California Trip - 17 Mile Drive

The day after our shopping trip with the "girls" the Shoemakes took us over to Monterey to eat and to see the beautiful ocean! We ate at Lattitudes in Monterey then took a drive down 17 Mile Drive. It was a GORGEOUS, PERFECT day!

If you've never been to California, you really ought to go sometime! I would love to take about 4 weeks (at least) and visit all the gorgeous sights California has to offer. I know that is not possible at this time in life, but maybe someday we will have that opportunity. I'm thankful for this "unexpected" trip! It was wonderful!!!

House Is SOLD

This week brought a lot of relief to our minds when our house SOLD after 1 year and 4 months! We are so thankful it is no longer in our names, and we now have all of our earthly possessions at least in the same town where we are.

We have been looking for a house for quite awhile. We are ready to move into our own place! We have been fine, but we're ready to be in our own house so we can spread out a little and be surrounded by "familiar things" enjoying the warmth of "home". I am praying we will know which house will be the "right one".

There's so much to tell, and not enough time to tell it! Maybe I can post some more about our California Trip over the next several days.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thankful All Is Well

This morning while getting dressed to leave for the day I was startled when I heard a man's voice I did not recognize in our "apartment". I stayed quiet, and once again I heard him say "hello" with a question in his voice. I quickly stepped into the bedroom area and he was standing at the door!!! He was startled to see ME and said, "Uhhhh....is this a HOUSE?" I was in such shock that I hardly could answer, so when I found my voice I said, "uhhhh....yes....". He continued, "I'm looking for (a certain address) and my GPS directed me here. Is this Walden St.?" I again, answered, "uhhhh....no....". He STOOD THERE and looked at me, and I STOOD THERE and stared at him! I still don't know what I would have done if he would have come at me, but I guarantee you one thing...he would have had a terrible time if he had!

When I saw my husband a little later I told him what had happened, and I can say that I definitely had his FULL attention. :) He told me what to do if that ever happened again, and also said he would make sure he LOCKED the door the next time he left the house. I really do appreciate that! :)

I'm really thankful all is well! It could have been so much worse. I know God has His hand on our lives! I do have to chuckle a little when I think about the shocked look on that man's face! I don't know what he saw in my eyes, but I think he knew I wasn't r-e-a-l happy about him "invading my space"!

California Trip - Girls Shopping Trip

After all the celebration, Ronda came over to San Jose the next day and we went "shopping" for a little while. Really, to be truthful about it, we didn't shop much at all! It was too hot for the "California Girls"!!! :) We picked up a few things then decided to go to Foster's Freeze and get an Orange Freeze to cool off! We didn't have to do anything to enjoy being together. That's what family is...just enjoying one another! Here's a few pictures for you to enjoy!

My California Sister...Ronda
Foster's Freeze...it's a tradition. Been going here since I was a little girl.
My life-long and dearest friend...Bobbie
Danelle and Nanci joined us that evening after we returned home.
As you can see, I'm giving little tidbits of the few days we got to spend in California. There is so much surrounding each day. We took advantage of every minute we were awake to spend with family and friends.

California - Jimmy and Bobbie's Surprise

This is the first post about our California Trip. We had a wonderful time with friends and family. I will start off by saying that we really didn't get any "rest", but the time spent with our loved ones meant a lot more than any "rest" we could get! We had a very memorable trip.

The reason for us going to California was the invitation from the Shoemake's "kids" to come and SURPRISE their parents for very special birthday's that Jimmy and Bobbie were celebrating. If you want to know which birthday it was I guess you'll need to ask them. :) We were so happy that it was possible for us to go. God knows how to work things out for us when He knows the "desire of our hearts". The week before I received the phone call from Nanci I had mentioned to my husband that I would like to go visit our "family" in California. Let me stop here and say, "The Shoemake's are family". I've known Bobbie ALL of my life (since I was 6 weeks old). I grew up listening to her sing, and sitting around the "Thornton Family Table", eating cornbread and beans, and sitting on Bro. McCoy's knee (Bobbie's dad) drinking coffee, which was the BEST COFFEE I have ever had. I'm sure it was because the coffee he fixed for me was mostly sugar and cream. :) I can still taste it!!! It was SO GOOD! That's just a little tiny history of our relationship. I could go on for hours about it, and maybe I will in another part of my "California Trip Blogs".

Anyway, to get back to what I was saying......we got the invitation to "Jimmy and Bobbie's Summer Surprise". There was no way we were going to miss it, if at all possible. God made it possible......we went, and it was wonderful! We talked, and laughed, ate a delicious meal, and sang around the piano with Bobbie. It was great being with everyone as we celebrated the life of two awesome people.

I'll Get To It...Sometime

Well, I thought I was going to blog today, but I was wrong. I really want to start working on a post about our trip! I won't make any promises that I will post anything this weekend, because the next several days are FULL. Maybe, just maybe I'll get to work on it a little...I hope I can, but if not...I guess it will have to wait. I really do still love you all! :)

HOME From California

We had an awesome time seeing friends and family in California, but I am happy to be home! Back to my computer, my roads, my car... I'm sure you've got the picture. Thank the Lord for good flights! I was really happy to get my feet back on the ground. The flights were fine (a little bumpy at times) but I did okay.

I have downloaded all my pictures tonight, and will be blogging about our trip as soon as I get the chance. But, for now...I think I'm going to bed!

Taking A Minute to Touch Base

Oh my! I have been missing my blog and all my friends out there who say they read it. :)

We've been having a great time visiting friends and family. We hadn't been to California in a long time, so God blessed us with this trip. He knows just what we need, and I'm so glad He provided a way for us to come. We have been to San Jose, Hollister, Fresno, Rialto, and South Pasadena. We will be going home soon, and I will blog about it all when I get there. It will take a few days to write about it , and posting pictures will definitely take a while. I have taken about 500 pictures to this point!!! I won't post them all, but will post enough for you to "get the picture" of what we've been up to.

I have started missing "home". Texas is definitely my "home" since I have been there longer than anywhere in my life, but it's been really nice visiting my "roots" once again.

Tomorrow we will be in church with Bernard and Sandy Elms and we are looking forward to it. I love being here with them! They are some of the most awesome people you will ever meet!

Well, I will be talking to ya'll later. I trust you will all have a great day tomorrow!

I'll Be Back

A lot of ya'll know, but just in case you're wondering why I'm not "posting" here on my blog...I am on vacation! We are having a wonderful time! When I get back home I will write about it.

I trust ya'll are doing wonderful! When you wake up in the morning remember to REJOICE IN THE LORD, for he is doing great things and is worthy to be praised!

David and Linda Visit...and A Lesson Remembered

We've had a wonderful week with David and Linda Elms. (Yes, there's another Linda Elms) They are absolutely some of the most wonderful people to be around. If you know David and Linda I know you agree with me. The only thing about them "coming" was that they had to "leave" and that made me sad! While they were here we took them to one of the restaurants we frequent pretty often and they loved it! We call it Dean's, but I think it has another name. I didn't know "for sure" if they would like it as much as we do, but found out real quick they did. In fact, Linda asked to go back again! She LOVED the home cooked vegetables, homemade desserts, and fried catfish.
We loved having them here! There is NOTHING like being with family when you can relax together, talk and laugh together, and sit in silence together. Just being together is so special!!!

Bro. Russo wanted to take David on a Texas horse ride while he was here, so he took David and Wendell out for a little while.

They loaded up and went ridin' in the wagon. David was having a good 'ole Texas time!
Last, but sure not least...My honey ridin'! I sure do love this man!!! Also, while they were here we sold our motorhome, so now we are living in the "Guest Apartment" on the camp ground. For those of you TEXAN'S who did not realize we have a "Guest Apartment" on the camp ground, you would probably recognize it more if I said "Nurse's Station". :) When there are no youth camps going on the Nurse's Station is converted into an apartment for visiting missionaries and minister's.

I am thankful I have a place to live! People ask, from time to time, if we've bought a house in Lufkin. We haven't bought a house, because ours has not sold in Wichita Falls. We are waiting, waiting, waiting!

I can hear Mother's voice from many years ago when I was a teenager. One night we were waiting for Daddy to finish talking to someone after church, and I was getting really impatient. Mother finally looked at me and said, "Linda, if you're going to marry a preacher you're going to have to learn to be patient!"

After several things happened this week, of which I will not go into at this time, I remembered that very night when I was told I "needed to learn to be patient while waiting on Daddy".
That was MANY years ago, but somehow when I was young I didn't connect that statement to my heavenly Father!

Yes, I have been waiting, and haven't been impatient with Him, but after events that have taken place this week, I have found myself getting impatient, and I heard Mother's voice, one more time, "Linda, if you're going to marry a preacher....you're going to HAVE TO LEARN TO BE PATIENT!"

"Yes, Mother...I am still learning what it means to WAIT! Hopefully, I will pass the "patience test" this time!"

Things Happening

I'm on my way to bed, but stopped by to check any comments left on my blog over the last few days. We've been really busy and I have things to write about, so I will get some rest and hopefully over the next several days I'll be ablet to sit down for a little while and "blog". I miss it!

God's Protection

My phone rang this afternoon. It was Jonathan calling to "chat", but something told me that he was calling for more than that. We talked a minute then he told me that Brenda and the girls were in Wal-Mart when a tornado hit it. He said, "they are okay but were really scared!" I knew that was an understatement, but he's going to keep calm with me. He told me what he knew about it, and I was thanking God everyone was fine.

Then, I got a call from Brenda. "Mom, have you heard?" I told her Jonathan had called." Her voice was intense as she told of what her and the girls had just experienced.

Brenda, Savanna and Scarlet were in the shoe area of Wal-Mart when they heard hail hitting the roof. She said "It was SO LOUD"! Then, they heard more noise, and people running and yelling, "TORNADO! IT'S A TORNADO!" The lights went out, and Brenda grabbed Savanna and Scarlet just as a Wal-Mart worker grabbed her and said, "Come on! We've got to go!" They got into a hallway and Brenda said to the worker and the girls, "We've got to pray!" They started praying, and then the worker said, "We've got to go further! Follow me!" They followed her to a safer room that was packed with people. Savanna and Scarlet were crying and clinging to Brenda, so Brenda had to tell them, "Girls, we've got to get it together." Then she asked them, "Do you remember how God protected Noah and his family in the storm?" They said, "Yes." Brenda went on, "Well, He's going to protect us, too! Let's pray!" She said they started praying, and in a few minutes all was quiet, the lights came on, and someone came and said, "EVERYONE EVACUATE!"

They walked out of the room to the front of the store, and Brenda said it looked awful outside! Cars on top of cars, grocery carts everywhere, and debris everywhere! She walked over to her car and nothing had happened to it.

There was a lady from her church who had gone out to her car, in the same parking lot, and the tornado hit. The pressure sucked her windows out of her car, tilted the car, but she was okay except for some glass in her hair, and I'm sure some frazzled nerves!

There were others that I've heard about that were in the middle of the storm, but was not injured in anyway!!!

Tonight, I'm thanking God that ALL IS WELL!!! Things could have been so much worse! "He's an on time God!" I can go to sleep tonight knowing that our lives are in His hands and He'll take care of us.

A Sincere Letter

Dear Preacher and Preacher's Wife,

My heart has been stirred this week and I feel so inadequate to write what I feel on my heart tonight, but several times this week it has been confirmed. Earlier in the week I said to my husband, "I am not afraid of the younger generation not believing it like they should. What concerns me is that those our age, and some just younger than us, and some just older than us won't give a clear and certain sound to them!" I went on to say, "This generation wants to hear it preached just like we heard it when we were growing up! We LOVED hearing what we believed, and why we believed it!"

Yes, in our generation there were those who were carnal and didn't always live for God. There were those who were always playing around with the world, but there was always a large group of young people who just kept on living for God, because we had preacher's who preached the Word, and preacher's wives who lived it!

I sat in Youth Camps this year and listened as the Word of God was preached with passion, and the young people LOVED it! They were into the preaching with all their hearts. They were hungry for what they were hearing and accepted it. They were in the altars consecrating their lives to God, and giving up things that hindered their walk with Him.

I have sat and listened to our young preacher's and preacher's wives talk and what I've been hearing is that they WANT to hear the "older generation" give a CERTAIN SOUND! Our young preacher's and preacher's wives want to know what being a true Apostolic means. They love a clear sound!

So many times the "older generation" shakes their heads with disbelief as they look at the "younger generation" because "they just don't have it like we had it". I must disagree! They LOVE God as much as we loved Him! They LOVE Apostolic moves of the Holy Ghost, just like we loved it! They LOVE to hear the preaching of the Word of God that declares the plan of salvation - repentance, baptism in Jesus Name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost! They love hearing Biblical doctrine preached - the oneness of God, Who He is, and what His Name is! And...they LOVE to hear the doctrine of separation from the world, just like we loved it! They want to know just like we wanted to know!

Let me ask? How can they know unless they hear it preached by those they trust and love? How can they understand what true Apostolic worship is if they do not see it from us who are older? How will they know how to pray and intercede if they don't see us in travailing prayer? HOW WILL THEY KNOW?

My heart has been stirred this week, first of all from God, and secondly from others who I have heard speak about this very thing! I humbly, yet passionately cry.....PREACHER....PREACH THE WORD as if it was your last time to Preach! Preach in LOVE and PASSION! Don't be confused and frustrated from the voices that speak against you!

If OUR GENERATION doesn't show the way, there will be no path to follow!

I am such a small voice crying in the darkness of this world. But, I would be so thankful if my few words would penetrate someone's heart to be encouraged tonight.

A Sunshine Day

I am tired tonight from a very busy day, but such a fulfilling one. I always look forward to the days when I know people will be coming to Lufkin, no matter what meeting it might be. So, today I had the privilege of being with the Texas District Leadership from every department. They came together for the 2010 Department Planning Session. Whether we want to think about it or not, 2010 is just around the corner, so the leaders have been praying, thinking, and planning for another GREAT year in the Texas District!

The meetings started out with hearing a short, annointed message from Bro. Russo, our Superintendent. He spoke with passion and gave direction to those who are willing to follow. Thank you Bro. Russo for being a great leader! After he finished speaking and had a time of prayer, the committee's went to their assigned rooms to plan.

I was asked to sit in on the Ladies Ministries committee meeting and had a wonderful time. I love listening to minds as they click together in unity forming the new year! Donna Myre is the Ladies President of Texas and she does a fantastic job. Thank you, Donna for your service and for making me feel special today.

After the meeting I went to eat with my husband, then dropped him off at the motorhome and went to Logan's to meet the ladies once again. I wasn't finisthed being with friends, so I had to take advantage of visiting just a little bit longer. If you have followed my blog for very long you have realized I LOVE being with friends when I get a chance. :)

This is just a little update on what happened in my life today. I am thankful I had this opportunity to spend just a little of my time with great people!

Oh...and to top my day off...there was a BEAUTIFUL SUNSET as the day came to a close! Thank you Jesus! I know you love me!

My Mind's On Vacation

While I was getting dressed this morning my mind decided to go on vacation! When I realized where it was going, I thought I would tag along. My mind, body, soul and spirit feels very refreshed since I went along with my mind. :) If you can't be on vacation today, go ahead and allow your mind to take you places that mean a whole lot more than getting in the car and driving to a destination! God is good to all of us! Enjoy your "travels" today!

As A Child - Teenager

Home

Music always playing from the stereo in the living room.

Dinner prepared by my beautiful Mother.

Taco's, grilled cheese, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, corn bread, beans, chicken fried steak, cream gravy, ummmm.....good!

Mother singing as she works around the house.

Daddy's voice as he prays over the meal.

Keith's voice, singing, laughing.

Ronda and her naturally curly brown hair that made bouncy curls.

Karla as a baby when she "invaded" my 13 year, 10 month world! (We always said I was 14 yrs. old when she was born. It was easier that way.)

Evangelists, visiting ministers and wives staying with us in our house.

Sitting around the table talking, laughing, and then getting serious as Daddy talked about Heaven.

Daddy grilling steaks, Mother preparing the salad, baked potatoes, and vegetables.

Ice Cream Freezer whirring in the kitchen.

Singing around the piano.

Practicing with Keith and Mother to sing a new song in church.

Coming home from school and seeing a letter from my boy friend, Wendell!!!! :)

Sometimes a Sunday Lunch with tuna sandwiches, chips, dip, pickles, Dr. Pepper, Sweet tea.

Sunday afternoon nap time!

So many memories I can't put them all in this one post......

As a Mom

Becoming a Mom!

Holding my babies in my arms.

All the sweet baby years - the first cry, the first tooth, the first crawl, the first pulling up at the table, the first smile, the first laugh, the first look straight into my eyes. (and so much more)

Jonathan and Andrew playing in the living room.

Wendell pestering them in line at the grocery store.

Tasha - our sweet poodle who loved to play "hide and seek".

Taking a trip to the lake with our boat.

Boys water skiing!

Eating sandwiches on the boat with chips, dip, Cokes, Dr. Pepper, Diet Coke, Nutter-butter cookies, and Pecan Sandies.

Grilling outside as the boys swam in the pool.

Eating by the poolside at the patio table.

Snow skiing trips!

Music coming from the boys rooms.

Games from the game room.

Andrew saying, "Hi Mom!"

Jonathan playing the drums in his room.

Talking with the boys after Dad went to bed was my "together time" with them. Loved it!

Picking them up at school and asking how things went and knowing they were alright!

Seeing them receive the Holy Ghost and being baptized in Jesus Name!

Meeting their lovely, beautiful girlfriends, who turned into being their wives!

Sitting in their wedding's thinking how blessed we were to be adding such lovely girls to our family.

Hearing them preach the word of God under the anointing of the Holy Ghost.

Hearing their saints call them "Pastor".

Ahhhhh....life has been good....and God has been GREAT to me!

Soul's Vacation

Heaven

Jesus

Loved Ones

No sin

No sickness

No death

No tears

Rest

Peace

No more worry

My Hope

Forever in His presence with my family and friends!

Another Great Sunday!

I am SO EXCITED! I've been reading about all the different churches and what an incredible weekend everyone had, and I'm so happy! Several churches are reporting souls receiving the Holy Ghost and being baptized in Jesus Name this weekend, some talking about how "ON FIRE" their young people are upon returning home from National Youth Congress, and how they blessed their churches tonight! WOW! It's just exciting to be part of a movement where God is doing great and mighty things!

We also had a great time this weekend! We were at Hudson, TX with Pastor and Sis. Ron Smith and their sweet congregation. God knew what we needed to hear this weekend and this morning we heard a great message from Bro. Jeff Jones entitled, "More Than Meets the Eye". He really blessed our hearts with this message. Thank you Bro. Jones for an anointed delivery of the message God gave you. I love knowing God places us in the right place to hear exactly what we need to hear! Bro. and Sis. Smith, ya'll once again treated us with such love and care. You always make us feel "right at home" and we enjoy being with you and your church family. We enjoyed the fellowship and meals today and tonight! We love you! And...we sure enjoyed singing a "trio" with Bro. Smith tonight! :)

This morning on our way to church we were very thankful that God showed us His protecting power when a lady pulled out from a side road right in front of us. We were going a good speed, and we barely missed her. Wendell slammed on the brakes, swerving into the other lane, and I called on the Name of Jesus! When it was all over we started thanking the Lord for protecting us! If we had hit her someone could have been killed, or critically injured. It very possibly would have been all three of us. Thank you Jesus for watching over your children! It was so nice to walk through the doors of Westside Apostolic Church this morning!!!! It was wonderful getting to worship the King of Kings! Our lives could have been changed this morning, but God let us live another day. I'm sure glad He wasn't finished with us here on earth!!!

Ya'll have a great week! There is no telling what God is doing that we don't even see...yet!

I Choose to Be Happy

Before going to bed tonight I wanted to stop by my blog and say, I'M SO THANKFUL for this week. I've had a wonderful time "attending National Youth Congress" via Facebook. Sometimes I almost felt like I was there in Nashville, TN as I read all the comments, and heard all the reports about the powerful services and preaching! As I would read my heart was "made glad" to know there are thousands of young people, pastors, and youth ministers who love Truth and are not going to leave it, or let the world intimidate them for "who they are"!

Then, I heard from California about the awesome Western District Camp Meeting, and my heart was "made glad" to hear about the unity that was felt, and the powerful, anointed services they had. I love hearing great reports!

God is doing incredible things in our churches, our young people, and our districts and we are all feeling the affect of it from coast to coast!

As I "surfed" the comments about Youth Congress, one of the people who was there told how wonderful it was, and as she came to the end of her comments she said these words...."Let the naysayers and critics just be quiet!" :) And, I say a hearty "AMEN"!

I have had no one say anything to me negatively about what is happening in our ranks, so now I can feel free to say what I want to say, and you won't think I'm talking about someone in particular. Isn't that the way we all think sometimes? (I wonder who she's talking about? :)

So here is what I want to say...

There is nothing more frustrating or stressful than to be around someone who is always finding fault with something you enjoyed! Some people seem to find so much joy in taking away yours by constantly jabbing and making light of the things God is doing. I've lived long enough to realize I don't have to have "friends" who talk negatively about what I've loved all my life. When I do happen to be around someone of this attitude, I always go home feeling like I need to pray and ask God to wash my mind of this kind of talk and spirit! I don't know if any of you have ever felt that way, but I have. The people with a "good report" are the ones I want to "hang around". I don't have to be with anyone who clutters my mind with negative, critical talk.

Wow! What have I gotten myself into? :) I wasn't going to write all of this tonight, but it's true and I think there's a whole lot of people out there who feel exactly the same as I do!

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psa 133:1)

Remember, I haven't had anything happen that would make me want to write this tonight. I just feel like it's time to speak up for "what is right", stand up for "who we are", and not give in to anything or anyone that wants to destroy the truth we all hold so dear. The only way anyone can destroy what I have is if I let them! I refuse to let that happen!

I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY!

Want to join me? I'd love to have you along for the ride.....

The Old Man, A Mole, and A Pastor

While going through things at home last week I ran across a small notebook that I kept close by for when I had a thought come to me. I was going to throw it away, but before I did I wanted to see if I had written anything that I would like to keep. When I started thumbing through it, I came across a dream I had 6 years ago. Then I remembered writing it down. Here is what I wrote.

Dec. 2003 - just before Christmas I had this dream.

Half-way house
Old man - look like a drunk
Pastor - distinguished, classy
A mole - ugly, hair matted, eating rats, barely could move, only grunted when touched, was nothing to be desired.

I watched as the old man would pick up "the mole" and "try" to feed him.

I asked him, "Why are you trying to feed that old mole anything else besides rats?"

He answered, "Because I use to be an "old mole" just like him, but that man over there forced me to eat delicious food off of the table, and here I am today." (this old man had a ways to go - he was still very unkept)

When he said "that man over there" I turned and saw a very distinguished man. I was shocked to see him. I had known him all my life, yet did not know he had worked with this "kind of animals" to rehabilitate them. I watched as he literally picked this "critter" up, held it in his arms and forced its mouth open to feed it bites of steak and delicious food that only those who were human would eat. As I continued watching he made sure the "critter" chewed a few bites, then he sat him back down on the floor, shook his head sadly and thought to himself, "It's so sad to see something like this not enjoy the delicous food I feed him. He just wants to stay the way he is, because he doesn't know any different." Day after day I watched as this man, the Pastor would take this "old critter" in his arms and feed him...trying to get him to change. Never did he seem discouraged with his mission!

Then the scene changed:

A lovely young couple walked up with two babies. They were smiling. One of the babies had wet all over itself, so the father reached down and took it into the building that was close by to clean him up. I realized it was the old half-way house and he knew where to go.

As I stood watching I noticed some friends of the Pastor who were waiting for him to go eat. They were getting rather impatient, because he seemed so attentive to this young couple. Then it dawned on me WHO this couple was.

The young man had been the "old critter" (mole) in the first part of my dream! I had watched the Pastor feed him, and because of the Pastor there had been a transformation in this young man's life so great that he could stand up tall and straight with his shoulders back, smiling, dressed nicely, having a family, and living joyously!

I ran to tell the friends of the Pastor this story and they were all amazed, because they had never known he had worked like this to help "those kind of people"!

That was the end of my dream, then I went ahead and wrote:

WOW! How God uses a man to change a soul so they can have life! Yet, I see some who are returning to their "old life" - forgetting all those times the under-shepherd took them in his arms and fed them. Could it be that the "old man" who was STILL in the half-way house was someone the Pastor had helped, yet they didn't want to make the change? They just grew up from being a "mole" to someone grovelling along the ground eating the rats of life. When it came to really changing they just wanted a "little bit" of the good food they were offered. Enough to be satisfied, but not enough to be changed into a life of fulfillment. So, they remained grown up, but still had the look of a beggar.

Contrast that to the young man who had it all together. It seemed he was fed forcefully at times...made to open his mouth...made to chew his food, and because the Pastor never gave up on him, he had become a great young man with a life full of all God wanted him to have. Yes, there was a daily reminder with the "old man" who continued to hang around the half-way house that there would always be those who would not change - they would stay just inside, in the warmth of the half-way house, never satisfied or transformed. Just existing! On the other hand, there will always be great joy when a Pastor see's the "fruit of his labor" in the lives of those who want to live for God with all their hearts, and have a life-changing experience! Even though there are some who do not want to eat when the Pastor preaches, there are a lot more who love eating what is set before them! They WANT to do whatever it takes to be saved! Those people are the ones who make the "task of being a Pastor" worth it!

A few more thoughts as I review:

Dear Pastor....PREACH ON! Preach the Word so I can be saved! PLEASE...don't get weary! If you have to say, "EAT IT it'll make you healthy"...SAY IT! Preach "stubborness" out of my life! Preach "self-justification" out of my heart! Call "sin" SIN! Don't let me be decieved into thinking I'm okay, just because "everyone is doing it"! PREACH! PLEASE PREACH!

To the "old man" who only ate just enough to exist, but not enough to change (anyone can be this "old man")....Someday you will regret that you didn't listen and follow instructions. You thought you could "hear, yet not obey" and still be changed. You thought you could do it "your way", but let me remind with a heart filled with love and mercy, you can't make it without a Pastor who will "preach without fear or favor". You find it hard to swallow the food he prepares for his flock, so you remain unchanged, grovelling in the things of this world, miserable, unhappy, hoping to make everyone think you're doing alright by trying to "feed others around you", but what you have to offer is "not accepted" by those who are really hungry.

Mr. or Mrs. Mole - transformed into being a "new creature" in Christ Jesus....Keep following the Pastor that God has placed in your life! Eat from the Word he serves at every meal! You will have a beautiful fulfilled life, and when you walk through the gates of the city you'll be so happy that you "feasted at the King's table"!!!! Now...that's GOOD EATIN'!

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Cor. 5:17 )

Note: I don't know if this makes sense to anyone but me. I do know that I don't want to be someone who "says" I will follow Him, then turn away from what I know is truth!

There is a song written many years ago that said it like this:

"If I carry the gospel to the regions of the lost; To a world that's going astray. Don't let me fail just in sight of the gate, and become just a cast away."

Rejoicing With "Our" Young People

I absolutely love hearing all the reports coming from National Youth Congress! 18,000-20,000 young people worshiping and praising God under one roof has got to be one of the most awesome sounds in the world! From what I've been hearing and reading on Facebook, there has been some solid Apostolic preaching and the young people are raving about it! I LOVE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE!

For Those Who Still Read My Blog

Busy, busy, busy! Once again I've been too busy to turn on my computer and blog! If anyone is still reading my blog, the following is what I've been "busy" doing.
This past weekend we went to Houston so we could attend Jared Gurley's wedding. Ronda, Nathan and Nathaniel flew in from California, so Wendell and I went to visit with them. Gene and Karla also drove down from Wichita Falls, and Jonathan and Brenda came, so I'm sure it's needless to say, but we had a really nice time! Sometimes you need to be with family and this was one of those times. Something weird happened with my camera, but I still wanted to add this picture. This is what we did a lot of the time we were together. We always have so much fun!We got home Saturday. Took care of a few things then packed and headed to Wichita Falls to do some packing in our house. We haven't sold it yet, but we felt like we needed to go and pack! We arrived in Wichita Falls in time for the evening service at Life Tabernacle and surprised everyone! It was so nice getting to be in church at "home". Gene invited Wendell to say a few words and asked us to sing, so we did. It felt natural being there. :) We definitely felt loved! I didn't take a lot of pictures. I was either too busy talking and having fun, or working to much to think of it.

Monday rolled around and Rita and Tammy came over to help me with the house. Rita is amazing when it comes to packing the kitchen! It's amazing how many things she can get packed into a box! LOL! Tammy and I listened for instructions from her and did what she told us to do. :) Thank you, Rita and Tammy for your help! I could have done it, but it would have taken all week to get it done!

On Tuesday, Rita came back over and finished the kitchen while I went through the house getting rid of stuff we didn't need or want. We got so much done!!!!
Wendell worked HARD in the garage and anywhere else he found to work! That is just ONE of the many things I admire about my husband. He is a hard worker! I got a picture of him sitting in his "easy chair" that he misses so much. I love you, Wendell! Kenny came over and helped Wendell with moving some heavy boxes. Thank you, Kenny! I really miss my Music Room at home. Maybe someday I'll have another one. That will be nice! We drove home today. It was kind of quiet. We were tired, thoughtful, and ready to be back home in the "swing of life". We are praying ernestly that the house will sell SOON! It's a beautiful home, and it's very comfortable, and liveable, so someone ought to buy it. Maybe it won't be too much longer. I'm sure God knows exactly what is going on and I trust Him in all things. The "perfect timing" on His calendar usually isn't the "perfect timing" on our calendars. The "will of God" is wonderful to live in, so we are waiting on Him. I'm glad we know that He is in control of our lives. There is no way to explain the peace and contentment we feel, even though our circumstances are not perfect...from the "human way of thinking". If we could see what God see's we might understand "why" He does things the way He does. I just think it's best to "trust Him" completely with our lives. It feels "safer" resting in His hands!

Eight years ago on August 5th, Mother went home to be with the Lord. I miss her greatly! I would love to sit down and talk to her and tell her everything that has been happening in our family. I look forward to the day when we will all meet again..."in front of the throne". We will be able to talk for eternity!