I think my brain is FRIED! Maybe it's the heat we've been having here in TEXAS! :)
I'm sorry I haven't been "saying much". It's just been "one of those times" where I haven't had a lot to report, or to say. Everything is fine, though! I know there are some who worry when I'm not blogging a lot, but just to let you know...I'm doing fine! In fact, I told my husband today that I am very happy with "life".
We will be travelling quite a bit the rest of this week, and into next week. My heart is saddened to learn of two of our minister's wives who have passed away this week. Although, I did not know them personally, I know their families are hurting today. Please pray for the Rev. Roy Moorman family. (Kirbyville, TX) and the Rev. Edmond Miller family. (New Boston, TX) If you are from Texas District, I'm sure there will be more information sent as soon as we receive it.
Please pray for us as we travel. Pray also for us to be able to "give" to those we will be in contact with. They need strength, encouragement, and a lot of love and concern.
The Lord willing, I will try to post sometime again, soon!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
PRESS ON IN PRAYER!
Please keep praying for Timo Simoneau! Updates can be found here. We are believing with this Missionary family for their son's healing. He was diagnosed with "bacterial meningitis" and is in critical condition.
There are thousands of people who are praying for this urgent need. Please join the ranks of the believer's! With God.....ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!
There are thousands of people who are praying for this urgent need. Please join the ranks of the believer's! With God.....ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Euless Weekend
We have had a wonderful time here in Euless this weekend. The services have been touched by the presence of God, and there was unity in worship and praise! God is doing great things here and we were happy to be just a tiny part of it this weekend. The praise singing is led by "Jason's Julie", and she is anointed as she plays and sings. It was so good to see them. Jason is one of "our" young men from home and is doing wonderful in the church here! He and Julie got married after several years of him pursuing her, and he finally "caught" her. :) Brandon was here today, also and it was good seeing him.
You will not find any better people than Bro. and Sis. McLaughlin, and Bro. and Sis. Benson (Sis. McLaughlin's parents) Bro. Benson started the church 39 years ago and when he retired, Bro. McLaughlin took the pastorate! What a great team they have made through the years.
One of the beautiful things I saw tonight in church were the McLaughlin's sons, Jonmichael (11 yrs. old?) and Blake (9 yrs. old?) worshipping the Lord. From the very beginning of service they had their hands raised and were in the spirit of worship. It was awesome to watch as they gave praise and glory to God! I love to see our preacher's kids involved in the church. Then there's Jenna...(5 yrs old). She is so cute! Jenna and Alayna are friends, so we had something in common. She HAD to ride with us tonight to the restaurant. I was happy to have her with us. Of course, it made me miss my granddaughters something terrible!
I didn't get a lot of pictures today, but I still wanted to share the few I got.
After a time of prayer before service tonight, I went into the sanctuary to wait for the service to begin. As I was sitting there I watched as people came out of the prayer room. There was an elderly gentleman that walked by, a couple ladies, then my attention was captured by the next two people. It was a mother and young daughter holding hands as they left the prayer room. I thought, "That's one of the things I love about going to church!" Seeing parents teaching their children to love God is so beautiful. Here are a few of my thoughts tonight.
The things "I LOVE about going to church", or I could say...things "I LOVE about being a part of a church" came to mind.
1. God comes and meets with us.
2. I have friends and family there.
3. I have a Pastor who preaches the Word of God, so I can be saved.
4. People really do CARE!
5. There is unconditional love from those around me.
6. We are FAMILY!
7. I feel at "home", when I'm with those who believe Truth!
8. I love good, Apostolic music!
9. I love good, Apostolic, anointed singing!
10. I love the freedom I have to worship and praise the Lord.
I've known these things all of my life, but tonight I was overwhelmed with the awesomeness of being part of "THE CHURCH"! It's just FUN living for God!!! I have always LOVED church, and I'm not about to stop now!
Of course, I didn't even begin to tell all the reasons I LOVE church. That's just a "tidbit" of my heart.
You will not find any better people than Bro. and Sis. McLaughlin, and Bro. and Sis. Benson (Sis. McLaughlin's parents) Bro. Benson started the church 39 years ago and when he retired, Bro. McLaughlin took the pastorate! What a great team they have made through the years.
One of the beautiful things I saw tonight in church were the McLaughlin's sons, Jonmichael (11 yrs. old?) and Blake (9 yrs. old?) worshipping the Lord. From the very beginning of service they had their hands raised and were in the spirit of worship. It was awesome to watch as they gave praise and glory to God! I love to see our preacher's kids involved in the church. Then there's Jenna...(5 yrs old). She is so cute! Jenna and Alayna are friends, so we had something in common. She HAD to ride with us tonight to the restaurant. I was happy to have her with us. Of course, it made me miss my granddaughters something terrible!
I didn't get a lot of pictures today, but I still wanted to share the few I got.
After a time of prayer before service tonight, I went into the sanctuary to wait for the service to begin. As I was sitting there I watched as people came out of the prayer room. There was an elderly gentleman that walked by, a couple ladies, then my attention was captured by the next two people. It was a mother and young daughter holding hands as they left the prayer room. I thought, "That's one of the things I love about going to church!" Seeing parents teaching their children to love God is so beautiful. Here are a few of my thoughts tonight.
The things "I LOVE about going to church", or I could say...things "I LOVE about being a part of a church" came to mind.
1. God comes and meets with us.
2. I have friends and family there.
3. I have a Pastor who preaches the Word of God, so I can be saved.
4. People really do CARE!
5. There is unconditional love from those around me.
6. We are FAMILY!
7. I feel at "home", when I'm with those who believe Truth!
8. I love good, Apostolic music!
9. I love good, Apostolic, anointed singing!
10. I love the freedom I have to worship and praise the Lord.
I've known these things all of my life, but tonight I was overwhelmed with the awesomeness of being part of "THE CHURCH"! It's just FUN living for God!!! I have always LOVED church, and I'm not about to stop now!
Of course, I didn't even begin to tell all the reasons I LOVE church. That's just a "tidbit" of my heart.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
A Random Slideshow
I went through my pictures and wanted to share some "family pictures"! I love these people more than I can put into words. ENJOY!
If you're not in this slideshow, maybe you'll be in the next one. :) Love you ALL!
If you're not in this slideshow, maybe you'll be in the next one. :) Love you ALL!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Today
You know...it's nice to be able to live "just one day at a time". There is no way to go back to the "past", and you sure can't go into the "future", so why not just "live today". I have always been the type of person to live in the NOW. Maybe that's why I can't remember what happened "yesterday". :) That's just the way I like it, unless I need to remember something important, then, I have to really "put my mind to it" and figure out...."what was that I needed to remember"?
Today has been a much better day than the last few. Since my "graceful falling" in my motorhome...(how can anyone fall in a motorhome? :)...I am doing FINE. My husband is doing much better with his "poison ivy" attack. As soon as we realized what he had we called the doctor to get a prescription to get this "terrible stuff" under control. If we do not catch it soon enough it will definitely "feel at home" and take over his entire body! How dare it feel so comfortable and invade unmercifully?
Being happy and living life with a positive attitude is not easy for some folks. They always see the "big, bad, ugly", and negative side of situations. Then, there are the folks who just LOVE LIFE no matter what's happening. We have all been around both of these kind of people. How do people go through life always LOOKING for the bad? How does anyone live with them? How can you stay around someone who is always grumbling and complaining? No, I don't have anyone in mind. I'm just thinking and typing. I hope all who read this do not have this problem, but I'm sure there's got to be just one or two in all the "MILLIONS" of people who read my blog that do! :) Did I really just say that? LOL!
The year I turned thirty-four I was talking to my brother on the phone, and with a little "unhappy" sound in my voice I said, "I can't believe I am 34 YEARS OLD today!!!" On the other end of the line I heard Keith say, "Well, that's better than the alternative!" In a way I wanted to jump through the phone and "hit him", of course in a playful way. He always had a way of putting things that made it look like fun. Even if I WAS getting OLD! I love being around people who see the "bright side of life".
My brother-in-law, David, is probably one of the most positive people I have ever been around! I remember a time when he was going through a very trying time, but to talk to him you would have never known it! Thank you David for showing us the "bright side of life".
I don't really know why I'm writing this tonight. I sometimes go off in a direction that I wasn't planning on going. It feels good, so I think I'll keep going.
When we were evangelizing MANY years ago, we were in our motorhome travelling through the Salt Canyon in Arizona. It was HOTTER THAN BLUE BLAZES, as my mother would say, and our motorhome started cutting out. We turned off ALL air conditioners, took the cover off of the engine (inside the motorhome)so my husband could hold the carburetor open, pour gas in it, just to give it enough power to make it to the other side of the canyon! It got up to 120 degrees in the motorhome, and we were doing our best to keep a good attitude. But, when you're an evangelist, and you don't know where you're going to get the money to FIX whatever is wrong, you get a little scared. What if we had to put out THOUSANDS of dollars to keep going? By the time we got to Tommy and Judy Hudson's house we were "fit to be tied"!! When we started telling Bro. Hudson what was going on and all of our "fears", he started LAUGHING about it. We looked at him as if he had lost his mind, and I think it made him laugh harder. After a little while of laughter from him, WE started LAUGHING!!! It might have been a little "hysterical laughter", but I can say it was probably the best thing that could have happened to us. We found out later there was just a tiny pin-hole in the gas line causing air to be where fuel SHOULD have been! We found out real fast that motorhomes do not run on air!!! It was just a "tiny, little, something" that was taking our joy away. We learned a valuable lesson that day from Tommy Hudson. "DON'T TAKE LIFE SO SERIOUSLY!" Thank you, Bro. Hudson!
Oh, I guess I could go on and on about things that happen and people who have helped me see the "brighter side" of life, but I will stop there.
We are in Euless tonight. We arrived here not long ago, and we walked into a beautiful Evangelist Quarters!! We are thankful to the McLaughlin's for a wonderful place to relax. We are looking forward to the weekend services. I know the presence of God will be here to do great things for those in attendance!
My heart is overflowing with the "goodness of our God"! He's a GREAT, BIG, WONDERFUL GOD!
Today has been a much better day than the last few. Since my "graceful falling" in my motorhome...(how can anyone fall in a motorhome? :)...I am doing FINE. My husband is doing much better with his "poison ivy" attack. As soon as we realized what he had we called the doctor to get a prescription to get this "terrible stuff" under control. If we do not catch it soon enough it will definitely "feel at home" and take over his entire body! How dare it feel so comfortable and invade unmercifully?
Being happy and living life with a positive attitude is not easy for some folks. They always see the "big, bad, ugly", and negative side of situations. Then, there are the folks who just LOVE LIFE no matter what's happening. We have all been around both of these kind of people. How do people go through life always LOOKING for the bad? How does anyone live with them? How can you stay around someone who is always grumbling and complaining? No, I don't have anyone in mind. I'm just thinking and typing. I hope all who read this do not have this problem, but I'm sure there's got to be just one or two in all the "MILLIONS" of people who read my blog that do! :) Did I really just say that? LOL!
The year I turned thirty-four I was talking to my brother on the phone, and with a little "unhappy" sound in my voice I said, "I can't believe I am 34 YEARS OLD today!!!" On the other end of the line I heard Keith say, "Well, that's better than the alternative!" In a way I wanted to jump through the phone and "hit him", of course in a playful way. He always had a way of putting things that made it look like fun. Even if I WAS getting OLD! I love being around people who see the "bright side of life".
My brother-in-law, David, is probably one of the most positive people I have ever been around! I remember a time when he was going through a very trying time, but to talk to him you would have never known it! Thank you David for showing us the "bright side of life".
I don't really know why I'm writing this tonight. I sometimes go off in a direction that I wasn't planning on going. It feels good, so I think I'll keep going.
When we were evangelizing MANY years ago, we were in our motorhome travelling through the Salt Canyon in Arizona. It was HOTTER THAN BLUE BLAZES, as my mother would say, and our motorhome started cutting out. We turned off ALL air conditioners, took the cover off of the engine (inside the motorhome)so my husband could hold the carburetor open, pour gas in it, just to give it enough power to make it to the other side of the canyon! It got up to 120 degrees in the motorhome, and we were doing our best to keep a good attitude. But, when you're an evangelist, and you don't know where you're going to get the money to FIX whatever is wrong, you get a little scared. What if we had to put out THOUSANDS of dollars to keep going? By the time we got to Tommy and Judy Hudson's house we were "fit to be tied"!! When we started telling Bro. Hudson what was going on and all of our "fears", he started LAUGHING about it. We looked at him as if he had lost his mind, and I think it made him laugh harder. After a little while of laughter from him, WE started LAUGHING!!! It might have been a little "hysterical laughter", but I can say it was probably the best thing that could have happened to us. We found out later there was just a tiny pin-hole in the gas line causing air to be where fuel SHOULD have been! We found out real fast that motorhomes do not run on air!!! It was just a "tiny, little, something" that was taking our joy away. We learned a valuable lesson that day from Tommy Hudson. "DON'T TAKE LIFE SO SERIOUSLY!" Thank you, Bro. Hudson!
Oh, I guess I could go on and on about things that happen and people who have helped me see the "brighter side" of life, but I will stop there.
We are in Euless tonight. We arrived here not long ago, and we walked into a beautiful Evangelist Quarters!! We are thankful to the McLaughlin's for a wonderful place to relax. We are looking forward to the weekend services. I know the presence of God will be here to do great things for those in attendance!
My heart is overflowing with the "goodness of our God"! He's a GREAT, BIG, WONDERFUL GOD!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Time to Laugh
LOL! I just get tickled thinking about what I'm fixing to post! LOL!
You've already heard about my "beautiful FALL" this week. WELL....NOW MY HUSBAND IS BROKEN OUT WITH POISON IVY! No, it's not funny, because he is pretty miserable. We do not have ANY IDEA where he got it!!!
It's amazing how "little things" can attack all at once! I just have to shake my head and say....."oh well....".
I think we could use a little extra prayer!!!! :)
You've already heard about my "beautiful FALL" this week. WELL....NOW MY HUSBAND IS BROKEN OUT WITH POISON IVY! No, it's not funny, because he is pretty miserable. We do not have ANY IDEA where he got it!!!
It's amazing how "little things" can attack all at once! I just have to shake my head and say....."oh well....".
I think we could use a little extra prayer!!!! :)
Thank You!
Here is a little update on how I'm doing since my fall. Today I woke up feeling pretty good, but as I started moving around I felt several "sore places", where I'm usually doing fine. Of course, after that kind of fall I expected to be sore. :) Thank you all for being so caring. I LOVE having friends!!!
Today I was privileged to have lunch with Sis. Russo, the First Lady of Texas District. We had a wonderful visit and meal. I am enjoying "getting to know her" more, since moving to Lufkin.
I will be posting more later. But, as of right now....I'm heading to get some rest. I hope your day has been a "good day" and the "sun was shining" in your world!
Today I was privileged to have lunch with Sis. Russo, the First Lady of Texas District. We had a wonderful visit and meal. I am enjoying "getting to know her" more, since moving to Lufkin.
I will be posting more later. But, as of right now....I'm heading to get some rest. I hope your day has been a "good day" and the "sun was shining" in your world!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Crazy How Things Happen
It can be a perfectly beautiful day...all things going great, then all of a sudden CRASH!
I was taking care of household duties, going about my own business when I came CRASHING to the floor!!!! Where did THAT come from? My right leg went straight out in front of me, my left leg went behind me and under my body as I fell on my back!!! The whole back of my clothes was soaking wet and I was hurting. What I didn't know was that my washer had a sprung a leak and there was a puddle of soapy water waiting for me to SLIDE through it! When I finally got my senses, and could roll over and get up, I went outside and turned off the water and there was water flowing out from under the motorhome, out of three of the "underneath compartments".
I am okay, although a little sore and achy. I thank God that the only "visible sign" of my fall is a skinned up foot!
It could be a cast on my arm, leg, foot, neck, or back! :)
Isn't it crazy how life can be wonderful and something so "unexpected" can happen and turn your world upside down for a little while?
Yesterday we had some dark clouds overhead, but just passed the dark clouds was a beautiful white cloud with the sun shining through it. My husband said, "Look there! The sun is still shining somewhere." Yes! The "sun is still shining somewhere". It may not be in "your world" at this moment, but someone is enjoying the "sunshine".
One thing I love about my life with God is that I might have a "dark cloud" overhead one day, but He won't let it stay for long!! He will make sure that in the middle of my "overcast day" the sun will shine and break through the clouds, giving me the warmth of His presence to make it!
I was taking care of household duties, going about my own business when I came CRASHING to the floor!!!! Where did THAT come from? My right leg went straight out in front of me, my left leg went behind me and under my body as I fell on my back!!! The whole back of my clothes was soaking wet and I was hurting. What I didn't know was that my washer had a sprung a leak and there was a puddle of soapy water waiting for me to SLIDE through it! When I finally got my senses, and could roll over and get up, I went outside and turned off the water and there was water flowing out from under the motorhome, out of three of the "underneath compartments".
I am okay, although a little sore and achy. I thank God that the only "visible sign" of my fall is a skinned up foot!
It could be a cast on my arm, leg, foot, neck, or back! :)Isn't it crazy how life can be wonderful and something so "unexpected" can happen and turn your world upside down for a little while?
Yesterday we had some dark clouds overhead, but just passed the dark clouds was a beautiful white cloud with the sun shining through it. My husband said, "Look there! The sun is still shining somewhere." Yes! The "sun is still shining somewhere". It may not be in "your world" at this moment, but someone is enjoying the "sunshine".
One thing I love about my life with God is that I might have a "dark cloud" overhead one day, but He won't let it stay for long!! He will make sure that in the middle of my "overcast day" the sun will shine and break through the clouds, giving me the warmth of His presence to make it!
Monday, July 21, 2008
ANSWER!
For those of you who are wondering about this "Boom Ba Bam"....go here. Thanks to "Farley" for his research.
Shortly after posting the "church sign" I read about this. My mind went to this passage in scripture.
Matt. 7:21-23 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
We have been warned that "in the last days" these things would happen. Anyone who KNOWS God in a deep relationship, and have been taught by "true men of God", will not be swayed by the "false teachings" that are being taught today! My desire is that ALL come to repentance and salvation, as written in scripture. Hungry people will search for a TRUE experience in water baptism, in the Name of Jesus, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
Shortly after posting the "church sign" I read about this. My mind went to this passage in scripture.
Matt. 7:21-23 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
We have been warned that "in the last days" these things would happen. Anyone who KNOWS God in a deep relationship, and have been taught by "true men of God", will not be swayed by the "false teachings" that are being taught today! My desire is that ALL come to repentance and salvation, as written in scripture. Hungry people will search for a TRUE experience in water baptism, in the Name of Jesus, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
Sunday, July 20, 2008
WHAT?
OK! I think I've seen everything, now! We were driving home today from Jonathan and Brenda's and my husband asked, "Did you see that?" I answered him with a curious note in my voice, and said, "I saw the word Sheeka. He said, "I'm a good mind to go back and take a picture of it." I said, "Well, let's do it!" I have done a little "erasing" to the sign, because I did not want to say the church name, or speaker for whatever reason, but I'd like to know what this means. Can anyone help?
Here it is!!!!
Special Note: I DID NOT MAKE THIS UP! It's a REAL CHURCH SIGN!
Here it is!!!!
Special Note: I DID NOT MAKE THIS UP! It's a REAL CHURCH SIGN!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Savanna's "Celebration Week"
This week has been a lot of fun. We have celebrated Savanna's birthday for the last three days! :) On her birthday, July 16, we went to the mall to let her jump on the "Bungee Jump". Scarlet was going to join her, but got scared at the last minute. Savanna knew she was going to celebrate her birthday on Friday with friends, so she's enjoyed her "week". Yesterday, we went to Build-a-Bear. That was my gift to her. It took us quite a while to finish there, but when we got home she was happy with her new "kitty cat". She named her "Amelia". Then, today was her party! We had a nice time and she had a lot of FUN being with her friends. She also got to have a "girls sleep-over" at Rachel's house. They were all excited!
One day while we were out eating, Savanna was talking to a lady about her birthday, and the lady gave her $20! When Savanna got back to the table and told us about it we got excited with her, then Jonathan asked, "Savanna, what is the first thing you're suppose to do with your money?" She thought for a minute then asked, "Save it?" She had several more "guesses", then Jonathan spent a little time explaining to her the concept of "tithing". He then walked away from the table. Savanna sat there in deep thought with a very serious, questioning look on her face, then she looked at me and said, "I still don't understand!" I assured her we would explain it to her some more and she would understand. Then she said, "Mimi, I don't want to learn it when I'm SEVEN! I want to learn it when I'm EIGHTEEN!" I couldn't help but laugh!!! LOL! What a classic!
I wonder how many of us have said something like this when we knew God was dealing with us about something, yet we didn't WANT to do what He was telling us we needed to do? "But, God....I really don't want to "learn" about this NOW! I'm not quite READY to do what you've asked me to do!"
I think we might be a better person if we would STOP and LISTEN to what a child has to say. We just might learn something about ourselves!
One day while we were out eating, Savanna was talking to a lady about her birthday, and the lady gave her $20! When Savanna got back to the table and told us about it we got excited with her, then Jonathan asked, "Savanna, what is the first thing you're suppose to do with your money?" She thought for a minute then asked, "Save it?" She had several more "guesses", then Jonathan spent a little time explaining to her the concept of "tithing". He then walked away from the table. Savanna sat there in deep thought with a very serious, questioning look on her face, then she looked at me and said, "I still don't understand!" I assured her we would explain it to her some more and she would understand. Then she said, "Mimi, I don't want to learn it when I'm SEVEN! I want to learn it when I'm EIGHTEEN!" I couldn't help but laugh!!! LOL! What a classic!
I wonder how many of us have said something like this when we knew God was dealing with us about something, yet we didn't WANT to do what He was telling us we needed to do? "But, God....I really don't want to "learn" about this NOW! I'm not quite READY to do what you've asked me to do!"
I think we might be a better person if we would STOP and LISTEN to what a child has to say. We just might learn something about ourselves!
Scarlet Jean
Jonathan and Brenda brought the girls up for a day at Junior Camp and while they were there they came to our motorhome to visit. In the bedroom I had some of my husbands dirty clothes out to wash. The girls went back to the bedroom to play, while we visited in the living room. You know how children like to play "dress up"? Well, Brenda went to check on the Savanna and Scarlet and ran to get my camera. This is what she saw!
"Kids will be kids" and they make me laugh! LOL! I know a lot of you will get a chuckle from this, so I wanted to share it with you. Enjoy! :)
"Kids will be kids" and they make me laugh! LOL! I know a lot of you will get a chuckle from this, so I wanted to share it with you. Enjoy! :)
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Counting the Days
It's always about the third or fourth day of the "Brother's Reunion Week" that I start missing my husband....terribly! I thought it would be better this year, but I'm still ready for him to come HOME!
I am still with Jonathan, Brenda and the girls. We are having a wonderful time together. I just wish Wendell was here to enjoy it with me.
Ok...I won't whine too much more! :) It's just a couple more days and he will be back!!!
I talked to him on the phone this morning, and I heard the "brothers" laughing. LOL! There is nothing like being with them when they "get on a roll"! If you want your spirit lifted, just hang around one of the Elms Brothers and you will feel better in just a little while. They have their serious times together, but there is never a NEGATIVE time. I've loved sitting around the table with them through the years when they started talking about the work of God. You can sense a deep devotion and respect to their "roots" and to their Pastor, David F. Gray. I love that about them! I just have to say THANK YOU to my husband and brothers-in-law for being FAITHFUL.....never wavering. I love you all!
I am still with Jonathan, Brenda and the girls. We are having a wonderful time together. I just wish Wendell was here to enjoy it with me.
Ok...I won't whine too much more! :) It's just a couple more days and he will be back!!!
I talked to him on the phone this morning, and I heard the "brothers" laughing. LOL! There is nothing like being with them when they "get on a roll"! If you want your spirit lifted, just hang around one of the Elms Brothers and you will feel better in just a little while. They have their serious times together, but there is never a NEGATIVE time. I've loved sitting around the table with them through the years when they started talking about the work of God. You can sense a deep devotion and respect to their "roots" and to their Pastor, David F. Gray. I love that about them! I just have to say THANK YOU to my husband and brothers-in-law for being FAITHFUL.....never wavering. I love you all!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAVANNA!
It's hard to believe the years have flown by and you are now SEVEN years old! The day you were born was one of the happiest days of my life. I didn't think I could be happier than I was that day. You are growing up so quickly and as I rocked you to sleep last night my mind started remembering the first few days of when you came to us.
Grandma Layne, your great-grandmother, was very, very sick in hospice, and we didn't know how much longer she would live. Your Daddy wanted her to see you before she went to heaven, so he brought you to her and let her hold you. I will never forget her words when she saw you. She said, "Oh....she's beautiful, Jonathan." As she was holding you, Uncle Jimmy (Shoemake) stepped to the bedside and started talking about Grandma Layne's "sweet spirit", her Godly living, and her walk with the Lord through the years. Then, he said, "Sis. Layne, I want you to bless Savanna." All those in the room came around and started praying, and as we prayed Grandma Layne "worshipped"!!! The presence of God was in the room that day, and Uncle Jimmy then put one hand on Grandma's head and the other hand on your little body, and began to pray for "the spirit of Sis. Layne to be transferred to this precious baby, Savanna."
Savanna, God blessed you that day and put a special touch in your life. You are very precious to me and Papa. Everyone who knows you, loves you! We have all watched you growing up to be a beautiful and loving girl. Keep loving Jesus with all your heart, and keep loving people. They feel your love and it heals their spirits.
Have a wonderful birthday! I am so glad I get to be here with you. Never forget....
"I love you so much I can't stand it!"
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Brother's
"Elms Brother's Reunion" is this week!!! My husband looks forward to being with his brothers all year! There are four Elms brothers, and EVERY year they get together for a time of fun, food, and fellowship. Too bad "golf" doesn't start with an "f". LOL! They will definitely get in a few games of golf! No one, except the brothers, are invited to this special week, not even their wives. If you ask me, I think they are very "selfish"! :) Just kidding! I really do not blame them for protecting "their time" together. One brother, David, is District Superintendent in North Carolina. Bernard, is Southern California District Secretary. Royce, is on the District Board in Texico District. And, my husband is Texas District Secretary. So, as you can imagine, they don't get to spend much time together. Every one of them are the greatest men you could ever know, and I am proud to be in the family. I wish them the best time they have ever had! Enjoy the "memories" of days gone by, brothers, but more than anything, enjoy being together "today"!!!
(From Left: Wendell, Bernard, Royce, David)
(From Left: Wendell, Bernard, Royce, David)
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Texas District Spanish Camp Meeting '08
Texas District Spanish Camp Meeting started Wednesday night and went through Friday night. Bro. Elms and I were privileged to go Friday night, and what a service we had! Because we do not speak spanish, or understand it, Bro. Russo and Bro. Elms had their own interpreters. Sis. Russo and I had one interpreter who sat behind us and interpreted for us. It was quite an experience and we enjoyed being there. I will say it like my husband did to Bro. Russo. "I can't understand them, but it sure does feel good!" :)
My husband is quite a character at times, and those who know him "well", understands that about him. After he was introduced to greet the crowd, he started to speak, then turned to Bro. Navarro who was going to interpret for him, and said, "You better hurry!" Bro. Navarro RUSHED over to the other microphone, got ready to INTERPRET, and Bro. Elms spoke a greeting in SPANISH! LOL! Bro. Navarro was so "got" that he couldn't say anything for a second, then he interpreted what Bro. Elms said in ENGLISH!!! It was great! The crowd loved it and responded with a lot of laughter and clapping.
The Camp Meeting Evangelist, (I don't know his name) preached a wonderful message about reaching the lost and starting churches. At the end of the message there were about 18 couples who came to the front to "give themselves to the work of God". They are hungry for a mighty revival among their people and you could sense they are ready to go into the harvest!
Being a "musician", I just have to mention that, I loved the music! The music minister in charge is VERY TALENTED and played the keyboard so well. Then, he picked up an accordion and started playing!!!! It was GREAT! You just have to be there to know what it was like. Great things are happening in TEXAS and I am so happy to be able to report there is revival in our district.
After church we went to IHOP and was SURPRISED to see Darrell Orange. He came in with some men from his church. They had been out at Shirley Creek, not far from Lufkin, having a Father/Son Overnight Fishing Trip. After being a little lonesome this week it was great seeing someone from the "family"! We had a little time to visit and was happy to do so.
I took some pictures in service. Some are a little blurry, but I still wanted to share them with you.
I may not post anymore until Monday, but if not, ya'll have a GREAT weekend!
My husband is quite a character at times, and those who know him "well", understands that about him. After he was introduced to greet the crowd, he started to speak, then turned to Bro. Navarro who was going to interpret for him, and said, "You better hurry!" Bro. Navarro RUSHED over to the other microphone, got ready to INTERPRET, and Bro. Elms spoke a greeting in SPANISH! LOL! Bro. Navarro was so "got" that he couldn't say anything for a second, then he interpreted what Bro. Elms said in ENGLISH!!! It was great! The crowd loved it and responded with a lot of laughter and clapping.
The Camp Meeting Evangelist, (I don't know his name) preached a wonderful message about reaching the lost and starting churches. At the end of the message there were about 18 couples who came to the front to "give themselves to the work of God". They are hungry for a mighty revival among their people and you could sense they are ready to go into the harvest!
Being a "musician", I just have to mention that, I loved the music! The music minister in charge is VERY TALENTED and played the keyboard so well. Then, he picked up an accordion and started playing!!!! It was GREAT! You just have to be there to know what it was like. Great things are happening in TEXAS and I am so happy to be able to report there is revival in our district.
After church we went to IHOP and was SURPRISED to see Darrell Orange. He came in with some men from his church. They had been out at Shirley Creek, not far from Lufkin, having a Father/Son Overnight Fishing Trip. After being a little lonesome this week it was great seeing someone from the "family"! We had a little time to visit and was happy to do so.
I took some pictures in service. Some are a little blurry, but I still wanted to share them with you.
I may not post anymore until Monday, but if not, ya'll have a GREAT weekend!
Friday, July 11, 2008
My How Things Change
Lest anyone would think that I'm "superwoman" (lol) in dealing with change, let me assure you I'm not! It's so strange to me how one day you can feel like conquering the world, and everything "new", then something happens that turns your heart inside out.
When my brother passed away in 2000, a friend told me to expect for my emotions to get upset at any given moment. He said, "Don't worry about it if that happens. You'll be "going through life" and it will hit you. It's okay!" I was so glad he told me that, because "it hit me" one day "out of the blue". I'm glad I knew I was normal.
Well, today I was doing just fine. The sun was shining, the flowers blooming, birds singing, my husband smiling at me, and "it hit me"! I'm LONESOME! Where did that come from? I missed my "familiar surroundings", I missed people at "home", I missed my kids and grandkids, I missed my parents, I missed my friends, I missed my sisters. Let me say, I just "missed everything and everybody"! :( It's really strange how you can be "happy and sad" at the same time. Then, on the radio I hear a quartet singing, "You've Got to Walk That Lonesome Road". LOL! Well, you didn't have to tell me THAT! The way I was feeling I ALREADY knew it!
I'm doing much better now that I've sat down and read some blogs, and answered some mail, and wrote a few cards. It's always good to "get out of oneself" and do something that's not focused on "me"! I have found there are so many "lonely" people who "have it together", yet they are wanting someone to just say, "HI". No, I'm not talking about the homeless man or woman on the street, or the cashier that checks you out at the store. I'm not even talking about your neighbor next door. I'm talking about another preacher's wife or preacher you know.
Being a preacher/preacher's wife can be very lonely. I am not talking about myself.....because I am doing fine (now), but there is someone out there who needs you to say, "I'm thinking about you"! My husband has always taught, "Many times God speaks to us in a soft whisper." I have found "His voice is like the touch of a feather brushing your mind" and you feel you need to pray for that person, or call them. You think, "I need to write a card to them." Do it! Be sensitive! Because, you have just heard from God!
A little boy went to bed one night and couldn't go to sleep. His daddy went in to check on him, and seeing he was still awake asked, "Son, why aren't you asleep?" The boy answered, "I'm scared! I want you to stay in here with me." His father told him there was no reason to be afraid, because Jesus was with him. The little boys answer has stayed with me through the years. He said, "But Daddy....I want someone with skin on!"
We all know that Jesus is with us, but there are times we just want "someone with skin on" to reach out and let us know they are near.
I feel much better now. I've talked to a friend tonight. I've received an email from a friend. I've talked to one of my sisters. I've read and enjoyed your lives by reading your blogs. I have been touched by my friends, and I just want to say, THANK YOU!
One of the greatest phrases in scripture is......"and it came to pass"! I'm glad my loneliness passed, but it didn't go away by itself. YOU helped me through it!
When my brother passed away in 2000, a friend told me to expect for my emotions to get upset at any given moment. He said, "Don't worry about it if that happens. You'll be "going through life" and it will hit you. It's okay!" I was so glad he told me that, because "it hit me" one day "out of the blue". I'm glad I knew I was normal.
Well, today I was doing just fine. The sun was shining, the flowers blooming, birds singing, my husband smiling at me, and "it hit me"! I'm LONESOME! Where did that come from? I missed my "familiar surroundings", I missed people at "home", I missed my kids and grandkids, I missed my parents, I missed my friends, I missed my sisters. Let me say, I just "missed everything and everybody"! :( It's really strange how you can be "happy and sad" at the same time. Then, on the radio I hear a quartet singing, "You've Got to Walk That Lonesome Road". LOL! Well, you didn't have to tell me THAT! The way I was feeling I ALREADY knew it!
I'm doing much better now that I've sat down and read some blogs, and answered some mail, and wrote a few cards. It's always good to "get out of oneself" and do something that's not focused on "me"! I have found there are so many "lonely" people who "have it together", yet they are wanting someone to just say, "HI". No, I'm not talking about the homeless man or woman on the street, or the cashier that checks you out at the store. I'm not even talking about your neighbor next door. I'm talking about another preacher's wife or preacher you know.
Being a preacher/preacher's wife can be very lonely. I am not talking about myself.....because I am doing fine (now), but there is someone out there who needs you to say, "I'm thinking about you"! My husband has always taught, "Many times God speaks to us in a soft whisper." I have found "His voice is like the touch of a feather brushing your mind" and you feel you need to pray for that person, or call them. You think, "I need to write a card to them." Do it! Be sensitive! Because, you have just heard from God!
A little boy went to bed one night and couldn't go to sleep. His daddy went in to check on him, and seeing he was still awake asked, "Son, why aren't you asleep?" The boy answered, "I'm scared! I want you to stay in here with me." His father told him there was no reason to be afraid, because Jesus was with him. The little boys answer has stayed with me through the years. He said, "But Daddy....I want someone with skin on!"
We all know that Jesus is with us, but there are times we just want "someone with skin on" to reach out and let us know they are near.
I feel much better now. I've talked to a friend tonight. I've received an email from a friend. I've talked to one of my sisters. I've read and enjoyed your lives by reading your blogs. I have been touched by my friends, and I just want to say, THANK YOU!
One of the greatest phrases in scripture is......"and it came to pass"! I'm glad my loneliness passed, but it didn't go away by itself. YOU helped me through it!
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Now...That's Funny!
Last night while I was blogging, my husband decided to go to bed. He was reading the Bible and after awhile I knew he had fallen asleep, because I heard the Bible FALL! He woke up, picked up the Bible and put it on the nightstand. This happens rather frequently with him so I didn't think much about it until this morning when he said, "I fell asleep last night just as the WALLS of JERICHO were about to FALL! My Bible HIT me in the face and fell to the floor!" LOL! Now....that's FUNNY!I just had to "share" this with all my blogging friends. :) I hope you enjoy the humor in this little story.
Wendell, I sure do love you! :)
Welcome a New Blogger!
I am so happy to welcome my friend, Veta McLaughlin to "our blogging world"! She is just getting started, so please stop by and welcome her! You can visit her at: McLaughlin Melodies. I know she will be happy to hear from you!
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Some Thoughts and Hudson, TX
As I have already said in my last post, our life has been very busy, but let me say...we are loving it! Janet, from home, just left a comment saying, "It looks like ya'll are having the time of your life." I will affirm her observation. Let me explain, though. I have made it a point to "live in the NOW". I have enjoyed each stage of life and I continue to do so. My mother was the MOST CONTENTED lady I've ever known, and I have always wanted to be "just like her". I don't believe I have attained her level, and probably never will, but she sure gives me a goal to reach for.
When you're in the "will of God", following His leading, how can you be unhappy? I know there are places I have said I would NEVER want to live, and Lufkin was one of those places. But, I can honestly say that I am really enjoying living here! I am enjoying my husband "going to the office" and returning home around 5:00 each day. When he's through at the office, he locks the door and we have the evening free unless he is preaching someplace. I LOVED being a Pastor's wife to the wonderful people God placed in our lives, but now I am enjoying where God has placed my husband. Why make yourself miserable? I'm just happy being married to the man I'm married to, and wherever God leads him...I will follow. Don't get me wrong! I've had to "die to self" many times in my life. I have cried many tears when leaving those I loved so much. It wasn't fun telling our wonderful saints that we were leaving, because God had chosen it to be so. But, the life I have been given has been wonderful. Why am I saying all of this tonight? :) I really don't know. I just felt like saying it, I guess.
Now, to our weekend service in Hudson, Texas. Hudson is a town that is connected to Lufkin. In fact, you wouldn't know you were leaving Lufkin if you didn't see a sign telling you that you've just entered the City Limits of Hudson. Bro. and Sis. Ron Smith retired a few years ago and really did not plan on pastoring again. They moved to Hudson (Lufkin), bought a little house, fixed it up and moved in. They sold a lot of things when they left their home and church in Huntsville, TX. I don't know all the things that happened that directed them back into pastoring, but they are doing a wonderful work in Hudson.
Sunday morning we decided to visit their church since we were not ministering anyplace else.
We are so glad we went! They were so sweet and welcoming to us and we thoroughly enjoyed being in the Sunday School and Morning Worship with them. Jeff Jones taught the lesson and did a fine job! We were asked to sing, so we did. They seemed to enjoy it. Then, Bro. Smith preached a wonderful, heartfelt message! He made me want to live for God even more. Thank God for preacher's who preach "the message" with love.
After church the Smith's invited us to eat lunch with them. They took us to Ralph and Kacoo's, then took us around town to show us places to live whenever our house sells in Wichita Falls. They drove us by Bro. and Sis. Neely's house and we really enjoyed seeing where they have lived for a long time. We had a wonderful time visiting with them! We even had to stop and get a "DIET COKE" (Bro. Kenny) LOL!
It's amazing how many preachers and their wives we have "known", yet have not "known" through the years!! LOL! That's a little catchy, isn't it? We have talked about how we almost feel like we are in a "brand new district" since moving to Lufkin. We are learning of towns "we have never heard of", and meeting people we have heard of, yet "had never met". Wow! It's quite a change being in the "middle of things" since we've been so far away for about 28 years. Living in Wichita Falls, we were closer to two or three other District Campgrounds, than we were to our own Texas District Campground. Now, we're living ON the Campground! It's exciting and fun...even in our motorhome. Of course, that is another story. Wendell is the one wanting a house! :) Oh well, someday it will happen.
Paul wrote in Phil. 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
I'm sure I will enjoy a house when I get another one, but until then, we will be content living on the ole' camp ground, enjoying where we have been placed in His Kingdom. What better life can you ask for?
When you're in the "will of God", following His leading, how can you be unhappy? I know there are places I have said I would NEVER want to live, and Lufkin was one of those places. But, I can honestly say that I am really enjoying living here! I am enjoying my husband "going to the office" and returning home around 5:00 each day. When he's through at the office, he locks the door and we have the evening free unless he is preaching someplace. I LOVED being a Pastor's wife to the wonderful people God placed in our lives, but now I am enjoying where God has placed my husband. Why make yourself miserable? I'm just happy being married to the man I'm married to, and wherever God leads him...I will follow. Don't get me wrong! I've had to "die to self" many times in my life. I have cried many tears when leaving those I loved so much. It wasn't fun telling our wonderful saints that we were leaving, because God had chosen it to be so. But, the life I have been given has been wonderful. Why am I saying all of this tonight? :) I really don't know. I just felt like saying it, I guess.
Now, to our weekend service in Hudson, Texas. Hudson is a town that is connected to Lufkin. In fact, you wouldn't know you were leaving Lufkin if you didn't see a sign telling you that you've just entered the City Limits of Hudson. Bro. and Sis. Ron Smith retired a few years ago and really did not plan on pastoring again. They moved to Hudson (Lufkin), bought a little house, fixed it up and moved in. They sold a lot of things when they left their home and church in Huntsville, TX. I don't know all the things that happened that directed them back into pastoring, but they are doing a wonderful work in Hudson.
Sunday morning we decided to visit their church since we were not ministering anyplace else.
We are so glad we went! They were so sweet and welcoming to us and we thoroughly enjoyed being in the Sunday School and Morning Worship with them. Jeff Jones taught the lesson and did a fine job! We were asked to sing, so we did. They seemed to enjoy it. Then, Bro. Smith preached a wonderful, heartfelt message! He made me want to live for God even more. Thank God for preacher's who preach "the message" with love.
After church the Smith's invited us to eat lunch with them. They took us to Ralph and Kacoo's, then took us around town to show us places to live whenever our house sells in Wichita Falls. They drove us by Bro. and Sis. Neely's house and we really enjoyed seeing where they have lived for a long time. We had a wonderful time visiting with them! We even had to stop and get a "DIET COKE" (Bro. Kenny) LOL!
It's amazing how many preachers and their wives we have "known", yet have not "known" through the years!! LOL! That's a little catchy, isn't it? We have talked about how we almost feel like we are in a "brand new district" since moving to Lufkin. We are learning of towns "we have never heard of", and meeting people we have heard of, yet "had never met". Wow! It's quite a change being in the "middle of things" since we've been so far away for about 28 years. Living in Wichita Falls, we were closer to two or three other District Campgrounds, than we were to our own Texas District Campground. Now, we're living ON the Campground! It's exciting and fun...even in our motorhome. Of course, that is another story. Wendell is the one wanting a house! :) Oh well, someday it will happen.
Paul wrote in Phil. 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
I'm sure I will enjoy a house when I get another one, but until then, we will be content living on the ole' camp ground, enjoying where we have been placed in His Kingdom. What better life can you ask for?
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