What a Week

It's been quite busy this week, but I am doing good. God always gives us the strength we need and I'm thankful for that! Bro. Elms and I went to Justin Myer's "going home service" today and the Family visitation last night. We enjoyed staying at Jonathan and Brenda's last night and seeing the girls for a little while. They are growing up way to fast! What sweethearts they are. The service for Justin was filled with the presence of God and there were many friends gathered together to support the Myer's family and their church. We got to visit with many, but had a very special time with the Creekmore's, Shane and his family, and McNeely's. We had a good meal and a lot of fun, talking about the past, and all the fun and wonderful times together.

Terry and Sharla

Shane and Sherene

Bro. and Sis. McNeely

Kaylee

Scarlet and Avery (Avery is Ashley Creekmore's daugher)

Prayer

Thank you all for your prayers! We are doing "ok". I can't say we're doing "good", but that will come. We have accomplished a lot this week, and for that I am thankful. We still have a lot to do! Right now it's like we're walking in a "fog", because we can't see our way clearly, but we know God is walking ahead of us and showing us the way.

Stuff and More Stuff!!

I'm almost too tired to blog tonight, but I will give you a little update. I am happy to report that we have emptied two storage buildings, and the only things left in the other one are very large, heavy items and Andrew has asked a couple of young men to help him move them on Monday, then we will be FINISHED!!!!!

It was so neat how God sent a man along today to haul all of things away that we didn't want to keep. We were taking a trailer load to Goodwill, but a train was stopping traffic for awhile, so we decided to go to Faith Mission and give it to them. When we got there they said they were not accepting any donations and the dock was closed, and they weren't very nice about it, so we drove on. A man who was there heard what was going on, jumped in his truck and followed us awhile, then started honking his horn to get us to pull over. We did, and he proceeded to tell us how rude they had been back at the mission, and it was uncalled for, etc. He wanted to take the stuff and distribute it. I didn't care if he took it and sold it and kept the money!!!! Anyway, we loaded his truck, and told him we had more things and he could have it if he wanted to come get it at the storage buildings. He was happy to come! The next to the last load was being put on his truck, and I heard him say, "When you're living right God blesses you!" I told him that he was right and we were glad he could benefit from it all! I'm glad God sent him along to help us out. It was wonderful "letting" him haul the "stuff" off!!!!

I'm going to bed! We are tired to the bone! Have a good Saturday!

God's Still Good!

As you know my house went on the market today, and we were hoping for a quick sale, but the people are looking for a more open neighborhood. (country) They loved our house, but are going to continue looking. Maybe they will come back to mine. We're a disappointed, but I believe God will come through for us. Please keep praying for a REAL QUICK SALE!

Today has been a very, very, very, BUSY day going through more of Daddy and Mother's memories. It's not been easy getting rid of their things, but once it is done I believe I will feel 100% better. Of course, I still have deep emotions running through my heart and mind at this time. Mandy has been a "life saver" for me in getting rid of the "stuff". I really appreciate her help. She doesn't have to do it, but she's so sweet to help me out. Yesterday, Rita came over and helped for a few hours. I thank her so much!! Barbara took care of Alayna and Ashlyn this afternoon and evening, and will be helping with the girls tomorrow, also. We couldn't have done all we've done with them needing our attention, so I really appreciate her for helping us to have "uninterrupted" time to work. It was good seeing the Loveland family tonight. Todd Shahan family came by last night, and visited for a little while. It helps to see my church family! Oh, how I'm going to miss you all. I can't hardly stand the thought of not being here. Hopefully, it will get easier over time.

Good Day

Tonight I will lay my head on the pillow and sleep well. We have gone through a lot more boxes, and I'm getting things sorted out. I'm actually starting to enjoy throwing things in the TRASH! LOL! I talked to the realtor today, and it's very possible I have a buyer for my house! Ya'll PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! I will know more tomorrow. It would be wonderful to sell before leaving town. Our God is in the business of answering prayers, and giving us the "desires of our heart", so I am thanking Him for selling our home! I will keep you updated!

As far as my emotions....I've done much better today. Somehow it's starting to sink in and I'm moving forward, inch by inch. :) I may be in a corner crying tomorrow, but tonight my heart feels happier. I have no doubt about our move, and the will of God in our lives. I have the assurance He is taking care of us.

Busy, busy day!

Today has been brimming over with activity! Not the kind to "enjoy", but a LOT of work! I hate going through boxes and getting rid of "stuff"! It has to be done so I will keep working at it. While we were in the garage working I heard a groan and then a crash and I turned just in time to see my husband on the floor! He had tripped somehow while stepping off of the trailer he and Andrew were loading and fell very hard!!! I really do thank the Lord he didn't break anything, but he is very, very sore, and his ankle, wrist and shoulder is hurting pretty bad. Of course, if I wasn't saying something about it you would never know about it, so I'm just asking prayer for him. He really didn't need this "kind of aggravation" at this time! Andrew and Mandy helped him up and he continued working, so at least he's not in the hospital with a broken bone. Thank the Lord!!

As I mentioned this morning I was feeling some better, but our emotions are still in turmoil. I wish when you follow "the Lord's will" that there would be no sad feelings, but that doesn't happen. We have loved living in Wichita Falls and pastoring the greatest people in the world! We have had a wonderful relationship with our church, and they have loved us through the years. We couldn't have asked for a greater church to pastor! God has been blessing and it is only getting better. He has been pouring out His spirit, souls have received the Holy Ghost and been baptized in Jesus Name, and the church continues to grow. I heard this week that someone said, "Bro. and Sis. Elms have not been real happy with the church for about five years, and the church hasn't been real happy with them, either." LOL! Number 1 - that is not true and Number 2 - it makes me wonder where those kind of stories come from!! It amazes me that people have to try and figure out WHY someone leaves their church. I wonder if they will ever understand that there is a "will of God" for the lives of His servants, and when He beckons, you just "follow"!! I'm glad to say it was none of our people from our church that said this. I just shake my head and say, "some people have the spirit of stupid" on them, and have to say "stupid things". :) One of my favorite things to say when something happens like this is: "OH WELL!!! What does it matter what others do or say? It just proves they don't know what they're talking about."

I have talked to a couple of realtors today, so I will be putting the house on the market tomorrow. Please pray a "buyer", buys soon! It's hard to believe I'm selling and moving away from "home". I'm sure I will adjust in the future. Talk to you all later. Keep us in your prayers!

Today

"Today is the beginning of the rest of your life."

I woke up this morning feeling better! As you know, this past weekend was very hard to go through, and yesterday I was so sad, but this morning my heart is feeling some better. I am busy getting the house ready to put on the market, going through "stuff" and getting rid of anything and everything we don't need. I know we are to move forward, so that's what we're doing. Please pray for a quick sale on our home! God is able to send the right buyers along and they will want to buy "right now"!!!

Thank you all for your "Congratulations" and comments on our new adventure. You are all kind, and my friends! I appreciate and love you! We have had many calls from people who are checking on us and praying for us, and we appreciate it so very much.

I will run for now and get busy, but will try to blog some tonight. Love you!

Update

I first want to say I'm sorry for being gone so long from my blog. I've missed writing and hearing from my friends!!

A lot of you already know that Wendell was voted in as the Texas District Secretary at our District Conference last week in Beaumont, so that is the reason I have not been on the computer. We are looking forward to the new challenge and know, without a doubt, this is the will of God for our lives at this time. We feel very humbled to think the ministers would even consider us for this position! Now, to the SAD part of all of this.

In Texas, the District Secretary job is a full-time position. So, last night Wendell resigned from our AWESOME church, and I will tell you it was so hard seeing our people hurting so badly!! I cannot, nor will I, go into the emotions I feel at this time. I will say, I feel like I did when I buried my parents! When you love deeply, it hurts deeply! Please be in prayer for all of us as we go through this transition. We know that all will be well and that the church will go on in REVIVAL and the promises of God WILL BE fulfilled!!!! Life Tabernacle, I LOVE YOU and will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER forget you and your love for us! You are our "priceless treasures"!!

Enjoying Visit

We are having a wonderful time with the "kids" this week. I'm glad we were able to come down and relax with them before conference begins. The girls are growing up so much! Savanna has been reading to me and showing me her school work, and I'm so proud of how well she is doing in school. She's so sweet! Scarlet, is a little sweetheart, too. She is talking real well and holding good conversations with me! I'm loving being here with them and Wendell is having a wonderful time getting all the hugs and kisses from them! They can't seem to get enough of "being with Papa". So sweet!

Tonight was church and we had a wonderful service. The saints are precious and prayed for us tonight. God spoke to us in a very special way, and we thank Him for being "mindful of us". Thank you church for your prayers!

Jonathan and Brenda are doing very well! The church is in revival and God is doing great things!

I will go for now. It's late, and I'm tired and sleepy. I plan on sleeping good tonight!

Here's Yer Sign

We are on our way to Beaumont for District Conference. We want to spend some time with our family before things get too busy, so we left a few days early. My husband just looked at me and said, "Wow, someone is being poetic!" I knew by his tone that something got his attention, so I asked him what he was smiling about. Here's what it was.

On a church sign:

"Aspire to inspire before you EXPIRE!"

Now, "that'll PREACH"! LOL!

Andrew and Mandy told us about this one:

"Jesus is the POTTER, not Harry!" LOL!

Come on!!!! LOL! We've got some REAL intellectuals out their running around, maybe THEY ought to run for President.

Tonight

TWO young men RECEIVED the Holy Ghost, and ONE of them was baptized tonight! We had a "mighty rushing wind" of the Holy Ghost sweeping our service! It was INCREDIBLE! THANK YOU, JESUS!

Also, if any of you tried to leave a "Comment" on the last post about our New Hospitality Room, please go do so. Somehow, the "COMMENTS Setting" had been changed, to "Don't Allow". I do not know how that happened. I'm sorry for the problem.

New Hospitality Room

I was so excited when I heard the Texas Ladies Ministry had provided the money to remodel our Hospitality Room (under the platform) at Texas District Campground! I could hardly wait until after church to go back and check it out. I took pictures for those who are interested. There are many of you who have worked to decorate it, or to prepare snacks for the ministry, musicians, singers, and special guests, so if you are one of the ones who have worked countless hours, let me first say a great big "thank you". If you are called upon again to be of service you now will not have to wash dishes in an "over-sized bowl"! They have made things a lot more "user friendly"!!! The room is at least doubled in size, we have new bathrooms, and a kitchen! It's wonderful to be able to take special speakers to a beautiful room before and after services so they can be refreshed. Here are some pictures for you.

Double Door Entrance

The Hospitality Room (room for everyone to be comfortable)

Serving tables


The Kitchen
We have DOUBLE SINKS, DISHWASHER and MICROWAVE! We even have cabinets and drawers for storage!


Countertop for preparing food!

The Bathrooms Moved to Hallway
YESSSS! Even have "privacy"!!! No more "peeking over the top of the door"! LOL!
Just wanted to give a little update on what's happening in the great TEXAS District!

Friendships

"Life is too short to wake up with regrets! So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the one's who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be "worth it". Friends are like balloons; once you let them go, you can't get them back. So I'm gonna tie you to my heart, so I never lose you."

This quote was sent to me from a friend today. I have been thinking about "special friends" in my life who have always been there. Many I have not talked about here on my blog, but there are many, many people that has made life a pleasure to live. I love those times I am in a large group of people and I spot a "friend"! My heart warms when I see them, and I have a smile come to my spirit. There's only been a few times I have felt totally alone! I thank God for my friends. I do not ever want to take them for granted and just have a "ho-hum" attitude towards them.

While I was at Texas Women's Conference I looked around just to see who was there, and my eyes spotted two of my friends. I immediately felt better! I missed Karla not being with me, and Mandy didn't go, and Brenda was sitting on the platform, because she was an MC for Friday night. It was really strange for me, but I didn't feel lonely. Just different! :) Then I saw these two ladies of whom I have loved for many years, yet, it's only been the last few years that I have had the honor of spending some time with them at ladies conference. It was great getting to see them, again. We enjoyed time together after the service that night. We laughed and cried together as we discussed things that were important to us. Thank you, Karen and Susan for being my friends!

By the way, Brenda did an outstanding job of leading the service on Friday night! I was so proud of her!! She is a natural in "leading" those around her and she was beautiful and gracious as she MC'd the service. Thank you, Brenda for being so wonderful and letting God use you!

I really don't want this post to come across as the "ooshy-gooshy friendship" kind of way! Do you know what I mean? There are some who are "touchy-feely" in their friendships, and can't live without their friend being "right there" all the time. They can't "stand on their own two feet", and feel threatened when "their friend" is not paying attention to THEM. I love all the little "stories of friendship", "poems of friendship", "quotes on friendship", but to me "true friendship" comes from strong people who know who they are when they are alone! Friendship doesn't have to have the "over-active, special care" that so many think. True friendship just "IS"! With a true friend you pick up where you left off even if it's been a while since you talked, or it's been "forever" since you saw them. I have a very dear friend that we very seldom talk to each other, but when we do we have no problem of communicating! She understands me, I understand her, and our love and loyalty is "strong and unshakeable".

Be a "true friend" to someone. Don't smother them with attention, but "be there" when you have the opportunity. Just like the quote says, "Friends are like balloons; once you let them go you can't get them back. So, I'm going to tie you to my heart so I never lose you." I love playing with balloons! They never were very much fun when I just held them in my arms. It's always more fun to hold onto the string, and let them fly above my head, or use them as a ball to bounce back and forth, with another friend. With friends it's always more fun to "share them" with others. When you "share" your friend, you make more friends and everyone has more fun! I will be one of the first to say, "things happen" and sometimes you have to let go of a "string". There might be some tears shed, but you will have no regrets for being a friend for a "season". It's okay. Life brings about changes and you can adjust if you have the right perspective of "friendship". I'm glad I haven't had to let go of very many friends in my life. Most of them I still have tied to my heart, and they make a "beautiful bouquet of colors" for me to enjoy.

Maybe that says it all in a "nut-shell". I don't know if this makes any sense, but to me it does. Maybe it will to you. Have a great day!

Sick Computer

The last I heard, my computer is still laying in the "hospital" in many, many pieces, waiting for the "computer surgeon" to perform surgery and fix it! :) I am anxiously waiting for it to get well! LOL! I know! I know! It's going to be alright, but I will be really glad when I can bring it home. Hopefully, it will get over all the "junk" that attaches to it and will feel like "running" again. The "doctors" who are working on it are very good at taking care of their "patients", so I'm not too worried about it. I want to say a great big thank you to my husband for sharing his computer with me so I can blog. I am trying not to download anything on it so it doesn't "catch a virus". I'm being very careful! Although, I'm starting to really like his computer, so mine better get back soon or he just might have to buy me a NEW ONE! That brings up a good question. If YOU were going to buy a new computer what would you buy? That's simple enough, isn't it? I really would like to hear from my blogging friends on this. Thank you for taking a few minutes to give me your opinion. I'll be listening or should I say "watching" for your intelligent answers.

Oh my! I guess I'm getting really tired of the "waiting room", so I just had to write SOMETHING! Please think of me when you're writing your posts, on your very own computer, and if you want, I give you permission to "feel sorry for me, too"! Have a great day!

One Baptized, Two Filled with the Holy Ghost!

We had wonderful services this weekend! Bro. and Sis. Henry were with us and God did marvelous things! This morning we baptized one young lady in Jesus Name and she received the Holy Ghost tonight! We also had the mother of one of our ladies receive the Holy Ghost! There was REJOICING in Life Tabernacle as God worked miracles in the hearts of these two ladies! We are bubbling over with the awesomeness of God!

Where Do I Begin?

I am finally finding a window of time to sit down and write about my California trip! It's been real crazy for me the last week! There is no way to tell all about it, but I will tell you a little. For those of you who wished me "a lot of laughs", your wish came true! One night we laughed ourselves into "hysterical laughter"! It lasted about 15 minutes! LOL! If any of us were not feeling good, that laughter "cured" it all!! No, I'm not going to try and tell you about it, because it wouldn't be funny to you. You know how those times are when something just hits you the "right" way. It was one of those times. :) I had a wonderful time being with my sisters. The celebration for Ronda was done so nice by her family and church family. We all had a nice time reflecting back and telling her how wonderful she is! Family and friends being together is the most fulfilling experience life has to offer.

We have special people in our lives who are more than friends to us. Some of them are Jimmy and Bobbie, Randy and Sharon, Nanci and Brian. You cannot find better people in all the world! They have been part of our lives since we were babies, or very young. Therefore, they are "family". The Shoemakes have known us ALL OF OUR LIVES and have been at almost every celebration or times of loss that we have had! You can't ask for any closer relationship than this. It's very hard to separate them from being "family" so I don't even try! Randy is another person who has been very close to my family. In our talking about when he came into our lives I figured out that I was around 6-7 years old!!! My how time flies when you're having FUN! Randy and Sharon are great friends and we call him our "BROTHER"! Randy has always "been there". I didn't know Sharon quite as early in life, but she is very dear to me! Then there's Nanci!! Of course, I have known her all of her life. She is Ronda's age, so she's like a sister to me. She always brings a lot of laughter to those around. She is a true friend and I love her so much! Her and Brian are wonderful people. Of course, there's my aunt and uncle. C.W. and Gloria are ALWAYS THERE! I don't know when they took a vacation without going to see family or friends. That's their kind of vacation. I love them both so much! TRUE, LOYAL, CARING and LOVING! That's C.W. and Gloria! They are wonderful people! Valere came to be with Ronda on this special occasion and it was wonderful seeing her!

I don't want to bore you with all the "happenings", flight CANCELLED and RESCHEDULED (I was one of the 26,000 people who was misplaced by American, DELAYED flight back home because of weather, my back giving into all the stress of PULLING on LUGGAGE, and all that goes with "flying". I will just say, I'm so glad I could go and be with my "old sister"! LOL! It's so hard to believe she is 50 years old! Of course, that doesn't make me any older!!! We ate alot, laughed alot, remembered alot, and had an incredible time! Nathan and Ronda's church is doing great and I enjoyed being with them in their Sunday afternoon service. The music, choir, praise singing, worship and preaching was outstanding and I was so happy to get to spend that time with them! I will leave you with these pictures. I trust you will enjoy them, but I know you can't enjoy them as much as we did making them!

HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY, RONDA

Following is what I said at her party. I wrote it all down so I wouldn't cry while reading it, but it didn't help me at all! :) I am just the sentimental type! Once I start crying there is no way to stop the tears.




I was "five years old" when you came into my life. You were the one who took away my status as "baby of the family", and I loved you from the beginning. Your blue eyes, and curly brown hair captured my heart. A few months before you were born Mother needed to go someplace, and as she was going down the stairs, she slipped and fell. Everyone was worried about her having "the baby" early, but she carried you the whole nine months, and you survived the fall. Not only did you survive the fall you came into this world with great determination! I have watched you over the years as you have faced life-changing decisions. Following "the will of God" has been your number one priority. There have been wonderful, fun times, and there have been times of disappointments and grief, yet the "little baby" who survived the "fall on the steps" before birth, has not only survived the "difficult times" in life, but has come through them with beauty, strength and grace! Ronda, you are a strong and courageous, beautiful lady! Your life continues to show everyone around you that "Serving God Is Beautiful". I love being with you wherever you may be, and I'm always proud to be introduced as your sister. God has been good to me and I'm glad He brought you into "my world" 50 years ago! No, my life has never been the same....It has been more wonderful and fun since you arrived! I LOVE YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

This picture was taken at Ronda's 50th birthday party! We had so much fun surprising her. I wish you all could have seen her jumping up and down, and "whooping"! It was even worth flying to see her react with such excitement!

Will Blog Later

I am home and had a wonderful trip, even though there were some "issues" with flights! At least, I made it to Ronda's and back, "safe and sound". :) I arrived late last night, bent over to get something out of my suitcase and almost didn't get back up!! So, today I have had to spend the day in bed with the heating pad. I am feeling some better, but it needs to loosen up a lot more to be comfortable. I am also having to use my husbands computer, since mine is in the "hospital". I haven't been able to download pictures from my trip, yet. Hopefully, I will get it back SOON! If not, maybe I can do something on his before I leave for Ladies Conference on Thursday. I hope you all are having a wonderful week.

Having a Wonderful Time

As I said in my last post, I have been very busy, but it's been the "fun-kind-of-busy"! Karla and I flew into San Jose on Wednesday evening to surprise Ronda for her birthday. We definitely SURPRISED HER! LOL! I have a lot to report to you, but will have to do it when I arrive back home. I do not have my computer with me, so I cannot download pictures to go along with all the "fun" we are having. I can't wait to tell you all about it.

Busy

I hope everyone is having a great week. I am really busy and will not be able to post very much over the next few days. Love you all!