Hi Everyone!
We are riding down the road on the way to Myrtle Beach, SC for Singing in the Sun. We left Claremore, OK last night and we should get to MB by about nine tonight. It’s a looooong way from OK to SC.
We had a great day yesterday in Claremore. We were in concert at the Claremore Church of the Nazarene in the evening. Guy Penrod and Austin’s Bridge were there for the morning service. Ms. Shirley Nickles hosted both groups for lunch at The Pink House Restaurant. We had a great time with those guys, Pastor J. J. and others from the church. The food was great and the fellowship even better. Thanks to all the folks from the church for such a great day.
We go to many churches and meet many wonderful people, but some places just stand out. Places that just feel like you’re home. Claremore Church of the Nazarene is one of those. We were there for a Christmas concert about a year and a half ago and we just loved the people there. I met a wonderful lady there at that time, Cora Merkle. Ms. Cora was there last night and it was so great to see her.
You might ask what’s so special about Ms. Cora. Well, it’s hard to explain, but there are just some people you have a bond with the moment you meet them and she is one of those people. Ms Cora is 81, sharp as a tack, full of God’s spirit and just an absolute joy to talk to. I talked with her a while last night and then I had to go to the product table for a while. Roger and Lauren were both there so I said to Roger, “I’m going to talk to Ms Cora.”
He didn’t know whom I was talking about. I explained I had met her last time and I wanted to visit with her a little before the concert. He asked me why I wanted to talk to her. I told him that I wanted to talk to her because she knew things that I needed to know. Things that only saints that have been on this journey a long time have learned.
This precious lady is a wealth of knowledge and I was so encouraged just by spending a little time with her. Oh, did I mention, she’s a hoot, too! She told me she was the only Cora Merkle in the United States. I asked how she knew that and she said, “Well, I Googled it.” She’s 81 and she Googles!!!!
She asked me if I was on Facebook and I had to admit that Lauren was but I wasn’t. I asked her if she was and she said, “of course!” OK, I was a little embarrassed. That’s the way I want to be when I’m her age!
Of course, I’m already a little behind. She has to use a walker now, but her mind and spirit are amazing. Looking into her eyes as she talked about the Lord and her life spoke volumes. I wanted to sit and talk longer with her, but time would not permit.
As we parted last night, she hugged me and said, “I love you, Debra and remember we have a appointment.” She had told me that when we get to heaven, she would look for me and we would sit and talk for a long time. That’s a date, Ms Cora. If you haven’t talked to a “Ms Cora” lately, I would encourage you to find a mature Christian in your church, community or your own family and spend some time with them. They have much to say that you and I need to hear. If you have someone like that and have spent some time with them, tell us some of the words of wisdom that they have spoken into your life.
Have a blessed week!
Debra
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Debra, You are so right! I had a “Ms Cora” as a mentor, she was Mrs. Young (and she was always young at heart). Her motto was “I’d rather wear out than rust out” and that is exactly what she did. She would be there at the drop of a hat to speak to children’s groups, youth groups, mission dinners, VBS, you name it. Also a great encourager to younger women in the church, if she could keep on keeping on, the younger women knew they could also! She was such an inspiration to so many people. She has since gone on to Glory and I so look forward to reuniting with her someday, sitting and talking for ages, and introducing her to more of my friends and to my 5 precious grandchildren. I just know they will love her as much as I do. Did I mention she was also a super prayer warrior and also taught me so much about prayer and personal prayer/quiet time!! She always prayed for my children and instinctively knew when they needed prayer most! I would get a phone call out of the blue asking what special need a particular child was experiencing so she could pray specifically. What a saint! She was awesome.
Reply to Sherry Hobbs, Garland, TXWhat an encouraging story! Judy and I have had a number of “Coras” in our lives and missionary ministries, and what a blessing they are. Folks like you all who minister to us through song and testimony are also an inspiration. God bless you. I’ll never forget meeting you in April 1986 in Fenton, MO. –Steve Lytle
Reply to steve lytleHi! Folks,
Reply to Don HuntWe have just been informed of a situation that nereds a lot of prayer:
Lynn Bromley, Northern Edge, has been diagnosed with a tumor on her brain.. She will be going in for an MRI this Saturday.
Thank you,
Don & LaVeda Hunt
I love this story Debra, probably because I love older folks! There have been many in my life over the years, but the one that came to mind as I read about Ms Cora was a dear sweet saint in Lake Butler, Florida named Vera Clyatt (everyone called her Miss Vera). She was the church organist at Harmony Free Will Baptist Church where I served as a summer intern music director in the early 80’s. We had an instant bond. We would talk about music and the Bible for hours. She would cook amazing lunches and dinners (mostly stuff from her garden) and would have me over regularly. She and her husband (Mr. Robert) would sit for hours and just “visit” with me – they were like grandparents to me. We remained in contact – on and off – over the years until she went home to be with The Lord (and her dear Mr. Robert) this past year – she was well into her 90’s. What a beautiful life she lived. I hope that I can grow sweeter as I grow older.
Reply to Marty FunderburkI have the honor of sitting with Ms Cora everyweek at church. I go to look for her every time I walk into the church. She is such a beautiful lady and I love her so much. Even if it just a hug and a king word she always brightens my spirit.
Reply to Melissa KingCora Merkle is a true saint of God. What a mentor she has been for me down through the years as I grew up! I have been blessed so many times by her prayers, her actions, her wisdom, her encouragement. When I think of prayer warriors, I think of her! She loves the Word of God and introduced me to some wonderful study techniques.
Reply to Linda HerifordYou can really learn from her–she is rich in God’s grace! I want to thank her publically for all she has been to me. I especially thank her for her music talents that she used so many years to glorify God! I can still hear her beautiful soprano voice as she lead the congregation in worship!
I became a friend of Ms. Cora’s on facebook and she replied immediately and asked me all about myself. I wrote back and I am so blessed to be able to call her my friend. Thanks for the story Debra.
Reply to Terri HastySorry I won’t be there tonight,I was just released from the hospital today.I had been there all week for pneumonia doing better I hope to see you next time.
In my heart
Louise
p.s this is her son typing
Reply to louiseDebra, of course we all enjoy the Talley Trio’s singing testimony whenever, and wherever you perform. but something extra that you personally share are your own wonderfully insightful little stories of individual people, and how the power of the Lord is working or has worked in their everyday lives. that really rounds out a Talley Trio singing engagement!
Thanks, Mike
Reply to Mike WhitmanYour Ms Cora is Sister Merkle to me…and you are so right, that woman is a true woman of God. She is a woman tried and tested, and proven Him true! I love Sister Merkle! I have known her literally since I was a baby. I have not lived in Claremore for over 30 yrs. When I saw that I would be there for a few days last month, I called her and asked if she could put together a “singspiration” while I was there. Without a moments hesitation, she called friends and family and we got out the old hymn book at her home and brought the Glory down!
Reply to CTBThat woman has helped birth calves, canned green beans, sewed clothes for her family, and led the congregation in song for years! Oh yes indeed, I will be huntin her up in the Sweet By and By! And her husband J.D. as well!
Gotta say a word about that Shirley Nickles too! You know that woman in church that for decades just “gets it done”? That is Shirley. Never looking for recognition, or accolades. Just gets the job done. Has played the organ for whatever group came in, or soloist that got behind the mike. All that and teaching the teens crocheting as well! No church runs on one or two people…and Shirley is ALWAYS off in the sidelines making it happen! Literally for decades!
Reply to CTBI have a ‘Ms Cora’ in my life too! Her name is Ms Jessie! I just ran into her at the grocery store about a week ago. She has been there for me ever since I was a little girl (I am now in my late 50’s). She was a teacher/leader for me at church and was also my 4th and 6th grade teacher and the principal at my elementary school. She and her family were gospel singers and have touched my life in so many ways. Over the years I have attempted to let her know how much I appreciate her life but I think it will only be revealed in eternity. Thanks for sharing about Ms Cora. I look forward to meeting her in Heaven.
Reply to Amy Gamble