What's in the Air?

Today I woke up feeling a sense of Victory. It may seem a little strange but every morning I use my cell phone to call my children on their phones while we are all in the same house. They are upstairs and I’m down. We should have installed an intercom when we built our home. This morning when I called Redonia, I said, “Oh by the way sissy, don’t forget tonight is church!” She giggled and immediately I realized its Friday and not Wednesday. I had been dreaming about taking Tamia to church and her receiving the greatest altar experience. Kent heard me and laughed at me, too! I immediately felt disappointed not that I was teased but it wasn’t church. I had been dreaming about Tamia.

I received an email this morning from someone with a news report of increased crime in Conroe. According to the report much of it is happening in my normal path of travel each week. With increased fuel costs budgets are suffering. Crime is naturally going to rise. I responded to the email that we may soon find ourselves praying “Father come quickly”. This is really victory!If we truly love God our churches are going to fill to capacity because we will not want the return of the Lord without reaching out more and more to the lost.

Yesterday, I had an anonymous comment to my previous blog. Lately, I have gone to Target at unusual times of the day for me. Twice I have seen this dear individual. She and I both know it is a God thing. She has been seeking God for direction . One of the mornings I saw her, she had spent time in prayer asking God some questions. She said when she saw me she knew I was the answer. Just as God is going to help my dear friend so is He going to quench the thirsty souls of many.

God is able and willing to give victory. Today is a good day to turn to Him that He may perform what others may call the impossible! "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Who knows this weekend may be the beginning of the greatest harvest the church has ever known. Victory is definitely in the air!

"Pretend that every single person you meet

has a sign around his or her neck that says,

'Make me feel important.'

Not only will you succeed in sales,

you will succeed in life."

-- Mary Kay Ash

While in a shopping mall, the grocery store, or the airport have you ever felt like you had a sign around your neck? Frankly, I’m not speaking of a sign like “Be nice to me, I’ve had a tough day” or “Come on and smile, I’m a Pentecostal, too”.

I’m talking about the sign that causes someone to pour out all their problems on you while standing in a check-out lane or ask for $5.00 because they are short that much for the bus fare to make it to Dallas to see their baby who was just admitted to the hospital and not expected to survive. My sweet husband and dear friend, Belinda Alba, always seem to have these type signs around their necks. Travelling together with them can prove to be interesting. While one gets stopped by one person the other is only steps away caught by someone else. Bro. Alba and I always sit back and smile waiting to hear about their new friends. What fun times we’ve shared!

Today, however, I wish to focus on signs that others may have hanging around their necks. I want to see the hopelessness, the loneliness, the emptiness, or the need for prayer that people I come in contact may be wearing. Often people in need have grown accustomed to their situations and don’t reach out for help. I believe if I will allow God to work in me I will see the sign and not have to even wait to “hear” the need. I know there are so many desperate situations in our churches, families, and communities but with God’s help we can minister and remove the sign of need and replace with signs of hope for others.

A Memorial Weekend

Our weekend began on Friday with a trip to Galveston Island. Redonia invited Madeline, my niece to join the fun. We enjoyed lunch on the upper deck at The Spot, one of our favs. Then we took the ferry to Crystal Beach. The girls didn’t go prepared to swim but just couldn’t resist the water. Kent and I had fun relaxing in the sun to the sounds of the crashing waves. Before heading back across Houston we enjoyed a stop at Marble Slab Creamery.

Saturday, was a lazy morning around the house followed by a time of outreach in the afternoon. It just would not be right to let a Saturday go by without spending time with some of my new friends. Later that evening Redonia joined us for dinner at Rockfish Grill. Afterwards we enjoyed spending the evening relaxing at Barnes and Noble.

The past couple of years CUPC enjoyed a patriotic morning service Memorial Weekend. This service is complete with patriotic music, flag ceremony, and a tribute to our veterans. We dress patriotic casual. The red, white and blue on the stage is really pretty! This year we met back at the church for watermelon, fun and games after lunch. The children enjoy the moonwalk while many of the men enjoy playing basketball. Kent enjoyed a ride in Mike Primeaux's new Miata.

Redonia decided she would like to spend a little more time at the beach. This morning we got up and made our way back to Crystal Beach. After leaving Crystal Beach we took the ferry across to Galveston Island and enjoyed a seafood dinner at Fish Tales. Tonight my face, neck and arms looks much like the logo of a seafood chain, “Red Lobster”. I may regret the final trip in the interest of Trent’s wedding only 1.5 wks away. I am wearing a red silk dupioni suit and my skin may blend quite nicely!

Tonight as I sit in my living room thinking of our relaxing Memorial Weekend, I miss my buddy, Rev. Guy C. Broadway, a military and ministry hero. I trust across the nation we have given consideration to the reason we celebrate Memorial Day.

The flag pictured to the left was presented to the Broadway family at Bro. Broadway's funeral in honor of his many years of service to the UPCI. It was flown over the UPCI Headquarters in Saint Louis, Missouri.



Awaiting Trent to get home, I sit in my chair thankful for America! God Bless the USA!!!!

Stressed Turned to Desserts

Reversing the 'WORD'

Life has been busy and stressed…

CUPC…stressed
CCS year end activities…stressed
Wedding…stressed
Health...stressed
Outreach…stressed
Life…stressed

After Kent meets a delivery person at the church...

We plan to REVERSE the word…

We are running a way to Galveston…

We will open the sun roof…

Turn off the talk shows and turn on the music…

Late last night I asked Redonia if she wanted to escape with us…

“Oh yes, Mom, can I take Madeline (my adorable niece) I want to take her pictures on the beach”…

I’m packing the lawn chairs, bottled water, books, and a few magazines…

My photographer, Redonia will take her camera, laptop, gum, books, and Madeline...

I know we will find ice cream, candy, cookies, pies or cake...
Who knows I may find all of them!!

Stressed today will become DESSERTS...

Just do it!

When a friend is in trouble,

don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do.

Think up something appropriate and do it.
- Edgar Watson Howe

A first for me

I love first time events. Reoccurences never equal them. You know the first time your baby giggles, rolls over, takes a first step, the first solo you child is given in the children’s choir, your first rose, and on and on the list rolls. If you have been to my husband’s blog you know he beat me to the post. Kent referred to my first time event as a refreshing drink of cool water. Since only a couple years I’ve made myself drink lots of water I would rather refer to it as something more enjoyable. Maybe it was the pecan pie with ice cream or Italian cream cake to the wonderful southern meal of pork chops, cream style corn, peas, buttered potatoes, sweet cornbread, and sweet tea that my Mom cooked for dinner.

We had a sectional conference and I normally always go. This time I just simply felt I could not push myself another inch. I stayed home and worked on some wedding details, some church things, and even relaxed reading a few blogs and headlines. The house phone rang a few times and I just could not drag myself out of the chair to answer. I thought if anyone really needed me they would call my cell phone laying in the chair beside me. Just after 9:00 pm the phone rang. I decided to answer. The caller on the other end said “Sis. Smith I have been thinking about you today and I just wanted to call and make sure you are ok.” Now this minister’s wife has NEVER called me nor have I ever called her. In fact I don't know if our husbands have even communicated except at a conference or camp meeting. She was just mindful of me. She will NEVER know what this phone call meant to me. We have been in full-time ministry for 23 or 24 years and this was absolutely the first time anyone has called to let me know they were thinking about me. Oh we have close ministry friends that call and I call them. This is someone that I admire greatly who took the time to call me on a day I needed it most. Now my admiration is even greater for this dear lady.

As Kent posted it made me want to call more people or send a note to simply say I care! This phone call gave the feeling that not only was Sis. ______ mindful of me but God is also mindful of me. We all know that we can be “Jesus” to the lost world who may not know Him. Tonight I had “Jesus” sweep into my home as I chatted with someone who called to let me know she cared. I’m thankful I stayed home. I would not have wanted to miss the call. I’m glad for some strange reason I decided I needed to take the call. I hope this post will encourage each of us to be thoughtful of others. All my cares seemed to vanish. I hope each of you experience a smile today.

Ramblings of my thoughts...

Being a pastor's wife is a high calling and a great joy; a great responsibility and a great blessing. It is a rare gift from God. There are many demands, but the joys far outweigh the pressures. As minister’s wives, it is of utmost importance we know who we are in Christ. We must be focused on pleasing Him first and foremost. Rick Warren stated, "I don't know all the keys to success, but I know one sure key to failure, and that is to try to please everybody." I know that apart from God, I can do nothing (John 15:5) and I wouldn't trade my calling as a pastor's wife for anything else. I love every church member of CUPC and I love the lost of Conroe. I truly pray that I can see both those in the church and out of the church through eyes of compassion and mercy. I know God is a friend that is near. I treasure the times that we are able to spend with our friends in ministry. I wish more ministers’ wives blogged so we could stay ‘connected’. Tonight I sit in my living room thanking God for not only CUPC family but the UPCI ministry family. I hope your Sunday was successful and pray God will bless your week with His strength and purpose.

Refreshing

How refreshing to kneel at the altar and talk to God! Tamia, a precious Mother to a couple of children of the van route enjoyed our Mother’s Day service. She decided to visit again last night. I’m so thankful she felt the sweet presence of the Lord from the very beginning of service. Kent began service by inviting the congregation to the altar. What an honor to follow Tamia to the altar and kneel in prayer with her! During praise and worship she lifted her hands to God as tears began to wash her weary countenance. At the close of the Bible Study the invitation was given to return to the altar. It appeared Tamia could not get there quick enough. Again she and I knelt at the foot of the pulpit. Sweet tears coursed each of our cheeks as we responded to God. Kent prayed with us and Tamia felt God in such a powerful way. I know God is going to meet the needs of my friend and her family. After service Tamia enjoyed the hugs of so many of the sweet ladies of CUPC. Tamia received strength from God to endure the remaining part of the week. She plans to be in service again Sunday. The presence of the Lord is refreshing to the soul.

Last night I went to bed feeling refreshed in my mind and Spirit. Today I will enjoy a refreshing day at a day spa compliments of CUPC. Last night Tamia visited church because she just wanted to be there not because we were giving anything away as we did Sunday. As I blogged yesterday He’s Been Faithful, God knew I needed a little boost in my outreach. I know with a refreshed body and soul the outreach efforts I plan for Friday and Saturday will surely feel the effects. I anticipate even more adult visitors from Tall Timbers on Sunday. I’m thankful for the refreshing I feel today.

He's Been Faithful

Early this morning I began to hum this song. I caught myself singing it as I went about my responsibilities at the church. He has truly been faithful. As I prepare this blog I pray each of you will enjoy His faithfulness regardless of your situation…

Through Every Pain Every Tear
There's A God Who's Been Faithful To Me

When My Strength Was All Gone
When My Heart Had No Song
Still In Love He's Proved Faithful To Me

Every Word He's Promised Is True
What I Thought Was Impossible
I've Seen My God Do

He's Been Faithful
Faithful To Me
Looking Back He's Love And Mercy I See
Though In My Heart I Have Questioned
And Failed To Believe
He's Been Faithful, Faithful To Me

When My Heart Looked Away
The Many Times I Could Not Pray
Still My God Was Faithful To Me

The Days Are Spent So Selfishly
Reaching Out For What Pleased Me
Even Then God Was Faithful To Me

Every Time I Come Back To Him
He Is Waiting For Open Arms
And I See Once Again

He's Been Faithful
Faithful To Me

Looking Back He's Love And Mercy I See
Though In My Heart I Have Questioned
Even Failed To Believe

Yet He's Been Faithful, Faithful to Me

Andddddddd the phone just rang and it was Dasha. She called to tell me she, her Mother,Keshon, and God sister are all coming to church to night. Tamia came Mother's Day for the very first time with her children. The $5 we gave to each child who brought a visiting Mother really did pay off! What a way to end this blog...He's been Faithful!

I Love Gifts

Ok be honest ladies! You love them too. I know it is more blessed to give than receive and trust me I give often but I still like to receive.

Friday evening Kent and I went to the Galleria to shop. He insisted on buying me an outfit. Thanks, babe, I love it! I chose to not wear it this morning and opted for something more comfortable for the van route. I think I will save it for the rehearsal dinner. Redonia, Trent and Calah each gave me roses and cards. Thanks kids, you all know I love fresh flowers. Kent surprised me last night with perfume. He knows I love a Chanel product but could not recall which one. Tomorrow I will have a new bottle of Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel. Our Bible Quizzers host a rose fundraiser and I received roses from several people. Thanks EVERYONE! A dear elderly lady, Sis. Elsie Smith, brought me a very fragrant bouquet of gardenias from her yard.

The sweet congregation we pastor gave me a MOST awesome gift this year. They gave me a gift card for a trip to a Day Spa. Aaaahh how relaxing! I will savor every minute. The most lasting part of the gift they gave me is a very beautiful photo album. One of the ladies constructed the album. She does scrapbooking. Scrapbooking does not quite fit the description of this most eloquent album. It is very richly embellished in tones of brown, gold, and turquoise. Each page boasts stunning embellishments. The most valuable part of the album however is it captures most everyone of my precious outreach babies. What a gift! Thank you Sis. Tina and everyone who had a part!

And now a drum roll for the best gift I received…..play it loud in your ears….Trent play it a little louder, please….for the best gift I received….I had FIVE “5” of my precious Moms join us from our outreach efforts. Wow!!!!!!! All I can say is Wow…thank you Moms for making my day grand! Tamitha you made me cry…I know you said I made you cry when I spoke of you and your family at church but you going to such an effort made me cry. Thanks for leaving your boyfriend’s home and driving more than hour to bring my babies to church today. I love Deja and Keshon. I regret I had lunch plans with my family. Thank you Thank you Thank you for inviting me to lunch with you and the kids. Girl, you are in my prayers!

After taking the kids home from church our family enjoyed a very fine meal at a locally owned Italian restaurant. The classical pianist set the mood as we entered the restaurant. The buffet had a very artsy array. Popsie enjoyed the omelets, Kent enjoyed crab and shrimp, and Kristi enjoyed the stuffed flounder. I think the rest of us simply enjoyed the experience. Thanks Kent and Mickey for treating the family to such a relaxing meal after a long morning.

This has truly been the best Mother's Day ever!!!!

Happy Mother's Day

What a privilege to be a Mom! Mom is one of my most favorite names, title, jobs, hobbies get the picture. I simply love it. As a little girl I dreamed of being a Mommy. Later I learned I would not be able to give birth to a child. How devastating! God really does know the desires of our heart. He gave us Redonia not bone of our bone, or flesh of our flesh but Redonia was born from our hearts by means of adoption. She is truly a gift from God. One year later came Mr. Trent. We almost lost Trent several times during pregnancy. He was a very sick baby and toddler. Trent was another gift from God. God's hand has been upon Trent from the beginning. I miss having babies or even little children but we love this stage of adult children just as we enjoyed every other stage.

A few days ago I received my first card from our newest addition, Calah. She fondly called me ‘Mom-in-law’ followed with a smiley face. She expressed in the card how thankful she is to be a part of our family. I already love my new title even though I’m not officially a Mom-in-law until June 7th

Another special highlight of Mother’s Day is my Mom. My mom is a wonderful Mother, Mother-in Law, and Grammy. I’m pretty sure she enjoys being Grammy most! She is the mother of four children. Our Dad passed away when Mom was only 35. Dad had pastored a church for many years. Not only did Mom loose her husband but her place of service. I watched Mom pick up our little family and relocate to Houston from Alabama. Of course by this time I was a newlywed living in Houston. Mom was so strong. She determined her family would love God. She decided she would be the best saint that any pastor’s wife could ever have. She decided our family would love the pastor and family like no other. Guess what we did just that! Mom gave sacrificially of herself and her resources. God kept his hand on Mom as she endeavored to be a single Mom. Many years later Mom married a wonderful man, Carl Patrick. Popsie brought 5 more children to our family. Mom loves these children and cares for them just as she does her very own.

I give honor on Mother’s Day and every day to my Mother-in Law. If it weren’t for her I would not have my best friend and husband, Kent. She too is an incredible Mom to her five children. She is a very quite but strong lady. She is a hard worker. Of course no two families will ever be alike and my Mother in law is much different than my Mom. My mom is very sanguine in personality and My Mother in law is much quieter but much more stern. I have gleaned much from both of these Moms. My Mom’s favorite holiday is Christmas while my Mom-in-laws must surely be Thanksgiving. Mom is a splendid cook every day of the week but loves all the candies and wrapping paper mess that goes with Christmas. Everything is trimmed for the day. I don’t remember but maybe one or two Christmas trees at my in-laws. I do remember lots of huge Thanksgiving meals served. The table is always very finely set with china. Mom on the other hand has all the china, silver and crystal but normally on holidays we are very proudly served a red plastic cup with our name written on it! Kent teases Mom that he is so happy to get a cup with his name on it. I have endeavored to blend the two in our home. I don’t do the paper product thing but I sure do go all out on the decorating, the wrapping paper, and all the homemade candies and etc. Thanks to both my Mom and Mother-in-Law for being uniquely you! I love each of you dearly.

I Loved You Enough

The following poem is dedicated to my adult children, Redonia and Trent. I hope you KNOW that I loved you enough......! I'm also proud you realize somethings really did hurt me more. As you work with children in various roles of christian school teacher, Sunday School teacher, children's choir director, youth pastor, or helping to mentor outreach children; I'm honored you repeat things that worked in helping to make you the great young adults that you are. Redonia, I hear me in you! Trent you are so matter of fact! I certainly was not perfect but thank you both for loving me in spite of my mistakes. I'm glad you realize I did all in attempt to help make you responsible adults!

I loved you enough...to ask where you were going, with whom,

and what time you would be home.

I loved you enough...to insist that you save your money

and buy a bike for yourself

even though we could afford to buy one for you.

I loved you enough...to help you discover

that your new friend was a creep.

I loved you enough...to make you go pay for the bubble gum

you had taken and tell the clerk,

"I stole this yesterday and want to pay for it."

I loved you enough...to stand over you for two hours

while you cleaned your room,

a job that should have taken 15 minutes.

I loved you enough...to let you see anger, disappointment,

and tears in my eyes.

Children must learn that their parents aren't perfect.

I loved you enough...to let you assume

the responsibility for your actions

even when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart.

But most of all,

I loved you enough...to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it.

--Author Unknown

Roller Coasters

As just a young child I was taught to love roller coasters by my Mother. Mom was always game for a wild and crazy ride. Even after my children were old enough to enjoy rides Mom was still enjoying the wild and crazy rides.

This week has been much like a roller coaster. I’ve had lots of unexpected turns and lots of thrilling hills. Trying to reflect the week it really seems Monday and Tuesday was a couple of weeks ago. Have you ever endured such a long week?

Trent and Calah were generously ‘showered’ with gifts at two showers in their honor. I was privileged to speak at one of the Regional Texas District Spanish Ladies Conferences. We enjoyed such a sweet presence of the Lord. Monday and Tuesday I spent time with some of my friends from Tall Timbers. Thursday we addressed wedding invitations. This was one of those weeks where I felt I was all 'thumbs'. It seemed everything I set out to accomlish hit some sort of a crisis.

Upon careful consideration of my week I realize that God has been with me every step. Allow me to change a word or two of a familiar song.

As I look back over my week
And I think things over
I can truly say
that I’ve been blessed
I've got a testimony