God Loves Us S-O-O-O-O Much

God has shown us how much He loves our family, once again.

Last night while visiting with Andrew and Mandy they told us the story of our little Ashlyn almost being run over by a car this past week. I will not go into the story, but it was such a close call that Mandy KNEW Ashlyn had been hit. Then, she saw her come around the car, crying, and holding her hands out. Mandy said they were dirty, and all they can figure out is that she actually reached out and touched the car as it came to a stop! Andrew told us that he ran out of the house and heard Mandy screaming J-E-S-U-S!!!!!!!! In her fear of seeing her baby "hit" Mandy did not know she was screaming that precious name! In her desperation, and a helpless situation Mandy knew the Name that would save her child!

There is PROTECTION in the Name of JESUS!

As Mandy was telling us this story, my mind raced back to last week when I felt impressed to pray for the "kids". I was in bed, about to go to sleep when I had this impression to pray. I didn't get up and go into travailing prayer, but simply prayed. "Jesus, please keep your hand on Jonathan and Brenda. Be with Andrew and Mandy. Lord, protect Savanna and Alayna as they go to school. Keep them from harm and danger. And Lord, take care of Scarlet and Ashlyn. I plead Your blood over them...in Jesus Name!" As I finished praying a thought crossed my mind..."What would we do with Mandy if something happened to one of the girls?" Then I said, "God, that just can't happen!!!!" After praying, I turned over and went to sleep as I placed my trust in Jesus, our Protector.

"Thank you, Lord, for covering my family with Your precious blood!!! THANK YOU for protecting our little Ashlyn Kate!"

IMPORTANT note: The lady that almost hit Ashlyn was talking on her cell phone!!!! Let me just say.....HANG UP AND DRIVE!!!!!!!

Because of the Times 2010

After a week of traveling to several Sectional Conferences, Wendell and I almost backed out of going to "Because of the Times" this year. We finally made up our minds to go, and of course we're glad we did.

Nathan and Ronda drove in from California and we had a lot of fun being with family.David and Linda came from North Carolina.Gene and Karla came from Wichita Falls... and Jonathan and Brenda from Beaumont, so we had a great time seeing them! It is so much fun getting to be with family. I didn't take a lot of pictures, and didn't get ONE picture of Jonathan and Brenda! I think I need to "step it up a little" and get my camera going again. :(

B.O.T.T. was very good....(understatement). How do you describe the excellency of the services, and the awesomeness of the power of God that was prevalent? The sanctuary was packed, but we still had a great time in worship and praise. The messages were anointed and God spoke through the "ministers" to the host of preacher's and wives present. I am not going to go on and on about all of it, because I really do not have the words. Just believe me when I say....it was great!

I could only get pictures of the platform by taking the "screen shots" so here are just a few.

Pastor Anthony Mangun with his father...Elder Mangun.One of Sis. Mickey Mangun.Of course, these two had to show up! LOL! "BUNCH and BREEZE"!
I'll just say...It's a lot of fun living for God, being family, and having friends! There's nothing like it in the whole wide world. If you're down in the dumps, and feel all alone, it would be good to reach out to God...He's always available. Gather with your family...they love you unconditionally. Reach out to friends...they probably need you to call and would love to hear from you!

Saturday Surprise!

We were leaving Ranger when my husband took a turn that I wasn't expecting to take. I looked at him and asked, "Where are you going?" He told me we were going to Andrew and Mandy. He wanted to see the church after it got flooded. Then, he said, "They are having a birthday party for Ashlyn at McDonald's." Well! Of course, I wanted to go!

Andrew wasn't going to tell Mandy that we were on our way, but she knew something was up when he heard Andrew giving directions to someone to be at the party. She quickly assessed the situation, looked around and saw that everyone was already there, so she was curious. She's such a sweetheart and is always happy that we "show up", but she was real happy that Ashlyn was going to have at least one set of grandparent's at her party. It's not easy for Darrell and Jeanetta to always be at the girls parties, and it's not easy for us either, so it was special for us as well!

All the kids were out playing in McDonald's playground when we arrived. When we walked over to where Alayna and Ashlyn were, Alayna spotted us first and came running and yelling, "Mimi! Papa!" The excitement in Alayna's voice got Ashlyn's attention and when she saw us she hardly knew what to do!!! It was so cute! It only took her a second and she came running! She threw her arms around my neck and hugged and hugged me, then as we turned towards Papa I felt her little hand patting me on the back. Ahhh...there is nothing like it!

We had a wonderful afternoon enjoying our "3 year old's party"!



I love surprises, especially when I get to see my grandbabies and their parents. :)

Travel Continues to Section 8 and 1

This week has been wonderful! I have thoroughly enjoyed traveling to four sections of the Texas District.

We left Thursday and headed out to Copperas Cove for Section 8 Conference. Bro. Knight is the Presbyter and he preached a fantastic message on worship! He was very anointed and delivered the message God gave to him with clarity and power.We had a wonderful time! The Copperas Cove singers and musicians brought us into God's presence. I love hearing the Copperas Cove group sing, and was not disappointed at all. The church also served a meal of homemade soups and sandwiches, desserts, and all the trimmings. We also got to be with our friends, Donny and Teresa Hendrick. They pastor the church in Copperas Cove and are doing a great job!

Friday night we were back in our "home" section. Section One! The conference was held in Ranger, TX and we felt at home there for sure. Jonathan and Brenda were the pastor there for 7 years, so we feel apart of the Ranger church. We also were in that section for 28 years and were in many rallies and sectional meetings from time to time. Along with Sis. Gunstansen, the pastor's wife, the ladies served a wonderful meal of grilled chicken, baked potatoes, green beans, salads, and desserts. We then headed into the sanctuary to hear Bro. Colegrove, Presbyter of Section One, deliver the message God gave to him. WOW! He was very anointed and flowed with the spirit as he ministered to all of us. Thank you Bro. Colegrove for "delivering your burden" and for following the leading of the Holy Ghost.

Sectional Conference Time - Section 2 and 3

Monday night and Tuesday night we had two sectional conferences to attend. Wendell and I always enjoy going to these meetings, because we get to see a lot of preacher's and wives, and get to hear about what's happening in each section.

Monday Night we were in Daisetta at Pastor and Sis. Lonnie Jordan's church. Bro. Darrell McCoy is the Presbyter. They have beautiful facitilities, and they served a delicious meal in their family center. Bro. and Sis. Whitmire, Texas Home Missions Director are traveling the district representing Home Missions. After the meal Sis. McCoy, presbyter's wife met with the ladies for a little while. I enjoyed hearing Sis. Russo, Sis. McCoy and Sis. Brenda Elms speak. Each lady was very encouraging and I left the meeting knowing I had been in the presence of beautiful ladies! After our time together we joined the men in the sanctuary. There was a wonderful move of the Holy Ghost as we gathered around the altar in prayer for one another.

Tuesday Night we were in Deweyville at Pastor and Sis. Darrell Orange's church. Bro. H.E. Gerald is the Presbyter. Bro. Gerald is a wonderful man of God and it saddened all of us to see him in a wheel chair. He is unable to walk at all, but he preached a wonderful message sitting down! The Deweyville church also prepared a delicious meal for all the minister's and wives who attended. They had a dessert table in the middle of the room, and when I walked up to the table I knew there was a lot of HOMEMADE DESSERTS, so since I wanted a bite of all of them, the ladies fixed me my own plate of desserts. WOW! I didn't need it, but I sure enjoyed them!!!! Chocolate pie, Mandarin Orange Cake, Coconut Cake, Chocolate Cake, Grape Salad, Banana Pudding, Lemon Pie...I think that was it...but OH SO DELICIOUS! I wish I would have taken a picture of that table, but I'm sorry...I didn't!

We came home today after spending the night with Jonathan, Brenda and the girls. It's always good seeing the "kids"! We will be heading out again in the morning. We are looking forward to seeing everyone in Section 8 and 1. TEXAS DISTRICT is moving forward in revival!

M.A.P. Seminar

I sit in my chair tonight with thankfulness in my heart for a great time at MAP! We had an incredible group of ministers and wives who were hungry to learn more about ministry and what they can do to serve in the Kingdom of God. The presence of the Lord met with us in our sessions as we taught and when we came together in the general sessions. Last night was a wonderful night as Pastor and Sis. Steve Wehrle told their story of the birth of their church in Magnolia. It was so encouraging to hear what God has done in the years they have been there. Bro. Wehrle spoke and encouraged all of us that we can do whatever God has called us to do!

For anyone who might be wanting to see pictures, I didn't take any. Again, I never felt it to be the appropriate thing to do. To me, the time we spend together at MAP is a very sacred time, and I don't want to "intrude" with my camera.

This week starts our travels to all of the Sectional Conferences. I am looking forward to seeing everyone! It's a great time to see what all is happening in the great Texas District! I'm thankful we can come together with the preacher's and their wives in these meetings. What better place to go than to be with those who are running this race? We are all "running with winning on our minds".

Please breathe a prayer for us as we travel. We will be driving a lot of miles over the next few weeks. Have a blessed week!

This Weekend - M.A.P. Seminar

For the last several days I have started getting excited about this weekend, because tomorrow night starts the Ministerial Advancement Program Seminar. M.A.P is when ministers and wives come for training before they meet the Texas District Board for local, general, or ordination license.

Last year was my first time to have the privilege of teaching in this seminar, so now that I know more about it, I have found myself anticipating the arrival of those who will be participating! It's wonderful to "see" eager minds who are wanting to learn about being in the ministry. I pray God will anoint every teacher this week. The lessons that will be taught by the teacher's will affect the "seminar participants" for the rest of their lives....if they "take it to heart".

Last year I didn't take any pictures. I might take a few this year. I haven't decided, yet.

My dear "blog friends"....if you read this post before the seminar comes to an end, (Friday night - Sunday morning) would you please say a prayer for us? It will be appreciated! Thank you in advance!

What Are You Protecting?

I was going through some things tonight and found a quote I had written down in 2008. I was listening to the news when I heard someone say,

"These soldiers don't fight because they hate
what's in front of them.
They fight because they love what's behind them."

Knowing some of you who read my blog, I think this quote got your attention just like it got mine when I heard it.

This statement really makes me think about what I am "fighting for". I want the future of the church, and the spiritual future of my children and grandchildren to be greater and mightier than I ever experienced when I was younger, so I will continue to "fight for" a great future, because I believe in a church that is moving forward. I believe in a church that loves the truth and will not sell out for the beggarly elements of this world. And, I believe in a church who will not surrender it's young preacher's and preacher's wives to the howling wolves of materialism and worldliness! The message of truth will be preached, because God will always have a church that will "forsake all to follow Him".

So, what am I going to "fight for"? What are you going to "fight for"? I have purposed to "fight for" what I have always loved.

I've loved....hearing preacher's who love this truth, preach without worrying who might be offended.

I've loved....the message of separation from the world.

I've loved....the joyful sounds of praise and worship in the many services I have been privileged to attend.

I've loved....dancing in the presence of Almighty God.

I've loved....the anointed singing that only comes when the "singer" has a relationship with Jesus!

I've loved....the "spirit of unity" that prevails in the Church.

I've loved....souls coming to God, repenting, being baptized in Jesus Name, and being filled with the Holy Ghost.

I've loved....taking my children to Camp Meetings, Youth Camps, Fellowship Meetings, and Youth Rallies where they could be with friends, and make new friends who love the truth like they do.

I've loved....the old-time preaching, praying, singing, shouting!

I've loved...."red hot" prayer meetings where the saints shook the gates of hell demanding the release of our loved ones...and we've seen it happen.

Need I go on? I could! I will defend and fight with all my heart, for the rest of my life, what I have been taught by anointed men and women of God who love the truth. They never wavered when their friends criticized them for "preaching it too hard". They never wavered when their friends "left the truth because they just didn't believe it like that any longer". The men and women of God I speak of, were never wishy-washy in what they believed, and that's the reason there is a church that is standing strong and sure in 2010!!!

I really feel an urgency to "fight for that which is behind us"! Satan would love to destroy our "legacy of truth". He would love to destroy what we have loved since the beginning when the Church was formed!

Am I discouraged about the Church and it's future? Oh no! I feel the strength of an army of young warriors who are picking up the "swords of truth" and they are ready to "defend" it! They are fighting for what has been preached to them! I'm encouraged! I'm excited! I have no fear of what the future holds, because they will "fight for" and "defend" the foundations that have not crumbled through the ages! The walls of truth are strong and sure, and will become stronger as we continue loving and protecting that which was given to us by those who fought before us!

First Weekend in 2010

Today, after a wonderful service at The Apostolic Church in Beaumont, we got to spend some time eating lunch with Jonathan and the family, and Ken and Julie Cook. (Brenda had gone to the car just before I took this picture) We had a great time being together. We enjoyed a good message from Bro. Cook, too! He is very passionate about the call God has placed on his life. The worship at church was so refreshing and beautiful. I am thankful I got to be in the house of the Lord with family and friends, and so happy He came to be with us and touched me today.

Savanna and Scarlet are growing up so quickly! Here they are all ready to go to Sunday School and church this morning.

What a Lovely Day and Rambling Thoughts

The second day of the New Year has been wonderful! We came to Beaumont last evening to spend "Christmas" with Jonathan, Brenda and the girls. So today, Brenda, the girls and I went shopping. I am one that doesn't like to shop much, but today was different. I had two happy little girls and a very happy "daughter" to shop with, and it was fun! I loved watching as Savanna and Scarlet "shopped". Savanna, is starting to enjoy the shopping experience, and I watched as she would walk through the stores looking at all the pretty dresses, shoes, and purses. I could see how much she was growing up and becoming a "little lady". Oh, how time flies! It seems it was just a few months ago that I held her tiny infant body in my arms, and now she is eight years old! Eight years later I have three more sweet granddaughters who are growing up so quickly!

The beginning of a new year always brings reflection, and I've noticed that I keep thinking about enjoying one second, one moment, one hour, one day....at a time! So many times we "wish our life away", and before we know it we have missed the important things in life.

I haven't said it for awhile on my blog, so let me remind all of us that the "most important thing in life is having a RELATIONSHIP with those around you". When a person has no one to love, no one to share with, and no one to care for, they don't have much to live for. It is a sad, lonely existence to not have friends. It's even more sad when someone CHOOSES to let hurts separate them from their family or a friend. Friends and family are what life is made of, not "things" that we acquire by working so hard that we don't have time to sit and talk awhile, or to listen to a friend as they talk about what is "bugging" them. Let me remind all of us once again, that we also need to put God in our life. He should be number one, then everyone else. "...For without Him we can do nothing".

I feel like I'm rambling, and I guess I really am, but that's okay. Sometimes it good to ramble. :)

Have a great Sunday! Be sure and go to church! Put first things first and your life will be fulfilled. God...family...friends... LIFE will be great when you have all three.

First Day of 2010

Sitting here tonight I reflect on the past and look forward into the future. No, I can't "see" what's going to happen in 2010, but I can say by faith that it's going to be a good year. Tiny thoughts try to infiltrate my mind and bring "fear of the unknown", but I do not let them linger long, because I know God is in control of 2010. When you realize He "calls the shots", then you can rest knowing you're in good hands!

January 1, 2010 has been a beautiful day starting out the new year with the sun shining, people smiling and saying "Happy New Year". I've heard the voices of family and friends talking about things they have enjoyed in 2009. Simple things, like a do-nut from a special do-nut shop, the world's largest Christmas store, church services and the moving of the spirit as they gathered to worship the Lord. I listened as stories were told and laughter rang out bringing lightness to our hearts. Ahhh...it's a beautiful life when you're living it for God, and sharing with others!

Earlier today Wendell was on the phone with his brother Royce and I got to enjoy their conversation as their voices came across the speakers of the car phone. I couldn't help but think how "the Elms brothers" have such a great relationship with each other, and the deep respect and love they share. Then, I heard Royce laugh! There is no one that can laugh quite like him, and when he gets started it is contagious! The other day, one of our sons mentioned that "someone needs to use Uncle Royce's laugh as a ringtone"! LOL! I couldn't agree more!

I really hope 2010 will be a GREAT year for all of my friends and family. There is so much sadness and stress in our world, so I wish you all the joy you can hold, and maybe it will splash over on someone who is going through a tough time. Relax, laugh a lot, touch someone with love, and you'll find it makes life so much more FUN!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!