I spent some of my Saturday cleaning away all the dust and dirt that somehow found its way behind my bed, along with completing the surface level of household chores that stays on the "to do list" that forever lives rent free in my head. But wouldn't it be wonderful if we only had to clean up the rooms of our houses once without ever having to worry about it again? There is never a time at my house when there isn't something that needs done (whether it be the floor that needs swept and mopped, the hallway and family room that needs vacuumed, bathrooms that require regular cleaning, or everyone's least favorite....dusting the furniture) Housekeeping requires a spirit of daily effort and fervent diligence The same could be said about keeping up our hearts by renewing our minds daily through simply taking the time to pray and to have fellowship with the Lord. Just as no one loves to think about cleaning house absolutely every single day, our flesh will never natu...
(December 1974: Lincoln County, West Virginia) “What a wonderful story,” Pastor Perry said with a smile. “I’m so sorry for your loss. Would you want to say a few words before the service starts? he asked. “Sure, I have a few notes here in my coat pocket that I wrote down last night,” I replied. “Shouldn’t we be going?” Pastor Perry glanced at his watch. “I reckon so, are you ready?” “As ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied nervously. “It’ll be alright son, just speak from your heart,” he said, nudging my side with his hand. The time for momma's homegoing service was now upon us. I didn’t know if I would ever be ready for this moment but my soul knew that I would one day see her again. We would both be in the presence of God’s everlasting love; the space that surrounded us would be filled with the wonderful peace, eternal hope, and boundless joy that His presence provides. “It’s a pleasure to have you all here today,” Pastor Perr...