Overwhelmed With Thankfulness

I have many emotions today as I think of all the men and women who have served, and are presently serving our country!  Yesterday morning, as we were preparing for church, I received a group text from our oldest granddaughter, Savanna. "Happy Sunday to you!!!" It made me happy to hear from her. I responded, then Alayna, our second granddaughter wrote, "Happy Sunday to you!!!  I love y'all and I'm going to pray for papa and you mimi.  Tell papa I love him."  My heart melted, and as I read these sweet words to Papa we both felt the tears!  I answered her and told her how deeply we were touched, then, Savanna wrote,  "Love you too Layna!!!  I am also praying for y'all...I can't wait for thanksgiving!!!"

I was overwhelmed with the fact that I was talking to two of our granddaughters who love church, prayer, and the things of God!  Oh yes, my heart couldn't hold much more thankfulness, it was about to explode! As we traveled to get to service I thought about the weekend and what Monday, Nov. 11 was commemorating... Veterans Day.  That was all it took, I overwhelmed with thankfulness! The men and women who have served and are now serving, are giving of themselves to keep our beautiful America FREE!  I was getting to go to church to worship the way I wanted to worship.  I was getting to enjoy a text with my granddaughters that talked openly about prayer.  In just a few days, I will be enjoying Thanksgiving Day with a table full of food, and time with our precious family where we will offer "special thanks" to God, the One who makes all of this possible.  So, this morning on this beautiful Veterans Day '13, I want to say THANK YOU to all the veterans of America for your love and loyalty for our country!  If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't have the beautiful life we have!  We are blessed beyond measure!  We enjoy life, because...you sacrificed.

My Favorite Time

It has begun...My favorite time of the year! This is the time when the Texas District is buzzing with activity. Texas Women's Conference has already "come and gone", and we had a fantastic time! I've been occupied with preparing to speak at a Ladies Tea in Gladewater, our fifth granddaughter being born, AND speaking at the conference, so I haven't been taking any time to blog. I've had a few people ask me WHEN I am going to blog again, so I think I better get busy! I have so much to blog about and feel a little overwhelmed with the task! Please be patient with me. I will do my best to blog about everything.

I hope you are all doing well. I'm doing great! This day is beautiful! I have much to thank God for...so many wonderful blessings...(yes, I am singing). I enjoy waking up to the birds singing, lawns being mowed, and all the beautiful sounds of spring. I am definitely blessed! My life is beautiful, because God is in it! I can't imagine what it would be like without Him.

I will be back to blog a little later, hopefully today/tonight. I've got to run for now. Remember...THIS is the day the LORD has made...REJOICE!

Interesting Sunday

Today has been one of those days that I wish could have been different, but in the midst of sickness and pain I was able to still be in the presence of God. Wendell got sick a few days ago with bronchitis and evidently everything that goes with it, because the past two days has been terrible for him. Then, I had a strange pain hit me in my back, so needless to say, we haven't been good for anything or anyone.

I'm so glad God doesn't feel like we're not worth worrying about. He came to us even though we couldn't get dressed and "go to Him" and worship in a church someplace today. We were suppose to be with our dear friends, Carl and Veda McLaughlin, but it just wasn't possible. I am not writing this for anyone to feel sorry for us, but I would ask for a few extra prayers to be sent Heavenward on our behalf. We have a busy schedule and responsibilities to fill this week and really would like to be able to do them.

This morning we were blessed to "tune in" to Life Tabernacle, our home church in Wichita Falls, and was blessed to be a part of the worship and praise. We also loved hearing one of our favorite evangelists, and dear friend, Greg Henry preach. What a message he brought about "A Positive Repentance". Thank you Life Tabernacle for making the services available to those who are not there.

As the day wore on I knew we were not able to go to evening worship anyplace, so we decided to visit The Pentecostals of Alexandria. What a time we had in the presence of the Lord as we viewed from afar the heartfelt worship of the POA. We also enjoyed a message/lesson brought by Mark Morgan. As Pastor Mangun went back to the pulpit, after Bro. Morgan was finished, another sweep of the presence of God filled the sanctuary. It was wonderful! I want to say thank you to POA for being available to us.

I have said in the past that I am very thankful for technology. I can only imagine being a missionary on the other side of the world who gets to tune into any number of services here on our side of the world. It's wonderful to know that when you're going through a troublesome time and CAN'T get to church you can join with those who did, and get a touch from our great God. When you're alone, and feeling down because you're not able to "be there" with your friends, it's great being able to "sign in" and be a part of a church family. It really helps lift your spirit!

So...on we go into another week. I feel blessed to know Jesus, and to have you as my friends. I hope your week is filled with the blessings of God, and if you happen to go through a trial, know there are friends "out there, somewhere" who care. If, for some reason you cannot connect with any of your "earthly friends", be sure and "connect" with your greatest FRIEND...He's always available. Jesus is there whenever you want to talk to Him. He's ALWAYS wanting to "be with you".

Warmed from the Inside Out

It has been a quiet day. It's COLD outside, but my heart is warmed with the blessings of God! Nothing extraordinary has happened, yet maybe it has......

God's love!

God's grace!

God's mercy!

It all still AMAZES ME! That's a REAL REASON to have a "warm heart"! I love how He takes care of me.

Thankful All Is Well

This morning while getting dressed to leave for the day I was startled when I heard a man's voice I did not recognize in our "apartment". I stayed quiet, and once again I heard him say "hello" with a question in his voice. I quickly stepped into the bedroom area and he was standing at the door!!! He was startled to see ME and said, "Uhhhh....is this a HOUSE?" I was in such shock that I hardly could answer, so when I found my voice I said, "uhhhh....yes....". He continued, "I'm looking for (a certain address) and my GPS directed me here. Is this Walden St.?" I again, answered, "uhhhh....no....". He STOOD THERE and looked at me, and I STOOD THERE and stared at him! I still don't know what I would have done if he would have come at me, but I guarantee you one thing...he would have had a terrible time if he had!

When I saw my husband a little later I told him what had happened, and I can say that I definitely had his FULL attention. :) He told me what to do if that ever happened again, and also said he would make sure he LOCKED the door the next time he left the house. I really do appreciate that! :)

I'm really thankful all is well! It could have been so much worse. I know God has His hand on our lives! I do have to chuckle a little when I think about the shocked look on that man's face! I don't know what he saw in my eyes, but I think he knew I wasn't r-e-a-l happy about him "invading my space"!