My World Stops...

Early this morning I woke up to a SICK husband! I hate it when he gets sick. When he's not feeling well, my world gets turned upside down. I know that might sound a little "weird", but I can't help it. Besides God, Wendell is the one I love with all my heart, and I feel so bad when he's sick. So, if you all will say a prayer for him we would appreciate it!! We have a "Children's Revival" this weekend and he needs to be feeling good. Our children in our church are so important to us and we want the very best for them! We want to see those who have not received the Holy Ghost to have their personal experience, and those who have already been filled, to be renewed again! I will be so glad when EVERYONE is over the virus, flu, pneumonia, and bronchitis! It's been a tough year for a lot of people I know. Our church has been hit hard this year. Thank you for your prayers!

A Little of My Heart

Tonight was Family Prayer and it was wonderful! It was like God was sitting in the prayer room just waiting for us to arrive! Through prayer and fasting comes power and answers. I'm so thankful for this time of prayer, and unity with our organization. It is bringing us closer to God and to each other. It is so fulfilling to know there are thousands of people all over the world who are praying together to see a mighty out-pouring of the Holy Ghost in our churches and cities. I've heard some great things that are happening and I'm so excited about what God is doing in these last days!

I am also thankful for the preacher's who have been declaring a "sure sound" in their messages to the Church! I know my husband and our son, Andrew has been preaching some incredible soul-searching messages here in our church. Also, I've heard about our son, Jonathan preaching about holiness and separation. I am thankful we have younger men who are taking up the baton and are running this race! I've been reading others who are "holding onto the old paths" and my heart is warmed when I hear what is being preached.

I am not about to give up those things which I have been taught all of my life, for a little of this world! There is not one thing this world has to offer that holds any attraction for me. I feel more and more like a stranger here. I'm really glad I don't "fit in". God has always had a separated people and I'm so thankful for the Truth that has set us free from the grips of sin! We have a "treasure" that we must protect. We have young ones coming up around us who are watching us for "clear direction". Let's keep walking down the "straight path" and not veer to the left or to the right. Let's make sure our footprints on the path of "holiness and separation" are not covered by the mud of this world. Let's keep walking down the "old paths". We must clear away anything that would cover the ancient landmarks that give us clear direction. We are on the home stretch. The finish line is just ahead! I love this OLD TIME RELIGION....it's good enough for me! (by the way...we sung that last night...and everyone loved it!)

I hope anyone reading this can feel my "heart" and not just read my words. The main thing is "making sure our hearts are right with God". There's a lot of voices calling for our attention, but we must not give into the voices that are calling from a distance. There's also a "still small voice" that is saying, "Draw closer! Draw closer! Don't leave me out! I want to be near you!" Can you hear Him? Are you living close to Him? I don't know why I feel so strong to write this tonight, but someone who reads this just might hear Him talking. Don't push Him away! He wants to be near you, to make your life "right" again. I may not know who you are or what you're going through, but HE knows who you are, and He still loves you! My prayer is that every backslider will come back "home"! He's waiting with open arms and....we are too! I love you and will continue to pray for your "safe journey home".

Great Weekend Services

Today has been a good day in the presence of God. Of course, I understand that is an "understatement". Anytime we can be in His presence is "great". Tonight we enjoyed seeing Freeman and Breanna baptized!! It was wonderful. Freeman has been coming for quite sometime and has seen his need to be baptized in Jesus Name. It's wonderful when Truth is revealed! My husband preached with the annointing in both services today. I love hearing him preach! He has such a love for the people that God has placed him over, and it flows through his preaching. His main objective is to see everyone make it to heaven. When I leave church after being with the people of God, and after hearing a message sent from God, my heart is full and runnng over!

A special note: Andrew, Mandy, Alayna and Ashlyn.....we missed you today! We'll see you tomorrow sometime!

Living in "December" and a few random thoughts!

This week has been busy for me, so I haven't had a chance to write much. I have enjoyed all the comments I have received on my post about Ashlyn's hair. I guess I have to agree with all of you about her being "adorable". :) Thank you for letting me brag.

I am still about a month behind everyone! I just wrapped all of the Christmas gifts for Jonathan, Brenda, Savanna and Scarlet. Now, before anyone jumps to conclusions, you need to go read my post about "not having Christmas with the kids" in December. I am so homesick to see them and when I talked to Brenda this week she added a little "fuel on the fire" (she didn't know about my homesickness) by telling me that Scarlet woke up one morning this week and the first thing she said to Brenda was, "I'm so excited about seeing Mimi!" Well....I wanted to jump in the car right then and drive 7 hours to give her a "hug"! Wendell and me were driving down the road the other day and he said, "I am missing Jonathan, Brenda and the girls! I'm ready to see them!" I am too, but it will be a little while longer. We do have plans to go be with them for "Christmas in February" and we can't hardly wait!!!!

We're suppose to have some pretty weather the next few days. It's been freezing cold here. The last I heard we're suppose to have some beautiful 70 degree weather. I think Sunday is suppose to be 73! LOL! You would have to live in my "part of the world" to understand! One hour it's COLD and the next WARM? Do I wear a coat or should I wear sandals? That's one thing about North Texas that I like. The weather definitely doesn't let you get bored!

I will close with this little ditty. Don't ask me why I thought of it...I just did! Maybe my brain has been frozen and it is just now starting to thaw out! Here it is:

"I had a little rooster; fed him on peas.
He got so fat that he couldn't see his knees."

Ya'll have a great weekend! I might be back to see you before Sunday. It depends on my "half-frozen brain". :)

Good Morning!

Here's a SMILE for your day! I took care of the girls for a few hours today and had a wonderful time with them. Ashlyn got sleepy so I put her in the crib and she fell asleep in just a few minutes. When I put her to bed she had a little pony-tail on top of her head with a bow. When she woke up.....well.....this is how she looked! WHAT A DOLL! LOL! I knew you all would get a smile for your day if I shared this picture, so being the nice, kind, person I am (lol) I just couldn't even think about "robbing you" from having a blessing. :)

Sunday Night

Today has been a long day, but a fulfilling day! I just want to write a little about our service tonight.

After teaching my class this morning, playing for the service, not getting any rest this afternoon, having Praise Group practice and Choir warm-up, prayer before service, a meeting with the service leaders, praise group, musicians, and sound man, I was pretty tired when church started! I am NOT complaining about it, because I LOVE what I do. This is my life and has been "my life" for as long as I can remember. Being involved in the church from a child, and as a Pastor's wife for 35 years has been my JOY! Yes, I do get tired, but I come home refreshed and fulfilled after I have given my talents to God.

We were having good church, good congregational singing, and good worship. There is hardly any service that goes by that Life Tabernacle doesn't have "good church". Tonight was another good time of worship and praise. We even sung three songs out of the "hymnal". :) We like doing that, at times. The service progressed, the choir was called up to sing. We were singing old songs..."Covered by the Blood" and "When the Battle Is Over". The choir was singing good, musicians were playing good, Kassie was leading good, the saints were worshipping good, when all of a sudden....and when I say all of a sudden....that is exactly what I mean. I felt the POWER of Almighty God come into our service!!! I heard and felt the "Holy Ghost after-burners" turn on in the choir, and the POWER of the Holy Ghost started flowing through the choir and the saints in the pew!!!! I cannot explain to those who have never experienced what it's like to feel God this strong, but those of you who have experienced this, you know what I'm talking about. A battle was fought and won tonight in the "spirit world"! I was in awe of how God took control! It wasn't a normal "Pentecostal blow-out" tonight. Something else happened. I am looking for more and more chains to be broken, lives to be changed, and souls to be won!

My words are so inadequate when trying to explain. Maybe you will feel the depth of what I am saying. I am praying for "whatever it takes to see God's promises come to pass" that it will be done, and we will see them take place THIS YEAR! Let's all continue praying and fasting for the out-pouring of the power of God to sweep this nation, our cities, and our churches! Have a wonderful week. I'll be writing more later...."the Lord willing".

P.S. We did continue on with service and had another wonderful message preached by Andrew, our son. Thank God for His Word and those who "labor in the Word"!

New Pictures of Girls

For those of you who have not seen the new pictures of Alayna and Ashlyn, you MUST go here to see them! I just had to let you know about them. I, for some reason couldn't help myself! LOL!

A Great Event

It has turned wintry looking outside, and the wind is blowing really good. I wonder what will take place over the next several hours with the weather. I may not know about the weather and what it's going to do, but I DO know about my appointment this evening. When I get there I will be with some of the greatest people on this earth. I will walk into a lovely building that has been made ready for the event of the night. The reason it is an event is because God will be there. I am anxiously awaiting my visit from Him. I want to be in His presence, surrounded by His people, hearing His Word from the man of God He has placed in my life. I want to sing with all my heart, worship and praise with everything in me! I want to enjoy my time in His presence....and I will! I will give Him my undivided attention! I will praise Him with my whole heart! I will listen attentively to His Word, and respond sincerely! I will smile at those I love and tell them I appreciate them! I will leave having my heart filled with thanksgiving for the freedom I have to worship my great King and Savior! I am going to have a WONDERFUL TIME TONIGHT! Wish you could be here with me. If you are here....I will see you soon!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SCARLET

It's hard to believe you are already 3 years old! You are so beautiful and we love you so much! God has great things for you, so I pray that He will be your greatest desire. Love Jesus with all your heart! You are special to Him and to Papa and me. Have a wonderful birthday, Scarlet. I wish we could be with you on this special day.

Monday Thoughts

I am glad to wake up feeling better today. I've had some kind of stomach virus (?) for several days, but feel much better. I had to miss church yesterday morning, but was so excited to be able to listen to our Sunday morning service LIVE! This is the first time this has happened! I was so proud of the service leaders, praise singing, musicians, preaching :) and the overall "sound" of Life Tabernacle! I felt the presence of God as I listened and was overwhelmed with thankfulness for all God has done and is DOING! We are on a "forward advance" for the Kingdom of God here in our wonderful city!

Last night I was able to go to church and was privileged to hear Andrew, our son, as he delivered the message God had for our church! It was incredible and we were all made aware of what God is doing and will continue to do "through us" this year!

I received an email from one of our "lady leaders" of the United Pentecostal Church International this morning, and was again very thankful for the roots I have! In my reply to her I said, "I feel such an expectancy in the spirit, and a unity in the organization that I haven't felt in a long time. Maybe it's because we are having to "stand up for what has been our life" for so long, and seeing how satan is trying to destroy the very thing that has brought us this far, we find a strength in fighting for UNITY." We cannot give up in the race we have begun! The church is made up of many different people, all of whom are flawed in some way, but the TRUTH is not flawed, the Oneness of God is not flawed, Jesus Name baptism is not flawed, separation from the world is not flawed, loving one another is not flawed! The principles we have lived by and held dear to our hearts are not FLAWED! I AM THANKFUL for "my organization" and stand with all those who are our leaders and the ministry God has placed over us. I AM THANKFUL we have God-fearing men and women who will stand up and declare "this is the way...walk there in". We are holding onto "the old paths" and loving every step we take! I LOVE the Word of God that is preached in our pulpits. I LOVE hearing what I need to "DO", to be saved! I LOVE hearing the Acts 2:38 message! I LOVE hearing great men of God who stand and declare to "come out from among them and be ye separate"! I LOVE my life as an Apostolic lady!!! I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world. It's wonderful serving God in the "beauty of holiness". I feel secure in "my church" and in "my organization"! There have always been some who do not conform to the teachings I have always loved, but I love them, and hold their friendships dear to my heart. When we come into the "unity of the spirit" God can work many wonderous things among us. I want to be "salt" to someone's life. It doesn't matter to me if it's within our fellowship or a sinner on the street. If I can help somebody draw closer to HIM, then "my living has not been in vain". I love being who I am and only want to become better for His Kingdom and for those I love and treasure.

I hope you are having a wonderful Monday. I pray God's blessings will envelope you as you are "on your way to Heaven".

"This world is NOT my home. I'm just passing through. My treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me from Heaven's open door; and I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

We have so much to be thankful for. Let's not get our eyes on things that would distract us. Let's keep our eyes on the goal and someday we will enter that city with our loved ones and friends, and will be reunited with those who have gone on before! I am waiting and longing for that day!

Waited Long Enough

My sister, Karla sent this picture to me. She took it at Jeannie's wedding and I just had to share it! I know you will love seeing my husband with his FOUR granddaughters! You are looking at a HAPPY PAPA!

Thank you for the picture, Karla!

Happy Birthday!

Our little sweetheart Ashlyn Kate is "1" today! She has added even more joy to our lives and we are so happy she was born just one year ago today! She is now walking and starting to say a few words. What a precious little doll! Ashlyn, Mimi and Papa love you so much!

Christmas In January

Tonight was our Chistmas with Andrew, Mandy, Alayna and Ashlyn. Since this was not "our year" for the kids to be home, we are all just now getting around to have Christmas. It was different since Jonathan, Brenda and the girls were not able to come home at all for Christmas. I thought about it for as long as I would let myself, which was all of about a second, then I stopped, because I didn't want to feel sad. When we sat down to eat a little before opening presents Mandy mentioned that "it's a little sad that Jon and Brenda and the girls aren't here", but we didn't linger there very long. We would have been crying, so we chose to be happy and have a good time. Life brings about changes and you have to accept them and make more memories to add to the ones you already have. We really did have a nice time tonight, and after it was all said and done, about 11:00 PM we decided to get in Andrew and Mandy's vehicle and go to McDonald's for an ice cream! On our way, Alayna was snuggled up next to me and she said, "Oh Mimi, this Christmas is one I will never forget!" Ahhhh....the enjoyment I had in buying the gifts was tripled after that statement. What a sweetheart she is! Yes, it will be a treasured memory for as long as I live.

We still have plans to have Christmas with Jonathan, Brenda, Savanna and Scarlet. I don't know when it will be, but when we get the opportunity we will have another "happy time". Jon and Brenda, we missed you all very much tonight. Hopefully, we will get to see you before too long.

To my friends in "Blogville"...go ahead and keep celebrating the New Year. I will catch up to you all in a few months. I'm going to enjoy Christmas in January or February or....whenever we can. You might find a post about it sometime in March! Life goes by too fast, so I'm just trying to slow it down a little! LOL!

It's Time For a Breakthrough!

The title of this post is how I feel! I've been trying to find the words to what my heart has been saying, and as I was reading another blog tonight, these words hit my heart! I don't know when it will happen, but everything in me is crying for the promises of God to come to pass in our church and city. Yes, satan would love to discourage the people of God and make them think that "it's not going to happen", but I REFUSE to accept his lies! When God promises and when His people take "hold of the altar" believing and committing to "whatever it takes", strongholds will be broken and lives will be changed, the church will grow, worldliness will die, and there will be great revival! I would love to hear of a great awakening in the spirit and lives of saints who are tired of being lulled to sleep by the "cares of this life". We cannot afford to give up in the race!

I've come too far to look back,

My feet have walked through the valley.

I've climbed mountains, crossed rivers,

Desert places I've known.

But I'm nearing the home shore,

The redeemed are rejoicing.

Heaven's angels are singing.

I've come too far to look back.

I am looking for some great victories! Do we have some warriors who will take up the sword and fight until the battle is won? I have a feeling there's a lot of you who are feeling the same call of the Spirit!

"Breakthroughs" do not happen overnight or just because we want them to. They happen when we get tired of the "usual". Tired of the mundane, lackadaisical, routine of life, and decide we will do whatever it takes! It is not time to give in to the pressures of the world! It is not time to say, "whatever will be will be"! It is time to fall on our faces before God, submitting ourselves to Him, until......

This has just been a little of what's been on my heart. I'm sorry if it makes us uncomfortable, but maybe we need to be just a little. Maybe I will be a little more light hearted the next time around. I'm just ready for God to show us His glory once again!

A few pictures...a few thoughts

Here are a few pictures for those who know the Smarts. I know you all would have loved being at the service. Bro. Rex Johnson was the main speaker and did an incredible job, as usual. He talked about his relationship with Jim Bob and the family. Bro. Johnson was 4 years old when he first met the Smarts. His Dad and Mom were friends with them. Then, when Bro. Johnson and his brother started singing at age 5 and 7, Jim Bob was "the piano player" for them whenever they were at Fellowship Meetings, Youth Rallies, Camp Meetings, etc. Let me just add here: This is one thing I LOVE about being part of a GREAT ORGANIZATION! The "United Pentecostal Church" has given us so much to be a part of and so much to be PROUD of! I wouldn't trade my life for any other. It has been filled with great men, great ladies, and great friendships and I'm thankful for every one of them. Having an organization that has nurtured "love and friendships", "preached truth", and "separation from the world" has been one of the main things in my life that I found to be a solid foundation. I appreciate the men and women who are and have been my leaders. It hasn't been only preachers and their wives, but saints of God like Jim Bob and Wanda Smart, who have stood firmly in truth, and lived holy, godly, joyous lives that have impacted me and my family. I thank God for the "preachers and saints" who have "stood their ground in adversity" and who have not given into the "shifting sands of time". You have been my strength! THANK YOU! Just think, when I started typing today, I didn't have much to say, but as I "walk down Memory Lane" once again, I am reminded of my "roots" and how blessed I have been. I am not about to walk away from the things I love and trust! The principles of the Word of God that people like the Smarts have lived are what keep us strong in "this present world". (I may write more on this later) Again, let me say THANK YOU to my wonderful friends for standing beside me through the years. I love you all!

Jim Bob always had a smile!

Karla Christian, Wanda Smart, Vicki Christian, and Me

Vicki and me (friends forever)

Back to Bro. Johnson's message....He told about losing his little boy Justin at 4 years old and how "life seems to come around". He knew Bro. Jim Bob at age 4 and now Jim Bob has gone on to his reward, and he said, "I just think, somehow, when Jim Bob's spirit reaches the streets of gold that Justin will know him. And, knowing Jim Bob here on earth has been such a wonderful experience, I can only imagine how wonderful it will be for my son to know him "on the other side"! There is an old chorus that goes like this:

"On the other side treasures there have I. Treasures that this world and all it's wealth could never buy. When I reach that city and the gates swing open wide. I'll find my treasures waiting on the other side!"

I am looking forward to the day I can meet all of those who have gone on before me, and all of us who remain, on the streets of gold!

"Won't we have a time when we get over yonder? OHHHHHH won't we have a time!" "We'll sing and shout and dance about, when we get over yonder...."

Heaven is going to be a JOYFUL place!

Just a Thought

I really don't have anything to write about tonight, but I read something this week that God used to talk to my heart. Here is the quote:

"Faith does not deny the reality of difficulty; it declares the power of God in the face of the problem."

Maybe that statement will speak to your heart....as it did mine! STAND STILL, TRUST, and SEE the salvation of the Lord!

My Friends....the Smart Family

My heart was saddened this week when I received a call from my best friend, Vicki that her father had passed away. My mind went immediately to my "girl-hood memories" of when I would travel to Texas all the way from California to spend a few weeks with the Smart family. (or Vicki came to visit me) Yes, that was their name...."Smart".... and they were always so much fun to be around! I don't ever remember being in their home when there was no laughter. Bro. Jim Bob was always telling jokes, and Sis. Wanda loved to laugh at them...no matter how many times she had heard them. In fact, he was often asked to "tell that joke again, Jim Bob". We would all laugh at them, no matter how many times they were told! Vicki and I have always had a unique relationship. We don't have to talk to each other everyday, every week, or every month. We've always been able to just "pick up where we left off"! If you know Vicki you would say along with me that she is one of the most fun people to be around. Karla, her sister is just as much fun! Laughter is readily available when you can be with them for just a few minutes. When I called Vicki to tell her when I would be there for the service for her Dad, I asked her how she was doing. She said to me, "Well, I guess you could say I'm doing pretty good since I haven't had more than two hours sleep. I'll tell you what I'd like to do is go over in a corner and just giggle, and I don't have anything to giggle about!" I have to tell you that we got so tickled and started laughing and almost didn't get stopped! How many times have we found ourselves in that situation when we were totally engulfed in laughter. Oh, how the years have flown by and I will miss Jim Bob, but I will never forget the joy I had when I was in their home. "Rest well, Jim Bob, and when you get to the other side be sure to go see Daddy, Mother and Keith and tell them a joke just for me. We might just hear ya'll laughing down here on earth. Thank you for all the wonderful memories and for your love and loyalty to the ministry through the years. Thank you for all the years you played the piano in church. I can hear you singing right now as the music floats down through the years into my mind. And thank you for allowing Vicki and I to be friends. Her friendship has been one of my "treasures" in life."