Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

After a couple of days of travel with Bro. Gratto we have arrived back in Halifax and are preparing for the rally tomorrow night and the weekend services. We have seen some gorgeous country on Cape Breton Island. Really, everywhere we go is just unreal! It makes one wonder why God doesn't just take sin and satan out of this world and make this heaven! God really does love us to make this earth so beautiful!

Back in Nova Scotia

Good evening everyone in "blogworld"! I just wanted to jump on here for a few minutes and let you know we left PEI today and are on our way to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Bro. Gratto took us on The Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island today and we've stopped for the night in Sydney, Nova Scotia. As Daddy would say, "we are at the jumping off place"! If we wanted to, we could get on a ferry here in Sidney and go to Newfoundland and be there in about 8 hours!! That's how far we are from HOME! I know we could fly over there from anywhere, but to think we are close enough to ferry across really makes me realize how far I am from home. Everywhere we've been is beautiful! I took some more pictures today, but I'm too tired to post them tonight. Until then.....I am giving you this link to Cape Breton Island . It really is beautiful! Maybe someday you can take a vacation to this part of the world. Bro. Elms will be preaching this Friday night at a sectional rally and also preaching for Bro. Gratto and the church in Halifax on Sunday. Please keep him in your prayers. Thank you for all the "prayer support" you have given us this week. I trust you are all doing wonderful. We will be home soon!

Anne of Green Gables....the Drama

Tonight we went to "Anne of Green Gables....the Drama" in Charlottetown, PEI. It is one of the best drama's I've been to. The girl that plays Anne acts just like the "Anne" on the video and it is so much fun watching her spunk! We are suppose to leave the island tomorrow, which makes me a little sad. Being here is almost like "heaven". I said this to the Camp Meeting and Mary and Darlene brought me the first verse and taught me the tune. Tonight I received the whole song from Darlene. I love this little song. It tells just a little bit about PEI. Hope you enjoy it!

"Prince Edward Island Is Heaven to Me"

They talk about Texas, Kentucky and Maine
They talk about London, Paris, and Spain
But there's a little Island I long there to be
Prince Edward Island is Heaven to me

The scenes are so pretty, the fields are so green
The roads are so winding with such pretty scenes
The air is so pure and the people so gay
Prince Edward Island I'm coming to stay

There's swimming and hunting and fishing galore
The sun shines so bright on its long golden shore
The Lord made this Island for all men to see
Prince Edward Island is Heaven to me

The soil is so fertile, so rich and so rare
It yields such potatoes of which none can compare
The tourists are welcome to walk it's red soil
While farmers are happy to work and to toil

There's thousands of Islands in this land of ours
Like dots on the ocean and dew on the flowers
A touch of God's great hand this Island must be
Prince Edward Island is Heaven to me!!!!!!!!!!

Sometime you ought to get on a plane (yes, I said it) and fly over to PEI and see what I'm talking about. Or maybe get a tour group together.....??

Speaking of "tour groups"......tonight at the drama I sat next to a group of Amish people who had chartered a bus from Ohio to PEI. I had a really nice time visiting with the young ladies I was sitting next to. I found out that not all Amish live without electricity, and that they use the Bible for their "book" to live by. I also found out that in some groups of Amish they no longer do the "shunning" I've read about. They also told me that some of the Amish in Pennsylvania hold to the "old-line" beliefs more than the group they were with. They all had so much fun at the drama tonight. They laughed and laughed, sometimes uncontrollably, and to tell you the truth it was so refreshing to see them having "the time of their life"! The people around us were "getting a kick" out of the Amish having so much fun. When I have seen the Amish people, most of the time they were very serious and "shy", but tonight I saw a different side to them, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It didn't matter how different they looked, for when they were having a "good time" it affected everyone who was sitting around them.

Prince Edward Island Camp Meeting

We've had a great time being at the Prince Edward Island Camp Meeting again this year. The saints in PEI are so precious and all those we got to meet from other areas of Canada (New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) were great! It is beautiful as you can imagine, and the lifestyle is so "simple". I wish I could pack it all up and bring it home with me. The presence of God was in every service and at times I would just stop and listen as the saints of God sung with all of their hearts. My heart would swell with rejoicing and love for God and His people as I sat in the "sanctuary", which was a tent, thinking about when we all get to Heaven. What a day of rejoicing that will be! From every part of the earth there will be saints who have made it "home" and I'm longing to meet them on streets of gold! I want to say a great big THANK YOU to Bro. and Sis. John Gratto, and Bro. Tony Gratto for making us feel so at home and for taking care of us so well! You are great and enjoyable to be with. Also, all the saints of God....you are wonderful! I enjoyed being with you and also enjoyed the Ladies Session we had with the ladies. Ladies, as you stood and encouraged one another my heart was deeply touched from the love I felt as you spoke to your "sisters". Thank you for making me feel totally comfortable and loved! God bless you all as you see revival on Prince Edward Island!

Prince Edward Island

We arrived in Prince Edward Island today and it is just as beautiful as I remember! There is something about the "island" that calls for relaxation. Of course, as you know we are not here to relax, but it sure does help the "mind". Tomorrow night is the beginning of Camp Meeting. Please be praying for us. Here are a few more pictures. I think you will like them. ENJOY!

Arrived!

We left home this morning at 8 A.M. to catch our flight out for Halifax, Nova Scotia. The plane was running late so we had to wait in Dallas for an extra hour and a half to leave, but the pilot did a great job of getting us into Washington, D.C. to catch our next flight. The flights were nice and we enjoyed the scenery along the way. We will leave tomorrow afternoon for Prince Edward Island! Can't wait! Here are just a few pictures from today. Whoever prayed for us today....THANK YOU! The Lord flew with us and all was well.
I'll take more as the week goes along and hopefully be able to blog while in PEI. Have a great week!

Canada Is Calling

In the morning we will be flying to Halifax, Nova Scotia, spend the night, then drive over to Prince Edward Island for their Camp Meeting. Wendell will be preaching the services and I will speak to the ladies one day. I am looking forward to being with the wonderful people in PEI, again. We were at the PEI Camp Meeting two years ago and had a lovely time. Of course, the scenery is beautiful, so we will be enjoying that also. I am hoping we will have the time to go see "Anne of Green Gables...the Drama" while we are there. We saw it when we were there the last time and it was incredible!! After Camp Meeting on the island we will go to Halifax, Nova Scotia to be with Bro. and Sis. Gratto and their church for a few services. We have never been to this church and we are really looking forward to being with them. For those of you who know Bro. Mean, this is the church he pastored for many years. I remember Bro. and Sis. Mean from childhood, so it will be a privilege being in the church they founded. Please pray for a safe trip and also that the Lord will fill us with His anointing while we minister to the saints in PEI and Halifax. Thank you all in advance and we will be home in a few weeks. I hope to blog while we are in Canada, so keep checking back for more updates.

To Life Tabernacle: I am so homesick to see you all! It seems like it's been "forever". I love you all and will be anxious to be back in church at Life Tabernacle!! Be sure and pray for us...okay? Love you!

Had a GREAT Time!

Well, the plane made it back to Texas!!! I am back home safe and feel much better now that I've arrived back to my home. I had a wonderful time being with my family and SURPRISING C.W.! It was so much fun seeing his face and listening to his "unbelief" about people coming to HIS party. He actually cried himself to sleep Saturday night, and woke up crying the next morning because so many people had come! There is no one more deserving of love and attention than C.W. is. When C.W. and Gloria go on "vacation" it is always to see relatives and to check on them to see how they are doing. I can't tell you the times I have called and he has been to the hospital to see an "old friend", or gone out of town to check on a family member who has been ill. He has always had a heart for people and especially those who are dear to him. I love being with him and Gloria. They are just wonderful people. I know there is so much that could be said about him, but maybe the few pictures I have selected will tell the story. I LOVE YOU, C.W.! Thank you for being a GREAT uncle to me.

Checking In

I just wanted to say that I've been having a wonderful time in California with my family. I'm borrowing a computer to check my blog and email, so I cannot post pictures at this time. I will be posting as soon as I can get the time and get my computer. I will be flying home in the morning, so when you say your prayers please say a prayer for my safety. If you know me very well you know I do not like to fly. My flight out here was good, so that helped my feelings about it all. :) Something I thought was funny....there is a mountain range not far from my uncle's house. We were driiving down the freeway and I was feeling kind of "weird" when I looked at the mountain. Just after I had that feeling Karla spoke up and said, "I don't know if I like that mountain right there or not"!! I couldn't believe my ears! We got so tickled and laughed just thinking how we felt like it was TOWERING above us. Since then we've made comments about the mountain getting closer, and clOSER, and CLOSER! We both decided we like "home, home on the range"! Isn't it crazy how you get use to where you live and feel much more comfortable when you're in those "familiar" surroundings? That's just a little something that has happened since we've been together.

My mind goes to many years ago when Jonathan, our son, was about 2 years old. We were travelling through West Texas where you could see for miles. Jonathan was standing between Wendell and me on the "hump" on the floorboard and he started singing a song we had taught him. I can still hear his little voice as he started singing......"And I saw miles, and miles of Texas. All the stars up in the sky. I saw miles and miles of Texas. Gonna live here till I die!" It was so cute! I guess that's what I'm going to do, "live here till I die" and LOVE every minute of it. I enjoy the wide open plains, the beautiful sunsets in the BIG sky, and I love watching the cattle roam the range, with cowboys on horseback riding out into the sunset!! TEXAS......my HOME!

FYI

Just to let you know....I will be away for a few days. I will return to blogging as soon as possible. Ya'll have a great week!

What do you think?

Just thought I would let everyone see a picture of my new husband. Don't you think he is good-lookin'? I was really attracted to his SMILE! Maybe you can meet him sometime.

Note: Actually, my husband put me up to this and took the picture. Whew! I had to tell you that!! I feel much better now. LOL!

Brain Fried?

I sit here just before going to church and wonder if my brain is fried. It's been so hot that I can't hardly think. I wonder if that's happening all over the United States? We are definitely in the HOT DAYS of summer. I will be really happy when the temperatures drop down to be more tolerable! Then, I think about my friend Shirley who said a few weeks ago that it was 120 degrees where she lives. WOW! That's just almost unbelievable! Well, as soon as my brain cools down I will try and post something worth reading. Until then....try to stay cool.

Week Comes to a Close

This week has come to a close and tomorrow afternoon Andrew and Mandy will be home with the young people from North Carolina. They will be picking up Alayna and Ashlyn and my house will be emptying out a little. We take Savanna to meet Jonathan and Brenda on Monday, then will come home to a totally empty house. I'm sure it will seem quiet for several hours after arriving back home. We have had so much fun!! I just can't say the joy I've had in taking care of these sweet girls. I have missed not having Scarlet here, but maybe I can get her for a few days sometime. People have asked how I am doing with two little girls, and one baby this week. Well, I am doing very well! I am very proud to say that I haven't "lost the touch"! LOL! There is a lot of work to do, but the rewards of smiles and love I receive back is all I need to know all I do is appreciated. The girls have been exceptionally good and Savanna and Alayna have played every minute they were awake. They went to bed exhausted every night. LOL! I've enjoyed watching them with each other. They were like siamese twins and stayed by each others side constantly. Ahhhhh....the joy of grandchildren is just too deep to explain. Thank you God for giving them to me.

My husband has been incredible helping me this week with the girls. I told him I would not have been able to do it without him! THANK YOU my wonderful husband for being a great Papa! You're so sweet and I love you more each day.

Truth Is Marching On

"Glory, glory, hallelujah...glory, glory, hallelujah....glory, glory, hallelujah, His truth is marching on."

Tonight as I am preparing to go to bed, the phrase "Truth Is Marching On" comes to my mind. Where did that thought come from? Nothing has happened that has made me think of this, it was just a thought.....or was it?

Truth...what is it?
Truth...who can know it?
Truth...why do I need to know it?
Truth...where can I find it?

These are deep questions if you stop and let yourself think about them.

All of the answers to these questions are found in the greatest book ever written...the Bible. Go ahead and search for the answers. You will find them!

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Thankful

Just a note to say, "God is good all the time." This week has been a good week with three of my grand-daughters. I have so much to be thankful for, and I want the Lord to know that I do appreciate Him for the life He has given me. It's a great life living for the Lord! I just want to say, "Thank you, Lord for all of your blessings on my life. You have been good to me!"

HAPPY 8th ANNIVERSARY!

I wanted to wish Andrew and Mandy a very HAPPY ANNIVERSARY today! It has been 8 years since they were married, and it's been so wonderful watching their love grow through the years. They are on a youth trip to Youth Congress at this time. What a way to spend a very special day. They love the youth group and are having a great time. I'm sure they will probably celebrate at a later date. That's just the way it is when you're in the ministry and that's okay. Thank you Andrew and Mandy for serving God and the youth of our church! We love you and are so proud of you!

What's Important?

I've been thinking and asking myself...

What would I do without my friends? I know for certain that I could not make it through the disappointments, trials, and grief brought to us in life with a smile on my face, if I didn't have God! We all realize the importance of Him in our lives, I'm sure, but what about our friends? As I sat in the funeral service for Scott McManus surrounded by friends, I started thinking about not having the "fellowship of believers" that I have in my life. I know there are discrepancies in anything made by man, but that doesn't take away the love and friendship I have found in our church organization. The United Pentecostal Church International is a powerful group of minister's who are striving to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Because of an organization that was formed many years ago, anointed preachers fill the pulpits of churches, camp meetings, and conferences all over the world, and we all love "the message"! God-called preacher's, preach the powerful message of the "death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, so that people will find truth, and I love listening to these men preach! Sitting among friends, in the presence of God is one of my greatest joys that I have in life. I am my happiest when I'm in the presence of God with my friends and family. What would I do without the friends I have had through my life? You have helped mold me and shape me into who I am today. No one can be an "island unto oneself" and survive. I need YOU to survive!! Why am I writing this? We must realize that life is short and you never know when you or a friend, a loved one, or fellow laborer will go to meet the Lord. We all have had people taken out of our lives enough to know the depth of what I am saying, so let's not become "weary in well doing". Let's not become disatisfied with our surroundings. Let's not focus on the negatives and the things that try to divide us. Let's hold onto each other and become more attached in UNITY "so much the more as we see that day approaching"! Tell someone you love them... TODAY! Tell someone you care about them... TODAY! Tell someone you appreciate them... TODAY! STOP and smell the "roses of friendship" that has been given to you from your friends and family... TODAY! The happiest, most fulfilled people are those who give themselves to others. Let's not become critical of each other and cause division among those we love. Instead, find the good in others and focus on the greatness of our God! Let's give ourselves to each other in friendships, so that the world will know we are His disciples, because we "have LOVE one to another".

Still Here!

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I'm still here! I am busy taking care of three of my granddaughters and loving it, but that's not why I haven't been blogging. My internet has been down and I haven't been able to get online. Today (Sunday) a technician came out and got us up and running again! I'm so glad! I have missed reading everyone's blogs, and missed writing on mine. If I have time I will post a little in the next few days.

I would like to mention that Aug. 5th (Sunday) is the 6th anniversary of my dear Mother's death. Oh how I miss her!! It seems so long ago, yet, so close. I don't know how you figure that out, but it's just the way it is. Thank you all for being my friends! You have helped me through many hours of loneliness. Love you all!

Scott McManus Funeral

Tuesday night was the gathering of many friends who came to pay tribute to a great man. The visitation started at 6 p.m. and people were still standing in line to greet Belinda and family at 9:30! Belinda wanted to greet everyone who was there and she was a "strong tower" of strength. Yesterday we attended the home going service of Bro. McManus and it was a beautiful service of remembering. I asked one of the funeral directors how many were there and he said between 1600-1800. The service started with the McManus' son Lucas (age 32) greeting the crowd with the scripture "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help..." bringing our attention to the One that could give us comfort. The presence of God flooded our hearts as Lucas led the congregation in the song, "I Am a Friend of God". There were several who spoke: Bro. Bob Myre (Section 6 Presbyter) Bro. Danny Russo (Texas District Superintendent) Mr. James Erwin (Friend - Justic of the Peace in Greenville) and Bro. Anthony Mangun (Scott's pastor - Alexandria, LA). Caronda Adams sung one of my favorite songs, "He'll Be Enough". She did a beautiful job. Caronda and Belinda are very close friends and Caronda sung from her heart to help her very special friend and she was a blessing to all. "Standing In the Presence of the King" was sung by Russell and Julie Burns. It was a very fitting song. Just to think that our friend was now standing in the presence of Almighty God was incredible. Sis. Mickey Mangun also sang, and she sung another one of my favorites, "Long and Winding Road". Everytime I hear her sing this song she amazes me! Her "presence" and the way she ministers to her hearers is so annointed! To me the highlight of the whole service was when Sis. Belinda stood and spoke of her husband. She brought laughter to our hearts and you will hear the response in the video that follows. She was wonderful! It amazes me how God gives us grace in the time of loss. Bro. Mangun's message was powerful and touching. He told of Bro. McManus' conversion and how God had called him into the ministry. He told of his PASSION and love of people. He was truly a great man of God! I cannot tell you the depth of love we all felt throughout the service. I hope you can hear the video well that I took of Belinda speaking about her husband. I'm sorry to say that my memory stick filled up just as she was finishing her speech. I wish it would have held out just a few more minutes, but you will be able to hear most of her speech. (I had to upload separate video's to post all of her speech. Be sure and watch both of them.) Her last statement was: "My only regret is that I didn't have longer to live with Scott."

Belinda Speaks

Belinda Speaks 2

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRENDA!

If we would have had our own daughter, we would have loved for her to have been just like you! You are beautiful, loving, caring, fun, sweet, disciplined, and above all...Christlike. We wish you a very happy birthday and hope your day is lovely!

Love, Dad and Mom