” Never dreamed I would be here in Blog Towne If anyone would have told me a few months ago that I would be posting in a blog, I would have thought “you must be kidding.” Visiting forums is a foreign concept to me and now I find myself here---telling you things about myself and my thoughts. How did that happen? My husband and I were sitting in the dining area of the Hampton Inn in Kentucky. We both had our computers and were just using up some extra time before a Soul’d Out concert. I found the “Blog Towne” and was really enjoying reading the posts there. That was the first thought of MAYBE having my own blog. I really can’t say for sure what caused me to want to do this but I do know that God is the one putting ideas in my mind. I could not imagine that I would have anything to say that others would want to read. But guess what, you have been reading and I am so happy that you are. Many of you who have visited my blog have truly blessed my heart by the encouraging words you have sent me---Thank You! I had said in an earlier post that God knows what we need exactly when we need it. I have found new friends and a very caring group of Christians here. As for me, that is a wonderful gift in this day and time. And so even though I never dreamed I would be here, I am grateful that I am. Maybe I am here to encourage you or is it that I am here so you can encourage me? I pray that God will continue to encourage and bless us both as we go about our daily lives. God bless all of you with a marvelous day! Lord willing, I will be back in “Towne” tomorrow.

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (5/5/2008 6:44:38 AM)
“I Want To Tell You…” about my “Good Ole Days” My parents and grandparents often used this phrase. Of course when I first heard it, I was not old enough to know what that meant. This is one of my “good ole days” stories. It is about my experience of living on a farm. We moved to the farm when I was about ten years old. Not everything there was happy but most of it was. This is what I remember---here we go: I had a baby lamb that I fed on a bottle. The lambs name was Pamper. Now I am dating myself. For you young ones, Pamper was the name of a shampoo. The jingle went like this: ‘Pamper, Pamper new shampoo gentle as a lamb so right for you” I also fed baby pigs on bottles because their mom was sick. I rode my first horse on this farm. We picked blackberries and Mom made great cobblers, pies and jelly with them. We picked up walnuts. They were used for cookies and Candy. We had “watermelon feeds and hamburger fry’s.” All of the surrounding neighbors would meet at a specified farm and we would play games, visit and eat. I attended a small country school. It had one room with grades one to eight. We carried our lunch to school in a brown paper bag. I learned to drive a tractor. I did not have brothers so I was the designated driver when it was time to pick corn. I joined the 4-H club and learned to cook and sew there. I belonged to a little country church that was across the highway from our farm. It was the little church where I was saved at the age of 12. My pastor was E. W. Bartley. A sweet little man that I thought was really old back then. We actually had a swimming hole (little creek) where dad & mom took us to swim. We went fishing in our own pond. We had a garden and raised our own veggies. We raised chickens, turkeys and guineas. My dad, mom, sisters and I did everything together. That was both work and play. There were no video games, no ATV’s and there were no cell phones. Neighbors came by without an invitation and we did not think it was an intrusion. When crops needed gathering and the weather was getting bad, everyone came to help (without expecting pay). There was always room at the table for an unexpected guest. We did not lock our doors because a friend might stop by. Life was so simple back then. Nothing like the “good ole days” I had heard about so maybe I will just say these are my “good ole days” with “good ole memories.”

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (5/6/2008 7:46:13 AM)
“I Want To Tell You…” about “THINGS” When I was a young woman, I believed that things could make me happy. That is another one of those beliefs that no one put in my head it was just what I thought. If I had this, I would be happy or if I had that, I would be happy. I managed to have things including a car, clothes, nice place to live and nice furniture. Somewhere along the way my life started falling apart. I had some very serious lessons to learn. I found myself in debt for the things that should have made me happy. I can still hear mother say “things will never make you happy, they only add to your happiness.” So where does happiness come from for me? I find happiness when I can help others. I find happiness in sharing my life with family and friends. I find happiness when I can go to my favorite gospel concerts with my husband. I find happiness when my best friend calls and we have some girl time. I find happiness when I see and feel God working in my life. I find happiness when I see answered prayer. I find happiness when I see God’s world created just for us. I find happiness when I see children run and play. Yes, I even find happiness right here in the forums as I read other blogs and comments from people I now consider new friends. Oh my goodness there was not one “thing” mentioned in that list. I am blessed with many material things. I thank God for them. Things are good but not as good as the love of God, serving Him, and having the love of family and friends.

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (5/7/2008 7:29:05 AM)
“I Want To Tell You…” about my new love --- Southern Gospel music When I was very new to the forums, I started a thread “Where Did You Discover Southern Gospel?” Those responding really surprised me. Most people grew up with it. I just discovered it in 2006 and fell in love with it. Of all the Christian music I have been exposed to, this is by far the most exciting and soul touching music I have ever heard. It became very clear to me that the devil did not want me involved in Southern Gospel. Something happened every time we made plans to attend a concert. I had plans last year to attend the Southern Gospel Picnic at Silver Dollar City in Branson Mo. I had motel reservations for one week. On my first night there, I got a bone out of place. It was, of course, a holiday weekend and I could not get help. I called my chiropractor at home and he said he would meet me at his office to get me back in place. Now that was fine but it was a three hour drive home. My husband drove me home. After being adjusted and getting a good nights rest, we headed back to Branson. I was not going to let the devil win this one. Later that week, I had a kidney stone. Well enough said even though that is not all that happened. My point is this----If the devil is fighting it that much, it must really be good. These battles continue even today. I will not give up on my new love. I need to be very aware that the devil really hates my new love and will do anything he can to interfere and ruin it for me. The bible says in James 4:7 to “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” I have purchased CD’s from my favorite groups. I would imagine you have already guessed this but my favorites are Spoken 4 and Soul’d Out. My husband gave me a Bose to play my CD’s on. Now my home is filled with this great music. It is the perfect sound to have playing as I do all my Judy chores each day. I am going to watch and wait for concerts near enough to attend. Despite what the devil wants I know God approves and will make a way for me to attend more Southern Gospel concerts.

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (5/8/2008 7:30:44 AM)
“I Want To Tell You…” I want a motto for my day Are you saying—but why? I was just thinking about my dad. He was a wonderful dad and a very caring person. His day never seemed complete if he had not helped someone in some way. I witnessed this day after day. He was always available for neighbors, friends and especially family. He had a way of making people feel better. He could make them laugh without even thinking about it. He had spunk and loved to entertain with his rhymes, stories and teasing. His grandchildren and great grandchildren loved it. This grandpa was called “the funny one”. I never thought of it as a motto for dad’s day. However, in the last days of his life, dad told me that he had always tried to make at least one person laugh each day. I am the one who labeled it “motto for dad’s day”. On one of dad’s last days a friend of his called and wanted to stop by for a short visit. Dad immediately requested an old wig I had bought years ago. It was short and blonde. My dad was 88 years old. He put that wig on and when his friend arrived at his bedside that is what he saw. This elderly little man with a great big smile with a wig on. Both of them had a laugh and of course dad’s day was complete. Dad was an example to his children. I am not the “make um laugh” kind of gal and so I think my motto is going to be what God has already given me---the gift of encouraging. I will seek to encourage at least one person each day. I don’t think it will be a problem to find someone each day. Just look at people as they scurry about. There are not enough happy faces. Maybe I can help change that with an “encouraging word”. Yes! That is it! My motto from this day forward is to encourage at least one person each day. With previous posts you know that encouraging is what I do. The difference is my claiming it as my motto. It might seem funny to some of you but I feel a whole lot better now.

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (5/9/2008 7:32:42 AM)
“I Want To Tell You…” about Mrs. Alt and 4-H I suppose we all remember special events and those special people that have said or done something that influenced us as young children. This memory is about the time I belonged to a 4-H club. At the time I belonged it was for the children who lived in the rural areas. They are still in existence today but not necessarily associated with just rural areas. I have great memories of all the times we met. Our leader was Mrs. Alt. She was a sweet, patient and kind woman. She was the grandma type. I remember going to her home on Saturday afternoon with other little girls. Why would someone want to take their weekends to do that? Mrs. Alt taught us how to make cookies and cakes. She taught us how to make little gift items. She taught a little about sewing. We had to do demonstrations at the general club meetings. That was a scary thing for a little girl. We were passing on what we had learned at Mrs. Alt’s house. The 4-H club sponsored a cooking competition. I remember making chocolate chip cookies at home and then taking them to be judged. After the judging took place we were given ribbons. The ribbons were white, red or blue. We all wanted the blue ribbon because it was for the best entries. Red indicated average and white---let’s just say---not so good. My cookies received a blue ribbon with a “take it to the fair” ribbon. I kept that ribbon for years and I would imagine if I searched through my treasure boxes, I would find it. The Missouri state fair is in our city. It is always in the month of August. I made my cookies and took them to the fair. I cannot remember what kind of ribbon I got there. I do remember that there was nothing special about the recipe I used. There was however, something special about Mrs. Alt. She cared about children learning and teaching us about---the 4 H’s--- head, heart, hand and health. She cared enough to sacrifice her valuable time. So, what is the big deal anyway? I am not a competitive person. I am not sure I would enter anything for judging today. 4-H holds a special place in my heart as does Mrs. Alt. That’s the big deal.

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (5/10/2008 8:43:25 AM)
“I Want To Tell You…” about my email devotions I receive by email a daily devotion. I love it. As soon as I check my mail, there it is--the perfect way to start my day. The devotion is always pertinent to everyday living. It always ends with a prayer and an additional bible reference to read. When I first started reading the bible through the web, I felt a little guilty. Here I go again. I am a creature of habit and this was totally new to me. I thought about the bible on tapes and the bible on CD’s. I realized that God’s word is God’s word regardless of how I read or hear it. I found this web site------------------------- http://bibleresources.bible.com/bible_kjv.php It has the entire bible with any version I choose to read. I can compare different versions when a scripture puzzles me. It is all a click away. Even though this is a convenient way to have my devotion time, nothing can take the place of my favorite bible. I still need my notes and the familiar feel of holding my bible as I read. There is comfort there for me. There is just something about fanning the pages and realizing how powerful the contents are. I have come to the conclusion that there is a place for both of these options in my life. I can and will continue to enjoy both.

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (5/11/2008 6:54:27 AM)
“I Want To Tell You…” [sm=heart.gif] Happy Mother’s Day[sm=heart.gif] What an awesome responsibility God has give you. Here is a poem; my gift to all of you mother’s reading this post. A Mother's Love by Michael O. Adesanya There are times when only a Mother's love Can understand our tears, Can soothe our disappoints And calm all of our fears. There are times when only a Mother's love Can share the joy we feel When something we've dreamed about Quite suddenly is real. There are times when only a Mother's faith Can help us on life's way And inspire in us the confidence We need from day to day. For a Mother's heart and a Mother's faith And a Mother's steadfast love Were fashioned by the Angels And sent from God above... HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! God bless you on your special day. To those of you without your mother this year, may God bless you with wonderful memories as you honor your dear mom. Today I remember my precious mom, (Josephine) and thank God for all the years we had together. I love you, Mom.

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (5/12/2008 8:01:15 AM)
“I Want To Tell You…” about Rev. E. W. Bartley I was saved when I was twelve years old. Even though that was a long time ago the memory lingers in my mind. It may be because of my blog on the 5th of May. I mentioned my pastor Rev. E. W. Bartley. I can still see his face and that wonderful smile of his. We called our pastors reverend back then. I don’t hear that much anymore. I must admit I wish we did. If our pastors are not reverend, in my opinion they should be. Rev. Bartley was a precious soul. We were a small country community with a very small one room church. I shutter to think of how little we were able to pay this sweet little man of God. When Rev. Bartley came to our home the day I was saved he used a yardstick to explain my journey as a new Christian. I cannot remember what the explanation was and I am troubled today because I know it was important. Being so young and so emotional that day, I simply do not remember. I had not thought about that yardstick for years. Now it is too late to ask either mom or dad what the yardstick represented. Everyone in our town knew Rev. Bartley. He was the type of man that would go to our little downtown area to encourage and witness to anyone that got in his path. He was all about spreading the good news of Jesus. He was loved and respected by all who met him. He was happy and bubbly all of the time. You could always find him on Ohio Street, the main street in town. Talk about “having fun being saved” he sure knew how to do that. Rev. Bartley was killed in an automobile accident outside of town. It was a very sad day for all of us. I was still very young and I remember even today the pain of his passing. Recently while placing flowers on my dad’s grave I spotted Rev. Bartley’s gravesite. The little tombstone was a modest looking one---perfect for the Bartley’s. They are buried there but that is not their home. They were a humble little couple with no children to place flowers on their graves. A few days later, I placed flowers on their grave and remembered once again my sweet little pastor that led me to the Lord. I may not remember the yardstick story but I will never forget Reverend Bartley.

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (5/12/2008 9:22:04 PM)
“I Want To Tell You…” I am so excited Soul'd Out Quartet is in the top 5 for the Horizon Group award. We have attended numerous concerts and know that God has great things in store for this group. They are a God loving group of young men. They sing from their hearts and it actually shows on their faces when they sing. I am so thankful for their friendship and the privilege of calling them "my boys." It is my hope that all who read my blogs will have an opportunity to see and hear this group sometime soon. *Congratulations, Matt Rankin, Matt Fouch, Tanner Stahl and Dusty Barrett!*

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (5/13/2008 7:06:21 AM)
“I Want To Tell You…” I love Books What is it about books? I am not sure why I love them but I do. I said in another post that I attended a little one room school when I lived on a farm. One of the best times for me was when the book mobile would come to our school. It created a lot of excitement in those days. Back in the 50’s we also had the Gideon’s come to our school. Everyone at our school received a new testament. I loved that too even though we had bibles in our home. It was a book and one that I could keep. Years later I found all of those little bibles with my name in them and the date I received them. I still love the library. I love the smell and majesty of the old building. The high ceiling, the winding stair case and all the books just have a way of stirring the old excitement in me. I admire the authors that have written these books. I wonder where they got all of the imagination to write stories and poems. How much research was required to write reference books? There are so many choices. There are large print books for those that need it. There are books on CD’s. That is a long way from the little book mobile I remember. Recently while driving near our county library, I saw a book mobile. It was so much bigger than I remembered as a child. I wondered if children still get excited when they see that library on wheels coming to their school. Today I have a little library in my home. One entire wall of our office has a very large book case with my books. There is a little bit of everything there. I have fiction, cookbooks, hardbacks, paperbacks, bible reference books, bibles, biographies, classics and even a collection of Ideal magazines. Just being near books gives me a sense of peace. One little book mobile at one little school and one little girl=love of books.

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (5/14/2008 7:27:28 AM)
“I Want To Tell You…” I worry about worrying The dictionary says worry is: “be or make anxious: to feel anxious about something unpleasant that may have happened or may happen.” The bible says: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34 “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life.” Luke 12:25 Everyone knows we should not worry. It doesn’t change a thing. Well perhaps it does. It can cause me to be depressed, sad, unhappy, anxious and totally distressed. Oh yes, did I mention sometimes worry causes physical illness as well? God knows me so well and sometimes I think I can hear Him say ”Judy, Judy, Judy” why do you worry so? Have you forgotten my promises? As I remember the times I almost made myself sick with worry, I see that God supplied enough strength and courage to get me through the rough times. God has proved over and over that He never leaves me or forsakes me. He has never given me more than I can bear. Not one thing in my life is too big or too small for God. Many times I worried about things that never happened. When I cared for my parents, I was so scared and worried that I would not make the right judgment calls. Should I call an ambulance, should I call the doctor, or should I stay with them all night? Worry, worry, worry, that was me. It seems that I only realized how God was right there helping me AFTER the crisis was over. It would make sense to me that it is time to finally learn that worry can only harm me. Worry never, ever made my life better. Worry was just a waste of time and energy. This little poem is what triggered my thoughts on worry. Overheard In An Orchard Elizabeth Chaney (1859) Said the Robin to the Sparrow “I would really like to know why these anxious human beings rush about and worry so.” Said the Sparrow to the Robin “Friend I think that it must be that they have no Heavenly Father such as cares for you and me. It is really embarrassing to think that I sometimes worry because I don’t have anything to worry about. The answer for me then is to take one day at a time. Trust God’s promises, they never fail. Deal with the present issues and trust God to help when fear and worry strike. Okay here it comes, the old line everyone has heard. I will keep trying because God is not finished with me yet!

sosing2me -> RE: "I Want To Tell You..." (5/15/2008 9:44:02 PM)
“I Want To Tell You…” about—Are We There Yet? Okay, I am not a young girl anymore and a long way from a child. I can remember saying those exact words to my dad any time we went somewhere in the car. Are we there yet? Now I hear children asking their parents the very same thing. When we went in the car it was not a van or an SUV. It was just a car. I don’t even remember seat belts. OMG, here I am dating myself again. SUV’s, vans and cars are all equipped to handle CD and DVD players. We were lucky to have radios. Kids do not need to be bored while traveling. I remember traveling with my grandparents one day and to pass the time my grandpa made up a game. We would watch road signs advertising a store or shop of some kind. The game was---who would spot the store or shop first? There wasn’t any prize or anything, I guess it was just to keep us entertained. We also made something out of clouds. What did the different shapes remind us of? We just used our imagination. When we finally arrived at our destination, no one seemed to remember that question about “are we there yet?” Suddenly it didn’t matter. BUT when it was time to go home, that question popped up again. The next time we made a trip, the next day or the next month, guess what? Yep, “are we there yet”? Sound familiar? I am a better traveler today but will often ask my husband if we are there yet. A joke, yes, but with it, memories of another day and another time.

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