Memories...The Word Taught

Memories...oh how I love them!  I remember going to Grandma's house in Southern California in the summertime. I always slept with Grandma and she usually had the windows open, and a box fan running. I loved it!  On Sunday night after we got home from church, we'd go to bed and she would reach over and turn the radio on, tuning into "Hour of Power."  Pastor David F. Gray would be teaching. I hear her say, as if it were yesterday, "Oh, I love to hear that man teach!"  As a little girl I couldn't understand her love for his teaching, because I didn't understand everything he taught, but I did feel the depth of his words, and the reverence to the Word he taught. It made an impact on my heart and mind that has stayed with me my whole life. 

One of the things I miss about my husband, not pastoring a church are the many Bible studies he taught on Wednesday night.  He taught with the same depth and reverence his Pastor, Bro. David F. Gray did.  I've told him so many times, "I REALLY miss hearing you teach.  You always fed my soul."  

It's amazing the things that come to my mind.  If you've read this whole status update, then you must be a true friend.  Friends are the only ones who enjoy the ramblings of another friend. Bless you!  

#thinkinoutloud 

Just A Touch

The memory...sitting in a church service...Daddy steps to the pulpit...mother on the piano or organ...they start singing...

Just another touch Lord from you,

To help in the trials I go through.

Though dark may be the night,

It brings a ray of light, 

When I get a touch, Lord, from you.

...the sweet, soothing presence of God covers the congregation...tears flow as we once again realize we cannot make it without His touch. 

Tonight, I sat down at my piano and started singing this beautiful old chorus. I felt His presence come and rest on my spirit. What a beautiful experience when I get..."just another touch" from my sweet Lord. 

The Beginning of a Great Year

When this morning dawned, I shook myself into reality and found myself in "high gear"! January 2012 is going to be a very busy, yet enjoyable time for us. This coming weekend is M.A.P. - Ministerial Advancement Program for the ministers who are becoming members of the United Pentecostal Church International here in the Texas District, or those who are going to a different level of being licensed. (ie: General or Ordination) As I was preparing for my classes today I felt excitement down deep inside as I thought about the ladies I will have the privilege of teaching. I am so blessed to be one of the teachers, and take my part very seriously. What a privilege to be asked to teach, and what a responsibility!

As I look back over my life I can say that I wouldn't have wanted to live any other life. I loved growing up in a Pastor's home. I loved listening to preacher's and their wives talk about the work of God when they came to preach for Daddy. The stories were wonderful! I smile thinking about the funny stories that were told and can still hear Daddy laughing and Mother giggling. I gave up my bedroom many times so the "Evangelist couple" could have a place to stay. I don't ever remember thinking I was being misplaced! I loved the fact that these "special people" were staying in MY room. I have been blessed in life and can honestly say that I love being a Preacher's Kid!

In my earliest memories I dreamed of marrying a preacher! I wanted to travel and be with him every mile, do whatever I could to help him in revivals, and I've had that privilege. When my husband felt God calling him to pastor, I wanted to be right there beside him doing whatever I could to help in the Kingdom of God! The saints we were privileged to pastor were wonderful to us and our boys. They gave us their love and became our "family". My life has been blessed beyond measure. Raising our sons in a ministers home has brought them the same opportunities that I had growing up. They have been in the presence of great Missionaries (home and foreign), Evangelists, Preachers and Teachers. They also got to sit and listen to the stories and experience the presence of great men and women of God. I'm so glad they have their fingerprints in their hearts.

Please excuse me as I "count my blessings", but I guess in preparing for the weekend seminars my heart started remembering. Thank God for a wonderful life! I'm pretty sure the reason my heart is full of expectation and excitement is because I want the ladies I'll be teaching to experience this great life.

P.S. I guess I need to say for anyone who is thinking I'm blinded to the fact that the life I've lived hasn't always been a "rose garden"... I am not oblivious to that fact! We've reached to pick a rose a few times and got pricked by the thorns. It didn't feel good and we cried. We've had our times of frustration, life's burdens weighing us down, and experienced disappointments. But...GOD has never disappointed us! And when it seemed we were about to sink He stepped into our situation and commanded "PEACE BE STILL"! I can say..."I have NEVER seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging for bread!". God has supplied our every need and walked with us through every valley! HE has been our Strength, our Director, our Counsellor, and I have nothing to complain about! When we've worked for the greatest Employer ever known to man...how could I complain?

Homegoing of Rev. Marvin D. Treece

This morning when I learned of the Homegoing of Bro. Treece, my mind started racing back through time when I was a teenager and my brother Keith, and I sang in a trio with Bobbie Shoemake.  The Conqueror's Quartet came to California to tour and Bobbie had been asked to tour with them.  She asked Keith and me to go along and sing with her.  I remember the big bus the Conqueror's Quartet traveled in and feeling really special when I was invited to look inside!  We traveled from San Diego to Stockton and made a lot of memories...Great memories that have stayed with me all of my life!   

After Wendell and I married we evangelized.  We then had our first son, Jonathan.  Jonathan was about two years old when we went to Lake Charles to preach for Bro. and Sis. Treece.  Oh, we had FUN!  The Treece's thought Jonathan was the cutest little guy they had seen (besides their own son, Ricky) and they had many laughs over him.  Bro. Treece taught Jonathan to "howl like a coon dog" then he would throw his head back and really laugh when he did.  It was SO cute!  :)   While there, Bro. Treece asked us to stay awhile and assist him.  We were there for a short time, but I can say, for this young evangelist family, being with the Treece's was a "little Heaven on earth".  Later, Bro. Treece said he wished he had prevailed on us to stay, because it wasn't too long after we left that he started having some physical problems.  Down deep in our hearts we wished he had called us back.  Being at their church was a beautiful time in our lives.  I loved the music lead by Sis. Treece.  The orchestra was awesome!  I loved hearing the people testify!  It was like hearing mini-sermons, because the people had a love for preaching and teaching and had applied the Word of God to their hearts.  I loved hearing Bro. Treece teach and preach.  And, I loved being in their home.  Bro. Treece always asked for peanut butter after we had eaten.  I can hear him now..."Betty, grab that jar of peanut butter, please."  I thought that was so funny, because he should be full from her awesome cooking, but he HAD to have peanut butter to finish the meal.

Years later...we were pastor of Life Tabernacle and Bro. Treece came to our church to teach.  I will never forget sitting on the front pew with my Mother and sister, Karla.  He was teaching on Ladies Hair.  He passed out some of his notes then noticed we didn't have them.  He made sure the usher gave me, Mother and Karla the notes.  When we looked at them we got tickled because a lot of it was in Greek!  LOL!  Mother started her all familiar "giggles" and I tried to hold it together, but it didn't work.  The "joy of the Lord" was definitely wanting to gush forth that night.

Bro. Treece stayed in our home that week.  One night we had eaten a bite and made our way to the living room to visit.  While Bro. Treece talked "Greek" I looked across the living room at my husband and he was SOUND ASLEEP!!!!  I tried to get his attention without looking obvious to Bro. Treece, but Wendell slept on.  I must have sat there 20-30 minutes ACTING like I knew what Bro. Treece was saying.  It took him the longest to realize my husband had "left this world" for another.  He finally got up and said, "Well, I think I'll go to bed."  (something like that)  Oh me!  I was so happy to say goodnight!  I never felt so "unlearned" in all my life and I wanted to "choke" my husband for leaving ME to understand it all.  Bro. Treece must have thought I was grasping what he was saying because he talked, and talked, and talked!  He never acted like I was "dumb"!  That's what I call a GREAT man!  LOL!  I told him about it later and like before, he threw his head back and laughed that contagious laugh that I'll always remember.

Every year the Treece family made a Christmas card, we received one.  There has always been a note from them saying how much they enjoyed us being in Lake Charles with them.  They have no idea what a blessing it was for US!  Being with great people of God, who makes you feel loved is just is one of the greatest joys you can experience "down here".

I know Heaven has been rejoicing today because one of God's mighty men has made it home.  No longer to suffer in this life, but to sing around the throne worshiping the King!  I'm sure that Charley, Kenneth, Bro. Ewing, and Keith were waiting just inside the gate.  I can hear them now as they see him..."Come on over here, Bro. Treece!  Let's sing...."  Yes...the Conqueror's Quartet is singing better than they ever did here on earth...and to tell you the truth...I'm just a little "jealous" they're all together, singing, telling jokes, and laughing again without me there to listen.

Ponder

Tonight as I was going about the house taking care of things when a word I have not heard in a long time popped into my head. PONDER! Upon entering my mind, my mind started recalling things from the past. After awhile I decided to sit down and look the word up.

PONDER - 1. to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate. 2. to weigh careful in the mind; consider thoughtfully.

I can see him sitting in the living room. There is "noise" in the kitchen as supper is being cooked. There is "noise" coming from one of the bedrooms where music is being played. There's a young girl sitting at the piano practicing her piano lessons and there's "noise" because the "piano music" was not being played correctly. There he sits, in the middle of "noise", but he doesn't seem to notice. He's sitting quietly, looking at nothing, or no one. Upon seeing this scene, the young girl goes to the kitchen to inquire of her Mother. "What is Daddy doing? Why is he just sitting there and staring off?" The Mother had seen this many times throughout their marriage and knew exactly how to answer. "Your Daddy is meditating." That was quite a big word for the little girl to understand, so she asked, "What does THAT mean?" The Mother explained..."That means your Daddy is thinking about something important. He may be thinking about what he is going to preach tonight. He probably has a lot on his mind. Don't disturb him! He needs to be alone right now." The little girl nods her head, goes and looks at her Daddy again, but she wasn't about to disturb him, because he was "meditating".

This picture is painted vividly in my mind and it will never be thrown away. I remember it as if it were yesterday! I really believe that some of the greatest messages I've heard have come from men and women of God who took time to "ponder", and in those times God spoke to them and developed a message filled with "power, passion, and anointing".

Now, as I look back, I wish I could have crawled into my Daddy's mind and read the many thoughts that were there. He was a powerful preacher of the Word! He never had a diploma stating he had a doctors degree in theology, but he didn't need it. He was a studier of the Word of God. He loved talking about God and His Word more than anything else! He loved preaching and ministering to people. No, he may not have been "smart" in the world's eyes, but he really didn't care what they thought. He wasn't planning on staying here for very long anyway, but while he was here he wanted to preach the gospel to all who would listen. He preached without fear or favor, and it didn't matter if you agreed with him or not. When he had a word from the Lord, he wasn't fearful of man or the false doctrines that are destroying "relationship with Almighty God". Many years down the road I'm so glad I didn't interrupt when Daddy was "meditating, pondering, communing" with God! The messages I heard him preach through life, are what gave me the desire to have my own relationship with God. They are what made me WANT to be saved above all else! They are what gave me a glimpse of Heaven. Daddy made Heaven so real, and beautiful that nothing is worth me not going!

Daddy is not the only preacher I have seen "ponder...meditate". I have watched my husband as he was "in another world", and knew that this was not the time to disturb his thoughts. I have watched our sons, Jonathan and Andrew sit and stare! Oh yes, I recognized it! I knew they were being drawn into another place. I knew when they step to the pulpit that they would have the same "power, passion, and anointing" as their father, and grandfather.

In a few hours we will all gather in a sanctuary to spend time with God in Morning Worship. Preachers everywhere will bring the scriptures to life as they preach with "power, passion and anointing". I'm sure there were little girls and boys that watched their Daddy today, as he sat in the living room, staring off into another world. Mother's were asked the same question I asked..."Mommy...what is Daddy doing? He's just staring! "Oh honey...Daddy is meditating. Don't bother him."

Yes...the "cycle of life" continues....

A Few Rambling Thoughts

I love my life! God has been so good to me! I sit here tonight getting ready to go to sleep, and I think back over the day and the little things that make "life worth living". I don't have a lot to say, except for I've enjoyed being at home with my husband today. I loved watching him work around the house, doing "Honey Do's". I didn't tell him to do anything, but that's what he called it. He is quite a man! I am thankful he is not lazy!!! In fact, sometimes I have to tell him to stop working, because he has worked long enough and hard enough. I'm thankful he is the way he is. I wouldn't know how to act if I was married to someone who just wouldn't do what needs to be done. :) One thing for sure...he's not going to sit around.

This evening after the days work was finished, I came in the house, sat down at the piano and started playing. Sometimes I just want to sit and play, and sing, and sing, and sing. Today was a day like that. Singing and playing for me is soothing to my spirit. When I play the piano or organ, I can feel the stress of the day go away, and I start feeling my mind and body relax. There's something special about music that does that for me. At one point in my playing and singing I felt like I was ministering to my own "household". Of course, that would only be me and my husband. :) The presence of God came walking into our home, and I knew He was here. There was no grand entrance, just a quiet, peaceful calm that flooded in. I'm thankful for those times.

I have enjoyed visiting with friends and family today via the internet. I'm glad we have such a great invention. Of course, if everyone that's a Christian treats it as a "relationship tool" and not a "degrading instrument" we can enjoy it that much more. I'm glad I don't have to worry about friends or family that wants to tear down those they are connected to. Life is too short to get up tight over what someone else is doing "wrong". Thank you to those I am friends with for being Christ-like.

I have a heart filled with thankfulness tonight! There is a song that came to mind last night when I was reading my Bible that our ensemble at Life Tabernacle sang years ago. "If it had not been for the Lord on my side. Where would I be? Where would I be?" One of the times we sang the song was when we were invited to sing at a service where Bro. Urshan was preaching. When he finished preaching he asked us to sing it again. I don't know how long we sung, but it seemed like forever! He loved it! :) Why did that come to mind tonight? I don't have any idea. I guess that's my next thing to be thankful for.

I'm thankful I have memories to enjoy! So many people look at the past and have nothing good to say about it. I choose to look at the past and ENJOY it! Oh, everyone has something they could talk about that is negative, but that's not fun! Life has it's ups and downs, but we feel better if we focus on the GOOD THINGS in our life. Anyway, the "past is the past" and you can't go back and do it over. You must walk forward enjoying NOW and looking to the future.

Well, I guess I will "sign off" for now. I really don't know if many people come to read much anymore, so I guess I'll just write for me and whoever wants to listen. :) Goodnight!

Heaven...It's Real

Tonight I sat down at my piano and started playing and singing. After Wendell and I practiced a song that we have been wanting to sing, I kept singing.

Our life has been quite busy the last several weeks, or should I say months. After I sang one song after another, I started singing about Heaven.

The songs went like this...

The burdens of life may be many;
The frowns of the world may be cold.
To me it will matter but little;
When I walk up the streets of gold.

When I walk up the streets of gold.
When I walk up the streets of gold.
How my heart will rejoice in that morning;
When I walk up the streets of gold.

Then I sang...

We read of a place that's called heaven.
It's made for the pure and the free.
These truths in God's Word He hath given.
How beautiful heaven must be.

How beautiful heaven must be,
Sweet home of the happy and free.
Fair haven of rest for the weary,
How beautiful heaven must be.

My heart was lifted up as I continued singing...

I want to go there. I want to go there.
Christ said I could go, His Word tells me so,
The beauties of Heaven to share.
I want to go there. I mean to go there.
A mansion awaits just inside those gates,
And I want to go there.

The presence of the Lord came to me as I sang about my home that is prepared and waiting for me to enter!

HEAVEN....what a place it's going to be! Walls of jasper, streets of gold, gates of pearl, a chrystal river flowing by the tree of life...YES it's real and I want to go! I can't even imagine the beauty that is within the gates of that city!

Then the thoughts came to me about all those who are waiting for me when I get there.

Daddy
Mother
Keith
Mom Elms
Pop Elms
Grandma Pound
Grandpa Pound
Grandma Layne
Grandpa Layne
Bro. McCoy
Sis. Opal

Oh yes! There are MANY SAINTS who are waiting for us "on the other side"! I could continue naming people who are dear to me, but I thought I would leave it open for those of you who might happen upon this blog, or those of you who faithfully read it, to think of your loved ones who have gone on to their reward.

Another song just came rushing into my thoughts...

At the sounding of the trumpet
When the Saints are gathered home,
We will greet each other by the crystal sea.
With the friends and all the loved ones
There awaiting us to come.
What a gathering of the faithful that will be.

What a gathering....gathering....
At the sounding of the glorious jubilee.
What a gathering....gathering....
What a gathering of the faithful that will be.

I definitely plan on being there...

When the saints from every nation gather 'round the throne in gloryland.
I intend to be among that number standing at the Lord's right hand.
While eternity shall roll along within that happy gloryland.
I'll be singing there around the throne with the eternal glory band.

I'll be singing there in gloryland so bright and fair.
I'll be numbered with that heavenly host up there.
When a million years have come and gone in gloryland.
I'll be singing there around the throne with the eternal glory band.

I know I've pulled out some "oldies"...but they are still "goodies"! Singing songs about Heaven brings me back to the realization that "there really is a Heaven" and "I plan on going there"!

Let your mind reach back and remember songs about your "beautiful home". You will feel your spirit soar and your heart will be lifted up to know that "It Won't Be Long Till We See Jesus"!

My Mind's On Vacation

While I was getting dressed this morning my mind decided to go on vacation! When I realized where it was going, I thought I would tag along. My mind, body, soul and spirit feels very refreshed since I went along with my mind. :) If you can't be on vacation today, go ahead and allow your mind to take you places that mean a whole lot more than getting in the car and driving to a destination! God is good to all of us! Enjoy your "travels" today!

As A Child - Teenager

Home

Music always playing from the stereo in the living room.

Dinner prepared by my beautiful Mother.

Taco's, grilled cheese, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, corn bread, beans, chicken fried steak, cream gravy, ummmm.....good!

Mother singing as she works around the house.

Daddy's voice as he prays over the meal.

Keith's voice, singing, laughing.

Ronda and her naturally curly brown hair that made bouncy curls.

Karla as a baby when she "invaded" my 13 year, 10 month world! (We always said I was 14 yrs. old when she was born. It was easier that way.)

Evangelists, visiting ministers and wives staying with us in our house.

Sitting around the table talking, laughing, and then getting serious as Daddy talked about Heaven.

Daddy grilling steaks, Mother preparing the salad, baked potatoes, and vegetables.

Ice Cream Freezer whirring in the kitchen.

Singing around the piano.

Practicing with Keith and Mother to sing a new song in church.

Coming home from school and seeing a letter from my boy friend, Wendell!!!! :)

Sometimes a Sunday Lunch with tuna sandwiches, chips, dip, pickles, Dr. Pepper, Sweet tea.

Sunday afternoon nap time!

So many memories I can't put them all in this one post......

As a Mom

Becoming a Mom!

Holding my babies in my arms.

All the sweet baby years - the first cry, the first tooth, the first crawl, the first pulling up at the table, the first smile, the first laugh, the first look straight into my eyes. (and so much more)

Jonathan and Andrew playing in the living room.

Wendell pestering them in line at the grocery store.

Tasha - our sweet poodle who loved to play "hide and seek".

Taking a trip to the lake with our boat.

Boys water skiing!

Eating sandwiches on the boat with chips, dip, Cokes, Dr. Pepper, Diet Coke, Nutter-butter cookies, and Pecan Sandies.

Grilling outside as the boys swam in the pool.

Eating by the poolside at the patio table.

Snow skiing trips!

Music coming from the boys rooms.

Games from the game room.

Andrew saying, "Hi Mom!"

Jonathan playing the drums in his room.

Talking with the boys after Dad went to bed was my "together time" with them. Loved it!

Picking them up at school and asking how things went and knowing they were alright!

Seeing them receive the Holy Ghost and being baptized in Jesus Name!

Meeting their lovely, beautiful girlfriends, who turned into being their wives!

Sitting in their wedding's thinking how blessed we were to be adding such lovely girls to our family.

Hearing them preach the word of God under the anointing of the Holy Ghost.

Hearing their saints call them "Pastor".

Ahhhhh....life has been good....and God has been GREAT to me!

Soul's Vacation

Heaven

Jesus

Loved Ones

No sin

No sickness

No death

No tears

Rest

Peace

No more worry

My Hope

Forever in His presence with my family and friends!

Happy Birthday Wishes

This is ME at age 5 as the Flower Girl in Jimmy and Bobbie Shoemake's wedding!













Today is my birthday and I am overwhelmed with all of the "birthday wishes" I have already received! They started a couple days ago and have continued to come in on Facebook, Plaxo, text messages on my cell phone, Birthday card websites, US Postal Service, and at the Texas District Evangelism Center office!!! Oh yeah! I even got some birthday wishes from people on "Gaither.com". I don't even know these people, but they are helping make my day wonderful, also. To think people who do not have a clue who you are is taking the time to write a birthday message...that's so kind! I feel so loved by all my friends and family! I am having a WONDERFUL DAY because of YOU!

Wendell will be tied up most of the afternoon with a Texas Bible College (TBC) board meeting, and tonight we have the TBC graduation banquet, but we will have a good time. Never in a million years would I have ever dreamed I would be in LUFKIN, TX celebrating my birthday, my husband working in the district office, going to a TBC banquet, and receiving birthday wishes from all over the nation! WOW! Life has a way of surprising a person, for sure! But, I'm enjoying the surprise!!! That is what's even more surprising! :) I have always lived with the belief you should accept those things that come your way and enjoy life "as is". You might as well or you will be one miserable person, and I sure don't want to live in misery!

For the last few days we have had "neighbors". Bro. and Sis. Jordan from Daisetta have been here working on their 5th wheel, so last night we were invited to join them for some ice cream and strawberries. We had a wonderful time visiting with them. They pastored the church in Ranger, TX about 29 years ago. We arrived in Comanche, TX to pastor there while they were in Ranger. We had a lot to talk about and had fun doing so. I really don't know what people do who lose "life" friends. I LOVE having people around me that I've "known" or have "known about" through my life!

Yesterday, I received a really "sweet" birthday card from my friend, Tracie. On the front are "cupcakes" with toothpicks holding up the letters to spell "Happy Birthday"! She said, "A birthday in a card just for you - balloons, cupcakes, confetti and ice cream!", and in the card was a "gift card from Marble Slab"! YAY! Thank you, Tracie for the gift. I wish you were here to help me celebrate, too. You're so sweet to think of me in this way! Love you!

Wendell told me last night that there are gifts at the office for me, but wouldn't bring them to me since yesterday was not my birthday! :) I love how he is so "precise"! LOL! I guess I'll get them sometime today. I think they are from Bro. and Sis. Russo. They are so considerate!!!

I'm rambling...but what else is there to do today? I am going to do "exactly as I please" since it's MY day. :)

When my mother was my age I thought she was OLD! How did I ever think that? Now, I know she wasn't OLD...just "well seasoned". :) Really, when I think about it, "OLD" isn't all that bad. In fact, I'm enjoying my "age". I remember the year I turned 40.....I was saying to my brother Keith, "I cannot believe I am 40 YEARS OLD!" His answer has stayed with me through the years..."Well...I guess you could consider the ALTERNATIVE!" He made me see "life" through different eyes. I sure didn't want the ALTERNATIVE! Keith had a way of making life less stressful and more happy. Oh how I wish he were here today to tell me the same old story, same old joke, and to hear him say, "Hello Beautiful!" :)

I'm sure I will be blogging more later, so I'll say goodbye for now. I'm on my way to have lunch with my husband. I'm having a good day!!!!

Stunned!

My family loves to surprise you and just "show up"! That has not happened today, but after reading a comment from "cindy s" from my last post I started thinking about the time I was so lonesome to see my parents. We had moved to North Carolina to start a church and we had no one in our church, yet. I was very lonesome. Jonathan and Andrew, our two sons were just little guys and it was a long way home to family and friends. My parents lived in Texas, and Wendell's parents lived in California!

While I was feeling very lonely, Daddy called to see what was going on and how we were doing. I told him all was well then proceeded to try to talk him and Mother into "getting on a plane" and flying to see us! He told me all the reasons he couldn't, and that he had major things he needed to take care of. I accepted his "reasons" after figuring out there was no way for me to "talk him into it". I would feel better in a few days, I was sure.

About a week before Daddy called we had been invited to some friends house, about an hour or so away. I told Daddy our plans. Being invited to have dinner and a time of fellowship was so nice, especially when you are by yourselves most of the time. It sounded great and we really needed that time together with friends.

When we arrived at their house they invited us in, and took us to the den. As we greeted everyone, and had a little time of "chit-chat", I saw the door to their "home office" open and their stood DADDY AND MOTHER! I nearly fainted and had to sit down!!!! I looked over at my husband, and our boys, and they were all just sitting there with their mouths hanging open! LOL! They spent ONE WHOLE WEEK with us and it was wonderful!

There is nothing like being lonesome and missing those from home, then "all of a sudden" they are standing in the room with you!!! Oh, the emotions that sweep through your heart and mind. I can still feel the "shock" that I felt that day, but I couldn't have been happier. God knew I NEEDED to see my parents and "there they were"! It was wonderful!

This is just another "sweet memory" that I wanted to share, and to my "new friend" who is lonely because God has moved you away from friends let me say...He will be with you. He cares and understands the sacrifice you have made. Be strong! Take courage! It will be worth it all when we see Him!

Eternal Impressions

We have started our "tour" of the district. This week we have been to two sectional conferences and have seven more to go! Two more this week, four next week, and one later in January. That will make a total of nine sectional conferences we will have been to by the end of January! We are really enjoying meeting more preachers and their wives, and seeing the ones we've known for years. Everyone has been so good to us and making us feel "right at home".

Tonight my husband had a neat thing happen to him. We were eating dinner at the church in Newton when he turned to me and said, "Sue Beasley is here." I asked, "Who's that"? He said, "She was my Sunday School teacher when I was a little boy!!!! I was in love with her and wanted to marry her, and when she got married it made me so mad!!"

Through the years I have heard him speak of Sue Beasley, but I don't think I had ever met her. Of course, I HAD TO TAKE A PICTURE!Sunday School teachers....how will your "Sunday School children" feel when they see you 10, 20, 30, 40, or even 50 years from now? I loved hearing the excitement in my husband's voice as he was telling me about "his" Sunday School teacher when he was a child.

The "family of God" is such a neat family! It seems everywhere we go we're running into people that have a "connection" to us from somewhere, or someone. I can only imagine what Heaven will be like!

My "Mini" Vacation On Hwy. 175

Today was one of those days I decided to "go on vacation".  With all the terrible happenings with "IKE" I just wanted to clear my mind.  I have a dear friend who said to me one day, "You know, sometimes I imagine myself being on vacation when I'm going around taking care of things."  I laughed and answered, "I do the SAME thing!"  Maybe I'm crazy, and I probably am a little , but sometimes "enough is enough".  

Last Thursday I left for the Minister's Wives Retreat.  With Hurrican IKE coming in I hated to leave my husband, but he told me he would be okay, and that he was going to drive the motorhome to Quitman, TX,  since we would be preaching there on Sunday.  I was to meet him there on Saturday.  He left Lufkin and 45 minutes later the motorhome was broken down on the side of the road!  He was out looking things over, wondering what he was going to do, "the hurricane was coming, he had no car, I was in Arlington for the retreat", and from out of no where it seemed, a man walked up and said, "Sir, I have an RV pad over at my house.  My son bought my trailer and has taken it, so you can use my cement pad for as long as you need to."  Talk about a blessing!  God sent that man and we were so thankful to have a safe place to park our "home". It's the only thing we have to live in at this time, so we sure didn't need anything happening to IT!  Wendell then called Bro. Rhoades, a WONDERFUL friend and asked him if he could come pick him up.  He did, and a little while later Wendell was back to "square one", Lufkin!  :(  

Now, what were we going to do?  The storm was coming, and I would have to travel in it on Saturday to meet Wendell.  The way it was looking it was going to be terrible, and I couldn't bring myself to drive in that kind of storm.  Wendell got in his car and came on to Dallas and we were together once again! We hated to cancel the weekend with the Clark's but they definitely understood.    

Then, we received word from Bro. Rhoades that the storm had hit, and the power was out all over Lufkin.  Now, we had a problem for sure.  Where were we going to live since we were putting the motorhome in the shop when we returned, and the power was out in the apartment we would live in on the camp ground?  The answer:  We will stay in a hotel until we can get power on, or the motorhome back.  So, that is where I am again tonight.  Thank the Lord I'm not out on the street!   

Needless to say, after hearing all of this, and hearing about all the devastation to the gulf coast of Texas, and receiving reports from friends who are going through much more than I was, I decided to take a "mini vacation" today.  Wendell left early so he could get a tow truck to meet him and pick up the motorhome, so I was going to travel by myself. 

When I walked out of the motel in Dallas, the weather was perfect!  It was 76 degrees and not a cloud in the sky!  I decided right then to put the top down on my convertible and travel! It was lovely!

Yes, I took my own picture! I think I was travelling about 55-60 miles an hour! :) As I drove down Hwy. 175 I saw a "gated community" that I had always wanted to drive into. This time the gate was OPEN, so I drove through it and saw some beautiful homes sitting beside a lake. I dreamed about how awesome it would be to have a house "right there" so close to the water. The kids could come and we could picnic out on a deck.  We would have a boat, and all the "lake toys" to enjoy.  Of course, I knew I would not ever live in a place like that, but there's no sin in dreaming, is there?  I had to take a picture or two to show my husband where I'd gone on vacation today. :)

I kept driving and dreaming, and remembering the trips we had made in a convertible. The plains of Texas,and rolling hills of Oklahoma. Cattle and horses grazing in the fields, and new born colts frolicking near by. Then I was reminded of the white steeples of churches that speckled the country side on Prince Edward Island. There were so many beautiful, old churches as we traveled through cities back East and I wanted to stop and take pictures of everyone of them. Today I couldn't resist, and pulled off
to take this picture.If churches and steeples could talk I wonder what stories would they tell? As I travelled I saw this old home that someone has lovingly taken care of, and thought about the little wooden houses I'd seen on the back roads of Maryland when we were lost!We were so far out in the country that we ran out of paved road. There were no shoulders on the side of the road, and the cows were almost sticking their heads in the car! LOL!  I'm so glad we got lost, because I will never forget the beauty that surrounded us. 

Oh, I dreamed! I dreamed about driving through Pennsylvania and the Amish country, Niagara Falls and the power I felt as I stood watching the water crash over the rocks! I could imagine what it was going to be like in Heaven when the saints start worshiping and praising God. When I was there I felt God in a powerful way, and I stood in awe of Him! 

I travelled to Prince Edward Island and saw the red sands and fishing villages, lighthouses and lobster boats. Yes, I remembered and enjoyed the beauty that surrounded us while we were there. The quaint towns and beautiful flowers were so tranquil. 

I travelled to New York City and thought about seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time, and going to Brooklyn Tabernacle to hear the choir sing.  Colorado, the Hill Country of Texas and the bluebonnets in the Spring.  Canada, Lake Louise, glaciers, and mountains of majesty. Glacier National Park and Going to the Sun Road, Yellowstone National Park and seeing Old Faithful as she spewed her hot, steamy water up from the earth, just one more time!

I've been beautiful places and have enjoyed each one. As I enjoyed them and remembered I thought of AMERICA. My Home, My Freedom, My Country, and was thankful to be living in the greatest country on earth. Then, I prayed! I prayed for our President, George W. Bush, and his lovely wife, Laura. I prayed God would be with him as he leads our country through perilous times. I prayed for his strength and wisdom. I knew his heart must be broken to see the devastation of our state as he toured the gulf coast today, and I knew he would pray for the men and women, boys and girls, and grieve for them.   I prayed for the people who have lost so much, and saw with my own eyes just one example of what a storm can do.Then I was "home". Home once again to my husband, my town, and my "hotel". I was thankful, happy and refreshed! I enjoyed my vacation today, and just think....I did all of this on my way from Dallas to Lufkin on Hwy. 175.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO "US"!

THIRTY-SIX YEARS ago tonight I married the man I've been in love with since I was TWELVE!!!  I remember when I first saw him.  I had gone to Stockton, CA for the annual concert at the Civic Auditorium downtown.  I was in the lobby when I saw him.  From that day till now I have loved him.  Keith would get so mad at me because I wouldn't date anyone else, but my mind was made up!  I had seen the guy I would marry!  From 12 years old to 14 years old, Wendell never knew I existed, then at the 1967 California Youth Convention in San Diego, the day I had been waiting for, happened!  I was running from another guy, so I asked Keith if I could walk with him to the car to put his saxophone away.  Being the good brother he was he said, "Of course.  Come on!" When we got to his car he saw Wendell at his car putting HIS saxophone away.  Keith said, "Well, there's Wendell", and before I knew it he yelled, "Hey, Wendell!  Let my sister walk with you back to the auditorium!!!"  I nearly DIED!!!  :)  Being the "shy" girl that I was I could have "killed" my brother.  I said, "I'm not walking in there with him.  I don't even know him!"  He said, "Go on!  You can go with him!"  Well, as I was walking towards him I thought my heart would jump right out of my chest!  When we got in the building I asked him if he would stand there and talk to me, because "so and so" was watching me!  How did I even have the NERVE?  LOL!  He answered me and he said, "Why don't you walk with me over here? We'll go talk to some friends."  So....that was the beginning of our "courtship days".  I couldn't actually go on a "date" with him, because I had to be 16 before I could "date", but I could be in the same group with him.  It seemed every time I saw him, I kept falling deeper and deeper in love.  

During the week at the Youth Convention we had a big group to "run around with" and there was an older girl who wasn't married.  She was friends with all of us.  We had so much fun with Phyllis.  She made sure we were all chaperoned properly.  One night after service several cars full of young people decided to go to Mt. Helix to see the beautiful lights of San Diego.  I was riding in the car behind the one Wendell was driving.  He was always doing something to have a lot of fun, so when a "squirrel" decided to run out in front of "Phyllis' car",  he swerved to hit it!  He was in for a SURPRISE!  It wasn't a squirrel!  It was a SKUNK!  LOL!  From that night on I collected all kinds of SKUNKS!  People would go on a trip and bring me a skunk souvenir.  I had them all over my room, on top of my curtains and anywhere they would fit.  :) When I got married I told Mother to "just get rid of them" since I couldn't take them with me on the evangelistic field.  But, the other day when I was going through boxes, I came across a "family of skunks" that I had, before we got married!!!  I was so excited!  They found their new home on my bookshelves in my living room!  

I have so many stories to tell, and I'm sure others do too, but just let me say that my love has only grown for the man I married so long ago!  He has proven to be more than I could have ever dreamed when I was 12 years old.  

Tonight we got to celebrate 36 years of marriage with our good friends Bobby and Glenda Stanley.  We went to P.F. Chang's and had a delicious meal, then drove through Braum's and got ice cream.  And, as is our custom...we couldn't go home until it was all gone! I'm looking forward to MANY MORE YEARS married to the man of "my dreams"!  Wendell, I LOVE YOU MORE EVERYDAY!!

Old Pictures

Just a "few" years ago when Daddy and Mother were young evangelists they went to Alaska to preach.  Keith was just a "baby" and Mother was about 18 years old!  Daddy would have been about 20 (I think).  I ran across these "slides" a few months ago, so I wanted to post the pictures. I know you'll like them.  

Mother with Keith in the "baby buggy".  Mother was always so pretty.

Daddy loved to fish! I imagine these were delicious when they got them prepared.Keith, my brother is on the left! He was so cute! I don't know "who" the other baby is. If anyone "out there" knows this baby, please let me know. :) Someone just MIGHT recognized "themselves". LOLAnd this is my FAVORITE! Keith always had this "winning smile"!Have a GREAT Sunday!

The Wonder of It All

I really need to be going into town to take care of a few things, but I had to stop and write what's on my heart and mind today.  Let me clarify that what I am going to say does not come from any "happenings" lately.  I've just been thinking about this for awhile. I am now "older" and have "lived enough life" to understand a few things.  I am writing to those my age, of which I'm sure you can figure out “my age” pretty close.  After all, I AM a grandmother of four, and a mother of two sons who are preacher's of the Gospel, so that qualifies me for being "old".  :)

I have been to Fellowship Meetings, Youth Rallies, All-night Youth Lock-ins, Youth Camps, Camp Meetings, District Conferences, and General Conferences as long as I can remember!  I guess you could say, "I've done it all" when it comes to being involved and attending our organizational "functions".  I will be very honest with you, and probably a little too transparent when I say there was a time I felt the "wonder of it all" start to wane.  I understand there are "seasons" in life we go through that can affect our emotions, and the way we view things.  Through all of the years of "situations" that brought on grief,  questioning where God was in "all of this", and wondering "why" He had let my life become peppered with death and sorrow, I became tired, irritable at times, and empty, because I felt like I had "given" all I could give!  I know!  I know!  There are people right now catching their breath, because you can't imagine someone could feel this way.  If you can’t believe it, then hear me out.  Before I had gone through much of life, and I still felt the excitement of all the events that we attended, I didn't understand either.  Now that I'm on the "other side" I can see clearer as I look back.

Why am I saying all of this today?  My mind has been bothered that as we get older, if we're not careful, we will lose the "wonder of it all".  No, not necessarily the "wonder of God", but the "wonder of the things of God and unity” we have known as we’ve come together in our respective sections, districts, and on a general level.  I have said and heard said, "Oh, I don't want to go to conference this year!" (or whatever is happening)  In fact, I said it just last year.  I didn't go, and wished a million times I had gone after my husband left. I will admit I enjoyed the live services via internet. I sat in my easy chair at home, in my comfortable robe, and drank in the preaching, singing and power of God, but, I also felt the void of not getting to see my family, friends, and people of “like precious faith”. That special time together could impact my life, if I allowed it to! My heart has always wanted to be involved in the work of God, and I don't want to lose “my first love”. What would I do if I didn’t have “my church”, “my organization”, and "my friends”? Where could I go that would bring as much happiness as I’ve had all of my life?

As a child, teenager, and young adult, you couldn't put enough obstacles in my way to keep me from going to whatever might be happening around me.  You must remember that was before all the extra conferences that have come along in the last several years.  Now, you can't go to everything that's happening or you would never be home.  When all we had was our "major functions" there was an excitement about "getting to go" that I will never forget!  My insides got excited as I started packing for the "big event"! When I started feeling "nonchalant" about being involved in God's Kingdom, I started getting worried about ME.  

When you're feeling physically sick, you know when you need to go to the doctor.  You also know the symptoms of when you start getting "spiritually sick"!  When symptoms start showing signs of "disease" we need to get ourselves to the Doctor and ask Him to "heal our heart".  I have seen those who withdraw themselves from the "body",  for whatever reason, and it has always scared me when I felt or saw them as they “nursed a grudge”, was "too tired to be there", or “too busy”. After awhile they fell into the "SNARE of ISOLATION"!  When the doctor isolates a sick person, it's because they are contagious!  When a person "isolates themselves" it's usually because there is a "spiritual problem" and they haven't dealt with it, yet!  I am not condemning anyone, I just know what I know, and I was almost a victim to that horrible trap.  Whenever I started feeling like I didn't "want to be with anyone" I knew something was wrong with ME!  My heart cried out, "Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit in me...cast me not away from Your presence"!

I am concerned when men and women start losing their "wonder" for the things of God.  When we lose our "wonder" it affects our children and grandchildren.  Let me ask a question.....Who kept the "wonder" alive for us when WE were teenagers and young preachers, and preacher's wives?  There were those who always talked about how wonderful it was going to be to "get to go" to conference, camp meeting, youth camp, the rally, and fellowship meeting!  I remember my parents preparing to leave for one of these functions, and how excited we all would be as they talked about what was going to be happening.  They passed the excitement down to me and I couldn't wait to get dressed to go with them.   There were occasions, such as General Conference that we didn't go until we were old enough to enjoy them, but I couldn't wait for Mother and Daddy to get home, because they would bring me gifts from conference, and also bring home new "records" (projects for those in the younger generation) of the singers, quartets, and trio's that sung in the services.  They would tell us about the "deep conviction" that fell when a man of God was preaching.  Oh, there were so many things to hear about!

WHO is going to keep the "wonder of it all" going for OUR sons, daughters, and grandchildren if we don't?  They shouldn't have to carry the whole load!  They are looking to us for their example.  I know, they are grown, they may be a pastor, or assisting in a church, or maybe they are evangelizing. Maybe they are good saints involved in the church, but wherever they are, whatever they're doing, they are looking to us.  If Mom and Dad lose "the wonder of it all", how long do you think it will take them to do the same?

I have emptied my heart for right now.  I hope I have helped someone who has been watching as their dreams seem to be fading into the horizon.  Maybe you have not seen them come to pass, and you are plagued with failure, and disappointments.  Maybe you have lost sight of the future, and the excitement for the work of God.  Maybe you can’t see the "big picture" because of a hurt that has come your way.  SHAKE IT OFF!  You don't want to "ride off into the sunset" defeated.  You must pick up and keep "running this race".  At the end of the race is when we can stop, sit down, and rest a little while.  Come On!  Let's get our FERVOR back for the work of God!  Let's get our EXCITEMENT back when it's time to be with each other!  We've got kids and grandkids who want to be involved in a church that is full of EXCITEMENT, POWER, and WONDER!   We are the ones that can give them what they long for!!  No one else can do it like we can!

Special note:  You know I love every one of you.  You are my friends and family.  If I have opened my heart for all to see, and it will help someone who is struggling, that's all that matters.  A few times while writing this post I thought about not pushing the little "orange button" that says, "Publish Post", but I am compelled in my spirit to go ahead and do it.  I hope if you've never been where I've been, and seen what I've seen, then you will never have to face the giant of "isolation", for it is one that is hard to fight if it ever takes root in your heart.  As the end of time comes closer let's support and love one another like never before!  I need you, and you need me.  Not that I am anything, but when we all "pull together" how happy we'll be! 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAVANNA!

It's hard to believe the years have flown by and you are now SEVEN years old! The day you were born was one of the happiest days of my life. I didn't think I could be happier than I was that day. You are growing up so quickly and as I rocked you to sleep last night my mind started remembering the first few days of when you came to us.

Grandma Layne, your great-grandmother, was very, very sick in hospice, and we didn't know how much longer she would live. Your Daddy wanted her to see you before she went to heaven, so he brought you to her and let her hold you. I will never forget her words when she saw you. She said, "Oh....she's beautiful, Jonathan." As she was holding you, Uncle Jimmy (Shoemake) stepped to the bedside and started talking about Grandma Layne's "sweet spirit", her Godly living, and her walk with the Lord through the years. Then, he said, "Sis. Layne, I want you to bless Savanna." All those in the room came around and started praying, and as we prayed Grandma Layne "worshipped"!!! The presence of God was in the room that day, and Uncle Jimmy then put one hand on Grandma's head and the other hand on your little body, and began to pray for "the spirit of Sis. Layne to be transferred to this precious baby, Savanna."

Savanna, God blessed you that day and put a special touch in your life. You are very precious to me and Papa. Everyone who knows you, loves you! We have all watched you growing up to be a beautiful and loving girl. Keep loving Jesus with all your heart, and keep loving people. They feel your love and it heals their spirits.

Have a wonderful birthday! I am so glad I get to be here with you. Never forget....
"I love you so much I can't stand it!"

Groves Weekend

When I walked through the doors I felt His presence.

And I knew this was the place where love abounds.

For this is the temple, Jehovah God abides here.

And we are standing in His presence on holy ground.

I was not walking into the sanctuary of a church, but was sitting at the dinner table with David, Sandra and Jason Myer. This is the only way I can describe what I felt as my husband was "giving thanks" for the delicious meal Sis. Myer had prepared! When you are with the Myer Family you know you are with friends who care about you, and love you for who you are. They have recently lost their son Justin, after a very serious illness that put him into a coma. This family has been with him 24/7 for five years! One of them was by his side at all times. The love and devotion shown by them is beautiful, and they show that kind of love to everyone around them.

We had wonderful services in their lovely new building that they built during the time they were taking care of Justin. The presence of the Lord was in each service.

There is a couple in the church that had connections to the Allison, TX church that my Dad pastored before I was born! Keith and Ann Boydston were both raised in Allison. They told me the story about Daddy going to a house one night to ride to the hospital with a man, because this man's wife was having a baby. When they got to the hospital a little girl was born and they named her "Ann". The "baby", Ann "Gilmer" Boydston was standing here telling me the story! By the time our Dad's left the hospital, a blizzard had blown in, so they followed a snow plow as far as they could on the highway. When they got to the road that went to the house, the snow plow went straight, but they had to turn. Since the snow was already too deep to drive through, there was no way to get to the house except for them to get out of the car, and walk a mile in the snow! The wind was howling, the snow blowing, and they nearly froze to death! Daddy asked for "warm water" to put his frozen feet in, and even though Bro. Gilmer tried to convince him that "wasn't the thing to do", Daddy just KNEW he had to have "warm water...not cold"! He learned a lesson that night, for sure! I'm sure he decided he had better listen to those who knew "how to thaw out"! His feet was in terrible pain for quite some time! :) Poor Daddy! LOL! She also told me that Daddy taught her Dad, Bro. Gilmer, how to make "cream gravy"!!! She said, "Daddy would never make it any other way from that day on. He made it the way "his pastor", taught him for the rest of his life." It was great talking to her and her husband, Keith. It's a SMALL WORLD!!!! Another thing I loved about Ann is the way she laughed. She reminded me so much of my friend, Linda Shahan! She has a ready smile, and a laugh just waiting to burst forth! I missed my "friend", yet it was wonderful..."remembering".

We enjoyed lunch with Jonathan, Brenda and the girls when we were on our way back home. I just had to throw in a picture of them! :) Here is a short slideshow for you to enjoy.

Magnolia Weekend

We were blessed this past weekend to be with Steve and Karen Wehrle in Magnolia TX. What a GREAT time we had!!! We arrived Saturday evening in time to get a bite of supper and go to a Street Rod Car Show. There were some BEAUTIFUL cars and I even remembered some of them. LOL!

Sunday services were absolutely WONDERFUL! I felt like I was at home in Life Tabernacle and my heart was overflowing with worship. There was a deep, sweet moving of God's presence! We have been so use to this kind of worship, and was so happy to experience it once again in our friend's church. The Wehrle's are wonderful people and so easy to be around. We enjoyed staying in their lovely home. I felt like I had walked into a haven when we arrived. "Home" isn't a house...."Home" is a place where love abounds and friendships thrive! That's where I was this past weekend.

The Wehrle's have a beautiful family! Two daughters are married to wonderful men and they have some of the cutest children. They brought many smiles to our hearts while we were there. Stephanie helped lead in worship, Stacey brought me joy in her worship and praise. It was beautiful! We found out that Matthew, Stephanie's husband has a great "country" voice. And Sonny, Stacey's husband, reminded me of one of my cousins. He is a quiet, strong man and enjoyable to be around. The Wehrle's also have a "special needs daughter" who is a very sweet girl. Her name is Starla and I know when we walked in that she wanted to meet us. She walked over and brushed against us as if to say, "Hello...nice to meet you." To watch Steve and Karen take care of her and to feel their love toward her is heart-warming. Their love is very deep and you can "feel" their care for her. The beauty of love that abounds in their home and lives is felt by everyone they come in contact with. After being in their company I can say I have experienced once again what it feels like to be loved by God Himself.

I also got the joy of being around "Grandma Holley"! :) Karen is so much like her that it's amazing. We had a time of remembering Bro. and Sis. W.R. Holley. (Karen's grandparents) My husband will never forget Bro. Holley coming to him and placing his hand on his shoulder and saying, "I'm really glad you're here. Now I can relax!" He said a few more words and it was a "special blessing" given to him. His "blessing" was so heart-felt and taken very seriously by my husband, the newly elected pastor of Life Tabernacle. After giving 24 years of our lives to the church Bro. Holley pastored for 30 or so years, the church is now in the very capable hands of Bro. Holley's grandson....Pastor Gene Holley, Jr.! How beautiful are the ways of God! Of course, we couldn't help but miss Bro. and Sis. E.L. Holley...Karen's parents and our friends!

Thank you...Steve, Karen, and family for loving us, and treating us like "family"!

June 21, 2000 - the day my world changed

It is fifty-three minutes passed June 21. This day has come and gone, but I have been thinking about my brother all day. Eight years ago on June 21, Keith left this world and all of his family and friends. I am privileged that today we have been with Steve and Karen Wehrle who "remembered" with me. They were great friends of Keith's and we enjoyed talking about him. I miss Keith and all the joy he brought to my life. I loved to hear him sing...no one can sing like him. I loved the twinkle in his eye when he thought of something funny. I loved the stories he told. I loved his laugh....we had a lot of them, together. I loved his warmth and love for his family and friends. I loved his big arms wrapped around me in a "bear hug". I loved hearing him say to me, "Hello Beautiful"! I just loved HIM! No, I didn't forget about him today, I enjoyed his "life" once again with friends. I just couldn't go to sleep without writing about my brother, my friend.

Not Sleepy!

I'm suppose to be asleep, but can't seem to get sleepy, so I wanted to at least sit down for a minute and say this week has been a good week. Crusaders Camp is going on and I've heard we have about 500 "little" campers here. We're so use to seeing adults on the campground, and my husband said, "It looks like a bunch of little ants running all over the place!" It's so cute to see these "little people" making friends, enjoying fellowship, playing ball, and having the "time of their lives". My favorite time of the day is to drive around in the golf cart and see them headed to church! They are young, but you can tell they have a purpose as they walk toward the tabernacle.

Wendell and I rode over to the tabernacle the other night to see what was happening and when we walked through the door our kids from home spotted us. It was a grand reunion for several minutes! I have to admit that I cried a few tears. It made me a little homesick to see them and to see those who came to help this week. You cannot love people deeply without hurting when you leave them. Some say you shouldn't love people very much because you're going to get hurt. Well, I have to ask, "What is life about if you can't love others?" I have wonderful memories down deep in my heart that no one can take away. Those memories may make me smile, laugh, cry, or just "remember", but when they do I know I am blessed to have known and loved the people in my life.

I will close with what happened to tonight at church. I was sitting, holding our "sleeping Ashlyn" when again a few of the kids from Life Tabernacle spotted Bro. Elms and me. They came back to give us hugs, and after a little time went by I said to them, "Don't ya'll need to go up front and pray?" Howie looked at me and said, "No, I prayed yesterday, and I prayed the day before, so I don't need to pray today!" LOL! I loved it and loved him for being so open! LOL! That's why I love kids. They just "tell it like it is".

I do have a few pictures, but it would take too long to post them tonight. My eyes are getting a little heavy, so I think I will try to go to sleep. I'll be checking back in soon.