The Crunch and Our AWESOME God!

The minute we drove into town we felt the "crunch time-clock start"!!! This week is the MAP Seminar and there's things to get done. For those of you who do not know what MAP stands for let me explain.

When a minister wants to get his license with our organization, here in the Texas District we have a requirement that they go through ministerial classes before they meet the board. These classes are called "MAP...Ministerial Advancement Program". There are classes for those coming for Local, General, and Ordination license. The classes begin on Friday night and will end Sunday morning.

I am very excited about having the opportunity to teach the wives of these ministers! To think I might have just a tiny influence in the life of a preachers wife is very humbling to me. I love the ministry and the women who "stand by their man" as he follows God into the "unknown realm" of ministry.

I know I have a lot of friends who read my blog, so I am asking you if you will just breathe my name in prayer for this weekend, and please pray for all those who will be teaching. We need and want the anointing of the Holy Ghost in what we say to these wonderful men and women of God. Thank you! I know I can count on your prayers.

Another matter:

Tonight Wendell and I were discussing something of importance and concern. He said, "I am not worried about "it" so I can talk about it." I smiled to myself because I know how we can all get caught in a "worry trap" at times. I was thankful he wasn't worrying, and I wasn't going to allow myself to worry, either. We left the table after eating a good meal, went to the P.O. Box to pick up our stack of mail. Wendell handed me a small red envelope. There was no return address, but by the "air mail" stamped on the envelope, and the cost of the stamps placed at the upper right hand corner I knew it was from oversees. I opened the card. It was a Christmas card, and at the bottom of it was a note. The sender wrote..."We have been praying for you, and we know that____________________is going to happen". They said EXACTLY what we had been discussing just minutes before!!!! I LOVE how GOD directs others to let us know "EVERYTHING'S GOING TO BE ALRIGHT"!! I saw emotion sweep across my husband's face and I felt such joy in knowing that God knew MANY days ago, what we would be discussing over a simple dinner on December 29, 2008. He KNEW when he had our friend from across the ocean write in the Christmas card they were sending us what we were going to need. No one can ever tell me that God doesn't exist, and "IF He does" He doesn't care about me!!! NEVER would I believe that in a million years. HE has always been RIGHT ON TIME!

Fulfilled

There's a lot of things in my life that I'm thankful for. Here are just a few of those things that make my life worth living.

1. The presence of God.

2. A good Apostolic church service.

3. Hearing good anointed preaching.

4. Being with Pastors and their families...preaching, praying, singing, and shouting.

5. Seeing new babies born into the Kingdom of God and backsliders coming home.

6. Rubbing shoulders with the saints of God in praise, worship and fellowship in the aisles after church.

7. Visiting with friends and family over a good meal.

8. Hearing the phone ring, answering it to hear your "Pastor Son" excited about what God is doing in his church, or a special happening of the day.

9. Watching your granddaughter pray for her little friends who come up for "special prayer".

10. Feeling the warm hug from a friend that says, "I love you".

11. Watching on the sideline as the compliment of a friend brightens the eyes and lifts the heart of another friend.

12. Going to bed at night with an overflowing heart of thanksgiving, because I am "blessed beyond measure"!!!!

Now...that's living!

Today, has been "such a day". I have not described to you anything more than what I have experienced on this Sunday.

My husband received a call this week from Darrell Orange inviting him to come preach for him this Sunday morning, so we were went to Deweyville today. We had a wonderful time in service and getting to visit for a short while after church over lunch. I'm glad we have them as "our friends". They always treat us very warm,making us feel very much at home.

We came back to Beaumont, rested for a short time, then went to church at The Apostolic Church. It was another wonderful time in the presence of God. God spoke to our hearts as my husband ministered in the Holy Ghost and I was once again thankful for the Truth that saves us! Of course, it's always great getting to be with our family, Jonathan, Brenda, Savanna and Scarlet. After the service I had the privilege of meeting one of my "blog followers". No, she hasn't signed up as such, but has written me several times. I was glad to finally meet her.

Then, we met Bobby and Elaine Edwards to eat and visit after church! They have been our friends for many years. Actually, Elaine and I have been friends since I was 14 years old! I know...that was a long time ago, but our friendship has grown through the years and it doesn't matter how long it's been since we've seen each other, it seems we just "pick up where we left off" when we get to be together. It's so nice having a friend like her. I have several like this, and I'm thankful for them! We all need days like I had today. If you are part of a church that loves God, loves truth, and loves being separated from this world...you are blessed beyond measure! Hold on to these "treasures"!!!! And remember, there are thousands of preachers and saints who have not "bowed to this world".

We all need each other!!!! This week, visit with a friend. Speak words of encouragement. Let them know you are standing by their side.

The Future

I am sitting here this morning in a quiet house. The grandbabies are asleep and most of the adults are too. It's almost 3 A.M. and I'm wide awake! It has been a great Christmas and I am reviewing it all.

Since we do not have a house in Lufkin at this time, our family is in a "different setting" this year . Andrew and Mandy haven't sold their house, or bought another one since moving to Balch Springs, so Jonathan and Brenda are the only ones in our family who have a house!!!! :) It was the first time for us to be at their house for Christmas, so needless to say, we have all experienced something new. This past year has been a HUGE change for our family, but it's so nice to know that we couldn't have been any happier than we were today! Being together is what it's all about, and we have thoroughly enjoyed it.

I find myself looking forward to the New Year. I have a lot of thoughts rushing through my head for 2009. I'm looking for great things to happen. There are new experiences to have, new moutains to climb, new battles to be fought, and new victories to be won! Of course, I do not know what they will be for I cannot see the future, but I know God has it all planned. I really thought I knew what it was like to totally trust Him, but as each day goes by I'm learning more and more about His love for me. He has been by my side every step of the way. Yes, life has changed for us, but since He's the One that has changed our direction, I feel safe.

I really do not have a lot more to say. The "holiday rush" has come and gone, and I'm seeing the beginning of a brand new year in the distance. Let us move toward the end of 2008, and get ready for the New Year with anticipation. Forget those things which are behind and press on to new horizons!

Ok, Karla!

Here's the "STORY" LOL!

To everyone else....this is "our story"....STILL IN LOVE AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!

Young couples, don't ever let the "spark" die!!!! Being married to the one you love can be FUN after all "the years"!

A Beautiful Christmas

I trust you are surrounded by your family...

and God's love today!

THANK YOU JESUS FOR ANOTHER

WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS!

YOU came, YOU gave...

and taught us how to

LOVE and GIVE!

MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We sure do you love you all! Have a wonderful time with your friends and family!

My Two Mary's

Hello Everyone! Both of my youngest granddaughters were "Mary" in their Christmas Drama's at church so I wanted to show you a picture of the two most beautiful Mary's in the world!!!! :)

Ashlyn Kate (almost 2 years old)
Scarlet Jean(almost 4 years old)
Aren't they sweet? Ahhhhh!

I am going to be getting caught up on my blog over the next week or so. I think this has been the busiest December of my life, but I've loved it! Ya'll have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

How Busy Can One Get?

In one way, I cannot believe I haven't "blogged" for a week! Yet, I CAN believe it! We have been going non-stop since December hit. In the last week and a half we have travelled over 1,100 miles!

I am not going to blog tonight about all we have done, but I will as soon as I can! I will leave you with this clip of our friend, Bo Baker's niece. ENJOY!

"She is 9 years old and in a school talent competition.

Section 6 TEXAS Christmas

Thursday night we were in Paris for Section 6 Christmas Banquet. It was held at Bob and Donna Myre's new gym and it was so nice! This was our first time to see the new addition and we loved it. There was a great turn out for the banquet and we got to see a lot of friends we have known through the years. We also had the privilege of meeting new friends. It was a great time! Sonny Schambeau was the special guest singer. His "style" of singing was definitely fitting for the TEXAS setting. We enjoyed a lot of laughter throughout the banquet.

Thank you Bro. and Sis. Myre and Section 6 for a great time! You made us feel "right at home"!

Memories in December

Yesterday was the TBC Christmas Party and we had another nice visit with friends. We sat with Kyle and enjoyed visiting with him. Before we left, he brought us a Christmas present! He was so sweet and wrote us a very nice note in the card thanking us for being his Pastor. He brought us some Caffeine free Diet Coke, (he knows how much we like it) and gave us a gift card to Outback! THANK YOU, KYLE! We love you!

Wendell brought me a gift from Sis. Schreckhise today. I LOVE IT!We also got a nice gift from Cynthia Koontz. Thank you, ladies for the gifts. We really appreciate them!

As a lot of you already know, it SNOWED in Lufkin last night!! We didn't get a lot, but it was enough to say it snowed. I took a picture of it just as it started. It didn't "stick", but that's okay. I had been missing the cold weather we had in Wichita Falls, so I think God sent it "just for me"!Today we had our Office Staff Lunch at Ralph and Kacoo's. We had such a nice time, being together and no work! We have a wonderful staff in the District Office and they do a great job! As Bro. Russo put it today, "we've" all been in a transition time, but it has been very smooth. We are so thankful for everyone's help. We love you all!(Russo's, Elms, Cynthia, Carla, Jeannie, and Rhoades)

In Memory of My Brother - Keith

Yesterday was a very special day! I didn't get to post about it, but I wanted to still remember my brother today. He would have been 58 years old, but died at the early age of 49. He was a wonderful brother and friend and I miss him so much!
Following is a plaque I found in a box of "memories". It was Mom Elms'. It says and expresses how Keith was. He was a man that was "bigger than life" and brought many days of sunshine to our hearts. He loved to sing and make music. I remember many times when he would break out into song. It didn't matter where you were at the time. If he felt like singing, he did! :) Such special memories flood my mind! When Chad, my nephew was a little boy, he saw Uncle Keith coming up the side walk to our house and said, "Here comes Uncle Keith with all the laughs!" Yes, that describes him perfectly!

I love you Keith, and I loved the way you loved your family and friends! I'll meet you again...on the other side!
Ginger, Carmen, Shara and Ryan; Ronda and Karla...I thought of you all yesterday. I'm glad we still have each other to hold onto. I love you all!

To all of Keith's friends and family...thank you for loving us as you loved Keith.

Texas Bible College Christmas Banquet

We were invited to attend TBC's Christmas Banquet on Friday night, and we were happy to go. We had a wonderful time! Seeing a room full of young people who are giving their lives for ministry in their churches is a heart warming experience.

I took a few pictures of those who came and thought I would share them with you.

Bro. and Sis. Cooley - TBC President - They are good people! I've known Dedie for quite some time, but have not been around Bro. Cooley at all until we moved here, so we are getting to know him better. He's been very kind to us and we look forward to more times of fellowship with him and Dedie. Dedie is very enjoyable to be around. Anyone who knows her, knows she is a MASTER at the keyboards. Bro. and Sis. McInnis - Food Services - They are the cooks for TBC and do a lot of work!!! They are also some of the finest people you will ever meet! I love the twinkle in her eyes. :) She makes me smile and I love her. Bro. and Sis. Schreckhise - Dean of Missions - We are getting to know them a better. Everytime we are around them we enjoy visiting with them. They were missionary's in Hondurus and are now home, but they have seven grandchildren still there. I think they are going to get to see them before too long. I'm sure they can't wait to see them and their "kids".Bro. and Sis. Rhoades - Facilities Administrator - He takes care of the camp ground! I don't know what we would do without him. He is a worker and always so willing to help us in any way he can! Sis. Rhoades has not been well and I pray for God to heal her body. What a sweet, wonderful person she is. She always has a smile when I see her.Bro. and Sis. Chad Roberts - Promotional Director for TBC. They recently came to TBC and we are happy to have them here. Just the little bit that I've been around them I can tell they are a lot of fun!Bro. and Sis. Johnathan Green - Dean of Academics - He makes me laugh! Victoria is very sweet, and I'm enjoying being with them during the Christmas season. This week we've been with them at two banquets and one church service. It's the most we've been around them, and it's been fun.Bro. and Sis. Russo - Texas District Superintendent - They are incredible people! I'm loving them more and more. They are sincere, caring, and loving. They have been a great help to us since moving to Lufkin. Unless you get to be around people it's hard to really appreciate them for who they are. I'm glad I have the privilege of being with them more.Bro. and Sis. Smith - Pastor in Hudson, and are some of the finest people you will ever meet! They "take care of us". I don't know how else to say it, except they have "been there" for us. They're wonderful! The program was excellent!

Sis. Tracy Brock - TBC Office Manager - was the soloist and she has such a wonderful voice and did a great job. I had time to visit with her for a little while after the banquet and it was very special getting to know her better. She is so sweet and sincere! I look forward to being around her more. She "confessed" that she reads my blog. She said she felt so guilty for reading it without me knowing. LOL! I'm glad she's joined us! Love you, Tracy! Bro. Nate Lawrence entertained us with his "magnificent" saxophone! I could listen to him play for hours! It was so sweet of him to dedicate a song to us. We were shocked when he said "I am dedicating this song to Bro. and Sis. Elms"! What a great man he is. He is Dean of Students at TBC. Bro. Scott Popec - Dean of Music - got on the keyboard and joined with Bro. Lawrence and did some incredible "jammin'"! I love to watch people that love their music, and you could tell these two men do!There were some skits and we laughed and had a good time, then the Bickerson's showed up! I remember listening to the "record" of the Bickerson's when I was a teenager so when "they" decided to come and show us what "true love is" I was thrilled! Let me introduce to you....Mr. and Mrs. Bickerson. As you can tell we had a wonderful time! We are all blessed to have "special people" in our lives, and I'm thankful for every "old friend", "new friend", and all the people we are getting to "know". We are BLESSED!

An East Texas Horse Ride

A couple days ago my husband was invited to go with Bro. Russo for about 3 hours on a horse ride. He spends a lot of time in the office, so he decided to take the opportunity to get out and have some fun and relaxation. I'm glad he got to go! Here are a few pictures. When I saw them I started relaxing, just thinking about being out on that "lonesome road".

Bro. Russo leading the way.

The "cowboys" are following.

I really like this one of Bro. Russo. He looks relaxed and happy! We love to see him enjoying a break.

Down the lane they go...

Bro. Neely rode in the wagon and my husband kept him company.

Pulled over for a rest. How about some hot coffee, and a little singin'?

Superintendent Russo and Secretary Elms.

Bro. Neely in the wagon enjoyed "the ride", with Bro. Russo and Bro. Elms.

Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam;

And the deer and the antelope play.

Where seldom is heard, a discouraging word;

And the skies are not cloudy all day.