Texas Board Meeting Time

My sisters left Saturday morning, and I hit the ground running. I had a lot to accomplish before the board meetings started Monday afternoon. I got it all done and was excited about the board members and their wives arriving in Lufkin! I always enjoy having my friends here in town and take every second I can to be with them. I know some of the wives come and have things they want to do in their rooms, but if I can do anything about it they won't get it done! :) I have convinced a few of them that they need to stay at the office with me so we can visit and "take care of the boards needs" which consists of "keeping food and beverages" available. This time we also helped Donna Myre and Diane Green with Ladies Ministries mail outs. We got it all done and I was happy to help my friends.

On Tuesday we all went to eat in the Texas Bible College cafeteria. Bro. and Sis. McInnis fixed a delicious gumbo and we enjoyed it so much! After eating and speaking to a few people I started walking back to the District Office. As I walked, I had a wonderful feeling about where I was. We have a beautiful camp ground that houses students of TBC, and some hard working employees that love working for the district. It was a beautiful day! The sun was shining, and a slight breeze ruffled the leaves on the trees. I was overwhelmed with thankfulness for all that God has done for the Texas District over the years. I felt safe and loved by God that day as I walked and talked to him. Thankful is a word that means a lot, but how do you really express the overflowing spirit of thankfulness for the things He has done? I was at a loss for words and I still am.

Tuesday afternoon was filled with applicants meeting the board for ministerial license with the United Pentecostal Church. The foyer of the office was FULL! There was excitement in the air. There were also those who were nervous about being there. If they had never gone through the "licensing process" and "meeting the board" they didn't know what to expect. I, along with some of the board members wives got to visit with these great people and hopefully helped them relax a little.

There are things that happen during this time that I will always remember. After a long day and evening of waiting for the board to call the applicants into the board room to be commissioned to "preach the Word", they had prayer. From the moment they started praying you could feel the power of God! After awhile there was tongues and interpretation and a hallowedness swept across the whole office complex. What a great way for the day to end.

I hated to tell everyone goodbye, but I felt much richer because I had the privilege to serve great men and their sweet wives...my friends. I felt fulfilled because I got to sit and talk to "new friends" who have a mission to reach this world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I felt happy, because we laughed and talked, and had a chance to "get to know each other".

Yes, I was tired in body, but oh so thankful to be "where I'm at" at this time in life!

I Love Surprises

My life has been filled with surprises! For some reason, my family has always enjoyed surprising each other. One time I will always remember is when Wendell and I were living in North Carolina and I was really homesick to see Daddy and Mother. I talked to Daddy and told him they needed to come see us. He asked about our plans and I told him Bro. and Sis. Johnny Godair had invited us to dinner at their home in a few days. After my begging to no avail, he let me believe it wasn't possible for them to come at that time. We arrived at the Godair's. They greeted us and invited us into the den. We visited for a few minutes, then the office door opened and Daddy and Mother were standing there!!! I couldn't believe my eyes! I'll never forget the look on Wendell's face, and the shocked expression on Jonathan and Andrew's faces. They were very young at the time, but they knew Grandma and Grandpa were suppose to be in TEXAS! I nearly fainted! At that moment I knew how the disciples must have felt when Jesus just "appeared" to them. WOW! Talk about speechless!

A few months ago Karla told me she was coming to see me for a week and she was coming ALL BY HERSELF! She didn't want ANYONE ELSE coming with her. That was fine with me, because we could do exactly as we wanted. When we get together our husband's understand that it's a very special time for us "girls" and they keep themselves occupied during that time. Karla and I hadn't been with each other just to have a "sisters week" for a long time, so I was excited. I thought about Ronda and how far away she was in California and wished she could be here with us, but knew it wasn't possible for her to come. Sometime during the day I called Karla to find out when she would be here, and she said she had a couple of stops to make in Dallas and would be getting here later in the evening. Around 8:30 P.M. my doorbell rang and she was finally here. I opened the door and RONDA was standing there looking at me!!! Karla wasn't anywhere to be seen! Oh my word! I couldn't believe my eyes! They said I "screamed backwards". That's when I scream and catch my breath at the same time. LOL! I've done that a few times in my life when I've been startled. Well...the rest is history and I didn't have a heart attack. We had a wonderful time just "being sisters". We shopped a little and visited a lot. And yes...we LAUGHED to our hearts content. Needless to say, it did us all good just being "sisters" for a week.

Dear Anonymous

A few months back I wrote a post entitled Stranger Danger.  I received a comment from Anonymous in which several of you commented on.  I recently received this reply from our friend, "Anonymous":

"I hadn't been back since I left my original comment that night. I have to say I wasn't expecting a response, I guess I was wrong. I was going to just say that I'm not really any closer than I was that night, but after reading your response and the comments others left, I will give thigs some serious thought. Maybe hope is still out there. " 

Dear Anonymous,

I cannot get you off of my mind.  I have been praying for you.  The words to a song my sister, Ronda wrote tells you how I feel about those who are "lost in the fog of life's sea".

And nothing's changed as far as we're concerned.
We love you now just like we did back then.
So come on home where you belong;
You've been away for much too long.
And Jesus wants to take you back again.

I'm still waiting to hear you're HOME!  Your Friends are standing on the shore waiting for you with open arms!

P.S. Anonymous...I may not know who you are, but Jesus does and He loves YOU!

Touching Base

Hello Friends!

I am "jumping on" my computer to say I haven't fallen off the edge of the world. I am ALIVE and WELL! There has been a lot of excitement this past week. I will write about that later.

I am sitting in the District Office, because board meetings are going on. I have had a whole day full of serving and visitiing with friends. I love this time of year, because we are busy with a lot of meetings and that allows me to be with friends.

I will come back in a few days and write some more, but for now...I need to run. Keep running this race with a "made up mind"! We'll all be gathered home before too long.

Love You ALL!

You CAN Win

The Victor

If you think you are beaten, you are.

If you think you dare not, you don't.

If you like to win but think you can't,

It's almost a cinch you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you're lost.

For out in the world we find

Success begins with a fellow's will,

It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are.

You've got to think high to rise.

You've got to be sure of yourself before

You can ever win the prize.

Life's battles don't always go

To the stronger or faster man.

But sooner or later, the man who wins

Is the man who thinks he can!

Written by: C.W. Longenecker

Sing Me A Song

Tonight I am sitting in my recliner with a fire in the fireplace that my sweet husband has kept going for several hours. It's COLD outside and for the last few days it seems the world around us has fallen asleep. Every now and then I see a bird come to the feeder outside my windows, but I haven't seen a squirrel in several days. Usually, they are at the feeder we put out for them, but not in this freezing weather. Before the freezing temperatures hit they came and filled their little tummy's, so I'm sure they are snuggled up in their warm "houses" waiting for things to thaw a bit before returning for more food.

While getting ready to turn in for the night, somewhere from the depth of my memory a chorus came to mind that I love to sing. I haven't heard it in a LONG time, and really wonder if anyone remembers it. It goes like this:

Just when I need someone to tell my troubles to.
Just when I feel down hearted and blue.
Just when it seems that I can't make it through.
Jesus hears and answers prayer.

I am not a "whiny-feel-sorry-for-me-type person", yet sometimes I need to be reminded that Jesus really does "hear and answer prayer". Right now as I type, I'm sure someone is wondering if I am "down", so before I go on let me put your minds at ease. I am FINE! In fact, I couldn't be more contented right now. I've got so much to be thankful for!

Now that I have made sure about that, I'll continue...

Some years ago I started hearing people say negative things about some of the songs we had sung for years. These people were not from our church, but some I happened to be around from time to time. They would say things like, "When we go to church we don't want to hear songs about people's problems and pain. We have enough of our own. We want to hear songs that lift us up and make us feel good." Although I do understand what they were saying, and at times have felt the same way, as I look back down the road we have traveled in life, I'm thinking that we might have left some of our "treasured songs" buried in the past. I have heard these songs referred to as "Story Songs" (said with a little smirk) Well...life is a story that is unfolding every day and we understand "stories". A story might be in a book, or in a song, and people understand and relate to "songs that tell a story". I love a lot of our Praise and Worship choruses of today, so I am not writing about "old vs. new". I enjoy a good up-beat song and different styles, but we must be careful that we're not singing a song that appeals to our carnality and surface feelings. Songs that touch the inner most part of our spirits and draws us closer to Jesus Christ is what we need to hear. We ought to "lift Jesus up" in the songs we sing, and we need to realize that people need to hear songs that tell them that Jesus knows and understands what they are going through.

Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?
Got any mountains you can't tunnel through?
God specializes in things thought impossible.
And He will do what no other power can do!

I have watched people with heavy hearts touched by the words and music of this chorus. Upon entering the doors of the sanctuary someone felt like they couldn't take another step, but as they sang and worshiped the One that "specializes in things thought impossible" I saw their load lifted.

Many things about tomorrow;
I don't seem to understand.
But I know Who holds tomorrow;
And I know Who holds my hand.

We all go through times of struggle and wonder if we're going to make it. We should not try to "gloss over" the FACT that people are facing terrible situations and they do not know what's going to happen. It's so easy for us to look at someone and become a "judge" and decide that "Their problem isn't all that bad. If they would have done "such and such" they wouldn't be going through so much." Yes, on and on it goes. People trying to be God and thinking they know how everyone else should act/react. OUCH! Where did that come from? Let's all be honest with OURSELVES and confess that we are GUILTY of becoming "the judge" at least once in our lives. :-)

In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face,
While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place.
'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Chorus
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Many times Satan whispered, "There is no need to try,
For there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by"
But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise
Where the storms never darken the skies.

When the long night has ended and the storms come no more,
Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore;
In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord, may I
Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.

Storms! Storms can scare you nearly to death! I have been in some terrible "thunder and lightning" storms and wondered if the high wind was going to destroy our house. On the other hand, I've been in our car with no other shelter when the skies turned dark and threatening. My brother, Keith, Wendell and I were traveling one time when all of a sudden a "storm came up" and almost before we knew it we were on the edge of a tornado. All traffic stopped on the highway afraid to go any further. As we sat there, the winds became so fierce that we were afraid of flying objects coming through the windows of the car and we felt the power of the wind lifting our car. Yes, I've been in some pretty scary "weather storms", but they do not compare to some of the "life storms" we've been through.

Everyone I know has gone through "life storms". Some of them were not as fierce as others, but ALL were storms, and whoever is in the storm wants to know that "it will pass" and all will be calm, again. The song above says: "But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise; where the storms never darken the skies." What a peace fills my heart when I hear these words! He is with me! I am not alone! He will bring me THROUGH the storm! It's not just another song...it's a "story about life, and Jesus, and knowing He will take care of me".

Whether we sing a "new song or old", we need to make sure the song we're singing has a "message" and it's not just "feel good words". A few weeks ago I wrote a "blog post" about songs I remember. Later a friend left a comment and I quote: "I love these songs! The first church I attended in Texico sang out of the song book all the time. These songs remind me of when God started to change my life, and they will always be precious to me." Thank you, Michelle. I couldn't say it any better!

Worship leaders...I invite you to step out of the norm. When you are preparing to lead worship through song, please don't choose a song or chorus just because it's "a song everyone is talking about". Don't choose it because you had a friend tell you that "this song will bring the glory down". Don't choose a song just because "it's the newest rage". Be sure and choose songs that come from a heart of thankfulness, and a knowledge of how God will come through for those who are sitting in your congregation needing to hear "He will take care of them". Choose songs after you have been in prayer and have a fresh touch of His Spirit resting on you. Choose songs that will minister first to HIM and then to those who are hurting. And...you just might want to reach WAY back and choose a song that was sung many years ago, but it's message is still NEW today.

I love to tell how Jesus saved my soul;
When I was lost and facing dark despair.
But mortal tongue could scarcely tell the whole;
Nor thank Him for such wondrous love and care.

Oh, He is more than all the world to me;
The dearest friend that I have ever known.
And it will take the whole eternity;
To thank Him for the love that He has shown.

A Special Evening With a Queen...Dolores Neely

This week we have been to Section 9 and Section 4 Conferences. We have had a fantastic time! Just like all the conferences we have attended this year, we experienced the spirit of UNITY. I feel like I am repeating myself when I talk about the 2011 Sectional Conferences, but in every conference we have felt the same UNITY. There is an excitement in the TEXAS DISTRICT and many reports of revival in our churches. We have truly experienced the scripture that says, "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1)

Last night at the Section 4 Conference the ladies were privileged to hear one of my heroes speak. Sis. Dolores Neely has been one of the ladies in my life that I have loved and admired. Everyone who knows her, loves her. The love she has for her husband and the respect she has shown him through the years has made an everlasting impression on my life. She always makes EVERYONE feel they are special. Whenever you walk up to her, you "know you are loved". And, when you walk away from her, you know "you can make it".

Just as my friend Diane Green was getting ready to call me to greet the ladies, I turned and looked at them and what I saw took me on a journey of many years ago. Several of the ladies were holding notebooks in their lap and had a pen ready to take notes. In a flash...I was sitting in a room with other minister's wives while our husband's conducted "business" in the sanctuary, and standing before me was Sis. Neely. She was the Texas District Secretary's Wife, and I couldn't wait to hear her and Sis. Holley speak. I knew I would learn something from both of these ladies, and I wanted to learn everything I could. I'll always remember these two precious ladies and the words of wisdom they shared with me, a young Pastor's wife.

Last night was a blessing I cannot express to you. I saw a lady who had lived through heartache and grief, yet loved God MORE "today than she did yesterday". Both of her daughters have passed from this life, a young grandson was taken in an auto accident, and her "sweet husband" went on to his reward a short time ago. As she spoke, she worshiped, and as she worshiped, we were brought before the throne of God. When God heard her sweet voice giving Him praise, He HAD to come see her. As I worshiped Him I could hear Sis. Neely's voice. I could tell that she was not concerned about anything in "this life", so I opened my eyes and watched as she was "lost in His presence". Nothing mattered at that point. She was talking to Jesus, her Friend!

I've thought about what I saw and experienced in the "sectional minister's wives meeting", and I understand that who I saw standing before me last night was not just a "little old lady" (as she referred to herself) who has "nothing better to do than talk about God, prayer, angels, and heaven", but I saw a lovely queen who made me want to know Jesus more than ever. Yes, as I look back on what I experienced last night I realize that as Sis. Neely talked about Jesus, she created a desire within my heart to want to know Him more than I ever have. After all these years, Sis. Neely has shown me once again what is MOST IMPORTANT in life! Something she said last night in her soft voice tells what a beautiful Christian she is, and I quote: "I would like to tell you something profound...but I don't know anything profound, but Jesus."