A Vacation Observation

We are coming to the end of vacation, so I want to share with you what we have observed about a FALL VACATION.As we've been driving the back roads..seeing all the awesome beauty of the turning of the leaves, and smelling the smoke from the fireplaces, we've noticed the further we drove the more relaxed we got. We wanted to pull up to one of the "country homes" and asked if we could come inside to sit by their fire awhile.We really wanted to have a home cooked meal, then borrow one of their beds that had a fluffly pillow top, soft sheets, a grandma quilt, with a chenille bedspread so we could go to SLEEP!

It's amazing how your mind can take you into the "world of dreams" letting you excape the stresses of life. Just wanted to let you know that a FALL vacation is WONDERFUL...if you REALLY want to RELAX!

In Memory of Mother - Branson!

For those of you who knew my Mother well, you will remember at times she would mention Herkimer and Cecil in Branson, then sit and giggle a little while. She loved Herkimer! I had a chance to take a picture with him and Cecil tonight. Ronda and Karla, I wish ya'll would have been with me!

Wendell was talking to Herkimer and I stepped back to take a picture. When I did Herkimer noticed what I was doing, and "posed" with Wendell! After I took the picture Herkimer asked, "Could you tell which one was ME?" He's one of the funniest comedians I've ever seen. Herkimer has been "making people laugh" for 40 years here in Branson.Cecil, Herkimer's son, joined him when he was a little boy making it "twice the fun" ! He is hilarious and refers to himself as a "trained idiot"! We visited Uptown Cafe today and ate a delicious hamburger!Uptown Cafe holds special memories for us from when the boys were teenagers. We came to Branson with Bob, Donna, and Kyron Myre. One day we went to this cafe and Donna and Jonathan had a contest to see who could drink their Coke the fastest. After a lot of laughing and fun, Jonathan won! Of course, Donna says he stuffed her straw with paper! It's a wonder she didn't suck it down her throat and choke! LOL!

Wendell walked out of the cafe "full and happy" once again! :)Oh the memories flood my mind tonight. We've had so much fun through the years with friends and family.

Many years ago we had a couple "family vacations" here in Branson with Daddy, Mother, Karla, Keith, Ginger, Carmen, Shara, Ryan, Wendell, Me, Jonathan, Andrew, Nathan, Ronda, Nathaniel, and Danelle. We rented a place for all of us to stay on Table Rock Lake and had a blast! I'm so glad we made memories as we were "growing up", and continued to "have fun and make memories" even after we were "grown and married"! Karla was the only one left to get married, so she was like the "big sister cousin" to all the "little cousins". What fun!

Vacation Continues

I was "ordered" by a friend to post some of my pictures from our trip, so I guess I better do it! LOL! Really, I haven't taken a lot of different pictures this time. I've tried to capture the beauty of where we've been, but there is no way to show you all the colors on the trees. Here are just a few pictures of where we've been.

I love old barns! I don't know what it is, but they are so intriquing to me.

. Most of the pictures were taken from the car as we drove along the "back roads". Sometimes I only had a "split second" to take it, because there would be a telephone pole, or wires invading the beauty. This little white house looked so inviting as we passed by. I wonder if there was a grandma inside cooking dinner? Here is a "tabacco barn". If you look close enough you can see tobacco leaves hanging inside.
We were driving along and all of a sudden this Amish horse and buggy was there! I almost missed the picture!One thing I've always loved about this part of the country are the "fall arrangements" in the yards. This was at a "town square" in a small town we were driving through.I loved this one at Pigeon Forge! LOL!Give a "hungry man" a fried chicken dinner and you make him happy! We were at the Old Mill Restaurant and it was a delicious home cooked meal! I had the pork chops. I must say I have never had better!Give me an ice cream cone, and you make me as happy as the "hungry man"! LOL!While we were in Pigeon Forge we went to the Comedy Barn. When "Slim Chance" started juggling and telling his jokes Wendell laughed and laughed!!! I love to see him lost in laughter.The "story teller" is hilarious, also! He is very "quick witted" and had us laughing again.It does you good to spend an evening laughing. As they said before the show started, "you will feel better when you leave tonight, because you will be laughing". We definitely felt better!

We went on a "scenic route" and there was so much traffic that to drive the "whole loop" it would have taken 2-3 hours, so we took a "cut through road".We are now in Branson, but realized after we arrived that this week is when they are preparing to open for the Christmas season. Some of the shows are closed until Saturday night, which will be their first showing, but we will be on our way to home. We really don't mind not being here, because we are getting ready to be home.

Sis. Sharon Chance

My heart was saddened to find out about the passing of Sis. Sharon Chance. Her husband, Rev. Mike Chance pastors the Hope Center in San Antonio, TX and was Texas District Sunday School Director for several years. I only knew Sis. Chance from being at district meetings through the years, and she was always kind to me when I would see her. I have heard what a wonderful person she was, and how she made others feel special. I wish I'd known her better. My husband has called Bro. Chance and left a message this evening to let him know we are praying for him, their family, and church family. There are no words to say that will "make the pain go away", but there is nothing like hearing from those who will hold you up to the Lord in prayer. I wish we were close to home so we could be at the service tomorrow. Sis. Chance will definitely be missed by her husband, family, friends, and church! We must let her go even though we don't want to. We will weep.... and even though she didn't want to leave us....she will rejoice...on the other side where there is no more sickness or pain. Rest well Sis. Chance and we will see you "in the morning".

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MANDY!

Dad and I want you to have a fantastic, incredible, and AWESOME birthday! We love you!

Minister's Wives Breakfast, Ladies Day, and Ladies Ministries Breakfast

Here are a few more pictures from conference. I was privileged to be around so many wonderful people! At the "Minister's Wives Breakfast" I sat at the table with Connie Bernard.I was so surprised to see Sarah! She was sitting at our table, too. I had forgotten her and her husband lives in North Carolina, so I was shocked when I turned around and saw her. :) It was good seeing her. She is so sweet and always has a beautiful smile! Karla and Brenda were with me, and I loved being with them. Of course, any chance I have to be with my family is wonderful! Bobbie sat with us, also. Sharon was there, but she had to sit at the "head table", so we got a picture with her after the breakfast. Cindy Miller and Stacy sat at our table, but I missed a picture of them. I enjoyed seeing a life-long friend, Karla. I've known her since she was a little girl. She was the "little sister" to my friend Vicki, and my sister Karla is named after her. That's just a little more "history" of my life. :) Sis. Haney and I had a good laugh together, and finally pulled ourselves together for a picture. :) She's a wonderful lady, and I have always looked up to her. She loved Mother and usually says something about her each time I see her. She didn't disappoint me this time, either. It's always so nice when someone "remembers" those you love! It somehow "keeps them alive". I had the opportunity to speak to Sis. Oakes, the UPCI Ladies Ministry Leader. She is a beautiful lady who has the work of God at heart. "Ladies Day Service" was very good. It was challenging, moving, and victorious. It's beautiful to see so many beautiful ladies serving God! There was a "shuttle" from the hotel, so we enjoyed our time together "to and from" the service. Here they are "gathered up" to get on the bus! :)We had our "little group" to try and keep up with, but sometimes it was almost impossible! LOL! It seemed everytime we had a good walk going through the crowd someone would get stopped! Having friends is just so much "trouble" when you're trying to stay with a group! LOL! LOL! It was funny watching Donna calling Shirley's name as we TRIED to "stay together", but we did! Donna Myre, our Texas District Ladies Leader invited Sis. Russo, Diane, and myself to the "Ladies Ministries Breakfast". This is when the District Ladies Leaders and their Secretary's, District Superintendent's Wife, and District Secretary's Wife are invited to honor the top givers for the year. I had a very enjoyable time being them. I sat with Sis. Russo and Diane. I took a picture of "just them", but they insisted on me being in the picture. :)Donna sat at the "Regional Directors" table, because she has been placed in that position. She does an incredible job for the Texas Ladies work and we love her very much. Now, just one more picture. It is very, very special to me! Sis. Freeman is so wonderful! When anyone tells her what a blessing she has been, she never takes any credit. She makes sure "all the glory" goes to God! What a lady!

I really wanted to share these precious ladies with you. We are family and family shares with each other. If one of us enjoys something, then we want our "family" to enjoy it with us. That's the way I feel about you all! I hope you have enjoyed conference with me.

Family Reunion '08

Every year at General Conference we have the "Elms Family Reunion". This year we got to see some of the "kids" that are growing up, and we got to meet one of the youngest. We enjoy our time together. This year was on Jonathan's birthday. The day before was Scarlet's birthday, so they celebrated together.

In our family we have two Linda's, two Scarlet's, two Savanna's, two David's, a Melody and a Melanie. LOL! It can get real interesting at times! LOL! There are FOUR Elms Brothers, and FOUR Elms Nephews. All of them are preacher's/pastors. When we're all together I love to watch when someone walks up and says, "Bro. Elms". You ought to see all their heads turn! LOL! Two of our nieces married preachers. Melody (David and Linda's daughter) married Glen, and they pastor a growing church in Greensboro, NC. Rolonda, (Royce and Annette's daughter) married Nathan, and he is a preacher! They assist Royce in the church he pastors in Amarillo. I am so thankful for the family I am a part of, and feel humbled that God has let us be used in His Kingdom!

We missed the rest of the family who was unable to be there this year. I wish you all could have been with us!

Pop and Mom Elms, you were awesome saints of God and raised your four sons to love God. You were TRUE Christians, faithful, loving, consistent, loyal to Pastor David F. Gray, involved in the work of God, and never wavered! You never spoke negative about your church or pastor. Now, we see the "fruit of your labor". THANK YOU!

Please forgive me for writing a personal message to my wonderful in-laws. They have been gone for many years now, but I am thankful everyday for the life they lived while here on earth. Someday, we will all meet on the other side and will have a Heavenly Family Reunion. It will be a great day!

Friends and Family At Conference

As I have said so many times on my blog, I LOVE MY FRIENDS and FAMILY! We are so blessed to have wonderful people in our life. People who love you "unconditionally". People who are always "there" for you. People who give you direction and help you when you're making decisions. People of God! Here are just a few of the pictures I took of friends and family at conference. Enjoy!

Vacation Update

We are back on the road! When we left conference we went home with David and Linda Elms.  We have had a wonderful time!  We always enjoy being with them in their home.   Bernard and Sandy, Wendell's oldest brother and wife were there for a couple of days, and it was great being with all of them. Jimmy and Bobbie also arrived at the beginning of the week, so we've had a lot of time together just resting, visiting, and having fun!

I will tell you about this....now that it's over....but, the first night we arrived I reached down to plug my computer in, and all of a sudden a terrible pain shot through my lower back.  I almost didn't make it to the side of the bed to sit down!  I thought, "OH NO....NOT AGAIN!  All I need is just ONE MORE THING TO HAPPEN on this trip."   I had to spend the next couple of days in bed.  Linda, Sandy, and Bobbie were very caring and made sure I had everything I needed.  Of course, Wendell checked on me often.  I really could not believe this had happened. I have been moving very slowly all week, but got to enjoy being with everyone. We were really happy this did not happen on the way TO conference, or while traveling back home causing us to spend a week in a motel!!  I really didn't want to tell ya'll about it before now, but now that I'm better I don't mind you knowing.  :)

The leaves on the trees are beautiful!  Fall is definitely here, and we are enjoying the beauty.

We are now in Pigeon Forge and will enjoy being here tomorrow.  I hope to take a drive and see more of the beauty that surrounds us. 

I am unable to post any slide shows tonight.  I haven't been able to get the websites "working right".  Maybe a few pictures are better than nothing?   I will do my best to upload some pictures tomorrow night.   

I will leave you with a smile from a "little fella" that's won my heart this week.  He is Nathan and Charla Elms baby boy!

If that doesn't make your day brighter you need to check your pulse! :)  Have a GREAT Sunday!

A Little About General Conference

I want to say from the very beginning that General Conference was wonderful and filled with unity! We missed our friends and family that could not be there this year, because of "whatever situation", but we had a great time visiting with those who were there. We left refreshed and encouraged. I just wish everyone could have felt the "pulling together" that we felt in the services. God came and touched all those who were hungry for a fresh touch! I'm glad I was one who received it. It is really hard to describe the many emotions that swept over my soul as I sat in the services. Sometimes we rejoiced for "what the Lord had done" and "what He is doing", other times we were in awe because of "WHO HE IS".  Then there were those times we felt "conviction" from the preaching of the Word of God. Oh, how I wish everyone could have been sitting in the auditorium when thousands of voices were lifted in praise to the King of kings. I was so thankful to be around those who were "full of wonder" about the work of God!

We had our Elms Family Reunion on Jonathan's birthday this year. I know that was a special time for him. (Andrew and Mandy we REALLY missed ya'll! I really hope you can be there next year!!!!!) It was so good to see our niece's and nephew's who have grown up to be young men and young ladies!

We were so happy to be able to spend some "special time" with Randy and Sharon Keyes. This is the first year at conference that we have been able to eat TWO meals with them!! They are very special friends to us and we love being with them! As I've said in times past, "Randy and I were raised together. Randy was my brother's best friend, and I was his little sister", so we have a lot of memories we enjoy together. Also, Wendell, Randy and Sharon went to Bible School together and were friends "way back then", so they share a lot of memories. It's great having lifelong friends! We also ate several meals with the Shoemakes. Of course, they are "family" to us. One night we had dinner with Bro. and Sis. Shaw from Austin, and Gene and Karla. We had a great time of laughter!!!! LOL! I can't leave out seeing my "sister chicks", Veda, Tracie, and Jerry Ann. I love you all so much and was so happy to get to visit with you. Donna, and Shirley, thank you for inviting me to "run around" with you all. Tara, I owe you a great big thank you for helping me out at the "bus stop". :) To be honest, we saw so many friends! There is no way to list everyone we got to visit with! I LOVED BEING AT CONFERENCE!

We have been part of the UPCI all of our lives and I wouldn't trade the friendships we have made through the years. Please don't anyone criticize my "roots". I am THANKFUL for everyone who has made us who we are today. I am thankful for the opportunities we have had in the United Pentecostal Church. I am thankful for the messages that have brought us "freedom from sin"! I am THANKFUL for those who have loved us "unconditionally"! I am THANKFUL! If it wasn't for men and women of God who have taught me the "way of righteousness" I would be lost today. THANK YOU! 

Bro. Haney, our General Superintendent preached a wonderful message on Thursday night and I was once again thankful for those who "blazed the trail" before us to give us what we have today. "If it wasn't for our past, we wouldn't have what we have today, and we sure couldn't go into the future knowing God would bring us through each battle we will fight! We know we will be VICTORIOUS no matter what comes our way, because of those who were our examples!" We are on the WINNING SIDE and I plan to make it to the other side!!!!

Note:  I will do a slide show of conference.  I have a slow connection right now and it would take forever.  I'm just happy I could "blog a little" tonight.    

Once Again...I'm Sorry

I wanted to get on tonight and just say, "I'm Sorry" for not posting. Because of circumstances since leaving conference I have been unable to post. Maybe I'll be able to "tomorrow". I still love you all! :)

Jonathan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JONATHAN!

We are at conference so I haven't seen him, but will in a little while at the Elms' Family Reunion. (Andrew and Mandy we miss you!)

Jonathan, it is so great being your Mother. Dad and I love seeing you around conference visiting with other ministers. We are blessed and so proud of you for the man of God you have become, and for the life you live!! 

Have a GREAT DAY! WE LOVE YOU!

Quick Update

I'm still ALIVE and WALKING!!! No mishaps today, and I'm having a wonderful time at conference!!!! I will post more when I get a chance. I love you all! Thank you for your prayers, love and concern, and the many laughs about my recent fall.

Travelling....Good for Your Health?

Today "had been an uneventful day".  After yesterday we needed a "break"!!  :)  We drove through more beautiful country, and noticed the further we drove the more "color" began showing up on the trees.  I love this time of year!  I didn't get a lot of pictures today, but I did quickly snap this one (with my little camera) as we were travelling at about 65 mph.  I thought it turned out rather well, since I only had a "second" to push the button!

We arrived at our hotel feeling good, and all was well UNTIL.....OH NO.....here we go again! :( Before going on with my "uneventful day", I have just one question to ask.  

Has anyone seen a "person" called "Trouble" following us?  :)  

I went down to the hotel Business Center to use the computer and printer, picked up some milk, water, and Diet Coke, and some snacks to have in case we got hungry before going to sleep.  I got back to the room without dropping it, put it down, then started unpacking.  I really was doing just fine, and then it happened!!!!!!  The bedspread was hanging on the floor, and as I turned, my toe got TANGLED UP in the corner of the bedspread.  I really was doing just fine.....until.....SLAM, BANG, OUCH.....I was thrown to the floor of the bathroom.  YES, IT HURT BAD!!!  NO, I DIDN'T BREAK ANYTHING!!!  YES, I HAD TO CRY!!!  IT HURT REALLY, REALLY BAD!!!  I THINK I will be fine in the morning when I wake up, but I am a little concerned about getting my left foot in its shoe for conference.  It hurts pretty bad, and is swelling some, but I will be JUST FINE.....I think :)

I'm beginning to think traveling might be bad for my health!  LOL!  After my blood pressure went up yesterday over my camera getting busted, and my body being slammed to the floor without giving me any warning, it just might be better for me to "sleep in" and "take it easy" for a few weeks!!!  The only problem is, I really want to see my friends and family this week, and if I don't get to I just might have a "hissy fit"!  (whatever that is)  

So, if you're reading this blog, and think I've just about "lost it", you just might be RIGHT!  :)