Holy Ground Moments
Posted February 2, 2012

by Ann McAlpin, written while in Port Townsend, WA, August 29, 2011

Mountains and ocean – the beauty and power of God displayed! This is what I have seen in the northwest this summer. When I stand by the water and look at the mountains, I feel that I am on God's holy ground. But there have been many "holy ground" moments in my 71+ years of life.

• As young child I stood at the altar of a small church in Milford and proclaimed Christ as my Savior and God accepted me as His child –HOLY GROUND!
• As a fearful 18 year old freshman walking alone across the campus of UT in Austin, suddenly a ray of sun seemed to warm me with Christ's love saying, "You are not alone." I was reassured and ready to meet the challenges ahead – HOLY GROUND!
• As a young bride standing at the altar of that small church in Milford, I was flooded with the presence of Christ's love –HOLY GROUND!
• Looking into the eyes of John and knowing his deep love for me as he left for the completion of his army enlistment – HOLY GROUND!
• Holding my new born sons and feeling their warmth and seeing the hope that the future held for them – HOLY GROUND!
• Holding a new born grandson – HOLY GROUND!

There have been numerous "holy ground" moments in times of vacation.

• Mountains in Colorado
• Canadian Rockies
• Grand Canyon
• Pacific Ocean
• Atlantic Ocean in Maine
• Alps in Europe
• Inspiration Point in Yellowstone

Experiencing the power of God's creation daily in the wildlife around me in White Bluff brings "holy ground" moments almost daily. But there have been "holy ground" moments during heartbreak. Surely one of the holiest moments was saying good-bye to John as he left this world to enter heaven.

Thank you, Lord, for these special times. May I continue to experience "holy ground" moments as long as I live.

On the Road to Football Games
Posted January 19, 2012

by Fran McGraw

Ever since my older brother taught me to say "first and ten" instead of "first in ten" I have loved football. After his games he answered my questions and taught me about the rules of the game. I watched him, my husband, our son, and in recent years, we have put many miles on our van traveling to Cleburne and McKinney to watch five grandsons play. We have also watched as these grandsons participated in church activities, confirmed their faith, and found comfort in their church.

I once heard a preacher say the game of football is a lot like life; you win some, you lose some and some get rained out, but the harder you work at whatever you want to accomplish, the better things seem to go for you. Indeed, such is life.

The first time I saw the Denver Broncos quarterback, Tim Tebow, kneel and offer a prayer, I thought, I like that. I knew in my heart he was not thanking God for allowing him to throw a touchdown pass, but giving thanks for the blessing to be where he was and to do what he was doing.

So, what's the big deal with Tim Tebow? He works hard and is talented, but that can be said of many football players, past and present. Well, Tim Tebow lives his faith; he lives his faith by sharing with those less fortunate the blessings and good fortune coming from his talent and toil. Those stories are everywhere.

When I was young I saw one of the neighbor boys soon after he was "saved," take his Bible to the street corner, wave it and shout, "Repent or burn in hell!" I had recently been baptized so I asked my mother if that was what I was supposed to do. She answered, "No. You are supposed to be an example, not a spectacle."

Tim Tebow may be somewhat of a spectacle, but he's also an example. I'm sure my mother would think so, and it warms my heart that some of my grandsons think so too. We'll be on the road again for more football games next fall.

Our Journey to Christianity
Posted January 19, 2012

by Don Robinson

As I was sitting here watching the videos of and about the chapel (on the website), I felt compelled to let everyone know just how much you all mean to me and my family. I have wanted to do this for a while now but I didn't know where to start.

The chapel has been a big impact on our lives, with the chapel being the only church that my baby girl Skyelar has ever wanted to go to. It all started when she was about three or four years old. Skyelar and I always looked forward to Sundays so we could go worship our Lord Jesus. We have enjoyed seeing the people we love and consider family. Skyelar grew up being in Sunday School every Sunday we could possibly go. It has definitely been the single greatest impact in her life.

I remember a time as Skyelar was getting older when I thought she might want to go to another church that had more kids her age in the children's activities. Boy, was that a mistake. When I mentioned my train of thought to Mrs. Duncan, Mrs. McAlpin, Mrs. Williams and others, I was told right quick that if that was what Skyelar wanted, they would understand. But if that was just something that I thought of, then I would be flogged by about twenty grandmothers! When I talked to Skyelar about it, she set me straight too. So, needless to say, that subject has not been brought up since.

As far as what the chapel means to me, it is impossible to put into words. Outside of the birth of my baby girl, the chapel has changed my life more than anything. Before Skyelar was born, I was lost. Then when she came into this world, I knew that it was truly a blessing from the Lord.

So I did some soul searching and realized that I needed to get my life in order. Putting the Lord Jesus Christ first was on the top of my list. Skyelar and I started coming to the chapel on a regular basis. The good Lord took me by the hand and started leading me through day by day. Skyelar and I grew in faith right there in the chapel, Sunday after Sunday.

Soon Skyelar was ready for baptism. That was one of the greatest days of my life. I realized that the Lord was in our hearts and souls forever. So I want to express our feelings for the Lord Jesus Christ and for White Bluff Chapel. Thank you for everything the Lord has done through the members of the chapel. We are overwhelmed and not worthy of all the great things that have happened because of our faith and White Bluff Chapel.

Miracle Off the Main Road
Posted January 12, 2012

by Jim Browder

Sometimes you must jump off the main road if you want to find something interesting--like a miracle. Travel the super highways out of Santa Fe, New Mexico, toward Taos and you'll completely miss the Spanish village of Chimayo which is a little larger than Whitney, Texas, and almost 200 years older. Chimayo is on Highway 76, known as the High Road to Taos. That's where you'll discover a small adobe church called El Santuario de Chimayo.

As the story goes, about 200 years ago a man saw light coming out of the soil on a hillside near the Santa Cruz River. Upon investigating, he found a cross, which was taken to a small church. But the cross kept mysteriously returning to where it was originally discovered. So, on that site was built El Santuario de Chimayo. The sand there is believed to have healing powers. Believers have been coming to the Chimayo shrine for two centuries to pray and be healed by the sand.

Lanette and I visited the picturesque chapel one afternoon while on the road to Santa Fe. We found a charming, unrestored red adobe building with its original decorations inside. However, the main attraction turned out to be a small room built off the side of the chapel. Inside is a small hole filled with sand. People come by the thousands to touch the dirt - praying for the miracle of healing. They scoop out the sand to rub on their forehead. Some purchase sand to take with them.

Being somewhat of a skeptic, I figured when that dirt ran out, they just walked out into the desert and filled a bucket with plain old sand to refill the hole.

I was partially right. Each night they do refill the small pit, but first they bless the dirt.

People hobble to Chimayo on crutches. Some clutch photos of relatives with cancer and other diseases. All are praying for mercy and miracles. Along the wall just outside the pit area are crutches left by persons who have been healed. There are pictures of children who have been cured by the dirt.

Do you believe in miracles? Each Easter season an estimated 100,000 visitors come to the shrine. The sand pit has to be refilled each hour. Visitors can buy small containers of the sand for $3 to take to sick relatives. And today, you can even order the blessed sand from the shrine's website.

We didn't really believe in the healing power of the sand, but Lanette did rub some on her aching leg. Two hip replacements later, she is "healed." We fully credit modern medicine and the skilled hands of a surgeon for her ability to walk again without pain. But who gave that surgeon the power to heal? People believe in many different things, but everyone believes in something.

Say Amen
Posted January 5, 2012

by Kay Lea Scott

Sometimes "on the road again" can be about the people at the end of that road. My almost three-year-old granddaughter, Emma, lives at the end of one of the roads I travel. Recently we arrived at the end of that road just as her family began attending a church. Emma has never been to church and so her experiences there are new and exciting.

As she came up to us in the church commons after service that Sunday morning, I asked, "Where have you been?" She proudly reported, "At Jesus School". (She's been asking to go to school for a couple of months.)

"What did you do there?" her Daddy queried. After giving the question due consideration, she replied, "Played." Further questioning uncovered that she'd also "Colored." "Did you have a snack?" her Mommy asked. That got an immediate reply, "Uh huh, cookies."

Then I asked a question that stumped her, "Did you pray at Jesus School?" Her brow furrowed as she gave me a puzzled look. Thinking she didn't understand the word "pray," I changed my question. "Did you say 'Amen'?" I asked. At that I got a great big grin, a nod of the head and a confident "Uh huh!"

A few days later, our little family was chatting as we walked down the street. Emma held her Mommy's finger as she's been taught to do. Suddenly she stopped, took my finger and looking up at me requested, "Say Amen?" And so we created a little prayer circle right then and there, thanking God for the love of our family and the beautiful day to enjoy it. Emma said, "Amen."

In the days that followed we had many opportunities to "say Amen." We never missed a meal-time or bed-time prayer. But the best prayers were those times on the street, in the hallway, at the playground, when we felt Emma's little hand grasp one of our fingers and heard her say, "Say Amen." Closing her eyes and bowing her head, she would utter, "tank que God, Amen."

As we embarked "on the road again," heading for home, I got to thinking about what Emma's "say Amen" moments meant to me. Lately I had forgotten that God wants to hear from us anytime and anywhere. I'd lost sight of my daily conversations with Him, and with that loss, I had also lost a part of the peace and joy I usually feel. And so I say, "Tank que, God, for Emma and for what she reminded me about my relationship with You."

Magi on the Road
Posted December 8, 2011

by Jim Browder

According to the Gospel of Matthew, Magi from the east followed a star in an attempt to find the recently born Jesus. You've probably heard about this.

A few years ago, I followed a Rick Steves four-star guidebook in Germany to the Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral to view the ornate resting place of the bones of the Magi.

Now, there may be a flaw or two in each of these stories.

According to astrologists, "stars" don't move, thus they cannot be followed. So, one theory has the Magi following a slow-moving planet which could have been mistaken for a star, since telescopes and GPS had not yet been invented. I don't know. What if the planet they were following was Pluto? Today we'd be hanging dog ornaments on our Christmas trees instead of stars. I like stars better.

Perhaps it would be best to leave the heavy theological stuff to Terry.

Moving on: Did I really view the final resting place of the Magi bones?

The bones of the Three Wise Men reputedly were discovered by Saint Helena on a pilgrimage to Palestine and the Holy Lands. She took the remains to a church in Constantinople. Later they were moved to Milan, then to Cologne.

And there's the story of Marco Polo claiming that he was shown the three tombs of Melchior, Balthazar and Gaspar in the Persian city of Saba. The tombs reportedly were large, beautiful monuments, side by side.

What I viewed in Cologne Cathedral was a large tomb which looked like real gold.

They didn't let us look inside.

Anyway, Merry Christmas!

What Do I Say???
Posted December 1, 2011

by Linda Turner

When your oldest daughter e-mails and says come visit – spend time with your grandkids, we'll go someplace fun (the big Junior League event), I'll pay all your expenses, DC is beautiful this time of year, what do I say, what do I say? OK so I am busy at home, I'll have to miss a really special party I have been invited to, but what an opportunity!

Her oldest lost her first tooth last week, the second daughter is into her first semester of kindergarten and the almost three-year-old is a total delight. They have been talking about my other name besides Grandmother. It's a big joke for the kids to call me Linda Sue (my original name – what family members call me). You always know it's a relative if you answer the phone and someone asks for Linda Sue. Elliott is now calling me Linda Soup and telling everyone how to make Linda Soup (he is a delight!!!!).

Well, I said yes and I will miss part of the White Bluff Christmas season to visit the big city. I might even get to go on a White House tour (the last time I did, Bill & Hillary lived there). My daughter is a Democrat – what can I say???

Please remember all the special Christmas events to be held at White Bluff Chapel and how very blessed we are to be able to worship on Christmas Day! Enjoy!

23 Trips on the Dusty Roads of Africa
Posted November 22, 2011

by Jack Horn, Kenya

Since 1979, I've made 23 trips to Africa, but one of the most rewarding experiences I've had in all those trips happened this year. We spent the last day of this trip to Kenya with the Widows and Orphans that White Bluff Chapel helps support. While we were there, a young man who had recently graduated from a two-year business school came from Kisumu to spend the day with us.

It turned out that this young man was an orphan who had begun in our program when he was only six or seven years old. He now has a good job as an accountant with a company in Kisumu. He was so grateful that he had had the opportunity to go to school and get a good education that he wanted to come let us know how he felt about the opportunities we are providing for young African orphans.

This young man is a very strong Christian and is already doing ministry part-time. I believe he will continue to work for three or four years, and then he will go into full-time ministry. He made all those years I've spent on the dusty roads of Africa well worthwhile for me.

I'm Sure God Loves Hippies
Posted November 10, 2011

by Jim Browder

I suppose you noticed the old VW Hippie Bus that appears at the top of each "On the Road Again" story. You may have owned one. Probably with a "Peace" symbol painted on the side.

Even today there are persons who call themselves "hippies" and continue to lead that lifestyle. But the original hippies of yesteryear are more likely to be riding around in motorized wheelchairs these days.

A couple of years ago while traveling through the vast nothingness of Nevada, we spottted one of the old hippie buses, miles and miles from civilization. I had to stop for a photograph.

Image Enlarged

Then I wondered:

Did the bus run out of gas and the hippies just decided to make this home?

Maybe the "hippie era" suddenly ended and they were stranded here.

Perhaps they just enjoyed the view.

Whatever the reason, I'm sure God loves hippies...otherwise he wouldn't have invented the Volkswagen bus.

From Generation to Generation
Posted November 3, 2011

by Tom Reedy, Kaanapali, Maui, Hawaii, Summer 2011

It's difficult enough to arrange for four people to play golf. Planning a week-long trip for family ranging in age from 11 months to 85 years is a whole different ball game. We had made the attempt two years ago only to be derailed by an untimely fall requiring surgery. Surely this time would be different. And it was.

We couldn't have been blessed with better weather or more beautiful surroundings. We had found God's lush tropical paradise, soothing surf, cool breezes, and stunning sunsets.

The occupants of a wheelchair and a stroller shared eventful meals and silly games. We enjoyed lots of food and laughter while watching the sun slowly slide into the water. Young cousins chased tirelessly up and down a beautiful beach and into the surf, to the delight of proud parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. Most of all, we simply enjoyed being together.

Four generations. A week in paradise. Loving, laughing and getting along. Thank you, God, for family!

Awesome Recovery
Posted October 25, 2011

by James Ward

On Sunday, October 23, member James Ward stood before our congregation and gave the most moving testimonial. Only one month out of surgery for a double-lung transplant, James found the breath to say these words to his friends and supporters at White Bluff Chapel:

Howdy,

As I sat in bed on Friday, Sept.23, I was thinking about what was going on in my life, I recalled what Bob had said in our Sunday school class. We were talking about Moses and how he asked “Who am I Lord?” and Bob answered that God is an awesome God and that He had a plan for Moses. That stayed with me until Sunday Sept. 25th. I woke up in time to hear Joel Osteen and his sermon was about how God is an awesome God and nothing is impossible. God wants his children to do great things and if you follow the path there is nothing we can’t do together. Sorry that Kathy and I could not be here for the concert that day, we were looking forward to it.

Sunday and Monday nights were the hardest because death was all around. 3 people passed away those 2 days. Tuesday became a major melt down for me. My thought was to get busy living or get busy dying. I knew then that God had a plan and that I needed the 3 most positive people I know to be around me. Wednesday afternoon I asked God If he could get Jordan’s C.O. to grant him a 3 day emergency pass. Kathy called Jordan and told him that his Dad needed him here, by midnight. Jordan’s C.O. granted the pass, and he was here the next day. By Saturday I had the 3 most positive people here, Jordan, Jake, and Kathy. I could draw from their positive thoughts and prayers. God saw that need and filled it and I began to recover.

I had a little problem on Sunday after lunch and they had to put me back in ICU. I had to have CPR to bring me back to life, and with God’s help here I am.

Kathy and I have been so blessed to the fact that most people have only a few family members and friends around them. We have our family and friends, a Masonic family, a coaching family and players, and our church families. I have been lucky because everywhere I have coached there was always a church where Kathy could play. When I would go and look for a job, I would always hear “you can go but Kathy stays.” I am not sure why God put us where we are but I know there is a plan. This brings me to White Bluff Chapel, Pastor Terry, Pastor Ann, and you the members. We have never been more welcomed in our lives than here. To take in 2 strangers into your house and make them feel so good is beyond words, thank you so very much. All the cards, gifts, positive thoughts, and more importantly prayers have been great. One of my nurses came in and saw so many cards, she said I must be a rich man and I told her no, I was a blessed man. When the cards from White Bluff Chapel started coming and so many kind words, I knew we were home.

In closing, because of our Awesome God, thank you for all you have done for Kathy and me. I am not sure words are ever enough, but thank you again.

Colorado Mountain High
Posted October 20, 2011

by Jim Browder, Castle Rock, Colorado

Autumn is usually a great time to travel. A fine time to search for the elusive perfect picture of fall foliage. However, in our many fall trips in search of beautiful color we've always been met with:

"You should have been here last week."

"The trees should peak next week."

"Cold weather, wind and rain made all the leaves drop."

"This has been a bad year."

So, this year, no search for color. We just planned a short trip to Castle Rock, Colorado, to visit our daughter.

Guess what? The news was in all the papers and on TV: "This is the peak week of the year for aspen color." God was smiling on us.

The weather was perfect. Blue sky. Miles and miles of golden aspen. We kept going higher and higher in the mountains until we drove above the treeline where there was little color. At this point the sky turned dark. Clouds rolled in. There was thunder, lightning, rain, then some snow. I may be wrong, but I think this was God's way of telling us to go back down the mountain.

As we descended, the sunshine returned and we enjoyed even more of His colorful handiwork.

What Does Love Look Like?
Posted October 13, 2011

by Ann McAlpin, Port Townsend, WA

Today love was a 136-year old church and a 75-year old pastor. First I heard the quiet voice of love as the pastor mingled with the small congregation prior to the start of the worship service. "How is your niece, Jane, doing? You asked us to pray for her a few weeks ago." "Good to see you this morning, Bob. Has Mary gotten all the cooking done for the family gathering this afternoon?" Questions and personal comments for each member as he greeted them – this pastor truly knew his congregation and cared about them. Love is personal.

Then he stopped by my pew and extended his hand to me. "Welcome to our service. We are always happy to have visitors." He asked where I was from and how long I would be here. After a few other comments he moved on, and within a minute another man came over to my pew. He extended his hand and said, "Wendell (the pastor) says you are from Texas. My wife and I are from Texas too." In his quiet way the pastor had made sure the visitor in his church made a connection. Love is inclusive.

The sermon lacked elegance and the delivery was not spectacular, but I listened intently as this pastor spoke about forgiveness. His words were straight from his heart. Without forgiveness there can be no relationship with Christ or with others. It was that simple, but it was real. Love is from the heart.

I started out of the church after the service, but stopped and went back to speak to this man one more time. "I really enjoyed being here today. The service was very meaningful to me," I said as I shook his hand. In his kind and gentle voice, he thanked me and said, "This is a loving congregation. They do make you feel good." Love is not self-promoting.

Love filled my heart and a smile spread across my face as I left. I stood for a moment outside and looked at the church. It was a beautiful building and inside was a man who radiates love.

Heavens to Betsy
Posted October 6, 2011

by Betsy Torman

As many of you know, my husband and I are avid golfers, and since Monday is the WB Race for the Cure Tournament, I was reminded this morning of life's funny moments, in the midst of crisis. I was in the third month of chemotherapy for Breast Cancer, and I was as bald as I could be, but that didn't stop us from participating in a couples' golf event, on a typically windy Texas day.

Golf had been a welcome break from treatments, and I had my wig securely in place with a snugly fitting visor. When we finished, I went to the ladies' lounge to freshen my "disheveled" hair. Using my brush, I yanked a little too hard and suddenly my wig flew off my head into the toilet! Just at that moment, my friend Carol came around the corner. We both froze! Then miraculously, I burst into laughter, and lovingly, so did Carol. In fact, we laughed until we cried. She shared laughter, not pity.

That was a sweet moment for me, when my friend joined in my awkwardness, and it became one of those "life moments" as I determined to always have a positive attitude. It is absolutely vital for healing.

It has been many years since cancer and yet, just about the time I think I can put it all away, the Lord will put someone in my path who needs to know the truth. There is indeed, a wonderful life after cancer. It isn't anything I'd ever ask for, I never want it again. Still, I'd never trade our faith walk with the Lord during those years for anything. Every day is precious, and there are wonderful rainbows, even in the midst of terrible storms.