tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43210598859186492252012-01-25T11:05:46.592-06:00Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.comBlogger4851100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-12172214008947637902010-11-26T20:24:00.000-06:002010-11-26T20:25:23.790-06:00

It’s truly more blessed to give than to receive. In fact I live to give. I’m most thankful that my husband is kind and allows me to give. This morning the alarm went off at 3:00 am for Kent and me to rise and shine and give God some glory! Redonia joined us in our Black Friday quest. At 4:00 am Kent dropped Redonia and me at Target. He then went to Whataburger to get Redonia her favorite

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-52014089668704318412010-11-08T08:11:00.002-06:002010-11-08T08:20:38.339-06:00

Kent and I were blessed to spend two weeks in Africa. While most of our time was in Zimbabwe we did get to enjoy a couple of days in Johannesburg South Africa, too. We saw hundreds and hundreds of elephants. What massive animals! One of the coolest animals in the kingdom is the giraffe. I thought it was especially awesome watching the tall giraffe separate his legs as if he were doing the splits

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-28192620312465643812010-10-06T11:05:00.002-05:002010-10-06T11:10:31.092-05:00

A few weeks ago my husband taught an incredible lesson in our Wednesday night Bible Study. He entitled his lesson, “When to Keep Your Mouth Shut”. What a powerful lesson! Since that time I have dwelt on the lesson. I’ve endeavored to do a better job. This morning I woke up with Colossians 4:6 pounding in my spirit. The King James Version: Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-69250633067584831502010-08-25T11:09:00.003-05:002010-08-25T11:14:09.042-05:00

Leaders are visionaries, risk takers, and mentors serving optimistically with persistence and passion. Leaders think dimensionally are flexible and willing to continue learning. A leader is willing to change the status quo creating new opportunities yet not seeking change for change sake. A leader will remain focused and not be deterred while building relationships and giving to the community.

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-80922120825858418632010-08-11T08:35:00.001-05:002010-08-11T08:37:42.911-05:00

Amos 3:3 (Amp) Do two walk together except they make an appointment and have agreed? A favorite saying when Mom was rearing each of her children was “Birds of a feather flock together”. She tried to instill in us the importance of selecting our friends knowing we would eventually become them. She knew that our reputation would become our friends by association. Basically, Mom’s quote was an

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-60452451587335461762010-08-06T08:18:00.001-05:002010-08-06T08:18:56.653-05:00

Often schedules are cluttered, life is busy and problems are present. Most lead this type life on a consistent basis. During such times it is easy to fail to count our blessings. I do not want to become like the people the Psalmist wrote about in Psalm 106:21(NIV) "They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt." I do not want to forget His saving grace nor the great

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-67575157968149226602010-07-29T09:15:00.002-05:002010-07-29T09:39:53.696-05:00

1 Corinthians 9:24 (MSG) You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.In the game of life as well as serving the Lord it is not how we start the race but how we finish that matters. There are seasons of life where everything

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-3316262065559552162010-07-27T08:24:00.004-05:002010-07-27T08:49:45.447-05:00

"Imagine a person who lives well, treating others fairly, keeping good relationships…doesn't live by impulse and greed, doesn't treat one person better than another, but lives by my statutes and faithfully honors and obeys my laws." Ezekiel 18:5 (MSG)After taking a few days to write my previous post on “Friendships” one word began to dance in my thoughts – ‘impulse’. Our senses bombard us to

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-86849516924434816582010-07-26T00:40:00.001-05:002010-07-26T00:42:09.736-05:00

Friendship, a complex word used to describe relationships ranging from mere associations to very intimate or close relations is intriguing. While marriage relationships, business relationships, and even some family relationships have fallen apart; a true friendship will last forever. It is impossible to change friends abruptly, forge deep relationships quickly, maintain a friendship that lacks

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-87067750566587242772010-07-22T21:28:00.010-05:002010-07-23T12:13:56.920-05:00

After several pleas for me to blog here goes.....I've got much I'd like to say. Much has been in my thoughts and heart. I just haven't slowed down long enough to organize my thoughts. What a pitiful excuse, huh? Actually, it's the truth.Each January I establish personal goals. Some years the list is long and very detailed other years it is much shorter. This year I simply put three goals on my

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-82513691464185568292010-05-17T23:35:00.003-05:002010-05-18T07:27:23.085-05:00

The early church was a growing church. It is the will of God for the church to continue to grow. Acts 2:47 “The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 4:4 “Many of them which heard the word believed and the number of the men was about five thousand,” Acts 5:14 “And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women” Acts 6:7 “And the word of God

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-69970830159086773822010-05-12T08:20:00.002-05:002010-05-12T08:25:21.247-05:00

Often people deal with a problem by choosing isolation or separation. Having been a Pastor’s wife for almost 20 years now I recognize the symptom. When a distance in someone’s marriage occurs I know soon to come is a separation or divorce unless a miracle occurs. Likewise, when isolation or separation begins in an individual within the church the person backslides or changes churches. Often the

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-45109373103602495692010-05-01T07:46:00.002-05:002010-05-01T07:57:03.838-05:00

Sometimes life is a little bumpy or even has too many curves. During those time we still need to praise and worship God. The joy of the Lord comes as we worship and praise Him. In turn the joy gives strength for our journey of life. It is amazing the strength I find in praying the Word. Praying the Word puts me in the very presence of God. John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-62392648969737335862010-04-28T11:05:00.001-05:002010-04-28T11:06:35.367-05:00

This morning I’ve been humming the chorus “Be Still and Know I am God”. It has such a peaceful melody. After continuously humming the song I thought I would read the scripture from Psalm 46:10 (NIV)"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."What would really happen in our lives if we took time to ‘be still’? Be still and stop worrying

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-80887834123602297822010-04-23T08:20:00.000-05:002010-04-23T08:21:58.092-05:00

Before my husband asked me to marry him I began to feel such horrific frustration of wanting to know God’s will for my life. Little did I understand I was really seeking His will for my spouse and not His will for my life. It seemed it was such a huge nagging feeling that once I settled the issue all of the other issues in life would be settled. How funny that seems these 29 years later! It

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-2518973888372341242010-04-22T08:30:00.003-05:002010-04-22T08:40:16.353-05:00

Mark 9:7 (NIV) Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"Being the Mother of children with a love for music there always seemed to be noise in our home or vehicles. I do not share the same love or appreciation for music as the other members of my family. At some point along the way Kent’s passion for music switched to

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-57086896113603872982010-04-21T07:56:00.003-05:002010-04-21T08:02:56.243-05:00

This morning my routine of web devotions led me to the following as my very first scripture: Ephesians 2:14 (Amplified Bible)14For He is [Himself] our peace (our bond of unity and harmony). He has made us both [Jew and Gentile] one [body], and has broken down (destroyed, abolished) the hostile dividing wall between us,Ephesians 2:14 (The Message)14-15The Messiah has made things up between us so

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-69734315474694725972010-04-20T21:39:00.005-05:002010-04-20T21:49:36.658-05:00

Each day I endeavor to read scriptures and/or the devotionals from www.crosswalk.com A few moments ago I scrolled to the bottom of the home page and read the POWER VERSES for today. Both are definitely powerful. After reading the scriptures then I went to www.biblegateway.com as I normally do for some Bible reading. Tonight I decided to read one of the power verses from crosswalk. I thought it

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-88020020518556996032010-04-20T08:33:00.000-05:002010-04-20T08:34:28.993-05:00

Last night’s sleep/awake cycle has dominated my devotion this morning. I dreamed the same dream several times but awoke each time to pray. During each prayer I felt a calm assurance all was well. Then I drifted back to sleep and the cycle began over and over again. I dreamed there was a bent over person wearing a black cape and hood moving my door knob in attempt to quietly sneak in my front

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-15967456981739861452010-04-13T11:47:00.003-05:002010-04-13T11:51:53.417-05:00

Giraffes have the shortest sleep cycle of any mammal. They sleep between 10 minutes and 2 hours in a 24-hour period or an average of 1.9 hours of sleep per day. For Giraffes it is not a sleep disorder that keeps them awake. It is just the way God made them.Last week I had surgery. While I am not in pain I am not comfortable sleeping at night nor am I sleeping during the day. Even the 2 nights I

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-19428950037941819682010-04-11T07:33:00.003-05:002010-04-11T16:33:56.697-05:00

Facebook is a social networking site I belong and enjoy. It is totally private if the account is set to be viewed by 'friends' only. I don't recommend meeting new people on Facebook (accepting friends with those you don't know or having the account set as public) In fact I feel it is dangerous for everyone and more especially teens to utilize it for making new relationships. Some times, however,

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-44086187723842176102010-04-06T07:59:00.002-05:002010-04-06T08:02:41.316-05:00

Romans 6:15-18 (The Message) So, since we're out from under the old tyranny, does that mean we can live any old way we want? Since we're free in the freedom of God, can we do anything that comes to mind? Hardly. You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom. Offer yourselves to sin, for instance, and it's your last free act. But

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-73752760218579574842010-03-11T07:52:00.002-06:002010-03-11T08:01:03.773-06:00

Following is a copy of an email I sent to our student ministries staff and Christian school administrator who serves as the director of our Sunday School.Every weekday I receive an email from Terry Davidson. He is a most incredible thinker. I felt today’s email was worth sharing with each of you. Immediately I thought to send it to each of you. First off to those of you who work with youth @

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-77491379187845066702010-02-22T00:23:00.006-06:002010-02-22T23:27:39.459-06:00

I am a huge fan and advocate of change; in fact often I have taught that a rut is simply a grave. However, of late I have dwelt much in my private meditations on the subject of change. I realize that many things change and we can either move in some areas of our lives or we will be left behind. Many people don’t deal well with change. In fact many people are insecure and change creates

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-10930003033560451472010-02-10T17:32:00.002-06:002010-02-11T08:39:17.965-06:00

This year marks my 28th Valentine's to be in love with my best friend, my husband, my pastor, an incredible Dad, an awesome father-in-law, a loyal son, a great son-in-law, a friend to many, a mentor, a Godly man, but I am glad he is my Valentine. The past 28 years have given me many memories. We have shared many wonderful times together and have braved storms together. Kent is an optimist, a man

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-17698148383966576402010-02-02T11:16:00.002-06:002010-02-02T11:56:13.184-06:00

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; (KJV)Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other. (God's Word Translation)The professed love of Christians to each other should be sincere, free from deceit, and deceitful compliments. Our duty towards one another is summed up in one word, love. Kindness cannot

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-67748632871870418532010-01-29T07:59:00.004-06:002010-01-29T08:28:33.061-06:00

I have had opportunity to talk with 7 and possibly more persons the past couple of weeks who were seeking answers. Each of these persons articulated their discussions differently but ultimately each were discussing the same point. They have been praying about direction, wisdom, guidance, answers, the will of God, or the call of God. What a complex subject!Does one really hear the voice of God?

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-67145055405822474292010-01-28T09:33:00.000-06:002010-01-28T09:34:51.490-06:00

I will bless the Lord forever,And I will trust Him at all times.He has delivered me from all things,And He has set my feet upon the Rock.I will not be moved, and I'll say of the Lord:You are my Shield, my Strength, my Portion, Deliverer,My Shelter, Strong Tower, my very present help in time of need.Whom have I in Heaven but you.There's no one I desire beside You.You have made me glad, and I'll

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-26785548182219778452010-01-25T21:02:00.001-06:002010-01-25T21:05:07.390-06:00

"And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water." Matthew 14:28Jesus responded and Peter walked on the water for a while. Then he began to look at the boisterous winds around him. When he did, he began to sink. Then Peter cried out to Jesus to save him.Peter had the faith to call out to Jesus and ask Him to let him come to Him, and at Jesus' word He

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-46657992688941703862010-01-24T17:06:00.002-06:002010-01-24T17:08:56.812-06:00

I woke up from a long afternoon nap with the following song rolling in my head. It ministered to me and maybe it will minister to you, too. Enjoy!When I first began to walk with the Lord, I did not really trust Him, How He longed for me to understand that I could So thru the valley, He lead me, afraid as I could be, Until I felt His loving arms, embracing me I've been through enough to know,

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-25201897921424468592010-01-11T07:47:00.001-06:002010-01-11T07:48:26.526-06:00

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-51887951386269296912010-01-07T07:30:00.003-06:002010-01-07T09:00:04.160-06:00

Wanted: Adult female to serve without pay. Must be able to function without complaint as secretary, music director, nursery worker, janitor, auxiliary president and fund-raiser. On call 24 hours a day. Cooking abilities a plus. Good sense of humor helpful.In many churches, this is the unpublished job description of the pastor's wife--perhaps the only profession that has no real job description

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-91236889331979458182010-01-04T21:57:00.002-06:002010-01-04T22:01:16.565-06:00

I'm working on a project and would appreciate any and all input from all readers. Please leave for me a BRIEF job description of what YOU feel is the role of a minister's wife. This isn't a joke. I'm not setting you up I need this for a project.Often I receive comments and even more personal emails from readers of this blog thanking me for being an encouragement or a help. For once, I'm

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-19300249064916861182010-01-02T12:02:00.002-06:002010-01-02T13:13:22.838-06:00

Some things will simply transpire in 2010. We will have pastored CUPC for 19 years in March. I will turn 47 in June. Kent will turn 49 in June. Calah and Trent will be married 2 years in June. Kent and I will be married 28 years in July. Redonia will turn 24 in August. Trent will turn 23 in September. Other things don't transpire so naturally. These are the things that I must diligently work

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-53578058553172075882009-12-27T18:56:00.001-06:002009-12-27T18:59:51.233-06:00

In many ways 2009 has been one of the most incredible years of my life. I endeavored to give thanks in all things – good and bad.Kent and I decided we would go beyond the normal temperatures in our lives and would turn up the heat to a boiling point. At boiling point steam intensifies and can move a huge locomotive. Things in our lives, church, and city needed to move and we felt turning up

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-6140555762098941242009-11-29T16:11:00.002-06:002009-11-29T16:12:43.689-06:00

DecorateEnjoy Christmas musicDo something for othersKeep Christ in ChristmasMerry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-43662310819353595962009-11-18T08:45:00.004-06:002009-11-18T09:06:02.802-06:00

The following is derived from Crosswalk, an online devotional source.“There is nothing little in God” – C. H. SpurgeonThe Israelites spiritual decline wasn't the heathen's problem nor did the worldly people cause it. God's children got themselves into trouble. They disobeyed God by marrying godless people, doing business with the heathen nations in attempt to get rich quick, and they "used" God

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-38136658350075936592009-11-15T17:14:00.001-06:002009-11-15T17:17:50.756-06:00

Sunday, November 15, 1981 I thought the sun would never shine again. As I stood at the bedside of my dad he slipped so easily from my presence to be with the Lord. Dad was a United Pentecostal Minister. In fact Dad was my pastor. I lost my Dad, my pastor, my outreach director, the world’s worst singer, the world’s greatest worshipper, a friend to the minister’s of the Alabama District, an

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-45576558431394099112009-11-09T07:53:00.002-06:002009-11-09T08:01:52.464-06:00

Last evening Kent preached a most powerful convicting message. Many times I’ve heard messages on the 10 Virgins. Last night however, Kent took it to a different level. He compared the Prepared Ministry to the 5 Foolish Virgins and the Prepared Vessel to the 5 Wise Virgins.Our church strives to pay attention to the smallest of details. We never have dead space in a service. Our music is carefully

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-61239646253325907392009-11-04T08:23:00.007-06:002009-11-04T09:01:37.641-06:00

During the course of my day yesterday while sitting quietly at my desk working my husband's phone rang numerous times. People were trying to learn information about an acquaintance of Kent's who recently experienced failure. I listened as Kent gracefully communicated without giving information. He discussed what was public knowledge and then stated he had been apart of making the knowledge not so

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-67455704714619342822009-11-01T16:51:00.002-06:002009-11-01T22:17:29.637-06:00

Tonight we will be honoring the Servant of the Year nominated by our church members. Additionally we will honor those persons who receive 2nd and 3rd place. Our entire congregation is asked to nominate one person who goes above and beyond the 'call of duty', job description in our local church. This really has my thoughts turning. If we endeavor to recognize those who go above and beyond, I to

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-40784871513049300412009-10-31T21:45:00.003-05:002009-10-31T21:54:49.263-05:00

Facebooking as messed up blogging! Blogging requires my brain and time and Facebook doesn't. I can jump on and off of FB and it doesn't require me to slow down and think yet I can give brief one liners about my day. I can also communicate and keep up with others and I LOVE it!!!So let me race thru what's been going on since my last post...Briefly went to check out the church in a day project!

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-75159609375452020922009-10-19T21:39:00.005-05:002009-10-19T21:55:56.815-05:00

This evening my sister in law, Courtney, called and asked if I was busy. Monday nights are normally a bit of a rest night. I had decided we were having hot dogs for dinner because it's easy. I told her our plans for the evening. She asked if I could keep Kyleigh for a couple of hours.Kyleigh is recovering from H1N1 and I knew she didn't need to run up and down the stairs like she normally

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-70997404040989881512009-10-15T23:04:00.003-05:002009-10-15T23:39:03.128-05:00

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-58729356442196821832009-10-14T12:28:00.005-05:002009-10-14T13:38:35.245-05:00

(Thanks Sis. Elms for taking the pic of them @ the Dist Ofc and sending it to me!)When Trent was 7 years of age he told me he felt the call to preach and said one day he wants to pastor. I don't recall the discussion that prompted the outburst from Trent but I do well remember the day and location. When Trent was only three years of age he began sitting on the front pew in church alone in

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-63909704137250025282009-10-13T07:54:00.002-05:002009-10-13T08:19:23.898-05:00

This morning I would like to give honor to my pastor, R. Kent Smith. For over 18 years now he has served as my pastor. I'm certain the road has not always been easy. I know there have been many pressures associated with his calling. I've watched as he has juggled responsibilities of the office and the parsonage. This morning I will not enumerate the many accomplishments of my pastor though

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-45165479747767782392009-10-09T08:50:00.002-05:002009-10-09T08:54:39.098-05:00

Jeremiah 7:8-11 The Message Translation:Get smart! Your leaders are handing you a pack of lies, and you're swallowing them! Use your heads! Do you think you can rob and murder, have sex with the neighborhood wives, tell lies nonstop, worship the local gods, and buy every novel religious commodity on the market—and then march into this Temple, set apart for my worship, and say, "We're safe!"

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-52568998802982727622009-10-07T18:09:00.002-05:002009-10-07T18:12:20.821-05:00

Ladies,I hope each of you are enjoying a wonderful week. I have been busy catching up from a few days of being in Saint Louis. I am looking forward to Mid.point tonight and hope to see each of you! Sunday night I spoke of some alarming details given at our Minister’s Wives Breakfast. We were warned that children are being targeted by the enemy. They are being targeted by media, books, etc. While

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-15796832572831221932009-10-06T22:25:00.002-05:002009-10-06T22:30:22.561-05:00

The calling requires confidence not in one's self but rather confidence in God. Often minister’s wives feel ‘unqualified’ but God will help equip for every challenge. Some minister’s wives proclaim “That’s not my calling that’s my husband’s calling”. The marriage vow to honor, cherish, and obey ‘till death do us part” is a promise to keep the commandments of the Lord. In marriage a couple

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-9847526566358667562009-10-04T22:27:00.008-05:002009-10-05T08:43:18.892-05:00

Kent, Trent, Calah, and I flew out of Houston's IAH Tuesday evening. After clearing security we opted for Pappadeaux's. I enjoyed a delish appetizer of coconut shrimp. While dining we spotted the Grandquists and Chad and Heidi. Of course other Pentecostals joined us on the tiny jet to St Louis.Wednesday we enjoyed the city. The weather was beautiful and mild. We dined outdoors at the Cheesecake

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-27823662927839569912009-09-27T16:52:00.005-05:002009-09-27T22:52:11.564-05:00

A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. I Timothy 3:2 (The Message)CUPC is a blessed congregation. We have many ministry families and many others who are incredible church leaders. Each year we endeavor to equip and train leaders. In looking towards 2010 many ideas are pounding my thoughts. In pursuing things that I feel are

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-26092422609462532742009-09-18T08:20:00.004-05:002009-09-18T08:32:49.172-05:00

God has established a divine pattern of accountability to Him. Many embrace a doctorine of christian or scriptural liberties. Since the creation of man, God has established a divine pattern of accountability to Him. Genesis 2:15-17 (The Message): God took the Man and set him down in the Garden of Eden to work the ground and keep it in order. God commanded the Man, “You can eat from any tree in

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-49022974525541554442009-09-16T10:34:00.001-05:002009-09-16T10:37:23.632-05:00

1 cup of consideration2 cups of praise1 reasonable budget2 cups of flattery carefully concealed2 cups milk of human kindness1 gallon faith in God and each otherA generous dash of cooperation3 teaspoons of pure extract of “I am sorry”Children (more or less, to taste)1 cup of confidence and encouragement1 large or several small hobbies1 cup of blindness to each others faults1 cup of courtesy2

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-69705449182553367352009-09-15T12:07:00.002-05:002009-09-15T12:16:00.577-05:00

Shortening - Provides texture. Our friendships can add much depth and texture to our lives.Sugar - Adds sweetness. Friendships adds such a sweet taste to our lives. If we didn't have sugar in our cookies, we'd sure miss it. The same is with our friends. We can't leave it out of our lives.Eggs - Holds ingredients together. Friends are someone we can lean on. We are held together by them. We are

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-44438875350533471742009-09-10T08:42:00.002-05:002009-09-10T09:05:32.445-05:00

I've made a friend through blogging, Sue Davidson. Though I have not met Sue personally, I feel I've known her a very long time. We have talked on the phone, emailed, etc. Sue is one of the most thought persons. She sends cards and has given me a subscription to a most wonderful magazine "Southern Lady". I must confess I met Sue initially through her husband, Terry. Sue didn't do email or

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-75985067767541025702009-09-09T07:07:00.003-05:002009-09-09T07:33:14.966-05:00

Today is a very special day. Today is the anniversary date of a wonderful miracle God performed in our lives. Today marks the arrival of our son, Raymond “Trent” Smith. Having utilized various forms of fertility attempts including surgery and drugs to find none successful giving birth to a bouncing 7 lb 15.5 oz boy was declared a definite medical miracle.Kent and I have endeavored to delight

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-15729582053931590172009-09-08T08:10:00.002-05:002009-09-08T08:31:44.887-05:00

Today is a very special day. It is Mom's 64th birthday. I'm blessed to have a wonderful Mother. However, I think the grandchildren have taken the special places in her heart. She loves being Grammy.Mother loves to cook and spend time with her family. She also enjoys resale and antique shopping. Well, she likes bargain shopping in general. I think she enjoys traveling to see friends and

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-33324371893989391632009-09-07T08:22:00.002-05:002009-09-07T08:25:35.924-05:00

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-55865610161932629112009-09-03T08:05:00.005-05:002009-09-03T11:12:47.436-05:00

During my tenure of blogging as well as reading blogs of friends, family, acquaintances, and even those I don't know I have stumbled upon something. More recently I have become a member of the Facebook society. This social network has even stronger validated my observation. Quite honestly these observations have caused me to create certain tests. After gathering the data from my analysis I set

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-73869772907341629152009-08-30T22:03:00.009-05:002009-08-31T10:36:37.033-05:00

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin."- Zechariah 4:10 NLT Often we compare ourselves with others. It's easy to compare homes, families, careers, churches in general, and even specific aspects of a church. Often in comparison we fail to realize all the contributing factors of the dynamics we are comparing.It seems today couples want to start with an

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-28039470725674008582009-08-26T17:25:00.003-05:002009-08-26T17:43:41.947-05:00

Seriously I'm married to a very funny guy. In fact his great sense of humour is what attracted me to him besides the fact that Joyce McClain was a HUGE factor of match making. I love him so much. Sometimes he is funny and not in a humorous way. Today was one of those days.For some reason Kent has been frustrated with me for not updating my blog more often. He said he was even going to post about

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-86096746865482614672009-08-24T20:27:00.003-05:002009-08-24T20:54:39.393-05:00

Yesterday marked CUPC's 15th annual kids day. For the past few years we have hosted this event in August and advertised it as a Back 2 School Event. Of course outreach is always an essential part of the success.My previous post spoke of the great outreach success. I posted we had 50 plus (meaning 52 or 53) new children committed to wanting to ride the bus to the event. Normally, we get about 25

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-29391972282425608292009-08-22T22:10:00.002-05:002009-08-22T22:34:06.190-05:00

Today was the best outreach day that I have seen. It all began around 9:30 this morning. What I thought may be about 5 of us meeting @ Baskins Department Store turned into about 15 or 20. Quickly I realized we had more people than were needed. I suggested that we pile on the newly decorated bus and go down the street to HEB. Leaving a couple of people behind to man the booth @ Baskins the

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-36658805241059237872009-08-22T08:20:00.002-05:002009-08-22T08:31:04.736-05:00

Today has taken forever to arrive. Oh I know it will be long, hot, tiring, etc but when you are excited about something it doesn't matter about the few little obstacles.Outreach is the goal of the day. We will be distributing water and invitations to our Back 2 School Bash this morning @ Baskins Department Store. Then this afternoon we will fill the bus with people headed out to apartment

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-28977459190775753452009-08-20T21:43:00.004-05:002009-08-20T21:56:34.451-05:00

Almost 2 years ago I guess I was seized with a burden for children while doing outreach. While knocking doors I wasn't getting much adult interest. So without planning, etc at one door from somewhere deep within I cried out if your children would like to go to church tomorrow I would love them to ride on our church van with me. It started just like that!!! I begin with two children. From there it

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-37734831497747879762009-08-19T07:52:00.003-05:002009-08-19T13:04:30.680-05:00

The Word of God is powerful and true. It amazes me people can subscribe to books written on how to rear children, handle finances, build a home, etc and trust every word of the author yet pick and choose what to believe in the Word of God. The Word of God was written many years ago yet so precisely addresses topics pertinent to our lives today. Additionally, it very clearly describes the world in

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-46353500017956081732009-08-16T22:00:00.002-05:002009-08-16T22:39:00.908-05:00

Today was an amazing day. First, we are privileged to pastor wonderful people. Therefore any day @ CUPC is a good day and today was certainly no exception. We are drawing near the end of summer as far as school is concerned hence people are scurrying to take those last minute weekend getaways with their family. However, our attendance was still very strong.This morning we went to our first

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-23407550522258000552009-08-14T23:30:00.003-05:002009-08-15T09:37:31.962-05:00

Lions roar to communicate with other lions and scare other animals away. I Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" The devil is much like a lion seeking to devour. Satan uses the same tactic as a lion in the jungle.Just as a lion uses the roar to communicate so does Satan utilize loud boisterous

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-81654696756700424962009-08-13T06:58:00.003-05:002009-08-13T08:06:27.824-05:00

Twenty three years ago this very day, August 13, 1986, all the world stopped to welcome one of God's great creations. To some this may have been an ordinary day but to Kent and me this marked a MIRACLE, a defining moment in our lives, it was a most joyous day. After having exalted means of a premier Houston Infertility Specialist God miraculously placed in our lives the potential to adopt an

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-61157940275424296102009-08-11T21:24:00.003-05:002009-08-11T21:40:41.066-05:00

Dear Blog:Please forgive me for being unfaithful and not taking the time to care for you. Soon I hope to slow down long enough to return to inspirational writings. Currently I have 4 Word documents open on my laptop. Some of them have seed thoughts in need of cultivation.Life has been busy and even complicated of late. Somehow being a pastor's wife isn't what many perceive. I don't go to

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-58390374079281279922009-08-03T07:54:00.002-05:002009-08-03T08:06:26.171-05:00

"If you are loved, but never love in return..attach but never combine..trip but never fall..be trustworthy but never trust..and dream but never become..then you will exist but never live." ~ author unknownObviously, you just read the quote but go back and READ it again! Wow!!!! If you stop and think about it this is a TOTALLY amazing thought. I don't want to merely exist in a relationship. It

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-4961542701413586762009-07-30T20:50:00.003-05:002009-07-30T21:03:29.799-05:00

The following quotes are NOT be be READ by Pastor R. Kent Smith but rather were journaled on this blog site to inspire the blog author to leap, jump, let go!!!! Well, honestly the aforementioned sentence was in jest but my sweet husband does inspire me. Honestly, at times he scares me! He is a person of incredible faith hence CUPC is a wonderful ministry. While other pastors at our stage in

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-27350767699945323402009-07-28T20:57:00.005-05:002009-07-29T00:06:38.330-05:00

Today was our first full day in the office after a couple of weeks of funerals. We have mourned the loss of Bro. Rubio's Mom, Kasey's Dad - Ronnie Franklin (a member of our church, too), Justin's Grandpa, and Bro. Blackmon's sister. These deaths have taken us to Bellaire, Trinity, Oil City, DeRidder and Jasper. Never have we had in a few days so many deaths.I felt like a racquet ball on a racquet

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-16442994807715944432009-07-24T22:45:00.002-05:002009-07-24T23:02:55.642-05:00

Maybe I have writer's block. Maybe I'm busy. Maybe I'm feeling disconnected from my blog. Maybe it's just Summer. Maybe it's because I'm on Facebook and don't have time...maybe maybe maybe actually all of the above are TRUE reasons I haven't been blogging.Today I had the privilege of spending a little bit of time with two of my blogging friends, Sis. Elms and Sis. Guidroz. It wasn't planned out

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-86451188724710919632009-07-20T22:48:00.001-05:002009-07-20T22:49:27.066-05:00

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;I’d rather be His than have riches untold;I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand.Than to be a king of a vast domainOr be held in sin’s dread sway,I’d rather have Jesus than anythingThis world affords today.I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;I’d rather have Jesus

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-6296465019445303652009-07-13T09:31:00.003-05:002009-07-13T09:46:39.592-05:00

One word to describe our vacation - incredible. Sorry to be slow in posting. I will 'try' to get around to putting some pics up today. We enjoyed an amazing trip to California. We flew in to San Francisco and stayed Monday - Thursday nights in Monterey. Friday we travelled to San Francisco. We flew out from San Francisco Saturday afternoon.Points of our trip included Monterey, Carmel, Pacific

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-20841659072776155972009-07-07T13:47:00.000-05:002009-07-07T13:49:10.999-05:00

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-48565832246890238742009-07-07T13:10:00.002-05:002009-07-07T13:40:44.157-05:00

The Monterey, California area is one of the most relaxing places to spend a summer vacation. We left the extreme heat of Texas and flew into a cool 59 degrees. Upon stepping out of the airport I thought I was going to freeze. Of course my jackets were tightly packed away. I felt sure we wouldn't enjoy the convertible. However, by morning when the sun was up we braved opening the top and enjoyed

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-21026047021732990972009-07-05T15:13:00.003-05:002009-07-06T10:17:58.991-05:00

Kent and I worked at the Fireworks Warehouse all weekend. Our youth undertook this huge project as a fundraiser. You know how that goes....not many youth participated but a whole lot of adults rescued it! lol I'm thinking the adults should get most of the proceeds. The youth are going to use a little of the money for NAYC then use some for Sheaves For Christ and hopefully a new screen/

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-73679198391113813322009-07-04T08:26:00.001-05:002009-07-04T08:26:30.156-05:00

Glitter Graphics - GlitterLive.com

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-48616072499395999992009-07-03T00:14:00.002-05:002009-07-03T00:31:03.054-05:00

Today marks our 27th wedding anniversary. I am truly blessed to have shared the past 27 years plus 8 months of dating with my best friend. Kent came into my life at a very difficult time. Dad was sick when we were attracted to each other. Soon after Dad passed away. Kent made the approximate 15 hour drive from Aransas Pass, Texas to Birmingham, Alabama to be with me. We had only 3 dates after Dad

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-88040445719721497702009-06-30T23:04:00.002-05:002009-07-01T00:27:23.697-05:00

Wow...it's summer and life just keeps on rolling along! It's horrible to not slow down and blog. I have lots to blog about. Blogspot needs to create blogspot mobile patterned after Facebook mobile! I do have Internet on my phone but blogging just seems a little difficult via that method.We've spent MaNNnnNNYYYYYyyyyyy long hours at the Fireworks Warehouse the past few days. We realize Trent and

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-89908648733390015952009-06-25T22:34:00.003-05:002009-06-25T23:13:16.709-05:00

Allow me to pause and wish a MOST wonderful birthday to my husband. What a wonderful husband, father, friend and pastor! It's amazing that I have lived with him longer than I lived with my parents.Kent is loyal and loving. He is kind, considerate, and caring. He is a GIVER....I think we would probably be millionaires by now if he wouldn't have given it all away. The flip side is we are beyond

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-16243254688293159692009-06-20T23:43:00.002-05:002009-06-20T23:57:18.565-05:00

Kent, thanks for being a wonderful Dad. Redonia and Trent are truly blessed to have you as their Daddy. Your love shows in all you do. Thanks for encouraging them to always do what’s right. Thank you for making Redonia feel like a princess. Though she enjoys girl talks with me we both know in the event of a crisis it's DADDY all the way! She's such a daddy's little girl and I wouldn't have it

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-63343575248179115782009-06-17T23:46:00.003-05:002009-06-18T07:42:07.929-05:00

My boyfriend and I are planning a getaway. We have been lots of places from Canada to Mexico from New York City to California to Florida and most points in between.This year we want to do something relaxing not high energy. We have thought of flying somewhere then renting a convertible and driving. We enjoy pretty roadsides, quaint shopping villages and good food! We thought of flying to

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-17751782844647812332009-06-16T09:21:00.003-05:002009-06-16T09:53:22.622-05:00

Have you ever walked back into your home exhausted as you open the front door? When the children were younger I could walk in and survey the aftermath of a morning's frenzy. Our days can consist of a frenzied rush as we struggle to fulfill family, work, home and volunteer obligations leaving no time in our schedule.Often when our lives get out of control we must realize it may be because we've

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-11521939981727091792009-06-14T23:19:00.002-05:002009-06-14T23:28:27.994-05:00

Please pray for my husband. He is suffering from acute gout. He struggled through out campmeeting. After the 3rd night of very little sleep due to the pain he had me take him to the hospital this morning. He NEVER misses church sick. He was given a shot of morphine, a shot of toradol, and vicodin for pain. Additionally, he was given a stronger medication than he normally takes for the gout.

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-70803812494293617742009-06-11T09:26:00.002-05:002009-06-11T09:46:08.125-05:00

It's Thursday and we've really enjoyed an awesome campmeeting! Bro. Davis from Georgia and Bro. Kinsie from Florida have done outstanding. Normally I don't enjoy the Bible teacher as much as I have enjoyed Bro. Davis. Most years the Bible teacher takes a llllllooooooong time to get going then out does himself in theology. I get lost probably due to my boredom. This year, however, I have loved

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-1775368303830080252009-06-09T08:36:00.002-05:002009-06-09T09:01:28.809-05:00

Have you ever sat down and thought about what a year in time has held for you? This morning for some reason reflections entered my thought processes without me even welcoming them. I sit here in Best Western Crown Colony in Lufkin. The thought occurred to me that this year I feel much different than I did last year. Last year I came to campmeeting really tired. Trent got married on the

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-81453722664878615032009-06-08T07:13:00.002-05:002009-06-08T07:54:09.431-05:00

This morning I awoke with the same thought that I went to bed pondering. In fact I dreamed about it most of the night. If I work on a project and set my mind to it I PROBABLY can accomplish it. However, if someone helps me with the project I can CERTAINLY accomplish it. Having others to help with a project motivates us to finish, is more enjoyable, reduces burnout, and reduces the workload

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-32281926072011072592009-06-07T07:18:00.004-05:002009-06-07T08:03:54.571-05:00

Today marks the 1 Year Wedding Anniversary of my children, Calah and Trent. I am VERY proud of them. After a beautiful wedding and reception the children enjoyed a limousine ride to the Marriot @ IAH. The next morning they flew to Cancun, Mexico for their honeymoon. Last evening at a small group meeting I was sharing some pictures of a wedding yesterday. It occured to me today is the kid's

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-14908077926212265922009-05-31T14:06:00.002-05:002009-05-31T14:46:51.369-05:00

Today I faced many obstacles and victories. I'm thankful to be apart of so many people's lives. This morning a very special friend of mine who obviously has some handicaps rode our church bus. Diane has been my special friend for about 1.5 years. She LOVES cats...anything cats. I've taken her kitty litter for the imaginary kitty cats, cat calendars, cat posters, and cat motif cookie filled tins.

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-70058703212664406232009-05-30T08:02:00.002-05:002009-05-30T08:36:08.063-05:00

Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. What an exciting day for the church! Peter was given the keys to the kingdom of heaven according to Matthew 16:19. I ask what does a key do? Of course we all know that a key can either unlock or lock doors. What did Peter preach? Following is a great account of what happened on the day of Pentecost. Now if you will carefully notice verse 39 the promise that Peter

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-87017938437578736302009-05-28T22:52:00.004-05:002009-05-29T07:39:45.010-05:00

Ok do you want a honest post or a great to read post? Well, I'll try to do both knowing I'm writing to a varied reading audience.Honestly, I feel horrible, absolutely horrible. I can't wake up today. I have a little bit of a sore throat. However, I feel today exactly how I feel after I've had a few seizures in a day. In the past I have had seizures in my sleep but normally Kent wakes up and '

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-22515587727514277052009-05-26T23:49:00.003-05:002009-05-27T00:31:46.393-05:00

This morning early I began to hear Kent pray. Well, that's nothing new. Normally I wake up to him praying and hear him praying as he drifts off to sleep. Today was a little different I could feel in his prayers the CARES for people. Of course it troubled me. I NEVER ask who because if he wants me to know he tells me. If not oh well...I just start praying, too.As I began to pray I felt a burden

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-90059531727303715392009-05-25T22:15:00.004-05:002009-05-25T22:59:19.378-05:00

What an incredible weekend! I'm PROUD to be AMERICAN where we freely enjoy ourselves.Sean flew in Thursday afternoon. Redonia had to work and was unable to pick him up. Kent and I planned to pick him up but Trent and Calah decided to join the fun. Calah made an orange welcome sign. You know TEXAS LONGHORN orange. She put a few choice words of welcome on the sign. Trent stood front and center of

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-56426509828447518512009-05-22T23:42:00.002-05:002009-05-22T23:58:32.830-05:00

Today begin our holiday weekend. Kent, Sean, and I went to Panera for breakfast while Redonia worked a few hours. After a trip to the church and a few other errands I grilled sausage and prepared some fresh fruit to go with our lunch. We've enjoyed a relaxed day. We've been busy the past few weeks. A 'chill' day was very enjoyable. Tomorrow we have several things to accomplish. Later we hope to '

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-7185132909362270162009-05-21T10:54:00.006-05:002009-05-21T11:44:53.317-05:00

Today I spent some time visiting with a lady from CUPC. She is having a bit of a difficulty but finally stated when life gives you lemons just make some lemonade. Later I found this picture. It caused me to do some soul searching.Things in life are not ALWAYS sweet. However, life is sweet if we make it sweet. Think of ingredients that go into make a delectable cupcake. They are not all sweet.

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-89539077996432643062009-05-20T08:20:00.004-05:002009-05-20T08:38:41.517-05:00

God likens his church to the family. I believe our spiritual lives and our physical lives will be no stronger than the other. I've been happily married to my husband for soon to be 27 years. Wow! I've lived with him longer than I lived at home. We can finish each others sentences, look at each other and communicate without saying a word, feel when something is wrong with the other without

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321059885918649225.post-90567307795414023152009-05-19T08:00:00.005-05:002009-05-19T09:45:29.447-05:00

While I could post many scriptures about 'specifics' of holiness this was not my thought pattern yesterday. However, my thoughts were simply of being a holy or separate person that I may be found pleasing to God. I KNOW when I love Him I will happily comply with anything I feel the scriptures discuss or furthermore anything I feel a prick in my heart concerning. While the Word may not deal with a

Tracie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04129626719120956825noreply@blogger.com10