California - Fresno, Walking Down Memory Lane

The "Tuesday I'll never forget" happened while I was in California! Wendell and I had talked about which direction we wanted travel from San Jose to L.A. area to visit more family. We couldn't make up our minds, because down deep in my heart I wanted to go to Fresno to visit my "roots". I finally told him how much I wanted to go and he said that would be fine. Then I had a great idea! I would ask Bobbie to go with me! After all, she was my baby sitter from the time I was 6 weeks old until she got married, and she would be the one that could "walk down memory lane" with me! I told Wendell and he said that would be fine with him. He would enjoy staying in San Jose to "mess around" for the day. I am SO GLAD we made this decision! Bobbie and I had a wonderful time being together and reliving the past.

We stopped at Foster's Freeze on our way to Fresno, and ate an "original hamburger with chili sauce and relish". It tasted just like it did when I was a little girl! So many memories flooded my mind as we ate the hamburger and fries. Memories of so long ago when I would go with Daddy, Mother and Keith to Foster's Freeze. Some nights Mother would give Keith and me our baths, put on our pajamas and slippers (or go bare footed) and we'd get in the car and Daddy would drive over to Foster's Freeze to get an ice cream cone. After we got our cones we would drive around Fresno and see what was happening in the city. He really was letting us eat our ice cream before returning to the house. :) That's why I cannot go get an ice cream cone, then turn around and go straight home! For some reason, an ice cream cone doesn't taste as good sitting in the house! Everyone who knows me very well knows this about me! Back to "the now"....After the hamburger and fries, I ordered a hot fudge sundae, and it was out of this world! Now, don't laugh at me. :) There is no ice cream that tastes like Foster's Freeze ice cream, so that makes the hot fudge sundae the BEST! Bobbie had already ordered a milk shake to drink with her hamburger, so she didn't get a sundae.

We drove on to Fresno and the first place we went was the church where Daddy had become Pastor in 1953. I was all of six weeks old. Keith was 2 1/2. I remember living in the back of the church! I don't know how old I was when the church bought another building on Harvey and Thesta and changed locations, but I was old enough to remember it all. Of course, I took pictures as we walked up and down the block. It was funny to watch people as they drove by, because they could tell we were in our own world and didn't "belong there". One lady finally stopped and asked if she could help us. She was so kind to give us a little history of the neighbors up and down the street. We did find out that there are a couple of people who still live in the same houses from when we lived there so many years ago! She also said to us, "You two remind me of the movie "Little House On the Prairie"! :) At sometime, Daddy and Mother moved to a house across the street from the church, and Bobbie pointed out where her folks lived across the street from us. It was in this house when I was a toddler that I got my "glass baby bottle" and was carrying it around. I'm sure Mother didn't know I had it, but somehow I fell off of the back porch with it in my hands. The bottle broke and Mother started crying. She called Bobbie's parents, who lived across the street, and Bro. McCoy came and took me to the doctor to get stitches in my little arm! Daddy was out of town, or working. I don't know which. Mother would tell this story and giggle when she said, "I was so upset that I couldn't even go with you and Bro. McCoy hospital!" I STILL have the scar from that day!!!

We went by Bobbie's high school, Roosevelt High, took pictures for her to have, drove by several houses her family lived in when she was still at home. One of which was where she was living when she "married her man in shining armor". :) Then, she came to a cute little house. I remembered this one well when she told me the story about what happened there. One day I had gone over to their house and they had a floor heater. Just like a little kid would do, I started walking around the heater and lost my balance. I was "tattooed" for years on my leg! I can still remember that horrible pain when my leg and hand came in contact with that heater. OUCH! Of course, I have wonderful memories of being at the Thornton's house, too. One of them is that I loved to go sit on Bro. McCoy's knee when he was drinking coffee, because he would always fix me my own cup!!! It was delicious! I found out "later in life" that "my coffee" was mostly cream and sugar. When I found out how he use to make it taste so good, I told him how good it was! I can still see him smile. I can honestlysay that I've never tasted coffee like Bro. McCoy could make. :) Sis. Opal made the best pinto beans in the world and I always loved it when she would invite our family over for "beans and cornbread"!

We finally made our way over to First and Holland. This is where the church is today. I remember so well the move from Harvey and Thesta (the state bought that area of town for a highway). Our new location was wonderful! Truth Tabernacle experienced a great revival of souls, after moving to the new location. This is where I learned that I could pray and touch God for myself. All night prayer meetings, incredible moves of the Holy Ghost, young people coming to God and being delivered from drugs, alcohol, and all that goes with that lifestyle. Young men coming with long, scraggly hair, and each time they would come back to church it would be a little shorter. This was the "hippie movement" and God started filling these young people with the Holy Ghost! There were rock band leaders and members, their girl friends, and friends who were bound by sin being changed right before our eyes! I remember the night that one of the guys who had been delivered from drugs ran from the church and fell out on the front lawn of the church because he was having a "flash back" from the drugs that had affected him for so long. We had a prayer meeting out there on the lawn, and he was once again in his "right mind". I'll always remember the life-changing exeriences these young people had. The nights we spent in prayer at the altar until 10, 11, 12 at night, because someone was needing deliverance. God was made real to me like never before during these years! And...this was the church where I got married! :) I still hear my "groom" singing, "Here comes Heaven all satin and lace. Love in her heart, a smile on her face..." Yes, there are memories upon memories that flood my mind! I took pictures of the house where I could just walk across the street to church, and to my wedding. If I could write all the things that happened in my life just on First and Holland you would be sitting here a lot longer than you are right now. :)

We then went to meet our life long friends, Gayla and Pat for dinner. We had a wonderful visit! After eating, we decided to go back to the church to see the remodeling they had done. It was very pretty. Then...I spotted it....the upright bass I had been raised around! The pictures are indelibly inprinted in my mind. EVERY church service Bro. Wesley Brown would play his bass. From the time I was a baby, until I married and moved away, Bro. Wesley was faithfully standing on the platform playing his bass. I'm told he played until "just a few years ago" then retired to the pew, but I am confident he is giving everything he has to his God whom he has served for longer than I can remember! Faithful....loyal....a saint of God! That's what great churches are made of! I also got to see Sandra, another one of my life long friends. It was good visiting with her for a few minutes at the church. Oh the memories!

It was time to head back to San Jose, and on our way out of town I snapped a picture of my High School sign...Herbert Hoover High...where I lived for God in the midst of the "hippie movement" and learned Jesus would be with me in whatever situation I had to face.

By the time we travelled awhile we....uh....we....decided we would stop at....(you've probably guessed it already) FOSTER'S FREEZE!!! We both got us a CHOCOLATE DIPPED ICE CREAM CONE, sat outside and ate it as a full moon rose making a beautiful night sky over the San Joaquin Valley. Oh what a wonderful day we had! There's not anyone that could have "walked with me down Memory Lane" like my "baby sitter and dearest friend". Bobbie, thank you for remaining faithful to God, and living the life you were taught by my parents, and yours. You have been a great example of a true Christian and I love you very much! Thank you for the "Tuesday I will NEVER forget"!

P.S. Bobbie also wrote these memories to me by text:
"I got the Holy Ghost, met my life's love, felt the call of God, all at Ninth and Lowe....and I met you!"

She continued: "I accidentally stuck you changing your diaper!! I was so upset, but Sis. Layne was so calm and sweet! If she had acted up, I would have crumbled. She knew how much we all loved you and Keith. When I think of Sis. Layne's attributes she still teaches me. What a lady!"

To read more of her memories read the comment she wrote in the "Comments section".

California - Hollister

After a wonderful weekend of services with the Shoemakes at their church we headed to Hollister to see Nathan, Ronda, Nathaniel, Danelle and Matt. She cooked a delicious meal! Ronda is an awesome homemaker and cook and I love going to her house. Somehow, it reminds me of being with Mother! :) She is so much like her that I sometimes have to close my eyes and refocus. I love it!

Danelle came in from work. While Ronda was busy in the kitchen Danelle and I was at the piano singing old songs. Then, I heard Ronda singing in the kitchen. It was so neat! I would usually help prepare the meal, but we were having too much fun at the piano, and I really don't think Ronda cared. She was enjoying the music! The music and singing took us all down "memory lane" that we all enjoyed walking.

Dinner was served and we had a lot of fun eating, laughing and talking! You can't be around Nathan and be serious for very long. LOL! When you add the rest of the family...well...let me just say it's FUN! Matt and Danelle were having a lot of fun. I think Matt was aggravating Danelle about taking a good picture. Here's proof! FINALLY got a good one! Matt, I'm glad you settled down. :) Nathaniel joined us for dinner. He had been sick all day, so I was so glad he could visit with us a little.

Nathan said he wasn't dressed good enough for a picture to be taken, so I guess I have to "obey" him and not post one of him. :(

It was a another wonderful day being with family! I just wish Texas and California didn't have so many miles between them.

A Special Night

Last night we went to church in Hudson, TX and was so blessed to be there. When I walked in I felt so warm inside, because of the welcome extended to us by Pastor and Sis. Smith and the saints of God. The warmth I felt was not only because of the people who attend there, but God met me when I walked in. We had a wonderful service! Bro. Elzine Strong, an old warrior was visiting and he blessed our hearts as he spoke for a few minutes. Then, Bro. Vernon Neely, another warrior gave a testimony about the healing power of Jesus, and we were once again blessed! As I sat there I thought, "We are sitting in a heavenly place!" Not too many people in this world have the privilege of hearing elder minister's expound on the Word of God in one night. I loved hearing both of these men!

The service was also blessed with some TBC students. They were wonderful to have in service. They worshipped with all their hearts, and I was so proud of them! TBC student, Clint Long brought the main message and did a real good job delivering his heart.

While he was preaching I glanced across the aisle and this is what I saw.Look closely and you will see Bro. Strong was taking notes while the "young man" preached! What a picture! I know the "young preacher" was most likely nervous preaching while these "old warriors" sat in the audience, and I wanted to tell him he was preaching to his greatest supporters!

Here's a word to you, young preacher's....The "old preacher" wants to see the "young preacher" succeed! They want you to feel that familiar anointing they have felt through the years! They want you to preach it with all your heart, without fear or favor! They want to see God bless you as He has blessed them! Go ahead and PREACH, young preacher! It's beautiful watching from a distance as you run beside those who have carried the torch of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for so long.

Young preacher, run slow enough so you don't leave the elder behind. You can learn from him as you stay beside him. Listen close, listen intently. If you will stay attentive, through the deep breaths he's taking to stay in the race a little longer, you will hear instructions on how to run this race.

One day while you're running you may notice he is no longer there. It's okay to pick up your pace after you take him to his resting place and pay honor to him...but if I understand life...when you resume the race, you will catch up to another elder who needs to hear the words of a "young preacher" encouraging him to "keep running the race that is before him." Let him know you will be by his side helping him carry the banner of truth!

As the years go by....one day....you will glance to the side...and YOU will see a "young preacher" running beside you, and you will hear these words...."Come on, Elder! You can make it! Keep running! Keep preaching! We want to hear every word you have to say! You have been running a long time....please talk to us!"

Then...you will sit down on the pew to hear the "young preacher" preach. You will take notes of what you're hearing, because the Word of God never grows old to the "old warrior" who has given his life for this precious Gospel!

And the cycle goes on....and on....and on............

California Trip - 17 Mile Drive

The day after our shopping trip with the "girls" the Shoemakes took us over to Monterey to eat and to see the beautiful ocean! We ate at Lattitudes in Monterey then took a drive down 17 Mile Drive. It was a GORGEOUS, PERFECT day!

If you've never been to California, you really ought to go sometime! I would love to take about 4 weeks (at least) and visit all the gorgeous sights California has to offer. I know that is not possible at this time in life, but maybe someday we will have that opportunity. I'm thankful for this "unexpected" trip! It was wonderful!!!

House Is SOLD

This week brought a lot of relief to our minds when our house SOLD after 1 year and 4 months! We are so thankful it is no longer in our names, and we now have all of our earthly possessions at least in the same town where we are.

We have been looking for a house for quite awhile. We are ready to move into our own place! We have been fine, but we're ready to be in our own house so we can spread out a little and be surrounded by "familiar things" enjoying the warmth of "home". I am praying we will know which house will be the "right one".

There's so much to tell, and not enough time to tell it! Maybe I can post some more about our California Trip over the next several days.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thankful All Is Well

This morning while getting dressed to leave for the day I was startled when I heard a man's voice I did not recognize in our "apartment". I stayed quiet, and once again I heard him say "hello" with a question in his voice. I quickly stepped into the bedroom area and he was standing at the door!!! He was startled to see ME and said, "Uhhhh....is this a HOUSE?" I was in such shock that I hardly could answer, so when I found my voice I said, "uhhhh....yes....". He continued, "I'm looking for (a certain address) and my GPS directed me here. Is this Walden St.?" I again, answered, "uhhhh....no....". He STOOD THERE and looked at me, and I STOOD THERE and stared at him! I still don't know what I would have done if he would have come at me, but I guarantee you one thing...he would have had a terrible time if he had!

When I saw my husband a little later I told him what had happened, and I can say that I definitely had his FULL attention. :) He told me what to do if that ever happened again, and also said he would make sure he LOCKED the door the next time he left the house. I really do appreciate that! :)

I'm really thankful all is well! It could have been so much worse. I know God has His hand on our lives! I do have to chuckle a little when I think about the shocked look on that man's face! I don't know what he saw in my eyes, but I think he knew I wasn't r-e-a-l happy about him "invading my space"!

California Trip - Girls Shopping Trip

After all the celebration, Ronda came over to San Jose the next day and we went "shopping" for a little while. Really, to be truthful about it, we didn't shop much at all! It was too hot for the "California Girls"!!! :) We picked up a few things then decided to go to Foster's Freeze and get an Orange Freeze to cool off! We didn't have to do anything to enjoy being together. That's what family is...just enjoying one another! Here's a few pictures for you to enjoy!

My California Sister...Ronda
Foster's Freeze...it's a tradition. Been going here since I was a little girl.
My life-long and dearest friend...Bobbie
Danelle and Nanci joined us that evening after we returned home.
As you can see, I'm giving little tidbits of the few days we got to spend in California. There is so much surrounding each day. We took advantage of every minute we were awake to spend with family and friends.

California - Jimmy and Bobbie's Surprise

This is the first post about our California Trip. We had a wonderful time with friends and family. I will start off by saying that we really didn't get any "rest", but the time spent with our loved ones meant a lot more than any "rest" we could get! We had a very memorable trip.

The reason for us going to California was the invitation from the Shoemake's "kids" to come and SURPRISE their parents for very special birthday's that Jimmy and Bobbie were celebrating. If you want to know which birthday it was I guess you'll need to ask them. :) We were so happy that it was possible for us to go. God knows how to work things out for us when He knows the "desire of our hearts". The week before I received the phone call from Nanci I had mentioned to my husband that I would like to go visit our "family" in California. Let me stop here and say, "The Shoemake's are family". I've known Bobbie ALL of my life (since I was 6 weeks old). I grew up listening to her sing, and sitting around the "Thornton Family Table", eating cornbread and beans, and sitting on Bro. McCoy's knee (Bobbie's dad) drinking coffee, which was the BEST COFFEE I have ever had. I'm sure it was because the coffee he fixed for me was mostly sugar and cream. :) I can still taste it!!! It was SO GOOD! That's just a little tiny history of our relationship. I could go on for hours about it, and maybe I will in another part of my "California Trip Blogs".

Anyway, to get back to what I was saying......we got the invitation to "Jimmy and Bobbie's Summer Surprise". There was no way we were going to miss it, if at all possible. God made it possible......we went, and it was wonderful! We talked, and laughed, ate a delicious meal, and sang around the piano with Bobbie. It was great being with everyone as we celebrated the life of two awesome people.

I'll Get To It...Sometime

Well, I thought I was going to blog today, but I was wrong. I really want to start working on a post about our trip! I won't make any promises that I will post anything this weekend, because the next several days are FULL. Maybe, just maybe I'll get to work on it a little...I hope I can, but if not...I guess it will have to wait. I really do still love you all! :)

HOME From California

We had an awesome time seeing friends and family in California, but I am happy to be home! Back to my computer, my roads, my car... I'm sure you've got the picture. Thank the Lord for good flights! I was really happy to get my feet back on the ground. The flights were fine (a little bumpy at times) but I did okay.

I have downloaded all my pictures tonight, and will be blogging about our trip as soon as I get the chance. But, for now...I think I'm going to bed!

Taking A Minute to Touch Base

Oh my! I have been missing my blog and all my friends out there who say they read it. :)

We've been having a great time visiting friends and family. We hadn't been to California in a long time, so God blessed us with this trip. He knows just what we need, and I'm so glad He provided a way for us to come. We have been to San Jose, Hollister, Fresno, Rialto, and South Pasadena. We will be going home soon, and I will blog about it all when I get there. It will take a few days to write about it , and posting pictures will definitely take a while. I have taken about 500 pictures to this point!!! I won't post them all, but will post enough for you to "get the picture" of what we've been up to.

I have started missing "home". Texas is definitely my "home" since I have been there longer than anywhere in my life, but it's been really nice visiting my "roots" once again.

Tomorrow we will be in church with Bernard and Sandy Elms and we are looking forward to it. I love being here with them! They are some of the most awesome people you will ever meet!

Well, I will be talking to ya'll later. I trust you will all have a great day tomorrow!

I'll Be Back

A lot of ya'll know, but just in case you're wondering why I'm not "posting" here on my blog...I am on vacation! We are having a wonderful time! When I get back home I will write about it.

I trust ya'll are doing wonderful! When you wake up in the morning remember to REJOICE IN THE LORD, for he is doing great things and is worthy to be praised!

David and Linda Visit...and A Lesson Remembered

We've had a wonderful week with David and Linda Elms. (Yes, there's another Linda Elms) They are absolutely some of the most wonderful people to be around. If you know David and Linda I know you agree with me. The only thing about them "coming" was that they had to "leave" and that made me sad! While they were here we took them to one of the restaurants we frequent pretty often and they loved it! We call it Dean's, but I think it has another name. I didn't know "for sure" if they would like it as much as we do, but found out real quick they did. In fact, Linda asked to go back again! She LOVED the home cooked vegetables, homemade desserts, and fried catfish.
We loved having them here! There is NOTHING like being with family when you can relax together, talk and laugh together, and sit in silence together. Just being together is so special!!!

Bro. Russo wanted to take David on a Texas horse ride while he was here, so he took David and Wendell out for a little while.

They loaded up and went ridin' in the wagon. David was having a good 'ole Texas time!
Last, but sure not least...My honey ridin'! I sure do love this man!!! Also, while they were here we sold our motorhome, so now we are living in the "Guest Apartment" on the camp ground. For those of you TEXAN'S who did not realize we have a "Guest Apartment" on the camp ground, you would probably recognize it more if I said "Nurse's Station". :) When there are no youth camps going on the Nurse's Station is converted into an apartment for visiting missionaries and minister's.

I am thankful I have a place to live! People ask, from time to time, if we've bought a house in Lufkin. We haven't bought a house, because ours has not sold in Wichita Falls. We are waiting, waiting, waiting!

I can hear Mother's voice from many years ago when I was a teenager. One night we were waiting for Daddy to finish talking to someone after church, and I was getting really impatient. Mother finally looked at me and said, "Linda, if you're going to marry a preacher you're going to have to learn to be patient!"

After several things happened this week, of which I will not go into at this time, I remembered that very night when I was told I "needed to learn to be patient while waiting on Daddy".
That was MANY years ago, but somehow when I was young I didn't connect that statement to my heavenly Father!

Yes, I have been waiting, and haven't been impatient with Him, but after events that have taken place this week, I have found myself getting impatient, and I heard Mother's voice, one more time, "Linda, if you're going to marry a preacher....you're going to HAVE TO LEARN TO BE PATIENT!"

"Yes, Mother...I am still learning what it means to WAIT! Hopefully, I will pass the "patience test" this time!"

Things Happening

I'm on my way to bed, but stopped by to check any comments left on my blog over the last few days. We've been really busy and I have things to write about, so I will get some rest and hopefully over the next several days I'll be ablet to sit down for a little while and "blog". I miss it!

God's Protection

My phone rang this afternoon. It was Jonathan calling to "chat", but something told me that he was calling for more than that. We talked a minute then he told me that Brenda and the girls were in Wal-Mart when a tornado hit it. He said, "they are okay but were really scared!" I knew that was an understatement, but he's going to keep calm with me. He told me what he knew about it, and I was thanking God everyone was fine.

Then, I got a call from Brenda. "Mom, have you heard?" I told her Jonathan had called." Her voice was intense as she told of what her and the girls had just experienced.

Brenda, Savanna and Scarlet were in the shoe area of Wal-Mart when they heard hail hitting the roof. She said "It was SO LOUD"! Then, they heard more noise, and people running and yelling, "TORNADO! IT'S A TORNADO!" The lights went out, and Brenda grabbed Savanna and Scarlet just as a Wal-Mart worker grabbed her and said, "Come on! We've got to go!" They got into a hallway and Brenda said to the worker and the girls, "We've got to pray!" They started praying, and then the worker said, "We've got to go further! Follow me!" They followed her to a safer room that was packed with people. Savanna and Scarlet were crying and clinging to Brenda, so Brenda had to tell them, "Girls, we've got to get it together." Then she asked them, "Do you remember how God protected Noah and his family in the storm?" They said, "Yes." Brenda went on, "Well, He's going to protect us, too! Let's pray!" She said they started praying, and in a few minutes all was quiet, the lights came on, and someone came and said, "EVERYONE EVACUATE!"

They walked out of the room to the front of the store, and Brenda said it looked awful outside! Cars on top of cars, grocery carts everywhere, and debris everywhere! She walked over to her car and nothing had happened to it.

There was a lady from her church who had gone out to her car, in the same parking lot, and the tornado hit. The pressure sucked her windows out of her car, tilted the car, but she was okay except for some glass in her hair, and I'm sure some frazzled nerves!

There were others that I've heard about that were in the middle of the storm, but was not injured in anyway!!!

Tonight, I'm thanking God that ALL IS WELL!!! Things could have been so much worse! "He's an on time God!" I can go to sleep tonight knowing that our lives are in His hands and He'll take care of us.

A Sincere Letter

Dear Preacher and Preacher's Wife,

My heart has been stirred this week and I feel so inadequate to write what I feel on my heart tonight, but several times this week it has been confirmed. Earlier in the week I said to my husband, "I am not afraid of the younger generation not believing it like they should. What concerns me is that those our age, and some just younger than us, and some just older than us won't give a clear and certain sound to them!" I went on to say, "This generation wants to hear it preached just like we heard it when we were growing up! We LOVED hearing what we believed, and why we believed it!"

Yes, in our generation there were those who were carnal and didn't always live for God. There were those who were always playing around with the world, but there was always a large group of young people who just kept on living for God, because we had preacher's who preached the Word, and preacher's wives who lived it!

I sat in Youth Camps this year and listened as the Word of God was preached with passion, and the young people LOVED it! They were into the preaching with all their hearts. They were hungry for what they were hearing and accepted it. They were in the altars consecrating their lives to God, and giving up things that hindered their walk with Him.

I have sat and listened to our young preacher's and preacher's wives talk and what I've been hearing is that they WANT to hear the "older generation" give a CERTAIN SOUND! Our young preacher's and preacher's wives want to know what being a true Apostolic means. They love a clear sound!

So many times the "older generation" shakes their heads with disbelief as they look at the "younger generation" because "they just don't have it like we had it". I must disagree! They LOVE God as much as we loved Him! They LOVE Apostolic moves of the Holy Ghost, just like we loved it! They LOVE to hear the preaching of the Word of God that declares the plan of salvation - repentance, baptism in Jesus Name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost! They love hearing Biblical doctrine preached - the oneness of God, Who He is, and what His Name is! And...they LOVE to hear the doctrine of separation from the world, just like we loved it! They want to know just like we wanted to know!

Let me ask? How can they know unless they hear it preached by those they trust and love? How can they understand what true Apostolic worship is if they do not see it from us who are older? How will they know how to pray and intercede if they don't see us in travailing prayer? HOW WILL THEY KNOW?

My heart has been stirred this week, first of all from God, and secondly from others who I have heard speak about this very thing! I humbly, yet passionately cry.....PREACHER....PREACH THE WORD as if it was your last time to Preach! Preach in LOVE and PASSION! Don't be confused and frustrated from the voices that speak against you!

If OUR GENERATION doesn't show the way, there will be no path to follow!

I am such a small voice crying in the darkness of this world. But, I would be so thankful if my few words would penetrate someone's heart to be encouraged tonight.

A Sunshine Day

I am tired tonight from a very busy day, but such a fulfilling one. I always look forward to the days when I know people will be coming to Lufkin, no matter what meeting it might be. So, today I had the privilege of being with the Texas District Leadership from every department. They came together for the 2010 Department Planning Session. Whether we want to think about it or not, 2010 is just around the corner, so the leaders have been praying, thinking, and planning for another GREAT year in the Texas District!

The meetings started out with hearing a short, annointed message from Bro. Russo, our Superintendent. He spoke with passion and gave direction to those who are willing to follow. Thank you Bro. Russo for being a great leader! After he finished speaking and had a time of prayer, the committee's went to their assigned rooms to plan.

I was asked to sit in on the Ladies Ministries committee meeting and had a wonderful time. I love listening to minds as they click together in unity forming the new year! Donna Myre is the Ladies President of Texas and she does a fantastic job. Thank you, Donna for your service and for making me feel special today.

After the meeting I went to eat with my husband, then dropped him off at the motorhome and went to Logan's to meet the ladies once again. I wasn't finisthed being with friends, so I had to take advantage of visiting just a little bit longer. If you have followed my blog for very long you have realized I LOVE being with friends when I get a chance. :)

This is just a little update on what happened in my life today. I am thankful I had this opportunity to spend just a little of my time with great people!

Oh...and to top my day off...there was a BEAUTIFUL SUNSET as the day came to a close! Thank you Jesus! I know you love me!

My Mind's On Vacation

While I was getting dressed this morning my mind decided to go on vacation! When I realized where it was going, I thought I would tag along. My mind, body, soul and spirit feels very refreshed since I went along with my mind. :) If you can't be on vacation today, go ahead and allow your mind to take you places that mean a whole lot more than getting in the car and driving to a destination! God is good to all of us! Enjoy your "travels" today!

As A Child - Teenager

Home

Music always playing from the stereo in the living room.

Dinner prepared by my beautiful Mother.

Taco's, grilled cheese, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, corn bread, beans, chicken fried steak, cream gravy, ummmm.....good!

Mother singing as she works around the house.

Daddy's voice as he prays over the meal.

Keith's voice, singing, laughing.

Ronda and her naturally curly brown hair that made bouncy curls.

Karla as a baby when she "invaded" my 13 year, 10 month world! (We always said I was 14 yrs. old when she was born. It was easier that way.)

Evangelists, visiting ministers and wives staying with us in our house.

Sitting around the table talking, laughing, and then getting serious as Daddy talked about Heaven.

Daddy grilling steaks, Mother preparing the salad, baked potatoes, and vegetables.

Ice Cream Freezer whirring in the kitchen.

Singing around the piano.

Practicing with Keith and Mother to sing a new song in church.

Coming home from school and seeing a letter from my boy friend, Wendell!!!! :)

Sometimes a Sunday Lunch with tuna sandwiches, chips, dip, pickles, Dr. Pepper, Sweet tea.

Sunday afternoon nap time!

So many memories I can't put them all in this one post......

As a Mom

Becoming a Mom!

Holding my babies in my arms.

All the sweet baby years - the first cry, the first tooth, the first crawl, the first pulling up at the table, the first smile, the first laugh, the first look straight into my eyes. (and so much more)

Jonathan and Andrew playing in the living room.

Wendell pestering them in line at the grocery store.

Tasha - our sweet poodle who loved to play "hide and seek".

Taking a trip to the lake with our boat.

Boys water skiing!

Eating sandwiches on the boat with chips, dip, Cokes, Dr. Pepper, Diet Coke, Nutter-butter cookies, and Pecan Sandies.

Grilling outside as the boys swam in the pool.

Eating by the poolside at the patio table.

Snow skiing trips!

Music coming from the boys rooms.

Games from the game room.

Andrew saying, "Hi Mom!"

Jonathan playing the drums in his room.

Talking with the boys after Dad went to bed was my "together time" with them. Loved it!

Picking them up at school and asking how things went and knowing they were alright!

Seeing them receive the Holy Ghost and being baptized in Jesus Name!

Meeting their lovely, beautiful girlfriends, who turned into being their wives!

Sitting in their wedding's thinking how blessed we were to be adding such lovely girls to our family.

Hearing them preach the word of God under the anointing of the Holy Ghost.

Hearing their saints call them "Pastor".

Ahhhhh....life has been good....and God has been GREAT to me!

Soul's Vacation

Heaven

Jesus

Loved Ones

No sin

No sickness

No death

No tears

Rest

Peace

No more worry

My Hope

Forever in His presence with my family and friends!

Another Great Sunday!

I am SO EXCITED! I've been reading about all the different churches and what an incredible weekend everyone had, and I'm so happy! Several churches are reporting souls receiving the Holy Ghost and being baptized in Jesus Name this weekend, some talking about how "ON FIRE" their young people are upon returning home from National Youth Congress, and how they blessed their churches tonight! WOW! It's just exciting to be part of a movement where God is doing great and mighty things!

We also had a great time this weekend! We were at Hudson, TX with Pastor and Sis. Ron Smith and their sweet congregation. God knew what we needed to hear this weekend and this morning we heard a great message from Bro. Jeff Jones entitled, "More Than Meets the Eye". He really blessed our hearts with this message. Thank you Bro. Jones for an anointed delivery of the message God gave you. I love knowing God places us in the right place to hear exactly what we need to hear! Bro. and Sis. Smith, ya'll once again treated us with such love and care. You always make us feel "right at home" and we enjoy being with you and your church family. We enjoyed the fellowship and meals today and tonight! We love you! And...we sure enjoyed singing a "trio" with Bro. Smith tonight! :)

This morning on our way to church we were very thankful that God showed us His protecting power when a lady pulled out from a side road right in front of us. We were going a good speed, and we barely missed her. Wendell slammed on the brakes, swerving into the other lane, and I called on the Name of Jesus! When it was all over we started thanking the Lord for protecting us! If we had hit her someone could have been killed, or critically injured. It very possibly would have been all three of us. Thank you Jesus for watching over your children! It was so nice to walk through the doors of Westside Apostolic Church this morning!!!! It was wonderful getting to worship the King of Kings! Our lives could have been changed this morning, but God let us live another day. I'm sure glad He wasn't finished with us here on earth!!!

Ya'll have a great week! There is no telling what God is doing that we don't even see...yet!

I Choose to Be Happy

Before going to bed tonight I wanted to stop by my blog and say, I'M SO THANKFUL for this week. I've had a wonderful time "attending National Youth Congress" via Facebook. Sometimes I almost felt like I was there in Nashville, TN as I read all the comments, and heard all the reports about the powerful services and preaching! As I would read my heart was "made glad" to know there are thousands of young people, pastors, and youth ministers who love Truth and are not going to leave it, or let the world intimidate them for "who they are"!

Then, I heard from California about the awesome Western District Camp Meeting, and my heart was "made glad" to hear about the unity that was felt, and the powerful, anointed services they had. I love hearing great reports!

God is doing incredible things in our churches, our young people, and our districts and we are all feeling the affect of it from coast to coast!

As I "surfed" the comments about Youth Congress, one of the people who was there told how wonderful it was, and as she came to the end of her comments she said these words...."Let the naysayers and critics just be quiet!" :) And, I say a hearty "AMEN"!

I have had no one say anything to me negatively about what is happening in our ranks, so now I can feel free to say what I want to say, and you won't think I'm talking about someone in particular. Isn't that the way we all think sometimes? (I wonder who she's talking about? :)

So here is what I want to say...

There is nothing more frustrating or stressful than to be around someone who is always finding fault with something you enjoyed! Some people seem to find so much joy in taking away yours by constantly jabbing and making light of the things God is doing. I've lived long enough to realize I don't have to have "friends" who talk negatively about what I've loved all my life. When I do happen to be around someone of this attitude, I always go home feeling like I need to pray and ask God to wash my mind of this kind of talk and spirit! I don't know if any of you have ever felt that way, but I have. The people with a "good report" are the ones I want to "hang around". I don't have to be with anyone who clutters my mind with negative, critical talk.

Wow! What have I gotten myself into? :) I wasn't going to write all of this tonight, but it's true and I think there's a whole lot of people out there who feel exactly the same as I do!

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psa 133:1)

Remember, I haven't had anything happen that would make me want to write this tonight. I just feel like it's time to speak up for "what is right", stand up for "who we are", and not give in to anything or anyone that wants to destroy the truth we all hold so dear. The only way anyone can destroy what I have is if I let them! I refuse to let that happen!

I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY!

Want to join me? I'd love to have you along for the ride.....