Oh Well...It Could Be Worse

Yesterday we left for conference! We got everything packed in the back seat and trunk
of the "little car" and headed out. Wendell was real happy when he accomplished packing the car with all our clothes for conference, AND a two week vacation afterwards! :) We had beautiful weather and enjoyed a good seven hour trip, and when it came time to stop for the night, we were ready to get some rest.

Then, the first rattle out of the box this morning, my "nose piece" on my glasses FELL OFF and went down the bathroom sink drain! Wouldn't you know it had to be on a Sunday when "eye glass doctors" are closed? As frustrating as it is to wear glasses that are digging into your nose, I shrugged my shoulders and said, "Oh well! I'll get them fixed Monday. The "digging" hasn't been too bad, but the "sliding down my nose" has been a little frustrating! :)

Most of today was cloudy and cool as we travelled the Natchez Trace in Mississippi, so I wrapped up in my "sweatshirt jacket", turned my heated seat on, rolled my window half way up, and I was warm and cozy. Even when it's a little cool we do not put the top up on the convertible. We enjoy the different temperatures, and have noticed "in town" it's usually warmer than the countryside. We love all the different "aromas" that float through the air into our car as we travel the back roads of America. Sometimes we might smell a SKUNK, but a lot of times, during this time of year, we smell the burning of wood from a bar-b-que pit, or someone who has a pile of leaves and wood burning on their property. At times, we enjoy the smell of sweet grasses along the highway, so we don't mind putting up with a few unpleasant "smells" to enjoy the beauty of nature!

Now about the part in my title that says...."it could be worse".

We arrived in Florence, Alabama this evening, unloaded the car and Wendell pushed the button to raise the top of the car. He didn't know I had put our nice Nikon camera case on the part of the car that raises so that the convertible top can come up and close! I was taking care of the luggage cart and when I turned I saw my camera case on the ground!!!! I went over and picked it up, hoping all the time the camera was okay. We didn't check until we got to the room, but when Wendell opened the case he said, "UH-OH"! I knew it was not a good sound!! When he pulled the camera out the lens was hanging loose from the camera. He tried to put it back together, but noticed the wiring had also broken inside. Needless to say it was pretty much shattered and now we're going to have to buy another LENS! He is at this moment sitting at the desk, looking on the internet to buy one. Oh me! I feel so bad about sitting it on top of the car, and he feels bad for not checking before he raised the roof for the night. He looked at me awhile ago and said, "It's nobody's fault." Isn't that sweet of him? I'm glad neither one of us "raised the roof" over the situation! LOL! Then of all things.....I went to get something out of my purse, and spilled Diet Coke on Hampton Inns WHITE comforter on the bed!!!!! But, the bad part about this is, it was on my husband's side of the bed!!! It cleaned up pretty good, so I'm not too stressed over that "mistake", but he might have to sleep between "damp sheets"! :(

After a beautiful day of traveling, with my "glasses sliding down my nose", the camera breaking, and me spilling coke on a hotel comforter....I started feeling pretty helpless, stressed out, frustrated, and many more feelings that ran through my head. While I was sitting on the couch feeling a little "down", a thought came to me..."I haven't had a bad day, I've had a GOOD DAY with several bad things that "happened"! It's how you look at "life" when things don't go the way you think they should that makes your life either worthless or worth living. After everything that happened "wrong" today, I started thinking...

I don't have a son fighting in a war on foreign soil....I have two sons "fighting in a battle for souls" at churches they pastor.

I don't have a child in prison....because they have been set free from the chains of sin.

I am not sitting in a dark room in depression....because God loves me, and I have family and friends who love me.

I don't have to worry about where my husband is tonight....because he loves me, I love him, and we love making memories together, even when we "break a camera" and we have to replace it so we can make "more memories together".

I just have to say, "God is good, and life is worth living"....even when "glasses are sliding down my nose" and "coke is spilled on the comforter"!

Just remember....It Could Be Worse!

Leaving for Conference!

After last nights events, I woke up feeling so excited!  Thank God He ANSWERS Prayer!  Today I have been preparing to leave for conference.  Believe it or not we got all our clothes in our "little car" and we are almost ready to put the suitcases in the trunk!!!!  I really think we're going to get it all in.  :)  As you know, we were going to ship our clothes ahead of us, but got a little concerned about them NOT getting to the hotel in time for us to go to church.   Or, there was that question in the back of our brains, "what if they never arrived"?  Anyway, that problem is solved since we are taking them!!!!  

We are looking forward to being gone for a little while.  I will try to keep my blogging up to date, as much as possible, and will post pictures of where we've been and what we've seen. Please breathe a prayer for us in our travels. 

I've been wondering off and on all day if any of my blogger friends are going to be there.  Maybe you could leave me a message if you're going to conference.  That would be good to know, then I can watch for you.  Maybe, just maybe I will have the opportunity to see you and talk a little, or perhaps meet a "blogging friend" for the first time!!! 

Andrew, Alayna and God's Gift

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW AND ALAYNA!!

Andrew, we could not be more thankful for the man you are! We know this birthday is going to be a "milestone birthday"! Tonight was definitely an answer to prayer for the direction of yours and Mandy's life, and we are thankful God has given you to a wonderful group of people to Pastor. Balch Springs "Greater Apostolic Tabernacle" will thrive and grow under your leadership. CONGRATULATIONS to you and Mandy!  

PASTOR and MRS. ANDREW ELMS

GREATER APOSTOLIC TABERNACLE

Balch Springs, TX!!!

Andrew and Mandy, I can see GREAT THINGS happening in your new field of labor! God knew exactly who He was going to place in this great church, and He will bless you and your people like never before. You have been "tried in the fire" and have come out as "pure gold"! Andrew...what a birthday gift! The title of PASTOR fits you well!

Alayna, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! Our little sweetheart girl is growing up! Now, you're going to be moving and having more friends. You're going to love your new church and love having your BIG DADDY as Pastor! You'll make a wonderful Pastor's Daughter! :) Papa and Mimi love you so much and hope you have a GREAT DAY!!!!

I hope you're learning to ride your new bike. I know you will do good on it and it will be so much fun! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMERON! I hope you got exactly what you wanted!!!! :) Love you!

Back to "Normal"

The last two days has been filled with board meetings for my husband, and entertaining for me. After buying some new tablecloths and decorations for the tables in the "snack room", I focused on picking up the snacks for those who were "visiting" at the office.  Sis. Russo said, "This time we won't need to cook a meal for the district board", so we settled for snacks.   Today we were treated to a nice lunch at TBC prepared by Bro. and Sis. McInnis and it was very good!  

I enjoyed visiting with my friends who came with their husbands.  Donna and Diane are always so much fun to be with.

We enjoyed some "shopping" the last couple of days.  Last night we took the board members to eat a meal, and had more time to visit.  Friends, who love God, accept you for "who" you are, and have the "work of God at heart" are those you want to "keep".  I have many friends like this and I consider myself to be very BLESSED!  

We are "back to normal" for a couple of days, then we will be leaving for General Conference! We have decided not to ship our clothes TO conference, but will send them home FROM conference. I have nightmares of my clothes NOT getting to my hotel in time!!!  That would just be awful!  So, we decided it would be best to take them with us.  In sending them home they will have plenty of time to arrive before we do.  Now, I have to figure out how I'm going to get everything in my "little car"!  Oh well, it's worth the "stress" so we can drive with the top down, around the curves on the back roads of America!!!

What a Week!

Greetings to all my wonderful blogging friends and family!  I have missed you this past week.  

Last Thursday I packed up and headed to Dallas, by myself, to go to the Texas Spanish Ladies Conference.  I was there for Thursday nights service and had a good time.  I had "my own" interpreter to help me know what was being said, and then when I "greeted the ladies" Sis. Navarro interpreted for me.  That was my first time to need an interpreter while I was speaking.  It was quite different!  About the time I was getting on a "roll", I had to stop and let her interpret what I had just said.  I'm glad I didn't lose my "train of thought"!  The presence of the Lord was there, and I loved watching the ladies as they worshipped the Lord in the dance.  It was beautiful!  Sis. Lola Garcia had a group to sing and it was great! I thoroughly enjoyed their music and beautiful voices as they sung about "God coming to ALL nations".
 After service I was invited to spend time with them.  I had so much fun listening to the Bro. and Sis. Leal, Sis. Navarro, Sis. Garcia, and some others talk about the different "dialects" of spanish.  LOL!  They told some great stories about "using a wrong word" and it was hilarious.  They also said sometimes they have to figure out what another Spanish person is saying, because they might speak differently than them.  I couldn't believe THEY could get mixed up in their own language!  So, I told them I had thought about learning spanish, but I decided I would just let them interpret for me from now on.  I'm sure if they get mixed up with each other, then I was just about "hopeless" to learn it. At least, that's what "dear" Sis. Ojeda told me one time!!!!  LOL!  

Friday morning I headed to Wichita Falls!  I had an appointment and, I was really homesick to see my kids and grandkids.  It was the first time I had spent the night with Andrew and Mandy in their home.  I never had any occassion to before we moved away, so it was a real treat to be there with them and the girls.  Andrew and Alayna's birthdays are coming up so I took the opportunity to go ahead and give Andrew his gift, and to buy Alayna a new bicycle.

She loved it, even though she got really frustrated trying to balance.  :(  Poor thing!  I told them to take it back if she wasn't comfortable with it.  Of course, being the "parents", Andrew and Mandy said, "No, she will learn to ride it!"  I'm sure she will.  She's a determined little girl when it comes to "learning and doing".  I love watching as she "grits her teeth" and "makes up her mind" to "DO IT"! 

Of course, little Ashlyn Kate is an absolute DOLL!  She wanted a BIG BOUNCY BALL, so she got one! There is no way you can resist those big eyes of hers!

I enjoyed seeing Justin and Lindsay...in the Wal-Mart parking lot, and getting to visit with Gene, Karla, Greg Henry, Trevon, Jeremy, and Rebecca at Logan's.  It was nice being "home" for a few hours.  Saturday morning rolled around all too soon!  

On my way out of town I decided to go by the cemetary to "visit" Daddy and Mother.  It was Mother's birthday (76) and I just wanted to drop by.  I'm glad I did, even though I was very emotional for several hours afterwards.  It did me good to stop and "remember".I saw Bro. Dutton at a grave waiting for a family to arrive for a loved ones burial, but I don't think he saw me.  He was very busy taking care of everything and it wasn't an appropriate time to stop and "chat", so, all the way from Lufkin...HELLO BRO. DUTTON! :)  

I arrived back home to my sweet husband and have been busy ever since, but I'm glad to be HOME to him!  

Sunday morning and night, Bro. Elms preached for Bro. and Sis. Smith here in Hudson.  They are such wonderful people and we can't hardly quit talking when we're with them.  :)  I didn't get to go Sunday morning, but was told he preached a wonderful message.  I'm sure he did! Then, Sunday night I got to be there.  It was great being with the "family of God in Hudson", and with friends once again.  I got to meet Dedie Cooley's mother.I've heard Dedie talk about her through the years, and I can say "now I know where Dedie gets her spunk"!!  LOL!  

Tomorrow is the beginning of Texas District Board Meetings.  I've been busy preparing for them so they will have some food while they are here.  :)  We are also planning on leaving for conference at the end of this week, so I've got a lot to do!!!  After conference we plan on being gone another two weeks to get some rest and relaxation.  We are "shipping" our clothes to conference, so we can drive our convertible.  We will travel with the top down on "country roads"!  I can't wait!  Wendell has been planning the roads we'll take, and reserving our rooms along the way to conference.  I love watching him as he plans a trip. That's part of the fun for me.  I think he enjoys the planning almost as much as he enjoys the vacation!  

Blog? What's That?

My title tells it all!  :)  This is how I am feeling as I get ready for bed tonight.  I feel like I have abandoned my "blog"!  It has become a "good friend" as I've written my thoughts and memories on its pages over the past months.  Since I haven't been writing a lot lately, I feel like I need to apologize for not being a "good friend" to my blog. Do ya'll ever feel that way, or am I just "a little on the crazy side"?  LOL!  Well, it's going to have to wait a few more hours for me to tell of the happenings this week, because I'm going to get some rest.  

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  Be sure and check back often.  If I haven't made a post by the time you "visit me" again, then at least it helps my "blog count" go UP!  :)  

McLeod Weekend, Monday, and Tuesday With Friends

I have lived in TEXAS for a LONG TIME and never knew this is how you spelled the name of this town.  I always thought it was spelled "McCloud", because this is the way "McLeod" sounds.  So, for those who have been "in the dark" as I was, you have learned "something new" today.  The english language never ceases to amaze me!  :) 

We were in this beautiful area of TEXAS this past weekend, and enjoyed every second of our time spent there.  I did not know what to expect, except I had heard the church was in the country.  After driving down through the "woods" we came upon the church.  We were so impressed with how beautiful the church was, and the grounds were so very beautifully cared for.  We were met with smiles, and hand shakes, and "glad you are here" from wonderful people of God.  When we entered the sanctuary the presence of God met us and we once again felt "right at home"!  Pastor and Sis. Jeff Story have pastored in this field for quite some time, and have done a wonderful job in shepherding the flock in McLeod.Saturday evening the Story's took us to Pier 27 restaurant where we were served delicious catfish and hushpuppies!I found out while we were there that Nathan and Ronda LOVED eating there when they lived in Texarkana, so I picked up my phone and gave her a "sweet little call"!  It felt so good to be able to tell her where I was!  LOL!  Ronda is always calling me and telling me she is on her way to some place beautiful, like....Monterey, Carmel, or San Francisco, or just riding around in her convertible with the top down "enjoying the California coastal weather"!  I know I wasn't in THAT beautiful of a place, but I was in a place she LOVED eating at.  LOL!  It really was good and we left there very full and satisfied.  

After arriving home Monday, we were at the office for a little while.  Just as we were leaving, Mark and Diane Green drove up.  We told them we were on our way to eat, so we invited them to go.  We had a wonderful time sitting and talking, eating, and sitting and talking, for over 2 hours.  It's great having friends!Tuesday was a very busy day.  I had an appointment to go to, and some things to take care of, and Wendell had a funeral he needed to attend.  When we finally saw each other later in the day he said, "We have a dinner appointment".  I was surprised, yet happy.  I'd had a stressful day (for whatever reason) so, I was ready to do something fun!  

Bro. and Sis. Ron Smith had invited us over for a "home cooked meal"!We really looked forward to getting to visit with them, and getting to enjoy the "food".  :) When we got there we learned that some more very dear, precious friends would be there.  Bro. and Sis. Neeley knocked on the door a few minutes later and we were so happy they were joining us.After eating a scumptious meal of pork loin and rice, corn, lima beans, salad, cantaloupe, hot rolls, and peanut butter pie, we were as full as we could be!  It was all so delicious!!!! We had a lot of fun listening to Bro. Smith's "dog stories", too.  :)

Special Note:  Kent and Traci...I wish ya'll could have been with us last night!  I thought about you often.  My camera batteries were dead, so I took some "blurry photos" with my iPhone, just for you! 

Please Pray!

Dear Friends and Family,  

The time is 4:39 p.m. and I received a call from Karla telling me our realtor called and is going to show our house at 5:00 p.m.  I would appreciate it so much if you would breathe a prayer and ask God to sell our home TODAY!  

THANK YOU!

It's Been a Long Time

I hope ya'll have missed me as much as I've missed YOU!  :)  Really, I have finally stopped for a few hours and thought I would sit down and write a post.  It's amazing how much I think about "blogging" when I am unable to do so.  I've "jumped" on the "blogs" and skimmed over my friends and families posts this week, but haven't sat down and "taken them all in" as I usually do.  I've missed it, too! 

Last weekend we were in Quitman with the Clark's.  We had a fantastic time!  They are like family to us and we always enjoy being with them.  Mallory and Taylor and beautiful young ladies, and love God. I love seeing children who have grown up in the church, and love God with all of their hearts! It's a great example of what the church can do to "save our children".  I've said it many times, and still believe it..."We did our best to raise our boys to love God and serve Him, but we didn't raise them by ourselves!  We had a church who loved us and loved our boys, and they helped us bring them up to serve the Lord!"  Thank you, saints of God, who love the pastor and his family so much that you stand with them, arm in arm, and fight for the saving of our children!  

Keith and Carla, ya'll are wonderful and we are so PROUD of what God has done "through you".

We got home from Quitman, and I loaded my car with my suitcases and left for Pflugerville to be with Karla, and to shop the rest of the week!  I had the top down on my convertible and was having a wonderful, relaxing trip when I felt the "road changed".  Then, I felt something strange in my steering, put my foot on the brake, and I KNEW something was WRONG!  My car did not want to be controlled, so I slowly brought it to a stop...on the side of the road...got out of the car and walked around to the back.  I heard a "hissing" sound, and saw that I had a FLAT TIRE!!!  The whole tire looked like it had been cut with a knife, except for one small section!  It looked really strange. Here I was out in the "middle of no where"!  Now, what was I suppose to do?  I got back in the car and called my husband and told him what had happened.  While I was talking to him a "work truck" pulled over and backed up to my car and FOUR men got out of the car.  I told Wendell it looked like I had some help, but he insisted on me calling 911, "just in case" I needed help from an officer.  I called, and they stayed on the line with me while the "work guys" changed my tire.  The police didn't have time to get there for me, because the men had changed the tire so fast, and I was back on the road in a very short time!!!  Thank you, Jesus!  Of course, they had to put the "do-nut" on my car, and I had to drive no faster than FIFTY the rest of the way to Pflugerville, but I made it!I had a wonderful week shopping with Karla.  I love having her with me when I shop, because she "makes me" try clothes on!  LOL!  For all of you "shop-a-holics", I know you don't believe there could be a woman alive that doesn't like to shop, but you have just met one!  :)  I usually only shop out of necessity!!!  "Necessity" calls only about twice a year for me, but when it "calls", Karla always makes it "more fun"!  

We got to see my "best friend, Vicki" while I was there.  Karla and I met her for dinner on the last night.  It is always good to see Vicki.  She makes me laugh!

There were a couple of things that happened this week that once again made me thankful to be living for God.  Karla and I had gone to eat a "late night supper" at IHOP and a waitress came to our table and asked, "Are ya'll United Pentecostal"?  We said, "yes", and she came back with, "Not Assembly of God, but United Pentecostal?"  We smiled and answered her again, "Yes, we are United Pentecostal".  She then asked, "Can you tell me where I can find a United Pentecostal Church?"  Karla gave her directions to a church in Austin.  

Then, when we went to eat with Vicki I noticed a couple sitting over to the side of the restaurant, not far from our table.  Almost as soon as we sat down the lady who was sitting to the side, came to our table and said, "Excuse me, but, are ya'll United Pentecostal?"  We once again said, "Yes, we are!"  We had some conversation with her, and found out she had recently moved there, and her "friends mother" had just moved in with them.  The "mother" was a United Pentecostal saint, and they were looking for a church for her to go to.  I noticed when we walked in that "the couple" was "hugged up" in the booth, and there was an alcoholic drink sitting in front of the man.  After the lady came to our table, and returned to hers, we noticed they were no longer "hugged up" and the man seemed a little uncomfortable.  He sure had his guard up!  I said to Vicki and Karla, "You know, I imagine there is a little mother at home who has been praying for her son to come back to God, and we just "happened" to walk into the same restaurant where her son was at."  I am sure God was once again putting someone in the cross-road of this man's life, and was saying, "Come home...come home!" 

After all of the conversation, and directions given to our inquiring friend, Vicki looked at us and said, "See there!  We just walked in and was a witness!"  She was right!  If we had looked like "the world", and "acted like the world", neither one of these ladies would have come to us inquiring about the United Pentecostal Church!  I will say once again.....I LOVE MY LIFE!  I LOVE LIVING FOR GOD and being separated from this world.  There is nothing I "do not do" that I "want to do"!  I guess you could say, "I'm Happy Where I'm At"!

Life, Circles, and Storms

Does life ever slow down?  I don't think so, and that's okay with me!  We are in Mineola tonight, preaching for Keith and Carla Clark in Quitman tomorrow.  We had a great time with them tonight.  I will blog about the weekend AFTER "the weekend".  LOL!  I know I'm "going in circles", but that's the way life has been for a lot of people lately.  

With "IKE" hitting so forcefully, many of our friends and their churches have been affected. Jon and Brenda had some damage from water coming in through the roof, but they will get it fixed and all will be well.  I'm glad it wasn't more than it was.  We are just now getting ALL the power on at the District Offices.  The grounds are getting cleaned up from the limbs and trees that were damaged, and things are slowly getting back to normal.  Our "home" is still in the shop.  It's suppose to be ready sometime Monday, but we're not counting on it.  We know how those things go, so we've learned to relax about it.  

Here's a little humor to help get your mind off of your problems:  We have been in so many hotels lately that we don't know which way to turn when we walk out of our room!!!!  Is that because we're getting OLD, or is that what happens when people travel a lot?  :)  What's really bad is when you get up in the middle of the night and run into the WALL! Your nose might look funny for a few days, but at least you FINALLY "find your way" back to bed!!! LOL!

Back to storms:  The weather has been BEAUTIFUL this week!  It's amazing how during a storm you think the skies will never be blue again, but every time, the clouds and rain go away!  This song is one of my favorites.  

Someone said that in each life,

 some rain is bound to fall.

And each one sheds his share of tears,

And trouble, troubles us all.

But the hurt can't hurt forever

And the tears are sure to dry;

And it won't rain always,

The clouds will soon be gone.

The sun that they've been hiding 

has been there all along.

And it won't rain always,

God's promises are true.

The sun's gonna shine

 in His own good time,

And He will see you through. 

BE ENCOURAGED!  GOD IS IN CONTROL!

I'll Never Be Famous

When you're leaving your church family you have loved for so long it can be a little "unnerving". :) As I've said in other posts, "I knew we were in the will of God and that God would take care of us", but my insides felt a little "shaky".  During this time of our "big transition" I was talking with Mandy about some things that were concerning me.  She looked at me and said, "Mom, if God fails you and Dad ya'll are going to be famous!" She shocked me a little, and I asked, "What do you mean?" Her answer has given me so much strength since our move.  She explained, "If God fails you and Dad, you'll be the FIRST ones He has EVER failed, so you would become FAMOUS!"  Here's a little news flash:

God has NEVER FAILED US! 

I'm glad I'm not FAMOUS...and never will be! 

Pro 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

2Sa 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

My "Mini" Vacation On Hwy. 175

Today was one of those days I decided to "go on vacation".  With all the terrible happenings with "IKE" I just wanted to clear my mind.  I have a dear friend who said to me one day, "You know, sometimes I imagine myself being on vacation when I'm going around taking care of things."  I laughed and answered, "I do the SAME thing!"  Maybe I'm crazy, and I probably am a little , but sometimes "enough is enough".  

Last Thursday I left for the Minister's Wives Retreat.  With Hurrican IKE coming in I hated to leave my husband, but he told me he would be okay, and that he was going to drive the motorhome to Quitman, TX,  since we would be preaching there on Sunday.  I was to meet him there on Saturday.  He left Lufkin and 45 minutes later the motorhome was broken down on the side of the road!  He was out looking things over, wondering what he was going to do, "the hurricane was coming, he had no car, I was in Arlington for the retreat", and from out of no where it seemed, a man walked up and said, "Sir, I have an RV pad over at my house.  My son bought my trailer and has taken it, so you can use my cement pad for as long as you need to."  Talk about a blessing!  God sent that man and we were so thankful to have a safe place to park our "home". It's the only thing we have to live in at this time, so we sure didn't need anything happening to IT!  Wendell then called Bro. Rhoades, a WONDERFUL friend and asked him if he could come pick him up.  He did, and a little while later Wendell was back to "square one", Lufkin!  :(  

Now, what were we going to do?  The storm was coming, and I would have to travel in it on Saturday to meet Wendell.  The way it was looking it was going to be terrible, and I couldn't bring myself to drive in that kind of storm.  Wendell got in his car and came on to Dallas and we were together once again! We hated to cancel the weekend with the Clark's but they definitely understood.    

Then, we received word from Bro. Rhoades that the storm had hit, and the power was out all over Lufkin.  Now, we had a problem for sure.  Where were we going to live since we were putting the motorhome in the shop when we returned, and the power was out in the apartment we would live in on the camp ground?  The answer:  We will stay in a hotel until we can get power on, or the motorhome back.  So, that is where I am again tonight.  Thank the Lord I'm not out on the street!   

Needless to say, after hearing all of this, and hearing about all the devastation to the gulf coast of Texas, and receiving reports from friends who are going through much more than I was, I decided to take a "mini vacation" today.  Wendell left early so he could get a tow truck to meet him and pick up the motorhome, so I was going to travel by myself. 

When I walked out of the motel in Dallas, the weather was perfect!  It was 76 degrees and not a cloud in the sky!  I decided right then to put the top down on my convertible and travel! It was lovely!

Yes, I took my own picture! I think I was travelling about 55-60 miles an hour! :) As I drove down Hwy. 175 I saw a "gated community" that I had always wanted to drive into. This time the gate was OPEN, so I drove through it and saw some beautiful homes sitting beside a lake. I dreamed about how awesome it would be to have a house "right there" so close to the water. The kids could come and we could picnic out on a deck.  We would have a boat, and all the "lake toys" to enjoy.  Of course, I knew I would not ever live in a place like that, but there's no sin in dreaming, is there?  I had to take a picture or two to show my husband where I'd gone on vacation today. :)

I kept driving and dreaming, and remembering the trips we had made in a convertible. The plains of Texas,and rolling hills of Oklahoma. Cattle and horses grazing in the fields, and new born colts frolicking near by. Then I was reminded of the white steeples of churches that speckled the country side on Prince Edward Island. There were so many beautiful, old churches as we traveled through cities back East and I wanted to stop and take pictures of everyone of them. Today I couldn't resist, and pulled off
to take this picture.If churches and steeples could talk I wonder what stories would they tell? As I travelled I saw this old home that someone has lovingly taken care of, and thought about the little wooden houses I'd seen on the back roads of Maryland when we were lost!We were so far out in the country that we ran out of paved road. There were no shoulders on the side of the road, and the cows were almost sticking their heads in the car! LOL!  I'm so glad we got lost, because I will never forget the beauty that surrounded us. 

Oh, I dreamed! I dreamed about driving through Pennsylvania and the Amish country, Niagara Falls and the power I felt as I stood watching the water crash over the rocks! I could imagine what it was going to be like in Heaven when the saints start worshiping and praising God. When I was there I felt God in a powerful way, and I stood in awe of Him! 

I travelled to Prince Edward Island and saw the red sands and fishing villages, lighthouses and lobster boats. Yes, I remembered and enjoyed the beauty that surrounded us while we were there. The quaint towns and beautiful flowers were so tranquil. 

I travelled to New York City and thought about seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time, and going to Brooklyn Tabernacle to hear the choir sing.  Colorado, the Hill Country of Texas and the bluebonnets in the Spring.  Canada, Lake Louise, glaciers, and mountains of majesty. Glacier National Park and Going to the Sun Road, Yellowstone National Park and seeing Old Faithful as she spewed her hot, steamy water up from the earth, just one more time!

I've been beautiful places and have enjoyed each one. As I enjoyed them and remembered I thought of AMERICA. My Home, My Freedom, My Country, and was thankful to be living in the greatest country on earth. Then, I prayed! I prayed for our President, George W. Bush, and his lovely wife, Laura. I prayed God would be with him as he leads our country through perilous times. I prayed for his strength and wisdom. I knew his heart must be broken to see the devastation of our state as he toured the gulf coast today, and I knew he would pray for the men and women, boys and girls, and grieve for them.   I prayed for the people who have lost so much, and saw with my own eyes just one example of what a storm can do.Then I was "home". Home once again to my husband, my town, and my "hotel". I was thankful, happy and refreshed! I enjoyed my vacation today, and just think....I did all of this on my way from Dallas to Lufkin on Hwy. 175.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO "US"!

THIRTY-SIX YEARS ago tonight I married the man I've been in love with since I was TWELVE!!!  I remember when I first saw him.  I had gone to Stockton, CA for the annual concert at the Civic Auditorium downtown.  I was in the lobby when I saw him.  From that day till now I have loved him.  Keith would get so mad at me because I wouldn't date anyone else, but my mind was made up!  I had seen the guy I would marry!  From 12 years old to 14 years old, Wendell never knew I existed, then at the 1967 California Youth Convention in San Diego, the day I had been waiting for, happened!  I was running from another guy, so I asked Keith if I could walk with him to the car to put his saxophone away.  Being the good brother he was he said, "Of course.  Come on!" When we got to his car he saw Wendell at his car putting HIS saxophone away.  Keith said, "Well, there's Wendell", and before I knew it he yelled, "Hey, Wendell!  Let my sister walk with you back to the auditorium!!!"  I nearly DIED!!!  :)  Being the "shy" girl that I was I could have "killed" my brother.  I said, "I'm not walking in there with him.  I don't even know him!"  He said, "Go on!  You can go with him!"  Well, as I was walking towards him I thought my heart would jump right out of my chest!  When we got in the building I asked him if he would stand there and talk to me, because "so and so" was watching me!  How did I even have the NERVE?  LOL!  He answered me and he said, "Why don't you walk with me over here? We'll go talk to some friends."  So....that was the beginning of our "courtship days".  I couldn't actually go on a "date" with him, because I had to be 16 before I could "date", but I could be in the same group with him.  It seemed every time I saw him, I kept falling deeper and deeper in love.  

During the week at the Youth Convention we had a big group to "run around with" and there was an older girl who wasn't married.  She was friends with all of us.  We had so much fun with Phyllis.  She made sure we were all chaperoned properly.  One night after service several cars full of young people decided to go to Mt. Helix to see the beautiful lights of San Diego.  I was riding in the car behind the one Wendell was driving.  He was always doing something to have a lot of fun, so when a "squirrel" decided to run out in front of "Phyllis' car",  he swerved to hit it!  He was in for a SURPRISE!  It wasn't a squirrel!  It was a SKUNK!  LOL!  From that night on I collected all kinds of SKUNKS!  People would go on a trip and bring me a skunk souvenir.  I had them all over my room, on top of my curtains and anywhere they would fit.  :) When I got married I told Mother to "just get rid of them" since I couldn't take them with me on the evangelistic field.  But, the other day when I was going through boxes, I came across a "family of skunks" that I had, before we got married!!!  I was so excited!  They found their new home on my bookshelves in my living room!  

I have so many stories to tell, and I'm sure others do too, but just let me say that my love has only grown for the man I married so long ago!  He has proven to be more than I could have ever dreamed when I was 12 years old.  

Tonight we got to celebrate 36 years of marriage with our good friends Bobby and Glenda Stanley.  We went to P.F. Chang's and had a delicious meal, then drove through Braum's and got ice cream.  And, as is our custom...we couldn't go home until it was all gone! I'm looking forward to MANY MORE YEARS married to the man of "my dreams"!  Wendell, I LOVE YOU MORE EVERYDAY!!

"Joys" In the Midst of the Storm

You know, life can bring many ups and downs, but it's all in how you "handle it" that makes the difference.  Hurricane Ike sure did mess a lot of things up, but it didn't mess up our spirits and attitudes.  A lot of people are misplaced, the houses are messed up from flood waters, or power is off in their city, etc., so they cannot be at home, going to their churches, or doing the "usual".  But, they have kept a good outlook "in the midst of the storm".  It's really not "things" that make life worth living, anyway.  Yes, I will be one of the first to say,  "things are nice", but they're not what life is all about.  As you know, I put a lot of emphasis on "relationships".  Life isn't worth living if you don't have God, family, or friends that love you.  The happiest people on earth are those who have all three of these in their lives, and we got to enjoy ALL THREE tonight! 

Since Jonathan and Brenda are "evacuated" to Mesquite, we decided to move over closer to them today.  We then decided that we would go as a family to Pastor Bobby Stanley's church tonight.  Jonathan picked us up at the hotel and we all went to church!  When we were walking across the parking lot we saw a car drive in and in it was the Myer's and Jason!  It was good seeing them again. When we walked through the doors they were having CHURCH!  GOD WAS THERE!  You could feel Him!  As we stood in the back of the church, looking for a place to sit down, I spotted some of the Myer's saints!  Dan, Jan, Dallas, and Danae were "evacuated" to Dallas, too. It was good seeing them.  They are always fun to be around.  There were other folks who had to leave because of the storm, and I watched as God touched them.

 One of the highlights of my evening happened when we were all worshipping and praising God. I had been praying and noticed Savanna had left her pew and had made her way to the altar all by herself.  She was kneeling with her head down on her arms, praying.  The presence of the Lord had drawn her into His presence!!!   Life just doesn't get much better than that!  There is nothing in this world that can give me the pleasure I get when I see one of my granddaughters in prayer!  

Tonight I experienced all three "relationships" that make life worth living!  GOD, FAMILY AND FRIENDS, all in ONE PLACE!  I am so blessed to have them all in my life!  We felt very welcome at New Life Tabernacle and was so thankful we could all be together.  

I can say "I sat in a heavenly place" tonight.  I'm not happy about what caused our circumstances, but I'm thankful for our friends, family and the greatest friend of all....Jesus! Once again, I think I know a little of what Heaven is going to be like. 

Minister's Wives Retreat and Hurricane Ike

Since I "talked" to you all there has been a lot happening.  Thursday night was the beginning of the TEXAS Minister's Wives Retreat so I have been in Dallas since Thursday.  I hated to leave Wendell in Lufkin since Hurricane Ike wasn't too far from making his visit, but I wanted to be at the retreat, plus I was scheduled to speak on Friday.  I really didn't think it would be very nice to cancel at the last minute. :)  I met Karla at the motel and we had a nice time being together.  I have missed her not being at our functions in TEXAS, but now that she has moved back to Wichita Falls and is now the Pastor's wife at Life Tabernacle she gets to go with me again.

The retreat was absolutely wonderful!  We missed all the ones who could not be there.  I know some had to stay home because of the hurricane and I missed you!  My two "daughters" could not come.  Brenda stayed with Jonathan and the girls so they could evacuate together.  Mandy got sick in the middle of the week, plus there were some other very important things she needed to be home for.  I totally understand why they could not come,  I missed them very much!!! From the very beginning to the very last minute of the retreat, it was GREAT!  I left feeling very refreshed in my spirit. Debbie Saiz blessed me when she spoke.  It was my first time to hear her, and I was not disappointed!  I was so excited when I saw Sis. Foster, Debbie's mother.  Sis. Foster has been one of the ladies in my life that I admire very much!  She is a beautiful lady, in every way.  Belinda McManus, Glenda Stanley, and Caronda Adams also spoke and each one of them did a fantastic job!  I loved how God orchestrated what He wanted said.

Hurricane Ike arrived and as you all know our state has been hit hard.  My heart goes out to all the people who are misplaced AGAIN!  As I said, we are in Dallas at a hotel waiting for the electricity to be turned back on at home.  I guess we can officially be called, "Evacuees"!  :( David, Sandra and Jason Myer are here, also.  We have been able to visit with them a couple times.  They are such wonderful friends and we love them.  They are fun to be around and we always have something to talk about.  Jonathan, Brenda and girls are also in Dallas, but are not staying where we are.  We haven't seen them, yet, but hopefully we will get to before long.  I'm very thankful they are safe!  They are very much "misplaced" just like everyone else, but thankful to have a place to stay with Ginger.  I think all the "little cousins" have been enjoying being together.  You might as well make the best of a bad situation! 

I will try and post again soon.  Please keep praying for those who have been affected by the hurricane.  There's a lot of devastation and they need our prayers.  

I don't know if I've covered everything, but I'm really sleepy and want to go to sleep!  :)  I hope you all have a great weekend.  We are praying for all of our friends who survived the storm.  It's all going to be alright and we're going to make it through it all!  God is taking care of all of us and He will make sure He takes care of His "family".  I'm glad to be a part of it!   

A GREAT SPEECH!

Hello Everyone! A friend sent this to me. A school-age boy gives a powerful opening speech to Dallas school employees. It's GREAT! Enjoy!

Our Busy Weekend

The day has once again come and gone, and I'm just now getting a chance to post! The "Texas Minister's Wives Retreat" is almost here, and since I am speaking I have been working on what I'm going to say. Please pray for me! I hope to see a lot of our Minister's Wives present. I know we're going to have a wonderful time just being together.

As I mentioned last night, we have been on the road once again. We left last Thursday for the wedding in Wichita Falls. We had to stop in the metroplex for some business, and on Friday went on to Wichita Falls. It was so nice driving into the city of our labor for 24 years! Wichita Falls is a wonderful place to live. I love the city, the mesquite trees, and the wide open plains. There is nothing quite like a sunset from on top of the hill, near McNeil! For those of you who do not know, that is the place where Life Tabernacle is located. There were many evenings we would step out of the office and look at the horizon where the sun was setting, and the colors were breathtaking and beautiful. I also loved standing in the prayer room and looking out of the window as I prayed, because it seemed" I could see all the way to Oklahoma"! :) Yes, I still love being "home" and we had a wonderful time. I don't know whether it helped to go see everyone or not! LOL! I have felt a little lonely ever since we left this time. (I guess there's nothing like "pure honesty"! Oh well...that's the way it's been.

The wedding was gorgeous and Zach and Amber were so happy! We are very happy for them and I'm sure they are having a great time on their honeymoon! We wish them the best!  For some pictures of the bride go here.  For a few pictures of the wedding go here.  

Andrew, Mandy, Alayna and Ashlyn are doing good. The girls are growing up and Ashlyn is talking more and more. What a little doll. She loves to clown around and she gets plenty of laughs and hugs. Alayna is enjoying her first year of school and was spelling to us and singing more "new songs" she has learned. Oh yes I miss them more than I can say!

The "new pastor's family", the Holley's are doing great and the church is moving on in revival! The excitement is electrifying and the power of God is moving in a mighty way. As we worshipped with them on Sunday my heart was overwhelmed with the awesomeness of the music and singing. Everything flowed together in unity and I felt I was being lifted into the realm of the Holy of Holies! Oh, how my heart swelled with thankfulness for the things God is doing. Life Tabernacle, you are on your way to the "promises of God" being fulfilled!!!! I can't wait to see what all takes place, and when it does, rest assured Bro. Elms and I will be standing off to the side cheering you on to greater VICTORY! We are so thankful for your "new pastor" being who he is! :) Of course, he's our brother-in-law, but more than that he is the "man of God" for Life Tabernacle and the city of Wichita Falls. You know of what I speak!

We left on Sunday afternoon and drove once again to church in Balch Springs. We were a little late, but when we walked through the doors the presence of God was moving through the congregation as they worshipped. It didn't take but just a moment to feel His presence. When they turned the pulpit to Bro. Elms he continued leading in worship, then he preached! Oh my word! Did he PREACH! Many people said they had never heard it quite like that, and I can say he was anointed mightily!

I feel peace in my heart tonight. The reason I can say this is because I know God is in control of our lives and He has done great things for us. No, I never dreamed I would be living in Lufkin, or did I ever think my husband would have been taken away from pastoring our awesome church and moved to being the Texas District Secretary. But, I've always known God had our lives in His hands, and when he bids we must follow. Has it always been easy? No! Has it been sad at times? YES! But, with God leading how can anyone say, "I'm not going to follow."? My life, our life, is definitely changed, but I can say down deep in my heart we are happy to be in His will. That's all that matters!

Note: I'm sorry there are no pictures for this post, but I will try to get them done in the near future.

Sorry!

I was going to blog tonight, but I am T-I-R-E-D! We've had a very busy weekend, so I am going to wait and post tomorrow. I trust you have all been blessed abundantly this weekend. I was!

Old Pictures

Just a "few" years ago when Daddy and Mother were young evangelists they went to Alaska to preach.  Keith was just a "baby" and Mother was about 18 years old!  Daddy would have been about 20 (I think).  I ran across these "slides" a few months ago, so I wanted to post the pictures. I know you'll like them.  

Mother with Keith in the "baby buggy".  Mother was always so pretty.

Daddy loved to fish! I imagine these were delicious when they got them prepared.Keith, my brother is on the left! He was so cute! I don't know "who" the other baby is. If anyone "out there" knows this baby, please let me know. :) Someone just MIGHT recognized "themselves". LOLAnd this is my FAVORITE! Keith always had this "winning smile"!Have a GREAT Sunday!