Tornado - Christmas Trip to Wichita Falls - Snow Storm

On Dec. 23rd we were sitting in our house when all of a sudden we were in a storm. The lightening was flashing, wind blowing, and the thunder was rolling and of course we knew we were having some storms, but we didn't know until later there was a TORNADO WARNING! The other day we drove around town and took a few pictures of some of the damage. We are very thankful no one was killed in this storm! God is good!


On Thursday, we loaded the car and headed to Wichita Falls to have Christmas with Gene, Karla and the boys, since our "kids" were going to the other side of the family this year. We were hearing about the blizzard that had hit north Texas, but we were anxious to be with the family. We have driven on a lot of snow and ice before, but we were not ready for what we got caught in. Everything was "smooth sailing" until we reached Decatur.
Decatur is 70 miles from Wichita Falls. We have driven those miles many times through the years, and it would take us a little over an hour to make that trip. As far as we were concerned, the roads were passable, but the traffic was terrible. Karla told me on the phone that we might ought to consider getting a room for the night, but we thought we could make it. We could have made it if it hadn't been for all the people that didn't know how to drive in snow, and those who had slid off of the road. Also, some truckers had jack-knifed and was unable to get turned straight enough to keep driving! So, we were in for a rude awakening when about 5 miles north of Decatur we came to a dead stop!!!! We later learned there was a 4 truck pile-up that was blocking 287 on both sides of the highway near Electra. I tried to keep my friends and family updated on Facebook, then I lost connection to the internet on my phone. I was thankful to be able to stay in contact with Karla through texting and she kept everyone informed for us. I called 911 and asked what was going on, hoping to get some good news, but all they told me was that the roads were not closed, and they didn't know how long it would take us to get through to Wichita Falls. They never told us the roads had been BLOCKED for HOURS because of accidents, and people who had slid out of control blocking the highway! I was getting worried about my husband not eating, and they told us about a shelter in Bellevue that had some food, so we pulled in there to get a bite to eat. Our last meal was on our way out of Lufkin, and that was at NOON on Thursday. We had some snacks in the car, and had stopped to get a little snack in Dallas, but it was now 4 'o clock on FRIDAY morning! I will never forget the feeling of a warm room filled with weary traveler's who were sleeping on the floor, and the friendly, smiling faces of the ladies who greeted us from the kitchen! We were just thankful to have a place to go at this time of the morning to get a little refreshment.

After getting a bite to eat, we got back in the car and traveled several miles, then again we came to a DEAD STOP! I cannot tell you all the feelings and thoughts that ran through my head! We were SO TIRED and didn't have much hope of getting through for several more hours.

The sun came up and we finally made it to Jolly Truck Stop to sit and WAIT for another 2-3 hours! You talk about frustration! To be able to see where you could get some food and something to drink... To see the building you could feel safe from the storm...but not be able to get to it was almost more than we could stand! We were only 12 miles to where we needed to be, and just COULDN'T GET THERE! (I wonder how many people are stranded in the "storm of life", but can't seem to get to safety?) For all the people who were stranded in this storm there was very few people who actually got help from someone who had the power to come to their rescue!

It took us 18 HOURS to go 70 miles!!!!! The total length of our trip was right at 22 hours. From Lufkin to Wichita Falls usually takes 6 hours...give or take a little.

After finally getting to a road we could take off on in the city, we made our way along with others who were MAKING A WAY to get through!Someone finally got desperate to do something about the situation and we were one car that took advantage of it!

The snow in the city was beautiful! It makes all the difference when the sun is shining, and you can see people, cars, and homes!

When we walked into Gene and Karla's house, there was a fire in the fireplace, homemade soup on the stove, cornbread, all the "fixin's" for sandwiches and a warm embrace of welcome! I don't know that I've ever been more happy to be anyplace in my life.I thank God that we made it and have a lot of thoughts about it. It was definitely a "life experience".

As the skies grew dark, and the Christmas lights came on, once again my heart sang...."Silent night, Holy night! All is Calm....all is bright"

Gene, Karla, Cameron, and Chad...you were our "special angels". Thank you for the warm welcome at Christmastime. We understand more than ever that a person doesn't have to have all the gifts and toys to be happy at Christmas...just a warm embrace, coming from a heart of love, a little food on the table to share, and family and friends to say, "I love you".

Bro. and Sis. Holley Sr....we enjoyed visiting with you. We love you!

We enjoyed a visit with Todd, Julie, Madison and Mason in the parking lot of Wal-Mart.

Jeff and Jeannie were in from Oklahoma City, and dropped by with Rita to see all of us.
It was so nice to see all of them.Cameron and Chad came out to "model" for us and here is what we saw.TWO good-lookin' dudes!It was then time to go home and we had beautiful roads to drive on!We are thankful God kept His hand on us this Christmas and are looking forward to a new year!

Week In Wichita Falls

I stayed in Wichita Falls at my sisters house and had a wonderful time. I got to go to church on Wednesday night and enjoyed seeing everyone! I know you're suppose to go to the prayer room before church, but I just couldn't. :) I felt the pull to go in the sanctuary and visit with those who were already there. If I didn't I wouldn't have a chance after church to see some of the people, so I think God and Pastor Holley will forgive me for missing the prayer room.

Thursday night was the "Ladies Christmas Progressive Dinner" and we rode the trolley's to each home and saw some Christmas lights. I had a wonderful time being with the ladies I've loved all these years. We had appetizers at the Bowen's, steaks and all the trimmings at the Fraziers, then desserts at the Holley's, and a lot of laughter mixed in the middle of it all made for a great evening.

Hunting Trip

Wendell and I met Jonathan and Andrew in Wichita Falls so they could go on a long over-due deer hunt. I was so happy for all of them, because they haven't had much time together over the last few years. All three of them were so excited about spending time together on the deer lease. I KNOW I saw the "little boy" in all of them come to the surface as I watched them prepare to leave. They were no longer "pastors and a district secretary". They were just FATHER and SONS enjoying THEIR time! Royce met them at the lease and he shot a hog! I love it when Jonathan and Andrew have the opportunity to be with any of their uncles.
Jonathan shot this beautiful 10 point buck. He was sure happy about it!
Wendell was enjoying watching the deer.
Andrew enjoyed shooting two does.

When they came back to Wichita Falls I could hear the excitement in their voices. I know they are "all grown up" and all that stuff people say, but I sure enjoyed seeing their eyes twinkle with excitement, and I loved listening to my husband as he told and re-told the story.

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus

While going to shop a little in Lufkin a few weeks ago, I saw Mr. and Mrs. Claus. I thought you might like seeing how he gets around when he's not riding his sleigh that is pulled by the reindeer.

Tulsa Weekend - Nov. '09

We were privileged to be invited to minister in Tulsa, OK for Pastor Don Martin. The Martin's, we call them Donny and Michelle, are like family to us and we were so excited about getting to be with them. Also, we were anxious to see their "field of labor". We were absolutely thrilled with what God has done through their ministry. They pastor two churches and both of them are growing and are in revival!

Bro. Martin asked my husband if he would be willing to preach at both churches on Sunday, and Wendell said he would be happy to. As soon as church was over on Sunday morning in Tulsa, we headed out to get a bite of lunch at a fast food restaurant, since they could serve us quickly. We then went to Collinsville, OK for the afternoon service. We had a great time with this fine church. We had just enough time to run to the hotel, rest a few minutes, and head back to the Tulsa evening service at "Metro". We were worn out by the end of the last service, but we were full of thankfulness for what we saw and felt!

One thing we loved was the music in both of these churches. I stood and listened as the congregation was singing and it sounded like a choir. They sang every part of the song, and blended their voices and it was beautiful! I later found out that the Martin's will sometimes have a "night of music" at the church so people can come and learn new songs, so they will know them when they are sung in the services. I remember when we use to do that when I was a young girl. It brought back so many memories! Bro. Martin has also put together an orchestra and it was awesome!

Jeremy Martin was home visiting his parents, and we were so excited to get to see him. He had recently returned from his tour of duty in Iraq and I felt very honored to sit next to him in church. The honor he gave to God was something I'll always remember. Here was a military man who had served his country, and came home to his family and to the America he was protecting...and he gave God all the glory for protecting him while he was away. I was very touched by His devotion! Thank you, Jeremy for serving the "land that I love".

There is no way to tell all about being with the Martin Family and the church family, so I will not try to explain it all. I just know I look forward to going back to Tulsa....someday.

Minister's and Wives Retreat - Oct. '09

The Texas Minister's and Wives Retreat was in Hillsboro, TX this year and we had an incredible time! Bro. Walker was the speaker and Wendell and I thoroughly enjoyed what he had to speak about. Every preacher and his wife ought to get a set of the CD's and listen to the instruction given. I don't usually tell people what to do, but let me say....I highly recommend....:) Maybe that's more "politically correct". LOL! However you say it...it was awesome!Not only did we have great teaching and the presence of the Lord was there, but we had a lot of fun being together. There are some awesome people that God has called to serve in the ministry and I'm so happy to call them friends.

The Hillsboro church served a meal after the Friday evening session. It was delicious! We were served like we were all "kings and queens". Then it was "Skit Time"! We had a blast!

Steve Wehrle, bringing the "message".Sis. Debbie Hendrick was having a good laugh.Bro. and Sis. Donnie Hendrick (Copperas Cove) was enjoying the fun!Bro. Mark Green and his group as they "acted" out their skit.Presbyter Colegrove doing his part.Bro. McGuire was really getting into!Bro. Walker was really acting his part! It was great! Bro. and Sis. Phil Hudson looking on in amazement. They didn't know there was so much "talent" in the Texas District. LOL!We were part of the skit with Trent, and he acted up so much that I couldn't do much of anything for watching him! He really shocked me with his great talents! LOL! Way to go Trent!
This is only a snapshot of the enjoyable time we had being "together". I LOVE being with the ministers and wives of the Texas District!

Note: It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Pastor Carlton Watkins. Bro. and Sis. Russo rushed away from the retreat to be with Sis. Watkins and to offer their love and condolences to her. Bro. Watkins was one our Presbyters and we miss him very much! I will always remember the shocking news and the reaction of those he served with in Texas District. We know that God see's all things, and I trust Him to know. It just doesn't feel good to lose a friend and fellow laborer.

Amarillo Weekend - Oct. '09

We were so excited to be able to go to Amarillo to be with Royce and Annette, and their family. Royce has been in Amarillo for 40 years! He has fought many battles while being there. Many men would have left because the battle was raging, but Royce and Annette knew they had been called by God to Amarillo and nothing could shake them away from their calling.

We had a great time! Of course, who wouldn't have a great time with this "Elms bunch"? :) You will definitely be "thrust into" fun and laughter when you are with them. You have to know them to understand what I am saying. It makes me smile just thinking about it.

CIAD - Church In a Day - Bullard, TX - Oct. '09

We were privileged to go to Bullard, TX to be with our friends, Kenny and Karen Prince as their "Church In A Day" was built. It was an incredible experience! To see the UNITY of so many people building a church in ONE DAY is awesome! There is no way to describe the feeling as the "countdown to lift the walls" is said over the speaker. If you have never been a part of a CIAD project you owe it to yourself to go. You will be amazed that a church could be built in just ONE DAY!

General Conference '09 - St. Louis, MO

The next big event we attended was General Conference. We had a wonderful time at General Conference this year. We saw a lot of friends and family. There was a turn of events in the leadership of our organization. Some were shocked that this happened, but the UPCI is moving on with purpose and unity. We are reaching for more and more souls to be brought into the kingdom of God. His coming is so soon and we must be working...until He comes!

The following slideshow is just a "few" pictures of the ones I took at conference.