THANK YOU!

Just a quick thought this morning before I get too busy to stop. I'm getting ready to go out and Christmas shop for the kids, but I want you all to know that I'm THANKFUL for all of you who are my friends and family!



I don't know what I would do without you. In this time of "running around" and doing the things of the Christmas Season, let's remember to stop and GIVE THANKS to the ONE who came, and for the precious gift He has given to us.

If it wasn't for Jesus we wouldn't have the PEACE and JOY in our lives that only He can give. I just wanted to say a great big THANK YOU for stopping by and visiting often. I love hearing from each of you! Life is only worth living when you have Jesus, family, and friends! RELATIONSHIP is what it's all about. I wouldn't want to go through life any other way. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Lifetimers Party

Tonight was our Lifetimers Party 65+ at the church and we had such a great time. Carmen is the Care Team Leader for this age group and she loves the senior saints. Every year at this time she has a Christmas Party at the church and the ladies who serve with her on this team (Judy Kurani, Julie D. Shahan, Felicia Frazier)do such a good job of cooking, serving, and having fun! The only "problem" we have at this party is keeping Wes Boyd from eating ALL the desserts, homemade pumpkin bread and biscuits! He was taking everything he could get! LOL! Tonight after the meal was served and games played Carmen had a time for everyone to share a "memory" of Christmas. It was so neat to sit around and hear the stories of these dear people who have lived a lot of life.
Thank you Carmen for being sensitive to the needs of the these wonderful saints.

More of the CFC Service

Wendell asked last night how many of the teenagers/young adults remembered walking the aisle with their families to bring their "gift to Jesus" and there were hands that went up all over the building. They are young adults now and some have started their own family traditions, and they are including the "special" Christmas offering tradition.








I absolutely LOVE watching the children come by us on their way to the manger.


























































Wendell always has the church pray over the offering so that it will go to see more churches built in America. Last night he had some "young men" come up and lay their hands on the offering and pray. I didn't think about it until I was writing this post, but the young men he called up last night has been raised in this church and everyone of them were "little boys" walking the aisle with their family on Christmas for Christ Sunday. Thank you Trevon, Junior, Jeremy, Lynn, and Jason for living for God with all your heart and for blessing the church with your faithfulness. What a great heritage you have to pass along to your family, someday.

Christmas For Christ Service

Every year we have a special Christmas for Christ Service when we watch the video sent to us from the United Pentecostal Church. This year was very special to us because it told the story of the FIRST Home Missions church started under the auspices of the Home Missions Department. Royce and Annette Elms, went to Los Angeles 40 years ago to bring the Light of Jesus Christ to a dark, sin-filled city. Then he was called to pastor in Amarillo, TX. and Bernard and Sandy Elms took the work in Los Angeles. There continues a great Light shining from the church and the "daughter works" that have started out of the main church.
Twenty-two years ago Wes Boyd made this map for our Christmas for Christ service and we use it every year! I cannot tell you the deep emotions we feel as we watch families go to the manger to bring their gift. Some have it wrapped in pretty paper and bows, others in a simple envelope. It doesn't matter how it's "wrapped" the gift is given from the heart.














There are those who have lost there spouses this year, yet they still came with their families and gave with "joy" in their hearts for what God has helped them through.

Barbara Ouellette lost her husband suddenly with a heart attack and is courageously fighting cancer . She is an amazing lady!











Foy and Linda Shahan were hit with the awful news that she has cancer, but she continues to fight, and fight we will! They were giving their gift to the Lord and are always worshiping God for WHO He is and the POWER He has to give complete healing!

Preparing for the "Christmas for Christ" Service

Preparing for the Christmas for Christ Service.




























Lynn and Trevon are discussing something. Maybe it was the service? I don't know, but I do know they do a wonderful job in leading us in worship!

Joseph and Kassie talking before choir practice.

Alayna standing by the manger with her gift she would give to Jesus. She said to me, "Mimi, this is a gift for Jesus. It's money, but don't tell Him what it is, ok?" Of course, I told her I wouldn't tell Him. She then said, "Maybe He will open it!" Her little eyes were shining so bright with anticipation. Oh, the sincerity of a little child! It brings a smile to my heart and tears to my eyes.

Laugher Does the Heart Good

Sunday night after church I was talking with Sis. Holley and we got so tickled! I have never seen her laugh like this and that made me laugh even harder. Others around us were wondering what was going on. I just HAD to post this picture! She is a great lady!

Christmas Spectacular

Yesterday Wendell asked me if I would like to go to First Baptist Church to the "Christmas Spectacular" they have each year, and of course, I said YES! You have to understand that he does not usually go to this kind of event, so I was happily surprised that he would take time out of his very busy afternoon and take me on a "date". Yes, we've been married 34 years, but it's still fun to go on a "date"! Andrew, Mandy and Alayna also went and we had such a nice time. Alayna didn't know what to think about the "wisemen" and all their costume, but I got her to take a picture with me! There were two "Singing Christmas Trees", a great dramatized musical with beautiful costumes, and the guest singer this year was Larnelle Harris. When he stepped out on the stage and started singing it was AWESOME! His voice control is beyond words! I just had to shake my head in wonderment at the ability he has. I took pictures....of course....because I just





KNEW everyone would want to see them! LOL! Afterwards, we got to speak to Larnelle and he was so kind and autographed the CD's we bought.I had to take Karla's place in "talking to the celebrity" since she wasn't here to enjoy this with us. She's the one that ALWAYS talks to the singers at the concerts we've been to. Karla, this one is for you....I even got a "hug"! Mandy wasn't quite fast enough to get a "front view"! LOL! Looks like we're dancing.....

Savanna's First Cookies!

Last night it was cold and starting to get wintry, so Jonathan built a fire in the fireplace and Savanna and Mom made SUGAR COOKIES...














......while little Scarlet played and showed off!


I LOVE these "lounging" pictures! Sweet memories are being made! I love you, girls!

It's SNOWING!

I am so excited today, because it is SNOWING! It's not every year that we get SNOW, so when we actually do, it's so exciting! I stepped outside and took a picture of our neighbors house across the street, so I could share all of our excitement with you all.I stayed home today so I cooked beef stroganoff, rice, green beans, corn and rolls. Andrew, Mandy and Alayna came over and we had a delicious meal. (even if I say so myself) As they were leaving to go home to set up their Christmas tree they had a "little" snowball fight. Alayna was having so much fun! Tonight was suppose to be our Ladies of Life Christmas Party, but I had to postpone it. We always have so much fun together and are disappointed when we can't have it. I just had to say......"Oh well".....we'll have one later. I hope you all have a wonderful evening. We will be here at home with a fire in the fireplace and listening to Christmas music! "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"

Later in the day.....Our Church in the snow storm. Wendell went out and took a picture of our house this afternoon about 5:30.

Pastor Appreciation "Pheasant Hunt"

Yesterday morning, Wendell, Andrew, Jonathan, and Royce went to Knox City, TX for the Pheasant Hunt that the church gave to Wendell for Pastor Appreciation. They came home with 17 birds!! I didn't get to see Jonathan and Royce afterwards, but Wendell and Andrew were so excited when they got home! They were already talking about the NEXT hunt they want to go on! I think we're going to be eating the pheasants at Christmastime when the family is home. I'm sure Andrew will be cooking them on the grill. I don't think I've ever eaten pheasant, but I guess I'll take a bite or two. Wendell showed me the pheasant that he is going to have stuffed. It is beautiful! He wants to have it to keep for the "memory" of the hunt. What a great group of saints we have here in Wichita Falls! You can't find better, anywhere!

Kenny Frazier went along to take pictures and video. Thank you Bro. Kenny! (He didn't even carry a gun!)