Our Miracle...baby Ansley

NOTE:  This is a post I wrote on Ansley's third birthday in 2014.  Ansley is now 8 years old and in Bible Quizzing.  We are so proud of her for all the work she puts into memorizing her scriptures.  She is a JOY and we are blessed that God to call her GRANDdaughter!  Love you little sweetheart!  

I'll never forget the sound of our sons voice..."Mom, Mandy and I are at the hospital with Ansley.  She quit breathing on us, so we're here at the emergency room.  She's breathing now, and the doctor is here."  My heart stopped for a second, but then my husband and I went into full steam ahead.  Questions forming in our minds.  What happened?  Is she okay?  What made her quit breathing?  The fear of the unknown grabbed at our hearts. 

Our sweet baby, Ansley was a couple months old and we were all enjoying her little life.  Now, we waited in the ER with her trying to find some answers.  "God, what is wrong with our baby Ansley?  Why did she quit breathing when her mother laid her down to change her into her pajamas?  What is going to happen?  God, please hear our prayers!  We need YOU to intervene.  The doctors can't figure it out."

As we were thinking she was going to be okay, she once again started fighting for air.  Her little body arched and her eyes got huge!  None of us will ever forget it!  Andrew and Mandy, and the grandparents (both sets) were thrown into the "fear of the unknown," yet we all knew we had a God that could hear our prayers.

(ring-ring)  Hello Bro. Huntley, this is Darrell Orange.  I need you to pray for our granddaughter, Ansley.  He told the story of what was happening and then listened as Bro. Huntley said, "I'm on my way to the church right now to pray.  I will definitely be in prayer for God to heal Ansley."

More phone calls were made.  People of God started praying and we were cocooned in the arms of God as intercessory prayer was made.

The decision was made that Ansley would be transported by plane to the Children's Hospital in Dallas, TX.  We waited.  I walked the halls when I needed a to be with my Lord.  We all hated to see our children going through such trauma, but watched as our children handled the situation with wisdom and grace.

The paramedics and doctor arrived from Children's Hospital and our tiny baby was strapped to the gurney to be take by ambulance to the airport where the plane awaited.  I thought our hearts would break as they wheeled her away.  Mandy was allowed to go with her on the plane, and Andrew and Jeanetta, Mandy's mother would drive.  Texas District Camp Meeting had just started, and Andrew told us to stay here, and take care of what needed to be done, and if he needed us to come he would call.  I guess that's one of the hardest things I've ever done.  I've at times wondered why I didn't get in the car and go with them.  We went to Camp Meeting and once again, intercessory prayer was made!  The prayers of God's people are powerful!

The plane arrived with our precious granddaughter, and they went through their procedures.  Ansley was on machines checking vital signs at all times.  Nothing was wrong with her!  NOTHING!  They couldn't find anything that would have caused her breathing to stop.  PRAYER CHANGES THINGS!
When they said they couldn't find anything, we remembered what the doctor had said in ER..."I don't know what's wrong.  All I can say is, some parent's come in with a dead baby in arms, and some come in with one that's still living.  You happen to be some that walk in with a baby that's still alive."  From what he said we knew he thought Ansley was a case of "infant death syndrome".

(ring-ring)  "Hello, Bro. Orange, this is Bro. Huntley.  I just called to tell you that Ansley is okay, but she will not be completely healed until the adults...parents and grandparents believe she is okay.  You must accept her healing, and not fear for God has healed her."

Andrew and Mandy left the hospital with Ansley in arms, and a very thankful heart.  They and Jeanetta headed back to Camp Meeting.  The first night family members offered to stay awake and watch over the baby and make sure she was okay.  I'll never forget the words of my sweet daughter in love..."Mom, it's okay.  Bro. Huntley said, she's okay and we have to accept that and not fear.  I am fine.  Andrew is fine, and Ansley is fine!  Don't worry!"

I went to bed that night.  As I laid down, weary in body from all that had happened and activities of the week, FEAR gripped my mind.  "What if Andrew and Mandy are asleep and Ansley quits breathing?  Oh God, please take care of Ansley!"  Then I heard her words... "Mom, it's okay.  Bro. Huntley said, she's okay and we have to accept that and not fear.  I am fine.  Andrew is fine, and Ansley is fine!  Don't worry!"  My heart cried...."If the mother and father can lay down and go to sleep without worry...I can lay down and sleep and not worry!  Thank you Lord for your word of hope from the man of God."

We now celebrate the life God gave us in a little 3 year old.  Ansley brings so much joy to our lives!  God is GOOD and His Word is powerful!  Never doubt what God can do...for He does all things well, and will take care of you and your family.     

A weekend With Andrew and Family

This past weekend we got to spend a few days with our kids. It was wonderful! The girls are growing up too fast, and they are all sweethearts! :-)

On Sunday morning we went to church with them, and my husband preached a soul-stirring message. He preached with passion about being "shut in with God" and "receiving the blessing." I left with a deeper desire to know God more intimately, to have His approval and blessing more than ever!

The church in Balch Springs is growing numerically. Souls are being brought into the Kingdom, and that brings excitement to the church family! There is joy in giving to those new babies in Christ! The service Sunday morning was filled with the glory of God! Our souls were fed by the richness of His everlasting love!

I took a few pictures with my phone, which aren't as sharp as my good camera, but at least I have pictures! :-)

Pray for Protection Over Your Children

While looking through pictures the other day I ran across some that brought a great big THANK YOU to God for always watching over our children. Before Andrew and Mandy got married, we received a call from Mandy telling us that Andrew had been in an accident. He was attending Texas Bible College at the time, and was on his way to see Mandy when this happened.  We knew from the sound of Mandy's voice that it was bad, but she assured us he was okay.  We didn't really know how bad the accident had been until we saw the car.  Then, it really hit home! An 18-wheeler had rear-ended Andrew's little Honda, and it was a miracle it stopped before running over him completely. When the 18-wheeler hit the car, Andrew's drivers seat broke, causing him to fall back and being as tall as he is, the truck stopped just short of crushing his head. I look back and see once again the "mercies of God" on Andrew's life. We are so thankful! Here are the pictures from the accident. This happened about thirteen years ago.

To God be the glory! 

M.A.P. 2012 Was Special for Our Family

Our "kids" came to the M.A.P. Seminar this year.  Jonathan and Andrew will meet the board in February and will be getting Ordained in the Ordination Service at Camp Meeting in June.  Having them here at M.A.P. was very special for all of us.  We are very thankful they are part of the United Pentecostal Church, and are the Pastor's of two wonderful churches in our district.  God has been good to Wendell and I, and our sons have honored us with their lives.  Thank you Jonathan and Andrew for being the men you are.  We are also very, very thankful for our "daughters", Brenda and Mandy!  I want them to know we couldn't have had two daughters of our own any more committed to the things of God than they are.  Thank you both for your steadfast, faithful, commitment to God, our sons, and your churches.  You are both beautiful and we love you so much!  Thank you for loving Dad and I like you do.

Following are pictures we took on the last night of the seminar.  I'm so glad we got the opportunity to take pictures with our special guests, Bro. and Sis. Wayne Huntley and our Texas District Superintendent and his wife, Bro. and Sis. Danny Russo.  We love and respect these two couples very much and thank them for taking the time for this "photo shoot".

Our sons, Jonathan and Andrew with their Dad and Bro. Wayne Huntley.

Elms Family with Pastor and Sis. Wayne Huntley

Jonathan and Brenda, Bro. and Sis. Huntley, Andrew and Mandy having fun taking pictures.

It was special having Bro. and Sis. Huntley here this year.

Brenda, Patsy Huntley, Me, and Mandy

Jonathan and Brenda, Texas District Superintendent D.R. Russo and Sis. Russo, Andrew and Mandy

Elms Family With Bro. and Sis. Russo

Jonathan and Brenda

I think the "nerves" finally let go after a very intense weekend of ministerial training.

I'm glad we got a good picture of them before this happened.  :-)

I love to see our kids so HAPPY!

Andrew and Mandy (they held themselves together pretty good)

I think I spoke to fast!  Now it's our turn to have fun as Andrew and Jonathan look on in "wonder".

We did "pull ourselves together".

I think Mandy was teaching me to dance.

I think I got it! 

I want to say a great big thank you to Shayla Smith for taking the time to be our photographer.  She was so pleasant and fun.  We love you Shayla!

Pure Sweetness

Pure Sweetness knocked at my door yesterday and when I answered it I was greeted by happy voices yelling "SURPRISE"! Andrew and his family were standing there with big smiles and ready hugs!  I had been very lonely this week and when I saw it was them my heart jumped with happiness.  It's amazing how much better one feels after getting a lot of hugs and kisses from three little girls, and great big hugs from their Daddy and Mommy!!!  There is a strength that comes when a person receives love that is given unconditionally!  I enjoyed holding our little miracle baby Ansley and rocking her to sleep, playing games with Ashlyn, and playing the piano with Alayna. 

Each one of them have different "levels of wants" and I must say I enjoy each one.  Getting to spend time with Mandy discussing a lot of things that interest her and me, and then watching Andrew and his Dad have fun together makes me realize once again how blessed I am!!!  

Birthday Wishes

10-10-10 is a very special day for me, because I gave birth to a bouncing baby boy THIRTY THREE YEARS ago, and we named him Andrew Keith! It doesn't seem possible that its been THIRTY-THREE YEARS! All through his life I have noticed his tenderness toward God and his very kind, sweet nature. He may be 6'5" and be a big man in stature, but he is a Teddy bear at heart to those around him. He is a great Pastor to a wonderful group of people who have given him their love and support. We are thankful Andrew is being used by God to preach the Word and to love hurting souls, bringing them to know God. His strong resolve to "love truth as it has been handed to him" is heartwarming to see. Andrew, Dad and I could not be more thankful for the love you have given us and for your strength of character you have portrayed in many situations in life. In difficult times you have shown great strength and love for God. Thank you for the love and respect you have given us. You've always honored us in words and actions and we appreciate it more than we can say. We love you!

Also, EIGHT YEARS AGO...we were blessed again with a beautiful grand daughter that was born on her Daddy's birthday! Alayna Joy came into our hearts with JOY and HAPPINESS! She has been one of life's greatest joys!Andrew and Mandy named her right when they gave her the middle name JOY! Singing, dancing, giggling and happy...are a few of the things I think of when I think of Alayna. Alayna, we love you so much...we can't stand it! Keep living for God and bringing JOY to everyone around you. You're a little sweetheart to Papa and Mimi!

Then...I do not want to forget another special person that was born on this day...CAMERON LAYNE HOLLEY!
Happy Birthday, Cameron! It's hard to believe you are NINETEEN years old! We have watched you grow up and turn into a great young man with a heart after God. Uncle Wendell and I are so proud of you and love you so much!

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!

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!!!!!!!

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!