Julie

I have been thinking much about the word friends. We never live to ourselves or die to ourselves. We are always having an effect on others. Today I want to talk about a very special friend.
JULIE
In 1967 I began work at Lindsay District Hospital, a nice small town hospital. There I had some nice managers and several very poor managers and supervisors with little leadership skills. These kind of people make working together very hard. I had some there that tried to challenge my beliefs, but I just smiled and continued to stand for my convictions. When Lindsay hospital closed I transferred (1995) to Sierra View District Hospital.
This is when I met Julie.
Julie was my Supervisor/Manager. Julie carries a enormous load. She manages several departments, is on many administrative committee's, yet she always has a smile and a time to talk to you. I always felt I had her undivided attention whenever I talked to her. She wanted to know about my family, my husband, grandchildren. She always greeted my husband or family if they were around. She made a point of knowing my intrests and inquiring about them often. She often sent a card in the mail expressing her appreciation for my work well done. She believes in hard work, but also believes it's important to take out time for some fun in the office. She knows how to put on some great parties for the office crews. Parties clean and fun.
Julie never challenged my beliefs, but she did respect them.
If I ask Julie about something, I could be assured that she would follow through. She knew how to challenge you to want to accomplish things and it was always in a very upbeat way.

Julie, you were and are the best.
Whenever I think of a FRIEND I always think of YOU.

BLESSINGS 2009

I realize Christmas is a few days away, but I sat down for a while today and began to reminisce about this past year. God has been so good, I can't complain.
January 2009, Mervin had another kidney surgery in San Francisco, and all went well, God has been good.
February 2.009, kind of a quiet month. Spent most of the month home with Mervin while he recouped from his kidney surgery. God is still good all the time
March 2009, Mervin spent 3 days in hospital, the next week he had an echo cardiogram and stress test. God has been so good.
April 2009, Mom passed away. She never suffered any pain, God was so good.
May 2009, I retired after 45 years in the medical field. God blessed me with a wonderful job in the 60's. I had applied for the job and came home and was on my knees praying about it when the phone rang asking me to come in immediately for an interview. I got the job that day. It was a great job, but after 45 years, I felt it was time to retire. I'm thoroughly enjoying retirement. God was so good.
June 2009, I was rushed to the hospital by ambulance with a severe GI bleed, had to be given blood, but God was good to me. Later that month we left on vacation to Kansas, down through Little Rock, etc.
July 2009
While in Little Rock, at Bro. and Sis. Jay Emerson's, I was again rushed to the hospital with an strangulated hernia. Again, God was so good. Spent an extra 10 days there and then went to Branson and then on to the Grand Canyon.
August 2009, we spent a wonderful week in our 5th wheel at Camp Meeting and then another week parked at the beach. Visited friends and had a wonderful time of fellowship.
September 2009, Mervin got me a Pup for my birthday. JassLynn is half Maltese and half Llapso Apso. We have enjoyed her so much. She travels well which is a blessing.
We also had a wonderful revival with Bro. Doug Wright, God is so good.
October 2009, Mervin and I flew to Indianapolis, IN where Mervin attended a Seminar. We had a wonderful time, met lots of new people including Sis. Lynda Allison Doty.
We got the kitchen pantry put in and the kitchen and living room repainted. God is so good.
November 2009, has not been an easy month. Miss Mom during the Thanksgiving season. Had Thanksgiving for two days. With our kids from Bakersfield and also with my niece and nephew in Bakersfield. It was a wonderful time, but there was still Mom missing, but God was still so good to bring peace.
December 2009, where has this year gone. We found out we are adding a new great granddaughter to the family next month. EXCITING. This will make 3 great grand children.
We spent the first week of December in the 5th wheel at the coast. Did much of our Christmas shopping there. Have already had Christmas Drama at church, church Christmas Banquet, Caroling Party, and family Christmas Dinner at Jim and Peggy's house. I hosted a Christmas party for the girls that I had worked with. Had a great time. Now it's time to start baking for Christmas with the kids .
My mother would have been 80 years old the 19th of this month, again I do miss her and probably always will, but she has left me such a heritage. I am so thankful for the years I had with her. I would never trade those precious moments of time. God is so good, I can't complain.
During this year, God has continued to bless the church and new souls have been added. We have felt His spirit in a wonderful way in each and every service. God has blessed each family during these hard times and everyone still has their jobs and homes. God is so good.
On a last thought. This week God blessed us with a motor home. I was having trouble with my left knee each time I tried to get to the bedroom in the 5th wheel so we started looking around and found this beautiful motor home. Now we just need to sell the 5th wheel and truck.
Isn't God good? How could I ever live without him. Don't wanna try.

Wishing all of you and your families a wonderful Christmas and a blessed 2010.

New Paint

Well since I got the Pismo pictures on, I'll try again. The kitchen at the top and the living room were an off white previously. We really like the change.

Pictures, I Hope

I don't seem to be the best at adding pictures, but I will try again.

Pismo is where we go to do what we want when we want. Kinda obvious huh!

Pismo Beach

Today we are in Pismo Beach. Have been here since Sunday. We arrived at Oceano State Park about 5:15pm. We dropped the 5th wheel and Mervin got it set up then we headed for service at Arroyo Grande. Had a wonderful service there. After service we went out to eat with the Dominguez's had a wonderful visit and fellowship.
Yesterday we took Jazz to the beach. She did quite well. She looked so cute in her Christmas sweater. We had a great evening together reading and relaxing.
Today I hope to do some Christmas shopping. Would like to do all my Christmas shopping before I come home. We'll see.

MY LIVING ROOM

You'll never believe this. I guess I'm on a roll. This week I took everything off the walls in my living room. I cleaned the walls, polished furniture, washed all the silk flowers, votive, shined the plants leaves, put everything back on the walls and rearranged some things and finally vacuumed today. I also went to Visalia today and ordered new blinds for the patio door.
We came home and I stood looking at the clean living room and said, "I think it needs a new paint job." Mervin said, "Call Jeff and go pick out the paint." (Ooh, I love him) So tomorrow I go pick out the paint and take everything back off the walls clear the living room as the painter, Jeff, is going to paint Saturday. Well at least everything will be nice and clean to put back up.

Time

Where does time go? This week I have completely redone my kitchen. My new pantry is in, new paint, I've cleaned tile, cleaned cabinets, cleaned and polished the stove and refrigator and granite. I'm now ready to bake for the Holidays.
I love to cook and bake. I guess I get that trait from my mom. She could always make a meal out of almost nothing and then set and watch God stretch it. My mother also enjoyed baking. I remember when I was just preteen she had me in the kitchen teaching me. I learned to love it. Just give me a damp cold day and I can bake all day and love every minute of it.
When I start baking for Christmas, I even get Mervin involved helping me. We love those times together. Do a lot of serious talking and then a lot of fun and laughter.
Such a secure feeling to have a husband I can share my feelings, hopes and disappointments with.
Well now that I cleaned the rest of the house today, I think I'll loaf tomorrow. Maybe we will go to Bakersfield to see the kids and grandkids and greatgrandkids.
How about retirement...I love it. I was telling someone yesterday that I was pratically living on Nitro pills and patches because of the chest pain. Since I have retired, I have not worn a patch or taken a Nitro. Stress anyone????
I'll quit rambeling and wish everyone a great weekend and pray each of your services will be blessed.

Anniversary

November 2, Mervin and I will be married 18 years. It has been a wonderful 18 years. It has not been without it's ups and downs, and I would be lying if I said otherwise. But I can truely say .."all of the good days out weigh the bad days, I can't complain."
I have been very happily married to this wonderful man. We had a lot of adjustments, (he had his home and house full of furniture, and I had my home and house full of furniture. I had been single 45 years and lived alone. He had been married 27 years and had grown children and 5 grandchildren) but with patience and understanding with each other we've made it.
Someone ask me one day what I thought helped our marriage. Number one was both of us being dedicated to God. Secondly I said, "Learn to pick your fights." Is it worth getting all upset and mad about. Is it worth making him angry also. If he didn't do it right, go fix it yourself.
I appreciate Mervin's dedication to God and the word. I appreciate his prayer life.
I appreciate his love for me.
Thank you Mervin for 18 WONDERFUL years together. You're the BEST.

Wednesday

Wow! The days are passing so fast. It seems summer has gone and fall has definately arrived. I love this time of year. Fall colors, time to prune the trees and get ready for winter. I am so looking forward to winter this year. Having always worked, I have never been able to spend a wet, cold winter day at home curled up with a book and something warm to drink, in the middle of the week. I may get bored and tired of it, but at least I'll get the chance to do it. Of course there is plenty of cleaning to do also, so I'm sure there is no chance for real boredom.
I'm looking forward to my new pantry being put in. We got new cabinets,counter tops and all of that last year, but just now getting the pantry put in. Will paint after that's done and kinda rejunavate the kitchen and dinning area. Looking forward to getting that done before I start baking for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I love to cook, and especiall bake during the Holidays. Now that I'm retired I won't have to rush through my holiday baking on weekends and evenings. Oh my, just think of all the baking I can do now.

We're Home

Arrive home this afternoon. We're tired but happy. We had a very sucessful trip and enjoyed ourselves emensely.
Even Jazz was glad to see us. We left her with our great niece, Kaitlyn. She took great care of her and had her all bathed and clean when we arrived home. Great job Kate. Thanks so much.
Well since we're still about 3 hours ahead, and tomorrow is Sunday,I think it's about time to go to bed.

Friday

We're having a wonderful time. Mervin has enjoyed this simenar. I've enjoyed just tagging along. Met some great people. Getting ready to go to the banquet tonight. Meeting and visiting with Bro. and Sis. Ensey has been a great pleasure. Bro. and Sis. Carr are very wonderful people also. This has been a great time of refreshing
for me. We have definetly met some wonderful people.
Well we pack up and get ready to leave for home tomorrow.
Please go to Mervin's blog to see the pictures he has taken on this trip.
We ate at Hard Rock Cafe last night and the batteries went dead is his camera before he could get any pictures.
Will write more later.

JazzLynn

It's Cold Here

Greetings from Indianapolis,Indiana.
It's cold, windy and raining. The tempature is about 40 degree during the day and in the low 30's at night. I brought a coat, but that cold wind just cuts right through to the bone.
We're having a great time. Mervin had some time today so we rented a car and went to see Bro. Mooney's church. Beautiful building. Went inside and took a tour of the inside. Visited with some personnel there. Very niece people. I walked off from the motel and left my camera. Mervin did get some pictures, so mabe I'll post some of his later
We also went to the late Bishop Haywood's church. Went inside and was taken on a tour by an elder that even being very old, he had a great memory of the layout of the church and was up to date on the history. Also visited with a relative of Bro. Haywood. I believe she said she was a great niece. She was very informative also. Such beautiful people. She told us about that very church on this same site, built by bro. Haywood was originally the city dump. He and his saints shoveled out the dump site by hand saying, "In the name of Jesus." With each shovel full. They said the pillars in the church are still the ones there now. They said that a few years ago they wanted to do some add on to the church and the city came out to check the foundation and stated they had never seen such a firm and solid foundation. Hmmmm? They just celebrated they're 100 year anniversary. Bishop Finnell is now pastor and they still average about 1500 in services.
There's so much more I could write about, but will probably do tht later.

INDIANA

Tonight we're in a motel very close to LAX. In the morning we fly out to Indianapolis, Indiana. Mervin will be attending a conference there. I decided I might as well go and see some different country.
I am so thankful for a safe trip to L.A. The wind was blowing very hard and quite often it was raining very hard. We counted 10 accidents. Thank God for His protection. We never came close to being in an accident. I'm sure it wasn't our driving but His protection.
We arrived here early enough today to go to the garment district. Wow, what a place to spend money. Had a great time. Church ladies, we need to plan a trip down here and spend a couple of days...
Our little Jazz is continuing to grow and we're getting more attached to her all the time. I told Merv, it was really hard to go off and leave her. She is staying with my great niece Kaitlyn McDaniel. Katie loves animals so I'm sure she will get the best of care and probably not miss us as much as we miss her.
Well so far it seems the only thing I forgot to pack was Mervin's socks. I did not pack him one pair so needless to say we went shopping tonight.
I think I'll try to get settled in early so we can rise early for an early start. Will write more tomorrow.

BLESSED

"I've been blessed with so many things, My God's been good to me. I have family and friends who share......................"
Yes, God has been so good to me I can't complain.
Today again I am so thankful first for the great God that I serve. I'm thankful for a wonderful husband that has spoiled me. (That's ok though) I have a great family that loves and cares for me and a whole host of friends that are always there.
I have a wonderful church that I have watched grow during the last 50 years. I've had the Holy Ghost for 50 years and it gets better all the time.
I've seen souls saved, miracles preformed, healings.
I've had dissapointments, sickness and death has even reached into our family, but God is still good to me. I've had friends come and go. Those that went I still pray for.
Thank God for a wonderful life. How do people survive without God?
Have another great weekend

Friday..

I retired...............I didn't think I would be so busy. All the things I planned to do to the house and around the yard are still waiting to get done. It seems daily there is something more important to do. Had lunch today at the Cookie Cottage with a precious lady from our church. We had a great time talking and laughing. Cleaned house this afternoon and hubby and I went to dinner at The Cellar. They serve great steaks. Finally took a few minutes to sit down and write a little.
I am so thankful for my family and friends. So thankful that I had a wonderful relatinship with my parents. I miss them dearly, but have no regrets of the past because I truly enjoyed my parents while I had them with me.
I am thankful for the life long friends that I have. Some may be far away, but when we see each other, we seem to pick up where we left off last. I'm thankful for new friends that also enriches my life. More than any of these friends I'm thankful for the GREATEST FRIEND.
Have a great day

Brothers Birthday

Today is my brother, Jim's,birthday. He turned 60 years young today. We as a family celebrated his birthday at The Cellar. (A steak house in Porterville). Had a great time of fun and fellowship with the family.

As a tribute to you, Jim, I would like to say I still like you, in fact, I still love you. You have been a great brother, especially after we grew up. As brother and sister we did our share of arguing and disagreeing but we survived.

Thanks for being there for all of us. Especially these past few months. Thanks for the advice and the time you take to do all the little extra things for us.

Thanks for the good times and for the rough times. I think we learned to appreciate each other more throught those times. I won't take time to name all the bad things you did growing up, there's not enough space and if there's not enough space for that then I know there's not enough space to write about the good things so just let me say, "You're a great brother that I'm proud to claim."

Love ya,

I'm back

After computer problems this week, I'm finally back.
What a life with a new pup, Jazz. I told Mervin the other day it was like starting with a new baby, especially when she needs out around 3:00 am. We are enjoying her though. She's housebreaking quite well. Tomorrow she goes to the groomer. Needs her nails clipped and needs to be clipped around the eyes. We'll see how she likes that. She does quite well with the bath and brushing so she may do fine.
Not a whole lot happening right now. We're getting ready to take a trip to Indianapolis, IN in about 3 weeks. Looking forward to that trip. Have never been there before.
Will write more later.

My Heritage

Today during m devotional time, I was reminiscing about being a preachers kid. I loved those years. Were they without problems? No, a thousand times no!!!!!! But I loved them anyway. Today my memory was drawn to Daddy's praying. He spent a lot of time studying and praying in the living room. I loved to hear my dad praying whether it was in the middle of the night or during the day. I just knew he was in contact with God. I recall bringing friends over to the house and hearing Dad praying before I opened the door. Was I embarrassed? NO! I would just remind them that Dad was praying and to stay quiet till we got past the living room. They were always so in awe that our home life was so different. I knew this was uncommon, but my prayer in my heart was always that hearing my Dad pray would never become common to me. Though my Dad may be gone from this earth to his reward, I can still hear those prayers. Thank you Dad. I'm still serving God today because of those prayers.
What a Pentecostal Heritage!!!!!!!

Saturday

"This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it." What a laid back day. Yesterday I cleaned house and Mervin worked in the yard and washed vehicles. This morning he ask if I had any plans for today. I said, "No, I just want to take it easy." I should have thought faster and said I wanted to go to Morro Bay or Pismo.
Anyway, I haven't left the house except to take Jazz for a walk. I'm trying to get her used to a leash. She is doing real good. She is house training very well SO FAR. I'm sure we have a ways to go yet.
I thank God that I seem to be getting my strength back. I am feeling so much better. It even feels good to know that summer is almost ended and fall is in the air. I love fall, winter and spring so much better than summer, but I do know we have to have summer to survive here in this valley. (we need that cotton and fruit)
Looking forward to great services tomorrow.

Thursday

Today Jazz went to see the vet. She got a clean bill of health. She is so cute, everyone wants to keep her, even the vet. She seems to be doing real well and settling in very well.
I had a wonderful birthday yesterday. Merv and I went to Visalia and did some shopping. Came home for a while and then went out to birthday dinner with Terry and De Nita. Had a very nice and relaxing time.
I truly missed Mom yesterday. In my 63 years, this is the first time mom wasn't there to wish me a Happy Birthday. I survived with my wonderful husband keeping me busy and going on a buying spree for me. Thank you Babe.
Well I need to get dinner ready (didn't cook an yesterday) as we have service tonight and it will be that time soon.

My apology. Jazz is actually 3 1/2 mo old. I don't know what I was thinking when I stated she was only 7 weeks. Sorry.... Ok, I did weigh her and she weighs 2 lbs. She has done quite well today on the training issues. We bought a little Ben clock to go in her bed with her and she did real well the first night. This morning she woke and began to cry at about 3AM. I turned the house alarm off and took her to the back yard. I brought her back in and put her back in the cage and just got back to bed and she began to cry and whine. I got back up and shut the door to her room and also the door to our room so I couldn't hear her. When Mervin got up a little after 5, he came back in the bedroom chuckling and said her clock had ran down and she couldn't hear the ticking (another heart beat). We'll make sure the clock is wound tonight.

Jazz-lynn (Jazzie)

You have now met Jazzie, our new addition to the family. I just hope we can hurry and get her potty trained and house broke. She is such a loveable pup. She did quite well last night. It was her first night away from the litter.

Since my birthday is Wednesday, she is an early birthday gift. In my previous post I explained her breed, so we will see how it all goes
.

GONE

The above new week is now gone and another is appearing on the horizon. Another week to serve the King of Kings and worship Him.
We have had a very busy and hectic week, but God saw us through.
We, as of tonight, have a new arrival in our family. My husband got me a beautiful puppy. Will post pictures later. This is an early birthday gift. She is half Maltese and half Lhasa Apso. She is adorable, but only about 7 weeks old. Well, we'll see how tonight goes......

A New Week

Yesterday was a wonderful day. This was what we call our 5th Sunday service. We make our morning worship service into a regular service like Sunday night and combine them then not have Sunday night service. Elder and Sis. Cantrell were with us in service. Elder Cantrell preached a wonderful message as he always does. After service the youth department served lunch. A great time of eating and fellowship.
We then left to go to Bakersfield to Bro. and Sis. Holman's one year anniversary service in their home missions work. They had a good crowd and beautiful spirit in their service. We also got to visit with Don and Dena (Son and Daughter in-law) while we were in Bakersfield.
Today I had to be at the hospital for an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy). The Doctor wanted to make sure my stomach was healing ok from the GI Bleed. He stated that he had to cauterize so much of my stomach that he was concerned that it was healing and he hadn't missed any bleeds.
After the EGD he said all looked well. Thank God, we've made it around another curve in life's road.
I've just kinda laid around today and slept as my head has been a little woozy from the anesthetic.
Looking forward to another great week serving the Lord.

ANOTHER WEEK?

Oh my, where did this week go? It seems that time is passing so fast. I thought when we retired things would slow down. NOT. It seems I can always find something that needs to be done. Yesterday we were in Bakersfield at a funeral. Also got to see lots of friends and family afterwards. Our great grand daughter is growing so fast. I can hardly believe she is already 2.

Today we had our Secret Pal Revealing with the ladies of the church. Had a great time. Thank you Sis. DeNita for opening your beautiful home to us. We had a luncheon also. What a beautiful time we had with about 25 in attendance.

Tuesday

There are good days and there are bad days. "All of the good days out weight the bad days, I can't complain."

My husband lost a very dear friend in Bakersfield this week, he went home to be with the Lord. This man was with Mervin when he recieved the Holy Ghost and has continued to be a very stable person in Mervin's life.

We also got a call from a dear friend in Arkansas today. Doctors state without surgery he will lose his sight very quickly. Help us believe God for a complete healing. There is no insurance coverage for this surgery, and they cannot afford the finances for this. He definitely needs a move of God now. I know we serve a God who is well able.

Please remember these families in prayer.

Sunday afternoon

This morning God blessed us with a wonderful move of his spirit in service. Went to lunch and met some friends and was much later getting home than usual. Had a great time visiting though.

Went to Harris ranch last night for my niece, Tarrah Mercer's 30th birthday party. Thanks Jay for the great steak dinners. Delicious. Tarrah is such a precious girl. We had a wonderful time celebrating with her and about 40 or so others. Jay flew her in to Harris Ranch for the surprise party and of course we were all there to greet her. Great time of visiting old and new friends.

Will write more later.

Wednesday evening

I'm amazed that I still don't miss getting up and going to work in the mornings. You would think that after 45 years I would miss it. I so enjoy being here in our home during the day. I love cooking meals instead of eating out so much. I think we'll both feel better now.

I had a dentist appointment this afternoon and then we went to Visalia to take care of some business, bought some groceries and came home. Have had a nice quiet evening.

Had a great service last night. Thanks Bro. Steve McDaniel for that great message.

Will write more later. For some reason I'm a little blank tonight.

What fantastic services we had over the weekend. I always enjoy being in the presence of God with God's people.

This is Monday and all the wash is done and put away and I feel good. I haven't left the house all day. Just enjoyed being here and getting things done. I even got all the bills paid today. Had to wait till Mervin went to the Post Office and picked up 2 weeks worth of mail. I even fixed lunch and dinner at home. Wow....

For some reason I seem to miss Mom more than usual today. I've thought about her often today. I guess this will continue to happen periodically. It seems that I was very close to Dad while I was growing up, but when I reached adulthood it seemed Mom and I were more like sisters. Maybe it was because I never had a sister. Oh well, so much for my rambling. Will write more later.

Home Again

At least it's not as hot here today as it was when we left. We arrived home yesterday afternoon and unpacked the 5th wheel. I always clean house before I leave on a trip so I'm sure to come back to a clean house. Makes putting things away easier. We received a call shortly after arriving home from friends inviting us out to dinner. After arriving back home from a great dinner, we weren't in any mood to do anything else so we just relaxed the rest of the evening.

Today I'm doing wash. Mervin washed the truck and 5th wheel and we put the trailer back in storage all clean and ready to go again. Thanks to Justin, a young teen in our church, our yard was nice and clean, mowed, watered and green when we returned.

Had a wonderful time at Camp Meeting, but I'm looking to home services tomorrow.

Here are a few more picture of our trip. I'm not sure how I always seem to get my pictures on tom instead of the bottom. Above is Steve and Kandee's 5th wheel, the girls playing a game with friends and the third is the plume from a whale we were watching at Pismo Beach.

Last full day of vacation

Today is our last full day of vacation. We will be leaving this beautiful coastal weather (60-65 degree) for the hot valley. We have really enjoyed ourselves. Most days you can't see the end of the pier for the fog, but that's ok with us. We have had a wonderful time, but it's time to go home and settle in for a while.

Tuesday night we had dinner with Jay, Tarrah and kids. Jay barbecued steaks. I made a couple of banana split pies and took them over. We had a great time with them. What a great family....

Please pray for me. I'm setting here in the train Station Grill blogging and Mervin has gone looking for antique stores. I may should have kept the credit cards. HA.

I promise I will try to post pictures when I get home. Mervin has posted quite a few on his blog if you would like to go there. (passthisway.blogspot.com)

Gone? Nooooooo!!!!

What a fantastic time we had at Western District Camp Meeting. The services were so soul searching and inspirational. Meeting old friends and meeting new was wonderful. The weather was georgeous. You really needed at least a light jacket most of the time. Will write more about camp meeting later and post some pictures.

We left Saturday morning and pulled our 5th wheel to Morro Bay and parked right on the beach. It was beautiful there. We are friends with the camp host so we spent some time with them. We also met the Fight family, who was also camped there. and enjoyed visiting with them also.

Monday morning we pulled back into Oceano Beach State park. It is beautiful here. We are just lazing around. Well, I am. Mervin shampooed the carpets this morning before we got out to find a place with internet. Now that we have had lunch here and I've scanned all the blogs, I think it's time to go back to campsite and have a nap.

Will probably leave for home Friday.

Will write more later.

Camp Meeting

We left home Friday morning and arrived in Santa Maria about 1130. The weather is wonderful. Every time I get out of the sun I freeze, but I love it. Last night we went to Pismo, walked out on the pier and ate fish and clam chowder at Brads. Umm delicious. Today has been a lay around day. Just kicked back visiting with old and new friends. We are having a terrific time already. I'm continuing to feel good.

I didn't think I could blog here on the Camp Ground, but I found a place up close to the big building and got a good feed. Hurray.... More later.

Ok, now we're getting down to business about leaving for Camp Meeting. I'm looking forward to a great time and seeing many friends. Will definitely miss having Mom there this year. Before the Lord took her home she was making plans to work the Jr. Camp and stay over for Camp Meeting. Obviously God had greater plans for her.

Ever wonder why they don't make closets in RV's for Pentecostal people? I do every time I go to pack the 5th wheel. Well will see many of you in a few days,

SUNDAY

I'm setting here on a quiet Sunday afternoon enjoying the air conditioner. We had a beautiful service this morning. We were down in attendance as between campers and camp workers, we had about 30 or more in Santa Maria or on their way there.

Tomorrow I will start thinking about getting ready for Camp Meeting. The more I travel, the more I realize just whats really necessary to take and what is not. Thank God for our 5th wheel as we keep it stocked with essentials and basically only have to load our personal items.

Today I feel blessed. I feel good physically, spiritually and emotionally. These last two medical situations have taken their toll on me. My hair is even coming out. I'm sure it's from the blood loss and anesthetic.

I'm so glad I serve a God who is faithful and cares about our concerns. My god is good all the time.

As I sat here to day after my devotional time my mind was whisking here and there trying to decide what to accomplish first today. Mervin left early this morning to go to Bakersfield to see a very dear elder who is in the hospital. (Please pray for this faithful saint.)

Our street is kinda quiet today. Two families left for Jr. Camp yesterday. Tomorrow three more families will leave. Sunday we have a van load of campers leaving plus three more workers.

We're trusting and praying that they will have a wonderful and blessed youth camp and many young people will be filled with the Holy Ghost and many will be renewed. We don't know what kind of homes many of these kids come out of or what they will go home to face, but we can continue to lift them up in prayer and encourage them.

We'll join them a week from tomorrow for Camp Meeting.

Blessings

Today was another kinda quiet day. I sat for awhile this morning during my devotions and and just counted my blessings. I know I could never start to count them all, but it's good sometimes to look back on some of those desert experiences and be reminded how He supplied the water. As we look back over our shoulder at those times, it makes it easier to face the next desert. I thank God for those quiet times with Him.

Where we stayed in Branson.

Jayla, Bro. Emerson and Mervin boarding the Helicopter in Branson.

Ok, a few more pictures of our trip . the top ones are at the Shepard of the Hills in Branson, Mo.

This is Monday and kinda of a lazy day. Will write more later.

What a fantastic move of God we had in our service tonight. The presence of the Lord just kept coming in waves from the very first song. I feel God did a miraculous work in some hearts tonight. In fact we had an evangelist with us this morning and tonight and he didn't even get to the pulpit to preach. The altars filled and it just went on from there. Thank God. Sometimes we need that deep cleansing and renewing. I am so thankful for the wonderful experience of the Holy Ghost.

This has been a beautiful day. A little on the warm side, but this is July in the SQ Valley. Thank God for air conditioners. It looks like this next week will be another hot one, but we will survive as we always do.

Except for a Tarrah, Jay and their children, all of dad and mom's kids and grand kids live within throwing distance of each other.

Today as I was trying to do some house cleaning, I kept seeing motor homes, trailers, 5th wheels, golf carts and quads moving around. Getting ready for Jr. Camp. Believe me after just arriving home from a 23 day trip, it didn't even give me the urge to get our 5th wheel out yet. I'm sure by Camp Meeting time I'll be ready to go again.

Mervin and I do always look forward to Camp Meeting though.

What a lazy day I have had today. I saw my doctor today and his question was, "What are we going to do with you?" A stroke last September, GI bleed in May and now a incarcerated hernia. I told him, "You just can't keep a good woman down." He said my incision looked fine and stated that I seem to be doing fine.

I knew that because we serve a God that watches over us. I can never understand people that will not accept God and His mercies and goodness. I'm so thankful for my Pentecostal heritage. Thankful for the faith and confidence that He is always there.

Thank God for His mercies and goodness in my life.

Did I tell you that we traveled over 4,000 miles and never even saw an accident?
God is good all the time.

I think today was my down day from the trip. I can't believe I slept till almost 10:00 am. I did get all the laundry done. Tomorrow I have an appointment with my doctor to have my incision checked out after all the riding I have done. I believe we'll find everything okay.

Well it's about time to pull the 5th wheel out of storage and start getting ready for Camp Meeting in Santa Maria. We're looking forward to seeing old friends and lots of fellowship with them and the Lord. After camp meeting we have reservations down on the beach for about a week. Looking forward to that too.

Thinking about getting ready to go again sounds like work and that makes me kinda feel tired so I'll quit and write again later.

Would you believe that I have spent most of the day paying bills and catching up on correspondence's.

We arrived home in time to see my niece and nephews son baptized in Jesus Name. Hayden received the Holy Ghost at youth camp and seemed to be so excited to be getting baptized. Grandpa Tredway baptized him. It was beautiful watching him come up out of the water with his hands raised in worship.

Tarrah and Jay, your doing a great job teaching those children. You are to be highly commended. Keep up the great work.

Again we thank God for a beautiful vacation and his great protection. More about our vacation later.

Above is arriving at Grand canyon. Second is our singing cowboy on board the train. Boy, could he sing and yodel. Mervin videoed these four guys singing I'll Fly Away. The did fantastic. the fourth of course is Merv and I by the train engine. Sorry I didn't get these on the previous blog. I'll get it right some day.

Tuesday !!!!!!!!

We are now home. we arrived here about 4:00. I truly enjoyed our trip, but it feels so good to be home. I have seen sights that were unfathomable. Felt humidity that I had never understood and met such beautiful people. A few more pictures and then I'll try to pull all my thoughts together later.

Monday night.
We are actually in Barstow, Ca. in a motel. Because I was so tired of riding, we decided not to push on home. We plan to arise tomorrow and finish the final leg of our journey.

WOW.. A vacation that started out to be 10-12 days ended up being 23 days. Oh well, we have had a great time. Will post more after we get home.

I hope you have also enjoyed our trip.

This is Sunday night.

We spent most of the day at the Grand Canyon. What a beautiful sight. I can't believe how awesome it was. Will bring home lot's of pictures. We are in Flagstaff after spending last night in Williams, Az. We are having an awesome time. Will get a good night's rest tonight and head toward home tomorrow. These are just 3 shots of today.

Second day on the road home.

This morning we left Oklahoma City. Per doctors request, we had to stop about every two hours and move around for awhile. I'm doing real well as far as I can tell.

As we came across OK and Texas today, the outside temperature reached 111. The wind blew all the way and I have never seen so many road construction zones.

At about 6:30pm we arrived in Santa Rosa, Texas and decided to stop for the night. We ate dinner and came back to the motel. Mervin has now crashed. We are going to try to be in Williams, AZ tomorrow night to see the Grand Canyon. Will see what happens.

Hold your breath, I'm gonna try to post some pictures.

Well I always seem to get my pictures in the wrong place. I'll get it figured out. Of course 2 of the pictures are of Jayla. Two were taken in Oklahoma City at the place of the bombing. Very touching had heart rendering. The other is just along the road. We have so many pictures and I'm having a hard time finding the ones I want.

Ok, I'm through for the night.

Today about 1:45, we finally left the Emerson home. Such wonderful people with such southern hospitality. They would preferred that we stay at least through this next weekend, but I felt I was able to travel and we felt that we should mosey on toward home.

We arrived in Oklahoma,City, Ok. at about 7:00 pm. We got our motel room and then went to eat. After eating we went downtown to the Oklahoma National Memorial where Tim McVay bombed the building nine years ago. Yes Jim, you were right. The scene is beautiful at night. We went and stayed till it got dark. This was very touching. Will have pictures later.

In spite of my mishap, we have had such a beautiful time and seen so many wonderful things. We will rest tonight and then get on the road tomorrow. We still need to make some more stops and also see the Grand Canyon.

Later.

Okay, so it's Wednesday night. We have spent the last three days in Branson, Mo. We stayed in a beautiful townhouse. Don't ever go near Branson and not stop. We saw Dixie Stampede then we visited the Great Titanic. After that we saw Shepherd of the Hills and then today before we left we saw a impersonation of Red Skelton. We arrived home just in time for church. I'm tired and sleepy, so I'll write more tomorrow.

Another day in Vacation Land.
Last night just before church, the Emerson's air conditioning quit and was not back on after church. So, we packed up and drove to the elder Bro. and Sis. Emerson's and spent the night. What a beautiful place they have. Nothing fancy except you set in the living room and look out over the river. So peaceful. No real close neighbors. We had breakfast there and visited awhile. About noon we left and drove into Branson, Mo. What an interesting place. Tomorrow we are going to see Shepherd of the Hills.

Well so much for now, as I'm a little tired and ready for bed.Will write more later.

Well at least I tried to post some pictures below. I'll try to do better next time. You'll kinda have to hunt for the caption to go with the picture.

More pic's of vacation

I think this picture speaks for it's self

Above is Bro.Emerson, Sis. Emerson and Wallace her brother and in the corner, Stephanie, Wallace's wife.

Si. Emerson's mothers house where she was raised

Jayla with cousins Delaney and McKinsie

Sis. Emerson and Jayla at Grandma Wilkins

Sunset from boat


On Deck

Bro. & Sis. Emerson on boat

Merv and I on cruize


Sis. Emerson at dinner

The Arkansas River Dinner Boat we rode. Delicious dinner and atmosphere.

Mervin at a natural hot spring.

This is the duck we rode in Hot Springs . These vehicles were used in WWII for land and water. We were in it on land and water. Very interesting and fun.