Special Weekend With Mathews

There has been so much going on this week and I haven't had a chance to read emails, or blog, because I had no access to the internet. Last Sunday we were in Ft. Worth with Clarence and Madge Mathews at their church. We had a great time in service. Sis. Madge shocked me with how well she plays the keyboard. She also leads the choir as she plays. I was impressed! They definitely sang from their hearts and it was so good!! Bro. Clarence is a wonderful Pastor and led the service with passion. Brandon played the drums and did a great job and Erin sung in the choir. The family is very talented and a blessing to all who know them. Madge was so thoughtful and had the choir sing a song that Clarence had the lead on, because she knew how much we love to hear him sing. Of course, Bro. Elms preached a wonderful message and it was used by God to touch many hearts. After a lunch with the leaders of the church we went back to the church for a Leaders Meeting. Bro. Elms talked about the right attitude as a leader. We had a wonderful time. I even caught "Pastor Mathews" jumping on a PO-GO Stick! LOL! He was having a good time with some of the boys in the church parking lot and I just happened to catch him!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHARON!


Sharon is a loyal friend, one who does not seek recognition, but gives unselfishly, never expecting anything in return! I have known Sharon for 30 years and she has always been the same. She is a friend who follows after the footsteps of Jesus and stays by your side when others may walk away. Sharon, I love you and am very blessed to call you "FRIEND". Thank you for your love and friendship.

Pastor Elms and Family Welcomed to Beaumont

Today was the first service for Jonathan, Brenda, Savanna and Scarlet at The Apostolic Church in Beaumont. They had wonderful services this morning and tonight. Brenda was too sick to be at church this evening and was more distraught over missing church than she was over being sick. A great big thank you to all who prayed for her. I'm sure she will be feeling better soon. If you would like to read the bulletin welcoming them, go here. I know all of you who read my blog are interested in what God has been doing in the lives of those who are dear to me, so I wanted to make it easy for you to share in my thankfulness.

To the Saints at Ranger: I know some of you read my blog and I want you to know that I have been thinking about you and praying that God will send the right Pastor and family to you. You are an incredible group of people and we love you so much. You have been a beautiful part of our lives for many years and you have made our lives richer just by knowing you. You have been so loving and loyal to our "kids". Thank you for your never ending care of the ministry. When God rewards you for your "labor of love" I want to be there. Bro. Elms and I have talked many times of how you know how to love the ministry and especially give your respect and support to the "young minister" God places in your lives. You allow him to grow into what the Lord has placed in his heart and we respect you and give honor to you for your never failing love.

A Busy and Interesting Week

This past week has been a week of mixed emotions, but full of thankfulness. It started Monday morning with us driving to Austin, TX for Gene and Karla's Ordination Service at the South Texas District Conference.

It was a great service, filled with the presence of God. Bro. Terry Pugh preached a wonderful message.












God touched Bro. Gene with a special anointing as the ministry prayed for him and Sis. Karla.








It was a very special time for us all. I was so proud of them and Bro. Elms was touched very deeply to have another "son in the gospel" ordained.








I thought it was special that Bro. Danny Johnson who was part of Life Tabernacle ministry with Bro. Ensey, is now on the South Texas District Board, and was one of the minister's who prayed for Gene and Karla.
Along with ordination comes another level of ministry and we are so proud to say Gene and Karla are from Life Tabernacle. Bro. and Sis. Holley (Gene's dad and mom) were at the service, also. It was wonderful to see them and to see how proud they were of their son.
There is nothing like having sons in the ministry, doing the will of God. After the service we were invited to a reception and special time of fellowship at the Bernard's church. It was good seeing friends and visiting with them.

We left Austin and headed to Ranger to say goodbye to the kids before they moved to Beaumont, TX to their new church. They were tired from packing, but we had a nice time of visiting at Cafe Rico's in Eastland. The girls were beautiful as always, and couldn't seem to give us enough hugs and kisses.














Scarlet wanted to come home with us! She knew what car to go to!

Tomorrow is Jonathan and Brenda's first service at The Apostolic Church, as pastor, and they are looking forward to great things happening! Another chapter of life has begun with Jonathan and his family living 8 hours away instead of 2, but we are happy, thankful, and a bit overwhelmed with the blessings of God! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Quick Post

I just want to say THANK YOU to Life Tabernacle for praying for me last night at prayer meeting and anyone else who prayed. I woke up this morning feeling much better. Yesterday, I was feeling like knives were going through my throat, and having been around Brenda the day before, who has stept throat I sure didn't need to be around anyone. But, THANK THE LORD today is a DIFFERENT DAY and I thank Him for touching me! Hopefully, I will write more later tonight.

Sick and Busy

That's a strange "title" for this post, I guess, but it tells just how things have been. Again, the crazy "bug" has hit both of us, but we keep swatting at it and trying to kill it! I don't know when everyone has been sick so many times in one season! I know that "this too shall pass" and things will be better SOON, but, until then I will just say, "OH WELL"! I have a lot to blog about, but haven't had the chance since returning home from Austin, but I'm sure I will get around to it sometime soon. Does anyone have a "round tuit"? LOL! I remember Mother having one. Anytime someone said "I'll get around to it" she would hand them one. LOL! You should have seen the look on their face when she handed the "round tuit" to them. It was funny. Well, I'm rambling, but I just wanted to say, "hello" to all my fellow-bloggers. Have a great day or night, which ever it is when you read this.

To God Be the Glory

What an incredible Easter we have had! It started out with great Sunday School and went into our Morning Worship! The presence of the Lord was so prevalent and you could feel His presence from the beginning. As we worshipped His glory filled the sanctuary. After church we had an Easter Egg Hunt for the children behind the church. It was pretty chilly! (in the 40's) They had fun anyway Here is Alayna with all of her "finds".




















Ashlyn got an Easter basket from her Mommy and Daddy.
Tonight was another outpouring of His Spirit. Onjolyce (age 5) received the gift of the Holy Ghost during worship, and while she was still praying she looked at Bro. Joseph and Sis. Carmen and said, "I want to be baptized!" It was so adorable. Pastor Elms baptized her in Jesus Name!



















Praise God! The Kids Choir was scheduled to sing and they did an incredible job. What was one of the most touching things to me was when they sung "Oh, How I Love Jesus" and Onjolyce had a solo
on the first verse. When she started singing I almost melted off of the organ stool! I can go to bed happy tonight knowing that God has worked just one more time in the hearts and lives of all who were in church with us at Life Tabernacle today!





P.S. I was talking to someone in our church tonight and they said they had never seen a picture of my Mother, so I thought I would add this picture of the most beautiful lady in the world, so anyone who did not know her could see what a lovely lady she was! We always called her our "Queen"! She matched the description 100%.

A New Calling

On Wednesday night, April 4 Jonathan and Brenda were voted in as Pastor at The Apostolic Church in Beaumont, TX. Jonathan resigned his pastorate at First United Pentecostal Church in Ranger, TX last night. The saints in Ranger have been supportive through this process and feel along with Jonathan that the Lord's will has been done, although they are sad to be losing their pastor and family. Jonathan and his family have been there for 7 years. Savanna and Scarlet were born while they have been there, so the girls have some very special, and loving people in their lives. They love you all so much! God has other plans for the Jonathan Elms family so they must move on. We have known the people at Ranger UPC for many years and we know they understand when the Lord moves His servants someplace else. God will send the right man for the church there. Thank you for loving our children. We love you very much!

Since God has brought about these happenings in Jonathan and Brenda's life, things have been a little upside down for them. It's amazing how God starts working in a pastor's heart to bring about His will. You love the people you have been loving for years, then God makes the heart of a Pastor large enough to love another congregation. A pastor's heart must be giant in size! Jonathan and Brenda are very excited about the new adventure God has placed in their life. They are in the middle of packing and will be moving sometime next week. The saints in Beaumont are excited and are looking forward to their new pastor arriving. We are looking forward to meeting all of the people of The Apostolic Church. God bless you all!

Jonathan and Brenda, now I've got to say something to you. We are so proud of you and know that God has His hand on your life. We are going to miss you so much. You've been only an hour and forty-five minutes away from us, but now it will be about 8 hours!! That's the one thing that bothers me about this whole thing, but as I said, when I get lonely I'll be down to see you and the girls. Ya'll are going to be incredible in your new church and we look forward to hearing about all the great things God has done!

Great Man Remembered

Today, I celebrate a great man of God, my father. He went to be with the Lord 3 years ago today. I miss him so much that it hurts, at times. I would like to be able to tell him about the accomplishments of my two sons, Jonathan and Andrew and how they have made him proud in their ministry's. He always talked about his grandsons and what great men they were. Daddy, today I want you to know they are still walking with the Lord and doing His work. I would like to show him my grand-daughters....all four of them. He would love watching them worship in church. I know they would win his heart! Daddy, we are doing well as a family. Ronda and Karla are doing well. We have been through good days and bad days since you've been gone, but God has always been with us. You always said, "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts" and that's what we have done. We know that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." You taught us to trust God and I thank you. If we hadn't had the firm foundation of truth established in our hearts from your preaching and teaching, the last several years of life might have thrown us, so I want you to know that I appreciate your firm hand and your unconditional love in my life. I really don't know what to say, except that I love you and I will "meet you in front of the throne"! It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. I know wherever He is, you will be standing close by, greeting the saints who have made their way to that bright city! I can't wait to see you again!

Hey Everybody....It's RONDA'S birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR RONDA.......................HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

You are such a wonderful "little sister" (as Keith would say). I remember when I was five years old and you were born! My how time flies! You have always been beautiful and you have brought many hours of fun and happiness to my life. Thank you for being a true Christian! I've always been proud to walk with you anywhere! You are classy and remind me so much of Mother. Sometimes it's like sitting and talking to her when you are around. I hope you have a great day and enjoy this year, because next year you hit the big one!! (I won't tell which one it is!) LOL!

Quick update

Tonight, another young lady (Samantha) was BAPTIZED in Jesus Name, and received the HOLY GHOST with the evidence of speaking in tongues when she came out of the water!!

Great Things Happening

Time flies when you're having fun! I was going to post last night after church but I was way too tired to do so! WOW....what an incredible move of the Holy Ghost we experienced in Life Tabernacle all day Sunday. Sunday night we baptized 2 and Leslie, a girl who has been coming with Jessica, received the Holy Ghost! It was absolutely phenomenal seeing her response to God. I enjoyed as the saints prayed and especially as I watched some elder saints praying with her. It was almost more than my heart could hold! The POWER OF GOD kept coming in wave after wave! We were all filled with so much excitement after church and went home feeling completely satisfied in our spirits. After service LIFEalive served Mexican spaghetti, and Italian spaghetti with breadsticks and salad, and it was delicious! We then had a Youth Auction so we could buy one of the youths to come work for us and I ended up getting 3! I would have bought all of them if I could have. I love our young people!! I won't tell you how much was raised, though. I know Bro. Andrew will want to do that. But, I will say....you all did a wonderful job!

I was in Ranger, TX. on Friday evening and Saturday morning speaking at a Ladies Revival for the church there. We had a wonderful time and God blessed us with His presence. Sis. Brenda Elms always is a gracious hostess and a lovely Pastor's wife. She is great up front leading in worship and praise. I really enjoyed being with the ladies of Ranger! There was a very special time on Saturday morning when a beautiful elder saint of God prayed for me. I received a wonderful touch from God! I am thankful for people of God who know how to pray and give encouragement to a Pastor's wife. Of course, I got to spend time with our "kids" and Savanna and Scarlet! I loved every second of it. The girls are growing up so fast! I would like to put a "brick on their head" to keep them from growing so fast, but I don't think it would work!

I am leaving in for Texas Women's Conference and will not be posting until I get home, so please do not think I'm just not posting. I will return in a few days and will have more to write about! Love you all and have a great week!

Relaxing Memories

Since Spring has Sprung I started thinking about the fun times we've had on vacations and on fun days with friends and family. Hope you enjoy the slide show and look forward to a time of relaxing with your loved ones!

Note: The question came up after seeing the pictures of the Hoodoo Country, wondering what it is so I gave you a link.

Remember These?

"Had a little rooster fed him on peas. He got so fat that he couldn't see his knees!" (Daddy use to say this when I was a little girl.)

"There was a wise old king, who had 10,000 men. He marched them up the hill and then he marched them down again. When you're up, you're up! When you're down, you're down! When you're only half way up you're neither up or down!" (Grandpa led this song in the "switch over" from Sunday School to Morning Worship and yes, we had to do the motions!)

I just had to write and see if anyone knew these. LOL! It takes the stress off to remember silly things you said, sung, or did when you were young! Maybe we need to go back to just being a little "silly" at times? It would make life a whole lot more fun! There's nothing like a good hearty laugh. It cleans out the cobwebs of your mind.

Count Your Blessings

I've been a little bit blank since my sisters left. It was so nice being with them in Austin and then being here for Karla's birthday. It was so special. It's strange how life takes so many turns. I never dreamed us "girls" would be left by ourselves this early in life. I know I sound sad, but it's "just life", as Mother use to say.

On the other hand, I think of all the blessings I have in my life.
* A wonderful husband/friend.
* Fantastic children and grandchildren.
* Friends who love me through the tough times and make me laugh.
* A great church and saints who love God and us.

The list could go on, but that's just some of my "top of the list" things to be thankful for. I know I'm rambling a bit, but I just had a thought and wanted to write it down. Maybe someone will stop and count their blessings.

Couldn't Resist!

I've been trying to figure out what to do with the blogs that I go to and nothing changes for several weeks, so I have started me a new "Link List"! I'm calling it "Bloggers At Rest"! LOL!! If you find yourself on that list you can't be too upset with me, because I kept you on my blog so we can see if the "Blog Patrol" has given you a ticket. Once you start paying your tickets and reporting on your blog you can be put back on the "regular list" of bloggers. I think that sounds fair enough, don't you? LOL! I did check with one person and told them that I was thinking about doing this and they said to put them on the list, so.......I did! Well, that's probably all I'm going to blog for tonight. I love you all! Happy blogging.......

Two New Blogs Added

I wanted to let everyone know I have added two new blogs. I know some of you have found them already, but just in case you haven't..... here they are! Of course, they are very precious to me. The first one is Andrew and Mandy's blog where they share a lot of pictures of my wonderful grand-daughters. The second one is our youth group at Life Tabernacle. I know you will enjoy both of these. I'm just a LITTLE proud of them! Enjoy!

#1 The Elms Extra

#2 LifeAlive Online

HAPPY 40TH

Karla....I'll never forget you coming into my life when I was almost 14 years old! You were so pretty and I had a "real doll" to play with! I remember so many things that you would do that made us all laugh. One time Bro. A. D. Spears was preaching us a revival and you were just learning to talk. Bro. Spears taught you to say "shut up", so one night while he was preaching and getting his breath you stood up on the pew and yelled, "SHUT UP"! He almost lost the whole service and Mother and Daddy told him, "that's what you get for teaching her to say shut-up"! There were many things you did that I can't tell here, but one of the funniest things you did was when Wendell and I were taking care of you when Mother and Daddy went to General Conference. You were sitting on the floor doing homework and Wendell asked you if you were in your "multiplication tables" yet. You looked up at him and said, "No, we're still at our desks!" You didn't have any idea of what he was talking about! LOL! We laughed uncontrollably! You are beautiful and you are a wonderful sister and friend to me! I'm glad you came along so "late in life" because you have brought much joy to all of us! You are a blessing to the Kingdom of God and I want you to know that I love you and I'm proud of you!

Who's Responsible?

I received this in an email and checked on Snopes.com to see if a school actually put this on their automated answering service, and found out it is a false story, but I'm wondering if it just might ought to be done! It's amazing how many parents will not take responsibility for their children's actions and will not teach their children to take responsibility. Always blaming someone else for what happened to their child! I thought you would find this comical. Enjoy!

"Hello! You have reached the automated answering service of your school. In order to assist you in connecting to the right staff member, please listen to all the options before making a selection:

* To lie about why your child is absent - Press 1

* To make excuses for why your child did not do his work- Press 2

* To complain about what we do - Press 3

* To swear at staff members - Press 4

* To ask why you didn't get information that was already enclosed
in your newsletter and several flyers mailed to you - Press 5

* If you want us to raise your child - Press 6

* If you want to reach out and touch, slap or hit someone -Press 7

* To request another teacher, for the third time this year -Press 8

* To complain about bus transportation - Press 9

* To complain about school lunches - Press 0

* If you realize this is the real world and your child must be
accountable and responsible for his/her own behavior, class work, homework, and that it's not the teachers' fault for your child's lack of effort: Hang up and have a nice day!

Note: I will be gone to District Conference this week and will not be able to post much, but I will return! Please keep the "blog patrol" off of my trail. LOL! Have a great week!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Today is my husbands 58th birthday. I fell in love with this wonderful man when he was 17 years old!! What a fun life we are having together. My dream came true that "I would one day marry this man I loved", and I have enjoyed every minute of my life with him. Wendell, you are a fun, loving, sweet husband and my dearest friend. You are a loving, caring father to Jonathan and Andrew and they think you "hung the moon"! Your "daughters" Brenda and Mandy love you so much. What can I say about your 4 grand-daughters? Their eyes light up when they see their Papa! Thank you for loving all of us the way you do and for being "true-blue" in your walk with God, your love for your family, your friends and for the love you give to the people we are privileged to pastor. I love you with all my heart!