Celebration Time

Last night, while sitting on the plane my heart overflowed with thoughts about the two celebrations we attended last week. One celebration was the wedding of my nephew, Nathaniel, and his beautiful bride, Sara.  With all the beauty that surrounded them, the love from friends and family, and the sweet looks from bride and groom to each other, I  was made glad to see the beauty of two lives meshing together and a bright future being formed.  A couple that's given their lives to God to do His perfect will is beautiful to watch.  Congratulations Nathaniel and Sara!

The other celebration was not one that we look at as being a"happy occasion".  As Heaven was rejoicing over a child of God being ushered through the gates of splendor,  we were saying good-bye to a "mighty man of valor".  Bishop Kenneth F. Haney walked among us and was a leader to all who knew him.  He fought many battles and as we celebrated his home-going we knew he had won the war!

No longer would he fight the battles of sickness, pain, and death! He had fought the "good fight of faith", never wavering in what he preached and living each moment to please God.  Through every battle and every test that was thrown at him he chose to live above reproach, guiding those who were following him down the road of truth and righteousness. Bishop Haney was a man who lived what he preached, never backing down, or giving into the pressures of the negative spirits of this world. 

I have known Bishop Haney all of my life and I never questioned his walk with God. I never wondered about his integrity of wanting to do the right thing.  My family has been blessed to be in his presence on occasion and never did we hear a negative word come out of his mouth. He was all about "lifting up the name of Jesus" and being loyal to the men and women around us who were part of our great organization, the UPCI.  I am thankful for the opportunity to have known this great leader and friend. From this perspective, I am sad that we have lost yet another warrior in death. 

Even though I am sad at the loss of Bishop Haney, I have to stop and re-think what has actually happened.  In Heaven, there was a big celebration that took place on November 10, 2011. As I think about Heaven and try to understand what my mind doesn't really comprehend, I do feel like I can see a little clearer from "heaven's point of view".  The first celebration was a newly wed couple that was beginning a "new life" together.  The second celebration was a man of God who was ending "life on earth and beginning a new life for eternity".  In view of what I have experienced this week, I  can rejoice in BOTH of these celebrations.  If I could see what God sees, I believe He sees a young couple walking onto the platform of revival, excited about the future of the Church, and will enjoy the many souls that will come to know God through their ministry. They walk onto the stage with other committed preacher's and wives who are part of a growing church, an Apostolic movement that is moving forward seeing the miraculous happen through the power of God!  On the other hand, an elder, a soldier who has fought many battles has made his entrance through the gates of splendor, rejoicing because he has "won the war"!

Bishop Kenneth F. Haney,  you have left footprints for us to follow.  We will be careful to continue walking in the clear path you have made.  Thank you, for the many messages you  preached about "holding onto that which was once delivered to the saints".  Thank you, for the vision of reaching the lost.  Thank you for never letting us forget why the Church is here!  Your voice was heard loud and clear and it lives on is walking up and down the corridors of our minds!   We will continue "contending for the faith" and will preach without "fear or favor" making sure we "cross that finish line", and when we do...I know you and countless saints of all the ages will be waiting to welcome us HOME!  

For Those Who Still Read My Blog

Busy, busy, busy! Once again I've been too busy to turn on my computer and blog! If anyone is still reading my blog, the following is what I've been "busy" doing.
This past weekend we went to Houston so we could attend Jared Gurley's wedding. Ronda, Nathan and Nathaniel flew in from California, so Wendell and I went to visit with them. Gene and Karla also drove down from Wichita Falls, and Jonathan and Brenda came, so I'm sure it's needless to say, but we had a really nice time! Sometimes you need to be with family and this was one of those times. Something weird happened with my camera, but I still wanted to add this picture. This is what we did a lot of the time we were together. We always have so much fun!We got home Saturday. Took care of a few things then packed and headed to Wichita Falls to do some packing in our house. We haven't sold it yet, but we felt like we needed to go and pack! We arrived in Wichita Falls in time for the evening service at Life Tabernacle and surprised everyone! It was so nice getting to be in church at "home". Gene invited Wendell to say a few words and asked us to sing, so we did. It felt natural being there. :) We definitely felt loved! I didn't take a lot of pictures. I was either too busy talking and having fun, or working to much to think of it.

Monday rolled around and Rita and Tammy came over to help me with the house. Rita is amazing when it comes to packing the kitchen! It's amazing how many things she can get packed into a box! LOL! Tammy and I listened for instructions from her and did what she told us to do. :) Thank you, Rita and Tammy for your help! I could have done it, but it would have taken all week to get it done!

On Tuesday, Rita came back over and finished the kitchen while I went through the house getting rid of stuff we didn't need or want. We got so much done!!!!
Wendell worked HARD in the garage and anywhere else he found to work! That is just ONE of the many things I admire about my husband. He is a hard worker! I got a picture of him sitting in his "easy chair" that he misses so much. I love you, Wendell! Kenny came over and helped Wendell with moving some heavy boxes. Thank you, Kenny! I really miss my Music Room at home. Maybe someday I'll have another one. That will be nice! We drove home today. It was kind of quiet. We were tired, thoughtful, and ready to be back home in the "swing of life". We are praying ernestly that the house will sell SOON! It's a beautiful home, and it's very comfortable, and liveable, so someone ought to buy it. Maybe it won't be too much longer. I'm sure God knows exactly what is going on and I trust Him in all things. The "perfect timing" on His calendar usually isn't the "perfect timing" on our calendars. The "will of God" is wonderful to live in, so we are waiting on Him. I'm glad we know that He is in control of our lives. There is no way to explain the peace and contentment we feel, even though our circumstances are not perfect...from the "human way of thinking". If we could see what God see's we might understand "why" He does things the way He does. I just think it's best to "trust Him" completely with our lives. It feels "safer" resting in His hands!

Eight years ago on August 5th, Mother went home to be with the Lord. I miss her greatly! I would love to sit down and talk to her and tell her everything that has been happening in our family. I look forward to the day when we will all meet again..."in front of the throne". We will be able to talk for eternity!

Wonderful Weekend - First Event - Colegrove/Pugh Wedding

Last Thursday afternoon we unplugged our "home" and headed to Brownwood for the wedding of Jared and Melanie. We have been friends with the Pugh family for a lifetime, and have known the Colegrove family for at least 30 years, so we really wanted to attend this wedding. We had a wonderful time seeing everyone and enjoyed a beautiful wedding.

Savanna and Scarlet (two of our granddaughters) were the flower girls and they looked beautiful in their "flower girl dresses".

Jonathan and Brenda sung the song for the Bridal March. They did a beautiful job! I really enjoyed the ceremony. Bro. Bobby Stanley made comments about Melanie. He had "married" Ken and Nancy Colegrove and now he was enjoying getting to talk to Melanie at her wedding. The two fathers (Ken Colegrove and Terry Pugh) made remarks to Melanie and Jared. It was very touching. There was a "letting go of parental positions" to this time of life when they take a "different postion" of just being their "friend". Now, they were going to be their own family. As Bro. Terry Pugh said it: "There are chips off the old block, but in our family, we are our own blocks!" I loved how he put it, because it said everything about the responsibility the "kids" must take when they decide to start their own family. Bro. Shatwell from Okemah, OK has been a mentor to Jared, so he was asked to pray a blessing on the bride and groom. There was definitely a blessing placed on them from this man of God.

Here is a slideshow for you to enjoy.

Bro. J.T. Pugh helped in the ceremony charging Jared and Melanie in the fear of the Lord to commit to each other. He also was asked to do the "vows", and "I do's". Just hearing his voice was so touching!! There is nothing like hearing the voice of our patriarchs as they once again speak about commitment, love, and the future. Bro. Pugh is definitely "one of a kind" and he put the finishing touches on the ceremony when he "acted" like he forgot to tell his grandson to "kiss the bride". He waited until Jared had to ask him if he could kiss his bride! LOL! It was great! Then with the voice like thunder he got our attention with "H-E-Y EVERYBODY! A NEW FAMILY HAS JUST BEEN FORMED! I INTRODUCE TO YOU JARED AND MELANIE PUGH!"

We were so happy that Sis. Bessie Pugh, Jared's grandmother, could be at the wedding. She is as gracious as always. In her older years she may be a little bent, but she's still strong in her love for others! She is so precious to all who know her. When I greeted her she instantly said, "Thank you for coming!" She still reaches out to others to let them know "you are special".

Not only are Terry and Pam Pugh getting a new addition to their family through this marriage, they were "showing off" their "baby grandson"! What a little doll he is! They were just a "little bit" PROUD! :) We were so happy our family could be at the wedding. We missed Alayna and Ashlyn, but they stayed home so they didn't have to travel so much in one day. I am so thankful for our "kids". They have made us "proud"! Gene and Karla were there and it was great getting to visit with them a little. I miss them a lot, but when I see them it makes me realize just how much I miss them. I had to text Karla at the wedding and tell her that now that I "see her" I REALLY miss her! LOL!

I have said numerous times on my blog how wonderful it is to have a "great big family of friends". There is nothing like being able to love one another, and to be there for each other in the good times and the bad. When we have been in need, or had sadness come to our family, or when we have been rejoicing, these friends have cried and rejoiced with us.

Thank you all for "loving us"...no matter what our situation. I hope we can "be there" for you and try to show you how much you mean to us.

Our Busy Weekend

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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