Facebook, Words...with friends, and Blogs

Anyone who "knows me", knows that I love staying in contact with my friends and family. I have so many incredible, awesome, intelligent, and super-duper friends, and the more I'm "connected" to them, the better I feel.

I am getting ready to close my eyes for the rest of the night, but decided to stop by and check my blog. I see there are people who have been so kind to stop by and read what I've had on my mind, and I'm so glad they did. Thank you!

I have a Facebook account, a Words With Friends account, and I enjoy texting and visiting via the internet. I had a very special text this evening from a dear friend, and all I had to ask to start a conversation was, "How are you?" and that opened up a good conversation. By the time we finished "talking" I was so glad I had asked the question. I knew when I "signed off" from visiting, that I would be praying for her everyday. God is good to give us people who we can "care for" and help lighten their load through prayer. I'm glad He trusted me enough to let my friend "text" me tonight.

Although I enjoy Facebook, WWF, and texting, I have come to the conclusion that I like "blogging" the most! (although "Words With Friends" comes pretty close - lol) I love to write, posting my thoughts, and I love to read my friends' blogs to see what's on their minds. I did that tonight, and what I saw was so uplifting. I saw a beautiful lady who had her birthday recently, and she had made a post about her "special day". In one of the pictures she had posted of herself with the cake, she was smiling as if someone had given her a million dollars! I'm sure they didn't in silver and gold, but God had given her a beautiful family to love and cherish, and they are returning that love as she grows older. So you see...if it wasn't for the wonderful world of internet we would have to wait a week, or two, or three, or four, or maybe more to share in the happiness of others.

I've written a "random blog" tonight. :) I must be tired seeing it's 2 a.m.! I can now close my eyes and go to sleep! Sweet dreams....zzzz!

Oh, WAIT! I wanted to say just one...more...thing.

If we'll treat the "internet connections" as a Christian should, we will not "listen to" nor "contribute" anything that would be displeasing to God. Choosing your "friends" carefully, whether they be "face to face" or on FB, is a must! I really don't think that being derogatory, critical, cutting, carnal, negative, and "un-Christlike" is something Jesus would be pleased with. A true Christian will not "listen" to that kind of talk, nor will they allow it out of their own mouth! I encourage all of us to be Christ-like in our "conversations" so we can continue "enjoying each others company".

I. think. I'm. FaLLiNg g gg G.g.ggg. a-S-l-e-e----p.............

Today

Today, I lived life to it's fullest!

I have sat and talked with friends and family and enjoyed the sweetness of their presence.

I have enjoyed seeing a young couple wed and felt the heart of parents who were proud of their "kids".

I have talked to my sons and heard the depth of love in their voices.

I have sat with my husband, held his hand and knew that he loved me.

Today, I have felt God's love through smiles, handshakes, and hugs.

Today...I have lived!

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?

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

Ok...where do I start? I feel like I am one of the most blessed women in the world! I had the most INCREDIBLE, BEAUTIFUL MOTHER on the face of this earth. She "feared the Lord", worshipped Him in the "beauty of holiness", and "prayed for her children" to "love Him with all their hearts, mind, soul and strength". She has been gone now for almost 8 years, but she lives on in her girl's hearts!

I had an AWESOME Mother-in-law, who raised FOUR BOYS to fall in love with Jesus, their Pastor, and their church. She was successful in her goals, because all four of her "boys" are Preacher's of the Gospel and have pastored for many years! She loved me with an ever-lasting-love, and she prayed for me many times through the years. I appreciate and love my wonderful "2nd Mother"!

I am blessed to have TWO Godly daughters-in-law for my "daughters"! I didn't have any girls of my own until these two came along and I have to say that God blessed me beyond measure when He gave me Brenda and Mandy! They are some of the most wonderful Mother's I have ever known and they are raising my four granddaughters to love the Lord and to worship Him in a beautiful way. I'm thankful for my "girls"!

I have two sons who call me "MOM"! What more could a lady ask for? They have always given me their love and shown me respect and appreciation for being their "Mom". I am a BLESSED woman and I recognize that fact. Both of my sons are preacher's of the Gospel and Pastor growing churches. I am thankful they've had the desire to "serve God", putting Him FIRST in their lives. I'm thankful they have honored me with their lives. My heart overflows with the abundant blessings of God!

I have two sisters who are very dear to me! "I love them, they love me, and we're as happy as can be"! :) They have their own beautiful families and they are very thankful and proud of them! I am BLESSED to have Ronda and Karla in my life!!! We love being together, spending time "remembering", but it's not in a "sad" frame of mind. We always talk about the wonderful things in life that we have experienced as "Lila's girls" and it's inevitable that we will end up laughing about "life's memories".

I am blessed because I have a husband who loves me and honors me in very special ways! I am THANKFUL for the man who has given me his love and support through the years.

YES, I am a blessed sister, daughter, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, Mimi, wife and MOM!

I want to wish all my friends and family a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! I know several of my friends who will spend tomorrow "remembering" their sweet Mother's. I want you to know I LOVE YOU and I am so THANKFUL to call you "friend"!

Everybody....have a WONDERFUL MOTHER'S DAY! Enjoy this Special Day to its fullest!

HYC '09 and Texas District Conference '09

Holiday Youth Convention '09 was "rockin" from the beginning! It was AWESOME! The young people came ready to worship God!! The electrifying power of God was in each service and you could feel the hunger coming from those who came. We had quite a crowd! I've only heard estimated figures but I was told that we had somewhere around 3,000 in attendance. To God be the GLORY for the GREAT THINGS He is doing in TEXAS!

Bro. Michael Ensey is our District Youth President and he and his "team" did a fine job of leading HYC. I was very impressed with what I saw and what I heard this year. I loved the theme, "The Greatest Awakening" and decor too!

I love how they related to this generation of kids. The pulpit looked like a "Starbuck's coffee cup", but instead of Starbuck's logo they used "The Greatest Awakening...HYC 2009". One time they had to move it for the Cornerstone Sign Team and we saw the top of it and it looked like coffee was in it!! LOL! Wendell said, "I hope they don't spill it!" It was really neat looking, and I'm not even a "fan" of Starbuck's!

The message preached by Bro. Michael Ensey was phenomenal!!! He preached about holding on to what has been handed down to us, and at one point he had his young son come up and quote scriptures! He gave him a "special Bible" to "treasure". It was very touching! He also had his two grandfathers, and father come and stand with him and his son. It was neat seeing the generations of Pentecost standing together for righteousness and Truth! Generation to Generation...TRUTH MARCHES ON!

Bro. Scott Graham was the night speaker. Must I say anything else? He was anointed to preach to us and it was phenomenal!!!

I can honestly say that after HYC '09 I feel even more safe with the "younger generation of true Apostolics"! We are seeing a great revival and a love for Truth and I'm proud to be associated with the "younger generation"! I LOVE young people and their enthusiasm!!!!

Texas District Conference '09 was wonderful! There is unity in Texas and you can feel it when we all come together. I've said it over and over that "I love having everyone here", and I just had to say it again! Bro. Russo, our Superintendent preached a wonderful message about "sowing the seed", and it was so good. He is a "man after God's heart" and wants the very best for the Texas District. We love Bro. and Sis. Russo and enjoy working with them.

Bro. Carlton Coon was here to "conduct business" and he ministered to all who were there on Friday night. He spoke about "Wounded Eagles". He didn't "preach" but the anointing flowed through Him as He gave us the "message" God had given him for the ministers and wives. I will never forget it! If anyone went home early, or couldn't make it for "whatever reason", let me just say that Friday nights service was absolutely fantastic!!! I wish everyone could have experienced the presence of God and been there for the "laying on of hands" by our leaders. Spirits were healed and hearts were strengthened!

There were a lot of "old songs" sung, and it was very enjoyable. Please don't jump to conclusions and say that "Sis. Elms doesn't like NEW songs", because I do like a lot of them, but there is something about bringing out the "treasures of yesterday" and the leaders definitely pulled them out on Friday night! Speaking of "treasures"...it seems to me that a "treasure" is something you cherish for a lifetime. Once you know the value of a "treasure" you don't want to let it go! (just a thought)

One of the songs sung by Stephanie Clenney was:

"Oh Calvary, Oh Calvary won't you please, please speak to me.
Tell me how much I owe I want to repay.
Then an echo rings clear from the hills of old Judea...
Tell the lost, tell the lost, tell the lost."

I don't know when I have heard that song!! It's been forever and I loved it! Then a quartet made up of: Ken Colegrove, Randy Ensey, Gene Holley, and Mike McGuire sang and did awesome! One of the songs they did was:

'Twas a life filled with aimless desperation
Without hope walked the shell of a man;
Then a hand with a nailprint stretched downward,
Just one touch then a new life began.

And the old rugged cross made the difference
In a life bound for heartache and defeat;
I will praise Him forever and ever
For the cross made the difference for me.

Barren walls echoed harshness and anger
Little faces ran in terror to hide;
Now those walls ring with love, warmth and laughter,
Since the giver of life moved inside.

There's a room filled with sad, ashen faces
Without hope death has wrapped them in gloom;
But at the side of a saint there's rejoicing,
For life can't be sealed in a tomb.

I cannot tell you the feeling that swept the crowd as they ministered in song! All I can say is we were lifted into the heavenlies.

Here is a slideshow for you to enjoy, but it sure doesn't show all the wonderful things that took place in our hearts!

I will make a separate slideshow from the Minister's Wives Breakfast...coming soon!

Monday Rambling

There hasn't been much activity on the blogs today. I guess everyone is busy or maybe they don't have anything to talk about. :) Sometimes it is that way. I kind of feel that way myself! LOL!

One thing I do have on my mind is our little Alayna who is so very sick, and is running a fever of 103.3 degrees! Please breathe a prayer for her. I can't hardly stand knowing she is sick!! There are a lot of people sick with the virus or flu, or "whatever". I know God is watching over all of us and everyone will be feeling better SOON!

Yesterday we were privileged to hear Evangelist Chad Mooney preach, and enjoyed hearing Danelle, his sweet wife sing! WOW! I was strengthened by his message and blessed by her singing. They are both anointed and ministered to the heart of the listeners!

I love hearing young men and young ladies "proclaim the truth", and I love seeing them as they "live the truth". It's beautiful, strengthening, and heart-warming to know we have a lot of young preacher's and their wives who love God with all their hearts, and stand for separation and godly living "in this present world"! Thank you all!!!

I want to say thank you to those of you who are praying for our house to sell, and who are praying for Andrew and Mandy's, and Gene and Karla's, too!! Every one of them NEED to sell! I know God has a "perfect time" to perform this miracle. I'm trusting and believing for it to happen!!

I've talked to both of our sons today, my sister, Ronda (for a few minutes) and heard Karla's voice on her answering machine. There is nothing like talking to your family! We didn't talk very long, but we were "in touch" and that makes me happy. The only thing that would make it better is if they all showed up outside my door, and stayed awhile! :) I'm rambling...and know it...so..."for what it's worth" I'll just say... I'm glad to be alive!

Is There Such a Thing?

Ok, I know I haven't "blogged" for a whole SIX DAYS, and to be very "upfront"...I feel "backslidden from blogging". :( Is there such a thing? Tonight it was brought to my attention AGAIN when my brother-in-law, Gene, said to a "fellow blogger", "She doesn't blog like she use to!" LOL! Well, SHE hasn't had time to blog "like she use to" since SHE has been busier than SHE ever expected to be! LOL!

We had Section 1 Conference tonight here in Wichita Falls. It's good to be home,and it's wonderful getting to be with Gene and Karla in their church. Yes, I feel at home, yet I know it's not "home" like it use to be. Like Gene said tonight, "it's all turned upside down". It makes me smile. I wonder if God sits back and smiles when He sees how mixed up our family has been this year? Being God, He can do what He wishes with our lives and we are willing for Him to do just that, but He sure has "confused" all of us for awhile. It's not the kind of "confusion" that some would think, but the kind that let's you know "He's in control"!

I trust you all will have a wonderful week! Give God full control of your life. You might be surprised where He leads you, but you'll know you are "safe with Him"!

Leaving for Conference!

After last nights events, I woke up feeling so excited!  Thank God He ANSWERS Prayer!  Today I have been preparing to leave for conference.  Believe it or not we got all our clothes in our "little car" and we are almost ready to put the suitcases in the trunk!!!!  I really think we're going to get it all in.  :)  As you know, we were going to ship our clothes ahead of us, but got a little concerned about them NOT getting to the hotel in time for us to go to church.   Or, there was that question in the back of our brains, "what if they never arrived"?  Anyway, that problem is solved since we are taking them!!!!  

We are looking forward to being gone for a little while.  I will try to keep my blogging up to date, as much as possible, and will post pictures of where we've been and what we've seen. Please breathe a prayer for us in our travels. 

I've been wondering off and on all day if any of my blogger friends are going to be there.  Maybe you could leave me a message if you're going to conference.  That would be good to know, then I can watch for you.  Maybe, just maybe I will have the opportunity to see you and talk a little, or perhaps meet a "blogging friend" for the first time!!!