The Ordering of Steps

Today started out to be a "normal" day, but there was something special planned for us! I believe, as most of you do, that our "steps are ordered by the Lord".

At noon, Wendell and I went to lunch, as is our routine. We had a good, lunch, then sat back and waited for the waitress to bring our ticket so we could pay out. After the last refill of tea she told us that our lunch had been paid for by an "Anonymous" person. We were surprised! Whoever it was...if that person happens to read my blog I want you to know that we appreciate the gesture of kindness and love. THANK YOU!

We got up from the table, and while my husband was talking to a friend, who had come in while we were eating, I stepped outside to get warm. The sunshine felt so good! As I stepped outside, I passed a lady coming into the restaurant. I knew she was a Pentecostal lady and I was almost sure I had seen her before. We spoke, and she went on inside. I stood outside waiting for my husband. He never came out! The friend he had been talking to had been gone for awhile, so I figured he was talking to someone else. I slowly made my way back into the restaurant, and saw my husband enjoying conversation with a man. I knew he had to be the ladies husband I had spoken to earlier. I was right! Just as I stepped up to my husband, this lady joined her husband and we met. That was the beginning of several hours of conversation today.

I'll get back to the "story" in a minute, but I want to say...One thing I absolutely love about being where we are at this time in life are the many opportunities we have to meet minister's and wives. I love making new friends and I treasure those times very much. Anytime we can be with minister's and their families, I am happy!

Back to "today"...We stood and talked for a long time, until we were invited to "sit down and visit" with our "new friends". I chuckle to myself because I can hear those who know me real well say, "you were invited out of self-defense"! :-) Let me just say that what started out a "lunch with my husband" turned out to be "an afternoon of fellowship.

Missionary David and Kathy Brott from the Philippines made their way into our hearts during those several hours of sitting in Cotton Patch, and later at Olive Garden. I'm really glad that their evening appointment with a pastor did not work out. I know they would have loved sharing their burden with a Pastor and his church, but getting to be with these wonderful people today was just what God ordered for us. Thank you, Bro. and Sis. Brott for welcoming us into your life. We enjoyed the "visit"!
Sis. Brott and I talked, and talked, and talked, and talked! We found out we have a whole lot "in common".
When you are both married to men who are preacher's of the gospel, and you have been in full-time ministry for many years with your husband, AND have grown children, AND grand-children, AND go to General Conferences, AND travel, and...and...and...I think you know what I'm saying...you do have a LOT "in common". We serve the same God, believe the same doctrine, love living a life that is pleasing to the Lord, love people, love friends, love...love...love... It's just so refreshing and FUN to have so much to talk about to a "new friend".

In the family of God we really should never meet a stranger! We're all in this TOGETHER! It's beautiful to experience and enjoy the freedom of friendship. No big "I's" and little "You's"! We are all working together to see God's work go forward. We are all heading to the same place that is out of this world. We are all looking for "His glorious appearing and listening for the sound of the trumpet"! Yes, I love making "new friends", and the thing I love about it all is that someday we will ALL be together "forever".

God bless all of our missionary's and their families, at home or abroad! You are some of my HEROES!

More About Easter

I really am trying to get "caught up" on my blog, but there's been so much happening that it's taking me a long time!

After church on Easter Sunday we were invited to the "Hughes Family Gathering" and we had a wonderful time! The food was outstanding, the fellowship great, and the "setting" beautiful! There was so much to eat that we couldn't eat it all, but did a pretty good job of putting a "good dent" into it. It was so kind of them to invite us, along with their Pastor and wife, the Wilbanks, and other friends from the area.

Thank you Hughes Family for a great time with friends and family. Also, for the delicious meal you shared with us!

Copperas Cove Weekend

Last weekend we were privileged to be in Copperas Cove with Pastor and Sis. Donny Hendrick. They treated us so very kind and we felt a real bond of friendship with them. They have an incredible church and we felt totally at home! The worship, unity, singing, and their open arms made us think of Life Tabernacle, Wichita Falls. Of course, we are very fond of Life Tabernacle since we spent 24 years of our life there as Pastor. When the Pentecostals of Copperas Cove started singing and worshipping I felt I was close to heaven. Their response to the the messages my husband preached was wonderful, and we had great altar services! One thing that REALLY made me "feel at home" was when their choir got up to sing. They sang just one song and it was "Total Praise"! That song has been one of my favorites that the Life Tabernacle Sanctuary Choir did. I almost couldn't believe my ears when they started off! God knows exactly what we need and when we need it! I had a friend write me this week and tell me she was praying for me so that I would "feel at home wherever we may go to minister". God answered her prayer this past weekend. We were so happy when Bro. Hendrick came to my husband and asked us to come back for THIS weekend!!! So, this Sunday morning and Sunday night we will once again be in Copperas Cove with the saints of God there. We are looking for great things to happen!!!

Bro. and Sis. Knight are the former pastors of this wonderful church. They are still there enjoying the "fruit of their labor" and we enjoyed visiting with them. They have a lot to be proud of and they are thankful the work continues to flourish. Another thing that made me feel at home was when Bro. Knight introduced the choir. He said, "Now, I want you to worship with the best choir in town...The Copperas Cove Sanctuary Choir"! It sounded so much like my husband when he would introduce our awesome choir. I know I probably sound a "little homesick", but you just have to understand "where I'm coming from". I have my "times" of really missing "home". If you've ever "been there", then you understand.

Bro. and Sis. David Carrington from Dumas, TX are retired and are now living in Copperas Cove. Sis. Hendrick is their daugher, so they moved there to be "close to the kids". They invited us to their home for "food and fellowship" after church Sunday night. It sure brought back "old memories"! We have eaten many meals in the Carrington's home. We had a lot of "catching up" to do, since we had preached some of our first revivals for them MANY years ago. I was "expecting" our first child, Jonathan, and Sis. Carrington was "expecting" Nathan! We took a picture "back to back" and it was quite "a sight to behold"! LOL! We have a lot of "funny memories" with the Carrington's, and Bro. Carrington remembers almost every detail. You can imagine the "walk down memory lane" that we enjoyed with them. By the way...that was memories from 1973! WOW! It's not MY age that bothers me, it's everybody else's! By the way, Sis. Hendrick was only 11 years old when I first met her!!!! If I look a little more "gray" and a little more "old" when you see me, now you know why! LOL!

Friday night we will be in Corsicana for a "section-wide rally". (Section 8) My husband is preaching it. Saturday morning I will be speaking at the "Section 8 Ladies Day" there in Corsicana. If you happen to be "near" please stop by and see us. The more the merrier!!!

Dreams

I was awakened this morning by a dream. We had gone to eat and my order was all wrong, and in the midst of trying to get it "figured out" with the owner I finally said to myself, "it's not worth it, just forget it".

We were having some big gathering, I think camp meeting. As I walked from the "eating place" back to where my husband was I noticed a large group of people gathered out under the stars. As I walked, it dawned on me that I had forgotten that I was to lead a "prayer service/devotion" for the ladies the next day. Oh my! I got in a "tizzy" real fast!!! "What am I going to say?" QUESTIONS started attacking my mind and just as I was getting all "up in the air" over it I heard a man say, "Look at the stars out there! Isn't the sky beautiful tonight?" Seeing the twinkling stars and how they lit up the black sky of night, immediately I started singing, "And I thank God for the Lighthouse. I owe my life to Him. For Jesus is the lighthouse, and from the rocks of sin...". As I sang, I heard as the "old gentleman" started harmonizing with me, then others joined in as we sang..."He has shown a light around me that I could clearly see. If it wasn't for the Lighthouse...where would this ship be?"

I then noticed an old friend of my parents sitting not too far from me, and as she wiped her eyes from "remembering the loss of my parents" I kept singing..."Everybody that lives around us, says to tear the Lighthouse down. The old ships they don't sail this way anymore, there's no use in them standing 'round. But then, my mind goes back to that stormy night when just in time I saw the light, it was the light from that old Lighthouse that stands out there on the hill."

I woke up! WOW! I have chills as I remember the feeling I had as I dreamed, and as I type I still feel the presence of the Lighthouse.

A "dark night", old friends, new friends...the "stars" who light the night, and the One who gives the "song"! What more could one ask for? Today...remember the "Old Lighthouse", and a friend. There is nothing more urgent than stopping to remember those you love and the One that loves you!

I thank God for the Lighthouse...I owe my life to Him!

Section 6 TEXAS Christmas

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

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

Homer Weekend

I hope you are all having a wonderful day! We are "waiting" for the wind and rain to hit here from Hurricane Gustav. We've been told by authorities here that they are thinking we will get only 3-5 inches of rain, which I'm thankful for. I guess we'll just keep waiting until.....

Jonathan sent Brenda and the girls to us on Saturday, then he came Sunday afternoon, after they had a Sunday morning service. Of course, a lot of people had already evacuated, but they had a backslider pray through, and had new visitor. Jonathan was glad he stayed!

Yesterday, my husband was invited to preach at Homer, TX, just outside of Lufkin, and we had a great time! Last night, Jonathan, Brenda and the girls went with us and it was wonderful having them with us in church! We don't get that opportunity very often, so it was really nice!

We had awesome church and the presence of God was wonderful! It was a great experience! Their music was different from what I've been use to, but it was refreshing. Simple chords, beat, and words! I told a man who played one of the guitars that all they needed was a good "fiddle player"! Everyone sang with ALL THEIR HEARTS and you could feel the excitement as we praised the Lord. Everyone had such a passion for God, and their passion was contagious, and I found myself being carried into the presence of God. Bro. and Sis. Frankens and family were so enjoyable to be around. You could tell they were sold out to serving God and others.

In our travels we get to visit a lot of churches, and we have experienced all types of worship and praise. I love seeing how God uses so many different personalities to do His work. I really do love it!

Well, the trees are starting to move a little more from the wind that is picking up. I'm not worried or concerned about the storm. I know we are in His hands. There's not a safer place to be! If it gets too "wild" we will head over to the "camp kitchen" with the McInnis' and TBC students who are still here. Like Bro. McInnis said, "At least we will have something to eat if we're in the kitchen." :)

Catching Up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some Thoughts and Hudson, TX

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Camp Meeting Slideshow

First, let me say that it's good to be back to my computer for a few minutes! We have been going non-stop since Camp Meeting began and I am making myself sit down for a few minutes to post. I've missed "visiting" with everyone in the "blog world".

As I stated in the previous post, TEXAS Camp Meeting was absolutely phenomenal this year! Every service, every speaker, every praise group and all the musicians did an incredible job of bringing us into the presence of God and leading us to worship and adore Him. The preaching was solid Apostolic preaching. We had our times of rejoicing, re-dedication, "getting the sand out of our shoes" (thank you Bro. Graham) and enjoying messages of separation and truth!!!! I don't know when I have ever been in a camp meeting quite like this one. That is not an overstatement for me. It was just that awesome!

Here are a "few" pictures I took during the week. You would be sitting at your computer a long time if I posted all of them! LOL! I hope you will enjoy these.

Today begins the Crusader Camp! These are the "little kids" and they are swarming all over the camp ground! We are going to have FUN this week! I can't wait to get my "work" done so I can get on the golf cart and go check everything out!!!! Ya'll have a great week and I will be blogging again, when I have a break from all the FUN, FOOD and FELLOWSHIP!

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!!!