Getting Caught Up

Over the last few weeks there's been quite a lot happening, and I didn't post about it at the time, so for me to feel like I can go on with my blogging from here, I need to stop and catch up. :)

July 12th we went to Eastgate in Vidor, TX to preach in the absence of Pastor Bobby and Elaine Edwards. They went on vacation and wanted Wendell to "fill in" while they were gone. We missed being with our friends, the Edwards, but we had a wonderful time! We were treated with so much care by the lovely saints of Eastgate and we had wonderful services. The Edwards have a great church and you can feel revival happening. Unity is prevalent and that makes for an awesome move of the Holy Ghost! Bobby and Elaine, you have a lot to be proud of and thankful for! Wendell and I love you both very, very much!

The next weekend we were in Paris, TX with Bob and Donna Myre. What a time we had! It's always fun being with Bob and Donna, their family and any friends that happen to be visiting with them at the time. They love having people around them, so we get the privilege of sharing friendships with them. Sometimes it's people we know already, and at time we get to meet their friends for the first time. I can say without exception that we have never felt like we were in their way! That's a nice comfortable feeling and we appreciate their unselfish friendship to us.

We got to be with the Myre's, Spencer and Kyran, and Pastor and Mrs. Phil Bridges from Wisconsin. I knew Terra, Phil's wife, but it was nice meeting Phil and the children.Here is a typical happening when you're around Kyran. I absolutely LOVE this girl!
Sunday rolled around and God met us in both of the services! The worship and praise was great! Donna led us in songs and worship and she does a beautiful job. It's funny how you can be "such good friends" with someone, yet not know some interesting things about them. She was shocked when I told her I didn't know she was the Worship Leader. :) Oh well...as the old saying goes, "You learn something new everyday."

Pastor Myre taught Sunday morning and I enjoyed it SO MUCH! He kept my attention the whole time! :) He taught with so much anointing and passion that anyone under the sound of his voice had to feel the Holy Ghost!We got home Monday and got ready for the rest of the week.

On Tuesday we decided we wanted to eat a hamburger, so we went to Whataburger. While we were there Wendell's phone rang and it was Andrew. They had been visiting family in Deweyville, and were on their way home. When asked where they were Andrew said "driving through Lufkin". They were on one side of the Loop and we were on the other! I couldn't believe they were just going to "drive on by" without at least stopping and saying "HI", but I also understood if they did. They were trying to get home, and we would be seeing them in a few days. Anyway, Andrew and Wendell kept talking for awhile. It must have been 15 minutes or so when I saw them pull into the parking place next to us!!!! It was so good seeing them and Ashlyn. Alayna had stayed with her Poppy and Grammy for a few days.During this week we found out that our house sale had "fallen through", so we were pretty "bummed out". But, in the middle of it all we got to see our kids, and then we were surprised again a few days later. I got a text from Tracie Smith that her and Kent would be coming through town in a few hours. She asked, "Would ya'll like to meet us for a late lunch?" Shortly after receiving her text, I got a phone call from Jerry Ann Guidroz. "Hey Linda, Ronnie and I are going to be in Lufkin in about 1-2 hours. Would ya'll like to meet us to get something to drink? We'd love to see ya'll!" We were also waiting on Darrell and Jeanetta to bring Alayna to us so we could take her home, since we were going to Euless to preach on the weekend. LOL! I LOVED everyone showing up at once! We finally got it all together and met Ronnie and Jerry Ann at Starbucks, then Tracie text that they were "getting close to the 'ole camp ground". I told her to come to Starbucks because there was someone there who wanted to see her. You should have seen the smile on her face when she walked in and saw the Guidroz!!! It was priceless!

While we were all visiting we looked up and saw Kent's dad, Pastor Ron Smith walk in. I was surprised to see him, because I thought they were out of town! Tracie went and told Sis. Smith to come in. We all had a wonderful time "just being together"!Darrell and Jeanetta came with Alayna a few hours later and we met them for dinner out at Dean's in Huntington. It was so good being with them, but I didn't get any pictures. I hate it when I do that, but this time I didn't take any. Darrell and Jeanetta are wonderful and we enjoyed being with them more than I can say. I will just say, "Darrell and Jeanetta, you are a blessing to us and we love you!"

That evening we traveled to Marshall to spend the night so Wendell could go to a funeral in Oil City. I've already mentioned in the last post what a great time we had with Alayna. She is growing up way too fast, but she is a pleasure to have around. Her middle name fits her perfect....Alayna JOY!Sunday morning we were in church with Andrew and Mandy and the beautiful people of Greater Apostolic Tabernacle. We had a wonderful time! Andrew preached Sunday morning and we enjoyed his ministry once again. We don't get to hear our sons preach as much as we would like, so any opportunity we have to hear them, we do.We had a good meal with them, and I had to snap this picture of Wendell, Alayna and Ashlyn. Aren't they sweet?Sunday night we went to Euless to preach for Pastor Carl McLaughlin. This family is absolutely wonderful! I cannot describe to you the sincerity and love they share with those around them. I think we could talk all night long when we're together, but we have to cut it off sometime. :) Bro. and Sis. Benson are also some of the finest people I've ever met. They are Veda's parents and founders of the Euless church. Everyone has people in their lives they wish they could spend more time with. Well, the McLaughlin's and Benson's are some of those people!

Here's Veda talking about something. I love how she "gets into" what she's saying.
Bro. McLaughlin and Bro. Benson.

This is a very lengthy post, and I hope you've not fallen asleep reading all of it. I put pictures in it to help keep it more interesting. :) I trust you enjoyed the last few weeks of our life. We have! I love how God steps in and helps us through our disappointments, and I can't think of any better way than to have friends and family step into your life for a few hours.

Thank you, Jesus for loving us so much that you will do "little things" to let us know how much You care. We can't feel your arms around us each time we need them, but you send someone to wrap us in their arms when we need it the most! THANK YOU! You're such a wonderful Friend!

Just a thought....

Our emotions have gone from one end of the scale to the other this week, but at the close of Saturday let me say that GOD has definitely been with us "through it all"!

I have several things to "report on", but for tonight I am going to tell you just one little story, then go to bed.

Yesterday, we picked up our 7 year old granddaughter, Alayna from her Poppy and Grammy Orange. After returning home, we quickly packed for the weekend, hit the road and travelled awhile, then stopped to spend the night in a motel. This was a first for us with her and we had a great time!

Alayna had to show me all the "purse things" Grammy had bought for her, and then she showed me a "special toy". She showed me how it made "different noises" and we laughed almost uncontrollably! She would get beside herself with laughter, and it would make me laugh, and before I knew it we were getting really loud. We SURE didn't need to wake the people up next door, so I told her that we could laugh, but we needed to laugh quietly. To that she asked, "Can we laugh real loud tomorrow?" I told her we could.

Alayna is really growing up, and last night I realized it. I loved sitting on the bed listening to her as she spoke of things important to her young life. I felt privileged to just sit and listen. After all, how many "little girls" want to sit and talk to an "old lady"? I'm sure you DO know that I am only using the term "old lady" because she's such a "little girl". :)

Today rolled around and Alayna got her "funny toy" out and started playing again. I was busy getting dressed, and when Wendell returned from a funeral, he started loading the car, so we weren't focusing on her toy, neither was she getting as much pleasure from it, as she did last night. While Papa finished loading the car, Alayna stood beside it holding her "toy" and as I walked toward the car I overheard her say, to no one in particular...."How come it's not funny anymore?"

That started me to thinking....

In life we have days that we enjoy "toys" that make us happy for awhile, and our expectation rises in that "toy" and we think each time we "pick it up" it's going to give us the same pleasure it did when we first enjoyed it. Then, the startling realization hits us one day... "this toy isn't fun anymore".

I don't know what "toy" you have expected to bring you "continual happiness", but your expectations in something so earthly no longer brings you pleasure. Life seems to have lost it's "fun" and you have had many disappointments. Please let me remind you....there is a GOD who will ALWAYS BRING YOU JOY!

I don't know....it's just a thought.

Through Every Storm

Through every storm I've found...God is faithful

Through every storm I've learned...His strength is mine.

And because of those dark days I am certain....

He will always keep me safe...through every storm.

I heard this song after a very disappointing day. We found out today that the people who were going to buy our house backed out, throwing us into another "tizzy". As I said in my last post...IT WILL HAPPEN! I don't know when, but I do know that God is still in control, and He will not let this storm destroy our faith!

...for with God (WE KNOW) all things are possible....

I come back to you once again to ask you to pray that this process will be over SOON! Thank you, again!

God Speaks In Many Ways

While travelling home today from a great weekend in Paris, TX I started singing one of my favorite songs. 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus..." That's as far as I got when I turned my head, glanced to the side of the road, and in the front yard of a home was a sign that said....

IT'S GONNA HAPPEN

I had to chuckle to myself once again at how God speaks to us! I love how He communicates and gets our attention!

Our Birthday Girl

HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY SAVANNA!

WE LOVE YOU S-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O MUCH!!!

HAVE A FUN-FILLED BIRTHDAY!

Savanna, you are growing up way too fast! You were born EIGHT YEARS AGO today, and changed our lives! It's been a wonderful change...you made us Papa and Mimi!

It seems it was just a few days ago that I held your "tiny little body" in my arms. I remember sitting down and rocking you when you were less than two weeks old, and I started praying for you. When I said, "Jesus" I felt your little head turn and you looked straight into my eyes. I knew then you had already heard your Mother and Daddy pray, before you were born, and you recognized the same "feeling" you felt when they prayed. I know you didn't know what I was saying, but I will always believe you recognized Jesus' presence. You have a great "heritage" (let Dad and Mom explain that to you) and I know you will live for Jesus the rest of your life. You are very tender to His presence and He will use you greatly in His Kingdom!

Love you so much....we can't stand it!
Mimi and Papa

Very Special Day

Today, we celebrate two beautiful parents who lived according to the Word of God, and wrapped their lives around HIM!

Daddy and Mother are celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary on the streets of gold. They have probably taken a stroll down to the "River of Life" holding hands, talking, and I'm sure Mother is giggling about something!

While growing up, I sat at the dinner table many nights and listened as Daddy talked about Heaven and how wonderful it would be to go there. Daddy and Mother would sing songs about Heaven, and we would listen as he gave his version of what he thought it would be like. I never saw him more excited than when he talked about "that beautiful home".

Ronda and Karla, today on the other side, I'm sure Daddy and Mother are enjoying the ultimate Anniversary Celebration as they reminisce about "life" and what a great time they had while here on earth. I know they are talking about that day when the trumpet sounds and we walk through the "pearly gates". But, remember...don't even stop and look around to find them at the gate, because they won't be standing there as we walk in. They will be "in front of the throne" waiting! I know they are making their plans for when we get there.

I'm just thinking....I'm not so sure they haven't left the river to go talk to Jesus, and tell Him they think it's time for the trumpet to sound!

Maybe it won't be much longer....

The Family of God

Since I wrote last night about what God has been doing for us, I have received many comments here on my blog, on Facebook and in my Email! I have read them to Wendell and as I've read we have been overwhelmed by your love. We have had tears of joy flood our hearts and overflow to our eyes as we were reminded once again of how awesome the "Family of God" is!

When one is in trouble....they pray.

When one is discouraged....they encourage.

When one is fighting a battle....they fight with them.

When one has a need....they take it to the Lord.

When one's heart is ripped open in grief....they cry.

When one has a victory....they rejoice.

THANK YOU OUR GREAT "FAMILY" FOR CARING AND HELPING US CARRY OUR LOAD! We appreciate all you have done and said. You're the BEST! I wouldn't want to go through life without you!

Our Personal God and Spanish Camp Meeting '09

Spanish Camp Meeting was this past week and was a great success! The services were held in the "big Tabernacle" this year and we had some great crowds. Wendell went a couple of nights, and I went one, but that one night was a "landmark night" for us. I will explain.

Last Wednesday night was a "down night" for me. I do not have very many of these times, but for awhile on Wednesday I was "down". Wendell and I sat down and talked about our "impossible situation" with our house not selling and the "giants" that were confronting us. Yes, I say "impossible" and "giants" because that's exactly how we felt and we knew WE could do NOTHING about it. Yes, we had prayed. Yes, you had prayed. But, it seemed there was no answer. I wasn't giving up, yet for a "short time" on Wednesday evening I caved in. Now, that I've totally exposed my "human thinking", I will go ahead and tell you what I said. While we were in discussion I said to my husband..."I just don't understand! It just makes me WONDER! I KNOW we are in the will of God, but it just makes me WONDER what is going on!" God heard what I said and decided right then to give me an answer.

Thursday night rolled around and we went to Spanish Camp Meeting..

You must understand that everything is spoken in Spanish, and every song is sung in Spanish, and I do not understand anything that is being said. We had a wonderful time of praise and worship! The music was beautiful, and I felt the presence of God touching me. I was thankful to be in His presence! I really was enjoying the music and the beautiful voices that were singing praises to God! Here is one of the songs they were singing.

When the service leader took the pulpit he was excited! If I had not known better I would have said he was "preaching", but I knew he was excited and saying things that was going along with the service when all of a sudden, in the middle of it all, I heard him say very clearly, "STOP WONDERING! STOP WONDERING RIGHT NOW!" I was completely overwhelmed as I heard God speak to me in the middle of this Spanish speaking service!!!! Those were the ONLY English words the "man of God" spoke the rest of the night! Without a doubt I KNEW I had just heard from GOD!!!

I feel His presence as I write this tonight.

After church, I told Wendell about it and he said, "Let me show you something." He opened his Bible and showed me a scripture he had underlined and said, "When I sat down tonight on the platform I opened my Bible and underlined this scripture." He pointed to it and I read:

Phil. 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

That was wonderful, but what made it even more awesome was when Missionary Sones, the Camp Meeting Evangelist went to the pulpit, he greeted the crowd, then said, "Tonight let me turn your attention to...

Phil. 4:19, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Then he told us the title of his message:

"My God Is Not In A Crisis"!!!!

He went on to preach straight to US! It was as if no one else was there. Bro. Sones didn't know anything about us, and I'm sure he thought he was preaching to the large congregation of people, but God was directing his words straight into our hearts!

After church I told Bro. and Sis. Navarro about what I had heard the young man say in English, and Sis. Navarro asked, "Did he say that?" I had to laugh and answered, "Yes he did, or else God interpreted it for me!"

You know, it doesn't matter to me if God was my interpreter, or if the young man said it, but I do know God spoke straight to me as I sat in His presence! I don't know when I have had anything impact my mind like God did that night! I'm so glad our God is a "personal God". He loves us and He works His will in our lives if we will completely trust Him!

As a lot of you know from being on Facebook, we got an offer on our house TODAY and now a contract has been signed and is being sent back to the realtor in the morning! Andrew and Mandy have now had an offer on their house! I haven't heard yet about a contract, but I'm sure it's coming! It looks like God decided to take care of "two birds with one stone" and is working it all out in one weekend!

Thank you ALL for praying and believing with us! Our God is an awesome God!

Visit From Friends

It was so good to have Jimmy and Bobbie here with us for a "few hours". When you're with those you love and you're having a good time, "time" races on by, and it seems they leave as fast as they arrived!

Monday evening the Shoemake's drove into Lufkin, and it was so good having them here. They are "family" to us so we have a lot to talk about, and memories to share. They didn't stay a long time, but we did get to eat supper Monday night, and spend all of Tuesday and part of Wednesday with them. Wendell and Jimmy went fishing, and me and Bobbie just relaxed and talked, and talked, and talked some more! Jimmy loves fishing in Texas lakes, so they went to Sam Rayburn for several hours with Mark Green and had a great time.
We took them to eat fried catfish one night for dinner, and it was delicious. We call the place "Dean's" out in Huntington. I really think it has another name, but I don't know what it is. I do know they have some delicious catfish and the Shoemake's enjoyed it very much!My eyes are closed in this picture, but I wanted to be in at least ONE picture with them. :) Bobbie and I went to The Candy Kitchen where Chick-o-sticks are made. Of course, we had to buy a bag of them!
For those Texan's who did not know, The Candy Kitchen is here in Lufkin. I KNEW there was something special about this "small East Texas town"! When I was in Junior High I walked home from school and everyday I stopped at the corner store and bought me a Coke or Dr. Pepper and a Chick-o-stick. I had a wonderful time on the way home eating my candy and drinking my "pop". That's what we use to call them in California. I don't know if the Californian's have gone to the "universal" name of "Coke" or not. It's been about 31 years since I lived in California. Oh my! I'm really sounding "old" now. But, to put you all at ease, I'm not any older than I THINK I am! LOL! I really must be about 34! That sounds like a good age to me. :)

I really hope you all are having a wonderful summer. I have had a great time! I know some of you live in area's where it's "beautiful weather" most of the time, but for us TEXAN'S who live where it's HOT...."my fellow Texan's" please take care of yourselves. Try to stay cool! Just think...it won't be long until we will have some cool weather come in and we will be able to actually take a breath. I still wouldn't trade my life for anyplace else. That is what's so neat about "being in the will of God". I'm Blessed!

He CAN Do It!

YES HE CAN! I'm still praying and believing for our house to sell! Something needs to happen. Please continue praying with us, and believing God for a miracle! Also, Andrew and Mandy's house still hasn't sold. It needs to sell, too!

He's a miracle working God! I trust Him!

My Friend - Madeline

The last night of Crusader's Camp I finally had a chance to take a picture with my little friend, Madeline. I wanted to show Madeline our picture together. Madeline, I think it turned out good, don't you?

Crusader's Camp - Monday - Wednesday

I took so many pictures at Crusader's Camp! I think the pictures will "tell the story" of how wonderful it all was! I hope you enjoy the slideshows as much as I enjoyed being at camp. Although, I think that will be hard to do! :) The last count I heard was 579 campers! That's a great group of kids. We had an incredible staff working with the kids and everyone had a great time!

Slideshow #1

Slideshow #2

Oh, how I hated to see everyone leave! We've had a wonderful time with all of the special meetings this year. From Texas Women's Conference to Crusader's Camp...EVERY conference, EVERY Youth Camp (we have 3) and Texas Camp Meeting has been blessed by God! The preaching, singing, praise, worship and unity has been awesome! God is blessing the Texas District and we are thankful for what He is doing.

Friends and Church

We have had a great time today once again with our friends, David and Sandra. They are always so much fun to be with. There is always laughter just under the surface when you're with the Myer's. It's wonderful being with people who have come through the "storms of life" yet, they still have a smile on their lips, and a laugh to share. Everytime we have been with David and Sandra we leave lifted up in our spirits. When we are with them we know there's going to be a time of "fun and laughter"!

Besides all the fun we have we always enjoy being in their church service. I love the presence of the Lord I feel when the family of Abundant Life Sanctuary comes together. Tonight we had a great service! After my husband preached the Lord touched all of us in a very special way, and there was a deep moving of the spirit of God!
"Hospitality" should be Sandra Myer's middle name. I love seeing how she makes sure everyone is comfortable and has everything they need. Her ready smile, her caring look, and attentiveness when talking to you shows just a little of her heart. There have been times when I have been in a large crowd and looked up to find her looking at me, and when she caught my eye she gave me the smile I was needing.

Thank you, Sandra for your love and friendship. I'm blessed to call you "friend"!

July 4th Celebration - Groves, TX

Today was a wonderful day! Even though my husband hasn't been feeling too well, he put forth the effort to travel to Groves, TX to be at The Abundant Life Sanctuary celebration of FREEDOM! Our friends, David and Sandra Myer invited us to come for the weekend to their church, and we were happy to have the opportunity to be with this church family, once again. Each year on July 4th they have a festival full of events so people can come and have fun with their family and friends. I don't know what all takes place, but I saw that the church family were "busy bee's" all around the church and inside the church! Working for the Kingdom of God and putting forth an effort to help their community, they helped make another day of freedom in America fun and relaxing. It all started at 1 pm and lasted til 9 pm when the fireworks started at the church. This was a professional fireworks display combined with music, and I must say it was great!

We are looking forward to being in service at The Abundant Life Sanctuary. God is going to be there and I don't want to miss it!

Hello

Before retiring for the rest of the night, I wanted to stop by and at least see if my blog is still here! LOL! It is......so I think I'm going to bed.

Before I go, I wanted to mention that you can be watching for an update soon. I've got a lot of pictures from Crusader's Camp to put into a slideshow, but I'm going to wait to upload them until I can get to a motel. It will be faster where there is faster service. (now that's profound) LOL! If it were just a few pictures, then I would go ahead and make the slideshow, like I do most of the time, but I think it will be longer than usual.

I did get my computer fixed! Now, my iPhone and Outlook Calendar syncs beautifully! It's amazing how wonderful something can be when it's working right. :) It was not an easy thing for my computer techs to fix, but it was finally figured out and my computer is running a LOT faster and my iPhone works great! I'm very happy about it, too! A great big THANK YOU to Charles and Todd for their expertise!

Well, it's really time for me to go to bed and go to sleep. I hope you all have a wonderful July 4th!