Tyler Weekend

This weekend we have enjoyed being with Larry and Judy Gandy. They have Pastored in Tyler almost 20 years and have done a great work for God! We have been friends with the Gandy's for many years, but had never had the chance to be with them in service in their own church, so today was very special for us!

When we walked into the sanctuary this morning before Sunday School, prayer was the "order of the day". I wasn't surprised to see this church in prayer, since I have known prayer has been a very important part of the lives of Larry and Judy. God was definitely "in the midst of His people" as they knelt before His throne. After a good Bible lesson taught in the adult class it was time for Morning Worship, and when the music started and the singers started singing praises, God came closer to us and we were bathed in His presence. I love it when He wants to attend the service we are in! When I think of it, there hasn't been too many times in my life when I've gone to church that God wasn't there! It's great knowing that He "dwells in the praises of His people".

We fell in love with Jaden, the Gandy's grandson. He's a mess and a sweetheart all at the same time! Wendell ministered in the Holy Ghost today and I was once again amazed at how God speaks through the man of God to those who are in need. "He LOVES us...oh...how He LOVES us..."

Yesterday, after we checked into our room the Gandy's picked us up and we enjoyed "running around" with them for awhile. Wendell and I had our first smoothie from Smoothie King and it was really good and refreshing. Later in the evening we were invited to their home for fried fish and all the fixin's! Larry fried the fish in a brand new fish fryer out on the patio, and it was DELICIOUS! We ate way too much! We had homemade desserts, too. Cherry cobbler (made with Splenda) and Blue Bell vanilla (no sugar added) ice cream. Brownies with Homemade hot fudge and Blue Bell Vanilla ice cream, whip cream with a cherry on top! Ummmmm...it was all "lick your lips" delicious! It's a good thing we're not around here very much. LOL! Larry's mother is here with them for a few weeks so we got to meet her. She is quite a lady! :)

We even got to see the new grandbaby and her parents! LOL!(sorry Lori)
This evening we were invited once again to the Gandy's home, and had a very relaxing time visiting and eating grilled turkey and cheese sandwiches. We enjoyed sitting around the "kitchen table"! The only problem I see about eating at home is that I always eat more than I do when we eat in a restaurant! But, it sure is good! :) Along with the sandwiches we had chips, dip, fresh tomatoes, Noonday onions, and Cantaloupe. You can sure tell it's summertime! Anybody hungry, yet? LOL!

Just before leaving the house I sat down at the piano, and when I started playing Larry and Carla came over and started singing. The next thing I knew... Judy had gone and got a bunch of old songs and started handing them to Larry to sing. I didn't realize what a good "country voice" Larry had! We are learning "something new" all the time! The five minutes I was going to play turned into an hour of singing and playing. It was so much fun!

We go back to Lufkin in the morning to another week of fun, fun, fun! Crusader's Camp will begin tomorrow and it's always so enjoyable! I LOVE having everyone come visit me. LOL! Really, there is so much that happens in the month of June here in the Texas District and it's wonderful. I don't even want to think about next week when everything has come to a close. I'm just going to enjoy the NOW and let tomorrow take care of itself.

I'm sure I'll be reporting back sometime this week. I should be getting my computer back sometime tomorrow and I will be happy for that. I believe it's well enough to come home!

Senior Camp '09 Slideshow

Enjoy the pictures from Senior Camp last week. It was wonderful!

Checking In With a Tiny Report

It has been another very busy week in our lives and I haven't had a chance to post anything, so I'm stopping by to give a tiny update.

Last week was Senior High Youth Camp here in Texas and I have to say we had another fantastic week! The messages brought were so awesome and very timely. Bro. Tony and Bro. Maroney were the camp evangelists for the week and they preached under a very heavy anointing, preaching what God gave to them for "this hour" we live in. The young people were touched by God, and there were new consecrations made and lives changed because of the Word that went forth. I was speaking with one Pastor about one of the messages and how it had left an indelible mark in my own heart, and he said, "That message was not just for the young people, it was for a lot of other people who were there." I wish everyone would order the CD's or DVD's. You will be blessed and strengthened!

Of course, there was the "fun and games" that always happen at Youth Camp! I do want to say CONGRATULATIONS to the Preacher's/Staff Baseball Team for beating the Champions this year! It was fun watching my husband play ball. I haven't seen that in a few years, so it was a special treat for me. And I have to brag and say "he was on the WINNING TEAM"! :)

I would post pictures tonight, but it's too late. I'm also having to work from my old computer since mine is in the "computer hospital" having surgery. It's having to have it's insides cleaned, removing my profile and reinstalling all programs! It has definitely given me a lot of trouble over the last few months and a lot of STRESS the last few weeks. It was time for the Computer Doctor to take it into his hands and take care of it. I might try to post the pictures tomorrow sometime, but if not I'll probably wait until I get my other one home. Hopefully, it will be feeling much better by the time it returns.

As you can tell, I'm tired and rambling so I will bid you goodnight. I trust you will all have a power-packed Sunday!

Once Again...

I hope you're all having a wonderful day. It is definitely HOT here in Lufkin, but I guess that's okay since it's summertime! As you see, I have been busy and haven't stopped long enough to write any posts. I've also been having "computer issues" so it frustrates me until I can get them fixed. Oh how I wish I was a Computer Tech sometimes! I'm suppose to be getting help this evening, so maybe all those problems will be fixed. I sure hope so! I have confidence that my computer tech knows what to do!

There's a lot that has happened since I posted last, so I plan on updating you shortly. So until then...have a great day and I will do the same!

Junior High Youth Camp '09

I'm sorry do not have time to write about camp right now, but let me just say that it has been AWESOME! I'm loving it! Here is a little slideshow for you to enjoy.

Notice # 2

My phone is UP and RUNNING!

After several hours of tech support from AT&T and APPLE, my phone is now activated once again and I can use it!!! So, if you want to call or text me, please do! I'm so glad I am connected to my "world" again!

The guy that helped me at Apple was so nice. He stayed calm, cool and collected even when AT&T said it was Apple's fault. Wow! He kept walking it through each situation, then after he got sufficient answers went looking for the solution and FOUND IT! My thanks goes to Bill in the Tech Department for all his help. He even told me he has two days off and will be back on Thursday, so for me to email him and he will call and help me with another situation I haven't been able to get solved for months. Now, that's what I call SERVICE! I think I will stick with my original plan and go buy the NEW iPHONE this coming Friday!

Notice

To my friends who might try to call me....I do not have a cell phone at this time. I am trying to get this taken care of, so if you need me please call my husband or email me. I will have this taken care of ASAP!

Camp Meeting '09 Update

Oh My! Where do I start? I just have to say that Camp Meeting was INCREDIBLE! There are really no words to describe the power of God that was with us here in Texas!!!! As I wrote before, there was an expectancy in the air before it ever got started on Monday night, but when everyone came together you could feel the hunger in the hearts of everyone. Hungry for more of God! Hungry for revival! Hungry for unity! Hungry to see the promises of God fulfilled in the local church and cities! Hungry for souls! Are you getting my "drift"? HUNGRY for a MOVE OF GOD!!!! Hungry for miracles to happen! Hearts were wide open to receive the preached Word of God and we were definitely fed by those who ministered. I sat in amazement at how the messages were connected in the spirit. I was overwhelmed when God used His Word to once again confirm Truth in my own heart! I wish I could yell loud enough for all of you to hear me when I say....Y---E---S!!!!!!!!!! IT WAS AWESOME!

I know, some people will not understand of what I speak , so if you can't really understand just trust me! I wish everyone in the Texas District could have been at this Camp Meeting. It will definitely be one that will not be forgotten!

Bro. William Davis from Georgia was our "Bible Teacher" and he was definitely in the will of God as he spoke. God refreshed His Word in my own heart as Bro. Davis taught. Thank you, Bro. Davis for obeying God and delivering your heart to us!

Bro. Brian Kinsey from Pensacola, Florida was our "Camp Meeting Evangelist". WOW! He came with a word from God for Texas District and we received it willingly! All I can say is....TEXAS be prepared for the greatest revival we have ever experienced!!!!! I believe it with all of my heart! Bro. Kinsey, thank you for following the unction of the Holy Ghost and for telling us what to expect from God in our lives.

All of the Praise Teams and musicians were "top notch" and sang with all of their hearts, minds, soul, and strength! There was not a day that we had mediocre music. Each one brought with them a power as they ministered in music.

The P.A. was INCREDIBLE! My hat is off to our "sound techs"! THANK YOU! You were all so willing to help in any way you could to make the sound "right" and we appreciate all your work!

The media was great! With the extra screens on the sides of the platform so all could see the words and the platform, it was wonderful!!

I am not trying to make anything sound better than it actually was! Camp Meeting was "beyond words"! The spirit of it flows deep in our hearts and we left refreshed. If you were unable to attend, you can order CD's or DVD's. You will be blessed.

It was great being with our friends and family. Of course, you knew I would say something about that. :) Life isn't worth living if you have to live it without those you love, and who love you! Relationships in life, and in the Kingdom of God are so important to our survival.

I haven't looked at the pictures I took yet, and haven't downloaded them onto my computer, so I will post pictures later. I just wanted to do a quick update on what I've been doing all week. I've been in a "heavenly place".

Monday starts our first Youth Camp of the year! We are starting with Junior High. The camp ground has been busy with people "working like bee's" ever since the last "amen" was said last night! We'll go through this weekend worshipping our Savior, then great things will be happening again on the "ole camp ground"!

Have a wonderful weekend!!!!!

Note: If you were at Camp Meeting I would love to hear your thoughts about it. And...if you were not here, feel free to leave a comment. I LOVE hearing from my friends in "blogworld"!

TEXAS Camp Meeting

I am home tonight not feeling well, so I'm listening to Life Tabernacle's service via internet, and thought I would sit here and type a little.

This weekend some trailers and motorhomes have been rolling in to "set up" to begin the week of Camp Meeting. I always enjoy watching as people start arriving for whatever is taking place here at TEXAS EVANGELISM CENTER. There's a feeling of expectancy in the air, and I wonder what God is going to do this year when His people come together? I wonder what WE are going to do for GOD when we come together? There's revival happening in TEXAS, and it's wonderful being a part of our GREAT district!

Blessings to you all as you travel. I'll be seeing you SOON!!!

"Going Home" Services Scheduled for Tim Foster

This week our hearts were saddened to hear about Tim Foster being taken from us so unexpectedly. Tim is the "twin brother" to Pastor Tom Foster of Dallas, TX. His brother Mark pastors in West Monroe, and his sister Debbie lives in California. She is married to Pastor Steve Saiz. The parents of these great "kids" is Rev. and Mrs. Fred Foster of West Monroe, Louisiana. There are no words to explain the feeling of "loss" during this time! I want to say to all of Tim's family that you are in the prayers of your friends. We are hurting with you during this time.

I have taken the following schedule for Tim's "going home services" from Debbie Saiz blog.

Stockton, CA

Visitation

Christian Life Center

Monday, June 8 @ 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Memorial Service

Christian Life Center

Tuesday, June 9 @ 1 p.m.

West Monroe, LA

Visitation

The Pentecostals of the Twin-Cities

Thursday, June 11 @ 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Memorial Service & Burial

The Pentecostals of the Twin-Cities

Friday, June 12 @ 1 p.m.

You will also want to visit Jeremy Foster's blog. Jeremy has written a very touching tribute to his "Uncle Tim".

Dear Lord, my heart has been SO sad for my friends since hearing about Tim's death. Please wrap your arms of love and comfort around them. We were not expecting this "turn of events" at this time in life, but you will fill the void in our hearts. Thank you for being close to all of us at this time. In Jesus Name.....Amen.

Two Gorgeous Ladies At "Tea"

Last week Mandy had a Mother Daughter Tea. I was unable to go, so Misty from Balch Springs sent me these pictures, so I could see how beautiful it was. Here are just three of the pictures she sent me. I absolutely LOVE these two GORGEOUS "ladies"!

Mandy and Alayna
Mandy showing Alayna how to "fix her hot tea". She is an AWESOME MOTHER! Mandy has always amazed me with the "teaching and training" of her "little ladies". Thank you, Mandy! Here is Alayna enjoying her "cup of tea". So precious!
THANK YOU for the pictures, Misty! I really appreciate and love them. The "Mother Daughter Tea" looked heavenly. Of course, I knew it would be with your "Sis. Elms" being there and planning it. She's an incredible Pastor's Wife! I know you already have experienced her talents and love her. You couldn't have a more loving Pastor's Wife. I'm glad she's my "daughter"! I can't say enough good about her....and that's the truth!

P.S. Mandy made Alayna's outfit! Good job, Mandy!

WOO-HOO!

*Be sure and read the small print at the end*

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!

THERE'S GREAT NEWS FROM LUFKIN TONIGHT!!!!

Got your attention didn't I?

I just wanted to report that it is just 5 days until...

TEXAS CAMP MEETING!

Also, when we were coming home from church tonight

the temperature in my car said.....

(...drum roll please.....symbols....CRASH! BANG!...)

66 degrees!!

Now, wouldn't it be wonderful if it stayed like this through next week?

But.....it probably won't! LOL!

Pentecost Sunday '09 In Beaumont

Last week I was in Beaumont since Wendell was gone to his "Brothers Reunion". I stayed in my motorhome at the church, and spent some time "thinking, reading and writing". I was with Jonathan, Brenda and the girls some, and had a wonderful time. I can't be with my kids and not have a good time. It's always special being with all of them! In fact, I think I'm due a trip to Balch Springs to see Andrew, Mandy and the girls!!! I'm really missing them.

There was a lot of activity happening around the church, and Jonathan and Brenda are always busy doing "something". This particular week everyone was preparing for Pentecost Sunday, and it was a great success! From the beginning of the service that started at 2:00 it was wonderful. Each song was about the Holy Ghost, and the power of Pentecost! As the choir sang you could feel the anointing flowing through them and it was awesome!!! Bro. Wilbanks definitely "had it together" and as I praised and rejoiced I was still enthralled with the talent that he has. I think he can almost make the keyboards talk!

Sis. Heather Moore is the Drama Director and she had a "Choral Reading" about the Day of Pentecost. I had never seen this done and it was very interesting to me. Bro. Cole was sitting next to me during this time and he started feeling the anointing as the group "read/recited" the story. He turned to me at one point and said, "My, my, my! Isn't that wonderful!" It was so neat to be sitting next to this great man of God and hear him as he expressed his joy of the moment. Then, Sis. Moore and the Sign Team was so anointed as they signed to a song the choir was singing. WOW! (Karla, I can't think of the name right now...sorry) :) You'll have to ask Jonathan or Brenda!!! LOL

There was more special singing and all, then Pastor Elms preached a wonderful message! I know of one that got the Holy Ghost and heard there were some who had recieved their personal Pentecost again. It was great!! There's nothing like the spirit of God indwelling a persons heart.

After church we had "dinner on the ground". Bar-b-que brisket and chicken with all the fixin's. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and a whole lot of fun. Basketball, baseball, horseshoes, and volleyball were some of the main games played. The kids and adults had a wonderful time. There was also an outdoor concert with a lot of different ones from the church singing. Wendell and I had a "front row seat", because when the concert started we got our comfortable chairs and sat in front of the stage. A few joined us after awhile and we had a great time. Everyone else had found their "spot" and was comfortable to stay where they were, but loving music the way we do we wanted to be close and up front! LOL!

I could go on and on about the great time we all had, but I will let the slideshow "speak for itself". I didn't take a lot of pictures in the service, but I took quite a few outside...just not near enough. Forgive me for not putting captions on the pictures, but Rock You keeps messing things up and I don't know what to do to fix it.

Special note to Brenda: I stayed up "just for you" to get this slideshow done. LOL! Hope you enjoyed the pictures! Love You!

Greatness Comes In "Dedicated Packages"

I really do not have the time to sit down and "blog" this morning, but when answering an email awhile ago I decided to go ahead and write a "thought" that HIT me. :) Most of the time that's how I "come up with" my posts. Here is what I wrote my friend.

It is funny how all the different personalities keep the world turning. If it wasn’t for the “planners”, all of us who just “love living” would get nowhere. If it wasn’t for the “loving life….just for the fun of it” people, the “planners” wouldn’t have as much fun! LOL! Of course, I’m just kidding, but it is interesting to watch.

Speaking of different personalities….I was thanking Jason Matthews the other day for all the hard work he does, and his reply was so typical of a TRUE musician/sound tech who LOVES God and ENJOYS his "talents and abilities". He said, “You know, this is FUN to me! People think that’s a little crazy, but I really do LOVE it!” He was saying this as he took down the P.A. system in the heat. On Saturday he had driven to Lufkin to pick up sound equipment, drove back, then set it up on Sunday morning…it took him hours, it seemed, to get it all done. Then Sunday afternoon, he played for different groups, sang, ran the P.A. (with some help) and took it down while everyone was “playing”! Monday morning he was going to drive back to Lufkin to drop it off, and that was all for ONE outdoor concert that lasted TWO HOURS at the most!!!!!! There’s going to be a special place in Heaven for such love and dedication.

Note: I may not have all the "days" correct for the "happenings" in Jason's schedule, but I think it's pretty close.

Now, let me say, "I have known this kind of dedication in SO MANY PEOPLE through life and I want to say THANK YOU to all of you who fall under this category. You LOVE where God has placed you and you LOVE using your talents for the Lord. Your deepest desire is to see the Kingdom of God grow, and whatever you need to do, you do it with all your heart, and "go beyond the call of duty".

I will not make a list of the people I know that are this dedicated, but I will say that in EVERY church there are people like this! SOMEBODY has to "help keep the church going" and it just may be YOU! It's not just in the music department where these kind of people live. It may be something totally "behind the scenes" that no one knows about, but EVERYONE is important to the Kingdom of God!

I read this quote this morning by Winston Churchill, and I said to myself, "that is perfect for the thoughts that have been flooding my mind".

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.

This quote is SO TRUE! We must work to make a living and I thank God that He gives us this ability, but life wouldn't be worth living if we never "gave" of ourselves! The following quote by Benjamin Franklin pretty well wraps this whole thought up.

A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.

Oh, how I wish I could express my appreciation for those of you who "keep the fire burning" in your churches.

Pastor
Pastor's Wife
Musician
Sound tech
Drama Director
Sunday School teacher
Bus Driver
Outreach Director
Assistant Pastor and wife
Youth Minister, Ladies Director
Music Minister
Maintenance/Building Overseer
Administrator, Secretary
Prayer Warrior
Children Minister
Outreach Director

There is no way to name all the "ministries of a church", but let me just say....THANK YOU for your UNSELFISH GIVING to the Kingdom! If it wasn't for EVERY one of YOU, God's work would go "unfinished". THANK YOU for your EXCELLENT SERVICE to God and your church. If you are a minister and minsiter's wife of the United Pentecostal Church...THANK YOU for your never ending love and support to see a great organization continue in preaching Truth! We really NEED each other and EVERYONE has something they can GIVE!

I don't know who said it, but I will end with this..."Love isn't love until you give it away."

Two Photos I LOVE

Tonight while talking to Karla for OVER an hour...(Chad...LOL) I told her I was going to "steal" some pictures from her, because I wanted to show them on my blog. She gave me her "permission" so I want to say "Thank You, Karla" for the pictures.

The first one is of Scarlet. It captures her so well. This picture "caught my eye", because when I was a little girl I loved playing with dolls, and somewhere in all of the "old pictures" Mother had of me there is one of me with my doll, and it reminded me of that picture. Besides, it's just so precious of Scarlet! I love her "look".
This next picture is "priceless"! It is of Savanna and "Uncle Jimmy" Shoemake. They were having so much fun!! Bro. Jimmy Shoemake is "family" to us. There's just something so special about friends you call "family". The Shoemake's have known me ALL of my life, and have been with us through every "life change" that has happened in our family. I'm glad I have this picture of him and our oldest granddaughter (now 7 years old). This was taken when Savanna was around two (I think).

I wanted to post these tonight just because they make me "happy". I invite you to "enjoy my happiness" with me! :)

It's A Small World...Especially with technology

I wrote a short post this morning and ended it with saying, "I'm off to make more "memories". I'm going to eat lunch with my son, Jonathan." NEVER did I think I would meet up with a "friend" from my childhood when I wrote those words!

As we were sitting in McAlester's eating a Turkey Melt Sandwich a lady came to our table and said, "This may be a little strange, but are you Linda?" I couldn't believe my ears! "Wellll, yes I am." I answered. She said, "I'm connected to Ronda on Facebook and when I saw you walk in I knew you were Linda. I just love Facebook and all the old pictures people put on their page." My curiosity was killing me and I found out that Karen Doyle's father pastored in Clovis, CA right next door to Fresno where my dad pastored Truth Tabernacle! We had gone to all the Section 5 Fellowship meetings, youth rallies, and everything and anything our churches were having. She is more Ronda's age, but I remembered her parents well from our days in California!!!

Karen, it was great seeing you today! You brought back a lot of "memories" from so long ago and made "new memories" for us to treasure. Yes, I will be happy to meet you in Lufkin for lunch or dinner someday. :) Just write me on FB and I will get back with you!!!
We found other friend/family connections as we talked and I was once again "blown away" by how SMALL this world really is! When anything like this happens I always start singing the song in my head, "It's a small world after all! It's a small world after all! It's a small world after all! It's a small, small world!" LOL! Now, I hope you all start singing it and you can't get if off of your mind for a few days! LOL! I know...that's mean...but I just can't help it! (hee-hee) It's one of those songs you can't keep from singing once it comes to mind. :)

You MUST Go READ!

Hello everyone! A lot of you who read my blog, also reads Ronda and Karla's blog, but I know some of you do not. If you have been raised in Pentecost, or are a PK, you NEED to go read Ronda's blog from a couple of days ago. I didn't realize until this morning that she had written about "Memories" and I have been smiling ever since I read this morning. LOL! You will definitely ENJOY the walk "Down Memory Lane".

Have a wonderful day enjoying your "memories". You might even want to share them with someone and make them SMILE!!!

I'm off to make more "memories". I'm going to eat lunch with my son, Jonathan!

Just Today

I decided to stop by my blog tonight and say "hello" to everyone! Today has been a nice day. Everyone here has been busy, and I had lunch with my friend, Sandra Myer at Jason's Deli. She's such a wonderful person to be around. We have a lot of fun together just talking and laughing! She's always had a "ready smile" and a "laugh" that is contagious. I've always loved that about her!!! Sandra, thank you for your time today. You're always so gracious and kind. Love you so much!

I met up with Jonathan and Brenda for supper, and now I'm at the house with Savanna and Scarlet. We've laughed, talked, and just had a little fun together. They are a mess!!!

I got a call today from Alayna saying she got FOUR FIRST PLACE RIBBONS in running, leaping, and throwing! She was excited! I don't know all the information about it, so maybe Mandy will BLOG and tell us. (hint-hint-HINT-HINT) LOL! I heard little Ashlyn's voice for a second. She's such a little doll...just like the rest of my granddaughters! (couldnt' resist)

Savanna has done excellent in school, too. She found out yesterday that she got "Best Classroom Leadership Certificate" of the year!!

WAY TO GO GIRLS! I am SO PROUD of you BOTH!

Wendell is having a wonderful time with his brothers! Royce and Wendell set a new record yesterday in the Elms Brothers Reunion Golf Game. They won with a score of 69!!!! They were excited about it, but I don't know how David and Bernard felt about it. Sorry guys! :) I'll be anxiously waiting to hear how the rest of the week goes. LOL!

I will say goodnight for now. I'm going to eat some sweet watermelon!!!! Ohhhhhhh....how I LOVE it!

Memorial Day Weekend Activities '09

It's the time of year my husband meets his brothers for their Brother's Reunion, so we came down to Beaumont to be here on the weekend, then Jonathan could take Wendell to the airport in Houston Monday morning EARLY. I am posting a slideshow of what all has been going on since we arrived.

I sure do miss my husband!!! He's only been gone since yesterday morning and it already feels like a week! I'm so glad he gets to go be with his brothers each year. They always have a lot of fun being together and getting renewed physically, mentally, and I'm sure they have times of discussion about the Kingdom. You can't have four preacher's together that love the work of God like these four do, and not talk about it!

I am enjoying being here with the kids. I'm taking the time to think and pray, and enjoy being with friends and family.

It's a wonderful life and I'm enjoying it!

Willis TX Weekend

A few weeks ago when I went to Section 9 Minister's Wives Luncheon with Karen Wehrle and Diane Green, we were traveling along and I saw an RV Park on a lake that was beautiful. When I saw my husband I told him about it and also said I would LOVE to stay there sometime. I did not know where it was located, because "us ladies" were talking and having a good time.

Pastor Stovall called and invited us to come preach for him, so when we asked him about parking at the church in our motorhome he said, "No, I'll get you a space at the RV Park. I would rather you be there." We didn't have any idea that the RV Park he was talking about was the very place I had seen a few weeks earlier! I love it how God shows us how much He cares about "the little things" in life! You will see by the pictures that it was a beautiful place to relax.

After we arrived and "set up" our home the Stovall's picked us up and took us to eat dinner. When we drove up to the restaurant, and I read the name BING'S, I couldn't believe it. The restaurant serves Chinese food and I remembered "way back when I was a little girl" going to a Chinese restaurant with my Uncle C.W. called "BING'S"! It was the only one I had ever heard of and now here I was looking at the name again. Of course, I had to ask if it was the SAME family who owned these two. I found out they were not the same, but it was another one of those times "memories" flooded my mind. I enjoyed my "walk down Memory Lane" for a few minutes. :)

We had a good nights rest and went to church Sunday morning. We had never been to Willis so we were happy to be seeing the church and being with the saints and Pastor's family who "worships the Lord in spirit and in Truth"! What a great move of the Holy Ghost we had!!! As I was sitting there looking around I felt like I knew some of the people on the platform. I kept asking Sis. Stovall who "this one and that one" was. I finally laughed and said, "It's hard to worship when you're trying to figure out who everyone is!" LOL! After church we found out that THIRTY-ONE years ago we preached a revival where these people attended church! They remembered us from so long ago, and came to my husband to tell him what a blessing he had been through his ministry at that time! WOW! It's so great being a part of something that lasts a "lifetime", and when you invest in it, the "benefits" come back to you over and over again. We had a delicious meal and a time of fellowship at some of the saints home, along with Pastor Stovall and family, and others who were friends from the church. It's wonderful when you can "connect" with people and feel like you've known them a lifetime. But, that's the way it is in the Kingdom of God!

On Sunday evening there was no service so the Stovall's came to see us at the RV park and we had a great time visiting and watching Logan fish. He caught two fish and we all got excited with him. He was so happy! Logan is a very special boy and we connected real fast. He reminded me of my mother's brother, David and so we had a great time together. He made me laugh at his "little remarks" about things, and was a joy to be around. Thanks Logan for a wonderful time!

We feel we have made some more "friends for life" and we are so blessed to know this great Pastor and family! Thank you, Bro. and Sis. Stovall, Logan and Abundant Life Church for a great time! You treated us like royalty! I just hope we can return the blessings in some way!!

"I am blessed! I am blessed!
Everyday that I live I am blessed.
When I wake up in the morning,
Or I lay my head to rest.
I am blessed! I am blessed!"

This song says exactly the way I feel when we have been in the company of friends who love the Lord with all their heart!