Pure Sweetness

Pure Sweetness knocked at my door yesterday and when I answered it I was greeted by happy voices yelling "SURPRISE"! Andrew and his family were standing there with big smiles and ready hugs!  I had been very lonely this week and when I saw it was them my heart jumped with happiness.  It's amazing how much better one feels after getting a lot of hugs and kisses from three little girls, and great big hugs from their Daddy and Mommy!!!  There is a strength that comes when a person receives love that is given unconditionally!  I enjoyed holding our little miracle baby Ansley and rocking her to sleep, playing games with Ashlyn, and playing the piano with Alayna. 

Each one of them have different "levels of wants" and I must say I enjoy each one.  Getting to spend time with Mandy discussing a lot of things that interest her and me, and then watching Andrew and his Dad have fun together makes me realize once again how blessed I am!!!  

I Love Surprises

My life has been filled with surprises! For some reason, my family has always enjoyed surprising each other. One time I will always remember is when Wendell and I were living in North Carolina and I was really homesick to see Daddy and Mother. I talked to Daddy and told him they needed to come see us. He asked about our plans and I told him Bro. and Sis. Johnny Godair had invited us to dinner at their home in a few days. After my begging to no avail, he let me believe it wasn't possible for them to come at that time. We arrived at the Godair's. They greeted us and invited us into the den. We visited for a few minutes, then the office door opened and Daddy and Mother were standing there!!! I couldn't believe my eyes! I'll never forget the look on Wendell's face, and the shocked expression on Jonathan and Andrew's faces. They were very young at the time, but they knew Grandma and Grandpa were suppose to be in TEXAS! I nearly fainted! At that moment I knew how the disciples must have felt when Jesus just "appeared" to them. WOW! Talk about speechless!

A few months ago Karla told me she was coming to see me for a week and she was coming ALL BY HERSELF! She didn't want ANYONE ELSE coming with her. That was fine with me, because we could do exactly as we wanted. When we get together our husband's understand that it's a very special time for us "girls" and they keep themselves occupied during that time. Karla and I hadn't been with each other just to have a "sisters week" for a long time, so I was excited. I thought about Ronda and how far away she was in California and wished she could be here with us, but knew it wasn't possible for her to come. Sometime during the day I called Karla to find out when she would be here, and she said she had a couple of stops to make in Dallas and would be getting here later in the evening. Around 8:30 P.M. my doorbell rang and she was finally here. I opened the door and RONDA was standing there looking at me!!! Karla wasn't anywhere to be seen! Oh my word! I couldn't believe my eyes! They said I "screamed backwards". That's when I scream and catch my breath at the same time. LOL! I've done that a few times in my life when I've been startled. Well...the rest is history and I didn't have a heart attack. We had a wonderful time just "being sisters". We shopped a little and visited a lot. And yes...we LAUGHED to our hearts content. Needless to say, it did us all good just being "sisters" for a week.

You Never Know

The Texas District Board has been in session since Monday afternoon, and I've been very busy so I haven't had a chance to blog. I have so much to blog about, too! But, I've got to tell you about today.

When the board finished their meetings today we all went to eat at Logan's Roadhouse. While waiting to order, we were visiting and having a good time when in the middle of conversation I looked up and saw a lady approaching the table. I was shocked to see that it was Shirley Buxton!! My husband was looking at her and saying, "Is that you? What are you doing?" She said, "Yes, it's me, and I'm coming to see you!" LOL! It was great seeing her and Bro. Buxton!
I'm sure you can read about it all on her blog when she has a chance to write. She will be telling you "why" they were in town, but I wanted to say, "Thank you to the Buxton's for stopping by and seeing us! It was great seeing "old friends from afar"!

No Greater Joy

When my husband finished at the office this afternoon we headed towards Wichita Falls for the Installation Services for Gene and Karla. We arrived in Balch Springs in time for church so we surprised Andrew and Mandy. Jonathan and Brenda were already there, and had called Andrew ahead of time to let him know they were going to be in church with them, but we wanted to just walk in on them. :) That's one of the things about my family that I've always loved...we LOVE to surprised people! It was so much fun!!!

My heart was full of happiness as I sat in church with my arms full of our granddaughters!

Mandy was playing their new "keyboard", and I was so proud of her and her position as Pastor's Wife. She fills her place beautifully!!! I looked across the platform and saw my three MEN and I almost couldn't contain the JOY I had! It is so neat to see my husband and our two sons together on the same platform. Excuse me as I enjoy tonight, but I just can't help it! I understand the scripture that says: "Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth." After church I took this picture and I love it! Someone ask for a "family picture" so we gathered together. Of course, I had to have one, too! Pastor and Mrs. Andrew Elms, Alayna and Ashlyn.They are all very happy, and are so thankful to be where God has placed them. From the very first night we met the saints in Balch Springs we fell in love with them. They are wonderful people and God is going to give them a great revival and harvest of souls!

Mandy noticed that the girls and I matched tonight, so she took this picture.While sitting in church holding Ashlyn she decided she wanted to kiss me, so she turned around and before I knew it she was kissing me right on the lips and wouldn't quit. It was so cute! All through service she would turn around and give me a big hug. I think she has really missed me. I know I have her! Alayna is growing up so much and I could really tell it tonight when I saw her. I wish I could keep all of them as "little girls" for a little longer, but time keeps marching on. All the "little cousins" had so much fun being with each other in church. I'm sure they didn't get anything out of being there tonight. :)

Thank you for "allowing" me to share "MY JOY".