Frustrated with Facebook

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! Yay Karen & Kenny Prince
• Texas District Minister's & Wives Retreat - Hillsboro, Texas
• Had an MOST incredible Family Revival with our dear friends, Ron & Jerry Ann Guidroz
• Attended the funeral of a dear Texas Pastor & Presbyter, Rev. Carlton Watkins
• Purchased a new church bus!!! Yay...2 busses and 1 van now...
• Went on a special date with my husband. Went to Mary Poppins, dinner @ Artista, and stayed the night at the Inn @ the Ball Park. All provided by Pastor Appreciation gifts and gift cards. Thanks CUPC....we love each of you!!!
• Went Trick or Treating today with a bunch of church kids. We took both busses and the kids loved it!!!
• Calah put up her Christmas tree today - - too early for me but went by to see the kids. She did a wonderful job!
• Kept Mallorie for an hour or so this evening. She's adorable.

Looking forward to WONDERFUL services tomorrow! CUPC is such an amazing church. I'm thankful for the MANY good things that are happening.

A Night of Fun Memories

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 enjoys. So I tried to think of something to occupy her. Madeline and I enjoy baking cookies together so I decided Kyleigh may be old enough to give it a try. Much to my surprise she LOVED baking the cookies and did an awesome job decorating them, too.

We made sugar cookies. I purchased a can of white frosting. I divided the frosting into smaller containers. Kyleigh loved adding red and yellow food coloring to one dish and watching it turn orange. The other bowl we opted to add yellow food coloring only.

After the cookies were baked she enjoyed spreading the frosting on the warm cookies. Then she added orange, green, and yellow sugars. She decorated the cookies with candy corn and mellow cream pumpkins.

Kyleigh and I decided we needed to share the cookies. We prepared a platter for Grammy and Popsie, one for her Papa, and one for her to take home. Just as were finishing Grammy brought Mallorie over to see our candle-lit pumpkins and cookies. Kyleigh was so excited that Mallorie enjoyed a cookie.

Courtney and I enjoyed a warm cup of carmel apple cider with cinnamon, sugar and whipped cream with a fresh baked cookie decorated by Kyleigh. I love spending time with my family. Making memories with them is a very valuable part of my life.

I hope you enjoyed the slide show....

Happy Fall!!!!

Family Fun Night

Rev. & Mrs. R. Trent Smith

(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 Conroe. Redonia and I sat on the second pew behind him. Trent was a worshipper. At age five he went to Texas District Crusaders Camp in Lufkin with our friends David and Gena Caruthers. Trent received the Holy Ghost during one of the night services. He was the first person baptized in our church baptistery.

Trent has been very involved in every part of CUPC since our moving to Conroe in March, 1991. He has been apart of Bible Studies, music, youth, Sunday School, outreach, maintenance, and Conroe Christian School. For the first years of his life he was a volunteer. However, the past 2 years he has been a full-time on the ministry staff. Fifteen months ago Trent married Calah Denise Hicks. She has worked right beside him the past 15 months as a strong supporter of his ministry.

Yesterday Trent and Calah travelled to Lufkin to meet the United Pentecostal Church International, Texas District Board seeking to be credentialed with the organization. Kent and I sat in our church office filled with many emotions. We were grateful for the accomplishments in the kids life. We were nervous knowing he had to pass a test and the scrutiny of the board. We were confident knowing he had studied and was prepared. We were proud knowing he had reached a life long goal. We wept thankful though he wasn't a perfect child he reached this place of ministry. I was sad knowing my Dad nor Calah's was present to share our celebration.

Today ministry continues as both Trent and Calah are working at the church. He's teaching classes today and preparing for his weekly sermon to our youth. Calah's working in the school office and carrying out her duties and plans for the music ministry of the church. Last evening when returning home tickets were in their mailbox for their upcoming missions trip to Africa. They are ministering at the National Youth Conference in Zimbabwe. Tonight after service they will enjoy many pies thrown in their face to raise money for some upcoming youth events at the church. Sunday Trent baptized a new youth convert he is discipling. Ministry is a myriad of events and activities.

I am thankful for the call of God on our children. When you dedicate a child to God you just never know where the dedication will lead. Congratulations, Rev. & Mrs. R. Trent Smith.

October :: Pastor's Appreciation Month

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 they be GREAT nor will I enumerate the battles though they be great. I simply want to state I APPRECIATE my pastor. I love you babe!

CUPC honored us as a ministry couple Sunday night. We received many beautiful cards and some had very heartfelt words personally inscribed. We were given cookies, candies, magazines, cash, checks, and even hundreds of dollars in gift cards. Also included in the basket were envelopes for our children with money from a very thoughtful family. Each kind word and gift means so much.

Today I would like to honor each of my friends who serve in ministry. I know the battle hasn't always been easy but the battle isn't ours to fight. While some may be enjoying harvest others are no doubt in the dead of winter. Regardless the season I APPRECIATE each of you my dear friends.

If you are not a Pastor or Pastor's wife reading today find a way to show your pastor's family your appreciation. In fact heartfelt gratitude through out the year will help your leader be able to serve in a better way. It's amazing what a simple kind word or thank you means. Little things really do mean so much. Bake their favorite dessert, give them a gift card to a restaurant, send a bouquet of flowers, or pay for their meal when in a group. If they have small children buy a little prize for their children. If they have older children give them a gift card to a fast food restaurant. Buy them a book, a magazine or even a candle. You never know when the battle may be tough and your kind deed helps them push to victory.

I'm thankful CUPC is filled with CARING people who don't just show us their love and support in October but through out the year I feel many of their prayers strengthen me. I hope today I can encourage someone else to do the same for your pastor's family.

Pastor's wife, if your church doesn't show CARE just hang on God will send someone your way to teach them. I am truly a believer in we reap what we sow. Show your congregation you care and it will not be long and they will support you when you need it the most!

Happy Pastor's Appreciation Month!!! It is with joy I serve and my honor to be connected to so many wonderful friends in ministry....

Is This True Today?

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!" thinking that the place itself gives you a license to go on with all this outrageous sacrilege? A cave full of criminals! Do you think you can turn this Temple, set apart for my worship, into something like that? Well, think again. I've got eyes in my head. I can see what's going on.'" God's Decree!

What a thought provoking decree! We can not allow the accepted ideals of our society into the church. Just because it's tolerated in our generation doesn't mean it's SAFE.

Open Letter to Ladies of CUPC

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 I realize each family is busy trying to meet budgets, homework demands, work schedules, etc I feel to warn each of you to not be too busy for God and church. These times demand more of God and the influence of church and not less.

I mentioned Sunday night I would be contacting the Montgomery County Library Central located in Conroe. Thankfully our library does not allow children to take any books from the library without using the standard checkout procedure. Sis. Nunez went to the public school where one of her children attend. She got some frustrating news. The counselor has been fighting some of the books but has not been successful due to the power the librarian possesses. This confirms one of the points given in the meeting I attended. I have not visited Barnes and Noble nor Hastings at this point.

Yesterday, Bro. Smith and I spent a considerable amount of time with a family not members of CUPC. They had just left a counseling center a block away from CUPC. This family is dealing with serious issues with their children. Immediately I remembered points discussed at the breakfast in St. Louis.

Last evening while catching up on the news I visited Click 2 Houston.com I read a very alarming story about an attempt to abduct a 13 yr old girl http://www.click2houston.com/news/21218304/detail.html This troubled me and I was reminded of my commitment to more prayer for children. This morning my sister, Vicki, sent me a MOST alarming news article from Conroe. Vicki didn’t attend conference and knew nothing of my increased awareness of the need for prayer for children. The article was similar to the one I read about the 13 yr old in Houston but this time it involves a 10 year old girl on Ave J in Conroe. This is in our outreach area. The little girl is a student @ Travis, a school many of our outreach children attend.

I am asking each of you to join me in praying for children both within and out of the church. I am also asking that we become more committed to prayer, Bible reading, and faithfulness to church. Notice the order I listed the previous items (prayer, Bible, faithfulness to church) while I believe their importance is in that order I KNOW that they begin in the reverse order. For the most part people with inconsistent in church attendance do not read their Bibles or pray. Girls, services and things of the church are important to your spiritual lives. I love each of you and desire nothing more than God’s protection and best for each of you and your families.

Much love,
Sis. Smith

BUT I'm Not the One Called. . .

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 becomes “one flesh”. (Matthew 19:4-6) There is no longer a separation of calling. Being one flesh means sharing the same calling, too. The wife is the helpmeet or helper in the marriage according to Genesis 2:18.

Girls, we can do it!!!!! We receive our calling through our husband's call....I'm cheering each of you on to victory. We CAN do it!!!

General Conference :: Wow

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 Factory. Many other Pentecostal's were enjoying the food and weather, too. Wednesday night we enjoyed a tremendous drama "One to be Won". After the drama we enjoyed friends and food at Steak N Shake. We laughed and cried with Mark & Diane Green, Brian & Jana Allard, and Rob & Shara McKee. Kent was the taxi driver since we rented a Suburban. I KNEW after such a wonderful first day conference was going to be amazing.

Thursday Calah and I enjoyed spending time in the exhibits and shopping @ PPH. I found good soundtraxs for Redonia to use for the Children's Choir. Calah got incredible resources for teaching the Stand Student Ministry girls. After the men were finished with business we enjoyed lunch with Ken, Kay, and Kameron -Kent's sister and family. Thursday Bro. David Bernard was elected General Superintendent of the UPCI. Kent served on the Texas District Sunday School Committee with Bro. Bernard years ago. I always enjoyed our visits around the dining tables at the old campgrounds. Sis. Bernard is a fun and friendly person. Thursday night General Superintendent Kenneth Haney did an amazing job. He preached about 7 things we must maintain. Wow!!! What a clear and powerful sound! If we lose any one of the 7 we will not be powerful. After service we had dinner with Trent & Calah, the Alba's, and Darren & Amy Shelton.

Friday was the annual Minister's Wives Breakfast. This year I was honored to have Calah join me. We sat with Sis. Russo, the wife of our District Superintendent, Sis. Roffie Ensey, my dear friend - Diane Green, Sis. Lewis, Sis. Davis and her daughter, Lori Coon. While I enjoyed each speaker I especially enjoyed Jaye Rodenbush and Rachel Coltharp. The theme was "Let the Young Church Speak". Sis. Rodenbush prompted us to think what our children are reading. She gave powerful facts and illustrations. Sis. Coltharp encouraged us to realize the future is in our hands. Sis. Haney has done an amazing job as first lady of the UPCI. Under her leadership we have begun powerful ladies day services. Each breakfast has been heartfelt, too. Friday we went to lunch with approx 70 people all connected thru WordShare, a minister's forum. We had the distinct privilege of sitting with Bro. Jack Leaman and his son. I love the wisdom of Bro. Leaman. I was thankful Trent and Calah had this great opportunity. Friday night was the great Foreign Missions service. Ken and Kay were able to meet their PIM budget! After service we went to dinner with Bro. and Sis. Elms. Trent and Calah had plans but aborted their plans to be with the Elms. I'm so thankful for the influence of the Elms in our children's lives. Despite the LOUD music we enjoyed our time together with Bro. and Sis. Wendall Elms, TX Dist Secretary.

Saturday morning was a social time for minister's and wives in the exhibits. It was great seeing many of our friends. Later we made our way to the arena for the annual youth day service. Texas District Youth President, Michael Ensey, was one of the speakers. We are proud he was nominated Promotion's Director of the General Youth Division. Texas will miss his GREAT leadership. We enjoyed lunch at Maggiano's with Gene & Karla Holley and Trent & Calah. The Holleys are great friends. I'm thankful for the love and respect they show our kids. Trent loves the Holley boys, too. Saturday night was the Home Mission's service. Yes, I cried like a baby and even thought I might could do home missions one more time. It was an amazing service. After service we went with one of my bestest friends in the whole wide world from my Alabama childhood, Pam Hamilton Dobbs and her husband, Mike. Pam and Mike pastor a great revival church in Wiggins Mississippi. She is the ladies president for Mississippi. Also, joining was another great friend, Ruth Reider Harvey. This was a perfect finale to General Conference 2009.

After returning to the hotel we visited with many friends in the lobby. We were all very tired but knew conference was coming to a quick end and wanted to be together just a little bit longer. I saw so many friends during the course of conference...I hate to begin naming them for fear I will omit someone. (Bethels, Johnsons, Caruthers, Sanders, Hills, Hursts, Woffards, Roberts, Lawrences, Howells, Rose, Rodenbush, Richardsons, Hughes, Flowers, Lewis, Wheelers, Colegroves, Ramseys, Princes, Stanleys, Eades, Hursts, Guidroz, Whitmires, Strawns, Stones, Wehrles, Boones, Rashalls, Blakes, Perrys, Williams, Myres, McLaughlins, Rhoads, Robinsons and many many many many more!!!) I should have NEVER started naming! lol Oh and one of our missionary wives, Sis. McFarland, introduced herself to me. She reads the blog. I actually met several people who said they knew me from the blog. Girls, I'm sorry I've slacked a little of late but hopefully will get back on track.

I am thankful to be apart of such a GREAT organization. It is a part of my heritage that I will forever cherish, preserve, and hand down to my grandchildren. Now that conference is over it's back to work, planning, and harvest in Conroe.

A Biblical Requirement of Leadership: Hospitality

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 important to God as well as traits that I feel are important to equip others I have stumbled upon the word hospitable numerous times.

In a very literal and true sense when we think of hospitable we think in terms of showing hospitality in our own homes. While this is a very true meaning of the word I believe hospitality reaches beyond the confines of a particular home. In fact I believe hospitality must be an important part of our church.

While I can entertain in my home I may not necessarily have a spirit or attitude of hospitality. I Peter 4:9 states we should offer hospitality without grumbling. In my casual way of thinking hospitality should be given with a happy heart. As an evangelist wife many years ago I was in many homes where I was shown hospitality with a happy heart. Unfortunately my husband also preached a revival or two where I felt everything but a happy heart from the pastor's wife as she entertained us. How uncomfortable I felt!

Titus 1:8 does not only admonish us to be given to hospitality but rather be a lover of hospitality. How much better would our guest feel if we LOVED entertaning? We are able to minister to others through hospitality according to Romans 12:12-13 and I Peter 4:9. Hebrews 13:2 instructs us to be hospitable to strangers. I believe when visitors come to our churches we are given the opportunity to express hospitality to strangers.

The scripture gives us many examples of hospitality. The Shunammite woman in II Kings 4:8-37 fed and even later added a guest room onto her home for Elisah, the man of God. According to Genesis chapter 18 Abraham entertained angels. Mary and Martha used their home to entertain according to Luke 10.

Hospitality is simply the friendly reception or generous treatment to guests or strangers. It is making welcome others with warmth. I believe hospitality can be likened to 'pampering'. Pampering goes above and beyond what is expected or required. It pays attention to little or minor details. Regularly I go to a particular nail salon for a manicure and pedicure. At this location I receive an adequate service for the dollars and tip I give. However, on rare occasion I go to a very nice day spa. This facility is very warm and inviting from the time I walk in the front door. Immediately I am greeted with a warm smile and soft spoken kind word. After a few seconds of causal conversation the receptionist moves into 'business'. Once the professional providing my particular service for the day retrieves me from the lobby I am offered a cool drink of water. Literally no detail escapes this location. Candles are burning, music is playing softly, lights are dim, & snacks and juices are available at no charge. I'm given a soft warm robe to wear and soft socks for my feet. The dressing area is very lavish, too. Each employee I come in contact with speaks peacefully and friendly to me. No one ever walks near me without a warm smile and friendly word. I leave feeling like a princess.

I pray in 2010 I can impart a true meaning of hospitality into every minister's wife and female leader of CUPC. This message bolted through my thoughts today at our altar. One of the men brought an obvious homeless lady to me. I was standing in front of all the other ladies in our altar area. We had several other visitors praying. I wrapped my arms around this not so clean lady and began to pray with her. I admit at first I walked thru the routine of being a good pastor's wife. A few minutes into prayer compassion gripped me and I began to weep as I prayed. After I prayed this simple lady said, "Thank you for touching me while you prayed." I smiled and was not quite sure how to respond. Then she looked at me square in the eye and said, "I feel so emotional. Why?" I shared with her about the love and mercy of God. She asked if God really loved her and begin to share some ugly details of her life. Much to my dismay none of the other ladies responded to this ladies walk to the altar. I KNOW some where praying with others and many ladies were singing, playing instruments, or teaching classes. Yet, I wonder how many were praying for their own needs or not praying at all? This has convicted me. I want every person who walks thru the doors of CUPC to feel loved and welcome regardless of their social status. Every little detail must be attended. This lady was a stranger. If we can't entertain her at an altar how will we ever entertain others in our homes?

Yes, this was a GREAT exception....our church has baptized more than 200 persons this year. We do MANY things for the poor. I am not addressing me being the only one praying with this lady rather maybe we need to have a hospitality radar set and make sure we don't miss a single person.

I am committed to hospitality. I will teach it, I will embrace it, I will live it. I realize many use these scriptures to refer to a Bishop or a pastor. I, however, realize this is a requirement that will involve every person in leadership. I look forward to 2010...it will be a teaching year for me!

Absolutes and Accountability

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 the garden, except from the Tree-of-Knowledge-of-Good-and-Evil. Don't eat from it. The moment you eat from that tree, you're dead."

Jeremiah chapter 7 reveals God’s accountability plan. Living in a culture that accepts relativism over absolute truth causes us to disagree with the fact that when God speaks there is no room for discussion. God says what He means and means what He says. However, the modern way of thinking is getting far from this concept of absolutes.

Jeremiah was called to speak the Word of the Lord to the people. Jeremiah 7:8-11(The Message): 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!" thinking that the place itself gives you a license to go on with all this outrageous sacrilege? A cave full of criminals! Do you think you can turn this Temple, set apart for my worship, into something like that? Well, think again. I've got eyes in my head. I can see what's going on. God's Decree!

Years before Jeremiah’s time God reveled to Moses His will for the conduct of His chosen people. This was not optional—it was law. This included the Ten Commandments. God’s message through Jeremiah was quite clear—you have been disobedient and you must be accountable.

It seems many people are confused with the fact that because good things are happening in a church, organization or family the relationship with God is correct. Some justify acts of kindness and church growth as tolerance from God of sin within a church or person. However, God warned that doing some things right did not cover other wrongs. Our destiny is not based solely on love, tolerance, giving to the poor, or other good deeds or actions in life. The Scripture is very clear that one is not saved by works (Ephesians 2:8, 9). Jeremiah said God would not excuse their sinfulness, even if they went to the right place to worship. God was holding them accountable. God knows what we are doing. His sees every move (Jeremiah 7:11).

I pray that I will not embrace a relative attitude. I want to accept God’s Word as an absolute for my life. I must be accountable for every action, deed, and word. Just as Adam and Eve were commanded to not eat of the tree I believe there are scriptural commands for my life. I can’t blame the serpent, my spouse, or others for my actions or motives. God will hold me accountable for every action.

Recipe for a Happy Marriage

1 cup of consideration
2 cups of praise
1 reasonable budget
2 cups of flattery carefully concealed
2 cups milk of human kindness
1 gallon faith in God and each other
A generous dash of cooperation
3 teaspoons of pure extract of “I am sorry”
Children (more or less, to taste)
1 cup of confidence and encouragement
1 large or several small hobbies
1 cup of blindness to each others faults
1 cup of courtesy
2 bunches of of in-laws
1 cup of contentment

Flavor with frequent portions of recreation and a dash of happy memories. Stir well and remove any specks of jealousy, temper, or criticism. Sweeten well with generous portions of love and keep warm with a steady flame of devotion. Never serve with a cold shoulder or a hot tongue.

Ingredients Needed for Friendships

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 stronger because of them, their prayers, and their love.

Vanilla - Adds flavor. Friends add that flavor we need. They give us that extra sensation. Without friends we become kind of bland.

Flour - Adds substance. We need the substance that a true friend can add. Friends give us many things by way of mentoring us when we don't even know it. Their input greatly impacts our lives.

Baking Soda - Leavens. Leavening agents in baking helps to lighten the dough. Friends lightens our burdens through their encouragement.

Salt - Enhances flavor. We know that friendships add flavor and just when we need it, they help improve the tastefulness and quality of our lives. Friends are the type of people that know just what we are going through and are there when we need them.

Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips - The kind of chocolate chips we normally add to our cookies is semi sweet. Our friends tell us what they really feel. They can be honest and truthful to us.

Nuts - Just a little craziness in a friend is great! Sometimes a little zaniness in our friends can be just the ingredient we need.

How will Storms Benefit Me?

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 Facebook. She frequented my blogs but didn't leave a comment. Once she wanted to get a message to me so she had her husband email me for her. Since she in an online communicator, too!

Mr. Davidson is the Superintendent of Comanche Public Schools in Oklahoma. When school is in session he sends a weekday inspirational email to his staff. He added me to his email list and I am most thankful. Kent and I have told Mr. Davidson he should have been a preacher. He is very inspiring and motivational. After receiving a couple of Mr. Davidson's writings I emailed him and asked permission to use his writings in blogging, teaching, etc. Today's email spoke volumes to my heart.


Recently, a windstorm came through our town. After the storm, I noticed several dead limbs in the yard. There were also a couple of really weak trees that were damaged. I noticed, however, that the older trees with deep roots were not affected by the storm. In fact, they were stronger because most of the dead limbs were no longer there. Those dead limbs were a detriment to the health of the tree and could have harbored some diseases.

So, while some trees were severely damaged, others actually benefited from the storm. What was the difference? The trees that benefited have a really deep and strong root system. I believe life is like that. If we have a strong root system, if we really know what we believe, if we’ve made it a point to make sure we’re in a constant state of improvement and growth, the storms of life may be a little painful, but we won’t suffer irreparable damage. On the contrary, we’ll actually become stronger.

“I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship.” - Louisa May Alcott

While storms certainly rage we MUST know what we believe. If we are rooted and grounded in the Word of God which is truth according to John 17:17 the storms can serve only to help us. Often dead limbs that Mr. Davidson spoke of occur in our lives, churches, etc. Those limbs are a real detriment. God has away of removing them. If we will stay rooted in truth we may feel the winds blow but we will only be made stronger by the wind.

Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Davidson for being valuable friends. I am certain Comanche District faculty, staff, and students are better because of your dedication and passion to enriching their lives.

A Special Day

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 ourselves in the Lord. He gave us the desires of our heart. We wanted two or three children and at least one boy and one girl. God fearfully and wonderfully made each of them. Redonia came to us by means of adoption and Trent by birth. However, each birthed in love. It is impossible to separate one from the other even when discussing one.

Trent has always been a very strong child. We knew from very early the call of God was upon him. Trent began sitting on the front pew alone at age 3. He worshipped God and listened to the Word.. He received the Holy Ghost at the age of 5 at Texas District Crusader’s Camp. At age 7 he told us he felt the call to preach. We were sitting in the car at the intersection of Hwy 105 and Interstate 45. I WILL never forget this moment. As Trent talked about the call his little voice trembled. He said God called him to be a pastor. Writing about it today brings tears to my eyes.

For fear of misunderstanding let me quickly say he was not a perfect child. We had lots of opportunities for attitude adjustments. Trent was a strong leader and many times this created challenges. Kent and I worked daily to channel his leadership. Trent won the “Leadership Award” voted on by his teachers each year from 7th grade through 12th grade. Of course he won many other awards, too.

Today Trent is a leader in the church we pastor. He is involved in most every aspect of the church. He passionately leads the music department to be more than skilled talent but insists on powerful anointing. He is a dynamic worship leader. He is an awesome drummer and on rare occassion slips into the drum cage during a service. He is our Youth Pastor. Last Wednesday he preached to 35 students during their weekly service. Of course he oversees all Friday night youth activities, too. He teaches Sunday school to an energetic group of 6th - 8th grade predominately outreach students. He teaches a few secondary grade level classes at Conroe Christian School. He loves to dream and plan for the future of CUPC.

Let me simply say Trent is a wonderful person. He enjoys music and sports. He is lots of fun and enjoys spending time with his friends and family. The love of his life is Calah. They have been happily married for 15 months.

Trent if you happen by the blog today, I love you more than you will ever know. Keep your passion for God. He will give you the desires of your heart. I hope today is one of your happiest birthdays. You will always remain my beautiful baby boy!!!

Happy Birthday, MOM!!!

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 family most of all. Quickly she will tell you that she has worked all of her life to be able to travel. However, my siblings and I tease she makes poor Popsie work so she can travel back and forth to Alabama and on any trip that she, a cousin, or friend can plan.

Mother is faithful to God and church. Well, she isn't always faithful to church because she travels so much. We laugh because often she comes back from a trip and fusses because someone is missing. We have to remind her that person has been here the last month it's just she's been gone. Mom isn't a preacher but trust me she preaches to some of us often. Scott, Redonia and I catch it. I don't think the others get preached to....she's not brave enough to get them! lol

Mom has always been there for each of us children. My Dad passed away when Mom was only 35. Mom was left with 4 children. She did a fantastic job of finishing what she and dad begun together.

Tonight we are honoring Mom with coffee and cake at my home. Of course she protested the party in the beginning. We all know she will love it...Mom is a sweetaholic (that's where I got it from) .

Mom, I LOVE you very much!!!!! Happy Birthday....

Happy Labor Day

Rejoice With Those Who Rejoice

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 out to understand why these tests yielded such alarming results.

Confused already? Well, I wish I were confused, however, after research I found I did not gather results any differently than researchers have already gathered. I certainly plan to use these findings to help my family, church family, and myself. Am I offended by the results? Absolutely not. Rather these findings have caused much introspective evaluation. Possibly I may have shifted to the far right in trying to improve upon myself.

I have questioned why did this shine so brightly as a lighthouse in the night to me. After studying, praying, and thinking I believe God led me to the answer. In January Kent and I were privileged to attend a conference. During this conference we felt God spoke to us about our selves and the ministry of CUPC. We felt He was leading us to a new dimension of personal growth as well as harvest in our city. One word kept ringing loudly in our ears, "CARE". For several weeks now I have felt God speaking to me through my evaluations. This morning early however I felt God led me to my answer.

Kent has led CUPC in being a great giving church. CARE has caused Kent to encourage our church to not only give of their finances but give of themselves. We have prayed that God would lead and guide us. Only today did I realize that my observations were most probably led by God. In devotional time I read that feeling happy for others is a sign of being a great giver. While CARE has often been associated with helping with newcomers and those in need a new level of CARE has been revealed to me. CARE is also through the avenue of rejoicing in others accomplishments.

Again, my husband is INCREDIBLE in this area. For several years now he regularly announces to our church accomplishments both large and small of church members. He announces job promotions, educational accomplishments, new homes, etc. In retrospect this morning I realize without his association to these announcements to CARE God was helping our church learn to CARE in the area that is the MOST challenging.

Today, if someone posts a wonderful accomplishment or exciting news on Facebook or a blog the comments are less than those posted of a slightly more negative or needy nature. Additionally, some give compliments to those who may be struggling or not enjoying success at the moment. However, the same statement can be made by someone not struggling and positive comments are fewer. However, I pray to always remember the success of others is not at my expense. It does not take away anything from my life rather my rejoicing will add to my life. Rejoicing in other's victory is truly an act of giving.

According to scripture we are admonished to not only share in the mourning of others but REJOICE in the victory of others. Romans 12: 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

I am more determined than ever to CARE to the fullest. We have encouraged CARE to be outreaching and inreaching meaning outside the walls of our church as well as to our church family. Hopefully, the Lord's pulling at my spirit of rejoicing as well as mourning or praying with those in need can help move others around me into a deeper dimension of love and CARE.

Small Beginnings

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 instant home like their parents who have worked a lifetime to create. Ministers aren't comfortable beginning with a simple start. They want to begin with a ready made band and worship team, a fully organized outreach team, and a functional Sunday School staff. Unfortunately we are not comfortable waiting for the normal maturing process to promote healthy growth. On the contrary it is easy to look for a quick fix to promote rapid growth. While CUPC is a very vibrant growing church in all reality it is a very young church. Hence, there are limitations on the church due to its young age. We do not have the cash flow nor resources that many older churches have. We are still acquiring buildings, land, and vehicles. Often these demands create undue pressure.

Young couples don't want to have dinner guests because they feel their home is inadequate. Pastors are embarrassed to share their real results of praying and knocking doors for months and not having a single convert. Rather they prefer giving a record attendance of a special day when they had a guest minister, friends, and family from other churches to support the cause.

Why is it that people feel compelled to despise small beginnings? Yesterday I visited every Sunday School class. Each class was filled with more students than our congregation on the first day we had service in Conroe. The sanctuary was filled and we had many visitors. Our band and praise team comprised more members than our original service. Last night our church was packed. While I marvel at the blessing of God on CUPC I must be honest it has not always been this way.

Thankfully we didn't despise small beginnings and quit in despair. We continued even in difficult times. Our Sunday School began with me teaching with a visitor infant on my hip and teaching Trent (age 3), Redonia (age 4) and even a 7th or 8th grader. A big Sunday was 6 students. Today we had 87 in our classes excluding the adults in the sanctuary.

Our first service we had 12 persons in attendance including our 4. Tonight we had more than 13 on our stage. Friday night Trent took 34 persons to Blitz in Lufkin. Years ago that would have been a Sunday night crowd to rejoice about. My first day to bring children to church I brought 2. Yesterday the bus I was on had over 20 children. In fact yesterday we began a second route with a new bus crew.

Allow me to be an encourager today. Often people read this blog and want to know what we are doing to bring about the revival we are experiencing. Let me simply say we have endeavored to obey the scripture and not despise small beginnings. Be thankful where you are today and do the best you can do! One day you will open your eyes and things will be different...

Funny Man

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 it in one of my comments. When have I had time???? He just fussed at me and told me I needed to do something about it. He said you need to write about all that you are doing this week. I wanted to scream because the many things I'm doing I haven't had time to slow down to write. However, the submissive wife that I am here I am typing away when I only have a few minutes before I need to leave.

So in honor of the funny guy here it goes.....

Sunday we had 200 visitors! Yeah all you people involved in ministry rejoice with me since that's what I would be doing with you. But before you rejoice too loud and strong you all KNOW with growth comes lots of toil and work. This week I've been busy restructuring Sunday School to be able to accommodate the growth we will have in our classes Sunday. We added two brand new classes. Easy as it may seem it is WORK! I have encouraged every teacher to be MOST flexible Sunday. We don't know how many children will show nor do we know their ages or grades.

Well Sunday the bus route took 1.5 hours and 9 vehicles to pick up all the passengers. This can't happen every week. This week I divided the route. Beginning Sunday we will have 2 routes. My faith isn't strong that all the kids will return. I try to be very honest. Hence, honestly I must say some came for the free school supplies only. However, honestly, I know we will at least double our size. Hence, our add on route will be 2 vans. Of course this means we can't have as many workers as we had Sunday because workers take up space. However, I must double my normal bus route workers. Tonight I will meet with new bus route crews after service.

Ok I hope this blog will suffice my sweet and funny husband. I love him so much. He has provided me the opportunity to work this week and blog!