"One of the Best"

I need to write about the Retreat before I forget some of it....

Usually, I spend months planning and arrainging a retreat - building momentum, and meeting probably way too often. I love planning things, and this is usually right up my alley. I've learned that I am good at setting things up, and then finding wonderful women to help pull it all together. I guess that makes me global!

In January, I got questions about a retreat... that's too long to go into here, but I called the place we usually go. The ONLY date they had available was in a month... REALLY?!? So, I pulled my group together and gave them two options; go to our favorite place in a month, or wait and go somewhere later. That would allow me the time I was used to, and the weather would allow for more outside time. ALL 6 of them wanted our "go to place", so off we went!

It turned out to be one of our best. I heard that over and over, which makes me feel so good. Although I don't do a lot of the little detail stuff, being the person "behind" the retreat puts pressure on you. To know it was a success makes you want to do it again, you know?!

We had a good mixture of ladies; several of the usual, several of our new converts, and several visitors. The challenge was to mix things up, so that each group didn't stay within itself, and I think we pulled it off. We focused on friendships - within the church, outside the church, and with our friend, Jesus. The inspiration, as usual, came from a hymn: "What a Friend we have in Jesus". An oldie but a goodie. More on that later....

It's funny how you can plan things to the minute, and yet the unexpected is what sets the weekend apart. During our orientation on Sat. morning, the speaker mentioned that the foundation was building a new campsite solely for families. After he told us about it, one of the ladies asked if we could see it. "Sure" he said, and that afternoon, he brought around a flatbed trailer and took us on it to see the new site. SO FUN! We laughed, we sang, we yelled at other campers, and we took silly pictures. Lots of pictures were taken that weekend, but my favorite was the one of our feet, mingled together on that trailer. It was so symbolic of the blending we were doing!

The other "surprise" was the weather! We awoke Sunday morning to sleet and rain... not a good combination when you have to climb several rock steps up to your car and drive up a hill to get out of the camp! We decided to go ahead and leave early for safety's sake, so we were not around to hear our speaker discuss our friend, Jesus. (We plan to follow up with that, soon!) After getting things packed up and the site cleaned, we were on our way home. While the Hill country is beautiful covered in snow, driving on the hills and curves was not fun! Thankfully, soon we were out of the frozen stuff and safely home again.

Now that it's behind us, I have only good memories of that weekend. Andy asked me what I was most looking forward to, and I told him that it was just watching the women at work, bonding and serving as Christ asked us to do. I saw lots of ladies loving one another in such special ways, and I received a lot of that myself!

Not bad for having been "thrown together"!!

Reflections on the Campaign

It's the Monday after Victory Sunday... the campaign in its formal sense is behind us, and we are all both exhausted and invigorated! Here is a feeble attempt at putting my thoughts and feelings into print:

~ There is not much more thrilling than watching a soul born again; their excitement is contagious, their sorrow at the old life humbling, and their precious wonder at it all is overwhelming to observe. Even at # 35, it was fresh and new!

~ Meeting Christians from all over the nation gives me encouragement that the church is alive and well. Some were quiet and reflective, others exhuberant and contaigous in their zeal! Most were in their retirement years, experiences in campaign life and presentation, and some on their first adventure. All loved God and people with a passion.

~ Our people here are amazing to watch at their job. Janitors, cooks, trash taker-outers, studiers, prayers, secretaries... elders, ministers, paid staff and volunteers; this bonded us in a way I truly prayed would happen. Yesterday at the fellowship meal, I saw the campaign director huddled in prayer with one of our elders, and it was if they were alone without knowledge that there were 200 or more swirling around them. I cried.

~ Sometimes you are ashamed of how you go into something, knowing that God is going to do something powerful and you want to be there for every minute, but you really dread it. What I mean is, I was apprehensive of this to begin with - too many things to go into detail here - but I didn't want the day to come when I would look back and say that I'd missed it. And I am so glad I knew to do that. If we let it, this will be something that we look back at as pivotal to our church family.

~ Yes, there are people who will mess it up if you let them. People who get their attitudes up and act like, well, humans. People who make judgements without knowing situations or giving folks a chance. People, just like me sometimes, who just don't care. But you get over them and go on... to their confusion and sadness.

~ Constantly you are reminded of the simplicity and power of the Gospel. I am so thankful that the campaign reminded me of how God made it so beautifully easy for us to be with Him if we will have open hearts and minds. Thank you Larry West for your sermon yesterday for the new babes in Christ; this 40+ year old Christian needed that, too!

~ and finally, you fall in love anew with people you have worshipped alongside for years. When you are side-by-side with them for 10 days, you see such strength and determination.

~ "To Him who is able to do exceedingly more than we can ask or IMAGINE, be honor, glory and Praise for ever and ever more!"

Funny how that worked out!

Yesterday, my duties at lunch were circumvented by my friends Susie and Ed. Folks had been stopping me and telling me how tired I looked, and I had told Susie that I was pulling out of our Wed. study because I was about to collapse. Well, when I arrived to do my shift, she met me at the door and told me to go home; she was taking my place. After a little arguing, I obeyed...

That "happened" to be the morning the workers showed up to start some work on the house that we'd contracted. I wouldn't have been here if I'd stayed - thanks, Susie!

Then, I got a call that one of my life-long friends was in ICU in San Antonio. Again, if I'd been on my feet all day long, there was no way I'd have had the energy to go and sit with her sweet family. Thanks, Susie!

Thanks to the Father for arranging to take care of me yesterday through his servants, the Pursches! Now, I'm ready to take on today!!

Meet my two new friends

When I first heard that we were doing a "door-knocking" campaign, my heart sank. I AM not a door-knocker, so I decided that my job was going to be to make those coming as comfortable and welcome as I could. Over the course of the two weeks, we have been meeting brothers and sisters from 15 states, including Texas! I'd like to introduce you to two of my favorites -

Thomas is from Long Island, New York. We met as he was speeding through the fellowship hall at lunch the first day, and he "blew me off" because he was focused on what he needed. For the rest of that day, he came to me apologizing for being rude. I was hooked. The next morning, he asked me to help him surprise his host and the man who is taking him back and forth to the airport with giftcards from HEB. So, we devised a plan to sneak off and accomplish our mission. At HEB, everyone he saw got an explanation of his accent and an invitation to our campaign. He was bold, and I watched as people took his literature welcoming them. He leaves to go home tomorrow, and I will miss him. We will soon be Facebook friends and have exchanged email addresses. I told him if he ever comes back to Texas, let me know!

Cherie is from Missouri or Kansas; I forget which. On her drive down, at a fast food place, her purse was stolen. When she got here, she got lost driving to her "home" and ended up in the next county. (4 days later, she called her sister, and the restaurant had JUST called to tell her that not only did they find her purse, everything was in it but some of her cash!!) She is not a quitter, this woman. She has flaming red hair. I loved her immediately - today, we had our picture taken together. She tells me that Andy and I give marriage a "good name", and that if she lived here, I'd be her mentor. Wow. We decided that if we'd been in high school together, we'd have been friends. I hate for her to go....

But, that's what Heaven is for.... Being in the church my whole life has taught me that it is a small place where you meet people you already know. People who may be the same or very different from you, but the bond and love of Christ connects you as nothing else will.

All the workers are as sweet as can be - and I hoped I've accomplished my goal. I hope when they arrive back at home, Pleasanton will have been a loving, welcoming place.

You did it too?!?!

During our ongoing campaign, souls are being taught the Gospel, which has already resulted in sereral baptisms into Christ. It's been an amazing few days, but this afteroon takes the cake!

This moring, a woman I'll call Ruth was baptized. She came over afterwards and joined us in the fellowship room for lunch. We were all getting to know her, when Ray comes in and announces, "There's another baptism!! Come this way!" Well, everyone leaves their plates and walks over to the auditorium, Ruth included. Ray takes the confession of faith, and off they go. In just a bit, they go into the water, and her sins are washed away! Exciting!

After she dries off and comes out, we form a circle, and sing a couple of songs. Now, a man named Reggie is talking to her about her new church family, and she is looking around at all our faces... suddenly, she begins to beam and point to a face in the crowd.

It's Ruth! They are friends, and before we know it, she exclaims - "You did it, too?!?" Ruth shyly nods her head, and the next instant, they are in each other's arms, hugging and smiling!!
Two friends are now sisters in Christ!! I couldn't sing the next song I was so moved! Their joy shook through me with such power - as it did everyone in the circle!!

It's Monday; how many more Ruth and Sandy's will there be?!?

New life all around

The past couple of weeks, I've been surrounded by new life. My sweet daughter is expecting her third child, who I am so eagerly anticipating! Next, two sweet women had beautiful, healthy baby girls on the same day as my granddaughter turned 3. Then on Wednesday, I was at a friend's house where she showed me her "collection" of Monarch cocoons just waiting to hatch with butterflies. And now, the campaign is going full force. We have already had 5 souls joined with Christ! The similarities of these beginnings was too much for me to ignore; that all around us are lives just beginning....

While I participate in the campaign over the next several days, hopefully more people will become my new brothers and sisters in Christ. My obligation to them is at one level intimidating, yet thrilling. And while they are joining our family, the cocoons will open up and free the beautifully winged butterflies into the earth.

Thank you God for beginnings!

What's next??

For months now, our congregation has been planning and working toward an evangelistic campaign. This week, it began in force with the arrival of workers from 14 different states! They are camped out at a new RV spot on our property and are staying in members' homes. We are looking forward to getting to know these people who take saving souls and encouraging members very seriously!!

I'm wondering what the next two weeks will hold in store: what will the Lord do through this effort?! He is - and always shall be - the One in charge. He will be the One who receives the Glory for each and every soul found or restored. And afterwards, when everyone has returned to their home - what will we do as a congregation with all these new brothers and sisters?? Are we prepared? Are we open to accepting them with all they bring to our fellowship? Will we be what they need on a daily basis to make the transition???

I'm really trying to open my heart to the evangelistic slant of this campaign. Door knocking and confrontation (hopefully GOOD confrontation!) are not my strong-suit. I like to see myself as an encourager, a supporter, an up-lifter. I want to "be there" for those people who are giving day and night to reach the lost; that's my heart. But is it really? !! Am I justifying my lack of confidence by saying this?? I am truly seeking the desire to get out there with the workers, and right now it just isn't there....

I will be there every day as much as I can. I want to see the additions come, one by one. I don't want to look back and say, "Man, I missed that!!" This could be a turning point for our church family, and I want to be God's servant in whatever way I can....

We are off to a great start; last night we circled up under the trees and prayed for over an hour. People we love, situations, requests for safety and good health. It was an exciting time to share amongst those of us there.

So, tonight is our first meeing. Who and what will the Lord God provide for us? Who will listen and obey? What will be the outcome?!?

We're here, Lord. Show us!!

Two Weeks Behind Me

Going in to surgery, I knew things in my life would likely not ever return to the way it had been. I was mentally prepared for the changes I would be facing, and so far, I have been proud of my focus. Time is a biggie in this; two weeks here, the next two weeks, and so on. Andy has been a real trooper, and I owe him big. Did I say big - what an understatement!!

My first words out of surgery were, "I change my mind!" Andy and Jackie had a laugh, but I think I half-way meant it. The next two weeks proved much harder and complicated than I imagined - because the surgery itself went just fine; it was all the drama afterwards.

My heart decided on Thursday to go into spasms. One minute, I'm watching the Spurs, the next - my room is filled with all sorts of folks because my heart is in fibrillation. Scary is not the word; it truly was undescribable. If not for those nurses beside me, I think I would have been totally out of control. (See previous post)

The rest of my time in the hospital was spent in dealing with getting my heart back into its normal rhythm, and now I am at home wearing a monitor for three weeks. The doctors in the know suspect that this was a result of stress from the surgery, and that all should be just fine. I am taking them at their word. As far as I know, I haven't skipped a beat since, pun intended!

So, less than two weeks out of surgery, I am off my diabetes and high blood pressure meds. That alone makes this whole thing bearable.

And last night, I rejoined the group at DQ! Yes, I sat there, surrounded by fries, gravy and cokes, sipping on my unsweetened tea. Instead of feasting on the food that put me where I am now, I feasted on conversation and love.

Why didn't I figure this out years ago?!?!

Thoughts in the night

This weekend, we learned of the passing of one of our church family. He'd been battling cancer for a while, but kept on going - good days and bad, he fought on. We'd seen him at church on Wednesday night, and he was laughing and talking to folks as usual. Some men saw him at the jail working with the ministry there on Friday night. No clue of what was coming...

On Saturday, he began feeling bad, and it worsened until his family decided to take him to San Antonio to the hospital. He died in the car on the way.

Alive - working, worshipping, loving the family, fighting the cancer.
Dead - so sudden, so "unexpected", so final.

Although we knew it would happen eventually, we were taken aback by it's arrival; people around me were shell-shocked and saddened. Someone actually said, "He wasn't supposed to die; he was going to beat it."

So, on Thursday, we will gather in the auditorium where we always saw him to honor his life and support his family.

Alive. Dead. Too soon....

Visiting at its best

I've been thinking about this post for several days....

Frances and I have two things in common; Christ our Savior, and a great love for my daughter, Erin. Frances taught Erin in Bible Class when we first moved to Pleasanton and has always loved her. Erin is easy to love, and Frances never hid her obvious feelings for her. When Erin was getting married, we went over to her house, and Frances gave Erin her choice of three gifts; Erin still displays it to this day in her home.

On to the visit. Sunday, I was sitting on the front pew at church following worship, and suddenly, Frances appears beside me. She asked if I would come over to her home - she had something to show me. (Frances is a wonderful artist, and a few weeks earlier, I had commented on some work of hers shown in our local paper.)

When I arrived, Frances and her sweet husband, Taylor met me at the door. They are in their very late 80's, and I have known them since I was a little girl. It is an odd feeling to call them by their first names, but they insist. She took me into the eating area of their kitchen, and so started a wonderful afternoon of talking and looking over her paintings. She took me from room to room, each one a museum of her paintings - some quite old, some almost still wet . When we got to their bedroom, there hung the painting I had seen in the paper. As we talked, she bent down and picked up a print of the painting she had done for me!!

As we neared the end of our "tour", Frances asked me quite sweetly if I could come again to visit some more. She said, "You are acquainted with people at church, but you only come to know them by spending time together."

For some reason, this made me very emotional. Here is this woman I have worshipped with all these years, who loves my family with all her heart, and yet I haven't spent time in her home other than very few occasions. I hugged her tightly, promised her that I would, and then excused myself. She walked me to the car, arm in arm - pointing out plants and items of interest in her yard.

My heart felt full. I hope I don't get "busy" and forget to go again.

What a weekend -

Just returned from a long weekend in Houston - saw many of Andy's family over the three days of our trip; most of the time we spent with Mom and Dad.

I am the first to marry into the LaMore family; over 34 years of getting to know them - how they function was so different from my own family that at times I didn't think I'd ever fit in... being a small-town girl brought with it some awkwardness at times, and it took a while before I was comfortable talking to my in-laws.

Since Mom's fall in February, things have pretty much opened up. Andy and his dad have been able to be very open about things, and I feel like Andy has been a good ear for his dad. We have learned more about his life with Margaret (Andy's birth mother), and I have become much more affectionate with them both. I have been about to tell his mom things I have felt - about how grateful I am that she came into Andy's life, and those kind of things. So, if anything good has come out of this situation, that would be it.

We did get to see Dana and the Johnsons for dinner on Friday evening, so that made this Mom/Nana very happy!! Andy had a great birthday, and we worshipped with the saints in Katy before heading home in lots and lots of rain!!

I am so blessed!!!

What do you remember about church from your youth? Andy and I were talking this morning about people who have gone before us, who impacted our faith, and I got to thinking about Myrtle Spence.

Sister Spence, as I knew her, was a truly committed Christian woman in the long ago years of the 50s and 60s. She never missed a service, her head covered in a fashionable hat and knitted shawl, sitting in her spot on the end of her pew, beside the window. We had those old, crank-open windows and no airconditioning in those days, and she was right there, beside hers. As I sat across the aisle, or down the row, or behind her, I could always hear her sweet, clear voice singing hymns, but otherwise, she was silent.

The thing I remember most, and this is why she is on my list of "heroes of faith", is her teaching my Bible Class. She always had flannelboard figures, or - my favorite - pipe-cleaner figures with which to act out Bible Stories. Daniel and the Lion's Den, Noah's Ark, Moses in the reed basket. She brought those stories to life with her animated story telling and pipe cleaners....no dvds for us!! We sang lots of songs and always, always passed the band-aid box for our offering to the missionaries. She made sure we participated in all parts of the class.

Sister Spence has been gone a long, long time; but now, thinking back, it's as if I saw her yesterday. I hold a special part in my heart, and I look forward to seeing her in the future, in our Father's house.

So - who are your Sister Spences?? Please share!!

A part of history

This weekend, our congregation celebrated 100 years of worshipping in Pleasanton. So much history was shared; both sweet and inspirational. Some pretty funny stories, as well - and a couple of good "videos" from years past. As each frame rolled by, and each story was shared, I thought of so many people who are no longer with us. We came in 1987, and promptly found our groove amid this wonderful group of saints. I'm not saying it's always been perfect, but it is home. Like Dorothy says in the "Wizard of Oz", there's no place like home.


People I thought of this weekend: Gus Schutzenberg, Bubba Lester, Bob Rackley, Dennis and Lola Fae Showers, Frank Perkins, Roy and Hazel Stevens, J.F. Andrews just to name a few. I also missed Roxie, the Rosenauers, Andy and Jackie, Mike and Carol Pawelek - why weren't they there??

I was blessed to have Dana and the Johnsons with us, and even though Liz and Bladen are too young to remember the events of the weekend, their Nana and Daddio sure were glad they could come with their sweet parents. It was very special, and someday I'll be able to explain to them how glad I was .

So, now begins the next 100 years.

What a weekend!

I'm exhausted!! :) Beginning Friday night, it was one cool thing after another - We had a delicious dinner in San Antonio with my cousins, followed by a good time of visiting at their home. Deeann had brought a cd of our family dating back to our great-grandparents, and that was bittersweet. So many dear ones now gone - I"m so glad I have Heaven to look forward to!!

Anyway, an awesome Ladies' Breakfast at Jackies' home started Saturday, and then a quick trip to SA again. The Hutton's came for dinner, and we settled in on the sofa to watch Sarah Palin speak. Nothing excited, just good time spent.

Sunday was slow- we were both a little under the weather, but we had time together to rest. Felt good.

Now, we start another week -

The finish line is in sight!!

Like everyone right now, I have a lot to do to finish up and be ready for Christmas. For some reason, though, I dawdle and meander on this computer, "wasting" time. The getting up and getting started is the hard part; once I'm going, I get it all done, but it just isn't happening right now.

Andy and Dana are off helping Santa with some last minute business. For some reason, I was not invited to go along. It's so great to have Dana here, and yet our house feels a little quiet and empty without the Johnsons. It's their turn to be with his folks on "the day" - and I don't begrudge them in the least for having it - but I do feel my nest has a big hole in it. We've been invited to share Christmas Day dinner with some friends, and I told her it will help to be with some more folks. Several of us are at that stage in our lives where our children are away for various reasons, and so we find each other to share... it's another reason I love the Church.

So, I guess I should get busy. HEB has to be dealt with, one way or another, and so does the bank. Afterwards, I'll put in another movie and finish wrapping gifts. Perhaps some hot chocolate with find it's way to the table!

Hope your holidays are going well -

Eleanor Rigby

Andy and Robert do visitation most Monday nights. They drop in - a "cold visit", they call it - and spend a few minutes listening to the cares and concerns of those who let them in. The visit can be spurred by a problem the person is having, or the fact that they haven't been to worship in a while, or just because they are on the fringe of the congregation. While they are out, I stay at home and go about my evening after a hard day at school.

"All the lonely people, where to they all come from...
All the loney people, where DO they all belong?"

Today, I went with Andy to a garage sale at the home of one of out members. She was selling pews from the original church building here in Pleasanton, and we've been wanting one for a while. The member is chronically ill, and does not get out. Today, she told me that she cannot even go to see her mother because of the flu everywhere.

After we chose our pew, I decided to stay a while and visit some more. The guilt of my neglect was weighing hard on my shoulders, and I just had to spend some time with this woman. The joy with which she greeted me shamed me, and as I left, her call of "I love you!" almost broke me.

"All the lonely people...."

Forgive my lack of compassion. Forgive my laziness.

An amazing thought

One thing that has always amazed me is that different teachers are drawn to different kids. A co-worker and I share a room, and we also share some kids through-out the day. I see her with a young man that I would have killed the second week - day - of the year, and she deals with him SO beautifully! He pushes my buttons just watching him with her, and yet she stays so calm and collected. I have a couple of little ones that affect her the same way. I guess it's a good thing that every kid has some teacher along the way that loves them and deals with their little quirks...

Which makes me transition to the church. How many times you see people drawn to certain personalities and avoid others. And yet, we are called to love each other equally. Sometimes, a hard task to take on. I have a couple of people that I just have a hard, hard time with - and I feel terribly about it. I just try to remember that there are those out among me who feel that way about me!! Shame on me -

Where's my fire?

Jackie knows just what to say to me, even when she isn't talking TO me... last night, at the evangelism seminar, she talked about her sense of apathy among our congregation. She gave me a lot to think about in my own life, do I look for open doors and searching people who are hungry for what I have in Christ? Am I complacent in assuming that those around me are "happy" in their spiritual lives?

I have a lot to think about and do. How many opportunities have I missed, and can I change my old habits? I'm going to give it my best effort-

Jim Lassiter

Andy and I met Jim and Faye Lassiter in Huntsville during our dating/newlywed days. Their daughter, Theresa, ran in our Bible Chair group, and they were always around, or we were at their house. He was a grumpy, complaining sort of guy; Faye the charmer of the group. At first, he scared me.

Heart trouble ran in Jim's family, and we soon learned that Jim had retired because his cardiologist basically told him to "go home, sit down, and wait to die." Right. That was 1975ish. Now, he didn't run marathons, or eat crazy stuff with lots of fat, but he certainly didn't sit down. They served in everyway he could, loved his two daughters and grandson with all his - pardon the pun, - heart, and even outlived dear Faye.

After we left Huntsville, they began Soujourning with their camper. Faye began having strokes; small at first, becoming more incapacitating each time. We kept in touch with Christmas cards and on visits to Huntsville. And then, we heard that Faye died. Now the man she took care of all those years was alone. He kept going on Soujourn trips, and met and married Delores in 4 days.

We ran into them in Tulsa right after they married; they showed us pictures of the wedding; his two girls and her four boys. One happy family, and Jim was not alone anymore. They later moved to Kerrville, and we saw them a couple of times afterwards; they came to Gregg and Erin's wedding. People from Pleasanton that visited in Kerrville would meet them, and they'd always ask about us.

When their Christmas card came back this year, I got worried, but not enough to investigate, and I learned this weekend in Huntsville that Jim has died. They moved to Phoenix to stay with Delores' son, and he died there. We never heard.

While I wasn't truly surprised, it made me so very sad to learn we've lost Jim here on this earth. He always loved strongly, and told things boldly. I felt like his daughter when I was with him. I know he is at peace, but I will miss not seeing him again.

Andy has 5 men he considers mentors in his Christian walk; Jim was one of the first.

A weekend of remembering

I know, that title is a lot like the last one; but it fits the past few days for Andy and me. The 45th reunion of the Bible Chair was very nice - we felt very welcomed and very loved, if not very far removed from our years there. The group was small, if the couples that live in Huntsville had not been there, it would have been very, very small!

Our arrival in Huntsville brought back lots of good memories; once we checked into our hotel, we drove around the city and took in lots of old haunts. Our little duplex where we first lived is still standing, but the barbeque place next door is shut down. We had dinner where we had our rehersal dinner 33 years ago; I think the same curtains were still hanging, and the waitresses had definitely not been born yet!! The food was okay....

Saturday brought lots of familiar faces and stories. I told the one about meeting Andy in the funeral home, he told the one about me "stealing" the donuts on a weekend trip to Dallas. We talked about those not there, and gave the new director some interesting facts about the groups that came before him. That night, we had a nice banquet at the church building, and two of the three elders who began the BC were there! Our sweet Brother Ray King has recently passed away, but we recalled his influence on getting things running. It is amazing the lives these men impacted with their decision - elders, deacons, ministers, Godly husbands and wives, and so on are the result of their desire to touch young Christians on a college campus.

Sunday, the alumni conducted services, so Andy served on the Lord's table, along with the others. We sang great songs, visited with those we had not seen yet, and then had lunch with the Taylors. It felt really good to be back. Of course, everyone asked about Dana and Erin, and I'd come prepared with lots of pictures, so that was an added bonus!!

Leaving Huntsville is always sad for me; I have such good memories of living there. I just hope that those who were not able to be there can make it next time -