Family, Friends, and God

This past week we have enjoyed being home and taking advantage of "just being home". In fact, I told my husband that I would like to stay home this weekend. We thought that's what we were going to do, then as the week went by we decided we would go to the Installation Service for Bro. and Sis. Hopper in Hardin, TX. It was our first time to ever be in that town and church, but when we drove up we saw a very nice church building. We walked into the foyer, and was greeted with warmth and sincerity by the saints and ministry. We felt right at home! When the service started I was so impressed with the quality of music and singing, but not only the quality was great, but the spirit of which those leading, singing, and playing was awesome! The presence of the Lord reached down and embraced all who were there. Pastor Donnie Hendrick from Copperas Cove was the special speaker for the night and his message was anointed and heartfelt. There was a drawing to the altar by the spirit of God as Presbyter Darrel McCoy asked for us to respond to the Word of God that we had heard. As I stood in the altar I felt a beautiful peace flood my heart. I believe I know how it must have been like to stand in the presence of Jesus when He was on earth, because as I worshiped Him last night, I knew He was "here" touching ME! The song: "Standing In the Presence of the King" has been one of my favorites through the years, and as the years go by, I am still amazed that He would allow ME to come into his presence. What JOY feels my heart when I have that opportunity. After service, the church served a delicious meal and we had a wonderful time visiting with fellow minister's and wives. I've said many times on my blog, but I will say it over and over again... I LOVE being part of the family of God! After we left the meeting, we headed toward Beaumont to spend the rest of the weekend with our family.

Today, has been a good day. The girls are looking forward to school starting. Scarlet goes to Kindergarten this year, and Savanna is going into the fourth grade. When we arrived here last night we were greeted with squeals of delight, and almost immediately we were being shown the cute backpacks they will be carrying for the school year. I remember those days very well, but it wasn't backpacks that I was excited about, It was... the brand new, WHITE tennis shoes that Mother bought me at the beginning of the school year. She never let me wear tennis shoes to church, but on the Wednesday night before school started, and MAYBE the first Wednesday night after she would allow me to wear them along with my cute school clothes! Those were the days...:-)

The girls love to write and draw. They are at the age where it's one of the ways they "communicate". Of course, we love it! When we walked into our bedroom there was a sign laying on the pillows that said: WELCOME to BEAUMONT, TX! I saw right away that it was from Savanna. She has a very sweet way of writing her feelings, and to a Papa and Mimi her few words say a million "I Love You's". Here is what she wrote:

Dear Mimi and Papa,

I have missed ya'll even though we just saw ya'll! LOL!
But, every time I see ya'll it brings me joy!

Love,
Savanna!!!!!!

Yes, I was seriously wanting to stay home this weekend, but after the awesome time spent with friends, and then such a sweet heartfelt welcome from family, we would have missed out on so much. Then...

This morning Wendell received a call from Andrew asking us if we could meet them at Del Rio (Lufkin) for lunch! This was an unexpected turn of events! Andrew said, they were meeting the Orange's to pick up our other two sweetheart granddaughters, Alayna and Ashlyn. I was disappointed that we couldn't see them, and at least get some "hugs and kisses", but there was no way to be two places and one time! Of course, they understood we didn't know they were going to be anywhere around. I know one thing for sure, we want to take another trip SOON to see the other "grands"!

You know......Heaven is going to be a wonderful place, for we will all be together...forever! I'm just glad that we get to enjoy a "little Heaven here on earth"! If it wasn't for a family that loves me, and friends who care, and a God who touches me and gives me His love, there wouldn't be a lot to look forward to here. So, until we can all be together forever, I will be happy to spend another weekend just like this one...with family, friends, and God!

Whoa!!!

I'm just stopping by to say "hello" to everyone. I've been too busy to "blog" or read blogs. I've been getting ready for Texas Women's Conference, and as I've been preparing things for the dorms, and working on the packets I've had a lot of time to think about what is happening here next week. I am praying for every lady to be touched by God in a mighty way! That is my prayer and that is my desire.

Hopefully, I will be back to the "blogging world" real soon. Ya'll have a wonderful weekend. It has been beautiful here in Lufkin!! I only wish it would stay like this through the summertime!

Around the District

As of this past Monday night we are finished with all the Sectional Conferences. We have enjoyed travelling the roads of Texas and seeing what a great district we have! Having the opportunity to see the pastors and wives who attended the conferences was so nice! I was made aware of the greatness of these men and women of God as we visited with them. We are blessed to be surrounded by many friends in the Texas District. You have let us be a part of your lives and we are thankful. Each section made us feel welcome and we appreciate it so much. Unity was definitely felt as we came together to worship the Lord, and to hear the message God gave to Bro. Russo, our District Superintendent. He preached with a burden and anointing. Thank God for a leader that follows the direction God gives him for the ministry! Here's a few pictures for you to enjoy.

I didn't get a lot of pictures. Really, I just took pictures when I remembered to take them! Silly me! I'm sorry I missed so many!!

Fulfilling My Promise and Congratulations Are In Order

In December we travelled through Texas attending Sectional Christmas Banquets. We had a wonderful time! Getting to be with friends, and fellow ministers and their wives for a special time of celebrating Christmas was very fulfilling and enjoyable. The night we were in Section 1 for the banquet I took pictures, but never got to post them like I told Jeremy Lynch and Michael Roach I would. I found out tonight that they have gone to my blog several times in the last few weeks to see the pictures. Shame on me for not posting them. I sure am sorry ya'll!

Bro. Jeremy Lynch and Bro. Michael Roach are the Editors of Apostolic Report. They do a great job on this blog. You will find a lot of interesting "reports" when you visit them. By the way, in the post called "The Best of 2008", on Apostolic Report, if you scroll down to "TOP Referers In 2008", you will see MY BLOG to be in the top three "referers"!!! I thought that was really neat! I told One of them tonight that my blog ought to have a SPECIAL PLACE on Apostolic Report! :) Afterall, I'm one of the reasons they're so popular!!! LOL!

I do not have the time tonight (this morning) to post a "slideshow" of the banquet, but I wanted to blog the picture I took of them. Bro. Michael (right) was voted in tonight as Section One Youth Director! Congratulations, Bro. Michael! You'll do a GREAT job! I really enjoyed your "acceptance speech". God bless you as you work with the youth in Section 1.

Ya'll keep up the great work on your blog. I will be checking back for my "special place"! :)

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"!

MAP Weekend

I have just completed one of the most exciting and fulfilling weekends of my life!!!! I wish there was a way to describe what has happened at MAP. At first, I was a little nervous, but my nervousness was mixed with excitement. I couldn't hardly wait for the seminar to begin, yet didn't really know what to expect.

As the preachers and wives began to arrive you could feel an expectancy in the air. As the classes began I could see the eagerness in the faces of our beautiful Pentecostal ladies. You could feel a hunger for the Word of God, and any "nugget" they could get to help them in ministry. Every class was a wealth of information given for each level of ministry. I was so blessed and thankful to hear the doctrines taught that we hold dear to our hearts, practical ministry subjects, and information on working with people. The presence of God came into the classes as instruction was given.

I was sitting in one of the classes as Sis. Watkins finished teaching and felt the presence of God. He didn't come in with trumpets blasting or with a thunderous voice, but in a "quietness" that captivated our hearts. When I opened my eyes I noticed we were all experiencing His presence.

There were many instances this weekend when we were in different classrooms, with different subjects being taught and I would hear sounds of praise and worship coming from down the hall or another area of the building. It was powerful and life changing!!!

As I experienced this weekend I was thinking about all those who hasn't had the opportunity to go through the classes offered, and wished it were different. As a young ministers wife I wish I could have gone through these classes. It would have enhanced my life greatly!

What can I say to tell you so you would understand? My words are so limited!!! It's very frustrating to want to tell you how awesome and powerful MAP was, yet can't express to you the power, the knowledge given, the camaraderie, and the spirit of the whole seminar! I guess you would just have to experience it for yourself. I recommend it to any preacher and his wife who wants to come and wants to be or already is a part of the United Pentecostal Church. This church is ALIVE and WELL! I love what it stands for! I have never felt more encouraged about WHO we are, WHAT we believe, and WHERE we're headed.

Blessings to you as you continue on the "journey".

This world, this world is not my home.

This world, this world is not my home.

This world is not my resting place.

This world, this world is not my home.

I can honestly say that I don't feel at "home" in this world, but while I am waiting for the Lord's return I'm going to do my best to let others know this glorious gospel, and lead them to know what it's like to experience the "true beauty of holiness".

Note: I did not take one picture! That's really different for me, but I was very, very, very busy, and then for some reason I just didn't feel to take any. I felt this was a "personal and sacred time" for those who were attending, so I honored that.

Section 6 TEXAS Christmas

Thursday night we were in Paris for Section 6 Christmas Banquet. It was held at Bob and Donna Myre's new gym and it was so nice! This was our first time to see the new addition and we loved it. There was a great turn out for the banquet and we got to see a lot of friends we have known through the years. We also had the privilege of meeting new friends. It was a great time! Sonny Schambeau was the special guest singer. His "style" of singing was definitely fitting for the TEXAS setting. We enjoyed a lot of laughter throughout the banquet.

Thank you Bro. and Sis. Myre and Section 6 for a great time! You made us feel "right at home"!

Memories in December

Yesterday was the TBC Christmas Party and we had another nice visit with friends. We sat with Kyle and enjoyed visiting with him. Before we left, he brought us a Christmas present! He was so sweet and wrote us a very nice note in the card thanking us for being his Pastor. He brought us some Caffeine free Diet Coke, (he knows how much we like it) and gave us a gift card to Outback! THANK YOU, KYLE! We love you!

Wendell brought me a gift from Sis. Schreckhise today. I LOVE IT!We also got a nice gift from Cynthia Koontz. Thank you, ladies for the gifts. We really appreciate them!

As a lot of you already know, it SNOWED in Lufkin last night!! We didn't get a lot, but it was enough to say it snowed. I took a picture of it just as it started. It didn't "stick", but that's okay. I had been missing the cold weather we had in Wichita Falls, so I think God sent it "just for me"!Today we had our Office Staff Lunch at Ralph and Kacoo's. We had such a nice time, being together and no work! We have a wonderful staff in the District Office and they do a great job! As Bro. Russo put it today, "we've" all been in a transition time, but it has been very smooth. We are so thankful for everyone's help. We love you all!(Russo's, Elms, Cynthia, Carla, Jeannie, and Rhoades)

Section 4 Christmas Banquet

All week I have remembered something Mandy, my sweet daughter-in-law said when we were leaving our church and the city in which we had labored for 24 years. I was emotional a lot of the time, yet knowing we were in the will of God I had peace. One day during one of my emotional times Mandy said, "Mom, when you get moved and settled in Lufkin you are going to be so happy! You're going to enjoy doing what you've always wanted to do, and that is visiting your friends churches, and meeting more preacher's and their wives. You are going to have a blast traveling around the district." I will say that I have been experiencing that "JOY" Mandy told me I would have. Thank you Mandy for saying those words, and understanding me when I wasn't able to understand myself.

Last night was the Section 4 Banquet. It was held at the Crown Colony Country Club here in Lufkin, and the food was delicious, the banquet facilities lovely, and the fellowship superb!

Bro. Mark Green is the Presbyter for Section 4 and has welcomed us into the section with open arms.

Bro. and Sis. Green have been wonderful to us and we love them so much!

Bro. and Sis. Lynn Story were the "entertaninment for the evening" and we had a lot of good laughs. They got a lot of people involved in their "show" and it kept things really interesting.They had different ones come up and they had to put a drawing tablet on top of their head, draw a floor, Christmas tree, a star on top of the tree, a fireplace, etc. It was quite funny to watch!Here are a few pictures of some of the ones that participated.

Bro. Schreckhise
Bro. Neely
Victoria Green There was another skit that I will call "ME TARZAN!" It was hilarious! Here are two Tarzan's!Sis. Story(Jane)looking for Tarzan!I loved watching Bro. and Sis. Russo have a good laugh!Bro. and Sis. Shiflet. It was great seeing them again.Bro. and Sis. Jonathan Green. I had a good time talking to them and the Bennett's.There was a large crowd and there is no way to take enough pictures or enough space to share them. So, let me just say, I LOVE CHRISTMAS and all it stands for. Along with the birth of our Savior we have this time to spend with family and friends. We can let other's know how much we love and appreciate them. It's wonderful being together! If you haven't had your banquet yet, be sure and go this year. You will enjoy being with those of "like precious faith", and will go home refreshed. I will leave you with one more picture.

Santa and Me!MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Greetings

Greetings from "somewhere on the road in Texas"! We arrived home late last night and went straight to bed. We've had a wonderful week full of the presence of God, friends, family and celebrations. I am sorry I cannot blog about it all today, but we are getting ready to leave for Beaumont. Sis. Russo's brother is going into surgery this evening. She found out Monday evening that he has a tumor at the base of his brain so we are going to be with her. Please be in prayer for Sis. Russo's brother, Richard, also for her and the family. Thank you!

Friendships - Old and New

Last night we attended the TBC Alumni Banquet. We had a wonderful time seeing "old friends" and meeting "new friends". Bro. Wayne Huntley spoke and told "His Story". I was amazed and tears filled my eyes many times as he told of receiving his call into the ministry. I love hearing how God reaches for those He calls. When Bro. Huntley was speaking he said this quote: "I may deserve my enemies, but I don't deserve my friends." It was a very thought provoking quote. I really do not deserve the friends I have, but I'm so thankful I have them!

Is it just me, or does anyone else feel what I'm feeling in our organization? For some time now I have been feeling a love for one another like I haven't seen or felt in a long time. I am not going to "put down" what we've always been a part of, because I don't have anything negative I want to say. But,to me it seems most everyone is "reaching out to others" and "embracing" the fact that "friends are special"! Not just the ones we've always been friends with, but those in the "ministry". Preacher's and Preacher's wives....we have so much to be thankful for! Hold on to your friends, but let's reach out to the ones we don't know very well. Maybe you see them at a sectional meeting or sometime at a district function. Maybe you see them in a mall or another place of business. Reach out! They might need an extra touch that very day! It can be a real lonely world at times, and we really do need each other!!!

Have a blessed day!

Back to "Normal"

The last two days has been filled with board meetings for my husband, and entertaining for me. After buying some new tablecloths and decorations for the tables in the "snack room", I focused on picking up the snacks for those who were "visiting" at the office.  Sis. Russo said, "This time we won't need to cook a meal for the district board", so we settled for snacks.   Today we were treated to a nice lunch at TBC prepared by Bro. and Sis. McInnis and it was very good!  

I enjoyed visiting with my friends who came with their husbands.  Donna and Diane are always so much fun to be with.

We enjoyed some "shopping" the last couple of days.  Last night we took the board members to eat a meal, and had more time to visit.  Friends, who love God, accept you for "who" you are, and have the "work of God at heart" are those you want to "keep".  I have many friends like this and I consider myself to be very BLESSED!  

We are "back to normal" for a couple of days, then we will be leaving for General Conference! We have decided not to ship our clothes TO conference, but will send them home FROM conference. I have nightmares of my clothes NOT getting to my hotel in time!!!  That would just be awful!  So, we decided it would be best to take them with us.  In sending them home they will have plenty of time to arrive before we do.  Now, I have to figure out how I'm going to get everything in my "little car"!  Oh well, it's worth the "stress" so we can drive with the top down, around the curves on the back roads of America!!!

What a Week!

Greetings to all my wonderful blogging friends and family!  I have missed you this past week.  

Last Thursday I packed up and headed to Dallas, by myself, to go to the Texas Spanish Ladies Conference.  I was there for Thursday nights service and had a good time.  I had "my own" interpreter to help me know what was being said, and then when I "greeted the ladies" Sis. Navarro interpreted for me.  That was my first time to need an interpreter while I was speaking.  It was quite different!  About the time I was getting on a "roll", I had to stop and let her interpret what I had just said.  I'm glad I didn't lose my "train of thought"!  The presence of the Lord was there, and I loved watching the ladies as they worshipped the Lord in the dance.  It was beautiful!  Sis. Lola Garcia had a group to sing and it was great! I thoroughly enjoyed their music and beautiful voices as they sung about "God coming to ALL nations".
 After service I was invited to spend time with them.  I had so much fun listening to the Bro. and Sis. Leal, Sis. Navarro, Sis. Garcia, and some others talk about the different "dialects" of spanish.  LOL!  They told some great stories about "using a wrong word" and it was hilarious.  They also said sometimes they have to figure out what another Spanish person is saying, because they might speak differently than them.  I couldn't believe THEY could get mixed up in their own language!  So, I told them I had thought about learning spanish, but I decided I would just let them interpret for me from now on.  I'm sure if they get mixed up with each other, then I was just about "hopeless" to learn it. At least, that's what "dear" Sis. Ojeda told me one time!!!!  LOL!  

Friday morning I headed to Wichita Falls!  I had an appointment and, I was really homesick to see my kids and grandkids.  It was the first time I had spent the night with Andrew and Mandy in their home.  I never had any occassion to before we moved away, so it was a real treat to be there with them and the girls.  Andrew and Alayna's birthdays are coming up so I took the opportunity to go ahead and give Andrew his gift, and to buy Alayna a new bicycle.

She loved it, even though she got really frustrated trying to balance.  :(  Poor thing!  I told them to take it back if she wasn't comfortable with it.  Of course, being the "parents", Andrew and Mandy said, "No, she will learn to ride it!"  I'm sure she will.  She's a determined little girl when it comes to "learning and doing".  I love watching as she "grits her teeth" and "makes up her mind" to "DO IT"! 

Of course, little Ashlyn Kate is an absolute DOLL!  She wanted a BIG BOUNCY BALL, so she got one! There is no way you can resist those big eyes of hers!

I enjoyed seeing Justin and Lindsay...in the Wal-Mart parking lot, and getting to visit with Gene, Karla, Greg Henry, Trevon, Jeremy, and Rebecca at Logan's.  It was nice being "home" for a few hours.  Saturday morning rolled around all too soon!  

On my way out of town I decided to go by the cemetary to "visit" Daddy and Mother.  It was Mother's birthday (76) and I just wanted to drop by.  I'm glad I did, even though I was very emotional for several hours afterwards.  It did me good to stop and "remember".I saw Bro. Dutton at a grave waiting for a family to arrive for a loved ones burial, but I don't think he saw me.  He was very busy taking care of everything and it wasn't an appropriate time to stop and "chat", so, all the way from Lufkin...HELLO BRO. DUTTON! :)  

I arrived back home to my sweet husband and have been busy ever since, but I'm glad to be HOME to him!  

Sunday morning and night, Bro. Elms preached for Bro. and Sis. Smith here in Hudson.  They are such wonderful people and we can't hardly quit talking when we're with them.  :)  I didn't get to go Sunday morning, but was told he preached a wonderful message.  I'm sure he did! Then, Sunday night I got to be there.  It was great being with the "family of God in Hudson", and with friends once again.  I got to meet Dedie Cooley's mother.I've heard Dedie talk about her through the years, and I can say "now I know where Dedie gets her spunk"!!  LOL!  

Tomorrow is the beginning of Texas District Board Meetings.  I've been busy preparing for them so they will have some food while they are here.  :)  We are also planning on leaving for conference at the end of this week, so I've got a lot to do!!!  After conference we plan on being gone another two weeks to get some rest and relaxation.  We are "shipping" our clothes to conference, so we can drive our convertible.  We will travel with the top down on "country roads"!  I can't wait!  Wendell has been planning the roads we'll take, and reserving our rooms along the way to conference.  I love watching him as he plans a trip. That's part of the fun for me.  I think he enjoys the planning almost as much as he enjoys the vacation!  

Minister's Wives Retreat and Hurricane Ike

Since I "talked" to you all there has been a lot happening.  Thursday night was the beginning of the TEXAS Minister's Wives Retreat so I have been in Dallas since Thursday.  I hated to leave Wendell in Lufkin since Hurricane Ike wasn't too far from making his visit, but I wanted to be at the retreat, plus I was scheduled to speak on Friday.  I really didn't think it would be very nice to cancel at the last minute. :)  I met Karla at the motel and we had a nice time being together.  I have missed her not being at our functions in TEXAS, but now that she has moved back to Wichita Falls and is now the Pastor's wife at Life Tabernacle she gets to go with me again.

The retreat was absolutely wonderful!  We missed all the ones who could not be there.  I know some had to stay home because of the hurricane and I missed you!  My two "daughters" could not come.  Brenda stayed with Jonathan and the girls so they could evacuate together.  Mandy got sick in the middle of the week, plus there were some other very important things she needed to be home for.  I totally understand why they could not come,  I missed them very much!!! From the very beginning to the very last minute of the retreat, it was GREAT!  I left feeling very refreshed in my spirit. Debbie Saiz blessed me when she spoke.  It was my first time to hear her, and I was not disappointed!  I was so excited when I saw Sis. Foster, Debbie's mother.  Sis. Foster has been one of the ladies in my life that I admire very much!  She is a beautiful lady, in every way.  Belinda McManus, Glenda Stanley, and Caronda Adams also spoke and each one of them did a fantastic job!  I loved how God orchestrated what He wanted said.

Hurricane Ike arrived and as you all know our state has been hit hard.  My heart goes out to all the people who are misplaced AGAIN!  As I said, we are in Dallas at a hotel waiting for the electricity to be turned back on at home.  I guess we can officially be called, "Evacuees"!  :( David, Sandra and Jason Myer are here, also.  We have been able to visit with them a couple times.  They are such wonderful friends and we love them.  They are fun to be around and we always have something to talk about.  Jonathan, Brenda and girls are also in Dallas, but are not staying where we are.  We haven't seen them, yet, but hopefully we will get to before long.  I'm very thankful they are safe!  They are very much "misplaced" just like everyone else, but thankful to have a place to stay with Ginger.  I think all the "little cousins" have been enjoying being together.  You might as well make the best of a bad situation! 

I will try and post again soon.  Please keep praying for those who have been affected by the hurricane.  There's a lot of devastation and they need our prayers.  

I don't know if I've covered everything, but I'm really sleepy and want to go to sleep!  :)  I hope you all have a great weekend.  We are praying for all of our friends who survived the storm.  It's all going to be alright and we're going to make it through it all!  God is taking care of all of us and He will make sure He takes care of His "family".  I'm glad to be a part of it!   

Catching Up

As everyone else...we've been busy, busy, busy! I think that is the "end-time" word. "Busy" is the word I hear a LOT when I talk to others! "Busy" doesn't necessarily mean that you've been doing something that HAD to be done, it just means, "I've been doing a lot of things". :) You know, like having fun with the kids and grandkids! That's the "kind of busy" I LIKE!

Last Friday, Jonathan and Brenda came to see us. They needed some time off with the girls, and I think they KNEW we NEEDED to see them. We had a wonderful time with the kids here. I found out real fast that I don't need a house to have fun in. Don't get me wrong, I WANT a house so we can spread out, but I don't HAVE TO HAVE ONE to have FUN! You'll see what I mean in the slideshow.

Last week we also had the MAP Committee Meetings, and we were privileged to be part of them. We had a wonderful time! A lot of discussion, reflection, and decisions were being made for the next MAP Seminar in January. If you want to know more about MAP you may go here. I was asked to teach three classes this next time, and I am really looking forward to it. I can't believe I am saying that, but I really am. After our meeting I got out my notes from when I taught "PrimeLife" at our church, and felt a stirring to teach once again. I actually felt an excitement!

Before our meetings began last week, we went to Ralph and Kaccoo's for lunch. (By the way, for all of you who miss Cattle Company here in Lufkin, they have a "Texas Menu" at Ralph and Kaccoo's that comes from the "Cattle Company" menu and recipes. And...their bread is DELICIOUS!) Well, I got sidetracked for sure, so back to what I was saying. We were sitting at our table and saw Bro. and Sis. Carlton Watkins come in, so we invited them to have lunch with us. We had a wonderful time visiting, and discussing things that were of interest to us. We have been in the same district for years and to my recollection this is the first time we have had fellowship with each other. Yes, we have spoken, and said all the "greetings", but never got passed the "hello's", "God bless", and "good-bye's". I can say I feel like we have made some new friends!

I look forward to some more "times of fellowship" with these good people. We also had some extra time with the McLaughlin's after dinner that night, and nearly talked our heads off! :) They are wonderful to be with!

I've been thinking about "friends and acquaintances" a lot lately. We have been in the Texas District for about 30 years, but since moving to Lufkin we almost feel like we are in a NEW DISTRICT! The place of our calling before coming here was many miles away from the "hub" of things. Now that we are re-located to this area we have found out there are so many preachers and wives that we have only "heard of" through the years, yet not met. There are so many towns back in the "Piney-woods of Texas" that we have never heard of, and there are churches in these towns! Please don't anyone feel bad at my "lack of knowledge". What I am saying is that we are thoroughly enjoying learning about these places, and now have the privilege of enjoying time with "new friends". We feel so blessed to have this opportunity!

In our travels I have sensed a great love for God, and for His Kingdom in the hearts of our ministers and wives here in Texas. They are wanting the best for the Texas District. They want their churches to grow and their people to be blessed! They don't want the world and all that it holds. They want to be a separated people to the glory of God, not for men's applause. If I am "dreaming" then let me "dream on". I choose to believe a "good report".

My husband and I have talked about our churches, and the way they do things. It's interesting to see how they "get the same thing done" through different methods. We have been in many services filled with worship, singing, and praises of God's people, and even in the diverse ways of each congregation we have experienced mighty moves of the Holy Ghost! When we come together in UNITY and PURPOSE, bringing praise to God for all He has done, and for "Who" He is, He can't help but come to us!

TEXAS is a GREAT DISTRICT and I can feel God's love in His people everywhere we go! TEXAS is moving forward in REVIVAL and GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING! I don't have any "doom and gloom" reports. I'm hearing a lot about REVIVAL and SOULS being saved. We are in a great harvest, and I'm glad to be part of it! TEXAS DISTRICT you have a lot to be thankful for. REJOICE and BE GLAD!

Note: To all those who are not part of our district, please forgive me for focusing on "us" in this post. I just had some things I wanted to say to those we are connected to. Thank you for understanding and rejoicing with us.

Interesting Day

I'm almost too tired to post tonight, but before going to bed, I want to say just a little about our last couple of days.

Last night we went to Brenda's Surprise 30th Birthday Party at their church. She was really surprised when after prayer meeting she was taken to the Parlor where there was cake, punch, gifts and friends to wish her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We got there just a tiny bit later. When we walked in, we walked up behind her, and when she turned to see who was touching her shoulders she let out a squeal of happiness! :) It was wonderful! She almost cried, but held back the tears. We spent the rest of the night and today with them.

She was so surprised and happy to see us!

Rachel was so happy to surprise "her Sis. Elms"!
Pastor Elms showing the Hughes "special memories"!
Scarlet was asleep and we woke her up! She said, "Hi, Mimi. Where's Papa?" I loved it! As you can see, "Papa" was happy to see her. Messed up hair and all! :) This evening, when we left Jonathan and Brenda's, we went to Newton to a "Family and Friends Visitation" for Sis. Moorman who had passed away earlier this week. While speaking with her husband, he told us that he was one of the men who served on the committee for choosing the land for our beautiful camp ground here in Lufkin. He was quite an interesting man and very well educated! I'm sure he could tell us a lot of interesting stories from the past.

I also spoke with Bro. and Sis. Perdue, retired missionaries to Colombia. We renewed some memories. At the General Conference a few years ago Bro. Haney had a service called, "Passing the Mantle". It was during the prayer time that Bro. Haney had the Elder ministers to find a young man and pray for him, and "pass the mantle" of anointing on to him. When Bro. Perdue turned to "find that young man", Andrew, our son, was standing there, so he prayed for him. The neat thing about this is, Bro. and Sis. Orange and their family have been very good friends with this wonderful man and his wife, and Bro. Perdue was very happy to be praying for one of his friends "sons".

Then, I met a lady who's husband had passed away 3 months ago, and she was telling me about when her and her husband went to Great Falls, Montana and started a church MANY years ago! The challenges they faced and the victories they won were awesome, and as she spoke you could see the excitement of working for God. She said with feeling, "That church is still going today", and I felt her love for the ministry they had put into the work in Montana. Today, I was standing in the midst of "warriors of the cross"! There were more stories she told, and I encouraged her to "tell her story" so it can be preserved for generations to come!

One of the other people I talked with was somewhere around my age, and as we visited I knew I was speaking to someone who loves the truth and loves the heritage he has been given. We spoke of what it means to be a part of a great organization where there are people who love God, love each other, and give comfort and care to those who are "going through their valley". I could feel a loyalty to the things of God, and to those who have given us this Truth, and a group of ministers and wives who are "pulling together" for unity.

When we walked into the room FULL of people we did not know, I wondered who I was going to talk to. I asked myself how I was suppose to "be comfortable" in the midst of all of these people? I had already made up my mind, before getting to our destination, that I was going to be friendly, smile, speak to people, and make myself available to whoever might be looking my way. I was not disappointed in the response I received! In fact, I can say....I've had a very interesting day!

Here is a picture to bring you a smile. I guess this is the new way to "carry" your book when you get tired of holding it! :)
Thank you, Bro. Randy Hughes for a great idea!

I Will Return!

I think my brain is FRIED! Maybe it's the heat we've been having here in TEXAS! :)

I'm sorry I haven't been "saying much". It's just been "one of those times" where I haven't had a lot to report, or to say. Everything is fine, though! I know there are some who worry when I'm not blogging a lot, but just to let you know...I'm doing fine! In fact, I told my husband today that I am very happy with "life".

We will be travelling quite a bit the rest of this week, and into next week. My heart is saddened to learn of two of our minister's wives who have passed away this week. Although, I did not know them personally, I know their families are hurting today. Please pray for the Rev. Roy Moorman family. (Kirbyville, TX) and the Rev. Edmond Miller family. (New Boston, TX) If you are from Texas District, I'm sure there will be more information sent as soon as we receive it.

Please pray for us as we travel. Pray also for us to be able to "give" to those we will be in contact with. They need strength, encouragement, and a lot of love and concern.

The Lord willing, I will try to post sometime again, soon!

Texas District Spanish Camp Meeting '08

Texas District Spanish Camp Meeting started Wednesday night and went through Friday night. Bro. Elms and I were privileged to go Friday night, and what a service we had! Because we do not speak spanish, or understand it, Bro. Russo and Bro. Elms had their own interpreters. Sis. Russo and I had one interpreter who sat behind us and interpreted for us. It was quite an experience and we enjoyed being there. I will say it like my husband did to Bro. Russo. "I can't understand them, but it sure does feel good!" :)

My husband is quite a character at times, and those who know him "well", understands that about him. After he was introduced to greet the crowd, he started to speak, then turned to Bro. Navarro who was going to interpret for him, and said, "You better hurry!" Bro. Navarro RUSHED over to the other microphone, got ready to INTERPRET, and Bro. Elms spoke a greeting in SPANISH! LOL! Bro. Navarro was so "got" that he couldn't say anything for a second, then he interpreted what Bro. Elms said in ENGLISH!!! It was great! The crowd loved it and responded with a lot of laughter and clapping.

The Camp Meeting Evangelist, (I don't know his name) preached a wonderful message about reaching the lost and starting churches. At the end of the message there were about 18 couples who came to the front to "give themselves to the work of God". They are hungry for a mighty revival among their people and you could sense they are ready to go into the harvest!

Being a "musician", I just have to mention that, I loved the music! The music minister in charge is VERY TALENTED and played the keyboard so well. Then, he picked up an accordion and started playing!!!! It was GREAT! You just have to be there to know what it was like. Great things are happening in TEXAS and I am so happy to be able to report there is revival in our district.

After church we went to IHOP and was SURPRISED to see Darrell Orange. He came in with some men from his church. They had been out at Shirley Creek, not far from Lufkin, having a Father/Son Overnight Fishing Trip. After being a little lonesome this week it was great seeing someone from the "family"! We had a little time to visit and was happy to do so.

I took some pictures in service. Some are a little blurry, but I still wanted to share them with you.

I may not post anymore until Monday, but if not, ya'll have a GREAT weekend!

Some Thoughts and Hudson, TX

As I have already said in my last post, our life has been very busy, but let me say...we are loving it! Janet, from home, just left a comment saying, "It looks like ya'll are having the time of your life." I will affirm her observation. Let me explain, though. I have made it a point to "live in the NOW". I have enjoyed each stage of life and I continue to do so. My mother was the MOST CONTENTED lady I've ever known, and I have always wanted to be "just like her". I don't believe I have attained her level, and probably never will, but she sure gives me a goal to reach for.

When you're in the "will of God", following His leading, how can you be unhappy? I know there are places I have said I would NEVER want to live, and Lufkin was one of those places. But, I can honestly say that I am really enjoying living here! I am enjoying my husband "going to the office" and returning home around 5:00 each day. When he's through at the office, he locks the door and we have the evening free unless he is preaching someplace. I LOVED being a Pastor's wife to the wonderful people God placed in our lives, but now I am enjoying where God has placed my husband. Why make yourself miserable? I'm just happy being married to the man I'm married to, and wherever God leads him...I will follow. Don't get me wrong! I've had to "die to self" many times in my life. I have cried many tears when leaving those I loved so much. It wasn't fun telling our wonderful saints that we were leaving, because God had chosen it to be so. But, the life I have been given has been wonderful. Why am I saying all of this tonight? :) I really don't know. I just felt like saying it, I guess.

Now, to our weekend service in Hudson, Texas. Hudson is a town that is connected to Lufkin. In fact, you wouldn't know you were leaving Lufkin if you didn't see a sign telling you that you've just entered the City Limits of Hudson. Bro. and Sis. Ron Smith retired a few years ago and really did not plan on pastoring again. They moved to Hudson (Lufkin), bought a little house, fixed it up and moved in. They sold a lot of things when they left their home and church in Huntsville, TX. I don't know all the things that happened that directed them back into pastoring, but they are doing a wonderful work in Hudson.
Sunday morning we decided to visit their church since we were not ministering anyplace else.
We are so glad we went! They were so sweet and welcoming to us and we thoroughly enjoyed being in the Sunday School and Morning Worship with them. Jeff Jones taught the lesson and did a fine job! We were asked to sing, so we did. They seemed to enjoy it. Then, Bro. Smith preached a wonderful, heartfelt message! He made me want to live for God even more. Thank God for preacher's who preach "the message" with love.

After church the Smith's invited us to eat lunch with them. They took us to Ralph and Kacoo's, then took us around town to show us places to live whenever our house sells in Wichita Falls. They drove us by Bro. and Sis. Neely's house and we really enjoyed seeing where they have lived for a long time. We had a wonderful time visiting with them! We even had to stop and get a "DIET COKE" (Bro. Kenny) LOL!

It's amazing how many preachers and their wives we have "known", yet have not "known" through the years!! LOL! That's a little catchy, isn't it? We have talked about how we almost feel like we are in a "brand new district" since moving to Lufkin. We are learning of towns "we have never heard of", and meeting people we have heard of, yet "had never met". Wow! It's quite a change being in the "middle of things" since we've been so far away for about 28 years. Living in Wichita Falls, we were closer to two or three other District Campgrounds, than we were to our own Texas District Campground. Now, we're living ON the Campground! It's exciting and fun...even in our motorhome. Of course, that is another story. Wendell is the one wanting a house! :) Oh well, someday it will happen.

Paul wrote in Phil. 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

I'm sure I will enjoy a house when I get another one, but until then, we will be content living on the ole' camp ground, enjoying where we have been placed in His Kingdom. What better life can you ask for?