Fantabulous Time

I have had some unusual happenings of late. My dear buddy Bro. Broadway passed away, I ruptured a tendon in my finger, fell out of my parent’s van – head first, my baby boy is getting married, and on and on my list could read. These events have left me feeling a little tired. Normally District Conference is one of those times simply a requirement. This year, however, has been a fun and refreshing time.

Wednesday I enjoyed sleeping the entire way to Beaumont. After checking into the hotel Kent and I enjoyed a romantic dinner at one of my favorites, Carrabba’s Italian Grill. I enjoyed an early bedtime and vowed I would sleep until noon. Being the early riser that I am, I couldn’t force myself to stay in bed that late!

After a slow Thursday morning, Mom and I enjoyed about an hour of shopping before meeting the men at the business meeting. Then, Kent and I enjoyed lunch at Papadeauxs with Kevin & Jackie Prince, Texas District Secretary; Carlton Coon, General Director of Home Missions – UPCI; Kenny Prince, pastor Bullard, TX; and Keith & Carla Clark, pastor Quitman, TX. After Thursday night’s service we joined friends at Floyds for more seafood. We laughed with Mark & Diane Green, pastor Broadus, TX; Jonathon & Victoria Green, TBC faculty; Philip & Tina Moore, pastor Sherman, TX; Keith & Melissa Castleberry, pastor College Station, TX; Lee & Lynda Wells, evangelist from Dallas; Jim Renfro, pastor Longview, TX; Dan Christensen, minister from Louisiana; and Jeff Sanders, evangelist from Arkansas. I think we finally got back to the hotel around 2:00 am.

This morning was the annual Texas District Minister’s Wives Breakfast. Donna Myre, Diane Green and the entire committee did a fantastic job planning this event. The Apostolic Church decorated with beautiful fresh floral arrangements. Each magnificent arrangement boasted beautiful displays of fresh fruit. The speakers spoke on “Leaving a Legacy”. Each speaker spoke 3 -5 minutes and brought an item to represent something handed down from their Mom. Every speaker did a remarkable job. The topics varied from Bible reading, to joy in every situation, to hospitality, to songs, to finances, to serving the family meagerly but ever so meaningful. I sat with my Mother, Shirley Patrick; Mother-in-Law, Joye Smith; missionary wives, Kathy Brott and Judy Nicolls; Marjorie Becton, wife of retired General Secretary of UPCI; and Sherry McCoy, pastor’s wife Port Arthur. This year’s breakfast was the most delightful I have attended.

This afternoon Michelle LaBrie hosted a resale to upscale shopping tour. Approximately 15 ladies joined. Michelle and her husband Mike own Sun Tours, a limo service. We travelled on one of their tour buses. We managed to work in a quick Starbucks stop. I am sorry I can not remember everyone but a few that joined the fun was Mom, Carla Clark, Dovey Ensey, Brenda Russo, Jackie Prince, Donna Myre, Datha Alexander, Christine Landtroup, Judy, Nicolls, Sis. Wayne Whitmire, Elaine Whitmire, Debbie Hudson, and Karen Wehrle. Okay I’m getting old and have forgotten some of the ladies. Anyway we ALL had lots of fun laughing and spending money!

Jonathon and Brenda Elms and The Apostolic Church have done a fantastic job hosting the conference. Too bad I am a wife and do not get a vote. My vote would be to bring it back to Beaumont every time! Maybe my vote would be to repeat the fun in other cities every year. I have enjoyed my friends.