Dear Blog

Dear Blog,

Oh my word!  I cannot believe I have missed so many weeks of writing on you!  I have been very, very busy and by the time I get home and sit down in my "easy chair" my mind is not able to write its thoughts.  Hopefully, after all of the hub-bub of May and June I will be able to collect my thoughts.  I really hope you understand...

Daddy's 81st Birthday

May 17th has always been a special date for our family.   It's Daddy's Birthday!  Today, he is 81 years old! Since he is in Heaven, I'm sure his body is not feeble and old! What a wonderful thought that is! I can see him in his prime as he walks down the streets of transparent gold. He might even have a fishing pole over his shoulder headed to the Chrystal River flowing by the tree of life. Heaven is REAL! I plan on going there! In fact, there are some days that I am really ready to go!

HAPPY 81st BIRTHDAY, DADDY! 

You're having a party like you never had here on earth! I love you and will see you as soon as Gabriel sounds the trumpet!

P. S.  Be sure you have the fish cleaned and ready to fry!  Tell Mother to get the oil hot, potatoes peeled and sliced, red beans soaking, AND...the hush-puppies ready!  I can't wait to eat some of her cooking again!  :-)  I know she's already thought about the Homemade Vanilla and Strawberry Ice Cream!  See ya'll soon!

Birthday Blessings

As I sit in my sunroom overlooking the beauty that surrounds me, I hear birds singing and the wind rustling the leaves in the trees. The beauty I'm experiencing this morning is wonderful, but it doesn't compare to the beauty I feel in my heart!

I woke up early this morning and started thinking about the blessings of God in my life. I get overwhelmed with thanksgiving when I think about the Lord and all He has been to me. Then, I think about my family and how God has blessed us in so many ways. After I've visited there for awhile my mind wanders on over to the many friends I have in my life. There is nothing that compares to the love I feel from all of these. You can own possessions and have need of nothing, but without God, family and friends who love you, there is an emptiness inside. I am abundantly blessed with the love of many, so my heart is overflowing today!

Today is a beautiful day! I don't have to have a lot of gifts. Just give me the gift of love and friendship. I am made RICH when I see your smile, feel your embrace, and read your words written from your heart.

Thank you all for a beautiful life! I am blessed because I know YOU!

Hard Questions Must Be Answered

I have asked myself several times through the years this question: What does the backslider, the one who has been raised in Truth think about this "present day church"? What do THEY think about the "changes" that have taken place within some churches? I am talking about a true backslider who KNOWS they are lost! I'm talking about the one who went out into the world and lived a life of sin, and they KNOW "to be right with God" they will have to come back to their "roots", because they know it is the only way they can be saved. I got those questions answered for me a few weeks ago...

I was driving my car with someone who fills the above description. I do not remember the reason the following statement was made, but it hit me like a big boulder and I haven't been able to get away from it. The statement that was hurled in my direction made me stutter a bit. They said, "I don't understand how things that use to be a sin, are now okay." That's it. Very simple. Direct. It was said in a matter of fact way, and I was shocked. They were transparently honest revealing the heart of a "true backslider". At that moment I knew I had heard the "deep thoughts" of many who have once known the Lord.

Let me ask all of us who claim to be "living for God". Are we living our life in such a way that could confuse those who are wandering in a cold world knowing when they want to come "home" they will not find the "old paths" they walked? Or...will they return to the SAME CHURCH they left behind?

Yes, I've heard the arguments about it all. I've heard "separation from the world" made fun of by those who were once separated. I've heard that's "old-fashion and doesn't apply to us". I've heard "no one believes it like that anymore". Yes...I've heard it all. So...I am asking a hard question tonight:

What message are we sending our loved ones and friends as they look at us? Are they wondering where the "true church" is? Or, do they KNOW when they are ready to "come back home" they will be greeted by saints of God who are the same as they've always been?

Backslider, as you look around you to see if "Home" is like it use to be...Let me say YES! We are the church you left. Some may have changed, and do not love the "old paths", but the CHURCH IS STILL THE CHURCH! We still believe the same doctrine we've always preached! We still believe we must live a "holy life, pleasing unto the Lord". We've heard from those who have returned that "there isn't a night that goes by that you do not think of the times you felt the presence of God sweep over your soul while standing at the altar, where you first met Jesus face to face. Yes, we have been praying! We will continue to pray and "watching the door" of the church to see if it is YOU, the "one lost sheep" who just came HOME!

Balanced Thinking

I have so many thoughts racing through my "tiny brain" today! I have started this post over and over. I am wanting to choose my words carefully, because the printed word seems to go so much further than a spoken one.

After the happenings of yesterday, and upon hearing the news of one of America's enemies being killed, I have heard and read many reactions. Some reacted with..."GREAT! I'm glad he's dead!" Someone else said..."I know I should be happy, but when I think about the consequences of sin I can't help but feel sorry for the man." Some have said things like..."It sure isn't the present administration that has brought this great victory to America. They shouldn't get the credit!" Some have given accolades to President Obama, others to our former President, George W. Bush.

Through all of the "voices" I am hearing, I stopped and listened to my own "thoughts" and questioned myself a little. And I must say, I have been looking for a "balance" in all of it. I think so many times we get on a "band wagon of emotions" and say things that really don't add up.

September 11, 2001...the "day the world changed", was a terrible day for America! We had been attacked by an enemy we had only heard about, but had now become reality. We were stunned by the happenings of that day. Then, last night, ten years later we learned of a "great victory for America" and the "punishment" of the one who was the master mind of the horrible attack on our people on September 11. I want to say that the "victory" we heard about last night, didn't "just happen" last night. It has been happening over the past ten years! It started the day our former President, George W. Bush spoke to our nation on the day of the attack. As he learned of the attack on the World Trade Center Towers, one of the things he said was:

“Terrorism against our nation will not stand.”
- George W. Bush – Remarks at Emma Booker Elementary School. Sarasota, Florida – delivered 11 September 2001, 9:30 A.M. EDT

A couple days later President Bush said: “Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children. “
- President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001

President Bush did an outstanding job leading our nation during this crisis. I cannot imagine the pressure he was under as he was thrown into this horrible happening, yet in the midst of it all he kept America SAFE! I'm thankful for his leadership during this time. I wish I could meet him someday and tell him how much I appreciate all he did! President Bush has moved on in life, and will never be forgotten. Now, we should pray for President Obama and those he has working beside him that God will lead them to make the right decisions for the future of our country.

With all of that said, let me go on. Most great victories do not "just happen" because of ONE person. Great victories happen when a group of people makes a concerted effort to do "what it takes" to produce that VICTORY! ONE MAN or ONE WOMAN can make a GREAT IMPACT on our lives, and that of a nation, but the total victory does not come to pass just because of that ONE person. Great victories happen when EVERYONE puts their mind and strength into whatever needs to be done, no matter how long it takes, then at some point in time all efforts culminate into one GREAT VICTORY!

A nation, a church, an organization does not just happen because ONE person decides it's going to happen. Great things happen within these "structures" because someone lays a foundation, then others come along and build on it. I will say again...A GREAT VICTORY is WON because MANY PEOPLE have done their part to see it happen.

The churches we have been privileged to pastor through the years were filled with great people. These people loved God, and they were faithful in the good times, and the bad. They gave of their time, talents, and treasure to see the kingdom of God go forward. These churches had different pastors throughout their history and we were happy to be part of building on the foundations of those who had labored before us. Now, there are other men who pastor these churches, and they are doing their part to see that the church goes forward in victory and growth. As time goes on, someone else will become the pastor of these churches, and saints who are strong pillars now will step aside to let a younger generation take the leadership. The church will continue marching forward in revival and growth as these great men and women of God continue laboring in the Kingdom.

I guess what I am saying in all of these words I've written is: If we are not careful, we can get caught up in things we "like or don't like" about our President or leaders in the church, and never stop to think that we might be "swayed" by the thoughts and words of those around us. It is hard to be "balanced" in an unstable environment. We, as Christians should try our best to be a balance to those around us. We should strive to stay "calm, cool, and collected" whenever things are not going the way "we think it ought to go". We should be positive in a negative world. I don't want to be the reason for anyone being "tossed to and fro" in their emotions when they need an anchor. I want to do my part to give honor to those who have fought for the freedom of America. I also want to give honor to those who labored before us in the work of God. I want to make sure I give credit to those who have lead us into great victories. And, I want to give honor to those who have worked beside their leaders helping them to see their VISION of VICTORY come to pass.

As we labor together in the Kingdom of God, in a FREE NATION UNDER GOD, please join me in saying...

GOD BLESS our leaders, past and present!
GOD BLESS the men and women who have fought for our freedom!
And...GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Such Is Life

I was perusing through my "Friend's Status Updates" on Facebook this week and took note of how many different perspectives they had on what's happening in "their world".

Such as:

"Today is a beautiful day...I'm so glad it's spring!"

"We've had enough rain! Lord, help it to stop!"

"Dear Lord, we need some rain!"

"Somebody PRAY...wildfires are coming our way."

"I'm so happy. Life is beautiful."

"I sure wish Friday would get here. I've had enough of this week."

These are not direct quotes, but you understand the "feelings I saw" as I read.

There were also some who had "prayer requests" while others had "praise reports".

Then I thought...SUCH IS LIFE! One person can be sailing through life without a care in the world, while another is going through the darkest valley they've ever encountered. That's the way LIFE IS!

As the day has gone by, I came to a conclusion about this scenario. I realized this is the way God wants it to be. He knows if one of His children is going through "their valley", there are a lot more who have already "been in that valley" and have reached the top of the mountain, and they understand what their friend is going through. Because they have "been there, done that" they can reach back to their friend, take hold of their hand and say, "You're going to make it through! You will not be in this valley forever. God is walking beside you. I know, because I've been where you are."

Then, there are those who have not gone through a valley quite like the one they are witnessing in a friends life, and they do not know how to relate. But, one thing for sure, they can watch and learn "how" to walk through a valley when they happen to be thrust headlong down the mountain into their darkest valley.

I smile as I think about all of the different friends I have in my life, and the diversified personalities they have. It's fun being with people who are not just like me. I can learn from them and maybe help someone else because I've watched my friends as they've gone through desserts and valleys. I have a friend who seems to "laugh" at the most unusual happenings in their life. When I would be crying, they are laughing! I said something about it one day and their comment was, "Well Linda, what do you want me to do, CRY?" I laughed and said, "That's what I would be doing, but you just SMILE and LAUGH through your tears." I'm learning from my friend, that just because "something happens, hitting me in the head that I don't have to cry about it. I will be the first to admit, I haven't got that one down very well, but at least I have a goal to reach for.

I don't know if this is making a whole lot of sense to anyone except me, but I feel better "writing it down on paper" for myself. :-) If it helps you, then I will be thankful that maybe my feeble words struck a chord in your heart, and you can go through life singing a happy song. You might just see your friend struggling then you can say, "You're gonna make it...just keep walking"!

Thoughts Invade

I sometimes wonder where my thoughts come from, then realize it's what was "put in me" by my parents, husband, and godly men and women in my life.  While sitting here at my computer I remember being cautioned about young men who were "playboys", not only in moral conduct, but in "spiritual conduct".  I can hear it as if it were yesterday, "Linda, there are guys who claim to be preachers, but if they don't get hold of something more than they have they won't be around for long.  Be careful of those "fly by night" preachers who don't take the work of God to heart."  I heard my father's words in my memory today.  As I write those words, I am reminded of another time sitting in a conference when Sis. Kilgore was very upset because some young men were being so "light hearted" during a move of the Spirit of God.  She said, "I can't believe they have "no reverence" for the things of God".

I have lived long enough now to understand what Daddy and Sis. Kilgore were saying.  I have also lived long enough to see those who were being referred to are no longer living in Truth and Righteousness.  It makes me sad to think there are some who still "take the work of God lightly" and some still do not "reverence His presence", but I am not worried, and I'm sure not dismayed!

With the passing of some of the greatest men and women I have ever known, I believe something is being passed down to all of the generations following.  I know a lot of young preacher's who love Truth and Righteousness and will let nothing stop them from living the whole Truth and preaching it!  I encourage ALL preacher's and wives, no matter your age, to love God and the things of God like never before.  Yes, there is a shaking going on, but I will not be shaken!  Let the winds blow!  Let storms arise!  I intend to keep my anchor deep.

Thank you Daddy, Mother, Wendell, men and women of God for the "thoughts that invade" my mind so many years later.  I owe a debt...I will pay it with loyalty to you, God, and generations following.

Homegoing of Rev. Marvin D. Treece

This morning when I learned of the Homegoing of Bro. Treece, my mind started racing back through time when I was a teenager and my brother Keith, and I sang in a trio with Bobbie Shoemake.  The Conqueror's Quartet came to California to tour and Bobbie had been asked to tour with them.  She asked Keith and me to go along and sing with her.  I remember the big bus the Conqueror's Quartet traveled in and feeling really special when I was invited to look inside!  We traveled from San Diego to Stockton and made a lot of memories...Great memories that have stayed with me all of my life!   

After Wendell and I married we evangelized.  We then had our first son, Jonathan.  Jonathan was about two years old when we went to Lake Charles to preach for Bro. and Sis. Treece.  Oh, we had FUN!  The Treece's thought Jonathan was the cutest little guy they had seen (besides their own son, Ricky) and they had many laughs over him.  Bro. Treece taught Jonathan to "howl like a coon dog" then he would throw his head back and really laugh when he did.  It was SO cute!  :)   While there, Bro. Treece asked us to stay awhile and assist him.  We were there for a short time, but I can say, for this young evangelist family, being with the Treece's was a "little Heaven on earth".  Later, Bro. Treece said he wished he had prevailed on us to stay, because it wasn't too long after we left that he started having some physical problems.  Down deep in our hearts we wished he had called us back.  Being at their church was a beautiful time in our lives.  I loved the music lead by Sis. Treece.  The orchestra was awesome!  I loved hearing the people testify!  It was like hearing mini-sermons, because the people had a love for preaching and teaching and had applied the Word of God to their hearts.  I loved hearing Bro. Treece teach and preach.  And, I loved being in their home.  Bro. Treece always asked for peanut butter after we had eaten.  I can hear him now..."Betty, grab that jar of peanut butter, please."  I thought that was so funny, because he should be full from her awesome cooking, but he HAD to have peanut butter to finish the meal.

Years later...we were pastor of Life Tabernacle and Bro. Treece came to our church to teach.  I will never forget sitting on the front pew with my Mother and sister, Karla.  He was teaching on Ladies Hair.  He passed out some of his notes then noticed we didn't have them.  He made sure the usher gave me, Mother and Karla the notes.  When we looked at them we got tickled because a lot of it was in Greek!  LOL!  Mother started her all familiar "giggles" and I tried to hold it together, but it didn't work.  The "joy of the Lord" was definitely wanting to gush forth that night.

Bro. Treece stayed in our home that week.  One night we had eaten a bite and made our way to the living room to visit.  While Bro. Treece talked "Greek" I looked across the living room at my husband and he was SOUND ASLEEP!!!!  I tried to get his attention without looking obvious to Bro. Treece, but Wendell slept on.  I must have sat there 20-30 minutes ACTING like I knew what Bro. Treece was saying.  It took him the longest to realize my husband had "left this world" for another.  He finally got up and said, "Well, I think I'll go to bed."  (something like that)  Oh me!  I was so happy to say goodnight!  I never felt so "unlearned" in all my life and I wanted to "choke" my husband for leaving ME to understand it all.  Bro. Treece must have thought I was grasping what he was saying because he talked, and talked, and talked!  He never acted like I was "dumb"!  That's what I call a GREAT man!  LOL!  I told him about it later and like before, he threw his head back and laughed that contagious laugh that I'll always remember.

Every year the Treece family made a Christmas card, we received one.  There has always been a note from them saying how much they enjoyed us being in Lake Charles with them.  They have no idea what a blessing it was for US!  Being with great people of God, who makes you feel loved is just is one of the greatest joys you can experience "down here".

I know Heaven has been rejoicing today because one of God's mighty men has made it home.  No longer to suffer in this life, but to sing around the throne worshiping the King!  I'm sure that Charley, Kenneth, Bro. Ewing, and Keith were waiting just inside the gate.  I can hear them now as they see him..."Come on over here, Bro. Treece!  Let's sing...."  Yes...the Conqueror's Quartet is singing better than they ever did here on earth...and to tell you the truth...I'm just a little "jealous" they're all together, singing, telling jokes, and laughing again without me there to listen.

Gladewater Ladies Tea

A few weeks ago I was privileged to speak at a Ladies Tea in Gladewater, TX.  I had a lovely time!  I looked forward to going, because I had heard about the Warren family all of my life.  Daddy and Uncle Bill Barnes preached for them before either one of them was married, and I had heard many stories through the years about this family.  I looked forward to being with Sis. Warren, Sis. Sherry 'Warren' Ainsworth (the Pastor's wife) and her ladies.

Bro. Cullen Warren, who is now retired from pastoring was a young man at the time Daddy had been there in the Warren's home.  It was his father that Daddy and Uncle Bill preached for. When I arrived at the Tea I felt like I was going back to some of my roots, since I had heard so much about Gladewater and the Warren family during my "growing up" years.  I met Johnnie, one of the Warren sisters that knew Daddy "way back then" and got to visit with Velma Warren George.

She told me that she was referred to as "the little Warren girl".  I enjoyed a "stroll down Memory Lane".

The theme for the Tea was "Music".  Well, those of you who know me, knows that music is definitely a subject I love and can relate to since I was raised in a family that loved to sing and play. The decorations were beautiful...

...and the food delicious!

I loved this cookie! I wonder why???? Whoever made them made a hit with me, for sure!

One of the things I really enjoyed was a "sing-a-long" with all the ladies who were there. The two songs we sang came straight out of the song book and while singing them I stopped and listened to the voices.

There was 'younger' and 'older' ladies harmonizing and many parts were being sung. I felt like I had "died and gone to Heaven" for a minute. The beauty of those songs being sung took me way back to Grandpa Pound leading songs in church, and making sure EVERY PART was represented.  I smile at the memory, as I type.

We were also treated to a beautiful rendition of "The Old Rugged Cross". Velma George played it on the violin.

I loved it! I didn't realize she played the violin, but I should have known because the Warren family is blessed with a lot of talent!

The day before the Tea, I received a phone call from Sis. Russo.  She asked if I was going by myself to the tea and "if I was she would love for me to ride with her and Sis. Neely"!  Oh my!  Sis. Russo and Sis. Neely?  They're going to be there?  Wow!  I told her that "now I can be nervous"!!  She assured me with a text later that "I was loved very much by her and Sis. Neely and there was no reason to be nervous, because they knew I would do a good job." :) Well...that was easy for HER to say....LOL! Really, I felt very honored to be with these two ladies.  I didn't get to ride with them, but I did get to sit with them at the table and they both looked "lovely" in the their hats.  I really enjoyed them being there!

I'm so happy I was invited to the Tea.  I have some wonderful memories that I will always treasure.  It's so great being in the "family of God" and I love being with "old friends" and making "new".

Have To Blog Later...(maybe)

I said this morning that I would be back to post later, but "later" is now, so I will need to do it...later...like maybe...tomorrow.  If tomorrow gets here!  Who knows...Jesus might decide to come tonight and if He does I will not be around to blog!  I'll be happy to let someone else blog about the "rapture of the church"! 

So...until I can sit down and blog, or until I meet you on streets of gold...goodnight!  Love you all!

My Favorite Time

It has begun...My favorite time of the year! This is the time when the Texas District is buzzing with activity. Texas Women's Conference has already "come and gone", and we had a fantastic time! I've been occupied with preparing to speak at a Ladies Tea in Gladewater, our fifth granddaughter being born, AND speaking at the conference, so I haven't been taking any time to blog. I've had a few people ask me WHEN I am going to blog again, so I think I better get busy! I have so much to blog about and feel a little overwhelmed with the task! Please be patient with me. I will do my best to blog about everything.

I hope you are all doing well. I'm doing great! This day is beautiful! I have much to thank God for...so many wonderful blessings...(yes, I am singing). I enjoy waking up to the birds singing, lawns being mowed, and all the beautiful sounds of spring. I am definitely blessed! My life is beautiful, because God is in it! I can't imagine what it would be like without Him.

I will be back to blog a little later, hopefully today/tonight. I've got to run for now. Remember...THIS is the day the LORD has made...REJOICE!

Introducing Ansley Lynette

Ansley Lynette
7lbs. 5 oz.
20 1/2 inches




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NEW GRANDBABY

Today is a big day for our family! We are having our FIFTH GRANDBABY! The doctor says it's a girl...but I'll let you all know as SOON as I can! Of course, boy or girl is perfectly fine with me. GOD IS GOOD TO ME....


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Dear Lord, You Know...

My heart is overwhelmed today. I am usually upbeat and happy, but today I am overwhelmed with some "turn of events" that have taken place.

Upon finding out this weekend that several of our Pastor's wives are facing sickness in their bodies, I have found myself more than melancholy. I know God is our healer and will take care of them, but I am hurting for them. They are in my prayers! I know they need all the support they can get. "Dear Lord, please wrap your arms around them and walk with them through this trial. If You decide to heal them we will proclaim Your awesome power! We are looking for a miracle from YOU! Thank You, Jesus!"

I think I will sing a little...

Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand.
But, I know Who holds tomorrow,
And, I know Who holds my hand.

Friends...

Today was a wonderful day! My friend, Sandra came to town and we got to spend some time together. There is nothing like having someone to share life with. Sandra, you are a blessing in so many ways, and today was a REAL blessing to me! Thank you for always being a friend to me.

Earlier this week the Gandy's came to town and we got to spend a few hours with them. There was a little business to take care of, then we got to enjoy eating supper with them and had a short visit. God is so good!

I LOVE MY FRIENDS! Thank you Lord for giving them to me.

We ARE Living in the Last Days

Ever since I was a little girl and could understand what the preacher was saying over the pulpit I have heard it preached that Jesus is coming soon! I have sat in services that was so full of conviction that I knew I better get myself to the altar and pray any sin out of my heart that a little girl could have. I've grown up "in the church" and I've listened to preacher's preach under the anointing of God, and as they came to the end of their message they gave an appeal to come to the altar. I have watched grown men who were under so much conviction grip the back of the pew so hard that you couldn't pry their hands away! They would not yield to the bidding of the man of God, or God Himself. I've wondered what could hold them so captive that they didn't want God in their life. I still do not understand it.

The events that have been taking place in the world are some of the very things I heard preached about all of my life. Many nights, I've gone to bed thinking that the Lord would come that very night. I've prayed and cried wanting to be saved more than ANYTHING! I can honestly say there is NOTHING in the world that I want. And for sure..there is NOTHING worth missing Heaven over.

My heart is stirred for those who have known "truth" yet do not seem interested in "living" truth. It takes more than just knowing Jesus. It takes a relationship with Him that causes us to WANT to be LIKE Him. I shake my head in disbelief when I see people "dilly-dallying" around with the things of God. It's one thing to have never known the Lord in the fullness of truth, but it's totally different to have KNOWN HIM, and to have turned your back on Him and all the things He's done for you. I shake inside to think of what it would be like to be lost FOREVER!

I don't know who might be getting ready to come read my blog tonight, but for some reason when I sat down at my desk to check my blog, I felt to write! It's TIME to wake up out of your sleep and return to the Master's house! He is waiting and longing to take you in His arms. He is wanting to wipe away your tears, and heal your broken heart. I feel His mercy extending to you tonight.

COME HOME! COME HOME!
Ye who are weary, COME HOME!
Ernestly, tenderly Jesus is calling.
Calling, Oh Sinner, COME HOME!

Faithful...Loyal...Giving

To be perfectly open and transparent, of which I am by nature, as I prepare to leave for another "home going service" of a dear, dear friend, Sis. Margie Becton, I am SAD! I just don't want to think about not seeing her smiling face, and hearing her kind voice when I go to a conference or service she would be attending.

My mind has been at work all day long about those who have gone on to their reward. They were some of the most faithful and loyal people I have ever known. As I have said in the past, I have no fear of the future of the gospel of Jesus Christ, because I know thousands who love the truth with all their hearts. With God's help, we will never give in to this world and what it has to offer, for it doesn't compare with "this great salvation" we hold dear. I am confident in this!

Where my mind has been going today is things like:

1. We've lost some "strong pillars" of the Church.
2. These pillars were faithful in all things.
3. These pillars were loyal to their friends, family, and our great organization.

Now, that's what I've been thinking. As I said in my earlier statements, I have no fear of truth being compromised in our organization, but sometimes I fear that the solid loyalty I have witnessed among our elders just might not be as strong and unshakeable in some of us. Please don't jump to conclusions before I am finished, you might hurt yourself. I ask you to "listen". I am asking all of us some questions that we need to answer.

1. Can I, can you honestly say that we are "strong pillars" of the Church?
2. Am I, are you, faithful in all things?
3. Am I, are you, loyal to your friends, family and our great organization?

I was raised in the United Pentecostal Church, International. All I've ever known is the beauty of being part of a group of people who love the lost, and are doing what they know to do to reach them. We have missionaries all over the world who have depended on us to help them carry the gospel. I have watched as millions of dollars has been given in a unified effort for the Kingdom of God. I am blessed to have seen this. I have stood in meetings all over our great fellowship and felt the awesome power of God sweep across a congregation of thousands, and could imagine what it will be like when we all get to Heaven. I have walked out of these services and walked into a sea of humanity looking for a friend or a family member, and couldn't hardly get through the crowd because there were so many friends and acquaintances wanting to talk and give me a hug. I wouldn't take anything for the love I have felt, and the encouragement I received by "just being there" in the midst of it all.

In my thinking about all of this today, I am making a new commitment to be more loyal than I've ever been. If anyone has something negative to say about what I've loved, please go say it to someone who will listen. I really don't want to hear or be a part of that which would bring a dark cloud to my spirit, and cause me to have to rummage through negativity that brings a heaviness to my heart.

One of the things I have noticed about great people is that they don't get down in the "mud pit of gossip" and be a part of a "mud slinging" contest. I know they must know things that are negative, but they wouldn't dare tell you what it is. Every time you see them they have a smile on their face and a welcome handshake or hug. They give love away! I have also observed they have a walk with God that you can feel when you're around them. When they are in the presence of God they are sober minded and won't let anything distract them from the message in song, or the Word of God being preached. After church, they will have their good time with their friends, but when they see you, they will make you feel like you're the only one that exists at the moment. Great people do not know they're "great", and that makes them "greater" to those watching from a distance. Because I have been a part of this organization, I have had the privilege of knowing "great people".

I guess I will close for now. I don't know that I can really express the things that are in my heart and mind. I do say all of this with a heart full of love. Nothing "negative" has happened that makes me write tonight...just a lot of my heroes are no longer living here on earth, and it makes me think. I'm thankful I have more heroes who are still with us. I can think of quite a few just off the top of my head. My heart is filled with love, honor and respect for those who have lived their life, giving of themselves in ministry so that all of us following can enjoy the blessings passed down to us. An old song comes to mind as I finish this post:

My heart can sing when I pause to remember
A heartache here is but a stepping stone
Along a trail that's winding always upward,
This troubled world is not my final home.

But until then my heart will go on singing,
Until then with joy I'll carry on,
Until the day my eyes behold the city,
Until the day God calls me home.

Texas Board Meeting Time

My sisters left Saturday morning, and I hit the ground running. I had a lot to accomplish before the board meetings started Monday afternoon. I got it all done and was excited about the board members and their wives arriving in Lufkin! I always enjoy having my friends here in town and take every second I can to be with them. I know some of the wives come and have things they want to do in their rooms, but if I can do anything about it they won't get it done! :) I have convinced a few of them that they need to stay at the office with me so we can visit and "take care of the boards needs" which consists of "keeping food and beverages" available. This time we also helped Donna Myre and Diane Green with Ladies Ministries mail outs. We got it all done and I was happy to help my friends.

On Tuesday we all went to eat in the Texas Bible College cafeteria. Bro. and Sis. McInnis fixed a delicious gumbo and we enjoyed it so much! After eating and speaking to a few people I started walking back to the District Office. As I walked, I had a wonderful feeling about where I was. We have a beautiful camp ground that houses students of TBC, and some hard working employees that love working for the district. It was a beautiful day! The sun was shining, and a slight breeze ruffled the leaves on the trees. I was overwhelmed with thankfulness for all that God has done for the Texas District over the years. I felt safe and loved by God that day as I walked and talked to him. Thankful is a word that means a lot, but how do you really express the overflowing spirit of thankfulness for the things He has done? I was at a loss for words and I still am.

Tuesday afternoon was filled with applicants meeting the board for ministerial license with the United Pentecostal Church. The foyer of the office was FULL! There was excitement in the air. There were also those who were nervous about being there. If they had never gone through the "licensing process" and "meeting the board" they didn't know what to expect. I, along with some of the board members wives got to visit with these great people and hopefully helped them relax a little.

There are things that happen during this time that I will always remember. After a long day and evening of waiting for the board to call the applicants into the board room to be commissioned to "preach the Word", they had prayer. From the moment they started praying you could feel the power of God! After awhile there was tongues and interpretation and a hallowedness swept across the whole office complex. What a great way for the day to end.

I hated to tell everyone goodbye, but I felt much richer because I had the privilege to serve great men and their sweet wives...my friends. I felt fulfilled because I got to sit and talk to "new friends" who have a mission to reach this world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I felt happy, because we laughed and talked, and had a chance to "get to know each other".

Yes, I was tired in body, but oh so thankful to be "where I'm at" at this time in life!

I Love Surprises

My life has been filled with surprises! For some reason, my family has always enjoyed surprising each other. One time I will always remember is when Wendell and I were living in North Carolina and I was really homesick to see Daddy and Mother. I talked to Daddy and told him they needed to come see us. He asked about our plans and I told him Bro. and Sis. Johnny Godair had invited us to dinner at their home in a few days. After my begging to no avail, he let me believe it wasn't possible for them to come at that time. We arrived at the Godair's. They greeted us and invited us into the den. We visited for a few minutes, then the office door opened and Daddy and Mother were standing there!!! I couldn't believe my eyes! I'll never forget the look on Wendell's face, and the shocked expression on Jonathan and Andrew's faces. They were very young at the time, but they knew Grandma and Grandpa were suppose to be in TEXAS! I nearly fainted! At that moment I knew how the disciples must have felt when Jesus just "appeared" to them. WOW! Talk about speechless!

A few months ago Karla told me she was coming to see me for a week and she was coming ALL BY HERSELF! She didn't want ANYONE ELSE coming with her. That was fine with me, because we could do exactly as we wanted. When we get together our husband's understand that it's a very special time for us "girls" and they keep themselves occupied during that time. Karla and I hadn't been with each other just to have a "sisters week" for a long time, so I was excited. I thought about Ronda and how far away she was in California and wished she could be here with us, but knew it wasn't possible for her to come. Sometime during the day I called Karla to find out when she would be here, and she said she had a couple of stops to make in Dallas and would be getting here later in the evening. Around 8:30 P.M. my doorbell rang and she was finally here. I opened the door and RONDA was standing there looking at me!!! Karla wasn't anywhere to be seen! Oh my word! I couldn't believe my eyes! They said I "screamed backwards". That's when I scream and catch my breath at the same time. LOL! I've done that a few times in my life when I've been startled. Well...the rest is history and I didn't have a heart attack. We had a wonderful time just "being sisters". We shopped a little and visited a lot. And yes...we LAUGHED to our hearts content. Needless to say, it did us all good just being "sisters" for a week.

Dear Anonymous

A few months back I wrote a post entitled Stranger Danger.  I received a comment from Anonymous in which several of you commented on.  I recently received this reply from our friend, "Anonymous":

"I hadn't been back since I left my original comment that night. I have to say I wasn't expecting a response, I guess I was wrong. I was going to just say that I'm not really any closer than I was that night, but after reading your response and the comments others left, I will give thigs some serious thought. Maybe hope is still out there. " 

Dear Anonymous,

I cannot get you off of my mind.  I have been praying for you.  The words to a song my sister, Ronda wrote tells you how I feel about those who are "lost in the fog of life's sea".

And nothing's changed as far as we're concerned.
We love you now just like we did back then.
So come on home where you belong;
You've been away for much too long.
And Jesus wants to take you back again.

I'm still waiting to hear you're HOME!  Your Friends are standing on the shore waiting for you with open arms!

P.S. Anonymous...I may not know who you are, but Jesus does and He loves YOU!