Safe With Friends

Last week was the 64th Texas District Camp Meeting. To say we had a wonderful time would be an understatement! The comment I have heard the most from those who attended is, "This has been an "old time camp meeting". The spirit of Camp Meeting was filled with unity, therefore we had powerful moves of the Spirit. I was overwhelmed many times as I stood in the presence of God. The preaching of the Word by those who were chosen to deliver it to us was anointed and delivered with passion, clarity, and excellence! Bro. Wayne Huntley was our Evening Speaker. I really don't know why we have pews to sit on! He preached with such an anointing and I found it hard to sit down, as did many others! At times, the crowd was on their feet as he delivered his heart to us.It was wonderful having Bro. and Sis. Huntley with us. We enjoyed his preaching and her singing. The music and singing was absolutely heavenly. The music coordinators for the day chose songs from "yesteryear" coupled with songs of "today", bringing us into the presence of the King. Sis. Dedie Cooley was the Master Music Coordinator for Camp Meeting and chose all the music coordinators and specials for each day. WOW! Everyone was on the same "wave-length" and I don't know when I've been blessed by music and singing as I was this time. My soul was drinking in His presence as it flooded our hearts. For those who were unable to attend just know that you would have enjoyed being here.

We heard SOLID preaching and teaching! Bro. Dan Segraves and his wife were with us. He taught on Bible doctrine during the day. Bro. Donnie Hendrick preached about "Contending for the Faith". Bro. Jeff Story brought faith to our hearts when he preached, "Where Is God?". We heard about "Living In the Land of Hope" by Bro. Gene Holley from Wichita Falls. Bro. Brett Cooley preached a powerful message on repentance, "The Lost Message of Pentecost". All the messages were "meat for the soul" and anyone who wants to be saved could go to Heaven by listening and obeying what was preached at Texas Camp Meeting this year.

I am struggling to write this post because I have very deep emotions running through my heart and mind. There were times while standing in the presence of God that all I could think of was... "I feel so SAFE"!

SAFE...from "fear of the future" for the great organization we have chosen to be a part of.

I didn't hear one thing about "going back on the message of the Apostolic Church", or "loosening up on the standards of living" we have chosen to follow. I am happy to say, we heard what it means to "love God with all our hearts", "living a holy life unto the Lord", and "loving truth" more than ever before. We didn't hear "fluffy" preaching!

SAFE...for the future of my grandchildren. I believe "truth" is safe in the hands of the younger generation of preacher's and their wives. I feel confident that there are younger preacher's wives who are standing for the right and will help lead my granddaughters "in the way they should go".

SAFE...in the presence of my friends. Friends, who love me and would do anything for me. Friends, who are there in the good times and in the bad. Friends, who will pray for me and my family when we have a crisis in our lives. I had a friend say to me, "Isn't it wonderful being here with everyone when you're going through a trying time in life?" Yes...yes it is wonderful!

I AM SAFE

My husband called a long time friend on Saturday to just say he was happy to see he and his wife at Camp Meeting. While he was on the phone with him he said he wanted to tell me something. Wendell handed the phone to me. I was a little surprised, then I heard the familiar voice I had heard through the years. "Linda, I saw something the other night when you were standing talking to me and I have been praying for you. I just want you to know that God has heard your prayer..." He said more of which I will not disclose, but when I hung up the phone, I said to Wendell. "I feel SO SAFE! To know there are men of God who will pray for me (us) is overwhelming."

I am SAFE...because there are those who listen to the voice of God, and when they hear Him speak they take action. They do not use their "spiritual gifts" for their GAIN, but when God speaks to them they obey Him and follow the direction He leads. I know there are those I could go to at anytime and they would pray until...

I am SAFE...because I have a God that understands me and loves me even though I'm not perfect!

I am SO THANKFUL for the people I know personally that I can trust.

I am not afraid of loving, because...I have been loved.

I am not afraid of giving myself to others, because...I have been given to.

I am not afraid to reach out to those hurting, because... I have been reached to.

I am not afraid for I AM SAFE...in the presence of God and my friends.

I thank God for my heritage in the United Pentecostal Church. I am so glad I am a part of the greatest Apostolic movement that has ever been. And, as my husband said so adequately the other night..."I don't want to hear any griping about it." :)

Have a great week! I will try and be back in a few days. Crusader's Camp is starting in 15 minutes and I am EXCITED! I am going to make my way to the camp ground in a little while to see what is happening. It's going to be FUN!

Wrapped In Arms of Love

It was a quiet morning. I was getting dressed for the day, and planning on getting on the road to Wichita Falls when I heard a little voice, "Mimi, I'm cold!" I looked down at my little three year old granddaughter who was standing in the doorway looking up at me with those big, beautiful eyes that are always full of expression. I noticed she had a "snuggle blanket" wrapped around her and at that moment it didn't matter if the world stopped spinning, I was going to stop and hold her until she got warm! I looked at her and asked, "Do you want me to hold you?" Her little head nodded up and down and I reached down and wrapped her up. Holding her close I walked over to the rocker and rocked. She never said another word, and neither did I. We were both content to relax and rock. She went to sleep and I enjoyed the quiet morning for a little longer.

I got on the road.

I don't know when it happened. But, I remembered...

There have been times in life when I was "cold". I really didn't know where to turn, except to my Heavenly Father. I could hear myself saying, "Jesus, I'm cold!" No, I didn't say it quite like that, but in essence I did, and it was at that very moment I felt Him stop what He was doing, reach down, wrap me in His arms, and rock. It didn't matter what it was that made me "cold", I just needed to feel His love and strength warming my heart, and as it did I was contented to......stay awhile.

I really believe I felt the heart of my heavenly Father that morning as I sat and cradled Ashlyn in my arms. I realized once again that anytime I tell Jesus what it is I'm feeling, He WANTS to stop and make my world better.

Come to think of it...I really believe He ENJOYS those times with ME!

Memories and More Memories Made

It's been a real busy week. Maybe I should rephrase that and say, "It's been ANOTHER busy week". Now, I feel better! LOL!

Wendell was gone this past week to be with his brothers in San Diego. Since Mom and Pop Elms have gone on to Heaven, the Elms brothers have had a "Brother's Reunion" every year. There's not a whole lot that stops them from getting together on that special week, so, while Wendell was gone I pulled things together here at home and headed to Balch Springs to see my kids and grandkids. The Shoemake's were also ministering in the Wednesday night service at Greater Apostolic Tabernacle, and I wanted to see them. The church really enjoyed their mininstry and Andrew loved having his Aunt Bobbie in HIS church. When Mother passed away Bobbie became his "grandmother" and his emotions ran deep as he spoke about her.
Of course, "Aunt Bobbie" had to sing and she sung a lot and we enjoyed every note and word!"Uncle Jimmy" ministered and did a wonderful job. Andrew enjoyed introducing him to "his people". Mandy and I fixed tacos after church and YES they were DELICIOUS! :) We had a wonderful time being together. I love anytime I'm with friends and family!

Andrew and Uncle Jimmy were visiting and I walked in to see this. Alayna was mesmerized as she listened to her Daddy talk about fishing and hunting. It was priceless!

I then traveled to Wichita Falls for my nephew, Cameron's, High School Graduation. I am so proud of Cameron and the young man that he has become. He lives for God with all his heart, and made good grades in school. He was in the top 10% for his grades in his class, and that's a lot to be proud of!Here's the proud parents and brother with Cameron. Sis. Connie Bernard, her daughter, Lindsey, and Sis. Sharpe, Sis. Bernard's mother were there to celebrate with Cameron. It was great getting to visit with them for a couple of days. Sis. Sharpe is a beautiful person. Since being around her I saw why Sis. Bernard is the way she is. Training comes from the home, and when a person is "led in the way they should go" she (he) has the opportunity to "excel in life". That doesn't mean the person who "has not been taught" does not have the same opportunity, but they will find it harder to "become", more than one who has proper training.

Well...I wasn't going to teach a lesson in this post!!! I guess it's just inside and sometimes has to come out! :) OK....on we go....

What I was going to say is...What a beautiful, sweet, First Lady we have to follow in the United Pentecostal Church! I am blessed to call her "friend".Uncle C.W. and Aunt Gloria came through Wichita Falls on their way home from their long vacaiton, so I got to see them again! That was another treat I got while there. Here's C.W. and Sharon looking at pictures and catching up.I love this picture of Aunt Gloria and Sis. Bernard waiting for the graduation exercises to start.I had many occasions to visit with friends and family on this trip. It was so much fun! Keith and Carla, Mallory and Taylor were there. I even had a chance to hear Mallory play the piano! She played some beautiful classical music and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I asked her to play "at least one song for me", but when I heard her I wanted to hear more. She was gracious to grant me that favor, and I will always remember the first time I heard Mallory play! The shy girl she has always been has become a lovely lady! Taylor is quiet when I'm around her, but she's a sweetheart. I love her gorgeous red hair, fair skin, and beautiful smile! God has a lot in store for her and I'm anxious to see how He uses her for His glory.

I could keep naming people, but I've already left some out. Not because I want to, but because you don't want to read all night or day. Just let me say...if I saw you I LOVED every smile, hug, or time we got to visit.

I enjoyed Sunday morning service at Life Tabernacle. They know how to have CHURCH, and I loved every minute of it. The special guest speaker was Western District Superintendent, Ron Mullings, so I got to be with him and Sis. Mullings! What a great time of fellowship we all had as we enjoyed "dinner on the ground" and "Friend Day"!

It was a 5th Sunday, so there was no Sunday night service. By the time we all got home no one said much of anything, because the weekend had been full of activity. Gene, Karla, Cameron, and myself "chilled" for several hours, then went to eat, again. Sharon met us and I enjoyed her company. Chad went to play golf and to "socialize" with friends. I think he was pretty happy with his game! GO CHAD!

I took this picture of Chad sometime while we were all still enough to get a picture. I thought about going shopping with Karla Monday morning, but she was too tired, and I was ready to get home to my husband. He had flown into Houston on Saturday evening and I was anxious to be home to him!

I really could have taken Jazzy home with me, but I couldn't get out the door with her. If I had driven off with her, I would have been hunted down and arrested! I'm sure of it!