Blessed Ressurection Sunday

   When we got to the little country church in McCreary county this morning, 

we met one young preacher leaving, 

and following behind him was the pastor and his wife.  

They had called church off because most of the congregation was sick. 

We had driven several miles and wanted to attend church,

so we stopped at another church on the way home.

This little country church sits on top of a large hill,

partialy secluded from a busy highway.

It had been many years since we had attended that church.

Things were much the same, and we felt so much at home.

What a joy it was when they called for 'Altar Prayer', since so many 

of our churches around here don't feel a need to pray at the altar, anymore.

After the prayer, we had beautiful heartfelt singing by a couple of ladies, there.

The Holy Ghost moved from breast to breast, like in the days of old.

Some will question what I am saying, because they have never felt the Holy Ghost.

All I can say is, " it's better felt, than told."  Old time singing, old time preaching. 

What a Blessing to know that God still has His people throughout the world.

I am honored and humbled that God visited us on this ' Ressurection Sunday.'   

Sunday Morning Sabbath at Ryan's Creek Baptist Church

Ryan's Creek Baptist Church

   This warm December, Sunday morning Sabbath worship service at Ryan's Creek Baptist Church was brightened by the songs of Zion, and the preaching of Pastor Herbert Wells. 
   Even the blue of the sky seemed to speak of God's glory.
Christmas 2011 is near upon us, and the little church was alive with children from the mountain homes around the church.
   It is such a blessing to hear their small voices.  The church has mostly older members, whose children, and grandchildren have moved away and attend other churches.  But, today some came for worship, and a special time of Christmas fellowship, following the worship service.  God is good, and His mercies endureth forever.

Hope you had a wonderful Sunday Sabbath,

wherever you are.

Blessings, Trisha

I read a verse from a Christmas card a few years ago,

that kind of stuck with me, here it is:

I heard a bird sing, in the dark of December

Twas a beautiful thing, so sweet to remember.

   Such simple words, sometimes can say so much, but, like the song says:

'the sweetest word I ever heard, was I forgive'

Have a great day!

A Beautiful Sunday Sabbath

Sunday Evening Sunset

   It's been beautiful Sunday Sabbath. 

     

 Service at the old country church. 

 A visit with an old friend. 

An evening walk around the lake.  

  

God's Blessings surround us everyday. 

The leaves were a spectical of color,

though it was too dark

for the colors to show in the picture. 

The evening air was clear and brisk, but soft rays of sunshine

warmed our bodies, as we stood in awe of God's beauty. 

I am reminded of the following verses:

But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,

neither have entered into the heart of man,

the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 

But God hath revealed them to us by the Spirit: 

 for the Spirit searcheth all things,

yea, the deep things of God.

1st.  Corinthians 2: 9-10

Blessings Trisha

Old Fashioned Days at Church

Ryans Creek Baptist Church Established 1884

    We attended Old Fashioned Days at Ryans Creek Baptist Church today.  It was a beautiful Autumn day, and the mountains seemed to sing with God's glory.  The singers sang with joyous hearts, and the preacher peached with all his heart.  The food was spread like a banquet for a king, the fellowship as sweet as the Autumn breeze.  How I wish everyone could attend an Old Country Church, and feel God's Spirit deep in their soul.  Blessings, Trisha  

When the Son of Man Cometh, Shall He Find Faith on the Earth?

Another Lord's day. 

Another chance to worship our Almighty God,

and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

We went to a local church this morning,

and a visiting preacher preached a message very similar

to the one my husband preached to the same church, 

a few weeks ago.

This morning's message had Fire and Life in it,

but, few in the church seemed to feel it. 

It was wonderful to see, and feel God working through, 

His God called minister, but, heartbreaking to see the null and void look

on the faces of most of the congregation.

When the service began, rather nonchalantly,

I wanted to shout out. "God deserves better than this!" 

The songs were seemingly sung without meaning,

prayer requests, seemed to be spoken in the wind,

I just couldn't wait for the service to be over, and get to leave.

Guess, I felt a little like Elijah, when he said,

"Lord they have killed your prophets,

and torn down your Altars, and I alone, am left." 

God told Elijah, He had 7,000 that had never bowed a knee to Baal. 

But, when the visiting preacher stood and began to preach,

things took a different turn in the service.

The Holy Spirit passed our way,

confirming the word of the preacher to be true.

Though, most of the church, seemed not to recognize It's presence,

it was reassuring to know,

there are some who still worship God in Spirit and Truth.

I've said before, if you can still feel the Holy Spirit in your church,

guard it with all your heart, keep close to God,

and don't let the Fire die out in the House of God.

But, if you don't know what I am talking about,

when I speak of the Holy Spirit; you can know. 

When you feel convicted of your sins, and ask God to forgive you,

when God forgives you, that is when you feel the Holy Spirit,

or Holy Ghost the strongest,

and you will know without a doubt, that it is coming from God. 

Then throughout your daily life from then on,

you will feel the Holy Spirit,

as It leads and guides you through all truth. 

As Jesus said in, John 4: 14

But, whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him

shall never thirst;

but the water that I shall give him

shall be in him a well of water springing up

into everlasting life.

Jesus said, He lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

No, I am not a preacher, just a sinner, saved by the grace of God.  

I want everyone to know that God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son,

and the Holy Ghost are real. 

I also want everyone to know if they are not saved,

that they can be saved anywhere,

they don't have to be in a church to be saved.

We have a preaching friend that told us when he prayed to get saved,

he went to the Altar at church and prayed, but,

didn't feel like he'd gotten saved. 

So, he went back again and prayed like this:

"Lord if I go to Hell, I'll go believing in you."

At that instant, he said, God saved him.

Praise God!

Our lives here will end, but, we will live forever, somewhere.

  

Blessings,

Trisha 

Please pray for God's churches all around the world.

Don't Let the Fire Die Out in the House of God

   The church was set up to be a light to a lost and dying world. 

 There used to be fire in the House of God, by fire, I mean, the Holy Ghost. 

 No, I'm not talking about wildfire, as my husband calls it,

some churches are good at that, too;

I'm talking about the real Holy Spirit of God   

We go to many churches in several different counties;

and have been noticing that most local churches are losing their fire.

Ten years ago, if anyone had asked where a good Spiritual church was,

we could have directed them to several, but, not today, they are few.

My husband likened it to being away from home, and getting lost;

and asking a blind man to show you the way home.

Our churches are supposed to be a light to a lost world,

yet they are increasingly becoming like the Laodicean church,

 that the apostle John wrote about.

If you are attending a Holy Ghost filled church,

please guard your relationship with God,

and don't make room for Satan's attack,

it's easier to guard what you have,

than to get it back, when it's gone. 

Keep the fire burning in the House of God. 

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst;

but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water

springing up into everlasting life.

John 4:14

What is that well of water springing up into everlasting life, that John speaks of?

The Holy Ghost and Fire.

Blessings friend, don't give up your search for a Spirit filled church,
some still exist.

Until next time, Trisha

Thank God for the Old Country Church

  This morning we went to Tidalwave Baptist Church in Whitley County.  It was a beautiful early Fall morning, with high clouds and a warm breeze. The church stood on top a small hill, as a beacon of hope to a lost world.  You can see my husband, preacher, heading around the building.     

Tidalwave Missionary Baptist Church

  We had intended on going to another church this morning, but, was led to Tidalwave.  It had been several months since we had been to Tidalwave, but, my husband said, we were going there this morning, because he had a message.                       

The Pastor Brian Reeder asked my husband to preach.  The message was to the church, the message was FAITH.  I don't know what trials the church, or it's members are, or will be facing; I only know when God leads, we need to follow.  The congregation did come to the Altar to pray.  It was a beautiful sight.  Please keep this church in your prayers.

  So many will not bow a knee anymore, even in little country churches.  When we are too proud to bow a knee to a Holy God, how then can we petition Him for a favor?  Dare we even ask?  

Have a Blessed day, wherever you are, Trisha  

Remember the Old Country Church

   Sometimes the greatest treasures in life, cost no money at all.  Sometimes they are found in the solace of a little country church.  I often post about the little country churches we attend.
   I'm posting this picture in black and white, because this Old Country Church stands atop a hill surrounded by mountains in the Southern end of Whitley County, much like it did decades ago. 
   Ryan's Creek Baptist Church was established in 1884; most of the families in the area back then, have passed on, and their children have moved away, leaving about twenty or so faithful members to carry on. 
   Though the crowd is small, The Holy Ghost still flows from breast to breast, 'The Word' is still preached, and the songs of Zion, sung. 
   The Pastor of many years, Herb Wells, has asked my husband to preach tomorrow's sermon.  It is always an honor for him to preach, wherever he is asked.  We feel Blessed to live in an area that still has churches, that really know the Lord.   



Ryan's Creek Baptist Church

Thus saith the Lord, Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.  For he shall be like a heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.  Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. 

 Jeremiah 17: 5,6,7 

Blessings, Trisha

Sunday Drive at it's Best

Driving Miles through the Mountains

View from our Windshield

A warm sunny Sabbath, a beautiful mountain drive, and a little Mountain Church.  What more could anyone ask for?

This Way to the Church in the Mountains

Flowers Line the Roadsides at
old Homesites, along the Way



One High Mountain after Another

Ryan's Creek Baptist Church

   And this is where we ended up, at Ryan's Creek Baptist Church in the Southern end of Whitley County. 
   We had a good worship service, and thank God for little mountain churches.



Thanking God for a Beautiful Sunday Sabbath

   Our church in McCreary County cancelled services today, because of Memorial Day, so we drove back in the mountains, in Southern Whitley County, to a little country church we sometimes visit.  When we got there, the parking lot was empty, and we realized it was closed for Memorial Day, as well.  We didn't have time to drive out of the mountains to attend another church, so we stopped by to visit some church members who lived nearby.  We had a wonderful visit with Loyd and Freda Bryant. 

   We thank God for them, and all our friends in that little country church.  They told us their pastor had had eye surgery.  He is a good man of God, please pray for him.  

   We also thank God for a successful yard sale, this past Friday and Saturday.  We met a lot of really nice people, and got to talk to a lot of old friends. 
   God's blessings are bountiful.

Have a Blessed day, wherever you are.  
Trisha      

Church on this Side of the River

              We decided not to take the long drive to McCreary County this morning, 
opting instead to go to a little country church on this side of the river. 

We saw old friends, and met some new ones. 

The drive was short, but pretty nonetheless. 

Fenced pastures lay stretched on both sides of the road for much of the drive. 

 An occasional house, and barn could be seen in a distance. 

 The little country church vibrated with the sound of piano music,

 and the familar voices of our friends. 

It was much like going home, but, we won't completely feel at home,

I suppose, until we reach our new home, the one in Heaven. 

 But, it is good to feel welcome in God's house, wherever it might be. 

Hope you've had a Blessed day.

Trisha

Country Church, Holy Mountain Sabbath

Grey skies, rain, wind, and debris strewn across the highway

made for a slow drive to our little country church, in McCreary county.

But, inside the lights were burning bright,

almost as bright as the smiles that greeted us. 

The service opened with prayer and prayer requests.

In Sunday School we studied the 7th. chapter of Revelation;

a good lesson, coming alive when our teacher

and the six attending preachers, all gave their input.

The Worship service began with songs of praise and worship;

and our  Saintly ladies seemed to have a special glow,
 and warmth about them this morning.

  One of the ladies had been very ill

 and had returned for the first time this morning.

The preaching began, and God's presence surrounded us.

We thank God for another 'Holy Mountain Sabbath.'

Hope you have a Blessed day, wherever you are.

Trisha 

Couldn't Let Easter Pass, Without Saying Thank You, Jesus

   Our Sunday drive to church started with dense fog, downpours of rain, then dark clouds breaking away into sunny skies.  By the time we reached the church house, our spirits had brightened considerably. 
    Another beautiful Easter morning was before us.  We had a wonderful service and was so happy to feel God's presence.  
   I just couldn't let the day pass, without saying thank you to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Thank you for Easter. 

Kentucky Mountain Funeral

   Skies greyed and hinted of rain.  The canopy flapped in light wind gusts.  Red, and white dogwood stood in full bloom and brightened an otherwise solemn occasion. 
   The crowd gathered to say goodbye to a dear loved one.  The song began, and the crowd stilled to reflect upon her life, as she lay in the pine box before them.  A spray of day lilies and Spring flowers adorned the plain pine box she had requested.  She loved God, family, friends, and nature.
   Her husband of more than 70 years stood by, with a heavy heart. 
   The country preacher, preached to those left behind:  " If you want to go to Heaven, you must be born again."  The rain held off, and the last word was spoken.  The crowd drifted off one by one, back to the house.  We left too; choosing not to watch them lower her into the grave.  We visited this dear Saintly woman in the hospital last Sunday, and she was all smiles. 
   I would like to see the beautiful smile she has on her face now. 
   This Kentucky mountain funeral was held today, April 15, 2011 in Mt. Victory, Kentucky. 
   Have a Blessed day.  Trisha 

Blessed Mountain Sabbath & the Song of a Whippoorwill

   Our Sunday School class was good again this morning as we studied the last part of chapter 5 in the Book of Revelation.  We had open discussion and it was much easier to understand, after we heard everyone's input. 
   Our little mountain church choir, sang praises to our Lord and Saviour this beautiful Spring morning.  The old country preacher stood and delivered the message, that God had placed on his heart, with all his might.  God blessed us with His presence in the congregation this morning; that was the important thing.
   We visited some folks in the hospital after church, then drove home.  It has been another Holy Mountain Sabbath, filled with sweet worship, fellowship, and sunny skies. 
   Now this warm April night is coming alive with sounds of Spring frogs and Whippoorwill.  The sweet smell of Viburnum permeates the air.  God is good, and His blessings are all around us.
Have a Blessed day in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Trisha

Another Beautiful Sunday at Greenwood Baptist Church



God Still Works in the Hearts of Men,
even at a Little Country Church 

   We are blessed with an abundance of preachers at our little country Church.  Many times we have 7 or 8.  They don't all preach in one service, but most do have something to say.  This Sunday morning we only had 4 preachers, some were out because of sickness and other reasons.
   We've been studying the Book of Revelation in Sunday School and are now in the 5th. chapter.  One of the preachers has recently had a bout with cancer surgery and treatment.  During our Sunday School class this morning, he shared a vision God gave him when he was near death.  I love to hear the goodness of God and am always ready to pass it on, when I know the person, and know it is true.  Brother Larry had told us he had had a vision and when he felt the time was right he would tell the church.  This morning he shared his vision with tears running down his face:
   He said, he saw a beautiful garden with colors so bright, he couldn't even describe it.  He said it was so much brighter than the colors we see here on earth.  He saw people walking in the garden, and singing 'Redeemed'.  He saw his mother, his mother-in-law and so many people he couldn't count them.  He saw two old preachers who helped him when he first began to minister. 
   Then he said everyone fell to their knees all at the same time and raised their hands in worship, saying 'Alleluia.'  He looked, and saw a bright light approaching the garden; so bright it was like a light shinning through a prism.  It was so bright he had to cover his eyes.  He wanted to stay, but it wasn't his time.  He is thanking God for his vision.  We thanked him for sharing it.  We felt the Holy Spirit when he spoke, so I know he was telling the truth about what he saw.  
Have a Blessed day.

Baptizing the Old Time Way



The Bible was Read

   A few Churches in South Eastern Kentucky still Baptize the old time way, when a New Convert asks for it.  The Preacher reads the scripture on the bank of the river, lake, creek, or pond.  Everyone Prays.  And the Congregation sings:  'Shall We Gather at the River,' and other Hymns, while the Preacher, or in this case Preachers lead the New Convert into the water. 
   It is a beautiful thing to watch someone following the Lord into Baptism.  It is a Holy thing. 








Baptizing in the Name of The Father,
and of The Son, and of The Holy Ghost

   This particular Baptism is special to me because, the Preacher is my Husband,

and the New Convert is my Little Sister. 

  The pictures were taken a few years ago at

Laurel Lake in Whitley County, Kentucky. 



   This Baptism took place April 29, 2007.  The congregation of Asile Baptist Church, along with relatives, and friends were on the bank, but do not show in these pictures. 
   No one seemed to mind the cold water. 
We thank God for this Blessed event.

Wild Turkey on our way to Church

Wild Turkey

   On our way to church this beautiful Sabbath morning, we had to stop on HWY 90, and let 4 gobbler turkey cross the road.  My camera was in the backseat, and by the time I got it, they had already crossed into woods.
   Our little mountain church was warm, and alive with the Spirit of God this morning.  Sunday School was good, and our church service came alive when the Spirit of the Lord came.  The singing was good, and the preaching anointed.  The morning sun warmed our faces, and the Only Begotten Son warmed our hearts.  What more could anyone ask for?

Beautiful mountain Sabbath Day!



Believe in the God of Heaven and Earth

   We had another beautiful mountain Sabbath in Kentucky today.  A good Sunday School Lesson, good Singing, and Spiritual Preaching, where we felt God's presence in the midst.
   The drive to the little country church was bright and sunny.  And when we got there, hugs and smiles were abundant.  How I wish everyone could have the joy of attending a little country church, where God's love abounds.

Yet, Another Holy Mountain Sabbath

    The drive to the Old Country Church this morning was cold and brisk.  Icicles clung to the sides of the cliffs along Hwy. 90 and little traffic stirred.  A few icy patches here and there, made for slow driving.   When we got there; Sunday School had already begun.  We were studying in the book of Jude.  7 Preachers were present this morning and made for lively conversation.  All of the Preachers gave their viewpoints and some really got fired up and almost preached during Sunday School.  It was a good service and God was with us.  Well worth the 30 mile drive it takes to get there.  Merry Christmas on this Holy Mountain Sabbath!