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!

The Work of God

It has been a good day! I love it when there's not a lot of things bothering my mind. I'm thankful!

I am in the process of preparing for the Texas District Board Meetings that start Monday. I take care of the snacks for the meeting and enjoy doing it. It's fun serving those who are leading our district.

My mind goes back many years ago when I was a teenager. The Western District Board (California) was meeting at our church in Fresno. Our church was over the food and snacks for the meeting and I was asked to "serve the board" in the "board room". It was such an honor to serve men of God and I couldn't believe I was one of the ones chosen to serve. When I look back over the years, and the respect I had for those men a wave of thankfulness floods my heart that I could serve our leaders way back then! I was just a young teenager, yet was given an opportunity to serve!

I'm amazed at how God prepares us for the future. That wasn't the only training I had in serving preacher's and their wives, but it was one of the highlights of my young life. The thought went through my head, "What if I accidentally spill something on one of them, or drop a plate of food on the floor"? I was so shy and afraid I would do something wrong, but my Mother told me I had to do it, so I did! I believe she was looking down through the years, and was doing her part to train me for whatever God had planned for my life. I'm sure she didn't know my husband was going to be the Texas District Secretary in the future, but she was training me for whatever I could do in the kingdom of God, and she wanted me to be ready.

The years have flown by, and I am no longer the young teenage girl that served another district board so long ago, but I still look forward to serving great men. Men who love the work of God. Men who love the organization they are part of. Men who love those they serve. Men who love the Kingdom of God and wants to see it flourish in these last days.

When the Texas District Board meet in the board room next week I am sure there will be a time of prayer before they begin. Over the past two and a half years there have been times I've been at the office, in the kitchen, and heard the familiar sound of prayer coming from the board room. It wasn't a "quiet" prayer, but heartfelt, deep prayer that ushered in the presence of God! In the middle of my role as "Martha" I felt the awesome power of God and wanted to fall to my knees in prayer.

The men that have been elected by the ministers of the Texas District do not come together to have a fun-filled time, although there will be some laughter, but when they meet they want God to be with them as they make decisions that affect our district. Maybe you could join with me and breathe a prayer for the Lord to be with every decision they make next week. I'm sure they would appreciate it.

As usual, I really wasn't sure what I was going to write about when I sat down at my computer. But, maybe I gave you a tiny glimpse of the "work of God and those who are leading us". From my perspective, we are in good hands in the Texas District and I feel safe!

Greatness Comes In "Dedicated Packages"

I really do not have the time to sit down and "blog" this morning, but when answering an email awhile ago I decided to go ahead and write a "thought" that HIT me. :) Most of the time that's how I "come up with" my posts. Here is what I wrote my friend.

It is funny how all the different personalities keep the world turning. If it wasn’t for the “planners”, all of us who just “love living” would get nowhere. If it wasn’t for the “loving life….just for the fun of it” people, the “planners” wouldn’t have as much fun! LOL! Of course, I’m just kidding, but it is interesting to watch.

Speaking of different personalities….I was thanking Jason Matthews the other day for all the hard work he does, and his reply was so typical of a TRUE musician/sound tech who LOVES God and ENJOYS his "talents and abilities". He said, “You know, this is FUN to me! People think that’s a little crazy, but I really do LOVE it!” He was saying this as he took down the P.A. system in the heat. On Saturday he had driven to Lufkin to pick up sound equipment, drove back, then set it up on Sunday morning…it took him hours, it seemed, to get it all done. Then Sunday afternoon, he played for different groups, sang, ran the P.A. (with some help) and took it down while everyone was “playing”! Monday morning he was going to drive back to Lufkin to drop it off, and that was all for ONE outdoor concert that lasted TWO HOURS at the most!!!!!! There’s going to be a special place in Heaven for such love and dedication.

Note: I may not have all the "days" correct for the "happenings" in Jason's schedule, but I think it's pretty close.

Now, let me say, "I have known this kind of dedication in SO MANY PEOPLE through life and I want to say THANK YOU to all of you who fall under this category. You LOVE where God has placed you and you LOVE using your talents for the Lord. Your deepest desire is to see the Kingdom of God grow, and whatever you need to do, you do it with all your heart, and "go beyond the call of duty".

I will not make a list of the people I know that are this dedicated, but I will say that in EVERY church there are people like this! SOMEBODY has to "help keep the church going" and it just may be YOU! It's not just in the music department where these kind of people live. It may be something totally "behind the scenes" that no one knows about, but EVERYONE is important to the Kingdom of God!

I read this quote this morning by Winston Churchill, and I said to myself, "that is perfect for the thoughts that have been flooding my mind".

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.

This quote is SO TRUE! We must work to make a living and I thank God that He gives us this ability, but life wouldn't be worth living if we never "gave" of ourselves! The following quote by Benjamin Franklin pretty well wraps this whole thought up.

A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.

Oh, how I wish I could express my appreciation for those of you who "keep the fire burning" in your churches.

Pastor
Pastor's Wife
Musician
Sound tech
Drama Director
Sunday School teacher
Bus Driver
Outreach Director
Assistant Pastor and wife
Youth Minister, Ladies Director
Music Minister
Maintenance/Building Overseer
Administrator, Secretary
Prayer Warrior
Children Minister
Outreach Director

There is no way to name all the "ministries of a church", but let me just say....THANK YOU for your UNSELFISH GIVING to the Kingdom! If it wasn't for EVERY one of YOU, God's work would go "unfinished". THANK YOU for your EXCELLENT SERVICE to God and your church. If you are a minister and minsiter's wife of the United Pentecostal Church...THANK YOU for your never ending love and support to see a great organization continue in preaching Truth! We really NEED each other and EVERYONE has something they can GIVE!

I don't know who said it, but I will end with this..."Love isn't love until you give it away."

Just "Be There"

I watched someone very dear to me go through a very hurtful and trying time. During this "time" there was frustration and anger. I saw the "hurt" in their eyes, and a "wall" that came up when their "situation" was talked about. The bright eyes of happiness and excitement they use to have changed to a "far away stare". THEY went into "survival".....and my heart cried. My heart was overwhelmed as I watched God pick them up and carry them to the Potter's House. I wanted to stop Him and beg, "PLEASE, PLEASE....DON'T TAKE THEM THERE!" Yet, I knew if He didn't, they would never be used in the way God wanted to use them. I also knew they were in a very "safe place"....in His house...on the Potter's Wheel.

When someone you love is carried off to the Potter's House, just "be there" waiting for them when they come walking out of the house. No, you can't go inside while He's working on them, for you might try to stop the hammer that's breaking them. You can only stand on the outside waiting. Trust the One who is "breaking" them and is in charge of "shaping" their life. Then...be patient and listen.....just listen........

"LISTEN!!! What's that I'm hearing?"

"LAUGHTER? YES! It is LAUGHTER!"

It's coming from inside the Potter's House!

"Is He finished with them?"

Yes...for this time, He is finished, and He has turned their sorrow into JOY!

As they step out into the ministry God has prepared for them, "Just Be There" to ENCOURAGE and CHEER THEM ON!

THEN....

You will "be there" by their side and hear them as they rejoice because of "what the Lord has done"!

You will "be there" when they walk beside you through the gates of splendor...never again to be placed on the Potter's Wheel.

Rewards will be given and you will "be there" to watch them as they receive their reward for being faithful servants!

You will "be there" to hear the words as they are said to the ones you loved and cared for..."WELL DONE...thou good and faithful servants......

There is so much more to life than what we can "get" for ourselves.

"Be There" for someone who needs you...and you'll be glad you were!

Interesting Day

I'm almost too tired to post tonight, but before going to bed, I want to say just a little about our last couple of days.

Last night we went to Brenda's Surprise 30th Birthday Party at their church. She was really surprised when after prayer meeting she was taken to the Parlor where there was cake, punch, gifts and friends to wish her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We got there just a tiny bit later. When we walked in, we walked up behind her, and when she turned to see who was touching her shoulders she let out a squeal of happiness! :) It was wonderful! She almost cried, but held back the tears. We spent the rest of the night and today with them.

She was so surprised and happy to see us!

Rachel was so happy to surprise "her Sis. Elms"!
Pastor Elms showing the Hughes "special memories"!
Scarlet was asleep and we woke her up! She said, "Hi, Mimi. Where's Papa?" I loved it! As you can see, "Papa" was happy to see her. Messed up hair and all! :) This evening, when we left Jonathan and Brenda's, we went to Newton to a "Family and Friends Visitation" for Sis. Moorman who had passed away earlier this week. While speaking with her husband, he told us that he was one of the men who served on the committee for choosing the land for our beautiful camp ground here in Lufkin. He was quite an interesting man and very well educated! I'm sure he could tell us a lot of interesting stories from the past.

I also spoke with Bro. and Sis. Perdue, retired missionaries to Colombia. We renewed some memories. At the General Conference a few years ago Bro. Haney had a service called, "Passing the Mantle". It was during the prayer time that Bro. Haney had the Elder ministers to find a young man and pray for him, and "pass the mantle" of anointing on to him. When Bro. Perdue turned to "find that young man", Andrew, our son, was standing there, so he prayed for him. The neat thing about this is, Bro. and Sis. Orange and their family have been very good friends with this wonderful man and his wife, and Bro. Perdue was very happy to be praying for one of his friends "sons".

Then, I met a lady who's husband had passed away 3 months ago, and she was telling me about when her and her husband went to Great Falls, Montana and started a church MANY years ago! The challenges they faced and the victories they won were awesome, and as she spoke you could see the excitement of working for God. She said with feeling, "That church is still going today", and I felt her love for the ministry they had put into the work in Montana. Today, I was standing in the midst of "warriors of the cross"! There were more stories she told, and I encouraged her to "tell her story" so it can be preserved for generations to come!

One of the other people I talked with was somewhere around my age, and as we visited I knew I was speaking to someone who loves the truth and loves the heritage he has been given. We spoke of what it means to be a part of a great organization where there are people who love God, love each other, and give comfort and care to those who are "going through their valley". I could feel a loyalty to the things of God, and to those who have given us this Truth, and a group of ministers and wives who are "pulling together" for unity.

When we walked into the room FULL of people we did not know, I wondered who I was going to talk to. I asked myself how I was suppose to "be comfortable" in the midst of all of these people? I had already made up my mind, before getting to our destination, that I was going to be friendly, smile, speak to people, and make myself available to whoever might be looking my way. I was not disappointed in the response I received! In fact, I can say....I've had a very interesting day!

Here is a picture to bring you a smile. I guess this is the new way to "carry" your book when you get tired of holding it! :)
Thank you, Bro. Randy Hughes for a great idea!