California - Jimmy and Bobbie's Surprise

This is the first post about our California Trip. We had a wonderful time with friends and family. I will start off by saying that we really didn't get any "rest", but the time spent with our loved ones meant a lot more than any "rest" we could get! We had a very memorable trip.

The reason for us going to California was the invitation from the Shoemake's "kids" to come and SURPRISE their parents for very special birthday's that Jimmy and Bobbie were celebrating. If you want to know which birthday it was I guess you'll need to ask them. :) We were so happy that it was possible for us to go. God knows how to work things out for us when He knows the "desire of our hearts". The week before I received the phone call from Nanci I had mentioned to my husband that I would like to go visit our "family" in California. Let me stop here and say, "The Shoemake's are family". I've known Bobbie ALL of my life (since I was 6 weeks old). I grew up listening to her sing, and sitting around the "Thornton Family Table", eating cornbread and beans, and sitting on Bro. McCoy's knee (Bobbie's dad) drinking coffee, which was the BEST COFFEE I have ever had. I'm sure it was because the coffee he fixed for me was mostly sugar and cream. :) I can still taste it!!! It was SO GOOD! That's just a little tiny history of our relationship. I could go on for hours about it, and maybe I will in another part of my "California Trip Blogs".

Anyway, to get back to what I was saying......we got the invitation to "Jimmy and Bobbie's Summer Surprise". There was no way we were going to miss it, if at all possible. God made it possible......we went, and it was wonderful! We talked, and laughed, ate a delicious meal, and sang around the piano with Bobbie. It was great being with everyone as we celebrated the life of two awesome people.

Two Gorgeous Ladies At "Tea"

Last week Mandy had a Mother Daughter Tea. I was unable to go, so Misty from Balch Springs sent me these pictures, so I could see how beautiful it was. Here are just three of the pictures she sent me. I absolutely LOVE these two GORGEOUS "ladies"!

Mandy and Alayna
Mandy showing Alayna how to "fix her hot tea". She is an AWESOME MOTHER! Mandy has always amazed me with the "teaching and training" of her "little ladies". Thank you, Mandy! Here is Alayna enjoying her "cup of tea". So precious!
THANK YOU for the pictures, Misty! I really appreciate and love them. The "Mother Daughter Tea" looked heavenly. Of course, I knew it would be with your "Sis. Elms" being there and planning it. She's an incredible Pastor's Wife! I know you already have experienced her talents and love her. You couldn't have a more loving Pastor's Wife. I'm glad she's my "daughter"! I can't say enough good about her....and that's the truth!

P.S. Mandy made Alayna's outfit! Good job, Mandy!

It's A Small World...Especially with technology

I wrote a short post this morning and ended it with saying, "I'm off to make more "memories". I'm going to eat lunch with my son, Jonathan." NEVER did I think I would meet up with a "friend" from my childhood when I wrote those words!

As we were sitting in McAlester's eating a Turkey Melt Sandwich a lady came to our table and said, "This may be a little strange, but are you Linda?" I couldn't believe my ears! "Wellll, yes I am." I answered. She said, "I'm connected to Ronda on Facebook and when I saw you walk in I knew you were Linda. I just love Facebook and all the old pictures people put on their page." My curiosity was killing me and I found out that Karen Doyle's father pastored in Clovis, CA right next door to Fresno where my dad pastored Truth Tabernacle! We had gone to all the Section 5 Fellowship meetings, youth rallies, and everything and anything our churches were having. She is more Ronda's age, but I remembered her parents well from our days in California!!!

Karen, it was great seeing you today! You brought back a lot of "memories" from so long ago and made "new memories" for us to treasure. Yes, I will be happy to meet you in Lufkin for lunch or dinner someday. :) Just write me on FB and I will get back with you!!!
We found other friend/family connections as we talked and I was once again "blown away" by how SMALL this world really is! When anything like this happens I always start singing the song in my head, "It's a small world after all! It's a small world after all! It's a small world after all! It's a small, small world!" LOL! Now, I hope you all start singing it and you can't get if off of your mind for a few days! LOL! I know...that's mean...but I just can't help it! (hee-hee) It's one of those songs you can't keep from singing once it comes to mind. :)

Sunday May 17th Is a Special Day

I can't go to bed tonight without remembering Daddy on this day! It is already "early Monday morning", but if Daddy was still alive he would have turned 79 years old on Sunday May 17th!!! It just doesn't seem real that he is on the other side, and it sure doesn't seem real that he would have been 79 years old!!! I wish he could have been with me today as I sat by Lake Conroe and watched Logan Stovall catch fish. So, "IN MEMORY OF MURRAY L. LAYNE", a great fisherman and a man of God who loved to "fish for souls", I am posting this picture of a "neat young man" that we have fallen in love with today. Daddy would have LOVED Logan!!! I also want to say that I received a text from Tracie after church to tell me about a man who visited their church today and said he had "received the Holy Ghost in Houston when Bro. Layne was Pastor". She said, "he very affectionately spoke of your parents. I thought you would enjoy hearing about it!"

"Tracie, I enjoyed hearing about this happening today! It made my heart warm to hear about someone whose life had been changed because of Daddy preaching the Word of God to them. Thank you for sharing this very special moment with me."

I will write about our great weekend later on "this morning", but for now...I'm heading to bed. Have a great MONDAY! Goodnight!

Note: The picture of Daddy with all the fish was taken in Alaska when he was about 21 years old.

Wonderful Birthday!!!

I had a WONDERFUL Birthday! The Lord knew "just what I needed" for my birthday, so He sent me MANY friends to let me know I wasn't alone.

The kids couldn't be here today because of their schedules, and let me say....I DO UNDERSTAND! We pastored for a long time and understand how things can be, and having children in school, it's almost impossible to celebrate on the DAY of your birthday! Really, what else is new? I was talking to one of my sisters today and we talked about "not getting to celebrate our special days ON our special day". It has been that way a lot of our lives. We were either at church, at conference, at an important meeting, AT this...AT that...so our "special days" were celebrated either before or afterwards! We understood we were still loved just as much by our parents, husbands, or children when this happened. It was just the "life of a preacher" and we have accepted it as such.

I talked to my sons and their wives, and my granddaughters on my birthday. Hearing their voices was like music in my ears, and love in my heart! It's always good to hear their voices as they sing or say "H-A-P-P-Y B-I-R-T-H-D-A-Y"! :) I get a really "happy heart" when this happens! THANK YOU my sweet kids and granddaughters for making my day SPECIAL!

Ronda and Karla called and talked to me, making my day that much more special! It's so neat having "sisters"! We think so much alike. It's amazing. I love you both!!!! You are both so beautiful, and I'm proud of you. You mean the world to me!

I went to the Post Office to pick up the mail today and found a card from my dear friend, Karen. It was so special getting this card from her. We have a "special treat" we like to eat when we're together and she sent me the money to enjoy that "treat" since she wasn't here to celebrate with me. Karen, you brought a big smile to my face when I opened my card from you! THANK YOU for being a "true friend" to me. I love you!

My husband finally gave me my gifts from the Russo's!! I had to wait till the day OF my birthday to get them. :) He is so funny! Sis. Russo has been so thoughtful in making me feel special and I love her so much. They are great people and I want to say here on my blog that I appreciate her and Bro. Russo. Thank you, both for loving us and accepting us for "who we are". You're wonderful! Thank you for the gifts. I love my books, notecards, traveling bag, little butterfly pin, and bookmark. It's all very nice.

We went to the TBC Graduation Banquet tonight and when we were shown where we were going to sit, I noticed a card at my plate. I picked it up and it was a card from another dear friend, Diane Green! Diane, you are something else! I don't think you ever forget one thing. As busy as you are, yet you would take the time to buy ME a card and stop at Starbuck's and buy me a "gift card"....you amaze me! Thank you my sweet friend for "being here" for me this year. I love you!

I received another beautiful card from Rita, a friend that has stood by me and my family through the years! "Rita, when I saw your handwriting on the outside of the envelope I missed you so much. Your card was full of love and I felt it all the way from "home"! Thank you for thinking of me and showing me how much you care. You're very special to me, and I love you!"

My phone rang this morning and it was my "life-long friend", Vicki! I LOVE IT when she calls! Her voice makes me happy. If you know her, you know what I'm talking about. When I answer my phone, and it's her, I hear..."What are you doin'?" It makes me smile. "Vicki, thank you for making my day more special by calling and letting me know you were thinking about me.

Wendell was so sweet to me today and told me to go buy me a new iPhone for my birthday, so I thought about it for a SECOND and.........WENT! LOL! I had the "original iPhone" and I could "upgrade" and I'm glad I did. I really do like it! Now, we are waiting for 3G service to come to Lufkin. The sales girl told us it's suppose to be here sometime this summer, and that will be really nice for me! I do all of my internet on an air card so when we get upgraded to 3G my computer will run faster online, and my phone will also be faster. I can't hardly wait!

I got so many "Happy Birthday Wishes" from so many people today that I'm afraid I cannot tell you who all wrote, called, sent cards, or just said, "Happy Birthday"! Just know that because of all of you I have had a WONDERFUL, FANTASTIC, LOVELY, HAPPY DAY!

Texas Men's Conference '09

No, I don't have any pictures! I'm not even invited to be there! LOL!

I have decided I don't like Men's Conference, because I can't go be with everybody. :( I think I'm going to see if Bro. McLauglin will hire me to do something so I can be a part of this function, too. LOL! I could be the PHOTOGRAPHER...(ummm...I don't think that would work), or let's see...maybe...clean the bathrooms....NOOOOOO...I DON'T WANT THAT JOB!!! Ok....let's see...does anyone have a suggestion?

I know, I'm being silly, but it's hard NOT to go check things out...especially when you live a few yards from the Tabernacle door!

I MIGHT get to go visit with my husband and Bro. Randy Keyes...who by the way, calls me "his sister". Since we grew up together and my brother and him were best friends, I think I might can swing getting to say "hello", anyway.

Well, I'll see what happens, and will definitely fill you in if and when I hear what is happening in the meetings.

For all you ladies who are "husband-less" this week...PAMPER yourself! You'll have plenty of work to do when he gets home!

That brings a memory to mind:

When Jonathan and Andrew were still living at home and Wendell would leave for a trip and be gone for several days, the boys and I did EXACTLY as we pleased! LOL! If we didn't want to clean the house...we didn't! If we didn't want to eat at home...we didn't! If we wanted to stay up all night...we did! Whatever our hearts wanted to do...we did, but when it was time for him to come home, we straightened up and did everything that had been left "undone" and we were "perfect again"! LOL!!!! Of course, we were ready for him to come home and THRILLED when he walked through the door!

Just a little thought for you Mother's who are at home with the kids (by yourself). ENJOY the time you have with them. You'll look back with fond memories someday!

Pastor and Sis. Benson's 40th Pastoral Anniversary

After the wedding Friday night and visiting with Jonathan, Brenda, Savanna and Scarlet, Gene and Karla on Saturday at lunch we travelled to Euless for the Sunday Celebration for the Benson's. On Friday night, Bro. Russo preached their 40th Pastoral Anniversary, and Sunday was a continuation of this great celebration.

When we arrived we set up our "home" then went to eat with the McLaughlin's, Benson's, and others who were there to celebrate this milestone. We had a great dinner with everyone and found more "family links" to friends we had known since the 70's. :) I will not go into it all because details can get rather extensive and you might or might not know the people of whom I speak, so I'll just leave it at that. I WILL say, we had a wonderful time "talking" about those we've loved through the years.

Sunday rolled around and I have to say that the services were "heavenly"! God directed my husband to preach two incredible messages and there was a lot accomplished in the Holy Ghost in these "special services".

At the end of the Sunday morning message I went to the keyboard. I asked Jeanine Blake to help me with the "altar service singing", then asked Bro. Kevin Blake (her husband and P.I.M. Representative for UPCI) to sing the third part. We made a good trio! LOL! I laughed afterwards and said, "It's pretty good when you don't even know each other and you can put a trio together at the end of a service...at the altar call!" LOL! We were then asked by Pastor Carl McLaughlin to do "praise and worship" in the evening service singing the "old songs of the past". We had a good time! I found out real fast how "out of shape" my voice is for that kind of singing! It was nice getting to know the Blakes. They are some of our "career missionaries" and I'm sure would bless your church if asked to come and do a P.I.M. Service. He was the MC for Sunday morning service. They use to be at the Benson's as Youth leaders, so they came to celebrate with them. Here they are singing the "glory down"!Bro. and Sis. Benson are some of the finest people I know. I have admired them for many, many years! They started the church in Euless 40 years ago, and have done a marvelous work for the Lord. Their son-in-law and daughter, Carl and Veda McLaughlin are now the Pastor and are working hand in hand with the Benson's. These four make up an awesome team for the church in Euless and you can feel the love and appreciation the saints have for their leaders. Let me say, "If I was needing someone to be my Pastor I could ask either one of these men and their wives and I could trust them with my life!" That's how I deeply I feel about them. We are very comfortable with either one of them being a mentor in the lives of our sons. If one of our sons needed to talk to someone in confidence I would relax knowing they were in "safe hands". "Saints of Euless, you have anointed men of God, and ladies of God in your midst. I know you know it, but let me say from an "outsider looking in"......you are blessed! If you will follow them you will make it through the gates of splendor and will be able to say, "Thank you for leading me to His Throne! I am saved because of YOU!"

Here are a few random pictures from the weekend:

It was cute Sunday when Sis. Benson got embarrassed from all the "attention". Her face actually turned red! The sweet lady sitting next to her is Sis. Mooney. She recently lost her husband and it has been hard on her, so it was good to see her having a moment of joy in the middle of her grief. For those of you who know Bro. Chad Mooney...this is his "sweet grandmother".

The Benson's, being presented with a gift from the church. They are having more "fun" with Sis. Benson! LOL! "Her" gift - A Memory Book "His" gift - a large check...Will he share with his bride? Of course, we all know he will and she might even let him look at "her" book!We were happy to have our friends, Bro. and Sis. V. Arlen Guidroz in service Sunday night. Sis. Guidroz and Sis. Benson having a time of "fellowship".

My husband and Bro. Guidroz had just finished having a good laugh. They may have been laughing at me. Who knows? I don't know, but it was good seeing them "relax".Also, our friends Bro. and Sis. Larry Gandy came. Bro. and Sis. Ford were also part of the celebration. Bro. Ford was the MC for Sunday night service. There were other ministers and wives that could be there on Sunday night and we were so happy that you came. I do not know them all real well, but it was wonderful having you all there! Thank you for coming and enjoying the evening with all of us!

In the office after service I had to have just one more picture.

The men: Bro's. Blake, Elms, Benson, McLaughlin, and Gandy. The "young men": Jonmichael and Blake. There is no way to post every picture I took. But, I am really disappointed that I didn't get ONE PICTURE of Sis. McLaughlin!! She must have been hiding when I had my camera out! :) (not really) I don't know what happened! I just might go steal one of her from her own blog!....what do you think...I think I will...here she is... What a great weekend full of "making memories". I'm thankful we know these wonderful people. Our lives have been enriched by knowing them!

Dedicated to Karen...her son just started DRIVING!

My nerves are a-twitter, my hair has gone white.
My knees, they are knocking; I'm quaking with fright.
My whole life is streaking in front of my eyes.
"Dear Lord, please be with me!" I urgently cry.
My heart's in my throat, but at least I'm alive.
The problem? I'm teaching my son how to drive!

--Ann Luna

Karen, I found this in "Barbara Johnson's Daily Splashes of Joy" when I was reading last night. I had to post it for YOU! You've lived through the eldest son learning to drive, you'll live through this one, too! LOL!

Oh Well...It Could Be Worse

Yesterday we left for conference! We got everything packed in the back seat and trunk
of the "little car" and headed out. Wendell was real happy when he accomplished packing the car with all our clothes for conference, AND a two week vacation afterwards! :) We had beautiful weather and enjoyed a good seven hour trip, and when it came time to stop for the night, we were ready to get some rest.

Then, the first rattle out of the box this morning, my "nose piece" on my glasses FELL OFF and went down the bathroom sink drain! Wouldn't you know it had to be on a Sunday when "eye glass doctors" are closed? As frustrating as it is to wear glasses that are digging into your nose, I shrugged my shoulders and said, "Oh well! I'll get them fixed Monday. The "digging" hasn't been too bad, but the "sliding down my nose" has been a little frustrating! :)

Most of today was cloudy and cool as we travelled the Natchez Trace in Mississippi, so I wrapped up in my "sweatshirt jacket", turned my heated seat on, rolled my window half way up, and I was warm and cozy. Even when it's a little cool we do not put the top up on the convertible. We enjoy the different temperatures, and have noticed "in town" it's usually warmer than the countryside. We love all the different "aromas" that float through the air into our car as we travel the back roads of America. Sometimes we might smell a SKUNK, but a lot of times, during this time of year, we smell the burning of wood from a bar-b-que pit, or someone who has a pile of leaves and wood burning on their property. At times, we enjoy the smell of sweet grasses along the highway, so we don't mind putting up with a few unpleasant "smells" to enjoy the beauty of nature!

Now about the part in my title that says...."it could be worse".

We arrived in Florence, Alabama this evening, unloaded the car and Wendell pushed the button to raise the top of the car. He didn't know I had put our nice Nikon camera case on the part of the car that raises so that the convertible top can come up and close! I was taking care of the luggage cart and when I turned I saw my camera case on the ground!!!! I went over and picked it up, hoping all the time the camera was okay. We didn't check until we got to the room, but when Wendell opened the case he said, "UH-OH"! I knew it was not a good sound!! When he pulled the camera out the lens was hanging loose from the camera. He tried to put it back together, but noticed the wiring had also broken inside. Needless to say it was pretty much shattered and now we're going to have to buy another LENS! He is at this moment sitting at the desk, looking on the internet to buy one. Oh me! I feel so bad about sitting it on top of the car, and he feels bad for not checking before he raised the roof for the night. He looked at me awhile ago and said, "It's nobody's fault." Isn't that sweet of him? I'm glad neither one of us "raised the roof" over the situation! LOL! Then of all things.....I went to get something out of my purse, and spilled Diet Coke on Hampton Inns WHITE comforter on the bed!!!!! But, the bad part about this is, it was on my husband's side of the bed!!! It cleaned up pretty good, so I'm not too stressed over that "mistake", but he might have to sleep between "damp sheets"! :(

After a beautiful day of traveling, with my "glasses sliding down my nose", the camera breaking, and me spilling coke on a hotel comforter....I started feeling pretty helpless, stressed out, frustrated, and many more feelings that ran through my head. While I was sitting on the couch feeling a little "down", a thought came to me..."I haven't had a bad day, I've had a GOOD DAY with several bad things that "happened"! It's how you look at "life" when things don't go the way you think they should that makes your life either worthless or worth living. After everything that happened "wrong" today, I started thinking...

I don't have a son fighting in a war on foreign soil....I have two sons "fighting in a battle for souls" at churches they pastor.

I don't have a child in prison....because they have been set free from the chains of sin.

I am not sitting in a dark room in depression....because God loves me, and I have family and friends who love me.

I don't have to worry about where my husband is tonight....because he loves me, I love him, and we love making memories together, even when we "break a camera" and we have to replace it so we can make "more memories together".

I just have to say, "God is good, and life is worth living"....even when "glasses are sliding down my nose" and "coke is spilled on the comforter"!

Just remember....It Could Be Worse!

"Joys" In the Midst of the Storm

You know, life can bring many ups and downs, but it's all in how you "handle it" that makes the difference.  Hurricane Ike sure did mess a lot of things up, but it didn't mess up our spirits and attitudes.  A lot of people are misplaced, the houses are messed up from flood waters, or power is off in their city, etc., so they cannot be at home, going to their churches, or doing the "usual".  But, they have kept a good outlook "in the midst of the storm".  It's really not "things" that make life worth living, anyway.  Yes, I will be one of the first to say,  "things are nice", but they're not what life is all about.  As you know, I put a lot of emphasis on "relationships".  Life isn't worth living if you don't have God, family, or friends that love you.  The happiest people on earth are those who have all three of these in their lives, and we got to enjoy ALL THREE tonight! 

Since Jonathan and Brenda are "evacuated" to Mesquite, we decided to move over closer to them today.  We then decided that we would go as a family to Pastor Bobby Stanley's church tonight.  Jonathan picked us up at the hotel and we all went to church!  When we were walking across the parking lot we saw a car drive in and in it was the Myer's and Jason!  It was good seeing them again. When we walked through the doors they were having CHURCH!  GOD WAS THERE!  You could feel Him!  As we stood in the back of the church, looking for a place to sit down, I spotted some of the Myer's saints!  Dan, Jan, Dallas, and Danae were "evacuated" to Dallas, too. It was good seeing them.  They are always fun to be around.  There were other folks who had to leave because of the storm, and I watched as God touched them.

 One of the highlights of my evening happened when we were all worshipping and praising God. I had been praying and noticed Savanna had left her pew and had made her way to the altar all by herself.  She was kneeling with her head down on her arms, praying.  The presence of the Lord had drawn her into His presence!!!   Life just doesn't get much better than that!  There is nothing in this world that can give me the pleasure I get when I see one of my granddaughters in prayer!  

Tonight I experienced all three "relationships" that make life worth living!  GOD, FAMILY AND FRIENDS, all in ONE PLACE!  I am so blessed to have them all in my life!  We felt very welcome at New Life Tabernacle and was so thankful we could all be together.  

I can say "I sat in a heavenly place" tonight.  I'm not happy about what caused our circumstances, but I'm thankful for our friends, family and the greatest friend of all....Jesus! Once again, I think I know a little of what Heaven is going to be like. 

Our Busy Weekend

The day has once again come and gone, and I'm just now getting a chance to post! The "Texas Minister's Wives Retreat" is almost here, and since I am speaking I have been working on what I'm going to say. Please pray for me! I hope to see a lot of our Minister's Wives present. I know we're going to have a wonderful time just being together.

As I mentioned last night, we have been on the road once again. We left last Thursday for the wedding in Wichita Falls. We had to stop in the metroplex for some business, and on Friday went on to Wichita Falls. It was so nice driving into the city of our labor for 24 years! Wichita Falls is a wonderful place to live. I love the city, the mesquite trees, and the wide open plains. There is nothing quite like a sunset from on top of the hill, near McNeil! For those of you who do not know, that is the place where Life Tabernacle is located. There were many evenings we would step out of the office and look at the horizon where the sun was setting, and the colors were breathtaking and beautiful. I also loved standing in the prayer room and looking out of the window as I prayed, because it seemed" I could see all the way to Oklahoma"! :) Yes, I still love being "home" and we had a wonderful time. I don't know whether it helped to go see everyone or not! LOL! I have felt a little lonely ever since we left this time. (I guess there's nothing like "pure honesty"! Oh well...that's the way it's been.

The wedding was gorgeous and Zach and Amber were so happy! We are very happy for them and I'm sure they are having a great time on their honeymoon! We wish them the best!  For some pictures of the bride go here.  For a few pictures of the wedding go here.  

Andrew, Mandy, Alayna and Ashlyn are doing good. The girls are growing up and Ashlyn is talking more and more. What a little doll. She loves to clown around and she gets plenty of laughs and hugs. Alayna is enjoying her first year of school and was spelling to us and singing more "new songs" she has learned. Oh yes I miss them more than I can say!

The "new pastor's family", the Holley's are doing great and the church is moving on in revival! The excitement is electrifying and the power of God is moving in a mighty way. As we worshipped with them on Sunday my heart was overwhelmed with the awesomeness of the music and singing. Everything flowed together in unity and I felt I was being lifted into the realm of the Holy of Holies! Oh, how my heart swelled with thankfulness for the things God is doing. Life Tabernacle, you are on your way to the "promises of God" being fulfilled!!!! I can't wait to see what all takes place, and when it does, rest assured Bro. Elms and I will be standing off to the side cheering you on to greater VICTORY! We are so thankful for your "new pastor" being who he is! :) Of course, he's our brother-in-law, but more than that he is the "man of God" for Life Tabernacle and the city of Wichita Falls. You know of what I speak!

We left on Sunday afternoon and drove once again to church in Balch Springs. We were a little late, but when we walked through the doors the presence of God was moving through the congregation as they worshipped. It didn't take but just a moment to feel His presence. When they turned the pulpit to Bro. Elms he continued leading in worship, then he preached! Oh my word! Did he PREACH! Many people said they had never heard it quite like that, and I can say he was anointed mightily!

I feel peace in my heart tonight. The reason I can say this is because I know God is in control of our lives and He has done great things for us. No, I never dreamed I would be living in Lufkin, or did I ever think my husband would have been taken away from pastoring our awesome church and moved to being the Texas District Secretary. But, I've always known God had our lives in His hands, and when he bids we must follow. Has it always been easy? No! Has it been sad at times? YES! But, with God leading how can anyone say, "I'm not going to follow."? My life, our life, is definitely changed, but I can say down deep in my heart we are happy to be in His will. That's all that matters!

Note: I'm sorry there are no pictures for this post, but I will try to get them done in the near future.

Fun, Exciting Wednesday Evening - And...a SURPRISE!

Last Sunday when Jonathan and Brenda were "evacuated" from their home we were in church at Homer, TX with Bro. and Sis. Frankens. As I said in my last post, we had a great time! While we were in service Bro. Frankens asked Jonathan to preach for him on Wednesday night. They didn't think they were going to since they went home for their Tuesday night service, but Jonathan decided to come back up and preach. I'm so glad he did! Of course, we went out to hear him since we don't have that opportunity very often, and we were not disappointed at all! :) Brenda sang, and blessed my heart. She has a nice, beautiful voice, then Jonathan preached! WOW! I just have to say, I'm proud he's our son! He blessed the church and the Pastor and wife with the message. Some of the folks from Beaumont came with Jonathan and Brenda.  They all came on the church van and had a great time. It was so nice seeing everyone from my "second home church"!  Bro. Frankens had testimony service and a few of them testified. I just have to say, we had a refreshing time in the presence of God and being with "fellow believers"!

After service we all headed to IHOP and was I in for a SURPRISE! When we were pulling into the parking lot we saw a couple going to their car. I said to my husband, "I think I know them!" Then it dawned on me WHO this couple was. So, I got out of the car, walked over and introduced myself. LOL! I had never actually met them, but had READ THEIR BLOG enough times to "recognize" who they were. It was......Ken and Julie Cook! We talked for awhile, and, of course I HAD to take a picture or two!
Bro. Don Ryan....this is for YOU. Guess what....we even talked about you. :) For those of you who do not know, Julie Cook is Don Ryan's sister! My world keeps getting smaller and smaller. Or, maybe I should say.....bigger and bigger. It's all in the way you look at it, I guess. Maybe it's getting BIGGER, but FEELING SMALLER? Oh well....it is what it is! LOL!

I trust you are all having a wonderful week. We will be heading to Wichita Falls to be at a wedding we've all been waiting for, for a LONG TIME! I'm looking forward to being "home" for a few days with family, friends, and "church family". We will see you all SOON!!!

Scarlet Jean

Jonathan and Brenda brought the girls up for a day at Junior Camp and while they were there they came to our motorhome to visit. In the bedroom I had some of my husbands dirty clothes out to wash. The girls went back to the bedroom to play, while we visited in the living room. You know how children like to play "dress up"? Well, Brenda went to check on the Savanna and Scarlet and ran to get my camera. This is what she saw!

 

"Kids will be kids" and they make me laugh! LOL! I know a lot of you will get a chuckle from this, so I wanted to share it with you. Enjoy! :)

Deweyville Weekend

My how time flies when you're having fun! This week is passing by really fast in some ways, and slow in others. There are some "happenings" that I am waiting on that is very important, so in some ways the week has been very slow, but then it seems to have gone by so quickly and I haven't had time to stop and "blog"!!

This past weekend we were in Deweyville with Darrell and Jeanetta Orange, the family, and their wonderful church family. Wendell preached both Sunday morning and Sunday evening, and the preacing and the services were absolutely wonderful! I felt I had found "the oasis" for my soul. God touched me in a very special way, and I will just say, "I needed it". My husband preached under the anointing of the Holy Ghost and God spoke through him to all of us. The praise singing, special singing, and worship was beautiful and heartfelt. Sis. Orange is a great musician and singer. She is very anointed, and when she sings you can feel the mighty rush of the Holy Ghost! I love watching as she "gets a blessing" from the Lord. We need musicians and singers to be used by God, letting Him flow through them in a mighty way so that others can also be touched! One of the highlights of Sunday evening service was when Michael, Mandy, and Sis. Orange sang, "I'm Never Gonna Look Back"! At the end of my husbands message I even got to play the organ as they repeated the song. It was the perfect ending for the message.

In one of the services, there was a gentleman in a wheelchair who couldn't contain his worship any longer, and he started worshiping God "rolling back and forth across the front of the sanctuary" with uplifted hands. It was wonderful to see him praising God even in the midst of a "bad situation"! It's amazing how many people won't give of themselves in worship and they are not handicapped in any way. As God was blessing I turned and saw Andrew and Mandy being touched in a powerful way. My heart was overjoyed to see them worshiping and praising God as He poured out His blessings on them!

It was good being with ALL of the Orange family. Michael and Stephanie live there in Deweyville and he is helping his Dad with the church. Philip and Kelly came for the weekend, and Andrew and Mandy were there, so that made for a "happy day"! I called and left Jonathan a message that "he ought to get someone to preach for him on Sunday night and come join us", but he was having a "graduation service" and could not come. We missed them not being with the rest of us.

Well, as I said I would do....I have put together a slideshow for you to enjoy. I know "Aunt Kathy" from North Carolina (Sis. Orange sister) will enjoy it to the fullest! Maybe someday she will be there when we're all together.

Update!

Starting with last weekend, we were in Beaumont. I spoke at the Ladies Tea and had a wonderful time! I did not get any pictures, but the ladies decorated very beautifully and the food was AWESOME! We had a wonderful, relaxing evening being together. They are so gracious and I have fallen in love with them. Of course, Brenda is a wonderful Pastor's wife and is leading the ladies of the Apostolic Church very well. I'm proud of her!

Sunday morning we had the privilege of being in church with Jonathan and Brenda, and the girls. It was very nice being there with them and getting to enjoy a message preached by Jonathan! Sunday night, Wendell preached and both services were wonderful!

Memorial Day we all went out to Darrell and Jeanetta's (Mandy's parents) and had a cookout with ALL the family! It was so much fun being together and having "family fun"! Andrew and Mandy have been preaching in this area and have been doing really good, so they were able to be with all of us, along with Michael and Stephanie, Jonathan and Brenda and all the kiddo's! After eating the delicious hamburgers, hotdogs, and all the "trimmings", we headed out to the barn to ride horses! We cooled down with homemade ice cream! It was all so much fun!

Wendell and I headed home that evening to be back for the board meetings which started Tuesday. We have been at the office for the last two days, and I helped Sis. Russo serve the board a nice meal today at the office. For me, it is very enjoyable being around those who are "serving the district", and helping make their job easier.

Camp Meeting is approaching FAST and there's a lot to be done. I'm looking forward to tomorrow. The Office is buzzing with activity and I will be "in the middle of it" again. Thank the Lord for a great office staff to work with. There's so much that happens on a daily basis, and they are absolutely WONDERFUL!

I received an email from Kassie today about Camp Meeting Music, so I will be going to the Tabernacle to work on music tomorrow. This will be a first for me! I told Wendell today that I needed to find a piano someplace, and he said, "Just go to the Tabernacle"! So, that's what I'll do. :) It might feel a little funny since no one will be there, but you've gotta do....what you gotta do! Talk about a BIG CHURCH! I just hope I can find the LIGHTS! LOL!

Ya'll have a wonderful day, and I will try to post a little more often. My life has been a little "crazy" lately....but I'm adjusting.

New Adventure

Today has been another good day and we've been getting more familiar with our surroundings. I went over to the office for awhile and saw a little of what goes on there. I had an enjoyable time talking to Jeannie, Carla, and Cynthia for a little while. I was telling them I would be happy to help out in any way I can, and after some discussion I just had to let them know that "no matter what we "do or don't do" we are going to have FUN"!!! About the time we were having a good laugh my husband walks in to ask a question, and "the girls" said, "Uhhhh....we just got sidetracked." He proceeded to tell them that "anytime his wife is around you're going to get sidetracked"! LOL! I didn't mind one little bit that he made that statement, because I know I have kept him from getting "too bogged down" a lot of times through our life together. I find great JOY in getting him "sidetracked"! Sometimes that's the only way to keep your sanity!!! Besides, somebody has got to "make life FUN" and it might as well be ME!

Later in the day, after I studied some, Wendell locked the door on all of the "work to be done", and we took a drive. The scenery is much different from what we are use to, and we enjoyed driving "through" the trees!
We had to laugh at all the times we drove around in North "West" Texas, and there were mostly mesquite trees. I love the mesquite trees, and the wide open spaces we have lived in for 24 years. It strikes me funny that we now live in the part of Texas that is full of so many trees that sometimes you just want to "see out"! We talked about walking through the "piney woods" and all the stories we could tell, and all the sounds we would hear as we RAN from one clearing to another. LOL! I felt a little "spooky" just talking about it. I'm use to being able to see "miles and miles of Texas" where you can see who's coming towards you way out on the horizon! No one can "sneak up" on you in the wild, wild West! But, here.....now that's a different story. I am sure I will fall in love with the East Texas piney woods in time. I am not one to make myself miserable! That's just plain 'ole stupid! LOL!

We drove out to Broaddus, TX to see if our friends, Mark and Diane were home. We had called earlier, but no one had answered, so we decided to "mosey" on out their way. We got to experience the "Capital of Lake Sam Rayburn"! Ya'll ought to go sometime. The Population is 189! At least that's what I think was on the "city" sign. I've heard the Green's have a good church and someday we would like to visit them in service.
After taking a picture of their church, we headed back to Lufkin. The moon was full tonight and just as we were crossing the lake I turned and took this picture. It was beautiful! We also ran over a 4 foot long snake. YUCK!

We ended a beautiful, relaxing evening with one of our favorite things. ICE CREAM!!! There's not too many things you can do that is as enjoyable as "putting the top down on the convertible", seeing the sights, and hearing the sounds all around as you "cruise" across lakes, through trees, and down country roads! By the way, I couldn't go in the "house" until we had finished the ice cream! That's just a tradition I refuse to break!!!