Vacation Continues

I was "ordered" by a friend to post some of my pictures from our trip, so I guess I better do it! LOL! Really, I haven't taken a lot of different pictures this time. I've tried to capture the beauty of where we've been, but there is no way to show you all the colors on the trees. Here are just a few pictures of where we've been.

I love old barns! I don't know what it is, but they are so intriquing to me.

. Most of the pictures were taken from the car as we drove along the "back roads". Sometimes I only had a "split second" to take it, because there would be a telephone pole, or wires invading the beauty. This little white house looked so inviting as we passed by. I wonder if there was a grandma inside cooking dinner? Here is a "tabacco barn". If you look close enough you can see tobacco leaves hanging inside.
We were driving along and all of a sudden this Amish horse and buggy was there! I almost missed the picture!One thing I've always loved about this part of the country are the "fall arrangements" in the yards. This was at a "town square" in a small town we were driving through.I loved this one at Pigeon Forge! LOL!Give a "hungry man" a fried chicken dinner and you make him happy! We were at the Old Mill Restaurant and it was a delicious home cooked meal! I had the pork chops. I must say I have never had better!Give me an ice cream cone, and you make me as happy as the "hungry man"! LOL!While we were in Pigeon Forge we went to the Comedy Barn. When "Slim Chance" started juggling and telling his jokes Wendell laughed and laughed!!! I love to see him lost in laughter.The "story teller" is hilarious, also! He is very "quick witted" and had us laughing again.It does you good to spend an evening laughing. As they said before the show started, "you will feel better when you leave tonight, because you will be laughing". We definitely felt better!

We went on a "scenic route" and there was so much traffic that to drive the "whole loop" it would have taken 2-3 hours, so we took a "cut through road".We are now in Branson, but realized after we arrived that this week is when they are preparing to open for the Christmas season. Some of the shows are closed until Saturday night, which will be their first showing, but we will be on our way to home. We really don't mind not being here, because we are getting ready to be home.

Sis. Sharon Chance

My heart was saddened to find out about the passing of Sis. Sharon Chance. Her husband, Rev. Mike Chance pastors the Hope Center in San Antonio, TX and was Texas District Sunday School Director for several years. I only knew Sis. Chance from being at district meetings through the years, and she was always kind to me when I would see her. I have heard what a wonderful person she was, and how she made others feel special. I wish I'd known her better. My husband has called Bro. Chance and left a message this evening to let him know we are praying for him, their family, and church family. There are no words to say that will "make the pain go away", but there is nothing like hearing from those who will hold you up to the Lord in prayer. I wish we were close to home so we could be at the service tomorrow. Sis. Chance will definitely be missed by her husband, family, friends, and church! We must let her go even though we don't want to. We will weep.... and even though she didn't want to leave us....she will rejoice...on the other side where there is no more sickness or pain. Rest well Sis. Chance and we will see you "in the morning".

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MANDY!

Dad and I want you to have a fantastic, incredible, and AWESOME birthday! We love you!

Minister's Wives Breakfast, Ladies Day, and Ladies Ministries Breakfast

Here are a few more pictures from conference. I was privileged to be around so many wonderful people! At the "Minister's Wives Breakfast" I sat at the table with Connie Bernard.I was so surprised to see Sarah! She was sitting at our table, too. I had forgotten her and her husband lives in North Carolina, so I was shocked when I turned around and saw her. :) It was good seeing her. She is so sweet and always has a beautiful smile! Karla and Brenda were with me, and I loved being with them. Of course, any chance I have to be with my family is wonderful! Bobbie sat with us, also. Sharon was there, but she had to sit at the "head table", so we got a picture with her after the breakfast. Cindy Miller and Stacy sat at our table, but I missed a picture of them. I enjoyed seeing a life-long friend, Karla. I've known her since she was a little girl. She was the "little sister" to my friend Vicki, and my sister Karla is named after her. That's just a little more "history" of my life. :) Sis. Haney and I had a good laugh together, and finally pulled ourselves together for a picture. :) She's a wonderful lady, and I have always looked up to her. She loved Mother and usually says something about her each time I see her. She didn't disappoint me this time, either. It's always so nice when someone "remembers" those you love! It somehow "keeps them alive". I had the opportunity to speak to Sis. Oakes, the UPCI Ladies Ministry Leader. She is a beautiful lady who has the work of God at heart. "Ladies Day Service" was very good. It was challenging, moving, and victorious. It's beautiful to see so many beautiful ladies serving God! There was a "shuttle" from the hotel, so we enjoyed our time together "to and from" the service. Here they are "gathered up" to get on the bus! :)We had our "little group" to try and keep up with, but sometimes it was almost impossible! LOL! It seemed everytime we had a good walk going through the crowd someone would get stopped! Having friends is just so much "trouble" when you're trying to stay with a group! LOL! LOL! It was funny watching Donna calling Shirley's name as we TRIED to "stay together", but we did! Donna Myre, our Texas District Ladies Leader invited Sis. Russo, Diane, and myself to the "Ladies Ministries Breakfast". This is when the District Ladies Leaders and their Secretary's, District Superintendent's Wife, and District Secretary's Wife are invited to honor the top givers for the year. I had a very enjoyable time being them. I sat with Sis. Russo and Diane. I took a picture of "just them", but they insisted on me being in the picture. :)Donna sat at the "Regional Directors" table, because she has been placed in that position. She does an incredible job for the Texas Ladies work and we love her very much. Now, just one more picture. It is very, very special to me! Sis. Freeman is so wonderful! When anyone tells her what a blessing she has been, she never takes any credit. She makes sure "all the glory" goes to God! What a lady!

I really wanted to share these precious ladies with you. We are family and family shares with each other. If one of us enjoys something, then we want our "family" to enjoy it with us. That's the way I feel about you all! I hope you have enjoyed conference with me.

Family Reunion '08

Every year at General Conference we have the "Elms Family Reunion". This year we got to see some of the "kids" that are growing up, and we got to meet one of the youngest. We enjoy our time together. This year was on Jonathan's birthday. The day before was Scarlet's birthday, so they celebrated together.

In our family we have two Linda's, two Scarlet's, two Savanna's, two David's, a Melody and a Melanie. LOL! It can get real interesting at times! LOL! There are FOUR Elms Brothers, and FOUR Elms Nephews. All of them are preacher's/pastors. When we're all together I love to watch when someone walks up and says, "Bro. Elms". You ought to see all their heads turn! LOL! Two of our nieces married preachers. Melody (David and Linda's daughter) married Glen, and they pastor a growing church in Greensboro, NC. Rolonda, (Royce and Annette's daughter) married Nathan, and he is a preacher! They assist Royce in the church he pastors in Amarillo. I am so thankful for the family I am a part of, and feel humbled that God has let us be used in His Kingdom!

We missed the rest of the family who was unable to be there this year. I wish you all could have been with us!

Pop and Mom Elms, you were awesome saints of God and raised your four sons to love God. You were TRUE Christians, faithful, loving, consistent, loyal to Pastor David F. Gray, involved in the work of God, and never wavered! You never spoke negative about your church or pastor. Now, we see the "fruit of your labor". THANK YOU!

Please forgive me for writing a personal message to my wonderful in-laws. They have been gone for many years now, but I am thankful everyday for the life they lived while here on earth. Someday, we will all meet on the other side and will have a Heavenly Family Reunion. It will be a great day!

Friends and Family At Conference

As I have said so many times on my blog, I LOVE MY FRIENDS and FAMILY! We are so blessed to have wonderful people in our life. People who love you "unconditionally". People who are always "there" for you. People who give you direction and help you when you're making decisions. People of God! Here are just a few of the pictures I took of friends and family at conference. Enjoy!

Vacation Update

We are back on the road! When we left conference we went home with David and Linda Elms.  We have had a wonderful time!  We always enjoy being with them in their home.   Bernard and Sandy, Wendell's oldest brother and wife were there for a couple of days, and it was great being with all of them. Jimmy and Bobbie also arrived at the beginning of the week, so we've had a lot of time together just resting, visiting, and having fun!

I will tell you about this....now that it's over....but, the first night we arrived I reached down to plug my computer in, and all of a sudden a terrible pain shot through my lower back.  I almost didn't make it to the side of the bed to sit down!  I thought, "OH NO....NOT AGAIN!  All I need is just ONE MORE THING TO HAPPEN on this trip."   I had to spend the next couple of days in bed.  Linda, Sandy, and Bobbie were very caring and made sure I had everything I needed.  Of course, Wendell checked on me often.  I really could not believe this had happened. I have been moving very slowly all week, but got to enjoy being with everyone. We were really happy this did not happen on the way TO conference, or while traveling back home causing us to spend a week in a motel!!  I really didn't want to tell ya'll about it before now, but now that I'm better I don't mind you knowing.  :)

The leaves on the trees are beautiful!  Fall is definitely here, and we are enjoying the beauty.

We are now in Pigeon Forge and will enjoy being here tomorrow.  I hope to take a drive and see more of the beauty that surrounds us. 

I am unable to post any slide shows tonight.  I haven't been able to get the websites "working right".  Maybe a few pictures are better than nothing?   I will do my best to upload some pictures tomorrow night.   

I will leave you with a smile from a "little fella" that's won my heart this week.  He is Nathan and Charla Elms baby boy!

If that doesn't make your day brighter you need to check your pulse! :)  Have a GREAT Sunday!

A Little About General Conference

I want to say from the very beginning that General Conference was wonderful and filled with unity! We missed our friends and family that could not be there this year, because of "whatever situation", but we had a great time visiting with those who were there. We left refreshed and encouraged. I just wish everyone could have felt the "pulling together" that we felt in the services. God came and touched all those who were hungry for a fresh touch! I'm glad I was one who received it. It is really hard to describe the many emotions that swept over my soul as I sat in the services. Sometimes we rejoiced for "what the Lord had done" and "what He is doing", other times we were in awe because of "WHO HE IS".  Then there were those times we felt "conviction" from the preaching of the Word of God. Oh, how I wish everyone could have been sitting in the auditorium when thousands of voices were lifted in praise to the King of kings. I was so thankful to be around those who were "full of wonder" about the work of God!

We had our Elms Family Reunion on Jonathan's birthday this year. I know that was a special time for him. (Andrew and Mandy we REALLY missed ya'll! I really hope you can be there next year!!!!!) It was so good to see our niece's and nephew's who have grown up to be young men and young ladies!

We were so happy to be able to spend some "special time" with Randy and Sharon Keyes. This is the first year at conference that we have been able to eat TWO meals with them!! They are very special friends to us and we love being with them! As I've said in times past, "Randy and I were raised together. Randy was my brother's best friend, and I was his little sister", so we have a lot of memories we enjoy together. Also, Wendell, Randy and Sharon went to Bible School together and were friends "way back then", so they share a lot of memories. It's great having lifelong friends! We also ate several meals with the Shoemakes. Of course, they are "family" to us. One night we had dinner with Bro. and Sis. Shaw from Austin, and Gene and Karla. We had a great time of laughter!!!! LOL! I can't leave out seeing my "sister chicks", Veda, Tracie, and Jerry Ann. I love you all so much and was so happy to get to visit with you. Donna, and Shirley, thank you for inviting me to "run around" with you all. Tara, I owe you a great big thank you for helping me out at the "bus stop". :) To be honest, we saw so many friends! There is no way to list everyone we got to visit with! I LOVED BEING AT CONFERENCE!

We have been part of the UPCI all of our lives and I wouldn't trade the friendships we have made through the years. Please don't anyone criticize my "roots". I am THANKFUL for everyone who has made us who we are today. I am thankful for the opportunities we have had in the United Pentecostal Church. I am thankful for the messages that have brought us "freedom from sin"! I am THANKFUL for those who have loved us "unconditionally"! I am THANKFUL! If it wasn't for men and women of God who have taught me the "way of righteousness" I would be lost today. THANK YOU! 

Bro. Haney, our General Superintendent preached a wonderful message on Thursday night and I was once again thankful for those who "blazed the trail" before us to give us what we have today. "If it wasn't for our past, we wouldn't have what we have today, and we sure couldn't go into the future knowing God would bring us through each battle we will fight! We know we will be VICTORIOUS no matter what comes our way, because of those who were our examples!" We are on the WINNING SIDE and I plan to make it to the other side!!!!

Note:  I will do a slide show of conference.  I have a slow connection right now and it would take forever.  I'm just happy I could "blog a little" tonight.    

Once Again...I'm Sorry

I wanted to get on tonight and just say, "I'm Sorry" for not posting. Because of circumstances since leaving conference I have been unable to post. Maybe I'll be able to "tomorrow". I still love you all! :)

Jonathan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JONATHAN!

We are at conference so I haven't seen him, but will in a little while at the Elms' Family Reunion. (Andrew and Mandy we miss you!)

Jonathan, it is so great being your Mother. Dad and I love seeing you around conference visiting with other ministers. We are blessed and so proud of you for the man of God you have become, and for the life you live!! 

Have a GREAT DAY! WE LOVE YOU!

Quick Update

I'm still ALIVE and WALKING!!! No mishaps today, and I'm having a wonderful time at conference!!!! I will post more when I get a chance. I love you all! Thank you for your prayers, love and concern, and the many laughs about my recent fall.

Travelling....Good for Your Health?

Today "had been an uneventful day".  After yesterday we needed a "break"!!  :)  We drove through more beautiful country, and noticed the further we drove the more "color" began showing up on the trees.  I love this time of year!  I didn't get a lot of pictures today, but I did quickly snap this one (with my little camera) as we were travelling at about 65 mph.  I thought it turned out rather well, since I only had a "second" to push the button!

We arrived at our hotel feeling good, and all was well UNTIL.....OH NO.....here we go again! :( Before going on with my "uneventful day", I have just one question to ask.  

Has anyone seen a "person" called "Trouble" following us?  :)  

I went down to the hotel Business Center to use the computer and printer, picked up some milk, water, and Diet Coke, and some snacks to have in case we got hungry before going to sleep.  I got back to the room without dropping it, put it down, then started unpacking.  I really was doing just fine, and then it happened!!!!!!  The bedspread was hanging on the floor, and as I turned, my toe got TANGLED UP in the corner of the bedspread.  I really was doing just fine.....until.....SLAM, BANG, OUCH.....I was thrown to the floor of the bathroom.  YES, IT HURT BAD!!!  NO, I DIDN'T BREAK ANYTHING!!!  YES, I HAD TO CRY!!!  IT HURT REALLY, REALLY BAD!!!  I THINK I will be fine in the morning when I wake up, but I am a little concerned about getting my left foot in its shoe for conference.  It hurts pretty bad, and is swelling some, but I will be JUST FINE.....I think :)

I'm beginning to think traveling might be bad for my health!  LOL!  After my blood pressure went up yesterday over my camera getting busted, and my body being slammed to the floor without giving me any warning, it just might be better for me to "sleep in" and "take it easy" for a few weeks!!!  The only problem is, I really want to see my friends and family this week, and if I don't get to I just might have a "hissy fit"!  (whatever that is)  

So, if you're reading this blog, and think I've just about "lost it", you just might be RIGHT!  :)

Oh Well...It Could Be Worse

Yesterday we left for conference! We got everything packed in the back seat and trunk
of the "little car" and headed out. Wendell was real happy when he accomplished packing the car with all our clothes for conference, AND a two week vacation afterwards! :) We had beautiful weather and enjoyed a good seven hour trip, and when it came time to stop for the night, we were ready to get some rest.

Then, the first rattle out of the box this morning, my "nose piece" on my glasses FELL OFF and went down the bathroom sink drain! Wouldn't you know it had to be on a Sunday when "eye glass doctors" are closed? As frustrating as it is to wear glasses that are digging into your nose, I shrugged my shoulders and said, "Oh well! I'll get them fixed Monday. The "digging" hasn't been too bad, but the "sliding down my nose" has been a little frustrating! :)

Most of today was cloudy and cool as we travelled the Natchez Trace in Mississippi, so I wrapped up in my "sweatshirt jacket", turned my heated seat on, rolled my window half way up, and I was warm and cozy. Even when it's a little cool we do not put the top up on the convertible. We enjoy the different temperatures, and have noticed "in town" it's usually warmer than the countryside. We love all the different "aromas" that float through the air into our car as we travel the back roads of America. Sometimes we might smell a SKUNK, but a lot of times, during this time of year, we smell the burning of wood from a bar-b-que pit, or someone who has a pile of leaves and wood burning on their property. At times, we enjoy the smell of sweet grasses along the highway, so we don't mind putting up with a few unpleasant "smells" to enjoy the beauty of nature!

Now about the part in my title that says...."it could be worse".

We arrived in Florence, Alabama this evening, unloaded the car and Wendell pushed the button to raise the top of the car. He didn't know I had put our nice Nikon camera case on the part of the car that raises so that the convertible top can come up and close! I was taking care of the luggage cart and when I turned I saw my camera case on the ground!!!! I went over and picked it up, hoping all the time the camera was okay. We didn't check until we got to the room, but when Wendell opened the case he said, "UH-OH"! I knew it was not a good sound!! When he pulled the camera out the lens was hanging loose from the camera. He tried to put it back together, but noticed the wiring had also broken inside. Needless to say it was pretty much shattered and now we're going to have to buy another LENS! He is at this moment sitting at the desk, looking on the internet to buy one. Oh me! I feel so bad about sitting it on top of the car, and he feels bad for not checking before he raised the roof for the night. He looked at me awhile ago and said, "It's nobody's fault." Isn't that sweet of him? I'm glad neither one of us "raised the roof" over the situation! LOL! Then of all things.....I went to get something out of my purse, and spilled Diet Coke on Hampton Inns WHITE comforter on the bed!!!!! But, the bad part about this is, it was on my husband's side of the bed!!! It cleaned up pretty good, so I'm not too stressed over that "mistake", but he might have to sleep between "damp sheets"! :(

After a beautiful day of traveling, with my "glasses sliding down my nose", the camera breaking, and me spilling coke on a hotel comforter....I started feeling pretty helpless, stressed out, frustrated, and many more feelings that ran through my head. While I was sitting on the couch feeling a little "down", a thought came to me..."I haven't had a bad day, I've had a GOOD DAY with several bad things that "happened"! It's how you look at "life" when things don't go the way you think they should that makes your life either worthless or worth living. After everything that happened "wrong" today, I started thinking...

I don't have a son fighting in a war on foreign soil....I have two sons "fighting in a battle for souls" at churches they pastor.

I don't have a child in prison....because they have been set free from the chains of sin.

I am not sitting in a dark room in depression....because God loves me, and I have family and friends who love me.

I don't have to worry about where my husband is tonight....because he loves me, I love him, and we love making memories together, even when we "break a camera" and we have to replace it so we can make "more memories together".

I just have to say, "God is good, and life is worth living"....even when "glasses are sliding down my nose" and "coke is spilled on the comforter"!

Just remember....It Could Be Worse!

Leaving for Conference!

After last nights events, I woke up feeling so excited!  Thank God He ANSWERS Prayer!  Today I have been preparing to leave for conference.  Believe it or not we got all our clothes in our "little car" and we are almost ready to put the suitcases in the trunk!!!!  I really think we're going to get it all in.  :)  As you know, we were going to ship our clothes ahead of us, but got a little concerned about them NOT getting to the hotel in time for us to go to church.   Or, there was that question in the back of our brains, "what if they never arrived"?  Anyway, that problem is solved since we are taking them!!!!  

We are looking forward to being gone for a little while.  I will try to keep my blogging up to date, as much as possible, and will post pictures of where we've been and what we've seen. Please breathe a prayer for us in our travels. 

I've been wondering off and on all day if any of my blogger friends are going to be there.  Maybe you could leave me a message if you're going to conference.  That would be good to know, then I can watch for you.  Maybe, just maybe I will have the opportunity to see you and talk a little, or perhaps meet a "blogging friend" for the first time!!! 

Andrew, Alayna and God's Gift

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW AND ALAYNA!!

Andrew, we could not be more thankful for the man you are! We know this birthday is going to be a "milestone birthday"! Tonight was definitely an answer to prayer for the direction of yours and Mandy's life, and we are thankful God has given you to a wonderful group of people to Pastor. Balch Springs "Greater Apostolic Tabernacle" will thrive and grow under your leadership. CONGRATULATIONS to you and Mandy!  

PASTOR and MRS. ANDREW ELMS

GREATER APOSTOLIC TABERNACLE

Balch Springs, TX!!!

Andrew and Mandy, I can see GREAT THINGS happening in your new field of labor! God knew exactly who He was going to place in this great church, and He will bless you and your people like never before. You have been "tried in the fire" and have come out as "pure gold"! Andrew...what a birthday gift! The title of PASTOR fits you well!

Alayna, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! Our little sweetheart girl is growing up! Now, you're going to be moving and having more friends. You're going to love your new church and love having your BIG DADDY as Pastor! You'll make a wonderful Pastor's Daughter! :) Papa and Mimi love you so much and hope you have a GREAT DAY!!!!

I hope you're learning to ride your new bike. I know you will do good on it and it will be so much fun! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMERON! I hope you got exactly what you wanted!!!! :) Love you!

Back to "Normal"

The last two days has been filled with board meetings for my husband, and entertaining for me. After buying some new tablecloths and decorations for the tables in the "snack room", I focused on picking up the snacks for those who were "visiting" at the office.  Sis. Russo said, "This time we won't need to cook a meal for the district board", so we settled for snacks.   Today we were treated to a nice lunch at TBC prepared by Bro. and Sis. McInnis and it was very good!  

I enjoyed visiting with my friends who came with their husbands.  Donna and Diane are always so much fun to be with.

We enjoyed some "shopping" the last couple of days.  Last night we took the board members to eat a meal, and had more time to visit.  Friends, who love God, accept you for "who" you are, and have the "work of God at heart" are those you want to "keep".  I have many friends like this and I consider myself to be very BLESSED!  

We are "back to normal" for a couple of days, then we will be leaving for General Conference! We have decided not to ship our clothes TO conference, but will send them home FROM conference. I have nightmares of my clothes NOT getting to my hotel in time!!!  That would just be awful!  So, we decided it would be best to take them with us.  In sending them home they will have plenty of time to arrive before we do.  Now, I have to figure out how I'm going to get everything in my "little car"!  Oh well, it's worth the "stress" so we can drive with the top down, around the curves on the back roads of America!!!

What a Week!

Greetings to all my wonderful blogging friends and family!  I have missed you this past week.  

Last Thursday I packed up and headed to Dallas, by myself, to go to the Texas Spanish Ladies Conference.  I was there for Thursday nights service and had a good time.  I had "my own" interpreter to help me know what was being said, and then when I "greeted the ladies" Sis. Navarro interpreted for me.  That was my first time to need an interpreter while I was speaking.  It was quite different!  About the time I was getting on a "roll", I had to stop and let her interpret what I had just said.  I'm glad I didn't lose my "train of thought"!  The presence of the Lord was there, and I loved watching the ladies as they worshipped the Lord in the dance.  It was beautiful!  Sis. Lola Garcia had a group to sing and it was great! I thoroughly enjoyed their music and beautiful voices as they sung about "God coming to ALL nations".
 After service I was invited to spend time with them.  I had so much fun listening to the Bro. and Sis. Leal, Sis. Navarro, Sis. Garcia, and some others talk about the different "dialects" of spanish.  LOL!  They told some great stories about "using a wrong word" and it was hilarious.  They also said sometimes they have to figure out what another Spanish person is saying, because they might speak differently than them.  I couldn't believe THEY could get mixed up in their own language!  So, I told them I had thought about learning spanish, but I decided I would just let them interpret for me from now on.  I'm sure if they get mixed up with each other, then I was just about "hopeless" to learn it. At least, that's what "dear" Sis. Ojeda told me one time!!!!  LOL!  

Friday morning I headed to Wichita Falls!  I had an appointment and, I was really homesick to see my kids and grandkids.  It was the first time I had spent the night with Andrew and Mandy in their home.  I never had any occassion to before we moved away, so it was a real treat to be there with them and the girls.  Andrew and Alayna's birthdays are coming up so I took the opportunity to go ahead and give Andrew his gift, and to buy Alayna a new bicycle.

She loved it, even though she got really frustrated trying to balance.  :(  Poor thing!  I told them to take it back if she wasn't comfortable with it.  Of course, being the "parents", Andrew and Mandy said, "No, she will learn to ride it!"  I'm sure she will.  She's a determined little girl when it comes to "learning and doing".  I love watching as she "grits her teeth" and "makes up her mind" to "DO IT"! 

Of course, little Ashlyn Kate is an absolute DOLL!  She wanted a BIG BOUNCY BALL, so she got one! There is no way you can resist those big eyes of hers!

I enjoyed seeing Justin and Lindsay...in the Wal-Mart parking lot, and getting to visit with Gene, Karla, Greg Henry, Trevon, Jeremy, and Rebecca at Logan's.  It was nice being "home" for a few hours.  Saturday morning rolled around all too soon!  

On my way out of town I decided to go by the cemetary to "visit" Daddy and Mother.  It was Mother's birthday (76) and I just wanted to drop by.  I'm glad I did, even though I was very emotional for several hours afterwards.  It did me good to stop and "remember".I saw Bro. Dutton at a grave waiting for a family to arrive for a loved ones burial, but I don't think he saw me.  He was very busy taking care of everything and it wasn't an appropriate time to stop and "chat", so, all the way from Lufkin...HELLO BRO. DUTTON! :)  

I arrived back home to my sweet husband and have been busy ever since, but I'm glad to be HOME to him!  

Sunday morning and night, Bro. Elms preached for Bro. and Sis. Smith here in Hudson.  They are such wonderful people and we can't hardly quit talking when we're with them.  :)  I didn't get to go Sunday morning, but was told he preached a wonderful message.  I'm sure he did! Then, Sunday night I got to be there.  It was great being with the "family of God in Hudson", and with friends once again.  I got to meet Dedie Cooley's mother.I've heard Dedie talk about her through the years, and I can say "now I know where Dedie gets her spunk"!!  LOL!  

Tomorrow is the beginning of Texas District Board Meetings.  I've been busy preparing for them so they will have some food while they are here.  :)  We are also planning on leaving for conference at the end of this week, so I've got a lot to do!!!  After conference we plan on being gone another two weeks to get some rest and relaxation.  We are "shipping" our clothes to conference, so we can drive our convertible.  We will travel with the top down on "country roads"!  I can't wait!  Wendell has been planning the roads we'll take, and reserving our rooms along the way to conference.  I love watching him as he plans a trip. That's part of the fun for me.  I think he enjoys the planning almost as much as he enjoys the vacation!  

Blog? What's That?

My title tells it all!  :)  This is how I am feeling as I get ready for bed tonight.  I feel like I have abandoned my "blog"!  It has become a "good friend" as I've written my thoughts and memories on its pages over the past months.  Since I haven't been writing a lot lately, I feel like I need to apologize for not being a "good friend" to my blog. Do ya'll ever feel that way, or am I just "a little on the crazy side"?  LOL!  Well, it's going to have to wait a few more hours for me to tell of the happenings this week, because I'm going to get some rest.  

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  Be sure and check back often.  If I haven't made a post by the time you "visit me" again, then at least it helps my "blog count" go UP!  :)  

McLeod Weekend, Monday, and Tuesday With Friends

I have lived in TEXAS for a LONG TIME and never knew this is how you spelled the name of this town.  I always thought it was spelled "McCloud", because this is the way "McLeod" sounds.  So, for those who have been "in the dark" as I was, you have learned "something new" today.  The english language never ceases to amaze me!  :) 

We were in this beautiful area of TEXAS this past weekend, and enjoyed every second of our time spent there.  I did not know what to expect, except I had heard the church was in the country.  After driving down through the "woods" we came upon the church.  We were so impressed with how beautiful the church was, and the grounds were so very beautifully cared for.  We were met with smiles, and hand shakes, and "glad you are here" from wonderful people of God.  When we entered the sanctuary the presence of God met us and we once again felt "right at home"!  Pastor and Sis. Jeff Story have pastored in this field for quite some time, and have done a wonderful job in shepherding the flock in McLeod.Saturday evening the Story's took us to Pier 27 restaurant where we were served delicious catfish and hushpuppies!I found out while we were there that Nathan and Ronda LOVED eating there when they lived in Texarkana, so I picked up my phone and gave her a "sweet little call"!  It felt so good to be able to tell her where I was!  LOL!  Ronda is always calling me and telling me she is on her way to some place beautiful, like....Monterey, Carmel, or San Francisco, or just riding around in her convertible with the top down "enjoying the California coastal weather"!  I know I wasn't in THAT beautiful of a place, but I was in a place she LOVED eating at.  LOL!  It really was good and we left there very full and satisfied.  

After arriving home Monday, we were at the office for a little while.  Just as we were leaving, Mark and Diane Green drove up.  We told them we were on our way to eat, so we invited them to go.  We had a wonderful time sitting and talking, eating, and sitting and talking, for over 2 hours.  It's great having friends!Tuesday was a very busy day.  I had an appointment to go to, and some things to take care of, and Wendell had a funeral he needed to attend.  When we finally saw each other later in the day he said, "We have a dinner appointment".  I was surprised, yet happy.  I'd had a stressful day (for whatever reason) so, I was ready to do something fun!  

Bro. and Sis. Ron Smith had invited us over for a "home cooked meal"!We really looked forward to getting to visit with them, and getting to enjoy the "food".  :) When we got there we learned that some more very dear, precious friends would be there.  Bro. and Sis. Neeley knocked on the door a few minutes later and we were so happy they were joining us.After eating a scumptious meal of pork loin and rice, corn, lima beans, salad, cantaloupe, hot rolls, and peanut butter pie, we were as full as we could be!  It was all so delicious!!!! We had a lot of fun listening to Bro. Smith's "dog stories", too.  :)

Special Note:  Kent and Traci...I wish ya'll could have been with us last night!  I thought about you often.  My camera batteries were dead, so I took some "blurry photos" with my iPhone, just for you!