by Garris Elkins | Jan 1, 2017 | Destiny, Dreams, Fathers, Freedom, Future, Identity, Love, Promotion, Provision, Thankfulness
It was on this day, January 1, 1962, that one of the most meaningful days of my life took place. For Christmas week, our family was visiting my uncle’s ranch in McArthur, California. I loved driving to the end of Lewis Road and seeing the ranch each summer for hay...
by Garris Elkins | Dec 25, 2016 | Hope, Joy, Love, Miracles, Promise, Relationships, Restoration, Thankfulness
Jan and I have experienced 43 Christmas mornings together. After the birth of our two children, we created a Christmas morning family routine that has become a tradition. Jan and I get up early for coffee and Jan’s homemade cinnamon roles, a recipe given to her...
by Garris Elkins | Dec 17, 2016 | Courage, Deliverance, Fathers, Love, Sacrifice
As a small boy, I remember the day I asked my father why he had so many scars across his stomach and chest. At the time he gave me an age-appropriate answer. A few years later, I asked again and then he gave me the full story. My grandmother owned a business on Turk...
by Garris Elkins | Dec 1, 2016 | Honor, Love, Marriage
Forty-four years ago, as a young couple in love, Jan and I went to a mall in San Jose, California and bought our engagement and wedding rings. We couldn’t afford the $400.00 price tag so we put the rings on credit. We took the next four years to pay it off. Tonight, I...
by Garris Elkins | Nov 24, 2016 | Change, Dreams, Fathers, Hope, Love, Miracles, Pentecost, Power, Provision, Resurrection, Thankfulness
My first car was a 57 Chevy like the one in the picture. Same color. The only difference was mine had solid chrome wheels and moon hubcaps and a bit of rake in the rear. I bought mine for $500.00 in 1966. It had a 283 with a 4-barrel Holley carb and a Hurst 3-speed....
by Garris Elkins | Oct 30, 2016 | Change, Deliverance, Discipline, Faith, Freedom, Hope, Love
A powerful truth lay hidden in a familiar verse waiting to be discovered. “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4) “Delight” in this verse means to “be pliable”. “Delight” can be translated, “a request”. As we remain...