So Cute!

I know I talk a lot about my family and grandkids, but I've got to tell you what happened tonight! The dynamics of "family" is different in each home, but I'm sure there are "family secrets" that all of us have. So, tonight we were eating after service with Bro. Henry, Andrew and Mandy, Alayna and Ashlyn. As we were visiting I saw Alayna whisper something to Mandy, and Mandy answered, "I don't know. We'll see." I knew it was something Alayna wanted to do, so I asked her. "Alayna, what are you wanting to do?" Usually, she tells me, but this time she shook her head and said, "It's just a little of our business!" LOL! I said, "Ok. That's fine." I wasn't about to ask her and dig around her little mind to find out what their "business" was!!!! You know, there are just some places even Mimi's aren't suppose to tread. Mandy saw me laughing and she ask me what it was that Alayna had said. I told her and of course we all chuckled. We didn't want to embarrass her or make her think she had done something "stupid", so we didn't make a big deal out of it. It was a great example of a child being taught the proper etiquette of "family"!

P.S.

I forgot to tell everyone that it SNOWED tonight while we were at church! It was so exciting! LOL! I just had to jump back on here and tell you that it's Christmas weather in TEXAS!

Our God Is Awesome!

Today was another incredible day at Life Tabernacle! I want to report to you all and anyone that happens to come across my blog that, GOD IS DOING GREAT THINGS and HE STILL FILLS HUNGRY PEOPLE WITH THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST! YES! Bro. Norman, a man in our church has prayed for his family for many years and two of his sisters, and two nieces have moved here! We are so happy to have them here in our church and city. One of them received the gift of the Holy Ghost TODAY and she was baptized in Jesus Name TONIGHT! God still answers prayer!!!!! I knew you would all be thrilled to hear about this exciting news. Lord, keep bringing the hungry people, so they can be filled. AMEN!

For All You Hunters

Friday morning my husband and our two sons, Jonathan and Andrew went to the deer lease and came back with 2 doe and 1 buck! I thought you hunters out there in the blog world would enjoy seeing Jonathan's FIRST buck!They definitely had a wonderful time and a few funny stories to tell! You might want to ask them how they got the Armada started "out in the middle of no where"! LOL! And...Jonathan and Andrew, what was it that walked by the deer stand you were sitting in? Is your heart still racing from what you THOUGHT just might be a "monster buck"? I tried to convince them they didn't need to GO to the lease to hunt since these beautiful WILD TURKEY'S decided to visit our neighborhood this week!I just couldn't convince them to stay home and let Bambi live! Wendell, Jonathan and Andrew, I'm glad you had a wonderful, relaxing time out in the wild, wild West! I love you all! To close this post I will leave you with a few more comments and a picture of Wendell's AWESOME deer feeder that Chris Isom made.Chris and his helper did an incredible job! At least, that's what I've been told. I'm sorry Bro. Chris, but I just have to take the word of those who are knowledgeable about these things and that just happens to be my husband and sons. Thank you for a job WELL-DONE! You might want to market these. I think you could make some good money on them! Happy Hunting to all you men who enjoy it. For you who are not "hunters", you can sit in your warm home and relax knowing that someone "out there" is keeping the deer population down in Texas!

Thanksgiving Night Post

WOW! What a great few days it has been! This is the first time I have sat down to my computer in a L-O-N-G time...it seems. I am enjoying our family being home! Everyone together! There is nothing like family. When you go home, or as it is with me these days, "when the kids and family come home" it is a VERY SPECIAL time! Jonathan and Brenda, Savanna and Scarlet came in Tuesday night and attended service with us. I absolutely LOVE having them home and in church with us and Andrew and Mandy, Alayna and Ashlyn. What more could I be thankful for? Savanna walked into the living room yesterday with tablet and pen and she asked me, "Mimi, what are you thankful for?" I instantly answered, "I'm thankful that my children are all home with me!" I am also thankful that they are walking with God and servants in His Kingdom. Gene and Karla, Cameron and Chad came in from Pflugerville Tuesday morning at 3 A.M. I told Karla that I felt "dis-com-bob-u-lated" without her here helping me fix the Thanksgiving meal. LOL! So, when she walked in late last night I felt much better!!!! :) I guess I've been so use to her being around for 18 years and just haven't got past missing her and the family. By the time Brenda, Mandy, Karla, Sis. Holley, and myself got finished fixing dinner today we had a feast that was absolutely delicious! (even if I say so) LOL! I hope everyone of my family and friends have had a wonderful, delicious, exciting, and loving day, just being together! I will post pictures in a few days.

Entertained By the Cain Family

After a wonderful service last night we were invited to the Cain's home for a nice time of fellowship and some delicious food. We also enjoyed playing the instruments! If you play any kind of musical instrument and if they have what you play, you do not go to their home without playing something. It is a house that is filled with music and people who have a PASSION to learn whatever they can to be better at what they do! Here are a few pictures of the evening.

Thank you James and Carmen for opening your home to us. We had a wonderful time and left feeling full from the nice meal, fun, friendship and love you have given us. Also, thank you Jeremy and Kyle for the fun time on the organ, piano and drums! Love you both!

Greg Henry Quartet

We were blessed with a special song from the "Greg Henry Quartet Tonight". Bro. Henry was raised in a house full of music! His father, Bill Henry was a wonderful song writer, but he has gone on to be with the Lord and we miss him very much. He was an incredible man and friend to so many people and brought hope and life to our hearts as he sang with the Landmark Trio. (The Hursts and Bro. Bill Henry) After Greg and Jonathan grew up a little, they were asked to play for the trio. (Greg played drums and Jonathan played the bass) and they did a great job! Here we are many years later and Bro. Greg Henry continues using his talents for the Lord. He and Sis. Henry are now training their girls, Macy and Melody, to sing for the Lord. They are teaching them Papa Henry's songs, so tonight they sang one of the songs he wrote. As you watch this video clip from tonight's service you will enjoy the spirit of which Bro. Bill Henry wrote his songs, and the joy that is continuing through his son, daughter-in-law, and grand-daughters! He would be SO proud!

Absolutely Fabulous

Our revival started off with a BANG! Yes, it was an electrified weekend in the presence of God! People came hungry and were filled. There is no telling what all took place in the hearts of those who were in attendance today at Life Tabernacle. If only walls, doors, pews, and altars could talk they would have some awesome stories of deliverance to tell!! Bro. and Sis. Greg Henry are with us in revival and this mornings message was wonderful. Bro. Henry has a unique way of saying things that touches the heart of everyone. At the end of his message the power of God fell and those who were hungry for something different were touched in a miraculous way! Thank God for the delivering power of the Holy Ghost. His power sets people free from sin! We also rejoiced with Pastor and Sis. Doug Boyd and the Life Tabernacle Church of Burkburnett, TX as they baptized three people in Jesus Name! At the ending of our service the Boyd's along with saints from their church came to use our baptistry and we were thrilled to share the "waters of baptism" with them. Great things are happening in the Burkburnett church and we are so happy! Tonight was amazing! From the beginning of the first note played, His presence filled the sanctuary. We are looking for greater things to happen in Life Tabernacle and Wichita Falls! God has promised our church many things and we are looking for the harvest to be brought in. "There is NO TELLING what God will do"! KEEP BELIEVING! We will see it come to pass!

Bernard Here!

We have had a wonderful week! We were privileged to have Bernard Elms with us from California. He came to visit with his brothers, Royce and Wendell and to have a little time of hunting together. He also came to preach for us and he preached a wonderful message! "The Most Important Place In the Church" was the message he preached and it was so good! I think I've already said that, but that's how good it was. If you would like to hear it please go here. Bernard is a great man and I am very blessed to have him as a "brother". Strong in the faith, solid in the gospel, funny just to be around, and unselfish in giving to others! That's the way I know him. Sandy (Bernard's wife) is as wonderful as he is!! I love her beyond words. She is always the same. She was not able to come with him all the way to Wichita Falls, but I know in her heart she wanted to be here. Every Thanksgiving and every Christmas we always, without fail receive a card from her wishing us the best. Sandy and Bernard we all love you! Thank you for being so wonderful! Here are a few pictures of Bernard while here with us.

Andrew loves being with his Dad and Uncles!Here's Bernard!Brothers!Studying for the message.Come back and see us as soon as possible, Bernard! We love having you around. Next time you need to come to Wichita Falls first and bring Sandy to stay with me. :)

He Keeps Blessing Me

I want to share with you a blessing I got this week. I had a call from James telling me about a note on a bulletin board in a country store that read, "Hammond Organ for Sale". I called about it and was interested so I asked him if he would check it out for me and call me afterwards. He called me little while later and said, "You want to buy this organ!" The rest is history. I'll just say this...I never expected to ever have a Hammond organ in my house because they are more money than I wanted to spend, but God just blessed me with this one for under $200! I'm so excited about it and have been enjoying playing and singing in my home. Today as I played I felt the presence of Almighty God come into my home and we had a wonderful visit together. There are so many wonderful people in my life! Some of those special people are James, Carmen, Jeremy and Kyle. They are a blessing to me. I love their passion for the work of God. I want to say a big thank you to them, Trevon and Cosme for taking the time and making the effort to deliver this beautiful organ to my home. I love you all!

They Made It Home!

There was so much excitement in our house Tuesday while we prepared for "Daddy and Mommy" to arrive home! The closer they got the more excited Alayna was until I thought she was going to explode! To keep her occupied we made a "Welcome Home" sign for the front door and she made a card for them.We also had a "Special Cake" to give them when they arrived! Let me tell you about this cake. When Alayna and Ashlyn came to stay with us, Alayna said to me, "Mimi, do you think we could make a cake for Daddy and Mommy when they come home? It would be so neat!" As you know the week went on and during that week both girls got sick, but Alayna was the one with fever and chills, so I was unable to do much except take care of them. I was wondering what I was going to do about "the cake" so on Tuesday morning when I saw there was a box on the porch I went to see what it was. I could hardly believe my eyes when I opened it and saw a beautiful cake that said, "Welcome Home Mommy and Daddy! We Missed You!" You should have seen the look on Alayna's face when I showed her what it was. I proceeded to tell her that Sis. Carmen (our children's choir leader) had made the cake and that Sis. Carmen didn't even know that she wanted a "Welcome Home Cake" for Mommy and Daddy! I said, "Alayna, Jesus knew you wanted a cake so he let Sis. Carmen make your special cake for you! Sis. Carmen made your wish come true!" It was a very special time for us and I couldn't help but shed a few tears as I was explaining to Alayna how God knows when we need something and will help us and give it to us! What a great teaching time I had. Thank you Carmen for "making a little girls dream come true"! We love you! Here is the "Special Welcome Home Cake".Alayna also put a family of "Potato Heads" together to help welcome her parents home. It was so cute. There was Daddy and Mommy holding hands, Alayna and Ashlyn, and the GREAT BIG Potato is Papa! Too cute!They arrived home and it took 5-10 minutes before I even got a hug from either of them! LOL! They were so excited and happy to see the girls and there was MUCH hugging, kissing, and seeing all the "gifts" they had!I love this picture of Mandy. After giving Alayna hugs she see's Ashlyn at the door. Look at the excitement on her and Andrew's faces!There is nothing like being with Daddy and Mommy! As Alayna puts it, "I love my fam-i-ly!"We are glad Andrew and Mandy got to go preach for "Uncle David Elms" but we are more happy to have them home safe and sound! Thank you Lord for a safe trip!

Update On the Girls

I really do appreciate everyone's response to my "call for prayer" for Alayna. Her and Ashlyn are fine today, except for a cough! Sunday morning the girls woke up feeling better, but I thought it best to keep them home and not take them to Sunday School or to be around other children in case they still had a touch of fever, etc. I didn't want anyone else getting sick and didn't feel they were quite over the sickness, but today is a much better day for them and of course for Papa and Me! I think I take it harder with the grandbabies sick than I did when my own boys were sick! It's just different when you're the "grand parent". I can't explain it, so I will spare you my attempt to explain "grand parent-hood"! :) I thank you all for responding to the post about Alayna. I love being around children, for they always have a "lesson to teach" if we STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN!

I received a comment from Anonymous and I want to tell you (whoever you may be) that I am glad you read my "musings on life" and hope that I say something that will help you in whatever need you may have. God is always near no matter where we may be in our walk with Him.

Until I post again (which may be in a few minutes or tomorrow...you never know) have a beautiful evening and may God bless you abundantly!

Child Trust

Upon awaking this morning, Alayna had fever and has been sick all day with aching, coughing, headache, and chills. She wanted to get in the bathtub to get warm and so she could quit hurting. I ran her water and made her comfortable, then walked into the kitchen to make a list for my husband to run to the store. I always have my ears tuned for one of the girls in case they are to need me, and I heard a sound coming from the bathroom where Alayna was. I quickly recognized Alayna's weak little voice as she sang, "God you're so good! God you're so good! You're so good, to Mimi and me!" She continued: God answers prayer! God answers prayer! God answers prayer, He's so good to me!" I almost couldn't finish the list for the tears in my eyes. I peeked in on her after she finished singing, and she had her head lifted up to heaven with her eyes closed and her lips were moving. I'm sure she was praying!

A Prayer Request: Will you please join Alayna in her faith and pray for God to heal her, so she can feel good tomorrow for church? I appreciate you all for praying with us for our precious little girl!

A thought: While rocking her and praying, I thought about how many times I have carried my situation for a whole lot longer than I should have, even though I knew God was waiting for me to give it to Him. God help me to have "child trust" and help me place my problems in your hands. I had to tell Him that I was "sorry" for not "trusting like a child".

Another FUN-filled Day

Today has been lovely with the girls. I couldn't ask for them to be any better than they are! Last night after church we went to eat and the waitress walked up and said, "Hello....I'm Mandy"! Alayna's eyes nearly bugged out of her little head and she said, "AHHH....My Momma's name is Mandy!" :) She wanted to order her own food so I said that's fine, so she said, "Can I have ummmmm...Macaroni and Cheese, please?" I thought "that is so sweet" then she turned to me and said, "Sometimes I forget to say please!" LOL! I told her she had done very well in using her manners. When we were leaving the waitress asked Alayna how old she was and she told her 5, then the waitress looked at me and said, "I have a one and a half year old, and if she grows up to be like her I will be so happy!" Well, I could have told her how that is done. Not by the way I raised our boys, but by the way I've watched Andrew and Mandy train their girls. Am I bragging? Maybe a little, but it is so FUN having the girls and I have to say it's because they are disciplined, trained and taught by loving parents and that's what makes the difference.

Guess what else....we went to eat lunch today and the waitress walked up and Wendell saw her name tag, so he told Alayna to ask the waitress what her name was.....you've probably guessed it....Amanda! Alayna was again SHOCKED!!!! LOL!

On another subject, but still about Alayna and the way she see's things. Are you ready to listen? This might talk to someone's heart. I hope it does.

I took the girls with me today as I did my walking around the neighborhood. That was quite a different workout! Pushing a very large stroller with two girls in it takes a lot of work! After about 15 minutes I told Alayna she was going to have to walk for a little ways. Well, when she got off of the stroller it was amazing how much lighter the stroller felt! She decided she was going to walk the rest of the way. We were walking at a pretty good pace and we were going to have to walk another 10 minutes to get back to the house. We arrived back on our street and walked passed our house a little over half a block, then turned around and headed back home. Alayna looked up and said, "Whoa! It's a long way back!" My mind immediately went to this thought: There are many people who have once known the Lord in the fullness of Truth who have been wandering around the "blocks of sin" and when they finally head back down the street heading for "home" they stop and say, "Whoa! It's a long way back!" After living their life away from God they just seem to think, "it's just too far back for me to get to Father's house"! When Alayna said what she said, I immediately said, "No Alayna it's not a long way back! Look it's just right there", and in her "child mind" she believed me and knew we would be home soon! So, whoever may be reading this that's been gone a long time I will end with part of a song Ronda wrote...."Come on home where you belong, you've been away for much too long and Jesus wants to take you back again." I love you and I'm praying for you who are weary, worn, and tired of..... "walking around the block"!

Ronda...I hope I quoted your song right. I think I did. If not, please forgive me.

FUN!

For the next five days we will be taking care of two little "sweetheart granddaughters", Alayna and Ashlyn while their Dad and Mom go preach in North Carolina. The girls bring me so much joy and laughter! Tonight while giving Ashlyn the last bottle for the evening she fell asleep. Alayna was sitting with us in the chair and was getting so tired and sleepy, yet not wanting to give into it yet, then she looked up and said, "Ashlyn's asleep! I think I'm asleep, too!" LOL! I got so tickled at her. I remembered times I was tired and sleepy, but couldn't close my eyes yet! Anyone else know what I'm talking about or is it just me at this "wonderful age" I'm at? Our family has laughed many times about one of our grandma's that "never slept". I'm beginning to be "her"! It's strange how we take on some of our parents and grandparents traits. This is one trait I wish I hadn't received. Oh well...that's the way it is. I think I may be "sleeping with my eyes open" so I will close them for now and maybe, just maybe they will get some rest!

Quitman 5th Anniversary Weekend

Oh, goodness! Ya'll are all so kind to have missed me so much! LOL! I have missed being able to blog for the last few days, but I did not have internet access. I received a text message today saying, "Are you sick? You still haven't made a post!" :) I haven't been sick, but I have been VERY BUSY since arriving home. Thank you for being patient!

Now, about where I've been and what I've been doing:

Thursday we travelled to Quitman, TX for the 5th Anniversary Services of Keith and Carla Clark. Carla was raised here in Wichita Falls and in Life Tabernacle and always said, "I do not want to marry a preacher, a guy in the air force, and one that has red hair." God had other plans and sent Keith to Life Tabernacle where he found truth, then God started working on Carla. One day she said the thought came to her that "Keith just might be the one you marry". LOL! The rest is history!!! She fell in love with a red-headed, air force man and he became a preacher!!!!! Bro. Keith is a great soul-winner and God called him and Carla to start a church in the town of Quitman. They have done a great job! A little over a year ago they received "Church In A Day" from the Texas District and within a day they had a brand new church building ready to have church in!! We were privileged to be in the first service in their new building, and Bro. Elms was the first one to preach in the new building. It has been our honor to know these precious people and we love them like our own kids. We had such a wonderful time being with them and their church family this past weekend. The presence of the Lord was so rich and we felt "right at home" with the saints in Quitman. We were treated like royalty by the Clark's and their church and I just want to say a great big thank-you to them all!

We were also happy to see Gene and Karla, Cameron and Chad. Gene lead the service on Friday night, and Karla and the boys played for the service. They did such a great job! Cameron and Chad are doing wonderful on the bass and drums!! WOW! Kenny and Karen Prince and two of their sons were in church with us, also. (Kolten and Kory)

It was a very special time being with these three families. They are all part of our ministry and we are so proud of them!! It was hard to see them leave us and go start their own churches, but we knew that God had His hand on their lives and that He wanted to use them in a magnificent way for His Kingdom. It is so fulfilling to see the ministry of Life Tabernacle going forward in other cities! We have been so blessed to have these fine preachers and their families part of our lives!

I haven't forgotten Mallory and Taylor!!! These two Clark girls are just precious! I love watching Mallory worship the Lord as she sings in church. She is such a graceful young lady and she loves the Lord with all her heart! Mallory you have a beautiful voice!! Keep singing for His glory, and remember to start playing the piano in church REAL SOON! Taylor is a sweetheart, also! To me she is so beautiful with her red hair and porcelain skin. She is growing up so fast and is living for God. Taylor, keep following in your parents footsteps and they will lead you to be what God wants you to be! I love both of you girls and Bro. Elms and I are very proud of you.

Away

I am away for a few days with my husband. He is preaching the 5th anniversary services for Bro. and Sis. Clark this weekend. I will return to "my normal" blogging sometime next week. I sure hope ya'll don't miss me too much! LOL! Really, I hope you miss me a LOT! I guess that's just being honest. Everyone likes to be missed. LOL-LOL-LOL! I am definitely rambling tonight. I better go before I get too crazy! Goodnight or good morning, or maybe good day. It depends on when YOU read this silly note. I just hope it makes someone smile!

The Weekend Services

Sunday was a wonderful time at Life Tabernacle! Every year we have Bro. and Sis. C.M. Becton with us on the last Sunday of October. They are always a blessing to us and our church. This year I had Sis. Becton teach my class and it was so special having her in there with us. She didn't have to teach anything in particular, because just being with her and listening to her conversation is enough. She has a beautiful, sweet spirit and is also very entertaining. I love her so much and she taught a lesson on "Getting Beyond Ourselves". It was wonderful! Sunday morning and Sunday night Bro. Becton ministered and he is always so annointed! Those of you who know him understand the depth of Bro. Becton's ministry. We were privileged to here him play FOUR songs on the piano!! It was great!

After church Sunday night our sweet congregation honored us again on "Pastor's Appreciation Month". They are the greatest people on earth and we love them so much! I don't know what I would have done without my church family. They have been loyal, kind, true, unselfish, and they always honor us throughout the year! Thank you all for being awesome people of God! I think you know WE LOVE YOU with all our hearts!

Note: Thank you James and Jeremy for helping me with the picture taking! You did a great job! A few people have "red eyes" but that's because I didn't take the time to "edit" the pictures. I'm sure you will all overlook it this time. :) Thank you!

Monday Night Post

We had an INCREDIBLE weekend and I want to blog about it and will sometime tomorrow, "the Lord willing". Today has been full and I'm very tired tonight. I trust you all have had a wonderful day. I will write more later. Goodnight.....I love all my friends, family and "blog friends".

Hey Everyone....Today is Mandy's Birthday!!!!!

Today is Mandy's birthday and I want to wish her a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Mandy, you are so beautiful to me. You are not only beautiful on the outside, but you are beautiful on the inside. You are one of the best Mother's I have ever met and you love Alayna and Ashlyn with all your heart. You have so much fun being "Mommy" to the girls and I can see you in them, already! I love watching you masterfully "teach" the girls. You not only are serious in your teaching, but FUN! Who wouldn't want you as their "Mommy"? You are also an incredible wife to Andrew! There is no one that I know of that can make him laugh like you do. You are a "dream come true" for Dad and me. THANK YOU for being YOU! I love watching you "serve the Lord" because you are so genuine. There is never any pretence about you and we are PROUD to have you as our daughter! We love you!!