Could It Be Today?

I need to be getting packed to leave for Deweyville where my husband will be ministering in tomorrow's services, but I had to stop and write a thought that's been on my heart.

This morning as my husband left the motorhome he turned and said, "Today could be the day....." and proceeded to tell me what today just might bring! My heart leaped thinking that a particularly thing we have been praying for might actually take place. I then started checking the "blogs" and I went to Tracie's Thoughts, and when I arrived there she started out her post with, "Today I woke up feeling a sense of Victory"! I love when the Lord speaks to us from different, unexpected places.

Whatever your need is today, just think.......TODAY COULD BE THE DAY that prayer is ANSWERED!

Note: As I had the arrow on "Publish Post" this song playing on "Enlighten, XM Radio, Channel 34" said,

"Never throw a hungry lion in the den of a praying man!"

AMEN!

Fun! Fun! and MORE Fun!

It's hard to say how much FUN we have had today with Nathan and Ronda being here. Wendell and I started the morning off at the office getting some work finished before we got with Nathan and Ronda for the rest of the day. Once we did, we had a wonderful time just being together. After a nice lunch at the Lufkin Airport, where there are delicious hamburgers, and the fun of watching small planes fly in and taxi up to the door of the little restaurant, we drove around some familiar "stomping grounds" in Lufkin. We then went back to the camp ground and showed them the new TBC offices, then walked into the Tabernacle to see the Hospitality Room recently remodeled. Oh the memories that flooded all our minds of "days gone by" at the "ole' camp ground"!

By the time we did all of this we made our way to Broaddus, TX to eat at "Catfish Junction".Mark and Diane Green met us and it was so much fun being there. The food was delicious and the company was even better! I think everyone that walked into the restaurant knew the Green's! As Diane said, "Mark is the Pastor of Broaddus". I can see that everyone there loves them!!! Of course, they should because they are VERY loveable. Thank you Mark and Diane for a wonderful time and for the meal. You are s-o-o-o-o kind, and a blast to be with!Oh yes! By the time we got back to "town" we decided we couldn't go home without an ice cream from Dairy Queen, so Y-E-S we DID eat a HOT FUDGE SUNDAE! We just couldn't resist! Between all the eating, driving, eating, traveling, eating, and more eating.....we were almost hysterical with laughter! LOL!!! At times I didn't think I was going to get my breath, but it would eventually come!

Oh what MEMORIES we made today. I hate to see Nathan and Ronda leave, but I'm glad we had a few more hours of "life" to ENJOY once again.

To enjoy more of this day, you will want to visit Ronda. I'm sure she will be posting soon!

God, Friends, Family, and Life

"THIS is the day that the Lord has made. I WILL rejoice and be glad in it!"

Sometimes we go through life waiting on someONE or someTHING to MAKE us joyful. Don't wait on "happenings" to make you HAPPY! Enjoy God, life, friends and family NOW! There are many people talking about how FAST "life" goes by. Their "little girl, or little boy" is getting close to graduating from high school,or college, or has just left Kindergarten and is going into 1st grade next year. I have come to the conclusion that it doesn't matter the age of the parents or the age of the children, LIFE just blows right by and we are left saying, "Where did the years go?". So, once again I say, MAKE MEMORIES while you have the "kids" at home. But, remember "MEMORY MAKING" doesn't END when the kids are gone.

Tomorrow I will be "making memories" with my sister and brother-in-law, Ronda and Nathan. I knew they were coming our way, but I just talked to her on the phone and they have arrived in Houston, and are traveling our direction! We won't see them tonight, but we will have a good visit for the next day or so. I'm real EXCITED!

A little while ago I got an "IM" from a friend and while talking about "things", they said, "Guess what?" I responded with "What?". Finally, after the "guessing game" and I couldn't guess the answer they said, "Well, I love you! That's it!" Ahhhh! Life is so much fun when you have friends who GIVE LOVE AWAY!

I'm rambling a little tonight, but I just wanted to say, I love God, my life, family, and friends! Thank you for being SO WONDERFUL! (That's what another friend always says to me.) So, I pass it on to you!

Now, ENJOY TODAY! For "THIS is the day...."

Update!

Starting with last weekend, we were in Beaumont. I spoke at the Ladies Tea and had a wonderful time! I did not get any pictures, but the ladies decorated very beautifully and the food was AWESOME! We had a wonderful, relaxing evening being together. They are so gracious and I have fallen in love with them. Of course, Brenda is a wonderful Pastor's wife and is leading the ladies of the Apostolic Church very well. I'm proud of her!

Sunday morning we had the privilege of being in church with Jonathan and Brenda, and the girls. It was very nice being there with them and getting to enjoy a message preached by Jonathan! Sunday night, Wendell preached and both services were wonderful!

Memorial Day we all went out to Darrell and Jeanetta's (Mandy's parents) and had a cookout with ALL the family! It was so much fun being together and having "family fun"! Andrew and Mandy have been preaching in this area and have been doing really good, so they were able to be with all of us, along with Michael and Stephanie, Jonathan and Brenda and all the kiddo's! After eating the delicious hamburgers, hotdogs, and all the "trimmings", we headed out to the barn to ride horses! We cooled down with homemade ice cream! It was all so much fun!

Wendell and I headed home that evening to be back for the board meetings which started Tuesday. We have been at the office for the last two days, and I helped Sis. Russo serve the board a nice meal today at the office. For me, it is very enjoyable being around those who are "serving the district", and helping make their job easier.

Camp Meeting is approaching FAST and there's a lot to be done. I'm looking forward to tomorrow. The Office is buzzing with activity and I will be "in the middle of it" again. Thank the Lord for a great office staff to work with. There's so much that happens on a daily basis, and they are absolutely WONDERFUL!

I received an email from Kassie today about Camp Meeting Music, so I will be going to the Tabernacle to work on music tomorrow. This will be a first for me! I told Wendell today that I needed to find a piano someplace, and he said, "Just go to the Tabernacle"! So, that's what I'll do. :) It might feel a little funny since no one will be there, but you've gotta do....what you gotta do! Talk about a BIG CHURCH! I just hope I can find the LIGHTS! LOL!

Ya'll have a wonderful day, and I will try to post a little more often. My life has been a little "crazy" lately....but I'm adjusting.

Busy and Loving It

My dear family and friends,

Just a quick note to say "Hello" and to let you all know we are doing fine! This past weekend we have been BUSY doing the work of God, and having FUN with our family and friends. I will be posting later today, the Lord willing. Texas Board Meetings start today, so I will be doing whatever I'm suppose to do. :) This is a totally different world for us, but we are enjoying it.

I took a lot of pictures over the holiday weekend, so hopefully I will be posting some later. It depends on how long it takes to upload them using the Aircard.

Have a great day! I will "talk" to ya'll later.

The Weekend

We are getting ready to leave for Beaumont to be with our family, and for the Ladies Tea tonight. We are looking forward to being with Jonathan, Brenda and the girls! Wendell said this morning that he can't wait to get there so he can hear Scarlett talk! LOL! She has such a cute, little voice, and the way she says her words is so CUTE! We also can't wait to feel Savanna's arms giving us hugs. She is growing up so FAST, so we enjoy every hug and kiss we can get! We will be staying over the weekend and attending church at The Apostolic Church. We will be back home Monday to have dinner with a friend who is coming for the Board Meetings next week. Then, work begins on Tuesday! :) I am going to enjoy being with the wives who come with their husbands who are on the board, and helping Sis. Russo with anything she needs me to do.

Ya'll have a great weekend!

What Kind of Day?

I have been a Pastor's wife for many years, and have enjoyed it very much. There were the normal days of taking care of the needs of the church, or phone calls that came in or I needed to make, and usually something to do for the church. All of which was enjoyable. Then, there were the days that you wish would never happen, because someone had a problem too big for them to solve by themselves, and our hearts would ache watching them struggle with "life" and we felt so incapable of "helping" them. Those were the times we just had to "be there". Pastoring, loving people, and being loved by people has been a JOY that only a Pastor and his wife can know. I didn't know how I was going to feel once we resigned our wonderful church, and didn't really know what to expect. I can definitely say..... my life is changing!

It feels strange at times not having a church to "care" for. I find myself wondering how the saints are doing, yet know there is nothing I can do for them now, except pray. (which I have done) I find myself thinking about things I could do if I was at "home", but.....I AM at "home". I find myself wanting to be at church in "my church", but I no longer have "my church". It's just a crazy, mixed up world for me right now, but I am fine! :) How can I say "I'm fine" with all that is happening in my life? Because, I know God has called us to do what we're doing. There is NO DOUBT in my mind that what we have been asked to do in serving the wonderful Texas District, is the "will of God". There is a peace in knowing HE picked us up and moved us to where HE wanted us to be! So, I may sound a little "mixed up" at times...when I write, or there might be a tear-drop that falls, but I really am doing fine.

Today, I've had a "busy, yet quiet day"...... I've been BUSY preparing to speak at a Ladies Tea at The Apostolic Church in Beaumont, and I had to find my way around town to do a little "shopping". I was BUSY "checking on my husband" to see if he was ready to go eat :) I was BUSY "talking" to the office staff for a few minutes. I was also BUSY "visiting" with the realtor I will use when I buy a house. I really liked her and she showed me a home I would like to have. My "BUSY-ness" today has been nice, because it pretty much was a "stress-free, day". That's the reason I can call my day a "BUSY.....Yet Quiet Day".

New Adventure

Today has been another good day and we've been getting more familiar with our surroundings. I went over to the office for awhile and saw a little of what goes on there. I had an enjoyable time talking to Jeannie, Carla, and Cynthia for a little while. I was telling them I would be happy to help out in any way I can, and after some discussion I just had to let them know that "no matter what we "do or don't do" we are going to have FUN"!!! About the time we were having a good laugh my husband walks in to ask a question, and "the girls" said, "Uhhhh....we just got sidetracked." He proceeded to tell them that "anytime his wife is around you're going to get sidetracked"! LOL! I didn't mind one little bit that he made that statement, because I know I have kept him from getting "too bogged down" a lot of times through our life together. I find great JOY in getting him "sidetracked"! Sometimes that's the only way to keep your sanity!!! Besides, somebody has got to "make life FUN" and it might as well be ME!

Later in the day, after I studied some, Wendell locked the door on all of the "work to be done", and we took a drive. The scenery is much different from what we are use to, and we enjoyed driving "through" the trees!
We had to laugh at all the times we drove around in North "West" Texas, and there were mostly mesquite trees. I love the mesquite trees, and the wide open spaces we have lived in for 24 years. It strikes me funny that we now live in the part of Texas that is full of so many trees that sometimes you just want to "see out"! We talked about walking through the "piney woods" and all the stories we could tell, and all the sounds we would hear as we RAN from one clearing to another. LOL! I felt a little "spooky" just talking about it. I'm use to being able to see "miles and miles of Texas" where you can see who's coming towards you way out on the horizon! No one can "sneak up" on you in the wild, wild West! But, here.....now that's a different story. I am sure I will fall in love with the East Texas piney woods in time. I am not one to make myself miserable! That's just plain 'ole stupid! LOL!

We drove out to Broaddus, TX to see if our friends, Mark and Diane were home. We had called earlier, but no one had answered, so we decided to "mosey" on out their way. We got to experience the "Capital of Lake Sam Rayburn"! Ya'll ought to go sometime. The Population is 189! At least that's what I think was on the "city" sign. I've heard the Green's have a good church and someday we would like to visit them in service.
After taking a picture of their church, we headed back to Lufkin. The moon was full tonight and just as we were crossing the lake I turned and took this picture. It was beautiful! We also ran over a 4 foot long snake. YUCK!

We ended a beautiful, relaxing evening with one of our favorite things. ICE CREAM!!! There's not too many things you can do that is as enjoyable as "putting the top down on the convertible", seeing the sights, and hearing the sounds all around as you "cruise" across lakes, through trees, and down country roads! By the way, I couldn't go in the "house" until we had finished the ice cream! That's just a tradition I refuse to break!!!

Congratulations!

I heard about this on The Apostolic Report. I am proud to say that I know Andrea! This report shows all of us that you do not have to "change to be like the world" to be accepted on your job! Living for God is beautiful! Separation and godly living brings joy to you personally, and those who you are around. Thank you Andrea for a beautiful testimony to the power of God, and for working with excellence!

YES!!!!

DRUM ROLLS PLEASE! My husband bought an "air card" today so he could get online at all times to do District work, and I get to use it! I am so happy and excited about it! So, I am sitting in our motorhome typing my little heart out and enjoying checking other blogs! I won't be disconnected, any longer, and will be able to blog just about anytime I want to.

We finally got a semblance of order in our "little house" today, so it is feeling much better. We've always enjoyed travelling in our motorhome, so we will be fine for awhile. (until our house sells) and we know what we want to do.

We went to eat in Nacogdoches for lunch. We were both hungry for catfish, so we found out about Clear Springs Restaurant, and headed over there. We were impressed with the food and enjoyed it very much. On our way back to Lufkin my phone rang and it was Jonathan asking where we were. I told him and asked him what he was doing, and he said, "Well, I just knocked on the door of your motorhome!" We were so happy to see him and Brenda! The girls were with friends, so they took a "Saturday afternoon drive" and came to see us. It made everything seem "right" to have "the kids" show up!

I think I'm going to like living here. I get excited thinking about the district and all that happens here. There is a lot of work to keep things going, but my husband will do a wonderful job. LOL! Of course, I would think so, but I know he will. I've been married to him for a LONG time and I know him better than anyone else alive, so I have no doubt he will do all he can to be of assistance and help to the ministers of Texas. I will stop there, but I could write a long time about the man I love and respect more than anyone else in this world! He has been my husband, yet, he has been my Pastor for many years, and I trust him with my "heart and soul"!

I trust you all will have a wonderful Sunday. I will be checking back soon!

Checking In

Ya'll are all wonderful! Thank you for all the suggestions to get on the internet. I am sure I will find a way! LOL! Here's a little update.

Wendell left yesterday with our motorhome headed for Lufkin. He has a meeting today, so he had to get there. I did not go with him. There were a lot of last minute details to take care of, so I stayed in Wichita Falls. Since I stayed here Alayna stayed with me last night and it was so nice having her "all to myself"! :) I loved having her here and we "snuggled and read stories" before going to sleep. She's a little doll and always pleasant to have around. Oh, how I'll miss her and Ashlyn! Of course, I will miss the parents, too! LOL!

I am leaving in a little while. My house still hasn't sold, but I'm expecting a buyer in the near future. God will answer!

Here's a note to all my friends here in Life Tabernacle: GOD is going to give you a wonderful Pastor and family! I know you know that, but I just wanted to encourage you and let you know that "something good is on it's way"! I want to hear how ya'll are doing, so write anytime. You have my email address and of course, you can comment here. You will always be part of my life! I love you!

Now, for the rest of the world to see.....lol.....have a great day, and rest in knowing that "it won't be long 'til we see Jesus! Blessings to you!

I will be checking in to see how everyone is ASAP!

Pulling Out

We will be leaving for Lufkin tomorrow, so I wanted to let you know that I may not be able to blog for a few days. Hopefully, I can get on the internet somehow, but just in case I don't blog, you will know why. We will be staying in our motorhome until our house sells, and I do not have a way to hook up to the internet. I do not want that to last too long! If it does I might have to break down and buy a card for my computer and pay the bill myself! :( If you know me very well, you know I love being around people. I love "staying connected"! There's nothing like having friends. Thank you for all your prayers for us at this time. They are much appreciated!!

I just remembered.....since I have an "iPhone" I might post a little from it. Of course, it won't be "full blown" posts. That would be too tedious, but at least I would feel like I'm doing something! :) I hope to be talking to you all again, real soon!

Moving Is A LOT of Work!

I have been at the church for hours today cleaning out my office, and boxing things up. But, it wasn't "packing my office" that took so long! After all the years of playing the organ for the church, the Sanctuary Choir, specials, praise and worship, I have a lot of music I want to take with me. I don't know when I will get to use it, but I will use it even if it's in my own home. Anyway, I had talked with Kassie, our music director, about copying the music and leaving my books, but today when I started copying I just couldn't leave them!! I felt like I would be cutting off both of my arms if I left my Choir Book that I've played out of for all these years! I had the most lonely feeling wash over me when I thought about leaving "my book" sitting on the organ.

"For Every Mountain", "Covered By the Blood", "When the Battle's Over", "Stormin' the Gates", "At His Feet", "God Is Good", "You Ain't Seen Nothin'", "Total Praise", "Hallelujah Anyhow", "If God Has Been So Good to You", "I Am Blessed".....and so many more. These songs have helped me through some dark hours. They have lifted my spirit as I played them. They have given me the strength to face just one more day. I have felt my spirit soar as the choir lifted their voices in praise every Sunday and Sunday night! Call me "sentimental" or "crazy", but I just couldn't stand the thought of closing my choir book, and never opening its familiar pages again! I have my music marked "just right" for me. I have little marks, and sometimes different colors marking chords and progressions on my music. I don't think I could play the music if it was on a "clean, white, new" page! So, I called Kassie and told her that I was copying my book, and leaving her the "CLEAN" copies. "Kassie, I'm so glad you said that it would be fine, because I might have cried if you had said "no". :( I cannot tell you how much I will miss playing for the choir, and for the praise and worship service! You do a wonderful job in leading the choir and playing for church! Lead, play and sing with all your heart, as you have always done. Bro. Elms and I are very proud of you!"

Playing and singing is at the very core of "who" I am! If you are a musician and you get weary at times, always remember you are giving your talents to God, and you are blessing His people as you play and sing. You are ushering in His presence so those who are weary, frustrated, and stressed from the things they face in "life", can feel His presence and leave the service refreshed, because they have been touched by God! Apostolic musicians who are anointed are very important to the church. Give it all you've got! BE the best you can be! ENJOY your "place" in the church. Don't give into the trap of weariness. We don't have time to get "TIRED"! There is someone who is needing to be refreshed. YOU may be the one to lead them to the throne room of God. Sing with "all your heart"! Play with "all your heart" and the "heart of God" will be dancing to your music!

Moving On

Today is a good day! After all the events of the last few weeks, I can say with all my heart, "Everything's Gonna Be Alright". Yesterday morning while getting ready for church I picked up my Bible to see if there was anything God would speak to my "aching heart". As I said in the last post, I was not looking forward to being in church. Please do not take offence to that statement, because it wasn't that I didn't want to be "in the house of God", or neither was it because I didn't want to "see my friends" at church. It was all because I didn't want to say goodbye to all the wonderful people in my life. So, I picked up my Bible, thumbed through the pages, and nothing jumped out at me, so I started reading. I didn't have time to read ALL the words so I decided to read just the "red letter" portion of scripture. Here is what "jumped" out at me....."Woman, why weepest thou?.........Peace be unto you!" At that moment I knew He was watching over me and once again I could say, "Everything's Gonna Be Alright"! I continued getting dressed, got in my car and as I drove to "my church" for the last service of being "the Pastor's wife of Life Tabernacle", the Lord brought to my remembrance the Tuesday night service at The Apostolic Church in Beaumont. Here is what happened:

God spoke directly to my husband in a powerful way through tongues and interpretation, two times. After He was finished speaking, His presence lingered. We were wrapped in His arms and we knew "Everything's Gonna Be Alright". As I stood in His presence, Jonathan took the hand of a little lady who is used mightily of God in the gifts of the spirit, and brought her to me. When she layed her hand on me she spoke PEACE to my mind, my heart, my spirit. It was beautiful and powerful and from God directly to me! All who were there will testify that "His presence filled the Tabernacle"! No one knew what we were facing except for Jonathan and Brenda and we knew God was in control of our lives. Let me say that this happened BEFORE District Conference. We knew God was going to lead us and guide us into the future of our lives.

So, let me just say today.....He has taken control of our steps, and the steps of Life Tabernacle. Through much prayer, unity, and seeking the face of God for the future of the "church in Wichita Falls" the WILL of GOD will be accomplished!!! Life Tabernacle has come too far in the "spirit of unity" to allow ANYTHING to distract it from the PERFECT will of God! God's promises to the church through the years are going to come to pass! I feel His presence as I write today. He spoke to us as a church and said, "I have given you this city"! In just four weeks, EVERY DOOR in Wichita Falls will have been knocked by persistent, dedicated saints of Life Tabernacle, and the people who live behind those doors will have been given the opportunity to come in contact with Truth! God has given us THIS CITY! Don't give up on the promises of God, Life Tabernacle! Bro. Elms and I are looking forward with great expectation to what is going to take place! I believe with all my heart, there is still going to be the greatest harvest you have ever seen. The waters in the baptistry will not be still for long, because of those who will be asking to be baptized. The altars will be filled with hungry people and they will be filled with the Holy Ghost and fire!!!! Stay close to the heartbeat of God, He will direct your hearts to your next Pastor who will love you, and lead you on into REVIVAL!!!

I will close for now. THANK YOU all for your prayers and support over the last few weeks. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to follow Him, and as we make the move to our next "Adventure With God".

Mother's Day

First, let me say "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY" to all of you. I am really not looking forward to tomorrow, because it is the last Sunday we will be at Life Tabernacle as Pastor and Pastor's wife. As I have said before, "I know we are in the will of God" but this has been one of the hardest things I have ever done! I will be fine, the church will be fine, and God is good, but it still doesn't feel good to leave our church, home, friends, and family. We have had a beautiful, wonderful life in Wichita Falls, and we have so many wonderful memories that we will be taking with us. I thank God for bringing us here 24 years ago. I have watched my boys grow up in a church full of saints who loved them and loved us. I can sincerely say that Life Tabernacle helped us raise our sons. They are "what they are today" because of all the teaching, training, and examples from you! THANK YOU! (from the bottom of my heart) Even though I am sad, I am thankful that God is giving me peace. There is great comfort in knowing He is here for us, and we have many friends who are praying for us at this time.

I do not know what to expect in the next few months, but I look forward to the future. The month of June is approaching very quickly and once it hits we will be busy, busy, busy! What an exciting time we are going to have on "the ole' camp ground"! I hope to see all you TEXANS sometime during the month of June! If you are not a TEXAN you might ought to take the time to come to Texas Camp Meeting. We are going to have a wonderful time!

Gotta Have a Laugh!

In all the boxes of "stuff" I have been going through I came across a box full of MEMORIES from my very young teenage years. I had so much fun going through the box and had a lot of wonderful laughs. When I was quite young (about 14 or so) there was a guy that really liked me and wanted to date me, but the "dating rule" in our home and church was: You must be 16 years old to date! It happened that this particular person was much older than me, but really wanted me to go out with him. I didn't even "like him" and really had no desire to go on a date with him. One day my friend and I were together and we started writing a "get lost letter" to him. I found it today and I had a good laugh over it. Wendell and I had a blast walking down Memory Lane today. I am going to share with you what my friend and I wrote, but keep in mind, we were all of 14-15 years old, and....I don't THINK we actually sent him a copy of it. But, we sure had fun writing it!!! LOL!

Dear ______________ ( I will not give the name)

I was just sitting here, and having nothing else to do, I thought I'd write you now and get it over with.

To begin with...............HI!

Secondly....................BYE!

Seriously, I won't be able to go with........tomorrow (ooops sorry - I was
thinking of someone else).

Really tho you shouldn't be too disappointed 'cause I've heard you say numerous times that you could take out anyone you wanted to. Anyway the OTHER girl will appreciate it.

My father wouldn't give me permission to go with you anyway - (and)
- (I've prayed about it -----(and)-----(The Lord spoke to me and said,
"Linda, there are girls needier than thou. It is more blessed to give (up a date that you don't want) than to receive it.")

The main thing is.......ooops!......I can't remember what it was.

Well, I hope you'll forgive me and by doing so not make me have to get the "writers cramp", having to refuse your asking me out so PLEASE!!!!! let's be friends and ask some girl out that will appreciate your (kind??????) offer.

Good Luck to U and May God bless you and Jesus too!

Linda Layne
Copyright 1968

Girls, I do not suggest you write a letter like this, but it was sure fun thinking about it! LOL!

I hope this brings a laugh to your heart and helps you remember some of the "goofy" things you did when you were a teenager!

Special Note: If you happen to be one of my "friends" who knew me way back then, let's please remain friends and NOT disclose ANY NAMES! LOL!

End of Blog?

I have had a lot of people tell me I "better not stop blogging". I guess since we will be moving and our lives are changing, some think I might would stop. Let me put your mind at rest for those who have been concerned about this. Life is changing, but all the more reason for me to keep blogging. Blogging is one of the most enjoyable "hobbies" I have ever done, so I plan on "keeping on". :) I really do want to stay in contact with my friends and family. We have a lot of "adventures" ahead and knowing me, I will want to share with you what is happening in our lives and those we come in contact with. I really can't believe all of you read my feeble writings, but I'm sure glad you do! LOL!

Just one little thought for tonight before going to bed...."The roller-coaster ride I'm on has brought quick turns, uphill climbs, and sudden drops! I'm really glad God is riding with me, and I'm strapped in good and tight, or I might have fallen off a long time ago."

President Bill Clinton Speaks

Yesterday at the Church of Pentecost in Asheville, NC, President Bill Clinton spoke for a few minutes. Here is the link to hear what he had to say. You can read about it and see pictures of his visit to Brent and Cyndi Keatings church, then scroll down to hear the audio.

Also, Chelsea Clinton visited the United Pentecostal Church in Fayetteville, NC. You can read about it here.

WOW!

What an awesome move of God we had tonight in our service here at home! It's been really tough on all of us since Bro. Elms resigned our awesome church, and I was dreading being in service today and tonight. Not because I didn't want to be with everyone, but it's hard leaving the people you love so much! I couldn't hardly talk to anyone, because my emotions have been so upset. But, thank the Lord, HE intervened tonight and I feel some better. I don't know about anyone else, but when you have loved a group of people as deeply as we have, and they have loved you, it's terrible having to tell them goodbye!! The only way I can describe how I have felt is, "I have hurt like I had just lost my parents", and it hasn't been easy. Lest anyone would think that I am unhappy about our "move", please be assured that I'm not unhappy about the "will of God" for our lives. I know He is leading us and we are following to the best of our ability. I just never knew it would hurt this bad. Thank you all for praying for us. It means everything to know you care.

Life Tabernacle Saints, you are wonderful people, and we love you more than we can say. I know it's hard to lose your Pastor, but God has you in His hands and He will hold you, and guide you to another Pastor who will lead you on in revival and the promises that have been given our church. We will rejoice whenever we hear of great things happening at "home". I wish I could wrap you all in my arms and comfort you, and you me, but know I will always "hold you in my heart". Thank you for the praise and worship tonight. It helped me get through today. I love you!

Back In WF

We are back from the Texas Men's Conference. From all reports I've heard the conference was probably the BEST conference, ever!! I wish I could have been in church to hear the music, and preaching! I'm glad they had a wonderful time! We've got a lot to do over the next couple of weeks. I hope the "time" doesn't get any shorter than it is, because if it does we won't get it all done! :) Thank you all for praying for our house to sell. One of these days I'll get on here and be able to say, "SOLD"!!! That will be a wonderful day! I am not a real patient person when it comes to things that need to happen "NOW". LOL! God knows what's going on and I'm glad He does! If He didn't, we would all be "up a creek without a paddle". Yes, I think I'm rambling, so I'm going to stop and go to bed. Have a great Sunday!

Keep Holding On

A friend sent me this quote her mother says when things are not going right, and I have found it to be true. She writes, "We love to rejoice in the midst of the miracle, but never forget, the blind man had to endure a life of hardship, and a little spit in the eyes before he could experience the joy and fulfillment of God's true plan."

If you are going through a situation that doesn't seem to be "lining up" to what you thought it would, just "keep holding on"! God has a PLAN! When His plan is fulfilled it will be beautiful.

I will be the first to admit that He surprises me from time to time, but, I do not want to grieve Him by questioning His will. He has always put the pieces of the puzzle together in my life, and yours, so just let Him work the puzzle. Our son, Andrew preached a message recently about the "tapestry of life". The title of his message was, "Everything's Gonna Be Alright". What a message! I just believe it's "gonna be alright"!

I am looking forward to our "new life" in Lufkin. I never thought I would ever be saying I would enjoy living in Lufkin! :) Most of my experiences in Lufkin, through the years, has been the "hot, HUMID, stifling" heat in the Summertime. During those weeks we would go to church, go eat, then back to the room or motorhome to stay cool. I have been assured that the whole year is NOT like that, so I trust those who have lived in this area. I know one thing.....when God calls you to do something for Him "everything will be alright".

Jonathan and I drove around yesterday looking at different areas to live in, and found some nice places. Of course, I will not buy another house until mine sells, so please pray that God will send the right people along to buy my house. It is a beautiful home and I will miss it, but I will find another one and enjoy it.

The Kingdom of God has many different areas in which to work. We love being with preacher's and their families. I am looking forward to "getting to know" the ministers and their wives in Texas. God has a lot of wonderful things in store for the Texas District! I believe we can all excel in the things of God. I just wonder what the next years have to hold for those who "come together in unity".

I really can't wait for June to arrive and Camp Meeting to get here. Then, after Camp Meeting, our camps start, young people arrive, and children come to "the old camp ground"! I have ALWAYS wanted to be on the camp ground for the month of June. I know it's HOT, but there is something about the electrifying excitement among those who gather that I enjoy. This year I plan to be there enjoying the fellowship with those who come to TEXAS CAMP MEETING! Preachers, PK's (of which I am proud to be one), saints, missionaries, guests from other states will all be here, and it's going to be a great time! Then, I can't wait to see the young people and children of Texas at the Youth Camps! TEXAS! I love it! I'm glad I'm part of it! LOL! Hey, I like that! Can we ALL say it together, now? LOL!

"TEXAS!!!! I LOVE IT! I'M GLAD I'M PART OF IT!"

"When we all pull together......how happy we'll be!"