Oh, How Wonderful

Tonight while at the banquet for Tupelo Children's Mansion I had the privilege of talking to my friend, Mickey Mangun. We were enjoying being together when she said something that struck a chord in my heart. She will never know how much it meant to me, because I don't have the words to tell her. When we get on the other side I really hope God will give her an extra "star in her crown" for blessing me tonight.

I love how God uses those who are willing! Even though I don't believe she reads my blog, I want to say...Thank you, Mickey for being sensitive to Him!

Stunned!

My family loves to surprise you and just "show up"! That has not happened today, but after reading a comment from "cindy s" from my last post I started thinking about the time I was so lonesome to see my parents. We had moved to North Carolina to start a church and we had no one in our church, yet. I was very lonesome. Jonathan and Andrew, our two sons were just little guys and it was a long way home to family and friends. My parents lived in Texas, and Wendell's parents lived in California!

While I was feeling very lonely, Daddy called to see what was going on and how we were doing. I told him all was well then proceeded to try to talk him and Mother into "getting on a plane" and flying to see us! He told me all the reasons he couldn't, and that he had major things he needed to take care of. I accepted his "reasons" after figuring out there was no way for me to "talk him into it". I would feel better in a few days, I was sure.

About a week before Daddy called we had been invited to some friends house, about an hour or so away. I told Daddy our plans. Being invited to have dinner and a time of fellowship was so nice, especially when you are by yourselves most of the time. It sounded great and we really needed that time together with friends.

When we arrived at their house they invited us in, and took us to the den. As we greeted everyone, and had a little time of "chit-chat", I saw the door to their "home office" open and their stood DADDY AND MOTHER! I nearly fainted and had to sit down!!!! I looked over at my husband, and our boys, and they were all just sitting there with their mouths hanging open! LOL! They spent ONE WHOLE WEEK with us and it was wonderful!

There is nothing like being lonesome and missing those from home, then "all of a sudden" they are standing in the room with you!!! Oh, the emotions that sweep through your heart and mind. I can still feel the "shock" that I felt that day, but I couldn't have been happier. God knew I NEEDED to see my parents and "there they were"! It was wonderful!

This is just another "sweet memory" that I wanted to share, and to my "new friend" who is lonely because God has moved you away from friends let me say...He will be with you. He cares and understands the sacrifice you have made. Be strong! Take courage! It will be worth it all when we see Him!

Living Life

I just thought I would stop by and say "I'm Just Living Life". There's not anything going on, so I'm at home with the windows of our motorhome open, soft music playing on the stereo, the wind is blowing softly and it's been a beautiful day. The only thing I wish was different is that my family was living here close enough to see them. After I visited with them, then I would love for car loads of friends to show up and we could all have hamburgers on the grill, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, relish, mustard, mayo, chips of all kind, homemade chocolate chip cookies (Rita's) and HOME MADE ICE CREAM!!!!! YUMMY!

Now, that's what I call livin'!

Slouching In the Pew

The year? I don't recall. All I know is that I was a very young girl sitting in church and I heard my Daddy say,

"Men, when you come to church you need to sit up in your pew and not slouch! Look like you are interested in what is going on!"

Those words made an impression on me and years later they still come to mind.


Many years later...

"Boys, you are both old enough to sit up in church! Don't slouch down and put your head on the back of the pew. You need to pay attention to what's going on in church!"

"But, Mom! I'm tired!"

That's fine, but you're not too tired to run and play after church! You will stay awake if you "sit up and listen! You can sleep when you get home!"

Someplace, at a gathering...from several rows behind a "woman of God"...

"(laughter) What do YOU think about that? (more laughter)"

"Oh yeah! Me too!" (laughter)

Yes,while people are praying and getting close to God!

A little later when I walked by and gave the little lady a hug, she said,

"It's so sad when people make light of the things of God!"

There was hurt in her voice as she shook her head.

I know I'm "plowing deep" as the old preacher would say, but I just have this nagging feeling down deep in my heart that "we need to sit up and take notice" and "quit slouching in our pew" when it comes to the things of God!

I have seen it, and you have seen it! We've all watched as the "slouchers" would say things about a sermon that was preached, and question if it came from God, or if the one delivering it "had a bone to pick".

We should get real uncomfortable when someone wants to "pick the message apart" and "question the motives" of the one delivering it. I am sure I have been guilty of listening to the "sloucher", and said my thoughts when I should have said nothing. I should have walked away from that "attitude". We all get caught when we're not praying and taking the work of God, and the Word of God serious.

As a young lady I would go to youth conference, youth camp, and camp meeting and hear men of God preach their "convictions". Maybe some things were "gray areas" as some would say, but who was I to question whether or not they were "gray areas". I don't think I knew "gray areas" existed when I was growing up. When a man of God preached, I needed to examine my heart! So, at the end of the message I would find a place to pray and ask God to cleanse me and change me if I needed to. ABOVE ALL ELSE I wanted to be saved! The tenderness of heart, sincerity in living for God, and the love for godliness, holiness and separation from the world was preached without fear or favor, and I benefited from the "old plow" digging deep into the soil of my heart!

If this isn't what you expected to read when you clicked on my blog, I'm sorry, but I'm not sorry for saying what I feel. I don't want to "slouch in my pew" and "laugh away" the preached Word. I don't want to find myself one day standing at the judgement and hearing Him say, "Sorry, I never knew you!"

Let's all ask ourselves this question: "Am I "slouching" or "sitting up straight"?

Monday Rambling

There hasn't been much activity on the blogs today. I guess everyone is busy or maybe they don't have anything to talk about. :) Sometimes it is that way. I kind of feel that way myself! LOL!

One thing I do have on my mind is our little Alayna who is so very sick, and is running a fever of 103.3 degrees! Please breathe a prayer for her. I can't hardly stand knowing she is sick!! There are a lot of people sick with the virus or flu, or "whatever". I know God is watching over all of us and everyone will be feeling better SOON!

Yesterday we were privileged to hear Evangelist Chad Mooney preach, and enjoyed hearing Danelle, his sweet wife sing! WOW! I was strengthened by his message and blessed by her singing. They are both anointed and ministered to the heart of the listeners!

I love hearing young men and young ladies "proclaim the truth", and I love seeing them as they "live the truth". It's beautiful, strengthening, and heart-warming to know we have a lot of young preacher's and their wives who love God with all their hearts, and stand for separation and godly living "in this present world"! Thank you all!!!

I want to say thank you to those of you who are praying for our house to sell, and who are praying for Andrew and Mandy's, and Gene and Karla's, too!! Every one of them NEED to sell! I know God has a "perfect time" to perform this miracle. I'm trusting and believing for it to happen!!

I've talked to both of our sons today, my sister, Ronda (for a few minutes) and heard Karla's voice on her answering machine. There is nothing like talking to your family! We didn't talk very long, but we were "in touch" and that makes me happy. The only thing that would make it better is if they all showed up outside my door, and stayed awhile! :) I'm rambling...and know it...so..."for what it's worth" I'll just say... I'm glad to be alive!

Dedicated to Karen...her son just started DRIVING!

My nerves are a-twitter, my hair has gone white.
My knees, they are knocking; I'm quaking with fright.
My whole life is streaking in front of my eyes.
"Dear Lord, please be with me!" I urgently cry.
My heart's in my throat, but at least I'm alive.
The problem? I'm teaching my son how to drive!

--Ann Luna

Karen, I found this in "Barbara Johnson's Daily Splashes of Joy" when I was reading last night. I had to post it for YOU! You've lived through the eldest son learning to drive, you'll live through this one, too! LOL!

Go Ahead...I Dare You!

Today as I am pondering about life and the turns it takes, I have become, once again, very thankful to God for the fellowship of which we are a part of. We received a district paper from the Alaska Yukon District this week and I read every article. It was so wonderful to read about what God is doing in another district. I was overwhelmed with the fact that "even though I do not know these wonderful people of God, I am still a part of them"! The programs they participate in through the United Pentecostal Church are the programs we are all a part of, and when I see what God is doing through all of our efforts, my heart rejoices knowing that WE can make a difference!

Life can be overwhelming at times. I have been "there" and you and have been "there", but let's not focus on the "storms of life", let's focus on the "One who calms the storms"! We all sometimes "get down" over circumstances, but I am learning that most of the time I cannot change the circumstances, so I must change my attitude, and that will make the circumstances "bearable".

Get out of your worrisome world and look outside. See the sunshine, the blue skies, the bird flitting across the sky, and know that God made it all! He sees the sparrow that falls, and He sees you and where you are!

Everyone is not failing, everyone is not going through "the hardest time in their life", everyone is not experiencing financial ruin, everyone is not dying, everyone is not an emotional wreck!!! Don't let the devil convince you that "no one is going to make it"!

I'M GOING TO MAKE IT and YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE IT!!!!

A song from the past comes to mind...

My mommy told me something,

a little girl should know.

It was all about the devil,

and I've learned to hate him so.

She said he causes trouble,

when you let him in the room.

He will never, never leave you,

if your heart is filled with gloom!

So, let the sunshine in, face it with a grin.

Smilers never lose and frowners never win!

So, let the sunshine in, face it with a grin.

Open up your heart and let the sunshine in.

We all need to let the sunshine into our lives! Don't stay under the dark clouds of "doom and gloom". He is our strength! He is our song! He is our salvation!

Go ahead...I dare you to "look outside" and see what God is DOING!

Life Tabernacle Bible Quiz Team

As I stated in my last post, we were privileged to go to the Junior Bible Quizzing Tournament. I was "blown away" by the knowledge and skill of these quizzers! Our kids from Wichita Falls were quizzing for the first time and it was so good seeing them involved with learning the scriptures and then doing so well that they came in 5th place out of 29 teams! Bro. Elms and I were SO PROUD of them!!!! Here are a few pictures of them during the tournament.

Haiden, Howie, and Imran (Head Coach: Chris Isom and Coach: Janet Anglin)

Haiden (back) looks on as his quiz buddy, Austin quizzes against Life Tabernacle Team: Brianna, Howie, and Imran. Austin now plays on the Nacogdoches-Center Team.
Coaches discuss while waiting for a "correct or incorrect" verdict from the Quiz Master.
Totally STRESSED...or are they praying it's RIGHT?
Imran is ready to push the button! Everyone has their "thinking caps" on.
Nacodoches-Center is "sweating it out"!
Parents are "praying"!
Total relief! Parents: Christina, Tammy and Dan; Friends: Kenny and Rita Jessica and Imran's mom, Judy are anxiously waiting as they watch the quiz! CONGRATULATIONS TO LIFE TABERNACLE QUIZ TEAM!
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL BIBLE QUIZZERS!

YOU ARE ALL GREAT AND ARE DOING WONDERFUL!

EVERYONE IS A WINNER!!!!

My New Friend, Madeline

Last week at Junior Bible Quizzing in Vidor a young lady walked up to the end of our pew, and when Wendell turned to see what she wanted she asked him, "Is that Sis. Elms?" I overheard her sweet voice asking about me, so I said, "Yes, I'm Sis. Elms." She said, "I read your blog." I was surprised to hear a young lady say she READS my blog, and asked, "You READ my blog, or do you just LOOK at the pictures?" She said, "No, I READ it!" She was so sweet and so cute! So we talked a little then had our picture taken together. I found out she has a blog of her own, so I "visited" her yesterday. I don't know if her blog is open for everyone to read, so I will not direct you to it. If it's open for all to read, then she can let us know. Madeline, I'm glad you came to say "hello". I love having young friends!

Around the District

As of this past Monday night we are finished with all the Sectional Conferences. We have enjoyed travelling the roads of Texas and seeing what a great district we have! Having the opportunity to see the pastors and wives who attended the conferences was so nice! I was made aware of the greatness of these men and women of God as we visited with them. We are blessed to be surrounded by many friends in the Texas District. You have let us be a part of your lives and we are thankful. Each section made us feel welcome and we appreciate it so much. Unity was definitely felt as we came together to worship the Lord, and to hear the message God gave to Bro. Russo, our District Superintendent. He preached with a burden and anointing. Thank God for a leader that follows the direction God gives him for the ministry! Here's a few pictures for you to enjoy.

I didn't get a lot of pictures. Really, I just took pictures when I remembered to take them! Silly me! I'm sorry I missed so many!!

My Rock, My Peace, My Hope

Psa 61:2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

I go to the Rock of my salvation...

My anchor holds and grips the solid rock...

There is peace in the time of trouble...

I have hope...there's a land that's better...

When I walk up the streets of gold...

Won't it be wonderful there...

These have been just a few of my thoughts today. Be strong!

Just one more thought...

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus...

It's Raining!

I just thought I would write a quick post to say "IT'S RAINING"!  North Texas is "ICED IN" (where I use to live) and everyone up there is so happy they don't have to go to school, or they got off work early today, so I wanted to at least say what's happening in my "neck of the woods".  LOL!  I heard a little something about "it might turn to ice", but I don't have a lot of faith for it.  But, who knows...I just might be surprised in the morning when I wake up. 

We have always loved having snow come our way. We love talking about being "snowed in", but when it gets here we don't stay in by the fireplace (when I had one) to stay warm.  My husband would say, "Let's go drive around and see what everything looks like in the snow"!  :)  I guess there has to be a few "weird people" in the world.  Just count us in that group.

To Let You Know

I was asked tonight if everything is okay. Others have mentioned that I haven't been blogging "again". One friend told me that I needed to put something else on my blog. :) Let me say, "I am doing fine." We have been VERY BUSY and by the time we got to the motel or back home I was too tired to blog!!! I do appreciate the concern shown to me by my friends. It makes me feel good inside to know that you care. I hope to be blogging again soon! Have a great day..."This is the day the Lord has made!"

A Word of Encouragement

While sitting here in our motor home tonight this passage of scripture came to me from Psalm 121.

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills---From whence comes my help?  My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.  He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.  Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.  The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand.  The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul.  The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore."

If your heart feels overwhelmed, "look to Jesus"! 

If you're weary of the struggle, "look to Jesus"!

If you can't see your way clear, "look to Jesus"!

If you are struggling with questions, "look to Jesus"! 

If you're disappointed, discouraged, in distress, "look to Jesus"!

Your help cometh from the LORD!  He will take care of you!

The words to the song Bill Henry wrote comes to mind:

But, I've never been disappointed in Jesus.  Doubt has never crossed my mind, for in Him no fault I find.  I've been discouraged with family, deserted by friends.  But, I've never been disappointed in Him.

You can make it through your dark trial!  Look to HIM! 

When my mother was suffering from cancer I was at her house one day cleaning in her bedroom.  While I was cleaning music drifted down the hallway to where I was.  Mother had gone to her piano and started playing and singing:

Master, the tempest is raging! The billows are tossing high!  The skies are o'er shadowed with blackness.  No shelter or help is nigh.  Carest Thou not that we perish?  How canst Thou lie asleep when each moment  so madly is threatening a grave in the angry deep?

The winds and the waves obey Thy will. Peace, be still!  Peace, be still!  Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea or demons or men, or whatever it be.  No waters can swallow the ship where lies the Master of ocean, and earth, and skies.  They all shall sweetly obey Thy will...Peace, be still!  Peace, be still!  They all shall sweetly obey Thy will...Peace, peace be still! 

As she sang I wondered, "How can she sing in the middle of the pain, the struggle, the storm?"  My answer?  She knew the MASTER OF THE WIND!  She was not alone.  HE was with her.  He never left her, or us, in the middle of our "night" and He will not forsake YOU!

Jesus, I want you to touch my friends who are struggling tonight.  Let them feel your arms of love around them.  In Jesus Name!  Amen...let it be so!    

Rest for a Day

Today we have taken the time to get some rest.  We have been going non-stop for several weeks, and it felt good just to stay in one place.  I'm not too far from an Outlet Shopping Mall and didn't even go.  I really thought about it earlier in the day, but decided it wasn't worth the hassle!  :)  I know for the "shopaholics" who read my blog you can't understand, but that's okay.  I don't feel bad at anyone that thinks I'm a little crazy when it comes to shopping, but that's just not one of my "things to do".  I got some things done that I had been needing to do, so I'm really happy about that. 

We will go to two more Sectional Conferences this week, then head home for a couple of days.  At the beginning of next week we will go to Because of the Times.  We haven't been since the first BOTT, so we are looking forward to being there.  I am also looking forward to seeing my family and friends.  There's nothing like "getting together" with those you love. 

Last week was Ashlyn's 2nd birthday, and today was Scarlet's 4th birthday!  Where did the years go?  I want them to know that Papa and Mimi love them and can't wait to see them again soon!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sweethearts!

My brain is a little "mushy" right now.  I guess it should be since it's almost time for the sun to come up!  LOL!  Where oh where did all the good sleep go?  I think I will try to "turn my mind off" and get some rest. 

Fulfilling My Promise and Congratulations Are In Order

In December we travelled through Texas attending Sectional Christmas Banquets. We had a wonderful time! Getting to be with friends, and fellow ministers and their wives for a special time of celebrating Christmas was very fulfilling and enjoyable. The night we were in Section 1 for the banquet I took pictures, but never got to post them like I told Jeremy Lynch and Michael Roach I would. I found out tonight that they have gone to my blog several times in the last few weeks to see the pictures. Shame on me for not posting them. I sure am sorry ya'll!

Bro. Jeremy Lynch and Bro. Michael Roach are the Editors of Apostolic Report. They do a great job on this blog. You will find a lot of interesting "reports" when you visit them. By the way, in the post called "The Best of 2008", on Apostolic Report, if you scroll down to "TOP Referers In 2008", you will see MY BLOG to be in the top three "referers"!!! I thought that was really neat! I told One of them tonight that my blog ought to have a SPECIAL PLACE on Apostolic Report! :) Afterall, I'm one of the reasons they're so popular!!! LOL!

I do not have the time tonight (this morning) to post a "slideshow" of the banquet, but I wanted to blog the picture I took of them. Bro. Michael (right) was voted in tonight as Section One Youth Director! Congratulations, Bro. Michael! You'll do a GREAT job! I really enjoyed your "acceptance speech". God bless you as you work with the youth in Section 1.

Ya'll keep up the great work on your blog. I will be checking back for my "special place"! :)

Is There Such a Thing?

Ok, I know I haven't "blogged" for a whole SIX DAYS, and to be very "upfront"...I feel "backslidden from blogging". :( Is there such a thing? Tonight it was brought to my attention AGAIN when my brother-in-law, Gene, said to a "fellow blogger", "She doesn't blog like she use to!" LOL! Well, SHE hasn't had time to blog "like she use to" since SHE has been busier than SHE ever expected to be! LOL!

We had Section 1 Conference tonight here in Wichita Falls. It's good to be home,and it's wonderful getting to be with Gene and Karla in their church. Yes, I feel at home, yet I know it's not "home" like it use to be. Like Gene said tonight, "it's all turned upside down". It makes me smile. I wonder if God sits back and smiles when He sees how mixed up our family has been this year? Being God, He can do what He wishes with our lives and we are willing for Him to do just that, but He sure has "confused" all of us for awhile. It's not the kind of "confusion" that some would think, but the kind that let's you know "He's in control"!

I trust you all will have a wonderful week! Give God full control of your life. You might be surprised where He leads you, but you'll know you are "safe with Him"!

Eternal Impressions

We have started our "tour" of the district. This week we have been to two sectional conferences and have seven more to go! Two more this week, four next week, and one later in January. That will make a total of nine sectional conferences we will have been to by the end of January! We are really enjoying meeting more preachers and their wives, and seeing the ones we've known for years. Everyone has been so good to us and making us feel "right at home".

Tonight my husband had a neat thing happen to him. We were eating dinner at the church in Newton when he turned to me and said, "Sue Beasley is here." I asked, "Who's that"? He said, "She was my Sunday School teacher when I was a little boy!!!! I was in love with her and wanted to marry her, and when she got married it made me so mad!!"

Through the years I have heard him speak of Sue Beasley, but I don't think I had ever met her. Of course, I HAD TO TAKE A PICTURE!Sunday School teachers....how will your "Sunday School children" feel when they see you 10, 20, 30, 40, or even 50 years from now? I loved hearing the excitement in my husband's voice as he was telling me about "his" Sunday School teacher when he was a child.

The "family of God" is such a neat family! It seems everywhere we go we're running into people that have a "connection" to us from somewhere, or someone. I can only imagine what Heaven will be like!

MAP Weekend

I have just completed one of the most exciting and fulfilling weekends of my life!!!! I wish there was a way to describe what has happened at MAP. At first, I was a little nervous, but my nervousness was mixed with excitement. I couldn't hardly wait for the seminar to begin, yet didn't really know what to expect.

As the preachers and wives began to arrive you could feel an expectancy in the air. As the classes began I could see the eagerness in the faces of our beautiful Pentecostal ladies. You could feel a hunger for the Word of God, and any "nugget" they could get to help them in ministry. Every class was a wealth of information given for each level of ministry. I was so blessed and thankful to hear the doctrines taught that we hold dear to our hearts, practical ministry subjects, and information on working with people. The presence of God came into the classes as instruction was given.

I was sitting in one of the classes as Sis. Watkins finished teaching and felt the presence of God. He didn't come in with trumpets blasting or with a thunderous voice, but in a "quietness" that captivated our hearts. When I opened my eyes I noticed we were all experiencing His presence.

There were many instances this weekend when we were in different classrooms, with different subjects being taught and I would hear sounds of praise and worship coming from down the hall or another area of the building. It was powerful and life changing!!!

As I experienced this weekend I was thinking about all those who hasn't had the opportunity to go through the classes offered, and wished it were different. As a young ministers wife I wish I could have gone through these classes. It would have enhanced my life greatly!

What can I say to tell you so you would understand? My words are so limited!!! It's very frustrating to want to tell you how awesome and powerful MAP was, yet can't express to you the power, the knowledge given, the camaraderie, and the spirit of the whole seminar! I guess you would just have to experience it for yourself. I recommend it to any preacher and his wife who wants to come and wants to be or already is a part of the United Pentecostal Church. This church is ALIVE and WELL! I love what it stands for! I have never felt more encouraged about WHO we are, WHAT we believe, and WHERE we're headed.

Blessings to you as you continue on the "journey".

This world, this world is not my home.

This world, this world is not my home.

This world is not my resting place.

This world, this world is not my home.

I can honestly say that I don't feel at "home" in this world, but while I am waiting for the Lord's return I'm going to do my best to let others know this glorious gospel, and lead them to know what it's like to experience the "true beauty of holiness".

Note: I did not take one picture! That's really different for me, but I was very, very, very busy, and then for some reason I just didn't feel to take any. I felt this was a "personal and sacred time" for those who were attending, so I honored that.

2009 Has Begun

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My, how time FLIES! I sat down to do this post and looked to see what time it was and it's already 35 minutes after the New Year started!!!!

I pray each one of you will be blessed beyond measure in 2009. I have really been looking forward to a new year. I just feel for some reason that it is going to be a good year in so many ways.

I want you all to know that I love having you as friends. You have helped me so many times, and you probably didn't even realize it. THANK YOU for your love and friendship. Let's make this year GREAT!