It's A Small World...Especially with technology

I wrote a short post this morning and ended it with saying, "I'm off to make more "memories". I'm going to eat lunch with my son, Jonathan." NEVER did I think I would meet up with a "friend" from my childhood when I wrote those words!

As we were sitting in McAlester's eating a Turkey Melt Sandwich a lady came to our table and said, "This may be a little strange, but are you Linda?" I couldn't believe my ears! "Wellll, yes I am." I answered. She said, "I'm connected to Ronda on Facebook and when I saw you walk in I knew you were Linda. I just love Facebook and all the old pictures people put on their page." My curiosity was killing me and I found out that Karen Doyle's father pastored in Clovis, CA right next door to Fresno where my dad pastored Truth Tabernacle! We had gone to all the Section 5 Fellowship meetings, youth rallies, and everything and anything our churches were having. She is more Ronda's age, but I remembered her parents well from our days in California!!!

Karen, it was great seeing you today! You brought back a lot of "memories" from so long ago and made "new memories" for us to treasure. Yes, I will be happy to meet you in Lufkin for lunch or dinner someday. :) Just write me on FB and I will get back with you!!!
We found other friend/family connections as we talked and I was once again "blown away" by how SMALL this world really is! When anything like this happens I always start singing the song in my head, "It's a small world after all! It's a small world after all! It's a small world after all! It's a small, small world!" LOL! Now, I hope you all start singing it and you can't get if off of your mind for a few days! LOL! I know...that's mean...but I just can't help it! (hee-hee) It's one of those songs you can't keep from singing once it comes to mind. :)

You MUST Go READ!

Hello everyone! A lot of you who read my blog, also reads Ronda and Karla's blog, but I know some of you do not. If you have been raised in Pentecost, or are a PK, you NEED to go read Ronda's blog from a couple of days ago. I didn't realize until this morning that she had written about "Memories" and I have been smiling ever since I read this morning. LOL! You will definitely ENJOY the walk "Down Memory Lane".

Have a wonderful day enjoying your "memories". You might even want to share them with someone and make them SMILE!!!

I'm off to make more "memories". I'm going to eat lunch with my son, Jonathan!

Just Today

I decided to stop by my blog tonight and say "hello" to everyone! Today has been a nice day. Everyone here has been busy, and I had lunch with my friend, Sandra Myer at Jason's Deli. She's such a wonderful person to be around. We have a lot of fun together just talking and laughing! She's always had a "ready smile" and a "laugh" that is contagious. I've always loved that about her!!! Sandra, thank you for your time today. You're always so gracious and kind. Love you so much!

I met up with Jonathan and Brenda for supper, and now I'm at the house with Savanna and Scarlet. We've laughed, talked, and just had a little fun together. They are a mess!!!

I got a call today from Alayna saying she got FOUR FIRST PLACE RIBBONS in running, leaping, and throwing! She was excited! I don't know all the information about it, so maybe Mandy will BLOG and tell us. (hint-hint-HINT-HINT) LOL! I heard little Ashlyn's voice for a second. She's such a little doll...just like the rest of my granddaughters! (couldnt' resist)

Savanna has done excellent in school, too. She found out yesterday that she got "Best Classroom Leadership Certificate" of the year!!

WAY TO GO GIRLS! I am SO PROUD of you BOTH!

Wendell is having a wonderful time with his brothers! Royce and Wendell set a new record yesterday in the Elms Brothers Reunion Golf Game. They won with a score of 69!!!! They were excited about it, but I don't know how David and Bernard felt about it. Sorry guys! :) I'll be anxiously waiting to hear how the rest of the week goes. LOL!

I will say goodnight for now. I'm going to eat some sweet watermelon!!!! Ohhhhhhh....how I LOVE it!

Memorial Day Weekend Activities '09

It's the time of year my husband meets his brothers for their Brother's Reunion, so we came down to Beaumont to be here on the weekend, then Jonathan could take Wendell to the airport in Houston Monday morning EARLY. I am posting a slideshow of what all has been going on since we arrived.

I sure do miss my husband!!! He's only been gone since yesterday morning and it already feels like a week! I'm so glad he gets to go be with his brothers each year. They always have a lot of fun being together and getting renewed physically, mentally, and I'm sure they have times of discussion about the Kingdom. You can't have four preacher's together that love the work of God like these four do, and not talk about it!

I am enjoying being here with the kids. I'm taking the time to think and pray, and enjoy being with friends and family.

It's a wonderful life and I'm enjoying it!

Willis TX Weekend

A few weeks ago when I went to Section 9 Minister's Wives Luncheon with Karen Wehrle and Diane Green, we were traveling along and I saw an RV Park on a lake that was beautiful. When I saw my husband I told him about it and also said I would LOVE to stay there sometime. I did not know where it was located, because "us ladies" were talking and having a good time.

Pastor Stovall called and invited us to come preach for him, so when we asked him about parking at the church in our motorhome he said, "No, I'll get you a space at the RV Park. I would rather you be there." We didn't have any idea that the RV Park he was talking about was the very place I had seen a few weeks earlier! I love it how God shows us how much He cares about "the little things" in life! You will see by the pictures that it was a beautiful place to relax.

After we arrived and "set up" our home the Stovall's picked us up and took us to eat dinner. When we drove up to the restaurant, and I read the name BING'S, I couldn't believe it. The restaurant serves Chinese food and I remembered "way back when I was a little girl" going to a Chinese restaurant with my Uncle C.W. called "BING'S"! It was the only one I had ever heard of and now here I was looking at the name again. Of course, I had to ask if it was the SAME family who owned these two. I found out they were not the same, but it was another one of those times "memories" flooded my mind. I enjoyed my "walk down Memory Lane" for a few minutes. :)

We had a good nights rest and went to church Sunday morning. We had never been to Willis so we were happy to be seeing the church and being with the saints and Pastor's family who "worships the Lord in spirit and in Truth"! What a great move of the Holy Ghost we had!!! As I was sitting there looking around I felt like I knew some of the people on the platform. I kept asking Sis. Stovall who "this one and that one" was. I finally laughed and said, "It's hard to worship when you're trying to figure out who everyone is!" LOL! After church we found out that THIRTY-ONE years ago we preached a revival where these people attended church! They remembered us from so long ago, and came to my husband to tell him what a blessing he had been through his ministry at that time! WOW! It's so great being a part of something that lasts a "lifetime", and when you invest in it, the "benefits" come back to you over and over again. We had a delicious meal and a time of fellowship at some of the saints home, along with Pastor Stovall and family, and others who were friends from the church. It's wonderful when you can "connect" with people and feel like you've known them a lifetime. But, that's the way it is in the Kingdom of God!

On Sunday evening there was no service so the Stovall's came to see us at the RV park and we had a great time visiting and watching Logan fish. He caught two fish and we all got excited with him. He was so happy! Logan is a very special boy and we connected real fast. He reminded me of my mother's brother, David and so we had a great time together. He made me laugh at his "little remarks" about things, and was a joy to be around. Thanks Logan for a wonderful time!

We feel we have made some more "friends for life" and we are so blessed to know this great Pastor and family! Thank you, Bro. and Sis. Stovall, Logan and Abundant Life Church for a great time! You treated us like royalty! I just hope we can return the blessings in some way!!

"I am blessed! I am blessed!
Everyday that I live I am blessed.
When I wake up in the morning,
Or I lay my head to rest.
I am blessed! I am blessed!"

This song says exactly the way I feel when we have been in the company of friends who love the Lord with all their heart!

Read the Instructions

We pulled in from the weekend yesterday evening in our motor home. Back home....ahhhh....even if it is on an "RV Pad" at the camp ground. We were HOME! We had an awesome weekend and enjoyable lunch with friends on Monday while we waited for some work to be done on our "wheel estate"...so now.....

Wendell went outside to "set up", and I pushed the button for the "slide out room" to "slide out". :) I then sat down in the driver's seat to level the coach. I have done this "many times" and "knew exactly what to do"! After making sure everything was ready to level, I pushed the button on the "Control Panel" to set the "stabilizer jacks" and NOTHING happened! Ok...now, what is wrong? Questions started running through my mind and Wendell started searching for the answers. We took the panel out of the dash, checked fuses, and after a time of not finding the answer to our problem he went to bed. I, on the other hand, went to the internet and started searching. I looked at many different RV Forums, FMCA Forums(Family Motor Coach Association)...searching......searching......searching for our answer! I finally went to the Power Gear Company website, the "maker" of the system, and found a little information. Finally, I decided to call it a night, and went to bed.

Today.....Wendell called the company, and they gave him some more places to check for "blown fuses". He came home a little early from work to "find the problem" and FIX IT! He did everything he had been told, and still NOTHING happened! In an exasperated voice he said, "This is NOT a good time for this to be happening!" Knowing my husband and how he likes things to "work right", I felt really bad for him. I wanted it all to come together "easy" and not take forever to find the problem, or even worse, having to take it to an RV mechanic to find the problem. That can cost a LOT of money that we didn't have to spend, and besides that it puts us out of a place to live. I agreed with my husband, "This is NOT a good time for this to be happening!"

I am the "personality type" that when things happen and there seems to be "no answer" I either say, "Oh well.....it'll work out" or I get aggravated that "nothing IS working out" and do my best to "find the answer". It's not because I think I'm smart, because I'm not, but because something rises up in me and says, "there HAS to be an answer to this problem". Hearing the frustration in my husbands voice I got that feeling of determination inside that says, "I'm going to look until I find it!"

So, I got out the "Power Gear Manual" Wendell had printed off of the company site, took it to the front of the coach, sat down in the driver's seat, and read:

"Trouble Shooting Guide"

The following information will guide you to repairs that may be made on site.

1. Probable Cause: Coach Ignition Not In Run Position

Corrective Action: Turn Ignition To Run Position

2. Probable Cause: Transmission Not In Park Or Neutral

` Corrective Action: Place Transmission In Park or Neutral

3. Probable Cause: Parking Brake Not Set

Corrective Action: Set Brake

That's as far as I got! As I read each "Probable Cause" and each "Corrective Action" I "checked" each one. I got to "SET BRAKE". I checked to see if the "brake was set" and it WASN'T! How could that be? I ALWAYS "SET BRAKE"!

Any motor home owner knows that is one of the FIRST things you must do when you are "setting up" a motor home. Anytime you put the coach in "NEUTRAL" and you're going to "sit for awhile", you MUST set the brake or the coach can start rolling and cause you a lot of problems. One of the problems is the "jacks" won't go down to stabilize the coach, if you don't SET THE BRAKE!!! I knew all of this, but somehow I had let that "important step" slip by.

I KNOW....I'm a simple thinker, but this really hit me hard!

There are many people who, in their walk with God, start having problems with "the world" in their lives. Questions start pounding in their mind about "this" or "that", and they start looking for all the "answers" in all the wrong places.

One of the places we go is "reasoning from a carnal mind".

The other is "asking others what THEY think", rather than the man of God, your Pastor, who loves your soul and would do anything to get you to heaven. He would lead you to God's Word for your answers, but we don't want that. It might cause us a little discomfort.

Another place some go is "comparing themselves with others and what THEY are doing".

I have a question..."Since when was anyone so "holy and righteous" that they can be the "measuring stick" for others?" Now, don't get me wrong...the Apostle Paul wrote: "Follow me...as I follow Christ". There ARE those we should look to for our example of what Christ would be pleased with, but the ones we SHOULD look at and FOLLOW are those who live or have lived their lives with this in mind....."Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world". But, a lot of people don't want to measure themselves by THESE Godly examples! So, we keep questioning, and keep getting frustrated from "question after question", when all we need to do is go back to the BASICS of what makes living for God enjoyable. Frustrations from this world would be silenced if we would "get our eyes on Jesus" and "obey His Word"!

Back to our dilemma......We could have been frustrated for many days if we had not gone back to the book and started at the "basics of setting our motor home up" when we did.

I'm asking all of us to RE-VISIT the BOOK, God's Word, and FOLLOW the instructions for a "spiritual stress free life"!

1. Read the directions and SET THE BRAKE!

When you find yourself "off balance" and feel you are "rocking" from this world, SET THE BRAKE on your "heart" and don't let the "things of this world" take away your love for "the things of God".

2. Don't let the world creep into your spirit and mind.

SET THE BRAKE and you'll be back on the "foundation" you've always known that kept you "safe from all harm"!

Oh yeah! By the way......the "stabilizer jacks" worked fine...after I SET the BRAKE!

A Quick Reminder

THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME!

I'm so glad I don't have to worry about what this world "is doing" or "is not doing"! I am thankful for my HOME on the other side, and for friends and family who are making the journey with me! Love you all!

Sunday May 17th Is a Special Day

I can't go to bed tonight without remembering Daddy on this day! It is already "early Monday morning", but if Daddy was still alive he would have turned 79 years old on Sunday May 17th!!! It just doesn't seem real that he is on the other side, and it sure doesn't seem real that he would have been 79 years old!!! I wish he could have been with me today as I sat by Lake Conroe and watched Logan Stovall catch fish. So, "IN MEMORY OF MURRAY L. LAYNE", a great fisherman and a man of God who loved to "fish for souls", I am posting this picture of a "neat young man" that we have fallen in love with today. Daddy would have LOVED Logan!!! I also want to say that I received a text from Tracie after church to tell me about a man who visited their church today and said he had "received the Holy Ghost in Houston when Bro. Layne was Pastor". She said, "he very affectionately spoke of your parents. I thought you would enjoy hearing about it!"

"Tracie, I enjoyed hearing about this happening today! It made my heart warm to hear about someone whose life had been changed because of Daddy preaching the Word of God to them. Thank you for sharing this very special moment with me."

I will write about our great weekend later on "this morning", but for now...I'm heading to bed. Have a great MONDAY! Goodnight!

Note: The picture of Daddy with all the fish was taken in Alaska when he was about 21 years old.

TBC Graduation 2009 Events

On Thursday and Friday night we were at Texas Bible College Graduation Banquet and Graduation. We enjoyed these two events. Being with young people who have dedicated three or four years to the learning of God's Word, and understanding ministry in the church is heartwarming.

We were honored to be able to "stand in" for James and Carmen when they were unable to be at Kyle's graduation. Kyle understood all the reasons "why". The reason he understood is because he has been trained that "faithfulness in all things" is necessary to being "saints of God". So, he rested in knowing this was, once again, "the case". His parents who love God, their church, and their Pastor were "being faithful" to their "ministry in music" and Kyle understood. He is use to "this way of life", because this is the way he was raised...to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength!

We were happy to be able to attend the graduation events and also happy to be with Kyle. "Kyle, we love you and are proud you finished four years of Bible School!

I took a few pictures for James and Carmen. We missed ya'll!

Wonderful Birthday!!!

I had a WONDERFUL Birthday! The Lord knew "just what I needed" for my birthday, so He sent me MANY friends to let me know I wasn't alone.

The kids couldn't be here today because of their schedules, and let me say....I DO UNDERSTAND! We pastored for a long time and understand how things can be, and having children in school, it's almost impossible to celebrate on the DAY of your birthday! Really, what else is new? I was talking to one of my sisters today and we talked about "not getting to celebrate our special days ON our special day". It has been that way a lot of our lives. We were either at church, at conference, at an important meeting, AT this...AT that...so our "special days" were celebrated either before or afterwards! We understood we were still loved just as much by our parents, husbands, or children when this happened. It was just the "life of a preacher" and we have accepted it as such.

I talked to my sons and their wives, and my granddaughters on my birthday. Hearing their voices was like music in my ears, and love in my heart! It's always good to hear their voices as they sing or say "H-A-P-P-Y B-I-R-T-H-D-A-Y"! :) I get a really "happy heart" when this happens! THANK YOU my sweet kids and granddaughters for making my day SPECIAL!

Ronda and Karla called and talked to me, making my day that much more special! It's so neat having "sisters"! We think so much alike. It's amazing. I love you both!!!! You are both so beautiful, and I'm proud of you. You mean the world to me!

I went to the Post Office to pick up the mail today and found a card from my dear friend, Karen. It was so special getting this card from her. We have a "special treat" we like to eat when we're together and she sent me the money to enjoy that "treat" since she wasn't here to celebrate with me. Karen, you brought a big smile to my face when I opened my card from you! THANK YOU for being a "true friend" to me. I love you!

My husband finally gave me my gifts from the Russo's!! I had to wait till the day OF my birthday to get them. :) He is so funny! Sis. Russo has been so thoughtful in making me feel special and I love her so much. They are great people and I want to say here on my blog that I appreciate her and Bro. Russo. Thank you, both for loving us and accepting us for "who we are". You're wonderful! Thank you for the gifts. I love my books, notecards, traveling bag, little butterfly pin, and bookmark. It's all very nice.

We went to the TBC Graduation Banquet tonight and when we were shown where we were going to sit, I noticed a card at my plate. I picked it up and it was a card from another dear friend, Diane Green! Diane, you are something else! I don't think you ever forget one thing. As busy as you are, yet you would take the time to buy ME a card and stop at Starbuck's and buy me a "gift card"....you amaze me! Thank you my sweet friend for "being here" for me this year. I love you!

I received another beautiful card from Rita, a friend that has stood by me and my family through the years! "Rita, when I saw your handwriting on the outside of the envelope I missed you so much. Your card was full of love and I felt it all the way from "home"! Thank you for thinking of me and showing me how much you care. You're very special to me, and I love you!"

My phone rang this morning and it was my "life-long friend", Vicki! I LOVE IT when she calls! Her voice makes me happy. If you know her, you know what I'm talking about. When I answer my phone, and it's her, I hear..."What are you doin'?" It makes me smile. "Vicki, thank you for making my day more special by calling and letting me know you were thinking about me.

Wendell was so sweet to me today and told me to go buy me a new iPhone for my birthday, so I thought about it for a SECOND and.........WENT! LOL! I had the "original iPhone" and I could "upgrade" and I'm glad I did. I really do like it! Now, we are waiting for 3G service to come to Lufkin. The sales girl told us it's suppose to be here sometime this summer, and that will be really nice for me! I do all of my internet on an air card so when we get upgraded to 3G my computer will run faster online, and my phone will also be faster. I can't hardly wait!

I got so many "Happy Birthday Wishes" from so many people today that I'm afraid I cannot tell you who all wrote, called, sent cards, or just said, "Happy Birthday"! Just know that because of all of you I have had a WONDERFUL, FANTASTIC, LOVELY, HAPPY DAY!

Happy Birthday Wishes

This is ME at age 5 as the Flower Girl in Jimmy and Bobbie Shoemake's wedding!













Today is my birthday and I am overwhelmed with all of the "birthday wishes" I have already received! They started a couple days ago and have continued to come in on Facebook, Plaxo, text messages on my cell phone, Birthday card websites, US Postal Service, and at the Texas District Evangelism Center office!!! Oh yeah! I even got some birthday wishes from people on "Gaither.com". I don't even know these people, but they are helping make my day wonderful, also. To think people who do not have a clue who you are is taking the time to write a birthday message...that's so kind! I feel so loved by all my friends and family! I am having a WONDERFUL DAY because of YOU!

Wendell will be tied up most of the afternoon with a Texas Bible College (TBC) board meeting, and tonight we have the TBC graduation banquet, but we will have a good time. Never in a million years would I have ever dreamed I would be in LUFKIN, TX celebrating my birthday, my husband working in the district office, going to a TBC banquet, and receiving birthday wishes from all over the nation! WOW! Life has a way of surprising a person, for sure! But, I'm enjoying the surprise!!! That is what's even more surprising! :) I have always lived with the belief you should accept those things that come your way and enjoy life "as is". You might as well or you will be one miserable person, and I sure don't want to live in misery!

For the last few days we have had "neighbors". Bro. and Sis. Jordan from Daisetta have been here working on their 5th wheel, so last night we were invited to join them for some ice cream and strawberries. We had a wonderful time visiting with them. They pastored the church in Ranger, TX about 29 years ago. We arrived in Comanche, TX to pastor there while they were in Ranger. We had a lot to talk about and had fun doing so. I really don't know what people do who lose "life" friends. I LOVE having people around me that I've "known" or have "known about" through my life!

Yesterday, I received a really "sweet" birthday card from my friend, Tracie. On the front are "cupcakes" with toothpicks holding up the letters to spell "Happy Birthday"! She said, "A birthday in a card just for you - balloons, cupcakes, confetti and ice cream!", and in the card was a "gift card from Marble Slab"! YAY! Thank you, Tracie for the gift. I wish you were here to help me celebrate, too. You're so sweet to think of me in this way! Love you!

Wendell told me last night that there are gifts at the office for me, but wouldn't bring them to me since yesterday was not my birthday! :) I love how he is so "precise"! LOL! I guess I'll get them sometime today. I think they are from Bro. and Sis. Russo. They are so considerate!!!

I'm rambling...but what else is there to do today? I am going to do "exactly as I please" since it's MY day. :)

When my mother was my age I thought she was OLD! How did I ever think that? Now, I know she wasn't OLD...just "well seasoned". :) Really, when I think about it, "OLD" isn't all that bad. In fact, I'm enjoying my "age". I remember the year I turned 40.....I was saying to my brother Keith, "I cannot believe I am 40 YEARS OLD!" His answer has stayed with me through the years..."Well...I guess you could consider the ALTERNATIVE!" He made me see "life" through different eyes. I sure didn't want the ALTERNATIVE! Keith had a way of making life less stressful and more happy. Oh how I wish he were here today to tell me the same old story, same old joke, and to hear him say, "Hello Beautiful!" :)

I'm sure I will be blogging more later, so I'll say goodbye for now. I'm on my way to have lunch with my husband. I'm having a good day!!!!

Mother's Day '09 Update

I have been trying now for two days to make this post! Finally, I get to!!

I had a wonderful Mother's Day this year. We were able to go to Jonathan and Brenda's to celebrate this special day, and it was nice being there in service with them and their church. The Mother's Day program was great and very enjoyable. One of the funniest things that happened was when the Children's Choir sang. Brenda's nephew and another little boy wanted the microphone at the same time, and when Kolby (sp) saw he was getting a lot of attention from everyone laughing at them he clowned more and more! It was SO funny! His dad went up and calmed him down, but we were all enjoying "the show". It was priceless! The kids all did a wonderful job in singing and in presenting their "fashion show". I love when children are up front. You never know what might happen and it keeps things very interesting. :)

After church we went to eat huge buffet at a beuatiful "elegant" hotel. While we were waiting for out table I sat down and was checking my phone, and when I looked up, standing in front of me was one of my favorite preacher's and a long-time family friend....Bro. A.D. Spears! I just couldn't believe it! It never crossed my mind that I might run into him in Beaumont on Mother's Day! He and Sis. Spears were there to be with their daughter, Adina. It was special seeing him. One of the reasons it was so special is because my Mother LOVED Bro. Spears! He preached for us in California before I was married, and Bro. and Sis. Spears became good friends with my parents and our whole family! When I saw him, it just made me happy! It was as if Mother was there with me. I know it might sound a little strange to some people, but when you've lost someone dear to you things like this can bring back a flood of "precious memories"! I enjoy it when this happens to me.

Sunday night, Missionary Howard Smith and his wife were the guest at The Apostolic Church. They were home from Spain for a couple of weeks and were heading back Monday morning. For those of you who know Drea Nutt, this is her parents. So, David and Drea were in church with her parents Sunday night. Of course, the Smith's were enjoying their granddaughters!

I really missed getting to be with Andrew, Mandy and the girls. There is no way for all of us to be together since both boys are in the ministry and are Pastor's. I would love to be with both of them on Mother's Day! Next year, the Lord willing, I will get to spend Mother's Day with them!!! I know they had a great "first Mother's Day" with their church. Andrew called me before church Sunday morning to talk and wish me a beautiful day, and I could hear the responsibility for the day in his voice. When I talked to him on Monday he told me they had two baptisms Sunday night!!! God is doing great things in their church.

There's a lot I could talk about, but I will stop here tonight. I will let the slideshow speak for itself. Enjoy!

Too Late

I was going to make a post tonight, but it's too late and I'm heading to bed. Maybe tomorrow....sometime! Have a good "sleep" as one of my granddaughters use to say. GOODNIGHT!

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

Ok...where do I start? I feel like I am one of the most blessed women in the world! I had the most INCREDIBLE, BEAUTIFUL MOTHER on the face of this earth. She "feared the Lord", worshipped Him in the "beauty of holiness", and "prayed for her children" to "love Him with all their hearts, mind, soul and strength". She has been gone now for almost 8 years, but she lives on in her girl's hearts!

I had an AWESOME Mother-in-law, who raised FOUR BOYS to fall in love with Jesus, their Pastor, and their church. She was successful in her goals, because all four of her "boys" are Preacher's of the Gospel and have pastored for many years! She loved me with an ever-lasting-love, and she prayed for me many times through the years. I appreciate and love my wonderful "2nd Mother"!

I am blessed to have TWO Godly daughters-in-law for my "daughters"! I didn't have any girls of my own until these two came along and I have to say that God blessed me beyond measure when He gave me Brenda and Mandy! They are some of the most wonderful Mother's I have ever known and they are raising my four granddaughters to love the Lord and to worship Him in a beautiful way. I'm thankful for my "girls"!

I have two sons who call me "MOM"! What more could a lady ask for? They have always given me their love and shown me respect and appreciation for being their "Mom". I am a BLESSED woman and I recognize that fact. Both of my sons are preacher's of the Gospel and Pastor growing churches. I am thankful they've had the desire to "serve God", putting Him FIRST in their lives. I'm thankful they have honored me with their lives. My heart overflows with the abundant blessings of God!

I have two sisters who are very dear to me! "I love them, they love me, and we're as happy as can be"! :) They have their own beautiful families and they are very thankful and proud of them! I am BLESSED to have Ronda and Karla in my life!!! We love being together, spending time "remembering", but it's not in a "sad" frame of mind. We always talk about the wonderful things in life that we have experienced as "Lila's girls" and it's inevitable that we will end up laughing about "life's memories".

I am blessed because I have a husband who loves me and honors me in very special ways! I am THANKFUL for the man who has given me his love and support through the years.

YES, I am a blessed sister, daughter, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, Mimi, wife and MOM!

I want to wish all my friends and family a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! I know several of my friends who will spend tomorrow "remembering" their sweet Mother's. I want you to know I LOVE YOU and I am so THANKFUL to call you "friend"!

Everybody....have a WONDERFUL MOTHER'S DAY! Enjoy this Special Day to its fullest!

Been Gone to Magnolia - Great times!

This week has swiftly passed by and the coming of the Lord is that much closer! Oh how I long to be in that Heavenly land singing with the saints around the throne. No, I don't want to go before everyone else, because when exciting things are happening I like to be in the middle of it all, so when the rapture takes place I want to there with the rest of the saints of God as we go "sailing through the air".

It's amazing to me how quickly time passes when you're having a good time! We have been in Magnolia with the Wehrle's for the last few days. I was privileged to speak at Karen's (Sis. Wehrle) Mother/Daughter/Friend Banquet on Thursday evening and I've had a wonderful time with her and her ladies. The banquet was decorated beautifully in an Asian theme. Every detail was meticulously placed down to the little goldfish swimming in their own fish bowl for the center pieces! They served Chinese food and it was all very good. We had some acrobats from "a long way off" who had "trouble" getting their "stunts" accomplished because of a "problem" with one of their backs!! LOL!

Bro. Wehrle and Bro. Elms even stepped in to watch them!We looked in on a Nail Salon when a "little lady" needed her nails done. The "Asisan nail specialist" (Stacie) was at her finest! Another GREAT re-enactment of the "finer things in life"! I didn't get a picture of them, but they were FABULOUS! LOL! There was a small orchestra that played a song from the 1600's venue, lead by Macki,(the Wehrle's little 5 year old granddaughter). She didn't miss a beat!!!At the finishing crescendo of the song a "girls trio" took it to another level with a modern day rendition of the 1600's song. WOW! They were AWESOME! Magnolia Apostolic Tabernacle Ladies Ministry did a fabulous job in every aspect of the banquet! The Wehrle's have trained wonderful leaders and can enjoy the "fruit of their labor". I am so thankful to have them as true friends. You never have to worry about what they are going to say that puts you on edge. They are wonderful to be around! I thank God for people such as them.

I have to tell you about Macki...She's a little "sweetheart" like my granddaughters, and when I saw her sitting at our table at the banquet I spoke to her, but she wasn't REAL happy. So, I said "What's wrong?" She said, "I wanted an umbrella in my dessert, too!" I looked at my dessert and noticed I had an umbrella. Of course, I took mine out and put it in hers and said, "How's that?" I took my camera out just in time to capture this HAPPY little girl with HER umbrella! Karen took me to eat on Thursday at a "homestyle" restaurant. The Heritage House was everything I think of when I think about "Grandma's house"! The food was delicous...even if one of their main specialties is "Chicken Fried Steak"! This was NOT a "FROZEN, ready to be cooked" Chicken Fried Steak, it was the REAL DEAL! SO GOOD!!!!!! Oh....and YES I ate one! :)

We have been staying with the Wehrle's in their home, because our motorhome was having some work done on it. They have treated us with grace and love. We have been able to relax with them, and feel more like family than friends. We've had a lot of laughter and times of talking about God and His Kingdom. We've talked about "life in the parsonage" and "remembered our heritage". One of the things I will hold very close to my heart is when I sat down at the piano and started playing and singing, then Karen joined me on the organ! We played song after song that we remembered growing up and had such an enjoyable time. As we played I felt the stresses of life fall away and we were lifted into a "timeless place"! The "old songs of yesterday" had a feel about them that I miss today. There's something in the words of the songs that bring comfort, conviction, strength, awe, longing for Heaven, thankfulness, praise, and worship! When we played about Heaven I felt "lifted up in my spirit" because I know I have HOPE beyond this life. When we played about the Blood, I felt thanksgiving as I realized my sins have been covered by His blood. When we played "I'm KNOW I'm SAVED and I'm so glad about it", I felt dancing in my heart to realize there is NO DOUBT that I know and have TRUTH in my life that will take me through the gates of HOME! Yes, we have had a wonderful, heavenly time being with our friends....Steve and Karen. Thank you wonderful friends for a "heaven on earth" experience. We love you!

Before I say goodbye for the day let me introduce you to my "new friend", Daisy! I love her! She belongs to the Wehrle's and I'm just a "tiny bit jealous". Maybe someday I will be able to have my "own dog". :)Note: I didn't take a lot of pictures at the banquet. I'm sorry, but I didn't want to look like "the reporter coming to town". I should have asked someone to take them for me. :( Sorry! Maybe I'll think of that in the future.

Just "Be There"

I watched someone very dear to me go through a very hurtful and trying time. During this "time" there was frustration and anger. I saw the "hurt" in their eyes, and a "wall" that came up when their "situation" was talked about. The bright eyes of happiness and excitement they use to have changed to a "far away stare". THEY went into "survival".....and my heart cried. My heart was overwhelmed as I watched God pick them up and carry them to the Potter's House. I wanted to stop Him and beg, "PLEASE, PLEASE....DON'T TAKE THEM THERE!" Yet, I knew if He didn't, they would never be used in the way God wanted to use them. I also knew they were in a very "safe place"....in His house...on the Potter's Wheel.

When someone you love is carried off to the Potter's House, just "be there" waiting for them when they come walking out of the house. No, you can't go inside while He's working on them, for you might try to stop the hammer that's breaking them. You can only stand on the outside waiting. Trust the One who is "breaking" them and is in charge of "shaping" their life. Then...be patient and listen.....just listen........

"LISTEN!!! What's that I'm hearing?"

"LAUGHTER? YES! It is LAUGHTER!"

It's coming from inside the Potter's House!

"Is He finished with them?"

Yes...for this time, He is finished, and He has turned their sorrow into JOY!

As they step out into the ministry God has prepared for them, "Just Be There" to ENCOURAGE and CHEER THEM ON!

THEN....

You will "be there" by their side and hear them as they rejoice because of "what the Lord has done"!

You will "be there" when they walk beside you through the gates of splendor...never again to be placed on the Potter's Wheel.

Rewards will be given and you will "be there" to watch them as they receive their reward for being faithful servants!

You will "be there" to hear the words as they are said to the ones you loved and cared for..."WELL DONE...thou good and faithful servants......

There is so much more to life than what we can "get" for ourselves.

"Be There" for someone who needs you...and you'll be glad you were!

What Is It About Communication?

It seems these days a lot of people are getting on the internet just to stay connected. I can remember when I would wait for DAYS to get a letter from Wendell or a friend who didn't live close by. I would run to the mail box as soon as it was delivered, or when I got home from school I would run to the desk where Mother kept the mail for the day. I couldn't hardly wait to see if I had a card or letter! Once I received one, especially if it was from Wendell (my boyfriend at that time) I would go to my room, close the door, and hold it in my hands, close to my heart, then tear it open as quickly as I could without tearing the letter that was held within! Once opened...I would read EVERY WORD, then go back and read it again! Sometimes, I would go back and read it over and over and over again. I think I even "read between the lines" just to see if I could read the "real intentions" on the reason he wrote. :) Of course, I always seemed to find the words "I LOVE YOU" even if they weren't written!

We have heard for many years that "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach", but I really think "the way to a woman's heart is through the written word from her lovers pen"! Oh, I don't think that is the only way into each others hearts, but there is something about a good home cooked meal that men love, and there is something a lady loves about seeing the hand writing of the one SHE loves.

I found out while I was going through my parents things that if there was any writing by my parents on any paper, card, or Bible I wanted to hold onto them. There was nothing more warming than to see their handwriting! It just seemed if I could "read what THEY wrote" I still had part of them with me. And, I guess I really did.

I still love getting cards, notes, and letters in the mail written by dear friends. I know we are getting away from handwritten thoughts and memories, but I really wish we would all take the time to write someone we love and let them know how much you care about them. Don't use the computer....go buy some pretty stationary and write a letter. Or, buy the "perfect card" for the one you think so much about!

Yes, ladies you might even need to cook that special meal for that man. Especially if you've lost the way to his heart.

Men, you might get the "special meal" if you write beautiful words on a lovely card for the woman you love!

Happy Writing.....and Cooking!

Conroe Weekend

This weekend we were blessed to be in Conroe with Kent and Tracie Smith and their great church! We had a wonderful time from the moment we arrived. The Smith's wanted us to be in Conroe in time for dinner, so we made it and we are so glad we did. They picked us up at the hotel then took us to The Woodlands to eat. We had a wonderfully delicious meal while we sat outside by the river. It was a beautiful evening and we thoroughly enjoyed it. After we finished eating we walked over to Starbuck's, but they didn't have "cold drinks" so we left and went to another one. They are people after my own heart! LOL! My family has a "thing" about going from restaurant to restaurant just to get something we didn't get at the last one we were at, and of course to spend time together! So, Saturday evening we did the same thing with the Smith's and went to another Starbuck's. This time they had exactly what we were looking for. Of course, I didn't have any idea of what I wanted, because I had never found anything that I was crazy about at Starbuck's! Now...don't go pick up that stone and throw it at me just because I may be a little "behind the times"...give me a chance to say...I FOUND WHAT I LIKE! "STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM"! It was delicious and I drank every last drop of it.

Sunday services were great! The presence of God was in our midst and people were hungry for Him and the Word. The anointing was there and my husband PREACHED!!!! On Sunday morning while he was preaching the electricity went off and we were left in the "dark"! We teased him about "blowing the lights out" with his preaching! :) He just kept preaching and the lights and P.A. system came back on and all was well. I don't know for sure how many we baptized. I do know at least one received the Holy Ghost! Since February this wonderful church has had over 100 people baptized and a lot of them have received the Holy Ghost! You could safely say, "Conroe United Pentecostal Church" is in a time of "harvest". God has been blessing these wonderful people and rewarding them for their labor.

Sis. Smith loves Outreach and her bus children! I was so happy to drive up just as she was getting off of her "bus route" Sunday morning. I had to get a picture of her. She was beaming! Her excitement about her ministry was definitely felt. I loved seeing her eyes light up with excitement!

After church we went to P.F. Chang's to eat and it was so GOOD! We get hungry for good Chinese food here in Lufkin, so it was a real treat to eat some of our favorite food. Trent, Calah and Redonia went with us and we had a fun time. LOL! My husband loves to tease and have fun and he was doing his part in teasing Redonia. She was a good sport and he got quite a few smiles out of her. "Thanks Redonia for having fun with us! :) By the way, I didn't get ONE picture of you! I could not believe it when I got home and did not have ONE!"

As I have mentioned, this church has been in a season of harvest and they have worked very hard during this time. Sunday nights service was for the "tired saints of God". We had a great time of worship and praise led by Trent. He does a good job! There is no way to tell you everything that happened in this service, but just let me say that it was filled with the "refreshing rain" from God. There was such peace and strength in the service! Wendell and I sang some old songs and the people seemed to really enjoy it. I'm glad they did! Wendell then preached another anointed message, but this time the lights stayed on. LOL! I got to enjoy playing the organ for awhile. I enjoyed it so much. It gave the musicians a break and gave them some time to "get a touch from God" without having the responsibility of "keeping things going". I was glad to relieve them for awhile. I could go on and on about the services, but I will stop here and just say...thank the Lord for being with us in church!

After the service we were invited to the Smith's home. It reminded me of our home, and I got a little "homesick" to have a house again. I haven't had that feeling since moving to Lufkin, but I did this time. I have enjoyed living in our motorhome and will keep on enjoying it, I just "missed my home" for a moment. Tracie prepared some delicious food and we had a great time sitting around and relaxing in their home.

I hope I've covered most everything. I tried at least 4 times to get a slide show ready today, but things kept happening to it! I'm later getting this post done than I wanted to be, but I finally got a slide show done tonight! Thank you, Kent and Tracie Smith for a wonderful weekend! We will not forget your love and hospitality to us!

I FINALLY GOT TO GO!

YAY!!! I finally got to "go to the men's conference"! LOL! Last night before my husband left for church he told me to come over to the Tabernacle about 8:00, so I did, but Bro. Keyes was still preaching. So, I went to the very back of the Tabernacle...behind the "curtain petitions" they had up and listened to Bro. Keyes for about 5 minutes. I then felt a little "weird" being at a "men's meeting", so I made my way to the Media Missions Booth. I heard a tiny bit of the message and it sounded really good. I'm sure it was! Church was dismissed so I went to the Hospitality Room to meet my husband and Bro. Keyes. This is what met me when I walked through the door!Sis. White, pastor's wife from Silsbee, TX. decorated for the Men's Conference and she and her helpers did a great job! Of course, the men loved it! Here are a few more "shots" of the "HUNTER'S ROOM".:)I found MY "hunter"!And one of our "cubs"...the one with TWO LEGS! LOL!I found these three men "wandering in the wilderness". It was good seeing Kenny, Kris, and Kory Prince. They are part of our "Life Tabernacle Family" out on a mission to start a church in Bullard, TX.I finally got to see my "brother". Randy Keyes is a childhood friend and was best friends with my brother. It's always great to see him and Sharon. I wish she could have come with him, but I know she needed to stay home. We took him to eat after the service and Jonathan met us and we had a great time visiting. I will always treasure this picture of him and Jonathan as they talked about "church growth". And...I like this one.Randy was giving Wendell scriptures to read for him for the Saturday morning service.

After conference ended today we were invited to eat lunch with the men from Life Tabernacle, and we had a wonderful time of visiting with them. We love you all! Kevin and Kenny Prince, and Kory joined us also. They are all part of the "family'.



Thank you Pastor Holley for staying long enough for us to have a little "taste of home". It was good being with you all!

Whew! I'm so glad I didn't let anything stop me from making more memories at Texas Men's Conference. If I hadn't "moseyed over" to see what was going on, I wouldn't have anything to say about this great event. From all I've heard it was a SMASHING SUCCESS and the men left filled with the Word of God and went home with PURPOSE to do His will.

Texas Men's Conference '09

No, I don't have any pictures! I'm not even invited to be there! LOL!

I have decided I don't like Men's Conference, because I can't go be with everybody. :( I think I'm going to see if Bro. McLauglin will hire me to do something so I can be a part of this function, too. LOL! I could be the PHOTOGRAPHER...(ummm...I don't think that would work), or let's see...maybe...clean the bathrooms....NOOOOOO...I DON'T WANT THAT JOB!!! Ok....let's see...does anyone have a suggestion?

I know, I'm being silly, but it's hard NOT to go check things out...especially when you live a few yards from the Tabernacle door!

I MIGHT get to go visit with my husband and Bro. Randy Keyes...who by the way, calls me "his sister". Since we grew up together and my brother and him were best friends, I think I might can swing getting to say "hello", anyway.

Well, I'll see what happens, and will definitely fill you in if and when I hear what is happening in the meetings.

For all you ladies who are "husband-less" this week...PAMPER yourself! You'll have plenty of work to do when he gets home!

That brings a memory to mind:

When Jonathan and Andrew were still living at home and Wendell would leave for a trip and be gone for several days, the boys and I did EXACTLY as we pleased! LOL! If we didn't want to clean the house...we didn't! If we didn't want to eat at home...we didn't! If we wanted to stay up all night...we did! Whatever our hearts wanted to do...we did, but when it was time for him to come home, we straightened up and did everything that had been left "undone" and we were "perfect again"! LOL!!!! Of course, we were ready for him to come home and THRILLED when he walked through the door!

Just a little thought for you Mother's who are at home with the kids (by yourself). ENJOY the time you have with them. You'll look back with fond memories someday!