Memories Made - General Conference 2010

Some pictures that I really love all by themselves.

Sisters...Oh, how I love these two!

The Elms Brothers...David, Wendell, Bernard, and Royce

With my sisters-in-law...Linda, Sandy, Linda, Annette

Now the slide show...(there's a game that scrolls across the bottom of the slide show. Click the X to remove it so you can see the captions of each picture)

There is nothing like getting together with friends and family from all over the nation and world. I love it more than I can express!

General Conference Time

We are finally at the threshold of the week we have all been preparing for. I've listened to ladies talk about going shopping, and listened to them as they said they couldn't find anything in the stores this year. Being one that does not like to shop, it takes everything in me to go to the mall. I had to go this year for a few things, and had to go by myself. Through the years I've enjoyed my sister Karla going with me, but this year it wasn't possible to do our "two day shopping trip". We did get to shop for a couple of hours in Wichita Falls when I went to a wedding a few weeks ago, and we had a good time. Karla "makes me" try on clothes that I would never take off the rack. When I have to go by myself I hear her voice. "Linda, you don't know if it's going to fit or not if you DON'T put it on! You never know...it just might work!" :) It's nice having a "baby sister" that loves to tell the "older sister" what to do! Anyway, I don't know where all that is leading as I type, but before I get too deep in the middle of "sibling love" I will move on.

General Conference is almost HERE! To be honest, of which I am all the time anyway, I didn't want conference to be in Houston! I have nothing against Houston, but I love to travel two or three days to get to conference. Since it's in Houston we only get to travel a couple of hours and we're there! Also, it's been HOT here in East Texas up until today! I haven't been in the mood to put on "fall clothes" since it's been so hot. Who wants to wear "fall clothes" when it's in the 90's and above? Not me! Besides, the humidity that lingers in the air is enough to suffocate anyone who is brave enough to step outside! Talk about being transparent! I'm going to get in trouble from the Houstonians that just might read my blog. Now...let me make myself and everyone else feel better!

Earlier in the evening I looked outside and saw the trees waving in the wind. That was a strange sight here in East Texas, but the wind had picked up over the afternoon. I had been hearing about the beautiful weather that had come in north of us, so I imagined that the wind was "blowing out the heat" and bringing some cool air to us. After a few hours I stepped outside. What a WELCOME I got!!!! There was a cool breeze blowing, and the temperature had dropped to 68-70 degrees! FALL had arrived!!!!! It was wonderful to step outside and not "smother" from the humidity and heat!

I've been checking the weather for Houston off and on this week. My "weather sources" are showing it's going to be a beautiful, sunshiny, week. If the weather man is right, it's going to be in the mid 80's during the day and will drop about 20 degrees in the evening. They are also saying there is going to be zero precipitation!!!! For those who do not live in this area you might not understand the importance of ZERO PRECIPITATION! But, please take it from me...if it rains in TEXAS...it's not a sprinkle or two. If it's going to rain, it's most likely going to be a GULLY-WASHER and there is no way to stay dry if you have to be in and out of buildings! So, just to let anyone know that may be wondering if I'm feeling better about conference being close by...I'm feeling pretty good about now! :) I really don't think I've ever been as relaxed about packing. The way I see it is, if I happen to leave something at home that I DESPERATELY NEED, I only have two hours to drive home to get it!

I am really looking forward to seeing all my family and friends. When we get to be in one place at the same time, my heart is HAPPY! When I see those I have not seen for a long time, it's like a big "family reunion" and that makes me HAPPY! When I step inside that huge auditorium where the best music you have ever heard is playing, and the singers start singing, I'm HAPPY! When I hear the voices of thousands of people as they worship Jesus Christ, King above all kings, I'm HAPPY! Then to top off the service, I have the privilege of hearing some great, anointed preaching, and my soul is HAPPY! When we make our way through the crowd with friends or family, and can barely get out the door because the ones you are with, and ourselves, get stopped by so many people that it takes us a LONG time to get out and go eat, I'm HAPPY! The closest thing to realizing what it's going to be like when we all get to Heaven has got to be when people from all over the world come together for the UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH INTERNATIONAL GENERAL CONFERENCE! Yes, I'm HAPPY just thinking about it!

So...back to the stress of the shopping trips I've heard about and experienced. It doesn't matter to me whether you have on a new outfit or not. It's just going to be good seeing you! Your smile, your hug, and the warm hello's is all that really matters to me.

So....YA'LL HURRY UP AND GET HERE, because we're going to have a wonderful time, and I can't wait to see you!

General Conference '09 - St. Louis, MO

The next big event we attended was General Conference. We had a wonderful time at General Conference this year. We saw a lot of friends and family. There was a turn of events in the leadership of our organization. Some were shocked that this happened, but the UPCI is moving on with purpose and unity. We are reaching for more and more souls to be brought into the kingdom of God. His coming is so soon and we must be working...until He comes!

The following slideshow is just a "few" pictures of the ones I took at conference.

Minister's Wives Breakfast, Ladies Day, and Ladies Ministries Breakfast

Here are a few more pictures from conference. I was privileged to be around so many wonderful people! At the "Minister's Wives Breakfast" I sat at the table with Connie Bernard.I was so surprised to see Sarah! She was sitting at our table, too. I had forgotten her and her husband lives in North Carolina, so I was shocked when I turned around and saw her. :) It was good seeing her. She is so sweet and always has a beautiful smile! Karla and Brenda were with me, and I loved being with them. Of course, any chance I have to be with my family is wonderful! Bobbie sat with us, also. Sharon was there, but she had to sit at the "head table", so we got a picture with her after the breakfast. Cindy Miller and Stacy sat at our table, but I missed a picture of them. I enjoyed seeing a life-long friend, Karla. I've known her since she was a little girl. She was the "little sister" to my friend Vicki, and my sister Karla is named after her. That's just a little more "history" of my life. :) Sis. Haney and I had a good laugh together, and finally pulled ourselves together for a picture. :) She's a wonderful lady, and I have always looked up to her. She loved Mother and usually says something about her each time I see her. She didn't disappoint me this time, either. It's always so nice when someone "remembers" those you love! It somehow "keeps them alive". I had the opportunity to speak to Sis. Oakes, the UPCI Ladies Ministry Leader. She is a beautiful lady who has the work of God at heart. "Ladies Day Service" was very good. It was challenging, moving, and victorious. It's beautiful to see so many beautiful ladies serving God! There was a "shuttle" from the hotel, so we enjoyed our time together "to and from" the service. Here they are "gathered up" to get on the bus! :)We had our "little group" to try and keep up with, but sometimes it was almost impossible! LOL! It seemed everytime we had a good walk going through the crowd someone would get stopped! Having friends is just so much "trouble" when you're trying to stay with a group! LOL! LOL! It was funny watching Donna calling Shirley's name as we TRIED to "stay together", but we did! Donna Myre, our Texas District Ladies Leader invited Sis. Russo, Diane, and myself to the "Ladies Ministries Breakfast". This is when the District Ladies Leaders and their Secretary's, District Superintendent's Wife, and District Secretary's Wife are invited to honor the top givers for the year. I had a very enjoyable time being them. I sat with Sis. Russo and Diane. I took a picture of "just them", but they insisted on me being in the picture. :)Donna sat at the "Regional Directors" table, because she has been placed in that position. She does an incredible job for the Texas Ladies work and we love her very much. Now, just one more picture. It is very, very special to me! Sis. Freeman is so wonderful! When anyone tells her what a blessing she has been, she never takes any credit. She makes sure "all the glory" goes to God! What a lady!

I really wanted to share these precious ladies with you. We are family and family shares with each other. If one of us enjoys something, then we want our "family" to enjoy it with us. That's the way I feel about you all! I hope you have enjoyed conference with me.

Family Reunion '08

Every year at General Conference we have the "Elms Family Reunion". This year we got to see some of the "kids" that are growing up, and we got to meet one of the youngest. We enjoy our time together. This year was on Jonathan's birthday. The day before was Scarlet's birthday, so they celebrated together.

In our family we have two Linda's, two Scarlet's, two Savanna's, two David's, a Melody and a Melanie. LOL! It can get real interesting at times! LOL! There are FOUR Elms Brothers, and FOUR Elms Nephews. All of them are preacher's/pastors. When we're all together I love to watch when someone walks up and says, "Bro. Elms". You ought to see all their heads turn! LOL! Two of our nieces married preachers. Melody (David and Linda's daughter) married Glen, and they pastor a growing church in Greensboro, NC. Rolonda, (Royce and Annette's daughter) married Nathan, and he is a preacher! They assist Royce in the church he pastors in Amarillo. I am so thankful for the family I am a part of, and feel humbled that God has let us be used in His Kingdom!

We missed the rest of the family who was unable to be there this year. I wish you all could have been with us!

Pop and Mom Elms, you were awesome saints of God and raised your four sons to love God. You were TRUE Christians, faithful, loving, consistent, loyal to Pastor David F. Gray, involved in the work of God, and never wavered! You never spoke negative about your church or pastor. Now, we see the "fruit of your labor". THANK YOU!

Please forgive me for writing a personal message to my wonderful in-laws. They have been gone for many years now, but I am thankful everyday for the life they lived while here on earth. Someday, we will all meet on the other side and will have a Heavenly Family Reunion. It will be a great day!

Friends and Family At Conference

As I have said so many times on my blog, I LOVE MY FRIENDS and FAMILY! We are so blessed to have wonderful people in our life. People who love you "unconditionally". People who are always "there" for you. People who give you direction and help you when you're making decisions. People of God! Here are just a few of the pictures I took of friends and family at conference. Enjoy!

A Little About General Conference

I want to say from the very beginning that General Conference was wonderful and filled with unity! We missed our friends and family that could not be there this year, because of "whatever situation", but we had a great time visiting with those who were there. We left refreshed and encouraged. I just wish everyone could have felt the "pulling together" that we felt in the services. God came and touched all those who were hungry for a fresh touch! I'm glad I was one who received it. It is really hard to describe the many emotions that swept over my soul as I sat in the services. Sometimes we rejoiced for "what the Lord had done" and "what He is doing", other times we were in awe because of "WHO HE IS".  Then there were those times we felt "conviction" from the preaching of the Word of God. Oh, how I wish everyone could have been sitting in the auditorium when thousands of voices were lifted in praise to the King of kings. I was so thankful to be around those who were "full of wonder" about the work of God!

We had our Elms Family Reunion on Jonathan's birthday this year. I know that was a special time for him. (Andrew and Mandy we REALLY missed ya'll! I really hope you can be there next year!!!!!) It was so good to see our niece's and nephew's who have grown up to be young men and young ladies!

We were so happy to be able to spend some "special time" with Randy and Sharon Keyes. This is the first year at conference that we have been able to eat TWO meals with them!! They are very special friends to us and we love being with them! As I've said in times past, "Randy and I were raised together. Randy was my brother's best friend, and I was his little sister", so we have a lot of memories we enjoy together. Also, Wendell, Randy and Sharon went to Bible School together and were friends "way back then", so they share a lot of memories. It's great having lifelong friends! We also ate several meals with the Shoemakes. Of course, they are "family" to us. One night we had dinner with Bro. and Sis. Shaw from Austin, and Gene and Karla. We had a great time of laughter!!!! LOL! I can't leave out seeing my "sister chicks", Veda, Tracie, and Jerry Ann. I love you all so much and was so happy to get to visit with you. Donna, and Shirley, thank you for inviting me to "run around" with you all. Tara, I owe you a great big thank you for helping me out at the "bus stop". :) To be honest, we saw so many friends! There is no way to list everyone we got to visit with! I LOVED BEING AT CONFERENCE!

We have been part of the UPCI all of our lives and I wouldn't trade the friendships we have made through the years. Please don't anyone criticize my "roots". I am THANKFUL for everyone who has made us who we are today. I am thankful for the opportunities we have had in the United Pentecostal Church. I am thankful for the messages that have brought us "freedom from sin"! I am THANKFUL for those who have loved us "unconditionally"! I am THANKFUL! If it wasn't for men and women of God who have taught me the "way of righteousness" I would be lost today. THANK YOU! 

Bro. Haney, our General Superintendent preached a wonderful message on Thursday night and I was once again thankful for those who "blazed the trail" before us to give us what we have today. "If it wasn't for our past, we wouldn't have what we have today, and we sure couldn't go into the future knowing God would bring us through each battle we will fight! We know we will be VICTORIOUS no matter what comes our way, because of those who were our examples!" We are on the WINNING SIDE and I plan to make it to the other side!!!!

Note:  I will do a slide show of conference.  I have a slow connection right now and it would take forever.  I'm just happy I could "blog a little" tonight.    

Jonathan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JONATHAN!

We are at conference so I haven't seen him, but will in a little while at the Elms' Family Reunion. (Andrew and Mandy we miss you!)

Jonathan, it is so great being your Mother. Dad and I love seeing you around conference visiting with other ministers. We are blessed and so proud of you for the man of God you have become, and for the life you live!! 

Have a GREAT DAY! WE LOVE YOU!

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!