Pastor and Sis. Benson's 40th Pastoral Anniversary

After the wedding Friday night and visiting with Jonathan, Brenda, Savanna and Scarlet, Gene and Karla on Saturday at lunch we travelled to Euless for the Sunday Celebration for the Benson's. On Friday night, Bro. Russo preached their 40th Pastoral Anniversary, and Sunday was a continuation of this great celebration.

When we arrived we set up our "home" then went to eat with the McLaughlin's, Benson's, and others who were there to celebrate this milestone. We had a great dinner with everyone and found more "family links" to friends we had known since the 70's. :) I will not go into it all because details can get rather extensive and you might or might not know the people of whom I speak, so I'll just leave it at that. I WILL say, we had a wonderful time "talking" about those we've loved through the years.

Sunday rolled around and I have to say that the services were "heavenly"! God directed my husband to preach two incredible messages and there was a lot accomplished in the Holy Ghost in these "special services".

At the end of the Sunday morning message I went to the keyboard. I asked Jeanine Blake to help me with the "altar service singing", then asked Bro. Kevin Blake (her husband and P.I.M. Representative for UPCI) to sing the third part. We made a good trio! LOL! I laughed afterwards and said, "It's pretty good when you don't even know each other and you can put a trio together at the end of a service...at the altar call!" LOL! We were then asked by Pastor Carl McLaughlin to do "praise and worship" in the evening service singing the "old songs of the past". We had a good time! I found out real fast how "out of shape" my voice is for that kind of singing! It was nice getting to know the Blakes. They are some of our "career missionaries" and I'm sure would bless your church if asked to come and do a P.I.M. Service. He was the MC for Sunday morning service. They use to be at the Benson's as Youth leaders, so they came to celebrate with them. Here they are singing the "glory down"!Bro. and Sis. Benson are some of the finest people I know. I have admired them for many, many years! They started the church in Euless 40 years ago, and have done a marvelous work for the Lord. Their son-in-law and daughter, Carl and Veda McLaughlin are now the Pastor and are working hand in hand with the Benson's. These four make up an awesome team for the church in Euless and you can feel the love and appreciation the saints have for their leaders. Let me say, "If I was needing someone to be my Pastor I could ask either one of these men and their wives and I could trust them with my life!" That's how I deeply I feel about them. We are very comfortable with either one of them being a mentor in the lives of our sons. If one of our sons needed to talk to someone in confidence I would relax knowing they were in "safe hands". "Saints of Euless, you have anointed men of God, and ladies of God in your midst. I know you know it, but let me say from an "outsider looking in"......you are blessed! If you will follow them you will make it through the gates of splendor and will be able to say, "Thank you for leading me to His Throne! I am saved because of YOU!"

Here are a few random pictures from the weekend:

It was cute Sunday when Sis. Benson got embarrassed from all the "attention". Her face actually turned red! The sweet lady sitting next to her is Sis. Mooney. She recently lost her husband and it has been hard on her, so it was good to see her having a moment of joy in the middle of her grief. For those of you who know Bro. Chad Mooney...this is his "sweet grandmother".

The Benson's, being presented with a gift from the church. They are having more "fun" with Sis. Benson! LOL! "Her" gift - A Memory Book "His" gift - a large check...Will he share with his bride? Of course, we all know he will and she might even let him look at "her" book!We were happy to have our friends, Bro. and Sis. V. Arlen Guidroz in service Sunday night. Sis. Guidroz and Sis. Benson having a time of "fellowship".

My husband and Bro. Guidroz had just finished having a good laugh. They may have been laughing at me. Who knows? I don't know, but it was good seeing them "relax".Also, our friends Bro. and Sis. Larry Gandy came. Bro. and Sis. Ford were also part of the celebration. Bro. Ford was the MC for Sunday night service. There were other ministers and wives that could be there on Sunday night and we were so happy that you came. I do not know them all real well, but it was wonderful having you all there! Thank you for coming and enjoying the evening with all of us!

In the office after service I had to have just one more picture.

The men: Bro's. Blake, Elms, Benson, McLaughlin, and Gandy. The "young men": Jonmichael and Blake. There is no way to post every picture I took. But, I am really disappointed that I didn't get ONE PICTURE of Sis. McLaughlin!! She must have been hiding when I had my camera out! :) (not really) I don't know what happened! I just might go steal one of her from her own blog!....what do you think...I think I will...here she is... What a great weekend full of "making memories". I'm thankful we know these wonderful people. Our lives have been enriched by knowing them!

Wonderful Weekend - First Event - Colegrove/Pugh Wedding

Last Thursday afternoon we unplugged our "home" and headed to Brownwood for the wedding of Jared and Melanie. We have been friends with the Pugh family for a lifetime, and have known the Colegrove family for at least 30 years, so we really wanted to attend this wedding. We had a wonderful time seeing everyone and enjoyed a beautiful wedding.

Savanna and Scarlet (two of our granddaughters) were the flower girls and they looked beautiful in their "flower girl dresses".

Jonathan and Brenda sung the song for the Bridal March. They did a beautiful job! I really enjoyed the ceremony. Bro. Bobby Stanley made comments about Melanie. He had "married" Ken and Nancy Colegrove and now he was enjoying getting to talk to Melanie at her wedding. The two fathers (Ken Colegrove and Terry Pugh) made remarks to Melanie and Jared. It was very touching. There was a "letting go of parental positions" to this time of life when they take a "different postion" of just being their "friend". Now, they were going to be their own family. As Bro. Terry Pugh said it: "There are chips off the old block, but in our family, we are our own blocks!" I loved how he put it, because it said everything about the responsibility the "kids" must take when they decide to start their own family. Bro. Shatwell from Okemah, OK has been a mentor to Jared, so he was asked to pray a blessing on the bride and groom. There was definitely a blessing placed on them from this man of God.

Here is a slideshow for you to enjoy.

Bro. J.T. Pugh helped in the ceremony charging Jared and Melanie in the fear of the Lord to commit to each other. He also was asked to do the "vows", and "I do's". Just hearing his voice was so touching!! There is nothing like hearing the voice of our patriarchs as they once again speak about commitment, love, and the future. Bro. Pugh is definitely "one of a kind" and he put the finishing touches on the ceremony when he "acted" like he forgot to tell his grandson to "kiss the bride". He waited until Jared had to ask him if he could kiss his bride! LOL! It was great! Then with the voice like thunder he got our attention with "H-E-Y EVERYBODY! A NEW FAMILY HAS JUST BEEN FORMED! I INTRODUCE TO YOU JARED AND MELANIE PUGH!"

We were so happy that Sis. Bessie Pugh, Jared's grandmother, could be at the wedding. She is as gracious as always. In her older years she may be a little bent, but she's still strong in her love for others! She is so precious to all who know her. When I greeted her she instantly said, "Thank you for coming!" She still reaches out to others to let them know "you are special".

Not only are Terry and Pam Pugh getting a new addition to their family through this marriage, they were "showing off" their "baby grandson"! What a little doll he is! They were just a "little bit" PROUD! :) We were so happy our family could be at the wedding. We missed Alayna and Ashlyn, but they stayed home so they didn't have to travel so much in one day. I am so thankful for our "kids". They have made us "proud"! Gene and Karla were there and it was great getting to visit with them a little. I miss them a lot, but when I see them it makes me realize just how much I miss them. I had to text Karla at the wedding and tell her that now that I "see her" I REALLY miss her! LOL!

I have said numerous times on my blog how wonderful it is to have a "great big family of friends". There is nothing like being able to love one another, and to be there for each other in the good times and the bad. When we have been in need, or had sadness come to our family, or when we have been rejoicing, these friends have cried and rejoiced with us.

Thank you all for "loving us"...no matter what our situation. I hope we can "be there" for you and try to show you how much you mean to us.

YES I WILL...

.....sit down and BLOG......SOON...(the Lord willing).

WHEW! and A Special Memory

I think I'm caught up on all the EVENTS that have been happening!!! YAY...for me! :) As I've said before, I don't like getting behind because it takes so long to get caught up, and I feel "half-backslidden" when I don't "blog about life". LOL! Anyway....I'm caught up for the present and I'm so glad.

Easter Sunday afternoon we drove into Jonathan and Brend'a drive-way and I looked across their yard to the neighbor's yard. I noticed a tree with small yellow "fruit" hanging on it. I almost couldn't believe my eyes! Now...for you southern folk this may not be a big deal, but for this "California Girl" who has been looking for this particular tree since I was a young girl it's REALLY a BIG DEAL! I wandered over to the tree and sure enough it was a LOQUAT tree!!!
We lived next door to the church on Harvey and Thesta when I was a little girl, and just outside the living room window was a LOQUAT tree. Many times I remember my brother Keith and I opening the window and picking the fruit off of this tree. It was delicious and I have never forgotten the taste of the sweetness of a LOQUAT! I have asked around for years if anyone knew what a LOQUAT was or where I could find a tree and no one knew. They said they knew what a "Kumquat" was, but had never heard of LOQUAT.

For those of you wondering if I picked one and ate it....well....YESSSSS I DID!!! No one around me thought it was a big deal, but I made them all taste it. This one little LOQUAT became a "community loquat"!

Here are a few facts about the LOQUAT for you to read. I found them rather interesting.

Origin: The loquat is indigenous to southeastern China. It was introduced into Japan and became naturalized there in very early times. It has been cultivated in Japan for over 1,000 years. It has also become naturalized in India and many other areas. Chinese immigrants are presumed to have carried the loquat to Hawaii. It was common as a small-fruited ornamental in California in the 1870's, and the improved variety, Giant, was being sold there by 1887. Japan is the leading producer of loquats, followed by Israel and Brazil.

Adaption: The loquat is adapted to a subtropical to mild-temperature climate. Where the climate is too cool or excessively warm and moist, the tree is grown as an ornamental but will not bear fruit. Well established trees can tolerate a low temperature of 12° F. The killing temperature for the flower bud is about 19° F, and for the mature flower about 26° F. At 25° F the seed is killed, causing the fruit to fall. Extreme summer heat is also detrimental to the crop, and dry, hot winds cause leaf scorch. High heat and sunlight during the winter often results in sunburned fruit. The white-fleshed varieties are better adapted to cool coastal areas. In a large tub the loquat makes a good container specimen.

I hope you have "learned a little something" that you didn't know before, but if you did or didn't know about the LOQUAT it really doesn't matter. All that matters is that my mind can rest about this "little fruit" I had fallen in love with when I was much younger! I know this was not a major happening in anyone's life but mine, but it made me so happy to know there is a difference between a LOQUAT and a KUMQUAT!

Another "Magnolia Weekend"

After District Conference ended we were invited by our dear friends, Steve and Karen Wehrle to go home with them for the weekend. Steve asked my husband to preach the weekend services for him, so...of course he said, "yes"! We always enjoy being with the Wehrle's! They are great friends and awesome Christians. They're always the same and it's just "easy to love them".

Karen told me she had a Sectional Ladies Luncheon to go to on Saturday, so instead of going all the way to Magnolia, then driving back to the luncheon the men went together and I went with Karen. We then got a call from the men that Mark and Diane Green were meeting us at Wal-Mart parking lot, so we pulled off and waited for them. Diane was also on her way to the luncheon, so needless to say, we had a great time of visiting as we travelled! The ladies were surprised to see me and Diane, but seemed really happy that we came. Sis. Roffie Ensey is the Ladies Sectional Director and she had cooked some of the most delicious enchiladas I've ever eaten!I love having the opportunity to visit the different churches and functions. It's so fulfilling to see what is happening among the churches of our district! God is doing great things for all of us! When you get a glimpse of the harvest that is happening it warms your heart to know your "brothers and sisters" are being blessed by God.

Bro. Steve Wehrle recently became the Presbyter for Section 9 and this was Sis. Wehrle's first "sectional minister's wives meeting" to go to as a Presbyter's wife, and she did wonderful in talking to the ladies. She has such a sweet spirit and a passion to see the work of God thrive! I know she's loved by many. You can't help but love her!

The weekend services at Magnolia Apostolic Tabernacle were warmed by God's presence. The choir was incredible, as always. Sis. Wehrle leads them and she is passionate about being 100% for His glory, and you are lifted into His presence as they sing. At Holiday Youth Convention this year Magnolia's Youth Group received the "Rigdon Cup Award" for their excellence as a youth group. They shared the award with the church on Sunday night, and everyone was so proud of them! I know Pastor Wehrle was so happy that "his youth group" would be honored in this manner. If you wanted to see a "proud Pastor" (Holy Ghost proud - as my Dad use to say) you should have been there Sunday night! :)I thank God for Preacher's who are preaching the Truth and "holding fast to the Apostles Doctrine". You can fill it when you're with them, you can see it when you're at their church, and you can enjoy being with them, because you don't have to worry about HAVING TO DEFEND what is Truth! I thank God for preacher's wives, young and older, who love what their husband preaches and example what true righteousness is. I am blessed to call you "FRIEND"!

Minister's Wives Breakfast '09

Each year at District Conference the Texas Ladies Ministries hosts a breakfast for the ministers wives. Every year is good, and this year was no exception! It was his wonderful! Donna Myre is the President of Ladies Ministries here in Texas, and she always comes up with a great program! She is one of the writers for Reflections Magazine, and you can read her Ideas for Ladies in this excellent publication.

The theme for the breakfast this year was: CAUTION...BRIGHT SUNSHINE AHEAD! If you were at this breakfast the many testimonies of "Sunshine Moments" definitely brightened your heart! At one point Donna had one lady from each table come up and sing, "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine..." Each lady had to sing it doing whatever the paper said on her table, such as: Hiccup, Angry, Dramatic, etc. It was quite funny!

Sandra Myer was the "special speaker" and she shared with us how God had brought BRIGHT SUNSHINE into her life during her "darkest hour" when her son Justin was so sick. For almost five years he was in a coma, and every minute of everyday for those years her and her family stayed by his side, never leaving him alone! God definitely had to carry them through this time, so He provided the "light" they needed to continue "walking by faith"! She did a wonderful job speaking. "Sandra, you know that I love you and have admired you for MANY, MANY YEARS! Thank you for sharing your sunshine with all of us. We can see clearer now."

Here is the slideshow I said I would post. I hope you enjoy it and have many "Sunshine Moments" in life!

HYC '09 and Texas District Conference '09

Holiday Youth Convention '09 was "rockin" from the beginning! It was AWESOME! The young people came ready to worship God!! The electrifying power of God was in each service and you could feel the hunger coming from those who came. We had quite a crowd! I've only heard estimated figures but I was told that we had somewhere around 3,000 in attendance. To God be the GLORY for the GREAT THINGS He is doing in TEXAS!

Bro. Michael Ensey is our District Youth President and he and his "team" did a fine job of leading HYC. I was very impressed with what I saw and what I heard this year. I loved the theme, "The Greatest Awakening" and decor too!

I love how they related to this generation of kids. The pulpit looked like a "Starbuck's coffee cup", but instead of Starbuck's logo they used "The Greatest Awakening...HYC 2009". One time they had to move it for the Cornerstone Sign Team and we saw the top of it and it looked like coffee was in it!! LOL! Wendell said, "I hope they don't spill it!" It was really neat looking, and I'm not even a "fan" of Starbuck's!

The message preached by Bro. Michael Ensey was phenomenal!!! He preached about holding on to what has been handed down to us, and at one point he had his young son come up and quote scriptures! He gave him a "special Bible" to "treasure". It was very touching! He also had his two grandfathers, and father come and stand with him and his son. It was neat seeing the generations of Pentecost standing together for righteousness and Truth! Generation to Generation...TRUTH MARCHES ON!

Bro. Scott Graham was the night speaker. Must I say anything else? He was anointed to preach to us and it was phenomenal!!!

I can honestly say that after HYC '09 I feel even more safe with the "younger generation of true Apostolics"! We are seeing a great revival and a love for Truth and I'm proud to be associated with the "younger generation"! I LOVE young people and their enthusiasm!!!!

Texas District Conference '09 was wonderful! There is unity in Texas and you can feel it when we all come together. I've said it over and over that "I love having everyone here", and I just had to say it again! Bro. Russo, our Superintendent preached a wonderful message about "sowing the seed", and it was so good. He is a "man after God's heart" and wants the very best for the Texas District. We love Bro. and Sis. Russo and enjoy working with them.

Bro. Carlton Coon was here to "conduct business" and he ministered to all who were there on Friday night. He spoke about "Wounded Eagles". He didn't "preach" but the anointing flowed through Him as He gave us the "message" God had given him for the ministers and wives. I will never forget it! If anyone went home early, or couldn't make it for "whatever reason", let me just say that Friday nights service was absolutely fantastic!!! I wish everyone could have experienced the presence of God and been there for the "laying on of hands" by our leaders. Spirits were healed and hearts were strengthened!

There were a lot of "old songs" sung, and it was very enjoyable. Please don't jump to conclusions and say that "Sis. Elms doesn't like NEW songs", because I do like a lot of them, but there is something about bringing out the "treasures of yesterday" and the leaders definitely pulled them out on Friday night! Speaking of "treasures"...it seems to me that a "treasure" is something you cherish for a lifetime. Once you know the value of a "treasure" you don't want to let it go! (just a thought)

One of the songs sung by Stephanie Clenney was:

"Oh Calvary, Oh Calvary won't you please, please speak to me.
Tell me how much I owe I want to repay.
Then an echo rings clear from the hills of old Judea...
Tell the lost, tell the lost, tell the lost."

I don't know when I have heard that song!! It's been forever and I loved it! Then a quartet made up of: Ken Colegrove, Randy Ensey, Gene Holley, and Mike McGuire sang and did awesome! One of the songs they did was:

'Twas a life filled with aimless desperation
Without hope walked the shell of a man;
Then a hand with a nailprint stretched downward,
Just one touch then a new life began.

And the old rugged cross made the difference
In a life bound for heartache and defeat;
I will praise Him forever and ever
For the cross made the difference for me.

Barren walls echoed harshness and anger
Little faces ran in terror to hide;
Now those walls ring with love, warmth and laughter,
Since the giver of life moved inside.

There's a room filled with sad, ashen faces
Without hope death has wrapped them in gloom;
But at the side of a saint there's rejoicing,
For life can't be sealed in a tomb.

I cannot tell you the feeling that swept the crowd as they ministered in song! All I can say is we were lifted into the heavenlies.

Here is a slideshow for you to enjoy, but it sure doesn't show all the wonderful things that took place in our hearts!

I will make a separate slideshow from the Minister's Wives Breakfast...coming soon!

More About Easter

I really am trying to get "caught up" on my blog, but there's been so much happening that it's taking me a long time!

After church on Easter Sunday we were invited to the "Hughes Family Gathering" and we had a wonderful time! The food was outstanding, the fellowship great, and the "setting" beautiful! There was so much to eat that we couldn't eat it all, but did a pretty good job of putting a "good dent" into it. It was so kind of them to invite us, along with their Pastor and wife, the Wilbanks, and other friends from the area.

Thank you Hughes Family for a great time with friends and family. Also, for the delicious meal you shared with us!

Easter Sunday @ The Apostolic Church

Where do I begin? I will say from the very beginning that Easter 2009 was a very special day for us! It had been 9 years since we had last celebrated Easter with Jonathan and Brenda and the girls, and we looked forward to this year with them. Because of the call of God on their lives they had moved away from us, and moved on in ministry and was the Pastor of the church in Ranger, TX for 7 years, then moved to Beaumont 2 years ago and now Pastor The Apostolic Church there. WE were pastoring Life Tabernacle so there was no way to go and spend Easter Sunday with "the kids". Thankfully, Andrew and Mandy were with us at Life Tabernacle for 5 years, so we got to be with them on Easter and see all the beautiful dresses Mandy made for the girls. So, this year, since we are now full-time with the district and do not have our own church we were privileged to spend Easter in Beaumont. Of course, we missed Andrew, Mandy, Alayna and Ashlyn, but one of these days we'll all get to be together forever. I still haven't had the opportunity to see pictures of Alayna and Ashlyn on Easter, but I will soon. I do know they were gorgeous, even without seeing them!!!

I want to say thank you to all the saints at The Apostolic Church for making our first Easter without our own people very special! You blessed us beyond measure in your worship and praise, and every handshake given. You blessed us abundantly in your "giving" unselfishly to us, and you blessed us by "just being our friends". Thank you for "loving us" and letting us "be at home" with you. We love you and we LOVE your PASTOR and FAMILY!!!! :)

I want to give a little update on three churches that are dear to our hearts: On Easter Sunday...

Greater Apostolic Tabernacle - Pastor and Mrs. Andrew Elms - had 94 in attendance! 23 visitors! They are growing and the spirit of the church is excellent!!! We are so thankful for what God is doing!

The Apostolic Church - Pastor and Mrs. Jonathan Elms - had 442 in attendance, plus their Spanish Church had 140. Making a total of 582! To God be the Glory!!!

Life Tabernacle - Pastor and Mrs. Gene Holley - had over 400!!!!!! We are SO EXCITED about the church in Wichita Falls growing and having GREAT REVIVAL!!!

Texas Hill Country Ride '09

A few weeks back Wendell and I took a few days off to meet some friends in the Hill Country of Texas. (Fredericksburg, TX) We had a wonderful time just relaxing and having some much needed rest. The only problem is that it just didn't last long enough! We only stayed a few days then needed to get "back in the saddle", but we enjoyed getting to "follow" the "bikers" in our convertible. LOL! We've threatened to wear helmets to make them feel better, but really don't see that it's "necessary" for our protection! There was one other convertible with us and that was Ginger Swan in her "green bug". I can safely say that those in the convertibles were more confortable than those on the motorcycles. :) Oh well...like we use to say..."whatever floats your boat"....or "whatever makes you happy"! I finally had a chance to put together a slide show for you. I hope you enjoy "the ride".

Anybody ready to go? I'd love to, but we must wait until next year....

This Week On the Camp Ground

Tomorrow is the beginning of our Texas District Conference and I have been very excited. Minister's and wives have already started arriving and it is so much fun getting to see everyone! Today there were several things happening in preparation for the conference, and to see it "all take shape" is nice. I really hope as many of our Texas preachers and their wives that can be here, will be! There is nothing like "coming together" and rubbing shoulders with those you love. I love the ministry and all they stand for, and more than ever, we NEED EACH OTHER to stand strong in the midst of a troubled world. I am happy to be able to say that in these "troubled times" we are seeing "great unity and great revival" in the Texas District!!!

Psa 133:1

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

This afternoon Karen Wehrle and I helped Donna Myre and Diane Green decorate for the Minister's Wives Breakfast on Friday. The Youth Tabernacle is where we will have the breakfast and it looks so cute! Please plan on being at the breakfast, ladies. You will not be disappointed...I promise! (I took pictures but you'll have to wait to see them until AFTER Friday) :)

We have been enjoying our friends who have already arrived. The Wehrle's are parked in their RV a couple of spaces over from us, and they are always a lot of fun to be with. This evening, after all the meetings we had a time of fellowship with Bro. Swan, Bro. Culberth, and Bro. Ronnie Culberth Jr., along with the Wehrle's. We didn't discuss anything "serious", we just had a good time. We could close the door tonight and say, "That was fun!"

I want everyone to know that it's not ALWAYS hot in Lufkin! LOL! Tonight we had to get blankets to sit outside. We needed a "fireplace" that we could sit around. What was funny is that it wasn't just the ladies who were cold...it was the MEN!

Wendell and Steve: They even asked for a blanket!
Ronnie Culberth: Doesn't he look all warm and cozy! LOL! Merlin Swan: He's the only one that didn't need a blanket! Ronnie Culberth, Jr: The Coffee Maker! He said he was going to make the coffee then get a book and read to all the "old men"! LOL! He didn't or he wouldn't have lived long enough to read more than a couple of lines! LOL! The RV spaces are filling up and I feel like I'm living in a "neighborhood"!!! :) It gets a little lonely through the "winter months" after all the "Spring and Summer happenings". Once all the Texas District activities are over everyone pulls their 5th wheels home, or drives their motorhome back to be parked for the long months of winter and leaves us "all alone". I'm always excited to hear tires rolling down the gravel driveway back to where we are living. Sometimes that means..."COMPANY'S COMING! :)


If the Ladies Conference and Holiday Youth Convention is any gauge on how all the meetings are going to be this year, you better come prepared to have a GREAT TIME!

I will see you all SOON!