Family Need

After service last night, Trent came to me quite excited that Uncle Andy had to be taken to the hospital from church. Josh had been trying to reach all of us via our cell phones. I checked my phone and there were numerous missed calls and messages. I knew there was urgency. I had a few children to take home. Upon return to the church I found my husband pacing in front of the church with his brief case in hand. He jumped in the car and said, “We have to go to Austin my brother has suffered a heart attack.”

After a quick trip by the house to pack a bag and gather a few clothes, we “flew” to Austin. My brother-in-law, David “Andy” Smith pastors in Marble Falls, Texas. Andy apparently suffered a heart attack last night while preaching. His wife, Pam, and their son and daughter-in-law rushed him by car to the Emergency Room. The faster Pam drove the faster Andy wanted her to drive. He was in a great amount of pain. After stabilization, he was transferred to Austin. Today he is scheduled for a heart cath. Please keep Pam and Andy and their children in your prayers. Andy has confessed to having had several of these “episodes” of late just not as major. We know regardless the problem God is the Healer.

Harvest Results

CUPC enjoyed the harvest of outreach today. I sit really tired yet too overwhelmed to take a nap. To the many persons who have read my husband and my blogs and have sent personal emails or phone calls inquiring of the harvest we are experiencing, let me assure you that when an outreach campaign is launched much prayer and dedication is required. It is very evident that I have been involved in spiritual warfare today. I faced many spirits at the homes I visited. I know Satan is roaring in Dugan. One Mom was very angry with me and even followed me around the apartment complex wanting to make sure her child and others did not go to the Pentecostal church. The husband had given permission yet the wife raged.

We had 15 children ride the van. Three adults provided their own transportation. We had more than a dozen children walk to church. These are neighborhood children who come daily to play on our campus. Each time the children come to play we endeavor to invite them to the next service. Some of them were in service today for the very first time.

Each day in Dugan I stop and chat across the fence with a sweet elderly lady, Mrs. Nell. Today my friend was not out on her porch because was in great pain. I invited the adults helping me to join me in prayer for her healing. As we entered the home not only did we enjoy the delicious aroma of bacon being cooked but the sweet spirit of this dear lady. We felt the presence of the Lord as we prayed. We claimed her healing in Jesus name. Today as I dropped off the neighbor children Mrs. Nell was sitting out on her porch with a big smile. She exclaimed to me that she was praising God that He took away the pain.

Many of the children we are reaching have difficulties ranging from ADHD to Autism to anger issues to depression. The emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders are very real. Additionally most of these children have spiritual issues within themselves or their family. Unfortunately we do not have the man-power to have all educators or counselors in our classes. We have common ordinary teachers. Pray God will keep them strong for the harvest. I’m so thankful that regardless to race, age, or problem I serve a God who is meeting the needs of our city. He will meet the needs of the laborers as well as the harvest.

!!!!!Better than Expected!!!!!

Wow! Amazing! Incredible! Awesome! Powerful! On and on and on and on and on the adjectives continue to roll through my head. This morning as I looked into my pantry I realized for some strange reason I had several large containers of candy accumulated. We are not candy eaters but seem to accumulate lots of it. Kent and I bagged approx 80 goodie bags of candy. By night fall every bag was given away to deserving outreach children.

Misti Ferguson, Shirley & Javier Nunez, Redonia, Kent and I went in the church van to Dugan. We had an overwhelming response. At first I was disappointed because not many children were out. One of my buddies said it was because this was the weekend most of the kids had to go and visit their Dads. Of course this broke my heart. This just reminded me that most of the children don’t live with their fathers.

We took advantage of the day and tried to visit with some of the adults without children. After doing so kids started appearing from everywhere. After a little bit Redonia disappeared. She is a totally beautiful young lady who really should not wander around by herself. We found her helping some little girls fill water balloons. You could tell the girls thought Redonia was so cool. Tall Timbers ROCKS and each of us had so much fun!

After leaving Tall Timbers we went to a smaller apartment complex nearby. Wow! What shock we felt! I'm pretty sure Misti and Shirely were on overload by this point in the day. This complex seems like what you would expect in another country. The apartments are very small and each building is really close. We made new friends. Seven people committed to being in church tomorrow from this complex.

Now for a drum roll, a shout of victory, a cry of thanksgiving, a spirit of rejoicing....are you ready….we have 44 persons committed to going to church tomorrow. Yes!! Praise the Lord! Seven of these are adults. Somebody is going to receive the Holy Ghost tomorrow. Yes, I KNOW and don’t remind me that not all of them will come but if I pick up ½ and normally the ratio is greater than that I will have 22 guests. Now for vehicle space….we are taking the van and Shirley is taking her Suburban. We know that will not be enough space if most join us. We will call for back up support if more is needed. Thanks for keeping CUPC in your prayers. Stay tuned for a soon to be Holy Ghost count!

Going to be Great....

Hopefully I'll be back later today with some exciting news..........it's going to be great! Can hardly wait....if you follow my blog you know what it will be about. Try to guess. What do I do almost every day? What is my passion? Where do I go 5 out of 7 days? I know you've already guessed it! Do come back so I can share with you....

Urgent Prayer Request

Katrina, the lady baptized at our MLK picnic, came to the church today for prayer. She is very miserable with life and wants a change. She said that something strange has happened in her life since she was invited to the picnic. She thinks it is strange that she keeps being reminded in little ways about our church. She keeps thinking about the baptism. She has heard things from others about our church, she was asked by a neighborhood boy for a ride to play basketball with some buddies. When she got him to the “place” it was our church parking lot. Never mind that we have a goal in a parking lot not even marked like a court! He had friends from the neighborhood that invited him to hang out and it just happened to be CUPC. No, it did not just happen God just arranged it to be CUPC. Katrina lives a very rough life. I will not disclose her personal circumstances but trust me she needs God. We prayed with her in our church nursery as her toddler played. She wept and cried and we felt God in such a powerful way. She immediately hugged both my husband and I and thanked us for praying with her. She asked that I walk with her to her car. She kept telling me that she wants to change but feels so trapped by her past and is almost scared to let down her walls and allow good things to happen. Once she is delivered I will share her testimony! It’s going to be powerful. Today I ask that each of you please pray for my new friend. She needs to know God as her deliverer.

I previously posted she and her husband were baptized, I'm not sure who the man was but he is not her husband. Maybe he's a friend or relative. Sorry for the inaccurate post!

Simple Quotes

Ok, I am a relatively simple person. I like straight lines and the simple things in life. I prefer simple thought provoking quotes rather than lengthy monologues that leave little for creativity. Following are a few inspirational quotes. Hopefully at least one will be new to you. I pray your Wednesday was blessed.

Never be afraid to try, remember...Amateurs built the ark.

Professionals built the Titanic.

-Unknown

Always be a first-rate version of yourself

instead of a second-rate version of someone else.

-Judy Garland

Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

-Frank Outlaw

Too many people go through life waiting for things to happen

instead of making things happen!

-Sasha Azevedo

Opportunity is missed by most people

because it is dressed in overalls,

and looks like work.

-Thomas Edison

Let us be silent that we may hear the whisper of God.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

God promises a safe landing - not a calm passage.
-Unknown

There are two lasting bequests we can leave our children.

One is roots, the other one is wings.

-Hodding Carter, Jr.

Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future,

but today is a gift we call the present.
~Bil Keane

We Ran Away....

Kent and I have worked 7 days a week from 7 am - midnight for several weeks. Today we ran away! We went to the office and worked until noon. Then we escaped! We told Deadra upon arrival at the office that we would be leaving at noon. Although we could not take a long break because Bro. Broadway was sent home from the hospital and placed in Hospice Care. We did enjoy a break until time to meet with the Broadway family this afternoon.

After getting dressed a little more casual we drove through the countryside. Our first stop was in Brenham at the Must Be Heaven Sandwich Shoppe. We enjoyed a quiet quaint lunch. During our meal we looked out the window and saw Donna Myre, a pastor's wife, sitting in a church van. We were hiding so we didn’t even take the time to speak! After lunch we walked around the downtown square for a few minutes. Then we got in the car opened the top and headed to Chapel Hill. From Chapel Hill we drove through countryside to Independence. We went in an old country store in Independence where I enjoyed an ice cream bar. Then we meandered through the country to Washington on the Brazos. After leaving Washington we drove to Anderson. From Anderson we headed home to visit and pray with the Broadways. We met Redonia for a fast food dinner at Popeye’s. Then we had coffee at the Sugar Cube. Shhhhhh no one missed us so don’t tell anyone we took a few hours to ourselves….

I captured a few cute pictures of my handsome prince in the bluebonnets. He took a couple of me but I know why he wanted to get me away for a few hours after looking at the pictures. My eyes have horrible dark circles. I look worse than tired…Though I enjoyed the countryside I enjoyed holding hands and nodding off, too! Something about getting in the car puts me to sleep.

Easter Weekend Memories

Priceless Innocence

One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex

standing in the foyer of the church staring up at a large plaque.

It was covered with names with small American flags

mounted on either side of it.

The seven year old had been staring at the plaque for some time.

The pastor walked up, stood beside the little boy,

and quietly said, "Good morning Alex."

"Good morning, Pastor, what is this?" Alex asked the pastor.

The pastor said, "Well, son, it's a memorial plaque

dedicated to all the young men and women

who died in the Service."

Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque.

Finally, little Alex's voice,

barely audible and trembling with fear asked,

"Which service, the 8:30 or the 10:45 ?"

I had fun making and passing out Easter baskets! Several children would not have gotten one otherwise. One Father thanked me repeatedly. Finally, this Dad stated "We didn't have the money to buy baskets for our children this year." We had an incredible day @ CUPC. I had 9 children on the van. We had 4 other families from Dugan drive themselves to church this morning and/or tonight. Every part of our day was great!

On a lighter side, each year I make baskets for Redonia and Trent. Normally, they receive their baskets prior to Sunday School. This year each of them left the house very early and I didn't give them their baskets. I left the baskets out for them in the kitchen but I suppose neither went to the kitchen. After church I asked them if they saw their baskets. Both responded "No". Redonia continued and said "Mom I thought you probably didn't think about doing one for us since you were enjoying making the baskets for your little bus kids". She didn't say it jealously or frustrated. She just knew how happy I was doing for my "babies". Trent refused to get his until Calah came over tonight. He wanted to get his at the same time. I'm sure my big babies were excited, too!

Easter Baskets, Eggs, Candy, and Egg Hunt

This week I decided some of my friends may not receive a Easter basket. Thursday I estimated how many of my little friends would join me for church on Sunday. I decided to make one dozen baskets. This would allow for a few children that come to church faithfully without their parents.

Friday in thinking about our annual egg hunt, I thought it would be fun to have some of my friends join me. I decided to go to Dugan to invite my buddies. Sis. Alba joined me in the fun. I had 20 children agree to attend. I got beat in a few games of four square, too!

Today was the annual egg hunt 23 children from Dugan joined me. Much to my surprise when we got to the church 8 families who visited our MLK picnic last week was at the egg hunt. Thanks, Babe for being the bus captain. Thank you Scott for taking your Suburban and allowing me to fill it, too.

As I took children home from the egg hunt I invited each one back for Easter. I am in trouble! I have 24 children that plan to ride the van/vehicle in the morning. I am short 12 baskets. This doesn’t allow for any of the other children. My first drop off was really encouraging. I asked the Dad if his son could join me tomorrow. He smiled big and said “He sure can but our entire family has decided to go, also.” I tried hard to maintain my composure. I really wanted to shout!

Upon my return to replace plants at the sanctuary doors the Silent Praise was practing “Behold the Lamb”. What an incredible job they were doing! Courtney, our events coordinator, has a beautiful cross draped in purple with lilies and ferns at the base. Our maintenance director has the shrubs trimmed nicely. The church is ready for guests.

I’m off to buy more baskets, grass, candy, surprises, and cellophane! I trust your Easter will be as exciting has mine has begun. Resurrection is life…I am experiencing life in Conroe!

Count it Joy

Thomas Edison inventor of the microphone, phonograph, incandescent light, storage battery, movies with sound, and more than 1,000 other things immeasurably improved the quality of our lives. He found there was a great deal to learn from failures and trials that life brought his way including dyslexia.

In 1914, the laboratory where many of Edison’s inventions were birthed caught fire. Fire companies from eight surrounding towns responded. Inadequate water pressure and intense heat left firefighters with nothing more to do than watch two million dollars in assets that were insured for only $238,000 burn to the ground.

The next morning Edison looked at the ruins and said, “There is great value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Thank God we can start anew.”

It is hard to face our trials with the spirit that was found in Thomas Edison, but that’s exactly what God expects us to do. Trials can result in spiritual growth.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” (James 1:2)

Spring

Annually as Spring approaches I eagerly await the appearance of the first Texas Bluebonnet. Yesterday I caught a glimpse of something blue. It was the initial appearance of a few Bluebonnets.

Past springtime’s meant shopping for the right matching little outfits for Redonia and Trent. The perfect smocked dress and the little button on shorts with French lace for Trent. Later I would trim an Easter basket with matching ribbons and lace for Redonia’s dress and find the cutest basket for Trent. I would search for all the favorite candies and just the right trinkets to go in the baskets.

Since the children are grown they select their own outfits. However, they aren’t to grown to accept money to help purchase the outfits. I still delight in pulling a basket from the attic from the past and filling for each of the kids. This year I gain a new daughter and will have 3 baskets to fill.

Today Kent and I are taking the day off. The weather may get a little inclimate but we hope to enjoy early spring. I’m not sure where our day will lead; a trip to Kemah, the countryside, or the bustle of the Galleria. Of course if duty calls we will happily return to responsibility.

Often life gets too busy to recognize the early budding of the trees, the tiny green budding of a shrub, and the whistling of the wind thru the thin foliage of the trees. Wherever you find your self today take time to recognize the majestic creations of our Creator.

MLK, Jr. Park Outreach!

Success

MLK Park was filled with excitement of children, youth, and adults. CUPC had a tremendous response from the community surrounding the park at a huge neighborhood barbeque today. There aren’t adequate words to describe it! We baptized two persons. I KNOW one lady received the Holy Ghost. Everyone enjoyed worshiping and praising God. We had several people who needed miracles of healing. I believe some of them received their miracle. I’ll post a count or an approximate count of guests in a couple of days. We gave away prizes to all ages. We had prepaid cell phones, bikes, scooters, dolls, remote control vehicles, balls, sheets, Easter baskets, small appliances, and cd players. CUPC will never be the same for their generosity and love! I’ll post some pictures later.

Adoption

Not, flesh of my flesh, nor bone of my bone, but still, miraculously my own. Never forget for a single minute, you didn’t grow under my heart, but in it.

I love this little quote. This is one Redonia and I share. There is ABSOLUTLY no difference in our first born, Redonia, and our second born, Trent, whom I did give birth to. Our adoption helps me understand God’s feelings for me.

Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Redonia has always been a Daddy’s girl. When she was just a tiny toddler she would jump to his arms from any height never fearing. She KNEW her Daddy would catch her. She knows no matter the circumstance her Daddy will guide her correctly. Redonia isn’t a fearful child but in challenging circumstances just knowing Daddy is near helps her concerns to never grow to fear. Redonia thinks her Daddy can do ANYTHING and has EVERY answer. Likewise, poor Redonia, Kent thinks Redonia can do ANYTHING. Think how much God believes in us. Knowing our human weakness yet His mercies, compassions, and faithfulness is new and great to us every morning.

I could write for hours on the subject of adoption. I truly love it. Redonia loves it. She plans to adopt at least one child. I’ve warned her that her future spouse may not share the same feelings. Her thoughts are simple. ‘He will; how can someone love me and not love adoption?” She is proud to be adopted and knows she is SPECIAL.

I wish all of you had the privilege of knowing Redonia like I do. She is such a beautiful compassionate child. She gives and gives of herself to others. She is like every child, not perfect, but a pleasant gift from God to our family. I hope I can be a pleasant gift used compassionately to help others for God. Thanks, Redonia, for all you have taught me. You are my beautiful baby girl, well my beautiful young lady. I know you are 21 but you will always be my baby! Yes, you are the child we planned for and Trent, well....(this is the ongoing tease between my kids)

Bible Verse Poll

Wycliffe UK, a charity that translates Bibles conducted a survey. The survey found that although the "Good Book" may be less well read today, thousands still draw inspiration from its pages. It also found that the most popular verses tend to be those that offer Christians reassurance that they can overcome life's vicissitudes with faith. Geoff Knot, the director of Wycliffe UK, stated "It's great to see that so many people still find the Bible relevant to their day to day lives and gain encouragement, assurance, hope, comfort and wisdom from what it contains."

Top of the list was a passage from Proverbs. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.” Second place, from Jeremiah, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

I feel many cling to these scriptures since they relate to areas of human struggles. Anxiety and fear often attacks and paralyzes the ability to trust. Fear of the unknown or the "what if" keeps so many captive. It is easy to read or quote these favorite scriptures. God help me to not only verbalize them but rather live them.

I hope you have time to leave your favorite scripture in my comments. If not a favorite maybe leave one you cling to or one you quote often? Thanks for you input!

"Keep thy heart with all diligence, For out of it are the issues of life" Proverbs 4:23

My Friend, the choices that you make
The many things you do...
Decisions, though they may seem small,
End up defining you.

The books you read, the things you buy,
The places that you go...
You face decisions every day;
You answer "yes" or "no."

Each choice you make is like a seed;
That seed will surely grow;
For what you plant within your heart
Takes root within your soul.

That angry word when caught off guard--
An accident? -- Oh no!
It just exposed the heart's true state,
Laid out for all to know.

"But, that's really not me," you say,
Oh no? Then may I ask,
Where did it come from - truly, friend--
If not behind the mask?

Can words or thoughts or actions come
From where they've never been?
For what goes in comes surely out;
This is a proven thing.

The secret pleasures you delight in,
On which your spirit feeds,
Those things which occupy your thoughts
Will soon show forth in deeds.

What you will do when no one sees
Is who you really are;
And like a mirror actions will
Reflect the state of the heart.

You make a choice-- that choice makes you--
A law of life that stands.
So think about each choice, my friend,
When you are making plans.

And so that heart of yours, beware,
And diligently keep.
For issues that pertain to life
Will flow from out of it!

~Sarah Raber

???Can You Tell I'm Excited???

CUPC had an incredible weekend. Saturday’s outreach was terrific despite the cooler weather. Sunday I ran the van route before church. Kent went with me to take everyone home. I think he was a little overwhelmed with 14 persons plus the 2 of us! I was EXCITED! Every stop he did hop out of the van to take a pic of me and the person(s) we dropped off.

Tall Timbers Apartment's afternoon service was a great success. One of our Sunday School teachers and several youth conducted a mini class for the children. One lady expressed great hatred for Pentecostals to me a few weeks ago. This same lady joined us for the service. She began to weep during the message. She asked some of our ladies to visit with her. She is a lonely hurting Mom. Several persons stood on their balconies and listened to the service. You can check out http://www.rkentsmith.blogspot.com/ for more information.

After the service several went to MLK Park and passed out bottled water. We also invited each of these people to our barbeque which will be held in the park Saturday. We are planning to serve 500 guests. We will have a street service, giveaways, kid’s church and activities, and lots of food! We are going to take a baptismal tank and anticipate people to be baptized in Jesus’ Name and filled with the Holy Ghost!

Excitement is building in our church….

Prayer Requests

Though the weather was cool today we had a great turnout for outreach. The ladies joined me in Tall Timbers. This apartment complex has quite a turnover of residents. Each time I visit I meet new people. Today we got the names of 14 people who are going to ride the church van with me to church tomorrow!!!! One of them is Mom to one of the children. Often in these type neighborhoods people commit on Saturday but by Sunday they change their mind. I feel that some of the new families we met today are really good prospects for church. Please join me in praying that nothing will hinder!!!

The ladies had the privilege of going into some of these apartments. I know CUPC will never be the same! You can read one of our young children's response on his Mom's blog. I know Joshua will be happy tomorrow when he sees some of the children we invited in his Sunday School Class.

Please help me pray for my sweet husband who has been sick this evening. He was unable to attend family prayer tonight. Trent did an awesome job of leading the focused prayer at the conclusion for his Dad. Better watch out, Dad. I think Trent maybe trying to get your job! :)

Additionally we have several needs in our congregation. Megan, a 20 year old, has had two heart transplants. She has been struggling with rejection of the new heart since December. She is hospitalized and I know Megan and her parents are waiting on a miracle. Bro. Broadway, a retired pastor, is very critically ill with a blood disorder. Additionally, he is having some complications that are causing severe pain in his knees and back. The Broadways are people of great faith. My husband wrote a very moving blog about Bro. Broadway.

I know that God is truly able to answer these requests. Blogging is more to me than keeping up with friends but a way for me to connect with HIM. As I read some of your blogs I can truly say I have whispered prayers and I know you will join me. Isn't it great to belong to such a huge family as the family of God?

Servanthood

The mother of Zebedee’s children wanted her sons to sit on either side of Jesus according to Matthew 20:21. Then in Matthew 20:26 - 28 we find the Lord’s attitude towards a servant:

26But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

27And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many

I believe Jesus felt servanthood is challenging because He responded to this Mother’s request for her sons that she did not know what she was asking. He explained holding these positions involved things they were not considering.

Unfortunately when the ten apostles heard the conversation they grew angry. How interesting that even the apostles struggled with increasing the team. Jesus explained that in the kingdom, it is not those who hold authority who are “chief” among them but rather those who serve. Jesus admonished that just as He had come to serve so must the disciples learn to serve. We must use Jesus as the role model in our lives and churches for servanthood. What an example!

To be like Jesus

To be like Jesus

On Earth I long to be like Him

All through life's journey from Earth to glory

I only ask to be like Him

Retreat

Our section hosted a retreat for ministers and wives at Canyon of the Eagles in Burnet. Ten couples including us enjoyed a couple of days of rest and relaxation. Craig and Dana McCracken traveled with us. Craig hardly has a serious moment and kept us laughing most of the trip.

We learned probably at least one valuable lesson; never trust Map Quest’s directions in a rural area. The directions took us down a dirt road that turned to a one lane path that dead ended at a ranch gate, not Canyon of the Eagles. Of course riding with friends this adventure was funny and we were laughing hysterically.

Monday night we enjoyed a nice meal in the lodge and played games with the other couples till around midnight. Tuesday the ladies enjoyed a day trip to Fredericksburg. We shopped, enjoyed a nice lunch, and even an afternoon break for ice cream. We returned just in time for a superb meal. After dinner the Castleberrys, Powells, and Kent and I went to the observatory for an informative session with an astronomer. This happened to be the highlight of the trip. We were able to see Saturn and Mars thru the telescope. We were all amazed that you could actually see the ring around Saturn. How beautiful the heavens! I’m sure the preachers all gained some valuable preaching resources. Later, we enjoyed a time of discussion of ideas with all the couples. After the forum several lingered for rounds of Rook and Dominoes. This morning we met back at the lodge for breakfast then returned to our respective places of ministry. Though before going to the retreat I felt we really didn’t have the time to “waste”, I am glad we made the effort to attend.

Seventeen Years and Counting. . .

Kent reminded me this morning that this week marks our seventeenth year in Conroe. Actually our first service in Conroe was the first weekend in March which would have been yesterday. We enjoyed very powerful services this weekend. Yesterday Pastor preached about having a personal altar experience. You can read about it on his blog. He never gave an altar call. People during the message started flooding the altars. It was a very moving service. After service I took Destiny home. Then I joined the family at a local restaurant. Ironically, two of our original eight church members were sitting at the table with my family when I arrived. Rarely do we eat lunch with people on Sunday. This is a time we reserve to spend with our family. When I walked into the restaurant I thought this is like old times not even realizing it was our anniversary. Sis. Pat and Sis. Martin we love you both. Thanks for staying with us all these years!

During these seventeen years we have experienced many battles. I am happy to report the victories far exceed the defeats. We have been knocked down but never left destroyed. As in any church we have had people come and people leave. We have learned one thing that while we weep with those leaving the backdoor we find ourselves rejoicing with those who come thru the front door. Many spiritual victories have been won in Conroe. I can’t even begin to recount each of them. I remember times of God’s provision in earlier years. We’ve had times of miraculous healings and seasons of nothing but Holy Ghost outpouring. Currently we are in a time of increased prayer and fasting. We are enjoying the results in our services both last weekend and this we have had backsliders renewed.

As I mentioned previously we began with eight people. To put this in perspective we now have 8 praise singers every service plus five musicians and ministers on the platform. The platform alone has more people than we had in the entire church. Wow! At times I get frustrated thinking we are not growing fast enough but when I stop and analyze the growth it is really astounding. I remember teaching Sunday School sometimes holding a baby on my hip and having a varied age group of infants to preteens. Now we enjoy many dynamic classes. The teachers struggle with a few grades combined in one class! The music was so rough. Neither Kent nor I am talented in that area. We have depended on whatever talent God provides. Now our music is incredible. I’m thankful both of our children are talented musically. The youth group that Trent leads has more youth than the congregation his dad led for the first several years. Redonia is our children’s choir director. She directed more children in her choir yesterday than her dad led in congregational worship the first four years. Last night Trent preached while trying to make some youth announcements. The congregation really responded. This was more response that Kent ever got from our new converts the first few years.

Blogging has been good for me this morning. God never let me forget where You have brought us from. Never let me fail to be appreciative for the many blessings You have provided. God I sincerely thank You for all You have done in Conroe. I realize that if You don’t build the house we labor in vain. I know the next few years are even going to be greater because You have given us wonderful people to share our burden. Thank You Lord that even last night we received emails after service from people that are supporting the vision You have given us for Conroe.

Some Change is Not Necessary

I have heard and even read much of change of late. It seems that people can always justify their need to change or not with scripture and even nature. One of my husband’s favorite books to refer leaders resistant to change within the local church is Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, MD. Dr. Johnson’s way of using mice and cheese helps leaders find themselves in a simple plot. Additionally, this book empowers leaders to gain change skills.

I have heard all the scriptures in favor of change. I also know that nests have to get uncomfortable to get the little birds to fly. However, I do realize that the scripture teaches of firm foundations, standing still to see..., the children remained in the wilderness for 40 years. As for nature I recognize mighty oaks change from a little acorn then REMAIN an oak. It may take years for the oak to become tall, strong, or even majestic. However, the oak never changes to be anything different than a oak.

I realize God DOES NOT change but rather I must change. My prayer is God will help me change to measure to his word rather than me try to use the word to measure to my thinkings. I pray God will help the church to be sincere where change is concerned. While we may change many things within the church I hope we do not become so comfortable with change that we begin to change everything. It is by prayer and fasting that God CHANGES things. It is not by talent, ability, personal desires nor personality. Yes our church endeavors to be progressive. Our music is more progressive than some. Our programs meet or exceed the average but I hope the SPIRIT of God REMAINS in our church. I do want to be apart of a church that embraces change for the sake of change or even change that may benefit in some areas yet hinders the overall progress of the church. I do not want to justify areas that I would like to see a change but it really be contrary to the entire plan or will of God.

In this time of governmental elections many focus on the need for change. Many politicians are promising change. In fact one of the presidential canditates is using change as his platform. In the church it seems we are being pressured to change and allow things that we have never allowed. While I easily accept change my prayer is that I will not accept change that will take me off center, off focus or even in a backwards direction.

Positive change within the church requires leaders to navigate the change in order to keep the church in a correct position. Encouraging the church to remain in particular position requires that same leader navigating the church. I challenge your thinking today; to remain requires much more effort than change. Without effort life and its experiences change us whether we desire change or not. To remain often requires a little more effort.

Lately I have read musings of Sis. Linda Elms speaking of her desire for the return of the Lord. I feel surely He must come quickly. My writing of to change or not can cause much controversy. I hope rather than controversy it will help us to prayerfully consider the necessary or needed change versus the areas we should resist change. I have heard sermons that have stirred us that we have encompassed this mountain long enough. However, many times I have heard the same anointed pastors declare this ship is anchored or we will not compromise we will not change. These ministers are not being controversial rather realizing that many times we do need to change. We need to get back to an altar to a consecration with God. We need to gain victory over certain situations.

Today I simply say in a changing world we must realize that the church should remain the same. How sad if people left the church desiring something the church would not change to accept but later returned to realize it is now allowed? God help us to be real, be sincere, and seek You and what You desire for the church and not what we desire. God allow us to change to be more like you and never allow us to change to become more like the world.

Drug Problem

I'm glad I had a drug problem. How about you????