January 24, 2010

We had an easy drive to the Arkadelphia exit on I-40 in Arkansas near Hot Springs. Easy until the last 30 minutes. In those last minutes we drove through heavy rains but they lightened up just as we got off at our exit. A carport at the Holiday Inn Express was helpful as we loaded our things onto the luggage cart.

The following morning we had a 45 minute drive to Pearcy Baptist Church. We met interim pastor, Brother Bob Myrick and worship leader/youth pastor, Brother Lee Davis in the sanctuary while Bobby was setting up and getting a sound check. Pastor Myrick was especially good with the children and learned everyone's name very quickly. They directed us to our Sunday School classes immediately after sound check and Bobby and I were just starting to get into the lesson when a gentleman motioned with his finger and asked Bobby to come out into the hall. We both knew right away why one of us was being summoned. Every now and then, not every time, but sometimes, something will not sit right with Grace and she will begin to cry inconsolably leaving the teacher at a loss for what to do with her. Many times if Grace considers crying, Hope will be right there to distract her to something other than thoughts of herself and the fact that she's in a strange place with new people. But there are times like this particular Sunday when mom and dad were called to the scene. A few minutes after Bobby was called out to the room he returned with Grace and brought her into our class with us. She did very well and was quiet as she sat next to her daddy through the remainder of the class.

The church service was a good one and although no one responded to the altar call, there was some great encouragement after the service. I noticed in their bulletin that Butch Goins was deacon of the week so after church he and his beautiful wife, Gaye introduced themselves and told us they'd be treating us to lunch. We drove just a few miles from the church further into the country and standing all alone on US Highway 70 was a small mom and pop cafe with a full menu, the best service and delicious food to boot. We had a big table with plenty of room and the staff was happy to accommodate us in every way. It might have helped a little that our lovely waitress was Butch and Gaye's daughter-in-love. I simply concentrated on chatting with Gaye and feeding Grace her lunch while Bobby visited with Butch at the other end of the table and I was able to take my salad with me to eat as we drove toward Little Rock.

We arrived right on time for load in at Benton Foursquare Church in Benton where we ministered one year earlier.

Before the service, as Bobby and I and the kids sat in the nursery getting ready for the service, Pastor David Brewer stepped into the room and spoke to Bobby for a few minutes about the evening. He specifically asked Bobby to share HIS testimony of how he got where he is and what the Lord has done in his life. When Pastor Brewer left the room I told Bobby that I wouldn't give my testimony as both of us speaking would make the evening too long. Bobby always wants me to share, even if it's just a very few minutes but I told him that I didn't need to this time and he certainly didn't need to think that my feelings would be hurt. The pastor asked HIM to share this time and I thought that was a good idea.

Bobby did share some things in word as well as in the usual song and just when I thought it was time to end the service, he called me up to testify. I looked out at the congregation of probably 100 people and thought, “I'd better make this short and sweet as these people are probably gonna start getting restless.” We followed my testimony up with the altar call and several people responded including a few young folks. Our daughter, Hope has a heart for ministry and every time I pray for someone at the altars, she is right there with me laying hands on them and praying. Landis is made up quite differently and has never accompanied me to the altar, that's usually because I lay hands on females. But on this night, standing in front of me was a young boy maybe a little older than Landis. I took hold of Landis' hand and pulled him a step forward with me as I placed his hand and my hands on this young boy and prayed. Needless to say, self-conscious Landis was uncomfortable but it was an experience that was good for him.

It wasn't until after the service and most people had left the building, that Pastor David told us that a big tough man of about 55 years of age was saved at the altar that night! We were so happy. And to think of how I was concerned about the service going too long and people getting weary of us. I'm glad God really does know what He's doing because so many times I only think I do.

January 17, 2010

We had 2 dates in southern Louisiana and because it's such a long drive Bobby suggested we pull out around 11:00 Friday night instead of leaving early Saturday morning and driving all day long. I'm so glad we did that. It just makes the majority of the drive so easy because the children are sleeping and we can make some good time in peace. Bobby drove until 7:00 and then I drove for only a couple of hours because the children were all awake by 9:00 and he can't get much sleep when they're awake.

We pulled over for breakfast at a Waffle House, got the wheelchair out of the trailer and put bedding away. I chuckled when Hope asked if we were still in Tennessee. I told her she missed the whole trip. We were almost to our destination.

Our destination was a re-visit. Pastor Weldon Moak of First Baptist Church of Broussard, Louisiana was a pleasure to work with last January and we got to spend a little more time with he and his 3 wonderful kids this time as we had lunch together.

Someone else that has become special to us at First Baptist of Broussard is Gary and Glenda Gray. Last year this dear couple paid for our hotel expense and then gave us a large offering. This year they took care of us again. There are certain people out there that God has blessed abundantly and those people, in turn, know how to give and take care of others. Gary and Glenda are such a blessing to us and our lives are richer because of them.

From Broussard we headed east to Denim Springs where we found our room and after some freshening up drove south of the Interstate to a community called Port Vincent. We found River of Life Worship Center easily and joined the large group that had already assembled for dinner. Of course we ate gumbo and enjoyed every bite. You can't visit Cajun country and not eat gumbo. The place was a bit crowded and when one dear sister saint named Margaret saw that I had a mini food processor to puree Grace's gumbo, she commanded me to give her the chopper as she would chop it up herself and ordered me to have a seat. I wasn't expecting that but I received it with a glad heart. Most folks are usually very helpful and thoughtful but it's people like Margaret that just know how to take care of you that really leave their mark on your heart.

As I was finishing up feeding Grace her dinner, Bobby introduced me to Pastor Bobby Ready. When Pastor Bobby met Grace he told her he thought she was pretty in the picture he saw but she was even more beautiful in person. Grace just batted her long lashes at him with only the slightest hint of a smile.

From dinner, the church moved directly into a short business meeting just before it was time for church to start. The room was full and the people were expectant. We enjoyed a great time worshiping in music with these folks and at the end of the service when Bobby normally asks the pastor to come up and lead the altar call, we were surprised when Pastor Bobby turned things around on us a bit. He asked Bobby and I to stand together at the front and pray for the people that wanted prayer. Many people came forward. I was amazed at how many people are ill with tumors. Others came forward for prayer for family problems, fear and grief. Bobby and I had never done anything like that before and I told Pastor Bobby so as we were getting ready to pull out later on. He was surprised. He reminded us that when someone ministers and the anointing is on them, there is a window of opportunity there for them to lay hands on the sick. He told us that his usual time to visit the sick in the hospital and pray for them is right after he's preached on Sundays because there's an anointing available right then to take advantage of.

Pastor Bobby was such a blessing to us as we visited at length in the church parking lot after the service. He and his beautiful wife, Lollie and their 3 children used to travel in ministry as well. Sister Lollie spoke into my life after the service and advised me to keep the children involved in serving the Lord along side us as much as we possibly can. Pastor Bobby was an evangelist and seemed to know exactly the joys and sorrows of the ministry that we do. He ministered to Bobby in a mighty way concerning pastors along the way that mistreat evangelists by cheating them of money or by not keeping their word. Of course there aren't very many out there like that, but there are a few.

Another thing that Pastor Bobby did to bless us in a very big way was he recorded nearly the entire concert. A few weeks later, Bobby received an edited and condensed video that he has uploaded to his website and it has helped tremendously in showing pastors what we're about and obtaining bookings.

Bobby and I both felt so encouraged by this meeting with Bobby Ready, his wife and even their church family. God loves us and knows us intimately. He knows what we need to hear and who we need to hear it from.

We were home by bedtime Monday night.

January 10, 2010

We left early Saturday morning and drove to Lake City, Florida where we stayed the night...in two rooms. Bobby, Landis and Hope stayed in one room and Grace and Faith and I in another. You know we always appreciate that second room.

The following morning we nearly froze as we exited our rooms and walked to breakfast! Thankfully, the breakfast was a hot one and it hit the spot.

We found Fort White Church of God in Fort White about 20 miles away. The church building was so small that when you opened the front door of the sanctuary and stepped inside, you were IN the sanctuary. There was no lobby and restrooms were in another building.

Bobby and I joined the adults in the sanctuary for Sunday School and the children went to classes in another building and they had a great time.

Pastor Fred McCray introduced himself after Sunday School and I liked him immediately because he reminded me of Landis Martin, my pastor from my childhood.

We had a wonderful service and some great fellowship with some of the folks before moving southward to Bushnell where we checked into our hotel before driving further south to Webster where Lanny Troller pastors Linden Church of God. We had served here before in December of 2008 and Mr. Pat actually attended the service with us that morning because he and Mary made a trip to Florida with us as we all went to Disney a couple of days later. Mary didn't attend the service that morning because of the death of a close friend.

On this second visit to Linden Church of God, I became acquainted with Tammy Sullivan, a sweet young mother who is very much in love with Jesus and we realized we shared several things in common as we chatted back in the nursery. Then, just before the service began, I encouraged Hope to go ahead and sit with 2 children her age on the opposite side of the sanctuary. However, I nearly messed things up because the little girl and boy were not at all accustomed to a stranger getting so close so quickly and they left Hope sitting there alone a few minutes after church started. Hope didn't seem to get upset as I looked over at her and made some funny faces. But the wonderful thing that happened next made everything right again. Elizabeth is the beautiful young woman that leads worship and when she left the stage, she walked directly to Hope and sat down next to her. If it didn't make Hope feel good, it sure did make my day. How sweet.

We had a lengthy altar service and Grace let me know she wanted to be prayed for. I felt her hitting my backside but ignored her and then felt a little convicted. I turned to her and asked her if she wanted to go to the altar for prayer. She had a quick a positive response so I wheeled her over to be prayed for. I would not have taken her but decided that if she wanted to be prayed for, who was I to tell her no.

Pastor Lanny Troller and his wife, Donna Kaye, have 4 smart and talented boys and very full hands. The oldest, A.J., plays piano with the church band and could compete with the finest in Southern Gospel music. The astonishing thing to me was when after church, Pastor Lanny told me that 1 year ago, A.J. “decided” he wanted to play the piano. So he sat down and taught himself! I told him I thought there was a little more that factored in besides being a quick learner. A.J. definitely has an anointing to make music on the piano. Josh is the second oldest and is certainly destined to be an

entertainer in some capacity. Noah and Joseph are the younger two and are following closely behind their older brothers in talent, wit and charm.

Several families went to Wendy's after church and there I was informed that A.J. wanted to take Faith home with their family. Of course Faith, our little flirt, ate up the attention, being so responsive to everything they said and did to entertain her that it only encouraged them to keep going. Actually, I don't know who entertained who the most.

By the time we got in our van to go back to the hotel Faith was spoiled rotten. Yuck. I don't like rotten.

Fortunately a little discipline can bring a rotten little girl to repentance and she's not yucky any more. I enjoyed watching

Faith “with the boys” and suddenly I could see the future ever so close and I was concerned. We're going to have to keep a close eye on Faith and of course, pray a lot.

It was a frigid temperature again the following morning and our winter coats were still needed as we headed north toward home.

January 3, 2010

A long drive westward landed us in Duncan, Oklahoma on Saturday, January 2, where we rested well that night and rose early for services at Parkview Baptist Church. Pastor Steven Gillispie greeted us and made us feel welcome. After a good Sunday School class and service, we joined the rest of the church for a delicious barbeque meal in the fellowship hall. Pastor Steven, his wife, Tracie and their teenage twin boys, prepare a meal and serve their congregation the first Sunday of each year. It's a gift to the church that the Gillispie Family enjoys giving and of course the congregation enjoys receiving.

We drove to Purcell, Oklahoma and found Ruby's Motor Inn. It was a rough and tough place but the corner room they reserved for us had 3 beds. That sure was nice.

Last May when we were supposed to sing at the Kolache Festival in Prague, Oklahoma, but instead got rained out, we were impressed with Jason Hughey's calm and dependable disposition. He didn't stress about the rain but seemed to always be at peace and in control. Jason was the music minister at First Baptist Church of Prague at that time but the Kolache weekend was his last as he was moving to Purcell to serve in music at First Baptist Church there.

We didn't get to see Jason on January 3 because he was on vacation. However, we did get to meet his pastor, Mike Butler, a great guy with a love for people and missions. Pastor Mike learned the names of the children very quickly just before the service started and even introduced them individually. As he did so, he invited Faith to stand with him but she moved very hesitantly. I think she was afraid she might be in trouble.

We enjoyed a great service with the folks of First Baptist Church in Purcell and I, personally, had some good conversation with a mother, and her two daughters who now have their own children and are home schooling. They made it a point to talk with me after the service because they heard Bobby say we also home schooled and when I was on stage speaking, they saw that Faith had pulled a big wooden spoon out of my purse. They recognized that as being “the spankin' spoon” and figured we probably had a lot in common. Indeed we did, including a love for Ricky Skaggs...now that can really cause people to bond together.

After purchasing some soup from Ruby's cafe, we ate it in our huge motel room and then got a good night's rest.

Following a very large breakfast at Ruby's the next morning, where Faith got a Mickey Mouse pancake, we drove home to be there most of the week. We'd leave again on Saturday morning for Florida.

December 13, 16, 20, 23, and 26, 2009

The final events of 2009 are summed up pretty quickly and include a talent show for the kids at our own Cornerstone Church and a robbery ...in our own driveway.

I counted it a blessing to be home the weekend of December 11-13, which allowed me to participate in the Cornerstone Choir Concert. This is always one of the highlights of the year as Pastor Sarah Delane, who formerly traveled with the Gaither Homecoming Tours, knows how to produce a good show. “Show” you ask? Yes, a show. The entire Nashville community has become more and more aware of our Christmas concerts as well as our 4th of July Celebrations, and Pastor Davis has steered us in the direction of creating a production that compares with something you'd see at TPAC in downtown Nashville...not your typical church cantata. As a result, people that seldom darken the doors of a church from across the city come to see a “show”...at a church. Our pastor believes in taking advantage of every opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, so once they've come through the doors, laughed, cried and let their hair down, so to speak, the Gospel is presented and an invitation to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ is extended. I've seen hundreds respond to the altar calls over the past several years and every time I see the flow of people moving toward the front of the auditorium and the tears falling, it moves me as I witness the greatest miracle of all as souls step out of darkness and into light to become new creations in Jesus Christ. This is why I counted it a blessing to be a part of the Christmas concert...my last.

In October it suddenly occurred to me that it was rather silly of me to come to choir rehearsal on Wednesday nights but rarely sing with the choir in the weekend services. Once I had this thought, I began to self consciously think that perhaps others had this same thought long before I did and wondered WHY I was still in choir? After prayer and counsel with my husband, I decided to sing through the end of the year, participating in the Christmas concert and making my choir career a complete 1 and a half decades. I joined reluctantly in January of 1995, stating that I was “really not a choir person,” (no, I was too cool for choir) but after that first Sunday, I was hooked. To detach myself from 15 years of choir ministry was not a welcome idea. But the change has been a good thing as now on Wednesday nights I'm attending an interesting and informative class on Genesis with Bobby and following the class we hear the word preached.

After Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday morning performances, we still couldn't rest as we were scheduled to minister at Living To Go Church in Goodlettsvile, Tennessee, just down the road from home. Very long time and dear friend, Jeremy Medkiff is the worship leader at Living To Go Church and welcomed us to come. We had a good time in worship and ministry and of course hanging out with Jeremy.

The following Wednesday night, Landis and Hope participated in a talent show in the children's' ministry at Cornerstone and won first place! They sang a duet, harmonizing and accompanying themselves and yes, maybe they did have a bit of an advantage. But Bobby and I were in the room watching the whole thing and we couldn't have been more proud.

We rose early Sunday morning the 20^th to drive to Chattanooga and serve at Carpenter's Cowboy Church pastored by brother Gene Coleman. It was, and still is a special treat knowing this fun and joy-filled brother who loves life and loves his Lord. Bobby has heard from him weekly since then as Pastor Gene put Bobby's number on his list of phonetree recipients.

Wes and Marie Nolan and the kids drove up to Chattanooga from Jasper, Georgia and this time we were able to spend the day together as we sang at Carpenter's Cowboy Church for both morning and evening services. The Nolan's went to lunch with us and Pastor Gene and then we had some time after lunch to just relax and visit some more at the church before the evening service.

Bobby had some vocal trouble that evening as he battled some crud. Midway through a song, he turned the track off and said he couldn't go any further. His voice was cracking too much to suit his perfectionist ideals. He called the kids up to sing 3 or 4 songs instead of the usual 2 and then I shared my testimony. A first for me was soloing our standard closing song, “Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus.” As I segued into the song and Bobby began to play softly, I could tell he had lowered it into a perfect key for me to sing. Of course on the way home he bragged a bit about how well he knew my range.

We shared a long drawn out good-bye with the Nolans before making the two-hour drive back to Nashville.

The following Wednesday, the 23^rd we didn't have church so as to have family time as we anticipated Christmas. So instead, we loaded 16 dozen cookies, muffins and cards into our yard wagon, hitched it to the lawn mower, bundled up and grabbed some flashlights and jingle bells and hit the neighborhood. The only thing we didn't do was sing Christmas carols but we figured with the noise of the lawn mower we wouldn't have been heard anyway. We made it to all but one of the houses as it took a couple of hours to deliver the 15 out of 16 and the last one was a little too far down the road considering how late it had become.

One of our neighbors, after welcoming us and catching up a bit on news, informed us of some prowlers they had seen on their property in the middle of the day back in the latter half of November. We thanked them for the word of caution but forgot all about their warning as we prepared for and enjoyed Christmas at home. It was wonderful to stay home and relax for a few days.

The day after Christmas we took the children shopping as their Papaw and Mamaw had given them each a little money to spend. Bobby and I thought it would be more fun for them if we waited until the after-Christmas sales began so as to get a little more bang for their bucks. We returned home tickled that we had found some good deals, ate some dinner and all went to bed.

The following morning as we were nearly ready to leave for church, Landis went out to start the van and get it warmed up for us. He came back in quickly saying the doors of the van were open and it was a mess inside. Bobby knew right away that something was seriously wrong and sure enough, he went back outside with Landis and realized we had been robbed. It's an awful feeling, that first moment when you realize you've been violated, but I knew right away that this was an opportunity to show our children how to pray for someone that had wronged us and allow God to have the vengeance.

At bedtime for the next several nights we prayed for the thieves and thanked God that once again, what Satan meant for evil, God would turn for our good and His glory. We found out that our homeowners insurance would not cover the stolen items because they were things used to make a living. Didn't make sense to us, however, I'm sure the insurance company has good reason for their rules. But it wasn't long before Bobby had all of his items replaced with better things than the ones which were stolen thanks to facebook and the family of God.

This completes my blogging for 2009. I didn't keep up like I would have liked. I blame that on that long and busy Canada trip last summer. My typing couldn't keep up with all the bookings. I didn't finish when I wanted to but I did finish and I'm closing this year out with a heart of gratitude for first of all the opportunity to travel and minister as a family, for God's protection as we travel and for the ministry that was done. Obviously as I write this we've already begun a new year of ministry and I can tell you that it has started out very well...very well indeed.

December 3-6, 2009


We were so excited to go back to Social Circle, Georgia to see the Goddard Family and friends at Oasis of Faith Baptist Church. Nelson and Laura's daughter and son-in-law had a baby boy since we saw them last and it wasn't difficult to see the whole church has been enjoying the new youngin'. The turnout was good for a very cold Thursday night in early December and most of the folks that were there in May, came back, and we met some new saints including one young man who had just recently given his heart to the Lord! The room lights were turned off and only a few lights at the front, including the lights from a very large and exquisite Christmas tree spread a warm glow. The lights remained low for the altar call and we had a sweet time of prayer before we dismissed.

The Goddard's are some of the sweetest people we've ever met and they treated us once again to some delicious food, this time Mexican, before leaving us to our very nice room at the brand new Hampton.

On Friday night we met a dear brother, Gary Stewart, pastor of Canon Church of God near Canon, Georgia. We had a great crowd...food always helps. We knew they were planning on refreshments after the service but we didn't know all of the reasons WHY we were having refreshments. Not long after we arrived we found out it was Pastor Gary's birthday. Hope surprised him by singing happy birthday to him during the service while Landis accompanied her on the guitar. Because of that, he decided to share his cake and his party with Hope since her birthday was 3 days later.

After the service Pastor Gary shared some things that were heavy on his heart with Bobby. We've had our eyes opened a little more in the last couple of years of how burdened pastors can be. Pastor Gary said the church is making plans to build and grow but one old saint is kicking all the way threatening to withhold his tithe if they proceed. Now don't you know he's robbing God if he doesn't tithe? (Malachi 3:8) He's not going to hurt anyone but himself. Pastor Gary knows this too, and it breaks his heart for his brother.

The following morning we drove back to Atlanta and met our friends of exactly 1 year, the Nolans. Our visit with Wes, Marie, Katie, Kasey and Kristopher at the Cracker Barrell in Marietta was good but way too short. However, we had the 20th to look forward to as we would meet them again, next time in Chattanooga.

We made a quick stop on the south side of Atlanta at a WalMart to get a new tire for the trailer and while we were picking up a couple of things like bread and milk for the kids, Bobby asked me, “Look around us, what is the first thing you notice.” I quickly answered, “Um, we're the only white folks in here.” Only joking he said, “Yeah, I think we'd better get outta here.” As we looked around us we could not find one other white person. It's a funny feeling to know you're in your own country but to see absolutely no one that looks anything like you. That's ok... I'm just not used to it.

It was so late when we arrived in Cairo that I decided to forgo the baths that the children needed. Grace, who usually sits with her feet tied down all day in the wheel chair, will kick, sometimes violently, once we lay her down on the bed in the hotel room. I thought I had a bright idea when I sat down beside her on the bed and began to massage her legs thinking that perhaps it would get that blood flowing good and calm her spastic legs. She always sleeps next to Hope and although Hope sometimes gets kicked, she's usually very good natured and will usually cuddle Grace, telling her stories and making her laugh. Sometimes, though, Grace will wake Hope in the night with her kicking causing Hope to lose sleep. So in light of this I massaged and stretched Grace's legs. However, when I was finished, I attempted to bend over the bed, lift up slightly and push Grace up in the bed away from the edge as I've done many times but this time something went wrong. A sharp pain grabbed in my lower back, scaring me and causing me to scream. I slammed my back against the wall and slowly slid down the wall to rest on my heels and waited to see what might happen next. I tried to stand a couple of times but nearly passed out so I slid down to my heels again. It upset the kids and they called Bobby from the adjacent room. He helped me to the other room and I nearly passed out before I reached the nearest corner of the bed. I felt several things all at once; pain, anger, fear and nausea. I demanded Bobby give me the trash can quickly but as soon as I hung my head in it the nausea passed and I lost it. I dropped to the floor on my knees and with my face buried in the bed I bawled like a baby. It was one of those moments when you can't control the tears but you feel absolutely ridiculous shedding them because you have an audience. I managed to find some pain reliever, undress and ease myself into bed and go to sleep. The fear had disappeared before sleep and I had determined in my spirit that nothing would keep me from going to church the next morning. Certainly no physical pain or sickness would keep me from going to minister. I can count on 1 hand the number of times I've stayed home from church with any of my 4 children because of sickness. It's just a personal conviction I have to not lay down to sickness.

Surprisingly I slept very well and the following morning, I moved very slowly and cautiously as I got ready to go. I moved a little slower than usual but no one at the church ever knew about my back. For one brief moment before I went up on the stage, I was concerned about whether or not I could raise my legs to walk up the steps of the platform but when the moment came I stepped up with very little effort. It's amazing what God gives you the grace to do when you've determined in your heart is God's will for you to do.

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Cairo, Georgia is probably Bobby's favorite place to sing. Brother Greg Welch is a great musician, worship leader and friend. He traveled in ministry and knows how to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Pastor Mike is the exact opposite of our pastor at home; laid back, blue jeans and Hawaiian shirt. However, like Pastor Davis, he still has his man card. But the most impressive thing we saw at “The Grove” was, this pastor and his congregation understand what giving is all about. Brother Greg spoke it and we saw it carried out. They understand that their church is not a bank. They have clear vision in seeing that they are not to hold onto money to see how much they can hoard up, but instead, they understand they're responsibility is to give. As a direct result, this church receives. They receive more than they give, later than they give. Nothing can change God's principles.

After the service, someone handed me a bag full of cards. There were probably 50 cards in the bag all with kind words saying that we were loved and prayed for and notes saying thanks for coming. What a thoughtful gesture of kindness to show a visitor they are appreciated.

After lunch with Greg and his family, we rested for about 30 minutes in our hotel room before driving over to Thomasville to Westside Baptist Church with Pastor Randy Blow. Music Director, Jeff Davis is a long time friend of Greg's and Greg contacted him for us asking him to consider having us come to their church to sing.

We didn't have a big crowd or an inspirational service, but God is always faithful. He was there and I hope we pleased Him. I also hope that from this meeting with Brother Jeff, we can build a friendship and meet again.

It was a long ride home on Monday (and yes, the children did get their baths) but we had several wonderful interruptions as Hope received 5 phone calls (Landis was so jealous) throughout the day and evening wishing her a very happy birthday. One of the calls came from Pastor Gary Stewart in Canon. What could have been a boring birthday because of riding in the van all day, made my 7 year old pretty happy with all those phone calls.