Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Now...That's Funny!

Last night while I was blogging, my husband decided to go to bed. He was reading the Bible and after awhile I knew he had fallen asleep, because I heard the Bible FALL! He woke up, picked up the Bible and put it on the nightstand. This happens rather frequently with him so I didn't think much about it until this morning when he said, "I fell asleep last night just as the WALLS of JERICHO were about to FALL! My Bible HIT me in the face and fell to the floor!" LOL! Now....that's FUNNY!

I just had to "share" this with all my blogging friends. :) I hope you enjoy the humor in this little story.

Wendell, I sure do love you! :)

Welcome a New Blogger!

I am so happy to welcome my friend, Veta McLaughlin to "our blogging world"! She is just getting started, so please stop by and welcome her! You can visit her at: McLaughlin Melodies. I know she will be happy to hear from you!

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Some Thoughts and Hudson, TX

As I have already said in my last post, our life has been very busy, but let me say...we are loving it! Janet, from home, just left a comment saying, "It looks like ya'll are having the time of your life." I will affirm her observation. Let me explain, though. I have made it a point to "live in the NOW". I have enjoyed each stage of life and I continue to do so. My mother was the MOST CONTENTED lady I've ever known, and I have always wanted to be "just like her". I don't believe I have attained her level, and probably never will, but she sure gives me a goal to reach for.

When you're in the "will of God", following His leading, how can you be unhappy? I know there are places I have said I would NEVER want to live, and Lufkin was one of those places. But, I can honestly say that I am really enjoying living here! I am enjoying my husband "going to the office" and returning home around 5:00 each day. When he's through at the office, he locks the door and we have the evening free unless he is preaching someplace. I LOVED being a Pastor's wife to the wonderful people God placed in our lives, but now I am enjoying where God has placed my husband. Why make yourself miserable? I'm just happy being married to the man I'm married to, and wherever God leads him...I will follow. Don't get me wrong! I've had to "die to self" many times in my life. I have cried many tears when leaving those I loved so much. It wasn't fun telling our wonderful saints that we were leaving, because God had chosen it to be so. But, the life I have been given has been wonderful. Why am I saying all of this tonight? :) I really don't know. I just felt like saying it, I guess.

Now, to our weekend service in Hudson, Texas. Hudson is a town that is connected to Lufkin. In fact, you wouldn't know you were leaving Lufkin if you didn't see a sign telling you that you've just entered the City Limits of Hudson. Bro. and Sis. Ron Smith retired a few years ago and really did not plan on pastoring again. They moved to Hudson (Lufkin), bought a little house, fixed it up and moved in. They sold a lot of things when they left their home and church in Huntsville, TX. I don't know all the things that happened that directed them back into pastoring, but they are doing a wonderful work in Hudson.
Sunday morning we decided to visit their church since we were not ministering anyplace else.
We are so glad we went! They were so sweet and welcoming to us and we thoroughly enjoyed being in the Sunday School and Morning Worship with them. Jeff Jones taught the lesson and did a fine job! We were asked to sing, so we did. They seemed to enjoy it. Then, Bro. Smith preached a wonderful, heartfelt message! He made me want to live for God even more. Thank God for preacher's who preach "the message" with love.

After church the Smith's invited us to eat lunch with them. They took us to Ralph and Kacoo's, then took us around town to show us places to live whenever our house sells in Wichita Falls. They drove us by Bro. and Sis. Neely's house and we really enjoyed seeing where they have lived for a long time. We had a wonderful time visiting with them! We even had to stop and get a "DIET COKE" (Bro. Kenny) LOL!

It's amazing how many preachers and their wives we have "known", yet have not "known" through the years!! LOL! That's a little catchy, isn't it? We have talked about how we almost feel like we are in a "brand new district" since moving to Lufkin. We are learning of towns "we have never heard of", and meeting people we have heard of, yet "had never met". Wow! It's quite a change being in the "middle of things" since we've been so far away for about 28 years. Living in Wichita Falls, we were closer to two or three other District Campgrounds, than we were to our own Texas District Campground. Now, we're living ON the Campground! It's exciting and fun...even in our motorhome. Of course, that is another story. Wendell is the one wanting a house! :) Oh well, someday it will happen.

Paul wrote in Phil. 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

I'm sure I will enjoy a house when I get another one, but until then, we will be content living on the ole' camp ground, enjoying where we have been placed in His Kingdom. What better life can you ask for?

Sunday, July 06, 2008

Missing Everyone

If I explained all that has been happening in our life it would take a LOT of your time and mine. I won't bore you with all the details, so let me just say "God has come through for us once again"! Hopefully, I will be able to post again soon. I sure have missed you all. Have a great week!

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Groves Weekend

When I walked through the doors I felt His presence.
And I knew this was the place where love abounds.
For this is the temple, Jehovah God abides here.
And we are standing in His presence on holy ground.

I was not walking into the sanctuary of a church, but was sitting at the dinner table with David, Sandra and Jason Myer. This is the only way I can describe what I felt as my husband was "giving thanks" for the delicious meal Sis. Myer had prepared! When you are with the Myer Family you know you are with friends who care about you, and love you for who you are. They have recently lost their son Justin, after a very serious illness that put him into a coma. This family has been with him 24/7 for five years! One of them was by his side at all times. The love and devotion shown by them is beautiful, and they show that kind of love to everyone around them.

We had wonderful services in their lovely new building that they built during the time they were taking care of Justin. The presence of the Lord was in each service.

There is a couple in the church that had connections to the Allison, TX church that my Dad pastored before I was born! Keith and Ann Boydston were both raised in Allison. They told me the story about Daddy going to a house one night to ride to the hospital with a man, because this man's wife was having a baby. When they got to the hospital a little girl was born and they named her "Ann". The "baby", Ann "Gilmer" Boydston was standing here telling me the story! By the time our Dad's left the hospital, a blizzard had blown in, so they followed a snow plow as far as they could on the highway. When they got to the road that went to the house, the snow plow went straight, but they had to turn. Since the snow was already too deep to drive through, there was no way to get to the house except for them to get out of the car, and walk a mile in the snow! The wind was howling, the snow blowing, and they nearly froze to death! Daddy asked for "warm water" to put his frozen feet in, and even though Bro. Gilmer tried to convince him that "wasn't the thing to do", Daddy just KNEW he had to have "warm water...not cold"! He learned a lesson that night, for sure! I'm sure he decided he had better listen to those who knew "how to thaw out"! His feet was in terrible pain for quite some time! :) Poor Daddy! LOL! She also told me that Daddy taught her Dad, Bro. Gilmer, how to make "cream gravy"!!! She said, "Daddy would never make it any other way from that day on. He made it the way "his pastor", taught him for the rest of his life." It was great talking to her and her husband, Keith. It's a SMALL WORLD!!!! Another thing I loved about Ann is the way she laughed. She reminded me so much of my friend, Linda Shahan! She has a ready smile, and a laugh just waiting to burst forth! I missed my "friend", yet it was wonderful..."remembering".

We enjoyed lunch with Jonathan, Brenda and the girls when we were on our way back home. I just had to throw in a picture of them! :) Here is a short slideshow for you to enjoy.

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Just Busy

Really, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth! I have just been very busy!! We had an awesome time in Groves with our friends, David and Sandra Myer. I am anxious to post about it, but it will have to wait just a little longer.

Senior Youth Camp started yesterday! I think there's about 450 young people. In the service last night you could sense the hunger for more of God in their lives. I believe this week is going to be an incredible time! Please keep the camp in your prayers each day.

I will be talking to you all later....the Lord willing!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Stopping By

I want to wish you all a wonderful weekend! We've had a great week at Junior Youth Camp. The kids were wonderful, the staff wonderful and God has been AWESOME! I just wanted to say "hello" to all my friends and family! Love you!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

PROTECT YOUR FAITH

Today while getting ready to go take care of things, I was listening to some "good gospel music" on the radio. There were songs about "holding on","God is good", "great things are happening"...the normal uplifting songs I love to hear. These songs lift your spirit and bring peace to your mind in troubled times. Then I thought, "I need to listen to the news to see what's happening in the world." So, I did!

BROTHER! By the time I had listened just a FEW MINUTES, I started feeling "low"! I started thinking "negative" thoughts. My spirit wasn't "soaring" like it had been when I was listening to "good gospel music". There was not ONE thing they said on FOX or CNN that brought any happiness to my spirit, and it sure didn't BUILD my FAITH! House markets are down, the gas prices are terrible, food prices are high and getting higher, fires in California, drought in Western Oklahoma....on and on they talked and said THEIR predictions on how BAD things are, and how BAD things are going to get.

Then I had the thought...."PROTECT YOUR FAITH"!!! I think it came from God. We have several situations that we are praying for, and sometimes it seems God is taking His time! I needed to "think on the goodness of Jesus" and NOT the economy and all of the doom and gloom around us. MY GOD is BIGGER than the ECONOMY and HE can and WILL ANSWER our prayers. I needed to remember the words to this song.

When you're up against a struggle
That's shattered all your dreams
And your hopes been cruely crushed
By Satan's manifested schemes.
And you feel the urge within you
To submit to earthly fears
Don't let the faith your standing in
Seem to disappear

Praise the Lord.
He will work for those who praise him
Praise the Lord.
For our God inhabits praise.
Praise the Lord.
For the chains that seem to bind you
Serve only to remind you.
That they fall powerless behind you.
When you praise him.

Satan is a liar and he wants to make us think
That we are paupers, when we know ourselves
We're children of the king.
So lift up the mighty shield of faith
For the battle must be won
Remember Jesus Christ has risen
So the works already done.

We can become so entrenched with the thinking of "this world" and forget that our HOPE, our STRENGTH, our ANSWERS come from HIM! It doesn't matter what the news is saying! OUR GOD is the WAY-MAKER!

Here are a few things I think I'll do:

1. Don't listen to the nay-sayers!

2. Turn off the talk shows and news!

3. Look to Jesus!

4. Read His Word!

5. Listen to those who speak positive!

6. PRAY!

7. Think on the goodness of Jesus!

8. Speak words of FAITH!

9. Know in Whom I have believed!

".....with God all things are possible."

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Magnolia Weekend

We were blessed this past weekend to be with Steve and Karen Wehrle in Magnolia TX. What a GREAT time we had!!! We arrived Saturday evening in time to get a bite of supper and go to a Street Rod Car Show. There were some BEAUTIFUL cars and I even remembered some of them. LOL!

Sunday services were absolutely WONDERFUL! I felt like I was at home in Life Tabernacle and my heart was overflowing with worship. There was a deep, sweet moving of God's presence! We have been so use to this kind of worship, and was so happy to experience it once again in our friend's church. The Wehrle's are wonderful people and so easy to be around. We enjoyed staying in their lovely home. I felt like I had walked into a haven when we arrived. "Home" isn't a house...."Home" is a place where love abounds and friendships thrive! That's where I was this past weekend.

The Wehrle's have a beautiful family! Two daughters are married to wonderful men and they have some of the cutest children. They brought many smiles to our hearts while we were there. Stephanie helped lead in worship, Stacey brought me joy in her worship and praise. It was beautiful! We found out that Matthew, Stephanie's husband has a great "country" voice. And Sonny, Stacey's husband, reminded me of one of my cousins. He is a quiet, strong man and enjoyable to be around. The Wehrle's also have a "special needs daughter" who is a very sweet girl. Her name is Starla and I know when we walked in that she wanted to meet us. She walked over and brushed against us as if to say, "Hello...nice to meet you." To watch Steve and Karen take care of her and to feel their love toward her is heart-warming. Their love is very deep and you can "feel" their care for her. The beauty of love that abounds in their home and lives is felt by everyone they come in contact with. After being in their company I can say I have experienced once again what it feels like to be loved by God Himself.

I also got the joy of being around "Grandma Holley"! :) Karen is so much like her that it's amazing. We had a time of remembering Bro. and Sis. W.R. Holley. (Karen's grandparents) My husband will never forget Bro. Holley coming to him and placing his hand on his shoulder and saying, "I'm really glad you're here. Now I can relax!" He said a few more words and it was a "special blessing" given to him. His "blessing" was so heart-felt and taken very seriously by my husband, the newly elected pastor of Life Tabernacle. After giving 24 years of our lives to the church Bro. Holley pastored for 30 or so years, the church is now in the very capable hands of Bro. Holley's grandson....Pastor Gene Holley, Jr.! How beautiful are the ways of God! Of course, we couldn't help but miss Bro. and Sis. E.L. Holley...Karen's parents and our friends!

Thank you...Steve, Karen, and family for loving us, and treating us like "family"!


Sunday, June 22, 2008

June 21, 2000 - the day my world changed

It is fifty-three minutes passed June 21. This day has come and gone, but I have been thinking about my brother all day. Eight years ago on June 21, Keith left this world and all of his family and friends. I am privileged that today we have been with Steve and Karen Wehrle who "remembered" with me. They were great friends of Keith's and we enjoyed talking about him. I miss Keith and all the joy he brought to my life. I loved to hear him sing...no one can sing like him. I loved the twinkle in his eye when he thought of something funny. I loved the stories he told. I loved his laugh....we had a lot of them, together. I loved his warmth and love for his family and friends. I loved his big arms wrapped around me in a "bear hug". I loved hearing him say to me, "Hello Beautiful"! I just loved HIM! No, I didn't forget about him today, I enjoyed his "life" once again with friends. I just couldn't go to sleep without writing about my brother, my friend.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Sand or Gravel?

The other night I walked into the Concession Stand after a wonderful service with the Crusader's and was greeted by my husband with a smile, and with these words. "I might as well go ahead and tell you...." I stopped and looked at him to see what it was he was going to tell me. He had gone fishing with some friends and my first thought was, "You got an ant bite or came close to being stung by a red wasp." Of which, I am glad it was neither one! He can't afford to have either one of these things happen, because he is highly allergic to both of them. The doctor told him he needs to be extra careful because, "the next time could be fatal". Anyway, I was relieved when he told me "the story".

Before he left to go fishing he said, "I might not take my phone with me, because "so and so" seems to always lose his phone in the lake whenever he takes it", so Wendell thought it would be safer to just leave his. Then, he decided to go ahead and take it "just in case" someone needed him. When he got on the boat he looked around and found a real deep, "safe" cupholder to put the phone and glasses in.

They had a wonderful time catching fish! About 3 hours later Wendell went to get his phone out of the cupholder. It was still there just like he thought it would be, but when he got it out it was SOAKING WET! It had rained earlier in the day and the cupholder had quite a lot of water in it. Now, that is something no one thought to check!!!

Do you remember the OTHER iPhone he had a few months ago that was left on top of the car, it fell off, several cars ran over it, and I posted about the SMASHED iPhone? Well, now we have a WATER LOGGED iPhone!!!!! Oh, it looks good on the OUTSIDE, but the INSIDE is in BAD SHAPE! I could teach another lesson about THIS iPhone!

I felt so bad for my husband that I couldn't even get aggravated about it. I just shook my head and said, "Oh well....I guess you'll have to buy another one!"

We went to buy another one today, and wouldn't you know...there are NO iPhones to be found! They didn't even have them at Apple. They said they have sold out and the new one will not be out until July. We were in the store for 2 hours trying to get another phone set up!!! Finally, they called "tech" and they got the problem solved after working for quite a long time on the problem.

We got home and after several hours of my husband "messing" with the new one I think he has decided that when the NEW iPhone comes out he will be taking this one back and exchanging it! Of course, they told him he could when he bought it.

Bro. Graham preached a message at Camp Meeing about "sand in your shoes". It was fantastic! I think we have decided that some of the "sand we've had in our shoes" lately has turned itself into GRAVEL!!!! :) But, I guess "gravel" is really better than "sand", because you can pick the "gravel" up a lot easier and get rid of it. With "sand" it takes a lot more time and effort for it to be totally gone! Besides, it's just an iPhone that's ruined....not our attitude, or spirit, or anything that REALLY matters!

Friday, June 20, 2008

Crusader Camp Slideshow

Tonight was the end of Crusader Camp and we had an awesome move of the Holy Ghost! I was privileged to be in the service and was able to spend some time in the altar with the kids, and I enjoyed it so much! There is nothing like being in the presence of God and watching as He fills children with His spirit. I must say that I had a wonderful time this week! I loved being here on the camp ground with so much activity going on and being a small part of Crusader Camp. Here are a few pictures from the week. ENJOY!


Monday we begin Junior High Camp! More fun is on the way!!!!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Not Sleepy!

I'm suppose to be asleep, but can't seem to get sleepy, so I wanted to at least sit down for a minute and say this week has been a good week. Crusaders Camp is going on and I've heard we have about 500 "little" campers here. We're so use to seeing adults on the campground, and my husband said, "It looks like a bunch of little ants running all over the place!" It's so cute to see these "little people" making friends, enjoying fellowship, playing ball, and having the "time of their lives". My favorite time of the day is to drive around in the golf cart and see them headed to church! They are young, but you can tell they have a purpose as they walk toward the tabernacle.

Wendell and I rode over to the tabernacle the other night to see what was happening and when we walked through the door our kids from home spotted us. It was a grand reunion for several minutes! I have to admit that I cried a few tears. It made me a little homesick to see them and to see those who came to help this week. You cannot love people deeply without hurting when you leave them. Some say you shouldn't love people very much because you're going to get hurt. Well, I have to ask, "What is life about if you can't love others?" I have wonderful memories down deep in my heart that no one can take away. Those memories may make me smile, laugh, cry, or just "remember", but when they do I know I am blessed to have known and loved the people in my life.

I will close with what happened to tonight at church. I was sitting, holding our "sleeping Ashlyn" when again a few of the kids from Life Tabernacle spotted Bro. Elms and me. They came back to give us hugs, and after a little time went by I said to them, "Don't ya'll need to go up front and pray?" Howie looked at me and said, "No, I prayed yesterday, and I prayed the day before, so I don't need to pray today!" LOL! I loved it and loved him for being so open! LOL! That's why I love kids. They just "tell it like it is".

I do have a few pictures, but it would take too long to post them tonight. My eyes are getting a little heavy, so I think I will try to go to sleep. I'll be checking back in soon.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Camp Meeting Slideshow

First, let me say that it's good to be back to my computer for a few minutes! We have been going non-stop since Camp Meeting began and I am making myself sit down for a few minutes to post. I've missed "visiting" with everyone in the "blog world".

As I stated in the previous post, TEXAS Camp Meeting was absolutely phenomenal this year! Every service, every speaker, every praise group and all the musicians did an incredible job of bringing us into the presence of God and leading us to worship and adore Him. The preaching was solid Apostolic preaching. We had our times of rejoicing, re-dedication, "getting the sand out of our shoes" (thank you Bro. Graham) and enjoying messages of separation and truth!!!! I don't know when I have ever been in a camp meeting quite like this one. That is not an overstatement for me. It was just that awesome!

Here are a "few" pictures I took during the week. You would be sitting at your computer a long time if I posted all of them! LOL! I hope you will enjoy these.

Today begins the Crusader Camp! These are the "little kids" and they are swarming all over the camp ground! We are going to have FUN this week! I can't wait to get my "work" done so I can get on the golf cart and go check everything out!!!! Ya'll have a great week and I will be blogging again, when I have a break from all the FUN, FOOD and FELLOWSHIP!

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

TEXAS CAMP MEETING

I will not take the time to elaborate on what all has happened this week, but I can just say...WOW! To "kick off" the week there was a TBC Benefit Concert on Monday night, and I want to say that it was wonderful! The singers sang with passion and anointing. We had a wonderful variety of music, from "Bluegrass Gospel, to "good ole' Pentecostal singing, to contemporary. We were touched by the Holy Ghost as the songs mininstered to our hearts, and I was proud once again to be part of The United Pentecostal Church. You won't find better music anywhere! Tuesday morning Camp Meeting "officially" started. We have heard powerful messages, and solid teaching in each session. There has not been a "down time" since it started! The "spirit of unity" has definitely been felt here on the "ole' camp ground". I can honestly say I've never been to a better Camp Meeting, and I'm thrilled to be here!

One of the highlights of the week for me was today when I walked into the tabernacle and heard Sis. Robbie Guidroz playing the piano in the morning Bible Study. Bro. Guidroz was the Devotional Speaker and he had her play for worship. I love listening to her as she skillfully "tickles the ivorys" to the glory of God! She is a beautiful lady through and through, and one of my "favorite people"!

I will share some Camp Meeting pictures with you at a later time, but I just wanted to say a little today about what has been happening. Have a wonderful evening. I will try to post a little more tomorrow.

Monday, June 09, 2008

Blogory - Written by: Blog Authors

I will be the first to say this "project" has been one of the most FUN things I have done since I started writing this blog! :) It has been so neat to read all of the different twists to this "blogory". My husband is the one who gave me the name! I loved his description of a "blog story". Thank you all who contributed! As you know, we could continue this for a long time. Maybe I should, but I have Camp Meeting starting tonight, so I will be busy the rest of this week. Hopefully, I will be able to blog along the way. Following is the story WE wrote. It turned out very good! I really hate to end it, but maybe we can continue it or start another one sometime.

"The Lad"

Yesterday while walking down the lane, I happened upon a young lad. He was on his knees at the side of the lane, looking at a beautiful flower. The flower had come up through the crack in the big rock which made him very nervous. The rock looked rather unstable, almost as if it could fall at any moment. However, he couldn't take his eyes off the beautiful flower and then he heard a voice speaking softly. His gaze firmly fixed on the beautiful flower, he froze to hear the words coming from behind him. The strong scent of the flower was almost intoxicating and he struggled to comprehend. The voice repeated the words gently, saying "Come closer. It is okay, just come closer." As he did a gentle breeze came along causing the flower to sway as if it were dancing.

Now, the lad had seen dancing flowers before, but somehow he knew this flower was magical and so he decided to share his excitement with someone other than himself, so he ran to get his grandmother. She was very old, highly respected, from an ancient Indian tribe. When he was little she used to hold him and tell him of a day that will come when you grow up and see beauty spring from desolation. At this moment, you will receive revelation that determines your direction in life. Your purpose will be to encourage and strengthen those who have lost their way, to show them direction and lead them back to the true path.

But now, the grandmother and grandson were looking at the magical flower. The intoxicating scent and the dancing and swaying of the flower seemed to have them in a trance. As they knelt there looking at the flower the rock began to shift. The crack was widening, stretching, and suddenly burst open to reveal a dazzling rainbow of colors. Neither had ever seen such a beautiful display. It was just like in the old legend his grandmother had told him many times. As they were standing looking at the translucent colors of the rainbow they realized "this is it, this is what they had been waiting for". Never before had so many colors met his eyes. As the colors swirled, the grandmother was once again lifted into the heavens and vanished. Grandmother's spirit had returned to God.

In a cold sweat, the lad startled awake. No longer the lad of the dream, the young man tried to make sense of the flower and brilliant colors knowing they were directing him to accept the calling to preach the gospel that God had given to him. He knew God was directing him to return to the people of his ancestors and he must follow his heart.

What do you think?

Note: To see who contributed to this story, go to "Storytime" Comments. Please visit all of them on their personal blogs. You will enjoy their writing!

Saturday, June 07, 2008

Storytime!

Let's write a story! You want to? It's always fun for someone to start a story and someone else to add to it, so I think I want to start one tonight. Leave your "story contribution" in the comments and let's see how good we can do! LOL! When we finish I will post it altogether. Just call me crazy! I don't have a clue why I'm doing this. I guess you can call it.....having FUN! Let's go!

Yesterday while I was walking down the lane I happened upon a....

Friday, June 06, 2008

God's Ways

HAPPY! EXCITED! THANKFUL!

I cannot go into the "reasons" why I am experiencing these emotions, but at the appropriate time I will! Just let me say, "God has done a GREAT thing!"

I'm thankful! I'm happy! I'm excited!

God definitely has EVERYTHING in HIS hands, and He moves in mysterious ways. When He does one thing "here", he does another thing "there" and He places our lives where He wants them!

I'm EXCITED! I'm HAPPY! I'm THANKFUL!

Maybe you get the picture by now? :) Have a great day!

Thursday, June 05, 2008

Deweyville Weekend

My how time flies when you're having fun! This week is passing by really fast in some ways, and slow in others. There are some "happenings" that I am waiting on that is very important, so in some ways the week has been very slow, but then it seems to have gone by so quickly and I haven't had time to stop and "blog"!!

This past weekend we were in Deweyville with Darrell and Jeanetta Orange, the family, and their wonderful church family. Wendell preached both Sunday morning and Sunday evening, and the preacing and the services were absolutely wonderful! I felt I had found "the oasis" for my soul. God touched me in a very special way, and I will just say, "I needed it". My husband preached under the anointing of the Holy Ghost and God spoke through him to all of us. The praise singing, special singing, and worship was beautiful and heartfelt. Sis. Orange is a great musician and singer. She is very anointed, and when she sings you can feel the mighty rush of the Holy Ghost! I love watching as she "gets a blessing" from the Lord. We need musicians and singers to be used by God, letting Him flow through them in a mighty way so that others can also be touched! One of the highlights of Sunday evening service was when Michael, Mandy, and Sis. Orange sang, "I'm Never Gonna Look Back"! At the end of my husbands message I even got to play the organ as they repeated the song. It was the perfect ending for the message.

In one of the services, there was a gentleman in a wheelchair who couldn't contain his worship any longer, and he started worshiping God "rolling back and forth across the front of the sanctuary" with uplifted hands. It was wonderful to see him praising God even in the midst of a "bad situation"! It's amazing how many people won't give of themselves in worship and they are not handicapped in any way. As God was blessing I turned and saw Andrew and Mandy being touched in a powerful way. My heart was overjoyed to see them worshiping and praising God as He poured out His blessings on them!

It was good being with ALL of the Orange family. Michael and Stephanie live there in Deweyville and he is helping his Dad with the church. Philip and Kelly came for the weekend, and Andrew and Mandy were there, so that made for a "happy day"! I called and left Jonathan a message that "he ought to get someone to preach for him on Sunday night and come join us", but he was having a "graduation service" and could not come. We missed them not being with the rest of us.

Well, as I said I would do....I have put together a slideshow for you to enjoy. I know "Aunt Kathy" from North Carolina (Sis. Orange sister) will enjoy it to the fullest! Maybe someday she will be there when we're all together.

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Quick Post

I wanted to write a real quick post before going to sleep tonight and just say I will be posting about our weekend in Deweyville soon. We had a great time and I took some pictures I want to share, so keep watching for them. I have not been able to post today, because we have been on the road to Wichita Falls. We needed to pick up a few things that we've needed so decided to take a FAST trip to get them. Of course, knowing they were having choir practise at the church I got there as quickly as I could to see a few who were still standing around talking. It did me a lot of good to get a lot of hugs and smiles. I will go to sleep tonight with a contentment knowing I am loved!