Thursday, December 31, 2009
CIAD - Church In a Day - Bullard, TX - Oct. '09
We were privileged to go to Bullard, TX to be with our friends, Kenny and Karen Prince as their "Church In A Day" was built. It was an incredible experience! To see the UNITY of so many people building a church in ONE DAY is awesome! There is no way to describe the feeling as the "countdown to lift the walls" is said over the speaker. If you have never been a part of a CIAD project you owe it to yourself to go. You will be amazed that a church could be built in just ONE DAY!
General Conference '09 - St. Louis, MO
The next big event we attended was General Conference. We had a wonderful time at General Conference this year. We saw a lot of friends and family. There was a turn of events in the leadership of our organization. Some were shocked that this happened, but the UPCI is moving on with purpose and unity. We are reaching for more and more souls to be brought into the kingdom of God. His coming is so soon and we must be working...until He comes!
The following slideshow is just a "few" pictures of the ones I took at conference.
The following slideshow is just a "few" pictures of the ones I took at conference.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Grandparents Day - Sept. 13, 2009
On "Grandparent's Day" we were happy to be with two of our granddaughters, Savanna and Scarlet in Beaumont. Wendell also preached that morning. It was a lovely day! I have chosen a few of my favorite pictures of that particular day to share with you.
Beautiful Scarlet and Savanna
I love this picture of Scarlet. I caught this when we were at the restaurant eating. She was being the perfect little mother.
Savanna spoke about "her grandparents". It was so sweet! (of course) :)
"Dear Lord, help me be the example I need to be to our four wonderful granddaughters and anyone who might be following in our footsteps. Amen!"
Beautiful Scarlet and Savanna
I love this picture of Scarlet. I caught this when we were at the restaurant eating. She was being the perfect little mother.
Savanna spoke about "her grandparents". It was so sweet! (of course) :)
"Dear Lord, help me be the example I need to be to our four wonderful granddaughters and anyone who might be following in our footsteps. Amen!"
Section 2 Ladies Revival - Sept. 11, 2009
After we returned home from our California Trip, I went to Beaumont to attend the Ladies Revival. Brenda, our "daughter" is the ladies leader of Section 2 and she really wanted me to be there, and I really wanted to be. The service was wonderful! They had a record attendance of ladies, and the presence of God permeated the whole service. Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy.
Brenda Elms leading in worship and praise. She did an awesome job coordinating the service and leading us to Jesus! I couldn't have been more proud of her.
Donna Myre, Texas District Ladies Ministry Leader greeting the ladies. It was nice having her with us. She always brings a "delightful" thought when she speaks.
Sis. Lawrence singing with power and anointing! "Big voices sometimes come in very SMALL packages.
Drea Nutt was the Praise and Worship Leader for the evening. Her expertise and anointing brought us into the presence of God. The musicians and singers gave it their best and you could tell they were prepared.
A very special song was brought by The Minister's Wives Trio: Elaine Edwards, Sandra Myer, and Jeanetta Orange. They were a blessing!
The Sign Team from The Apostolic Church (host church) was powerfully anointed!
Sandra Myer from Groves, TX was the evening speaker.
Sis. Myre told about God bringing her strength through the long illness of her son Justin. I cannot tell you the extent of all that happened through her speaking, but God touched many hearts and the ladies left blessed knowing God loved them more than we could ever imagine.
I'm thankful I am a part of ladies who love God and have forsaken this world to follow Christ! It's a wonderful feeling to be in a "safe place".
Brenda Elms leading in worship and praise. She did an awesome job coordinating the service and leading us to Jesus! I couldn't have been more proud of her.
Donna Myre, Texas District Ladies Ministry Leader greeting the ladies. It was nice having her with us. She always brings a "delightful" thought when she speaks.
Sis. Lawrence singing with power and anointing! "Big voices sometimes come in very SMALL packages.
Drea Nutt was the Praise and Worship Leader for the evening. Her expertise and anointing brought us into the presence of God. The musicians and singers gave it their best and you could tell they were prepared.
A very special song was brought by The Minister's Wives Trio: Elaine Edwards, Sandra Myer, and Jeanetta Orange. They were a blessing!
The Sign Team from The Apostolic Church (host church) was powerfully anointed!
Sandra Myer from Groves, TX was the evening speaker.
Sis. Myre told about God bringing her strength through the long illness of her son Justin. I cannot tell you the extent of all that happened through her speaking, but God touched many hearts and the ladies left blessed knowing God loved them more than we could ever imagine.I'm thankful I am a part of ladies who love God and have forsaken this world to follow Christ! It's a wonderful feeling to be in a "safe place".
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Why Was I So Distracted?
I've been trying to figure out why I got so side-tracked from my blog the last part of this year. I think part of the reason is because we were in the middle of selling our motorhome, our house sold, and we moved into the "guest apartment" on the camp ground. We moved all of our things into the dorms, and basically "survived". Don't take me wrong. We were very thankful to have a roof over our heads. Then, we found a house, and we had to go through the "waiting game" on that. To sum it all up....let me say....I just couldn't focus on much of anything! :) I'm so glad we got settled. I still have boxes to unpack, but at least our house is "set up" so we can live. We are really enjoying our "home". I'm so thankful!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
South Pasadena - Visit With Bernard, Sandy and Family - California Trip cont'
For those who are "happening by" tonight, this is a post about a trip we took to California in September. As I said in my last post, I am trying to catch up on some of the "happenings" I didn't blog about this year. I really would like to start 2010 without "the past" hanging over my head. :)
From Rialto we made our way over to South Pasadena to see Bernard and Sandy and the family. You cannot find any better people walking around in shoe leather than Bernard and Sandy. I know they are family, but I cannot say enough good about them. They are true-blue-loving God-loving people-solid as a rock-incredible Christians! I have never seen them waiver from their commitment to Truth and righteousness.
Wendell preached on Sunday and the services were electrified with the power of God.
Faithful...Bernard and Sandy have been at this church for 40 years!
Their daughter, Patti, is a sweetheart! She has stood by her parents side and given her support and love through the years. If you ask Bernard and Sandy, they will tell you she is very much involved in the ministry of the church. She sure loves her Uncle Wendell!
Here is Fernie and Patti with their "kids". My how time flies by!
We got to go over to their home for a cook-out. It was fun being around the niece and nephews. They are all such neat kids!
We went "bird watching" one evening. :) Bernard told me about parrots that fly around in their neighborhood so one evening he came home after his walk and said they were out. I tried to get some good pictures of them, but didn't do very good. They were too fast! I love birds and these were really pretty and LOUD!
The fun time in California had to come to an end and we headed home. There was a lot waiting to be done, and work was calling. I'm so glad we had this opportunity to spend with friends and family. Sometimes you just have to do the "important things", and loved ones are IMPORTANT!
Since I'm writing this at Christmas Time let me remind you that there is nothing more important than spending this time with family/friends. Savor the moments you have with them. Don't let the day go by without letting them know that you love them!
MERRY CHRISTMAS Y'ALL!
From Rialto we made our way over to South Pasadena to see Bernard and Sandy and the family. You cannot find any better people walking around in shoe leather than Bernard and Sandy. I know they are family, but I cannot say enough good about them. They are true-blue-loving God-loving people-solid as a rock-incredible Christians! I have never seen them waiver from their commitment to Truth and righteousness.
Wendell preached on Sunday and the services were electrified with the power of God.
Faithful...Bernard and Sandy have been at this church for 40 years!
Their daughter, Patti, is a sweetheart! She has stood by her parents side and given her support and love through the years. If you ask Bernard and Sandy, they will tell you she is very much involved in the ministry of the church. She sure loves her Uncle Wendell!
Here is Fernie and Patti with their "kids". My how time flies by!
We got to go over to their home for a cook-out. It was fun being around the niece and nephews. They are all such neat kids!We went "bird watching" one evening. :) Bernard told me about parrots that fly around in their neighborhood so one evening he came home after his walk and said they were out. I tried to get some good pictures of them, but didn't do very good. They were too fast! I love birds and these were really pretty and LOUD!
The fun time in California had to come to an end and we headed home. There was a lot waiting to be done, and work was calling. I'm so glad we had this opportunity to spend with friends and family. Sometimes you just have to do the "important things", and loved ones are IMPORTANT!
Since I'm writing this at Christmas Time let me remind you that there is nothing more important than spending this time with family/friends. Savor the moments you have with them. Don't let the day go by without letting them know that you love them!
MERRY CHRISTMAS Y'ALL!
Rialto - California Trip - catching up
Things have been so busy and I never finished blogging our trip to California back in September. I told Wendell that I was going to try to catch up on 2009 happenings before going into 2010. Wow! I hope I can do it.
Recap: In September we made a trip to California for a "Summer Surprise" for our dear friends, the Shoemake's. It was a time of celebration, and it was wonderful being there! While in California we visited friends and family. Wendell also had a few preaching engagements while we were there. We were with the Shoemake's one weekend, visited the Hurst's (my sister and family), and walked down "memory lane" with Bobbie in Fresno. This is where I will pick up.
After I returned to San Jose to my husband who was so kind to let me take a day for "remembering", we headed to my Uncle C.W. and Aunt Gloria's house in Rialto.
I cannot say it enough, so let me say it again....getting to be with family was so much fun! Uncle C.W. is my mother's youngest brother and I've always been very close to him. I know if I need him he will drop everything and be there, with Aunt Gloria right beside him. They have proven this time and time again. I don't know if they read my blog, but if they do I want to say THANK YOU for loving me and "being there" when I needed you the most. 
We stayed with them for a couple of days in their motorhome that was parked in their driveway. Their motorhome is almost exactly like the one we had that we were living in at the time, so we felt "right at home".
One night while we were there C.W. called my cousin Roger and told him we were there and would like to see him and Phyllis. In just a short time they showed up, and we had a great time together!
Roger is the closest cousin in age to me on my mother's side of the family and we have a lot of memories of growing up together. I better not get started reliving them because I would be writing for a very long time. Let me just say....in our growing up years, we had a lot of fun during the 2 weeks I would visit Grandpa and Grandma Pound, and at Christmas time when the family got together.
I had a wonderful time visiting with Donny and Karen, Chad, Valerie, and their "kids".
Time flies when you're having fun, and it was time to leave before I knew it.
Karen and Courtney also came to visit with us. (this is Donny's wife and daughter)
I was hoping to see Stella and the kids, but it wasn't possible for them to come this time. I did get a picture of one of the most important members of the family. Tootsie...she is loved by all! I'm just hoping if something happens to her that we won't have to bury C.W. and Gloria with her.
Since I've already said all those nice things about C.W., maybe he won't get too mad at me for posting this picture of his granddaughter, Courtney fixing his hair! 
Recap: In September we made a trip to California for a "Summer Surprise" for our dear friends, the Shoemake's. It was a time of celebration, and it was wonderful being there! While in California we visited friends and family. Wendell also had a few preaching engagements while we were there. We were with the Shoemake's one weekend, visited the Hurst's (my sister and family), and walked down "memory lane" with Bobbie in Fresno. This is where I will pick up.
After I returned to San Jose to my husband who was so kind to let me take a day for "remembering", we headed to my Uncle C.W. and Aunt Gloria's house in Rialto.
I cannot say it enough, so let me say it again....getting to be with family was so much fun! Uncle C.W. is my mother's youngest brother and I've always been very close to him. I know if I need him he will drop everything and be there, with Aunt Gloria right beside him. They have proven this time and time again. I don't know if they read my blog, but if they do I want to say THANK YOU for loving me and "being there" when I needed you the most. 
We stayed with them for a couple of days in their motorhome that was parked in their driveway. Their motorhome is almost exactly like the one we had that we were living in at the time, so we felt "right at home".One night while we were there C.W. called my cousin Roger and told him we were there and would like to see him and Phyllis. In just a short time they showed up, and we had a great time together!
Roger is the closest cousin in age to me on my mother's side of the family and we have a lot of memories of growing up together. I better not get started reliving them because I would be writing for a very long time. Let me just say....in our growing up years, we had a lot of fun during the 2 weeks I would visit Grandpa and Grandma Pound, and at Christmas time when the family got together.I had a wonderful time visiting with Donny and Karen, Chad, Valerie, and their "kids".
Time flies when you're having fun, and it was time to leave before I knew it.
Karen and Courtney also came to visit with us. (this is Donny's wife and daughter)
I was hoping to see Stella and the kids, but it wasn't possible for them to come this time. I did get a picture of one of the most important members of the family. Tootsie...she is loved by all! I'm just hoping if something happens to her that we won't have to bury C.W. and Gloria with her.
Since I've already said all those nice things about C.W., maybe he won't get too mad at me for posting this picture of his granddaughter, Courtney fixing his hair! 
Monday, December 21, 2009
Christmas Sunday At Copperas Cove
At the Ministers and Wives Retreat a few months ago, Pastor and Sis. Donny Hendrick invited us to be with them on Christmas Sunday. Knowing we wouldn't have our own church to celebrate with, they wanted us to be with them on this special day.
Wendell preached Sunday morning and Sunday evening we enjoyed the Christmas Cantata, "REJOICE" performed by the choir. The Copperas Cove Choir is great and I sat in amazement as they sang. They sing with passion and power bringing you into the presence of God, and the electricity of excitement. From the very beginning you could tell the musicians and singers had put a LOT of hours into learning the songs, and getting them close to perfect. Being a musician myself, I know the hours that's spent in learning songs of this kind, and I could appreciate the effort. Bro. Elms turned to me and said, "You can tell they have practiced a LOT!"
ONE of the many things I've missed since leaving our church in Wichita Falls is our choir. Life Tabernacle Sanctuary Choir is excellent, and the Copperas Cove Choir reminds me of them. Now, that is about the highest compliment I can give. I do not flatter when I say this. I am very sincere and thankful we were invited to spend this special time with Pastor and Sis. Hendrick and their saints. Thank you all for including us in your church. We feel "at home" when we're with you.
Here is a short slideshow of our weekend. Enjoy!
Wendell preached Sunday morning and Sunday evening we enjoyed the Christmas Cantata, "REJOICE" performed by the choir. The Copperas Cove Choir is great and I sat in amazement as they sang. They sing with passion and power bringing you into the presence of God, and the electricity of excitement. From the very beginning you could tell the musicians and singers had put a LOT of hours into learning the songs, and getting them close to perfect. Being a musician myself, I know the hours that's spent in learning songs of this kind, and I could appreciate the effort. Bro. Elms turned to me and said, "You can tell they have practiced a LOT!"ONE of the many things I've missed since leaving our church in Wichita Falls is our choir. Life Tabernacle Sanctuary Choir is excellent, and the Copperas Cove Choir reminds me of them. Now, that is about the highest compliment I can give. I do not flatter when I say this. I am very sincere and thankful we were invited to spend this special time with Pastor and Sis. Hendrick and their saints. Thank you all for including us in your church. We feel "at home" when we're with you.
Here is a short slideshow of our weekend. Enjoy!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Tyler, Balch Springs, Section One - a busy week
Last Sunday we were privileged to be at Tyler Tabernacle with Pastor and Sis. Littlefield. We had a lovely time with them and their church family. We really enjoyed the music, praise and worship, and being in the presence of God once again. I find it interesting to visit different churches and see how they "do things". We have some incredible churches in our organization!
Bro. and Sis. Proctor were in the service and we had a nice time of fellowship with them and the Littlefield's after service.
The Littlefield's and Proctor's are fine folks! This was our first time to ever have the privilege to visit and "get to know" them. We have seen them through the years, but to have the opportunity to sit across the table from them, drinking iced tea, and eating a good meal makes for a very enjoyable time!
We were only in the morning service in Tyler, so we drove on to Balch Springs to be in church with Andrew and Mandy...and our GRANDdaughters! It was wonderful seeing the growth of the church and feeling the beautiful "spirit of unity" at Greater Apostolic Tabernacle. I love how God brings together a church and a man of God to accomplish His will. We enjoyed a powerful message preached by Andrew. He delivered his heartbeat for REVIVAL and the men backed him up all the way! 
I was real tired after church and forgot to take a picture of the girls. After we got to Andrew and Mandy's new house and changed into our "lounge clothes", and the girls were in their pajamas it dawned on me that I did not take a picture of them at church. They both looked so beautiful!!! We enjoyed staying with Andrew and Mandy and sitting in the living room visiting with them. Their home is so nice and cozy and we are extremely happy for them! They lived at the church in two rooms for a year and a half, and are happy to have a house to call HOME! I never heard them complain about "living at the church". God has blessed them for their faithfulness and attitude about the work of God. Alayna was at school when I snapped this picture just before we left.
On Monday, we drove to Thurber to the Section One Christmas Party. We had a GREAT time with our "home section". Bro. and Sis. Colegrove are true leaders and friends. Bro. Colegrove is a good Presbyter!
Bro. Harden and Sis. Harden work beside Bro. and Sis. Colegrove as the Sectional Secretary. We enjoyed sitting across the table from them as we ate dinner. It was a great time of fellowship!
Fellowship, laughter, encouraging one another, and being with friends feeds the spirit, and I'm glad we get to enjoy it all!
Bro. and Sis. Proctor were in the service and we had a nice time of fellowship with them and the Littlefield's after service.
The Littlefield's and Proctor's are fine folks! This was our first time to ever have the privilege to visit and "get to know" them. We have seen them through the years, but to have the opportunity to sit across the table from them, drinking iced tea, and eating a good meal makes for a very enjoyable time!
We were only in the morning service in Tyler, so we drove on to Balch Springs to be in church with Andrew and Mandy...and our GRANDdaughters! It was wonderful seeing the growth of the church and feeling the beautiful "spirit of unity" at Greater Apostolic Tabernacle. I love how God brings together a church and a man of God to accomplish His will. We enjoyed a powerful message preached by Andrew. He delivered his heartbeat for REVIVAL and the men backed him up all the way! 
I was real tired after church and forgot to take a picture of the girls. After we got to Andrew and Mandy's new house and changed into our "lounge clothes", and the girls were in their pajamas it dawned on me that I did not take a picture of them at church. They both looked so beautiful!!! We enjoyed staying with Andrew and Mandy and sitting in the living room visiting with them. Their home is so nice and cozy and we are extremely happy for them! They lived at the church in two rooms for a year and a half, and are happy to have a house to call HOME! I never heard them complain about "living at the church". God has blessed them for their faithfulness and attitude about the work of God. Alayna was at school when I snapped this picture just before we left.
On Monday, we drove to Thurber to the Section One Christmas Party. We had a GREAT time with our "home section". Bro. and Sis. Colegrove are true leaders and friends. Bro. Colegrove is a good Presbyter!
Bro. Harden and Sis. Harden work beside Bro. and Sis. Colegrove as the Sectional Secretary. We enjoyed sitting across the table from them as we ate dinner. It was a great time of fellowship!
Fellowship, laughter, encouraging one another, and being with friends feeds the spirit, and I'm glad we get to enjoy it all!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
A Few Thoughts I've Had Recently
For every mountain He's brought me over...for this I give Him praise!
What guidelines should I have for being on Facebook connecting with friends, and being on the internet...Phil. 4:8. There are many scriptures I could add here.
If everyone who claims to be a Christian, would BE a Christian....this world would be a much better place.
Why do snow storms and ice storms seem to "choose" Saturday and Sunday to show up?
I think one reason squirrels have SHORT legs is....because they always seem to be "running someplace". :)
I've been missing my friends and family....Heaven is really going to be an awesome place!
There's some wonderful people in the world....and I know a LOT of 'em.
A blast from the past - Daddy's voice...."Honey, I do trust you, it's just that "the flesh is the flesh, and the devil's the devil."
I wish all my family lived in TEXAS! :)
Life has a lot of twists, turns, and sudden jolts...so glad God knows where I am.
I love to laugh...it makes "life" so happy!
These are "little random thoughts" that have flitted by my brain the last few days. There is no "rhyme or reason"... just thoughts.
I hope you all have a wonderful week!
What guidelines should I have for being on Facebook connecting with friends, and being on the internet...Phil. 4:8. There are many scriptures I could add here.
If everyone who claims to be a Christian, would BE a Christian....this world would be a much better place.
Why do snow storms and ice storms seem to "choose" Saturday and Sunday to show up?
I think one reason squirrels have SHORT legs is....because they always seem to be "running someplace". :)
I've been missing my friends and family....Heaven is really going to be an awesome place!
There's some wonderful people in the world....and I know a LOT of 'em.
A blast from the past - Daddy's voice...."Honey, I do trust you, it's just that "the flesh is the flesh, and the devil's the devil."
I wish all my family lived in TEXAS! :)
Life has a lot of twists, turns, and sudden jolts...so glad God knows where I am.
I love to laugh...it makes "life" so happy!
These are "little random thoughts" that have flitted by my brain the last few days. There is no "rhyme or reason"... just thoughts.
I hope you all have a wonderful week!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Christmas Gift Ideas
After writing on my blog last night, I read this on a friends post and wanted to share it with you all.
Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy...forgiveness.
To an opponent...tolerance.
To a friend...your heart.
To a customer...service.
To every child...a good example.
To yourself...respect.
To all...charity.
Thank you Pam for posting this on FB. I don't know if you wrote this or not, but it's very good advice for ALL!
Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy...forgiveness.
To an opponent...tolerance.
To a friend...your heart.
To a customer...service.
To every child...a good example.
To yourself...respect.
To all...charity.
Thank you Pam for posting this on FB. I don't know if you wrote this or not, but it's very good advice for ALL!
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
True Love...
"A new commandment I give to you, that you LOVE one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By THIS all people will know that you are my disciples... if you have LOVE for one another." (John 13:34-35, ESV)
True love...do you know what it is...if so, do you have it? Let's check and see.
According to 1 Cor. 13
Love is...
1. Patient
2. Kind
3. Does not envy
4. Does not boast
5. Is not arrogant
6. Is not rude
7. Does not insist on its way
8. Is not irritable
9. Is not resentful
10. Does not rejoice at wrong-doing
11. Rejoices with the truth
12. Bears all things
13. Believes all things
14. Hopes all things,
15. Endures all things
16. Love never ends
My "little brain" has been thinking today. These are some of my thoughts...for what it's worth:
When someone speaks to others in a demeaning way...is that love?
When you find it easy to "give a piece of your mind" and "tell someone off"...is that love?
When you treat a brother as if he is a "nobody"...is that love?
When you speak lies about someone...is that love?
When you knock them further down with hurtful words than they already are...is that love?
When you gossip and say hurtful things...is that love?
When you yell and scream at those you say you care about...is that love?
When you abuse them, emotionally or physically...is that love?
We are living in perilous times. Why don't we all STOP and CHECK our hearts and ask God to cleanse us from anything that would keep us from having TRUE LOVE. I've told God before that He knows my deepest thoughts, and can go into my heart, into the furtherest corner and see more than I can see. He knows what my motives are and the very tiny seeds of ugly spirits and attitudes that may be taking root that will spring up later with a putrid word or deed.
My heart cries out...CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART, OH GOD! RENEW IN ME A RIGHT SPIRIT!
Back Home From Michigan
After a long day of travel we arrived back home in Texas! Our plane was delayed for a short time leaving Flint. We were suppose to have a lay-over in Detroit, but because we left Flint later than expected, we arrived in Detroit in time to get to the gate where we were to board the plane for our next flight. As everyone was boarding the plane I ran and grabbed a sandwich for us to have a little snack once we got settled in our "little spot" on the plane. I was the last one on the plane. The rush I was in was quite exhilarating! :) We found our row and sat down, not knowing we would be there for quite awhile. Just as we started to wonder when we were going to take off the pilot came on the speakers saying the plane was going to get a "bath to get rid of anything foreign that might have attached itself to the plane". I looked out of the window and saw a "de-icing machine" coming toward the plane. I also saw a few snow flakes starting to fall! We were really wanting it to snow while we were there in the "cold country" and NOW it looked like it just might...after we were on the plane! :(
Talking about the "cold country"....according to the temperatures we saw in Flint, (20's and 30's)... it didn't feel THAT cold. Sis. Henson laughed because I was carrying my coat over my arm most of the time I was there and SHE was wearing her coat to keep warm! Then, when we arrived in Houston it was 76 degrees and I got COLD! Now, figure that out! When I walked into the restaurant it was FREEZING. It felt like we were in the North Pole!
Ok...back to our flight....we finally took off and was having a good flight when the pilot came over the loud speaker. "We are asking everyone to be seated, buckle your seat-belts, and remain seated until the seat-belt light goes off. We will be coming into some light to moderate turbulence for the next 10 minutes. Thank you for your cooperation." I closed my eyes and asked Jesus to take care of us, took a deep breath, and then a scripture came to mind. "He that dwelleth in the secret place....shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty..." I was confident He knew exactly where we were at as we flew in the "wide open skies He had created" and I felt His peace come to my mind! I won't say I wasn't nervous at all, but I wasn't as scared as I would have been if I hadn't focused on the One who is the "Master of the wind"! We were then informed that our pilot had been told to go a different route to avoid bad weather. We had to fly "out of the way" and that put us arriving about an hour later than we expected, but we were safe and that was important! We were definitely ready to get out of the plane when we arrived in Houston, but I'm sure glad there was someone in a tower that gave the pilot instructions on where to go to "skirt the storm".
I thought about our "adventurous day" for a little while. We could have flown into the storm without knowing there was danger ahead, but instead we just had to go through a short time of "rough sky", because someone in a tower was watching over us. I wonder how many times God has sent us a different route so we wouldn't go straight into the "storm"? We might have gone through some uncomfortable turbulence and thought it was a "storm", but only God knows how He kept us from being totally destroyed!
Arriving home was nice. Wendell and I feel good. We are tired in body from the long day of travel, but alive and well in our spirits. I really can't put into words the contentment, satisfaction, and the feeling of fulfillment I have tonight. We had a wonderful time with friends, some "new" friends, a new church family, and we feel our lives have been made richer because of these wonderful people. Once again, I can only imagine what Heaven is going to be like.
When with the Savior we enter the gloryland;
Won't it be wonderful there?
Monday, December 07, 2009
Weekend In Flint, Michigan
I sit in our motel room tonight in Flint, MI with mixed emotions. We are flying out in the morning heading back home, and I look forward to being home, but we've had such a nice time with Bro. and Sis. Henson, their family and church family that it makes it hard to leave.
The weekend activities have been so enjoyable! We went to a Sectional Christmas Banquet on Friday night. It was nice meeting Bro. and Sis. Carpenter - Michigan District Superintendent and many of the Pastor's in this area. On Saturday night was South Flint Tabernacle's Christmas Banquet.
It was decorated so beautifully, the food was delicious, and the people were so nice to us. We also met Bro. and Sis. Jacob Tapia from Missouri.
Bro. Tapia does impersonations of some of the UPCI well-known speakers and singers and he does a phenomenal job! "Elvis" visited and sang for us, so when he was finished I had my picture taken with him. How could I resist! After all, everyone doesn't get this opportunity! :)
One of the highlights to us was having the opportunity to meet the Henson's family. We had never had privilege of knowing their two girls, Melissa and Jerusha and we enjoyed "getting to know them" a little this weekend. Melissa is married to Jonathan Hudson, whom we have known since he was a little boy. It was so fun getting to see him, again.
Jerusha is married to Jason McGhee and he is a fine young man.
They are all busy in the work of God as they work beside Pastor and Sis. Henson.
Sunday services were outstanding! The congregation of South Flint Tabernacle are wonderful. You could feel the unity of purpose and spirit as we began to worship and praise God. I captured this as my husband was getting ready to deliver the message.
Sunday morning one person was filled with the Holy Ghost. I loved watching the saints of God pray in the altar with those who were hungry for God in their lives. Being in the presence of people who are committed to the cause for revival was wonderful. The choir sang Sunday night and there was a mighty move of God!
The "glory of God" filled the sanctuary once again. Our spirits were lifted into the heavenlies as we worshipped Jesus...our Savior, our Redeemer.
I was walking down the hall of the church when I spotted this.
Somone saw me taking a picture of the snow shovel, and said, "Only people who are not from here would take a picture of that." I just smiled and said, "We don't have to use these in Texas!" There was one at each entrance of the church. We wished so much that it would snow while we were here, but it looks like it's going to wait until we are back in Texas. :(
My friend, Shirley Henson..
What an incredible lady she is! She has touched me in many ways over the last year and a half. There have been times I needed to hear from a friend and I would go to the mailbox and find a card from Shirley Henson. There is no way she could have known what I needed. Shirley is always the SAME! I'm honored to call her "friend".
Today, the Henson's took us to Frankenmuth, Michigan.
It's a beautiful and quaint town not far from Flint. We met the Carpenter's for a fried chicken dinner at Zehnder's. It is known all over the world and people come from everywhere to eat.
The meal was delicious and the fellowship so enjoyable! After our meal we went to the largest Christmas Store I've ever been in. It was awesome!
I also went to the Silent Night Chapel with Shirley.
There are signs along the pathway going up to the chapel that has the song Silent Night written in many different languages.
It was interesting to me and helped me realize that a song I have sung all my life is enjoyed by millions all over the world.
We drove across this beautiful covered bridge. It has no nails holding it together, only wooden pegs.
There is no way to say how much we enjoyed being here. I had a friend tell me that we would be treated with the greatest of care and she was so right. "Thank you, Bro. and Sis. Henson for a wonderful time! Your have blessed us in so many ways. We love you and appreciate all you have done and for being our friends!"
The weekend activities have been so enjoyable! We went to a Sectional Christmas Banquet on Friday night. It was nice meeting Bro. and Sis. Carpenter - Michigan District Superintendent and many of the Pastor's in this area. On Saturday night was South Flint Tabernacle's Christmas Banquet.
It was decorated so beautifully, the food was delicious, and the people were so nice to us. We also met Bro. and Sis. Jacob Tapia from Missouri.
Bro. Tapia does impersonations of some of the UPCI well-known speakers and singers and he does a phenomenal job! "Elvis" visited and sang for us, so when he was finished I had my picture taken with him. How could I resist! After all, everyone doesn't get this opportunity! :)
One of the highlights to us was having the opportunity to meet the Henson's family. We had never had privilege of knowing their two girls, Melissa and Jerusha and we enjoyed "getting to know them" a little this weekend. Melissa is married to Jonathan Hudson, whom we have known since he was a little boy. It was so fun getting to see him, again.
Jerusha is married to Jason McGhee and he is a fine young man.
They are all busy in the work of God as they work beside Pastor and Sis. Henson.
Sunday services were outstanding! The congregation of South Flint Tabernacle are wonderful. You could feel the unity of purpose and spirit as we began to worship and praise God. I captured this as my husband was getting ready to deliver the message.
Sunday morning one person was filled with the Holy Ghost. I loved watching the saints of God pray in the altar with those who were hungry for God in their lives. Being in the presence of people who are committed to the cause for revival was wonderful. The choir sang Sunday night and there was a mighty move of God!
The "glory of God" filled the sanctuary once again. Our spirits were lifted into the heavenlies as we worshipped Jesus...our Savior, our Redeemer.I was walking down the hall of the church when I spotted this.
Somone saw me taking a picture of the snow shovel, and said, "Only people who are not from here would take a picture of that." I just smiled and said, "We don't have to use these in Texas!" There was one at each entrance of the church. We wished so much that it would snow while we were here, but it looks like it's going to wait until we are back in Texas. :(My friend, Shirley Henson..
What an incredible lady she is! She has touched me in many ways over the last year and a half. There have been times I needed to hear from a friend and I would go to the mailbox and find a card from Shirley Henson. There is no way she could have known what I needed. Shirley is always the SAME! I'm honored to call her "friend".Today, the Henson's took us to Frankenmuth, Michigan.
It's a beautiful and quaint town not far from Flint. We met the Carpenter's for a fried chicken dinner at Zehnder's. It is known all over the world and people come from everywhere to eat.
The meal was delicious and the fellowship so enjoyable! After our meal we went to the largest Christmas Store I've ever been in. It was awesome!I also went to the Silent Night Chapel with Shirley.
There are signs along the pathway going up to the chapel that has the song Silent Night written in many different languages.
It was interesting to me and helped me realize that a song I have sung all my life is enjoyed by millions all over the world.We drove across this beautiful covered bridge. It has no nails holding it together, only wooden pegs.
There is no way to say how much we enjoyed being here. I had a friend tell me that we would be treated with the greatest of care and she was so right. "Thank you, Bro. and Sis. Henson for a wonderful time! Your have blessed us in so many ways. We love you and appreciate all you have done and for being our friends!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)