Thanksgiving '09

I sit at my computer after experiencing our first Thanksgiving in our new home in Lufkin, TX. I have said it before, but I will say it many more times, I'm sure..."It's just hard to believe that I am living in Lufkin. Not that I have anything against it, I just didn't ever think I would live here. Our life's work was going to end in Wichita Falls, but God saw differently, so we are "happy in the will of God".

Thanksgiving was very special to us this year. It's always special, but this year we felt so blessed to be in a house again and to have our children HOME! From the moment they all arrived we had a wonderful time. The only thing that was wrong is the day they got here, I got sick. Even though I was not well, I was happy just having my family here. Our house was blessed with love and laughter, granddaughters playing and making a mess, two puppies running and playing, food being prepared, clanking of pots and pans, dishwasher whirring, and ice maker working overtime to keep enough ice in the bin. There were silly jokes being told by little girls, then giggles as they ran off to their "make believe world". Yes, a lot of the same things happened in your homes this week I'm sure, but to me my house became a HOME when all the family came and "broke it in". I was so happy to hear they all liked our house and were comfortable.

After the Thanksgiving meal was prepared we gathered around, took each others hands and prayed. I couldn't really voice a prayer for the tears that filled my eyes, ran down my cheeks, and the lump that was in my throat. I had to just "thank God" for all His blessings on our lives. Wendell prayed, then I heard his voice break and he could not say much more, then I focused on our sons as they prayed and thanked God for all of His blessings. I heard the sweet voices of our "daughters" as they lifted their voices in gratitude and thanks to our great God...the One that had brought us through many uncertain days. Our hearts were full and running over!

Here we are with our FOUR granddaughters: Savanna, Alayna, Ashlyn, and Scarlet
I stepped out on the deck in our backyard and this is what I saw. These two had gone around to the side of the house and found a table "just their size" and had their own little "tea party". Alayna and Savanna were always talking, planning, and having fun. They LOVE being together. I don't think there was a cross word between them. They are growing up WAY TOO FAST!
Here they are...all FOUR of them! I never knew so much sweetness could come in such little packages. Here's the grown-ups: Andrew, Mandy, Jonathan, Brenda, Me, Wendell. I walked outside to see what Wendell was doing and found him reading the newspaper, but Ashlyn wanted to be like Papa, so she pulled up her table and chairs and arranged them just "perfect" so she could be in his company. I loved it!Alayna wanted to sweep the leaves off the deck. Of course, more fell just after she finished. That is one thing I never had to do in Wichita Falls. Sweep the porch to make it fresh again, yes...but not because of the falling leaves. Savanna and Alayna are both interested in the piano and they both have a good ear for music. I'm glad...and so is Papa!These two, Ashlyn and Scarlet make me laugh! You never know what they're "up to". Ashlyn and Tinkerbell. This ought to make you smile for a week.The last night we were all together I sat down at the piano. Wendell came over and we sang..."I've a Friend who's always near me. I've a Friend who always cheers me. I've a Friend who is so dear to me. What a precious Friend is He. He'll go with me through the valley. He'll go with me all the way, everyday. Savior, help me to have faith in Thee. What a precious Friend is He."

Music is like a magnet, so in a few minutes everyone was gathered around and as I played, we sang. Sometimes it was a faster tempo and the little girls and Mandy danced around having fun with the music. Then, I would feel Ashlyn inch her way into my lap and she was requesting to sing, "Birdie with a yellow bill, hopped upon my window sill...." Then she was gone once again to dance and sing. :) To top the night off the song of choice was, "Down from His glory, ever living story. My God and Savior came and Jesus was His name. Born in a manger, to His own a stranger. A man of sorrow, tears and agony. Oh, how I love Him! How I adore Him! My breath, my sunshine. My all in all. The great Creator became my Savior and all God's fullness dwelleth in Him." As if to put a crown on the evening the greatest King of all King's came into our living room and met us as we sang about Him coming to redeem us.

For the rest of my life I will carry the memory of a beautiful "First Thanksgiving" in our new house, that became a HOME, because our family was together once again.

A Song I'll Always Love

The last few days I have had a song on my mind and it doesn't seem to want to go away. I have loved the song as long as I can remember, and have always wanted it to be my "way of life", but it seems lately that I have felt I wanted it more than ever. "Listen" to the words....

I've been on the mountain with Jesus.
I've been in the valley so low.
But, not one time has He failed me,
When to Him with my burdens I go.

So, let me walk with you Jesus.
Don't ever leave me alone.
For without You I could never.
No, never make Heaven my home.

You found me when I was so lonely.
You found me when I was so blue.
You found me when no one could help me,
And I didn't know just what to do.

So, let me walk with you Jesus....

I never want to walk the road of life without Him by my side! I have lived enough life to know that I could NEVER make it without Him.

If you're finding it difficult to walk through the valley, or it's getting difficult to climb the mountain in front of you...stop, enjoy the beauty that surrounds you, take a deep breath, look around and find where HE might be standing, then reach out and take His hand for He will help you to keep walking. Jesus will never leave you alone. He will never walk so far ahead of you that you cannot see Him if you stop and look around.

Whoever might be feeling that you're all alone...let me tell you that you're never alone! You'll feel better if you'll start singing. So, I'm inviting you to sing with me....

So, let me walk with you Jesus.
Don't ever leave me alone.
For without you I could never.
No, never make Heaven my home.

Don't you feel better now?

It's Here....Thanksgiving Week

This week is a week I've been looking forward to. My kids are coming HOME! I'm anxiously waiting for them to drive into the drive-way, the door bell to ring and I'll rush to answer the door...if I can wait that long...then I'll hear the giggles of little girls, and feel their little bodies as I get hugs and kisses from them. After all the lovin' from our sweethearts I will then feel the loving arms of my "daughters" and the strong arms of our sons as they give me warm hugs. I LOVE being MOM! Mom's are so blessed! To give birth to your children, to hold their little bodies as you feed them, rocking them to sleep when they are so tiny, praying for them, watching them grow up to be "grown-ups", fulfilling that which God has called them to be...is the greatest calling in the world! It is also the most fulfilling. I love being MOM.

No, I won't complain about the house being messed up, or the kitchen getting dirty. I will love having them home and ENJOY every second we spend together.

HOME is a wonderful place to be at anytime, but when it's filled with the people you love the most, it's got to be "a little taste of HEAVEN"!

Today

Today, I lived life to it's fullest!

I have sat and talked with friends and family and enjoyed the sweetness of their presence.

I have enjoyed seeing a young couple wed and felt the heart of parents who were proud of their "kids".

I have talked to my sons and heard the depth of love in their voices.

I have sat with my husband, held his hand and knew that he loved me.

Today, I have felt God's love through smiles, handshakes, and hugs.

Today...I have lived!

A New, Yet...Familiar Experience

This weekend we were gone to preach in Tulsa, OK for Pastor and Mrs. Don Martin and had an incredible time. I will post about it later, but what I wanted to say tonight is:

Since moving to Lufkin over a year and a half ago, we have not had the familiar experience of driving into OUR drive-way, walking into OUR house, pulling the luggage across OUR floor to OUR bedroom until...TODAY when we returned home from a long trip!

TODAY was a GREAT day and I enjoyed doing all of the above! It was a NEW, Yet... FAMILIAR experience and I LOVED IT!

Been Moving In

Tonight as I sat down at my computer I downloaded pictures from my camera, and had over 200 that I had not tagged or filed! All I can say is, "shame on me"! :)

We have been moving and the house is looking good. I still have some organizing to do, a little more decorating, and I'm looking forward to getting it all done next week.

Jonathan, Brenda and the girls came up and helped us and it was so nice having them "home"! It felt so good to have them in OUR house. The girls went outside on the deck and I snapped this picture of them.I haven't taken any pictures of the house, but I'll get around to it someday. One thing I'm real happy about is that I got to use most of my decorations and furniture that I had in my bigger house! I really didn't think I would be able to use them. The house has definitely taken on the "feel of my home".

Last night I was in the bedroom and started feeling a little lonely, so I went looking for Wendell. He was in the office and when I walked in and looked around he asked me if I needed something. I answered, "No, the house is so big and you're too far away." He laughed at me! How could he? I've been use to a 40 foot motorhome for over a year, and the "nurse's station" at the campground for a few months, and I could be near him at all times! Now, we had our own "space" and I was missing him! LOL! I'm sure I will get use to "being away" from him again, but it might take awhile. I LOVE being with him!

I have so much to write about, and when I DO find the time to "catch up" I plan to go all the way back to our California Trip and walk through the "happenings" over the last few months. I really have been missing my time writing on my blog.

I hope all my friends and family are doing good. Let me hear from you sometime!

God Knows How

House is SOLD!

Motor home is SOLD!

I am a HOMEOWNER again!

And....That's all GOOD news!

Why was I having some uncertainty about it all? Yes...I know "life must move on" and "things change", but when "things change suddenly" and "life doesn't make sense" there are times you feel "out of control".

I was having one of those "times". I should have been excited as I prepared to meet Wendell and our realtor to make a final "walk through" of the house we were going to sign papers on that very day!! But, instead of excitement, I felt a little "fearful". What was wrong with me?!? The only thing I could figure out was, "When you do not know what the future holds, and how life is going to turn out, it can sometimes make you shake in your boots a little".

As I combed my hair, the man on the radio in the other room broke through my thoughts as a scripture he quoted got my attention......Isa. 41:10 "Fear not , for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you..." I was immediately given peace from the Word of God!

A few minutes later I called a place of business and talked to a young lady, and just as I was going to hang up I asked her name. She answered me with a "happy, confident tone" in her voice as she told me her name...."My name is HOPE"!! I got up from my desk and was once again amazed at how God speaks to us when we need a "word from Him". God had focused my attention on Him as the girl I didn't know spoke her name. HOPE....it's wonderful to have the God of hope in my life! Romans 15:13..."Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."

I went back to the bedroom to finish dressing. The radio was still on and I heard a minister as he introduced the scripture he would be teaching from. I was stopped in my tracks as he said, "Today I want to draw your attention to this passage of scripture....Isa. 41:10...."FEAR NOT, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you...."

I knew God had spoken to me THREE times that "uncertain morning", and I could go into the day KNOWING He was with me, and I had no reason to feel uncertain about the future. HE is my "future" and when He's in control there is "peace that passeth all understanding".

God knows how....

Hello Blog and Friends...

Tonight as I sat here checking out a few blogs I decided to stop by and see my "old friend Echoes". There is so much to write about! Our lives have been so busy that I don't even know where to start, so I will just say...please give me a few more weeks to get back on schedule writing. When I return I hope to finish writing about our trip to California, General Conference and all the happenings that have been going on. :) To be perfectly and completely honest with you I am TIRED to the bone, but I know I will get rested and feel good again real soon!

I really don't know if ANYONE takes the time to stop by to read anymore, but IF you do I apologize for my lack of blogging. Please don't give up on me.

Blessings to you all as you continue travelling through this life. Remember....this world is NOT your home.

Heaven...It's Real

Tonight I sat down at my piano and started playing and singing. After Wendell and I practiced a song that we have been wanting to sing, I kept singing.

Our life has been quite busy the last several weeks, or should I say months. After I sang one song after another, I started singing about Heaven.

The songs went like this...

The burdens of life may be many;
The frowns of the world may be cold.
To me it will matter but little;
When I walk up the streets of gold.

When I walk up the streets of gold.
When I walk up the streets of gold.
How my heart will rejoice in that morning;
When I walk up the streets of gold.

Then I sang...

We read of a place that's called heaven.
It's made for the pure and the free.
These truths in God's Word He hath given.
How beautiful heaven must be.

How beautiful heaven must be,
Sweet home of the happy and free.
Fair haven of rest for the weary,
How beautiful heaven must be.

My heart was lifted up as I continued singing...

I want to go there. I want to go there.
Christ said I could go, His Word tells me so,
The beauties of Heaven to share.
I want to go there. I mean to go there.
A mansion awaits just inside those gates,
And I want to go there.

The presence of the Lord came to me as I sang about my home that is prepared and waiting for me to enter!

HEAVEN....what a place it's going to be! Walls of jasper, streets of gold, gates of pearl, a chrystal river flowing by the tree of life...YES it's real and I want to go! I can't even imagine the beauty that is within the gates of that city!

Then the thoughts came to me about all those who are waiting for me when I get there.

Daddy
Mother
Keith
Mom Elms
Pop Elms
Grandma Pound
Grandpa Pound
Grandma Layne
Grandpa Layne
Bro. McCoy
Sis. Opal

Oh yes! There are MANY SAINTS who are waiting for us "on the other side"! I could continue naming people who are dear to me, but I thought I would leave it open for those of you who might happen upon this blog, or those of you who faithfully read it, to think of your loved ones who have gone on to their reward.

Another song just came rushing into my thoughts...

At the sounding of the trumpet
When the Saints are gathered home,
We will greet each other by the crystal sea.
With the friends and all the loved ones
There awaiting us to come.
What a gathering of the faithful that will be.

What a gathering....gathering....
At the sounding of the glorious jubilee.
What a gathering....gathering....
What a gathering of the faithful that will be.

I definitely plan on being there...

When the saints from every nation gather 'round the throne in gloryland.
I intend to be among that number standing at the Lord's right hand.
While eternity shall roll along within that happy gloryland.
I'll be singing there around the throne with the eternal glory band.

I'll be singing there in gloryland so bright and fair.
I'll be numbered with that heavenly host up there.
When a million years have come and gone in gloryland.
I'll be singing there around the throne with the eternal glory band.

I know I've pulled out some "oldies"...but they are still "goodies"! Singing songs about Heaven brings me back to the realization that "there really is a Heaven" and "I plan on going there"!

Let your mind reach back and remember songs about your "beautiful home". You will feel your spirit soar and your heart will be lifted up to know that "It Won't Be Long Till We See Jesus"!

California - Fresno, Walking Down Memory Lane

The "Tuesday I'll never forget" happened while I was in California! Wendell and I had talked about which direction we wanted travel from San Jose to L.A. area to visit more family. We couldn't make up our minds, because down deep in my heart I wanted to go to Fresno to visit my "roots". I finally told him how much I wanted to go and he said that would be fine. Then I had a great idea! I would ask Bobbie to go with me! After all, she was my baby sitter from the time I was 6 weeks old until she got married, and she would be the one that could "walk down memory lane" with me! I told Wendell and he said that would be fine with him. He would enjoy staying in San Jose to "mess around" for the day. I am SO GLAD we made this decision! Bobbie and I had a wonderful time being together and reliving the past.

We stopped at Foster's Freeze on our way to Fresno, and ate an "original hamburger with chili sauce and relish". It tasted just like it did when I was a little girl! So many memories flooded my mind as we ate the hamburger and fries. Memories of so long ago when I would go with Daddy, Mother and Keith to Foster's Freeze. Some nights Mother would give Keith and me our baths, put on our pajamas and slippers (or go bare footed) and we'd get in the car and Daddy would drive over to Foster's Freeze to get an ice cream cone. After we got our cones we would drive around Fresno and see what was happening in the city. He really was letting us eat our ice cream before returning to the house. :) That's why I cannot go get an ice cream cone, then turn around and go straight home! For some reason, an ice cream cone doesn't taste as good sitting in the house! Everyone who knows me very well knows this about me! Back to "the now"....After the hamburger and fries, I ordered a hot fudge sundae, and it was out of this world! Now, don't laugh at me. :) There is no ice cream that tastes like Foster's Freeze ice cream, so that makes the hot fudge sundae the BEST! Bobbie had already ordered a milk shake to drink with her hamburger, so she didn't get a sundae.

We drove on to Fresno and the first place we went was the church where Daddy had become Pastor in 1953. I was all of six weeks old. Keith was 2 1/2. I remember living in the back of the church! I don't know how old I was when the church bought another building on Harvey and Thesta and changed locations, but I was old enough to remember it all. Of course, I took pictures as we walked up and down the block. It was funny to watch people as they drove by, because they could tell we were in our own world and didn't "belong there". One lady finally stopped and asked if she could help us. She was so kind to give us a little history of the neighbors up and down the street. We did find out that there are a couple of people who still live in the same houses from when we lived there so many years ago! She also said to us, "You two remind me of the movie "Little House On the Prairie"! :) At sometime, Daddy and Mother moved to a house across the street from the church, and Bobbie pointed out where her folks lived across the street from us. It was in this house when I was a toddler that I got my "glass baby bottle" and was carrying it around. I'm sure Mother didn't know I had it, but somehow I fell off of the back porch with it in my hands. The bottle broke and Mother started crying. She called Bobbie's parents, who lived across the street, and Bro. McCoy came and took me to the doctor to get stitches in my little arm! Daddy was out of town, or working. I don't know which. Mother would tell this story and giggle when she said, "I was so upset that I couldn't even go with you and Bro. McCoy hospital!" I STILL have the scar from that day!!!

We went by Bobbie's high school, Roosevelt High, took pictures for her to have, drove by several houses her family lived in when she was still at home. One of which was where she was living when she "married her man in shining armor". :) Then, she came to a cute little house. I remembered this one well when she told me the story about what happened there. One day I had gone over to their house and they had a floor heater. Just like a little kid would do, I started walking around the heater and lost my balance. I was "tattooed" for years on my leg! I can still remember that horrible pain when my leg and hand came in contact with that heater. OUCH! Of course, I have wonderful memories of being at the Thornton's house, too. One of them is that I loved to go sit on Bro. McCoy's knee when he was drinking coffee, because he would always fix me my own cup!!! It was delicious! I found out "later in life" that "my coffee" was mostly cream and sugar. When I found out how he use to make it taste so good, I told him how good it was! I can still see him smile. I can honestlysay that I've never tasted coffee like Bro. McCoy could make. :) Sis. Opal made the best pinto beans in the world and I always loved it when she would invite our family over for "beans and cornbread"!

We finally made our way over to First and Holland. This is where the church is today. I remember so well the move from Harvey and Thesta (the state bought that area of town for a highway). Our new location was wonderful! Truth Tabernacle experienced a great revival of souls, after moving to the new location. This is where I learned that I could pray and touch God for myself. All night prayer meetings, incredible moves of the Holy Ghost, young people coming to God and being delivered from drugs, alcohol, and all that goes with that lifestyle. Young men coming with long, scraggly hair, and each time they would come back to church it would be a little shorter. This was the "hippie movement" and God started filling these young people with the Holy Ghost! There were rock band leaders and members, their girl friends, and friends who were bound by sin being changed right before our eyes! I remember the night that one of the guys who had been delivered from drugs ran from the church and fell out on the front lawn of the church because he was having a "flash back" from the drugs that had affected him for so long. We had a prayer meeting out there on the lawn, and he was once again in his "right mind". I'll always remember the life-changing exeriences these young people had. The nights we spent in prayer at the altar until 10, 11, 12 at night, because someone was needing deliverance. God was made real to me like never before during these years! And...this was the church where I got married! :) I still hear my "groom" singing, "Here comes Heaven all satin and lace. Love in her heart, a smile on her face..." Yes, there are memories upon memories that flood my mind! I took pictures of the house where I could just walk across the street to church, and to my wedding. If I could write all the things that happened in my life just on First and Holland you would be sitting here a lot longer than you are right now. :)

We then went to meet our life long friends, Gayla and Pat for dinner. We had a wonderful visit! After eating, we decided to go back to the church to see the remodeling they had done. It was very pretty. Then...I spotted it....the upright bass I had been raised around! The pictures are indelibly inprinted in my mind. EVERY church service Bro. Wesley Brown would play his bass. From the time I was a baby, until I married and moved away, Bro. Wesley was faithfully standing on the platform playing his bass. I'm told he played until "just a few years ago" then retired to the pew, but I am confident he is giving everything he has to his God whom he has served for longer than I can remember! Faithful....loyal....a saint of God! That's what great churches are made of! I also got to see Sandra, another one of my life long friends. It was good visiting with her for a few minutes at the church. Oh the memories!

It was time to head back to San Jose, and on our way out of town I snapped a picture of my High School sign...Herbert Hoover High...where I lived for God in the midst of the "hippie movement" and learned Jesus would be with me in whatever situation I had to face.

By the time we travelled awhile we....uh....we....decided we would stop at....(you've probably guessed it already) FOSTER'S FREEZE!!! We both got us a CHOCOLATE DIPPED ICE CREAM CONE, sat outside and ate it as a full moon rose making a beautiful night sky over the San Joaquin Valley. Oh what a wonderful day we had! There's not anyone that could have "walked with me down Memory Lane" like my "baby sitter and dearest friend". Bobbie, thank you for remaining faithful to God, and living the life you were taught by my parents, and yours. You have been a great example of a true Christian and I love you very much! Thank you for the "Tuesday I will NEVER forget"!

P.S. Bobbie also wrote these memories to me by text:
"I got the Holy Ghost, met my life's love, felt the call of God, all at Ninth and Lowe....and I met you!"

She continued: "I accidentally stuck you changing your diaper!! I was so upset, but Sis. Layne was so calm and sweet! If she had acted up, I would have crumbled. She knew how much we all loved you and Keith. When I think of Sis. Layne's attributes she still teaches me. What a lady!"

To read more of her memories read the comment she wrote in the "Comments section".

California - Hollister

After a wonderful weekend of services with the Shoemakes at their church we headed to Hollister to see Nathan, Ronda, Nathaniel, Danelle and Matt. She cooked a delicious meal! Ronda is an awesome homemaker and cook and I love going to her house. Somehow, it reminds me of being with Mother! :) She is so much like her that I sometimes have to close my eyes and refocus. I love it!

Danelle came in from work. While Ronda was busy in the kitchen Danelle and I was at the piano singing old songs. Then, I heard Ronda singing in the kitchen. It was so neat! I would usually help prepare the meal, but we were having too much fun at the piano, and I really don't think Ronda cared. She was enjoying the music! The music and singing took us all down "memory lane" that we all enjoyed walking.

Dinner was served and we had a lot of fun eating, laughing and talking! You can't be around Nathan and be serious for very long. LOL! When you add the rest of the family...well...let me just say it's FUN! Matt and Danelle were having a lot of fun. I think Matt was aggravating Danelle about taking a good picture. Here's proof! FINALLY got a good one! Matt, I'm glad you settled down. :) Nathaniel joined us for dinner. He had been sick all day, so I was so glad he could visit with us a little.

Nathan said he wasn't dressed good enough for a picture to be taken, so I guess I have to "obey" him and not post one of him. :(

It was a another wonderful day being with family! I just wish Texas and California didn't have so many miles between them.

A Special Night

Last night we went to church in Hudson, TX and was so blessed to be there. When I walked in I felt so warm inside, because of the welcome extended to us by Pastor and Sis. Smith and the saints of God. The warmth I felt was not only because of the people who attend there, but God met me when I walked in. We had a wonderful service! Bro. Elzine Strong, an old warrior was visiting and he blessed our hearts as he spoke for a few minutes. Then, Bro. Vernon Neely, another warrior gave a testimony about the healing power of Jesus, and we were once again blessed! As I sat there I thought, "We are sitting in a heavenly place!" Not too many people in this world have the privilege of hearing elder minister's expound on the Word of God in one night. I loved hearing both of these men!

The service was also blessed with some TBC students. They were wonderful to have in service. They worshipped with all their hearts, and I was so proud of them! TBC student, Clint Long brought the main message and did a real good job delivering his heart.

While he was preaching I glanced across the aisle and this is what I saw.Look closely and you will see Bro. Strong was taking notes while the "young man" preached! What a picture! I know the "young preacher" was most likely nervous preaching while these "old warriors" sat in the audience, and I wanted to tell him he was preaching to his greatest supporters!

Here's a word to you, young preacher's....The "old preacher" wants to see the "young preacher" succeed! They want you to feel that familiar anointing they have felt through the years! They want you to preach it with all your heart, without fear or favor! They want to see God bless you as He has blessed them! Go ahead and PREACH, young preacher! It's beautiful watching from a distance as you run beside those who have carried the torch of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for so long.

Young preacher, run slow enough so you don't leave the elder behind. You can learn from him as you stay beside him. Listen close, listen intently. If you will stay attentive, through the deep breaths he's taking to stay in the race a little longer, you will hear instructions on how to run this race.

One day while you're running you may notice he is no longer there. It's okay to pick up your pace after you take him to his resting place and pay honor to him...but if I understand life...when you resume the race, you will catch up to another elder who needs to hear the words of a "young preacher" encouraging him to "keep running the race that is before him." Let him know you will be by his side helping him carry the banner of truth!

As the years go by....one day....you will glance to the side...and YOU will see a "young preacher" running beside you, and you will hear these words...."Come on, Elder! You can make it! Keep running! Keep preaching! We want to hear every word you have to say! You have been running a long time....please talk to us!"

Then...you will sit down on the pew to hear the "young preacher" preach. You will take notes of what you're hearing, because the Word of God never grows old to the "old warrior" who has given his life for this precious Gospel!

And the cycle goes on....and on....and on............

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!