Another Soldier Called Home

To say we've been "traveling" a lot lately is almost an understatement! We have literally driven from Texas to California, back to Texas, then to North Carolina. I am now sitting in Atlanta, Georgia on our way back to Texas. This time, "going back to Texas" is not for a happy reason. We have lost a very special man of God, and we are very sad!

God decided to call Bro. C.M. Becton home last night. When my husband's phone rang and he saw it was Bro. Richard Flowers calling, we knew why he was calling. My heart sank as my husband confirmed what we "already knew". Everyone I know loves Bro. Becton. Everyone has a story to tell about him. I love hearing every one of them. He made everyone feel special and like you were the one he loved the most!

For many years Bro. Becton has come to our church in Wichita Falls to minister to our congregation. We were so honored to have Bro. and Sis. Becton in our church and home. There are no words that can describe Bro. Becton. The only way I can describe him is by telling you a short dream I had many years ago.

"We were at a General Conference. Wendell and I were walking over for the service and as we walked I looked over and noticed Bro. Becton was beside us. When he turned and saw we were there, he said to us... "Well...hello there. How have you been doing?" That's all he said, but his voice was so kind that I not only heard Bro. Becton's voice...I SAW Jesus". From the moment I had that dream until now, everytime I thought about Bro. Becton, or saw him at a meeting I felt I was seeing Jesus. Bro. Becton was definitely a GREAT MAN OF GOD! Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance....Bro. Becton had the "fruit of the Spirit" and it was seen by all. Oh...how we will miss his kind voice and words. We will miss the times he danced across the front of the congregation bringing about a move of the Holy Ghost that had not yet happened in the service. We will miss the "Word from God" he gave us during deep moves of the Holy Ghost! Yes...we will MISS BRO. BECTON more than our hearts can express! The only thing that makes sorrow in this life easier to bear is the fact that we will all be together again! I just feel it won't be long until we're praising around the throne, together!

We will load the car in the morning and keep traveling so we can be at the service where Bro. Becton will be honored. There is no possible way to give him the honor he deserves. But...we will do our best! The best way I think that all of us can honor him will be if we will "follow in his steps" and love his God with all our hearts, mind, soul, and strength. Love the Truth that Bro. Becton loved. Love "holiness unto the Lord" as he loved it. I think this would be the only way that we could honor this great man! Words will not be enough...but "living our lives so that others can see Jesus" would please Bro. Becton more than anything.

Bro. Becton...rest well...and we will see you "in the morning"!

Rev. Cleveland M. Becton

My heart is heavy at the loss of Bro. C.M. Becton! He has made it HOME! Oh, how we will miss him in our lives, but it won't be long before we will see him again!


From the Family:

Funeral Arrangements for Rev. C. M. Becton are as follows:

Viewing - Friday, November 19 from 6 PM to 8 PM
Funeral Service - Saturday, November 20 at 10 AM
Internment to follow service at New Hope Memorial Gardens in Sunnyvale, TX

Both viewing and service will be held at Emmanuel Pentecostal Church in Mesquite, TX. For lodging information for out-of-town guests, it will be forthcoming on our church website at www.epcmesquite.com.

There is Hope

Today while going about my business and taking care of a lot of things that had to get done, I was listening to Sirius Radio in the car. I got tired of listening to the news and all the harsh voices as they discussed and argued over what a political person did "right or wrong", and as they discussed about a crime someone had committed. You know what I'm talking about, I'm sure! It's enough to get on a very sensitive nerve and stay on it until you want to scream back at the radio! In my state of frustration over the affairs of the world, I decided to turn the channel to Enlighten. I know...some people can't stand Southern Gospel music, but that is neither here nor there. The fact is that as I was listening and enjoying thoughts of peace and joy that I have knowing "this world is not my home", there were two songs that really caught my attention. I heard a quartet singing an old hymn that I've sung many times when my husband was giving an altar call. The familiar words filled my ears. "Coming home! Coming home! Never more to roam. Open wide Thine arms of love. Lord, I'm coming home." I looked at the display on my dash that would tell me who was singing, and saw the name of the song that was being sung, but it wasn't what I was expecting. It said: "The Apple Tree Song". Huh? What was that suppose to mean? By now, Sirius Radio had my attention!

The song happened to have a narration about a young man who had become rebellious and had to leave home. Really, it was a "tear jerker", but I kept listening. When the boy left home he asked his parents that "if at anytime it was okay for him to come back home, would they please tie a white cloth in the tree?" They lived next to a railroad track where trains passed everyday. He knew he would sometime ride the train by the house and would be able to see the "Apple Tree" in the front yard. If there was a white cloth hanging on it he would know he was welcome to "Come Home". One day as he was nearing the house he got really nervous, and a gentleman on the train with him noticed. He spoke to him and asked what it was that he was so anxious about. He was a minister and wanted to help him. The young man told him this story then said, "Sir, can you please look out the window and see if you can see a tree with a white cloth hanging in it?" The gentleman wiped the fog from the window and broke out into a smile. He said, "Son, not only is there a white cloth hanging on the tree, but it has white blossoms all over it! There are white cloths hanging all over that tree, and there is an elderly couple standing under the tree waving at this train! Son, your parents are waiting for you to "Come Home"!"

I could picture that elderly couple waving at the train. I could feel their heartbeat as they looked for the son who had left "home" so many years before! I was living in that story! Then I heard another quartet start singing "Forgiven Again"! Yes, I knew at that moment I would be writing this tonight!

I was talking to my sister Karla today, and we were discussing someone who has been away from God. I made the statement..."Until they are no longer living....there's still HOPE!"

I am writing to tell someone...THERE'S STILL HOPE! It doesn't matter what you have done...THERE'S STILL HOPE! It doesn't matter how long you've been away from God...THERE'S STILL HOPE! Please listen to the voice of God...He is standing with open arms waiting for you to COME HOME! Don't let your pride keep you from "coming home". Clear the fog away from the window of your heart and look! You will see the "White Welcome Cloth" hanging from the Old Rugged Tree!

...softly and tenderly Jesus is calling...

An Amazing Little Girl

Over the last few weeks I have noticed the following video as I was on Facebook. I skipped over it several times, then when it kept showing up I decided that there must be something really special about it. Oh my word! I cannot believe this little girl. She is amazing! Since some of you who read my blog are not on Facebook, I want to share this with you. ENJOY!

The story of Jonah from Corinth Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Home...

We have driven many miles over the last several days. God has been good to us and given us a safe journey. We had a wonderful time in California with family and friends, but we are happy to be home for a few days. I have a lot to write about, but it has to wait for now. I just wanted to let everyone know that we have made it "safe and sound". If you breathed one tiny prayer for us, THANK YOU! In a few minutes I will lay down and go to sleep with thankfulness in my heart. There is nothing like being home in my own bed!

Tiny Sparrows

We just pulled out of Lordsburg, NM. We had stopped to fill the car with fuel then on over to McDonald's to get a snack. When we pulled up to McDonald's we noticed a small stream of water coming from a rubber tube in the ground and big black birds were enjoying the refreshing water as they drank and showered, basking in the warmth of the sun. Upon getting back in the car, my husband took off the top piece of bread on the filet of fish he was going to eat and threw it out for the birds to eat. We thought the black birds would swarm the bread, but they were too busy to notice anything had changed around them. Then, out of nowhere we saw a tiny sparrow fly in and take ownership of the bread. Before we got out of the parking lot, there were several more "tiny sparrows" that had joined the feast. As we drove away the words of Jesus came to my mind and I turned to my husband and said, "If I see the sparrow that falls....how much more...."

Rusty Goodman use to sing a song entitled, "HOW MUCH MORE". This song tells how much Jesus really loves US.

If he knows when a Robin, falls from his nest, And he grieves... when he sees it die.

If he kisses the rose, with the morning mist, How much more, does he love you and I?

If he cares for the lilies, in an open field, and caresses each petal w/ dew.

If he acknowledges a tree, when the winds make it kneel, how much more does he love me and you?

If he takes out the tide, turns the desert from it's dry, And carves out rivers to sea.

Just to give a little brim, one more place to swim. How much more does he love you and me?

If he's prepared a place, for all that has been. I've been told and believe it's true.

He's preparing me a place I cannot comprehend. That's how much he really love me and you.

How much more than a fragrant rose, that he gives life In the spring.

Or does he love me less, than the bird in a nest, That never sows... yet he soars on the wing

If he can speak a word, and calm an angry wind, And Peace be still, can calm a rolling sea.

Then he can speak peace be still, to the storms that's within. That's how much he really loves me.

My friend...What are you worried about? What is it you've been needing God to take care of? Don't you think since He sees the tiny sparrow that falls, that He sees you as you stumble and fall? Take courage! He is watching you and will take care of your need!

Think on these things...

His greatness...
His love...
His mercy...
His care...

You're not alone...He's right beside you...

On the Road

I'm stopping by for a few words tonight. I do not have the time to write about all that has been going on this weekend, so I will just say we have had an incredible time in Los Angeles with Bernard and Sandy Elms as we celebrated their 40 Year Church Anniversary. I will write about it more when I can post a few pictures.

We are on our way home. I hated to leave all our loved ones that live in California! It makes me sad thinking we won't see them for quite some time, but we must journey on. This month is very busy for us, but I really wouldn't have it any other way.

I trust you will have a great week! If you think of it when you pray, please breathe a prayer for us while we are on the road. We want God's hand of protection on the highways. Tonight we came very close to a situation that could have involved us, but His hand kept us safe. I'm thankful!

May the blessings of the Lord be upon you! I'll "see" you again, soon!

An Unexpected "Life Lesson"

While eating Sunday dinner with Pastor and Sis. Gunstanson in Ranger, and some folks from their church who had brought a little boy with them to eat with us, my husband and I were very impressed at how mannerly this little guy was. We mentioned this to each other, then I spoke to him and mentioned how quiet he had been through the meal. For a six year old to sit and eat and be so quiet and mannerly was really heart-warming! I started asking him questions and when he answered I listened attentively. This little guy held such a good conversation about dinosaurs, trains, and trucks, that I found myself captivated by all the "interesting things" he talked about. At one point in his telling me things he enjoyed and holding conversation with Sis. G, the Pastor's wife, he got tickled and said, "Sometimes I crack myself up!" He then asked Sis. G. if she ever "cracks herself up". I sat there and enjoyed his laughter, because he was REALLY "cracked up" over what he had said. I then told him that sometimes "I crack myself up". When I said that he got so tickled and as he laughed it became contagious. We laughed together for awhile and his words were forever printed in my mind.

Today I have thought about my "little friend" and what made him so delightful. He was mannerly, a good conversationalist, interesting, and SO enjoyable. At his young age he has already learned about things that I would have never been interested in, but coming from him I found myself being drawn into his conversation. I really don't remember much about what he said when he spoke of "dinosaurs, trains, and trucks", but I was reminded once again of a life changing principle when he said "I sometimes crack myself up". This one thing, if learned, can change your life.

Many people have never learned to "crack themselves up"! In other words...laugh at themselves. They get angry when they make a mistake, and in their embarrassment act in such a negative way that they embarrass you, and themselves even more, because they reacted so "childish"! I'm thinking that "acting childish" is really "acting adultish". "Acting adultish people" do not throw their head back and laugh at themselves. We would do well to heed a child's "advice" and "crack ourselves up"!

Sunday afternoon, at New York Hill Restaurant, a few miles from Ranger, TX is a time I'll always cherish.

"Thank you "little friend" for your great conversation at Sunday Dinner and for the "life lesson" I hadn't thought about in awhile. I hope when you are 16, 26, 36, or 106 that you will still be "cracking yourself up" and enjoying life! Life will come against you as you "grow up", and you will have stress. There may be times that nothing "makes sense", but if you will trust God and keep "cracking yourself up" you'll make it through any situation you face. I am looking forward to another time when we can once again sit and talk. I have a feeling that we'll find ourselves "cracked up"...and that'll be alright with me."

New Kind of Feeling

I'm going to say right up front that I'm sure there's not too many people that will understand what I'm going to write. Now...I've really got your curiosity up! It's really no big deal, but to me a "new kind of feeling" hit me this week.

As you all know, I LOVE to TRAVEL! I'm also one that doesn't get too attached to my houses. Ok...I can hear some of you ladies now as you catch your breath, and I see you shaking your heads! Unlike most ladies I have known in my life, I actually have no problem letting someone come into my kitchen and allowing them to organize it the way they think it ought to be done. I have moved several times and I always welcomed the help of unloading boxes and putting things away. I guess one reason why it didn't bother me to have someone else "organizing my kitchen" is I knew I could go into my kitchen and put things where I wanted them, if I wanted it different.

When we moved into our last house in Wichita Falls I had two interior decorators come in and decorate it. They asked me what I liked, and my answer to them almost made them faint! I said, "You know...I really don't know what I want. I just want you to decorate my house. I want it to be beautiful and when I walk in I want to like it!" They couldn't believe I wasn't going to tell them what I wanted. I figured that's what interior decorators were FOR! I had too many other things on my mind to have to worry about decorating a house! Are ya'll still breathing????? They were thrilled that they had free-reign in my house, and were so kind to tell me that if I didn't like something I could take it down, put it in the corner, and they would pick it up! I did exactly that. They left a price list of all the things they used and I decided what I wanted and didn't want! It was GREAT!

When I moved to Lufkin and bought a smaller house I was so afraid all my pretty things I had bought 3 years earlier would not fit. I was very surprised when most everything I bought, flower arrangements included, fit beautifully!!! Talk about excited! I was one happy lady! Some of my furniture did not work, but that was okay, because we were starting a brand new "style of living" in our "patio home". It is very cozy and I enjoy opening the blinds in the morning to look outside at the beautiful trees, and I love watching as the birds and squirrels play around the trees. I've even had beautiful humming-birds at my bird feeder! It's a very lovely setting and it brings peace to my mind.

Now for that "new kind of feeling" I have been experiencing...

As I walked through my house this week, I realized that I am really getting attached to it! I've talked to ladies through the years that they HATED being away from home, and to be very truthful, I really didn't understand it! Any time I could be on the road for a few days seeing the beauty God created was always wonderful to me. Now...this week, I had a "lonely feeling" go through my heart when I thought about leaving my HOUSE! I'm still trying to decide if I like that or not. As much as we travel I really don't want to start wanting to be home when we have to be gone!

I wonder if the way I've been feeling is how we all should feel about the "home" we have never seen before. Somehow, I get a "new kind of feeling" when I think about the "home" that is waiting for us, and I feel "homesick" to go. I've been traveling here a long time, and have friends and family that are waiting for me. Jesus is also there and He's wanting to see me. This "new kind of feeling" that surrounded me this week is making me think a little differently now. I understand a little better what the "longing for my eternal home" feels like.

Daddy and Mother used to sing a song that I have loved through the years. I can still hear their voices from the living room as they sang:

I've got a longing. I'm homesick to go!
To a land without heartache, no sorrow, or woe.
There's nothing but trouble in this world below.
I'm homesick for Heaven, I've got a longing to go!

There voices were strong and I could feel the passion they had for Heaven. Then Mother went into a different tempo and they continued:

Lord, when are you coming?
Lord, I've waited so long.
Come and get me Jesus.
Lord, I want to go home.

Footsore and weary. Lonesome and blue.
Homesick for Heaven and my Savior, too.
I've been reading my Bible.
'Bout a land beyond the blue.
Come and get me Jesus.
Lord, I want to go home.

I love the words to that song! But, more than the words I LOVED the presence of God I felt as they lifted their voices as one. Yes, I've got a "new kind of feeling", but now that I think about it, it just might be more about Heaven than it is about my "earthly home".

The Ordering of Steps

Today started out to be a "normal" day, but there was something special planned for us! I believe, as most of you do, that our "steps are ordered by the Lord".

At noon, Wendell and I went to lunch, as is our routine. We had a good, lunch, then sat back and waited for the waitress to bring our ticket so we could pay out. After the last refill of tea she told us that our lunch had been paid for by an "Anonymous" person. We were surprised! Whoever it was...if that person happens to read my blog I want you to know that we appreciate the gesture of kindness and love. THANK YOU!

We got up from the table, and while my husband was talking to a friend, who had come in while we were eating, I stepped outside to get warm. The sunshine felt so good! As I stepped outside, I passed a lady coming into the restaurant. I knew she was a Pentecostal lady and I was almost sure I had seen her before. We spoke, and she went on inside. I stood outside waiting for my husband. He never came out! The friend he had been talking to had been gone for awhile, so I figured he was talking to someone else. I slowly made my way back into the restaurant, and saw my husband enjoying conversation with a man. I knew he had to be the ladies husband I had spoken to earlier. I was right! Just as I stepped up to my husband, this lady joined her husband and we met. That was the beginning of several hours of conversation today.

I'll get back to the "story" in a minute, but I want to say...One thing I absolutely love about being where we are at this time in life are the many opportunities we have to meet minister's and wives. I love making new friends and I treasure those times very much. Anytime we can be with minister's and their families, I am happy!

Back to "today"...We stood and talked for a long time, until we were invited to "sit down and visit" with our "new friends". I chuckle to myself because I can hear those who know me real well say, "you were invited out of self-defense"! :-) Let me just say that what started out a "lunch with my husband" turned out to be "an afternoon of fellowship.

Missionary David and Kathy Brott from the Philippines made their way into our hearts during those several hours of sitting in Cotton Patch, and later at Olive Garden. I'm really glad that their evening appointment with a pastor did not work out. I know they would have loved sharing their burden with a Pastor and his church, but getting to be with these wonderful people today was just what God ordered for us. Thank you, Bro. and Sis. Brott for welcoming us into your life. We enjoyed the "visit"!
Sis. Brott and I talked, and talked, and talked, and talked! We found out we have a whole lot "in common".
When you are both married to men who are preacher's of the gospel, and you have been in full-time ministry for many years with your husband, AND have grown children, AND grand-children, AND go to General Conferences, AND travel, and...and...and...I think you know what I'm saying...you do have a LOT "in common". We serve the same God, believe the same doctrine, love living a life that is pleasing to the Lord, love people, love friends, love...love...love... It's just so refreshing and FUN to have so much to talk about to a "new friend".

In the family of God we really should never meet a stranger! We're all in this TOGETHER! It's beautiful to experience and enjoy the freedom of friendship. No big "I's" and little "You's"! We are all working together to see God's work go forward. We are all heading to the same place that is out of this world. We are all looking for "His glorious appearing and listening for the sound of the trumpet"! Yes, I love making "new friends", and the thing I love about it all is that someday we will ALL be together "forever".

God bless all of our missionary's and their families, at home or abroad! You are some of my HEROES!

Winds Blow...Then...Lay Down

We have experienced wind blowing this week! WIND! Some love it, others hate it! I'm one that doesn't like it when it's blowing hard, but enjoy a breeze especially if it's hot and humid. My husband does NOT like wind! Our daughter-in-law, Mandy loves it! She said "it makes me feel carefree, like I'm riding a motorcycle"! My Mother loved it when she was sheltered in her house, and she could open her windows and "hear it whistling" around the eaves of the house. As you see, everyone has different feelings and opinions about this part of nature. But, when a "life wind blows" and it feels like it's going to "blow your house down", I think I can safely say that all of us would rather have a "calm day".

A short time ago I wrote a post about "Praise Him Anyhow". Today, while reading what I wrote, I realized I was "writing to ME". The last few weeks I had a "wind come along and blow". It wasn't a "fierce wind", but one that definitely got my attention. I was "pre-warned" by the Weather Man of life, but didn't realize what it was all about until later. As I was trying to figure out what the "wind warning" was all about I was given another "heads up" from another source. I prayed, but even in my praying I felt "out of control" and "fearful"! Today, I decided I better turn it over to the "Master of the Wind" and I'm thankful that while on my knees I felt a "calm in the midst of the storm". It's as if God stepped on my boat and said, "PEACE! BE STILL!" He didn't have to yell at the "wind", all He did was "speak" in a clear, soft, voice, and the "wind" decided it better obey.

So, as I write a few words to encourage someone today, I am happy to say that no matter the "winds" that are blowing in your life, you can invite the Master to "speak to the wind of fear" and you will have PEACE!

"Jesus, please touch each situation today! You know the "winds" that are blowing in each life. You know how to control it, and bring peace to the minds of your people."

In Jesus Name...let it be so!

Special Birthday Wishes

Today is another SPECIAL DAY in my life! It was 36 years ago today that I became a Mother for the first time! It didn't take very long for our first born son, Jonathan Paul Elms to enter this world and when he made his appearance I couldn't have been happier. The years have flown by and it seems like yesterday that I had one of the greatest experiences in life. To bring our very own son into this world was more than my heart had words to say.

"Jonathan, you have brought so much joy to Dad and I. We could never thank you enough for being a son that has always honored and respected us. You have brought much joy into our lives with your talents in music, but when you decided that "music was not your calling" and accepted the call of God on your life to become a Preacher of the Gospel, we couldn't have been more thankful! Thank you for standing for truth and righteousness! Your life brings us much JOY! We pray this year is wonderful and the blessings of the Lord overflow abundantly!"

We love you!

Praise Him Anyhow

Upon hearing some disturbing news from a friend, my heart was saddened. I closed my eyes to just think and pray a moment, and the words to a song I haven't heard in years came to my mind. It is not one of the songs we hear all of the time, so when it invaded my thoughts it got my attention.

Lord, You are worthy.
Lord, You are worthy.
Lord, You are worthy to be praised.
For You have redeemed me, by Your great mercy.
Lord, You are worthy to be praised.

I then heard Sis. Nona Freeman saying..."Praise Him in the storm! Praise You, Jesus! Praise You, Jesus! I praise You, Jesus!"

Yes, even in the storm I will praise the Lord! Even when the sky is dark, I will praise Him. For trusting Him to take care of our needs, and our impossible situations is "ultimate faith". My human thinking see's "no way", but Jesus knows "the way". He can step into the deepest ocean of fear, and say "PEACE BE STILL" and the wind and waves will obey! Yes, when He walks into the scene of your situation, your situation will change immediately from darkness to light!

Trust Him...trust Him...that's what He wants. When He see's you're trusting Him in the midst of fear, He will bring you Peace. He's not wanting you to drown in the impossible! He doesn't walk away when you are fearful. In fact, because He understands that you feel out of control and helpless, He will come running to you to wrap you in a cocoon of peace and safety. He knows you're shaking. He knows you understand that you won't make it without Him. He knows you love Him! He knows you trust Him! He knows and...He loves you!

Trust Him! Love Him! Praise Him! Relax knowing He does all things well!

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.

Thank You, Jesus!

God's Peace

"God's abiding peace is in my soul today. Oh, I feel it now! Yes, I feel it now! He has taken all my doubts and fears away though I cannot tell you how."

The words to this song came to me just as I was getting ready to sign off and go to bed. Evidently, someone needs to read these words. I don't known what you are facing in your life, but God is there with you! When you're on the mountain top He is there. When you're in the valley, He is there! You do not have to be afraid, for He knew the storm was coming before it ever formed. Trust Him and lean into His strength. He will hold you up and shelter you from all harm!

"So let the storms rage high...the dark clouds rise...they won't worry me. For I'm sheltered safe within the arms of God. He walks with me and naught of earth shall harm me. For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.".

"Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand. But, I know WHO holds tomorrow. And I know Who holds my hand."

Birthday Wishes

10-10-10 is a very special day for me, because I gave birth to a bouncing baby boy THIRTY THREE YEARS ago, and we named him Andrew Keith! It doesn't seem possible that its been THIRTY-THREE YEARS! All through his life I have noticed his tenderness toward God and his very kind, sweet nature. He may be 6'5" and be a big man in stature, but he is a Teddy bear at heart to those around him. He is a great Pastor to a wonderful group of people who have given him their love and support. We are thankful Andrew is being used by God to preach the Word and to love hurting souls, bringing them to know God. His strong resolve to "love truth as it has been handed to him" is heartwarming to see. Andrew, Dad and I could not be more thankful for the love you have given us and for your strength of character you have portrayed in many situations in life. In difficult times you have shown great strength and love for God. Thank you for the love and respect you have given us. You've always honored us in words and actions and we appreciate it more than we can say. We love you!

Also, EIGHT YEARS AGO...we were blessed again with a beautiful grand daughter that was born on her Daddy's birthday! Alayna Joy came into our hearts with JOY and HAPPINESS! She has been one of life's greatest joys!Andrew and Mandy named her right when they gave her the middle name JOY! Singing, dancing, giggling and happy...are a few of the things I think of when I think of Alayna. Alayna, we love you so much...we can't stand it! Keep living for God and bringing JOY to everyone around you. You're a little sweetheart to Papa and Mimi!

Then...I do not want to forget another special person that was born on this day...CAMERON LAYNE HOLLEY!
Happy Birthday, Cameron! It's hard to believe you are NINETEEN years old! We have watched you grow up and turn into a great young man with a heart after God. Uncle Wendell and I are so proud of you and love you so much!

The Work of God

It has been a good day! I love it when there's not a lot of things bothering my mind. I'm thankful!

I am in the process of preparing for the Texas District Board Meetings that start Monday. I take care of the snacks for the meeting and enjoy doing it. It's fun serving those who are leading our district.

My mind goes back many years ago when I was a teenager. The Western District Board (California) was meeting at our church in Fresno. Our church was over the food and snacks for the meeting and I was asked to "serve the board" in the "board room". It was such an honor to serve men of God and I couldn't believe I was one of the ones chosen to serve. When I look back over the years, and the respect I had for those men a wave of thankfulness floods my heart that I could serve our leaders way back then! I was just a young teenager, yet was given an opportunity to serve!

I'm amazed at how God prepares us for the future. That wasn't the only training I had in serving preacher's and their wives, but it was one of the highlights of my young life. The thought went through my head, "What if I accidentally spill something on one of them, or drop a plate of food on the floor"? I was so shy and afraid I would do something wrong, but my Mother told me I had to do it, so I did! I believe she was looking down through the years, and was doing her part to train me for whatever God had planned for my life. I'm sure she didn't know my husband was going to be the Texas District Secretary in the future, but she was training me for whatever I could do in the kingdom of God, and she wanted me to be ready.

The years have flown by, and I am no longer the young teenage girl that served another district board so long ago, but I still look forward to serving great men. Men who love the work of God. Men who love the organization they are part of. Men who love those they serve. Men who love the Kingdom of God and wants to see it flourish in these last days.

When the Texas District Board meet in the board room next week I am sure there will be a time of prayer before they begin. Over the past two and a half years there have been times I've been at the office, in the kitchen, and heard the familiar sound of prayer coming from the board room. It wasn't a "quiet" prayer, but heartfelt, deep prayer that ushered in the presence of God! In the middle of my role as "Martha" I felt the awesome power of God and wanted to fall to my knees in prayer.

The men that have been elected by the ministers of the Texas District do not come together to have a fun-filled time, although there will be some laughter, but when they meet they want God to be with them as they make decisions that affect our district. Maybe you could join with me and breathe a prayer for the Lord to be with every decision they make next week. I'm sure they would appreciate it.

As usual, I really wasn't sure what I was going to write about when I sat down at my computer. But, maybe I gave you a tiny glimpse of the "work of God and those who are leading us". From my perspective, we are in good hands in the Texas District and I feel safe!

If you need a reminder...

What a beautiful day it is! The weather is perfect! The sun is shining, but not too hot. A tiny breeze is blowing, but not too strong. The birds are chirping, but not too loudly. It's a very pleasant day! It reminds me of what Heaven must be like. Perfect!

I hope you are all having a wonderful day. I hope your stress level is way down. I hope your loved ones are doing well. I hope your spirit is peaceful and calm. I hope your body is feeling no pain. I hope your mind is alert. I hope your eyes are seeing clearly. I hope you're doing just FINE! :-)

I just dropped by to wish you a very beautiful day!

Don't be discouraged.
Don't dwell on the negative.
Don't listen for anything less than a "good report".
Don't let anger rule your thoughts.
Don't let anyone make you feel bad.
Don't worry about one thing!

Control your thoughts!
Control your words!
Control your heart!

Be joyful!
Be thankful!
Be sweet!
Be positive!
Be helpful!
Be a friend!

Love, no matter what!

Get out of yourself!
Reach to others!
Never lose hope!
As long as there is life and God...there is Hope!

So...whoever you are, whatever you're doing, if you need a "word of encouragement"...here it is...You are beautiful because God made YOU!

Now...go have a wonderful, magnificent, incredible day!

Memories Made - General Conference 2010

Some pictures that I really love all by themselves.

Sisters...Oh, how I love these two!

The Elms Brothers...David, Wendell, Bernard, and Royce

With my sisters-in-law...Linda, Sandy, Linda, Annette

Now the slide show...(there's a game that scrolls across the bottom of the slide show. Click the X to remove it so you can see the captions of each picture)

There is nothing like getting together with friends and family from all over the nation and world. I love it more than I can express!

Home Again

We have had an incredible week at General Conference! It feels a little strange to be sitting at home tonight. Usually, we have to travel 2-3 days to get back home, but since conference was in Houston, TX we only had two hours to travel. Wendell is unpacked and ready to hit the ground running in the morning, and I'm in the process of unpacking. I've done some, but as you know ladies usually take more to conference, so it takes us longer to put it all away.

The conference was outstanding! We heard powerful messages, and anointed singing. I left refreshed, excited, more thankful than I was already, and happy! Now, you can't make it any better than that! There are still reports being put together of the final count of those who received the Holy Ghost last night at the crusade. I've been hearing the number 3,000. There were people on foreign fields and here in the states that were watching via webcast, and the reports kept coming in of those who were receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost! I'm anxious to hear the final count, and all the testimonies of what God has done!

The South Texas District did an outstanding job hosting the event! Their hospitality was TEXAS STYLE! Thank you, South Texas!

It was wonderful seeing so many friends and family! Although you get tired in body, there is nothing more enjoyable than being with those you love.

We are home and already getting ready for another meeting next week. Time keeps marching on, so we must be about our Father's business.

It's Been Great

I'm stopping by this morning before laying my head on the pillow to say, General Conference has been wonderful! Have I told y'all lately that I absolutely LOVE being with my friends and family? :-) I am tired and my feet are screaming at me, but I really hate to see it all come to an end. We have one more day and then GC 2010 will be history. I will miss seeing everyone, but I know that one day we will all be together FOREVER! What a great and glorious day that will be!


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