Saturday, September 7, 2024

My Songs: I call to You

My Songs: I call to You: May,  2012 I Call To You From the ends of the earth I call to you You are my refuge from the storm You shelter your arms around m...

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

 

I ask God to open my heart

To reveal who I am

Strip me of All of my hangups

Leaving me vulnerable

Take away everything you don't want me to bring

Teach me to be what won’t me to be

Cover me with your righteousness

 

Is saying I was brought out of drug addiction. Freed from drinking, Hooked on porn or any number of other had things. I could say I have a testimony. I could say this is how it is now versing then.

I suppose I have a different Testimony one that says, I had a dad and mom that raised me to love and fear God. Parents that drug me to Church no matter what.

So, do I have a testimony? Yes, we all have a testimony, it does not have to be a down.  I was protected If set apart from the world and hated every minute of it.

I did not date until I was 18 and could go out much then. I had to wear dresses all the time and below my knees. I could not wear makeup nor cut my hair. If I went anywhere it had to do with Church.

Maybe you A testimony can understand why I always felt trapped. When I did get married, I felt like I was free from a jail of some sort. So, the first 7 years I was married not going to Church was kind of like being free.

I always wanted to write but never got an education on writing. Really, I cannot even speak grammar correct much less write it.

My dad was on his way to being an alcoholic when God stopped him and turned his life around.  

My dad helped build the first two Churches on the spot of ground where Salt Life Church now sets.

While raising my children I was out of church for a few years, but my mom and dad made sure that my children went to church just like they made sure that I was there.

Even though I did not go to church I prayed and trusted God to strengthen me.

Before I got married, I went to church 7 years without missing one day.

After I got married, I went 7 years without going to church.

For a few years I went off and on. On special occasions.

I guess my reason for not going to church was my husband he did not go to church, so I just stayed home to please him. Plus, the way the Church of God believed, I felt like I was a hypocrite.

After getting used to this way of life that gave me some freedom, I did not believe in the Church of God anymore. I could not say anything wrong with going to the movie wearing pants or just living my life the way I was Living it. I never drank alcohol, never smoked, and didn’t use bad language.

I did wish I had a husband that was a church going person. I prayed things would change but they never did.

After my children were grown, I needed something, my oldest son kept telling me things would be different if gave be it another try.

So, in 2003 I went back to church and my life has been so much better.

       The thing is I am still living my life the way I was living it when I was out of Church.

The church changed I did not.  people go to the movie people wear makeup.

Okay the most important thing is believing in God and trust in God and praying and do what the Bible.

Speaks.  Faith is believing and I have always believed. I never stopped believing.

Sometimes I wonder if I should just make a new start. But if I think about leaving to be on my own my husband has a fit.

He has told me several times he is going to change. I do not think it is going to happen.

I do not want to lose faith in the Fact God can do anything, so I stay. I am getting closer to the place that I want to get go.

Something I read

Hearing is not believing.

Fear is a lie – that we believe. The lie itself is not fear, its merely a lie from the enemy planted in our heads to instill fear. A lie is powerless unless we believe them. Like the way a drug is just a pill until its ingested.

Once swallowed and is carried through our blood stream it become a drug. It does not work until it is fed by environment needs. In other words that pill is nothing more than a pill until we put it in our bloodstream then it becomes a drug.

The same is true about the promises of Gods words- They are just promising on a page unless we believe them. As soon as we believe them the power they hold is released into our lives and we can experience an indescribable peace that passes all understanding.

We are always faced with what do you believe, it is a choice. I choose to believe every word of the bible.

This is something I read and just wanted to write it down.  I believe that it is true. You must read the words and believe them and live them.

Hearing is not believing – believing is reading the words in the bible and believing.

I have been through so much in the last 2 years, but I can say God has been at my side and giving me strength to get pass my weaknesses.  I sit here alone and think I want to be with my loved ones that are gone.  I have too much here to really want that. When God gets ready, I am ready. I know that an angel will be waiting to take my hand when I take my last breath.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                   History of the Malvern Church of God

 

Prayer meetings were held in the home of Brother and Sister Ross for several months. In 1955 a brush arbor was erected; God Blessed, souls were saved, and people were healed. After three or four weeks a tent was set up and they had a good old-fashioned revival. The floor consisted of wood shavings. Many of the people went home with the savings on their clothes and shoes. No one seem to care because they were so happy in the Lord and rejoicing over folks being saved and filled with the Holy Ghost. Brother and Sister Ross wanted a place to worship close to home. They had about 5 cabins rented to people called Dixie Camp. Brother and Sister Ross donated a piece of land for the Church. The Church took on this name and the men begin to work in the afternoon after work building the first Church. This is where my mom and Dad gave their hearts to God and never looked back. My dad worked on building the first Church. I had grandparents on both sides and many aunts and uncles going to Dixie Curve. Services were held in the new building before it was finished. It was lit with kerosene lamps and heated with a kerosene stove. Those were the days.  People filled the building and so numerous that they were standing on the outside. Sidney Norwood preached for a while, then Brother Homer Cotton took over. On September 20, 1955, Brother Homer Cotton contracted John Best, District overseer fir the Church of God. State Overseer for the Church of God G.W. Hodges and district overseer John Best came down and the property was deeded to the Church of God. The Church was organized on Saturday night, September 26, 1955, with 23 charter members of which my dad and mom were part of. My dad was the last Charter member to die in 2000. The ladies quilted at 6.00 a quilt to help with the expenses of the new building. Electricity was put in the small church. Then, Brother Best and Brother Ramsey brought some men and lumber and built on to the front of the church making it larger. Brother Cotton purchased folding chairs and ask all who could to buy a chair or two. Soon there was plenty of chairs. The men built a pulpit and an altar. The Church was called Dixie Corner Church of God. Brother Cotton resigned on February 19, 1956; Brother Ralph Vick was appointed as pastor. With donations and Mr. Norwood's lumber Company, work was started on pews, and a new pulpit and altars. Help was provided by Brother Best and Brother Ramsey, soon we had great seats to sat on. On July 19, 1957, Brother Vick left, and Brother and Sister Carl Cody joined us as our pastor. At this time, the church did not have a parsonage A house was rented on Fairview Street for Brother and Sister Cody and their Family.

At this time, we were having Sunday School in the Cabins that the Rosses had. I remember very well having Sunday School class in the cabins it was an adventure. We also had an outside bathroom there was a water faucet outside close the bathroom. There were windows down the side of the building I remember my mom would take us 4 children out and put us in the car to sleep if it were getting late. Even outside you could hear the worshiping going on. Brother Cody had a son that was a minister he helped with teaching the children. Brother Cody was there about 6 years then Brother Mercer came in September 16, 1962.

Brother and Sister Mercer was the son- in law of our State Overseer, H L. Rose. They were good people and a young married couple. We finished sheetrock on the new Sunday School rooms while The Mercers were there and painted inside and outside. In April 1963, our Church was dedicated, by State Overseer Rose. In late spring 1964 the Mercer left to go to Ohio. Our new Pastor was Brother and Sister Henderson. Brother and Sister Henderson were another young couple and ready to go the work for our Church. While the Henderson’s were there the church was blessed with a parsonage, located in North Malvern. In the latter part of 1966, the Henderson’s left. Brother Tommy and Sister Kathy had become particularly important to the young people and everyone else. it was hard to see them go. They were easy people to talk to.  I remember I told them that when I grew up, I wanted to be a singer and a song writer. (Still working on that). Brother and Sister Abbott came next, and more improvements were made to the parsonage. Also, the Church was getting to be run - down. Brother Abbot wanted to build a new Church. God blessed us as the building went up. The parsonage was paid for, and the Church brought another piece of land from Brother and Sister Ross. Brother Abbott married my husband and me in 1970. Brother Larry Cox followed the Abbotts. Larry Cox only stayed a few months. The Lord was leading him to evangelistic work. Brother James Cody was sent to pastor I am sorry to say that a long while I had been out of church. While my kids were growing up, I tried several Churches, but none were my Church like the Malvern Church of God. By now the name had Changed to The Malvern Church of God. Brother James Cody was sent to pastor. They lived in the old parsonage for a while and a new one was bought. Brother Jewel Butler came to pastor in July 14, 1978. While he was there, he worked on church growth. Under his leadership the church was remodeled, restrooms and a fellowship hall were added. Brother David Gosnell came to pastor on March 19, 1980. Brother Gosnell stayed until September 22, 1980. Brother Leo Green and his wife came next. They were blessing to the church. Doing fundraiser and blessing the Church with other ways to make money. Brother and sister Kilgore came next in August 30, 1981. He accomplished a lot while he was at the church. he went to work on matching the pale sling. he also put in carpet in the church, and he insulated the walls and the attic. The Kilgores were good singers and ministers. On March 18, 1984, Brother and Sister Edge came they also made improvements. August 1986 Brother John Abbott returned. He was known for singing Ninety- Nine and a half Won't Do. Brother Bobby Major's came in August 1, 1991. Then Brother George O'Dell came in March 1994. next was Brother Bill Grayon March 3, 1994. Brother Charles Rush came on December 25, 1994. Brother Bobby Rosson came on November 1, 2000. My dad passed in June of 2000, so Pastor Bobby missed meeting a great man of God. I returned in 2002 giving my heart back to God. My son was my influence on returning.

Pastor   Bobby Rosson and Tricia Rosson made my returning to the Church a great thing. They made me feel like I had never left.  They quickly became family. I Love both.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God gives me words usually at night. For several years

I sleep with a Bible and a tablet to write on a lot.

 

In 2012 God gave me my first vision and or dream

I had been praying and fasting for our church to not go under.

 

After Bro Broach left everyone expected the church to go under.

We had a new building, and I knew God did not have plans for this Church to go under.

One night after praying half the night. A voice said, (I will answer your prayers). I was overwhelmed by it all, knowing that a voice from nowhere just spoke to me. I went back to sleep and had a dream.

 

 In July of 2012, our Church was down to maybe 5 or 6 people. I felt like I was the only one concerned about the future of the Malvern Church of God. I know that I was not, but I still felt that way.

Before Bro. Broach left, he had us praying and fasting for our Church. I prayed and fasted and did not feel like we were getting anywhere.

After Bro Broach left, I knew our Church was going died. Everyone had left. Darrell and Danell were gone.

Lyndall and Nettie were gone. Bryan and Tina were gone.

There was no one here to push us to pray, it was in my hands I felt.

So, I prayed day and night and kept going to church even when maybe 4 people showed up.

I had talked to Les Higgins, and he agreed with me that the Church had a future.

The more I prayed the more I did not think we had a chance.

Les Higgins sent one guy to preach, and he want to stay as pastor. We had a vote; he had said he would only stay if he had a 100 % vote. Everyone voted for him to stay but me. I told him not to decide on the way I voted. He said he could not stay without 100% so he did not stay.

I was then afraid I messed up I voted against a person wanting to try and make it work.

After he left Les sent someone just to keep the doors open.

I seem to be praying day and night about my Church nothing else seem to matter to me.

 

 

I had my dream in May of 2012.

Ricky Harris came in May of 2012 to be voted in but did not stay. It was all a part of Gods plan I did not understand it then. I am now seeing a bigger picture of what God was trying to show me. You may think I am an old lady just talking, but as time passes, I am seeing more and more of that dream and what it really meant and still means.  

                                              Dream

 One night I heard a voice it said, “I will answer your prayers”.

I am not a person that hears from God, I am a person that prays to God and someone else listens.

I was keeping the Church clean and getting there early to open the doors.

Linda and I keeping our job done as far as cleaning.

After I heard the voice I went back to sleep, I had a dream. God told me I have a group of people I am going to fill the Church with. In my dream I could see people in chairs coming down from the ceiling 

They kept coming until the Church was full.

In my dream, God said, I have plans for this Church and he said to wait.

Well, I do not wait very well; I took it up on myself to find a group of people. I found a group, but it was not the right time. I do believe some of the people were the right people.  It just was not the right time.

I have found out that you do not push God. I know God has Plans for our Church and with all my heart I think Pastor Dave and Kristy are the people to make it happen.

Like I said I am the person that prays not the person that hears God.

But since that night God has put a lot of things in my heart and I fill like he is telling me the Church needs to come together and pray and fast.

 I do not want anyone to listen to anything I have to say just make sure they listen to what God has to say.

I believe with all my heart; Pastor Dave is the right person to get this Church moving.

And he has done that.

I know that getting a head of God will just slow the process. I am not saying now is not the time I am saying we “The Church” should pray and know together we are moving with God not ahead of God.

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The year 2020 was a not the best year for me.

 

 

 

 

 



 

This is something I wrote last year from notes that I had from 2012

Some added information from present

In July of 2012 our Church was down to maybe 5 or 6 people. I felt like I was the only one concerned about the future of the Malvern Church of God. I know that I wasn’t, but I still felt that way.

Before Bro. Broach left, he had us praying and fasting for our Church. I prayed and fasted and didn’t feel like we were getting anywhere.

After Bro Broach left, I knew our Church was going died. Everyone had left. Darrell and Danell were gone.

Lyndall and Nettie were gone. Bryan and Tina were gone.

There was no one here to push us to pray, it was in my hands I felt.

So, I prayed day and night and kept going to church even when maybe 4 people showed up.

I had talked to Les Higgins and he agreed with me that the Church had a future.

The more I prayed the more I didn’t think we had a chance.

Les Higgins sent one guy to preach and he wanted to stay as pastor. We had a vote, he had said he would only stay if he had a 100 % vote. He felt that God only wanted him to stay if he had 100%.  Everyone voted for him to stay except me. I told him not to decide on the way I voted. He said he couldn’t stay without 100% so he didn’t stay.

I was then afraid I messed up I voted against a person wanting to try and make it work.

After he left Les sent others just to keep the doors open.

I seem to be praying day and night about my Church nothing else seem to matter to me.

.

With the return of Pastor Bobby things were looking up.

When things went south again.  I stayed strong in my faith.

God knew what was going to happen and he had a plan, he let me know about it in 2012.

 

I know that Gods hand is and will be in our Church.

 

 

 

January 2, 2019

I now know more than ever When I had my dream, all I wanted was for things to happen. Things were not meant to happen then.  God has a time and I had to wait.  

I see now that things are coming together the way they are supposed to.

In my dream God gave me a Church and said I will bring the people.

I misunderstood and thought he was sending the pastor also.

I look back now and I am amazed at what God was telling me and what I understood.

God said I’m bringing the people he brought them from mostly the same place. He said I’ll fill this Church all you must do is stand up for me.

It’s kind of what is happening now with the fast. Because it all started with my first serious fast. I trusted God to do his part if I done mine.

Since June of 2012, there have had several times when I fasted.   I also know that God brings me closer to him every time.

This may not interest any one but me, but I am at amazed at what I know God can and will do.

I will fast for our Church and for God to put a light under everyone that’s calls on his name in our Church.

 

 

God gives me things to write down and I try too, sometimes I think later but later I will forget.

 

God in the coming year, give me the Faith to live by, the grace to grow, and the love to walk in your path.

Light my path so I will see, what your heart desires of me.

 In the Name of Jesus Amen

1/2/2019 10:42:20 PM

June 16, 2021 I am ready for another fast

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written the first of 2108 to help me remember my dream.

                                              Dream

 One night I heard a voice it said, “I will answer your prayers”.

I am not a person that hears from God, I am a person that prays to God and someone else listens.

I was keeping the Church clean and getting there early to open the doors.

After I heard the voice I went back to sleep, I had a dream. God told me I have a group of people I am going to fill the Church with. In my dream I could see people in chairs coming down from the ceiling  

They kept coming until the Church was full.

In my dream, God said, I have plans for this Church and he said to wait.

Well I don’t wait very well, I took it up on myself to find a group of people. I found a group, but it was not the right time. I do believe some of the people were the right people.  It just wasn’t the right time.

I have found out that you don’t push God. I know God has Plans for our Church and with all my heart I think Pastor Dave and Kristy are the people to make it happen.

Like I said I am the person that prays not the person that hears God.

But since that night God has put a lot of things in my heart and I fill like he is telling me the Church needs to come together and pray and fast.

 I don’t want anyone to listen to anything I have to say just make sure they listen to what God has to say.

I believe with all my heart; Pastor Dave is the right person to get this Church moving.

And he has done that.

I know that getting a head of God will just slow the process. I am not saying now is not the time I am saying we “The Church” should pray and know together we are moving with God not ahead of God.

 

I’m finding that grief is not something you go through and it's gone.

Days weeks months go by and I’m okay then something reminds me of you and I’m in tears again.

My mom told me don’t put flowers on My grave after I’ve dyed if you want to give me flowers give me flowers while I’m living.  My heart is just as strong today as it was the day she died almost 35 years ago I keep telling myself I should be over this I will never be over it until God tells me home.

I’ve lost just about every family member except a child I pray to God that that one thing you will spare me from. I lost a mother who carried me and said her for nine months I lost a father who stood by me no matter what the cost to him I lost it but I lost brothers who said mess with my sister and you mess with me I lost a sister there was a friend and much more I lost a nephew that was as close as a child I've lost friends uncles and cousins grandparents United I've lost them.

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be renewed yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant with my people should be removed saith the Lord who has compassion on Isaiah 5 and 10.

I remember Joe he lost everything but he never lost his faith in God I’m writing down these things to help me process and learn and learn the lesson God has for me the Lord gives me strength.

I will eventually die as the ones before me did I don't feel afraid when my time comes I don’t fear because the source is my comfort and my strength is in God. Never give up on your faith hold on to it death is a mystery to us only God sees the full picture God knows how the events will play out in his perfect plan.

Sometimes the only way to help a grieving friend is just pray for the person .sometimes the only way to move on is to share share pictures share favorite memories share favorite food.

Grief is debilitating after my dad died I was relieved I shouldn’t have been relieved I had spent the last month watching him and trying to give him something to live for. I love my dad and I was relieved he had was gone I was relieved his pain was gone I could never rest in the stress was gone.

The anger I had that God was still there why should I be angry at God when he just answered the prayer I’ve been praying my prayers were to take the pain away let my dead rest. Got to take the pain away and now he’s resting in heaven.

 

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

I have entered stuff I wrote and things I copied. Just a little of everything

My Songs: I call to You

My Songs: I call to You : May,  2012 I Call To You From the ends of the earth I call to you You are my refuge from the storm You ...