9 LBS, 9.5 OZ....

...that's what he weighed after arriving into our world on April 22, 1970. 39 years ago today, as of 6:15 this morning, my son was born. I sooo wanted him to have his daddy's eyes that the first question I asked was..."what color is his eyes?" My husband answered..."dark brown!" Then I went to sleep for hours...my baby was healthy...and had brown eyes...and nothing could be better! Now today, I wonder...where have the past 39 years gone???

There's, no doubt, other things I could add to this blog. But, I just want all the attention to be given to Tommy...this is his day.."HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SON...I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART!"

MONDAY MORNING "YELLOWS"

Most of the time people, in general, DO NOT look forward to Mondays. It's the beginning of the work week, and they are leaving behind the fun and/or relaxation of the week-end past. There's a stereo-typed mind-set of having "Monday morning BLUES". True, it's literally cloudy outside today...overcast and slightly chilly. BUT...my Monday morning is YELLOW! Why yellow? When I think of the color yellow I think of brightness and cheerfulness....the SON is shining! And that's how I feel today! How could I feel any less after such a wonderful week-end. I've already posted about Friday night and Saturday...now recapping Sunday. The sweetness and nearness of the Holy Ghost in yesterday morning's service at Antioch was like a gentle refreshing of joy and comfort and reassurance. A youth group sang the song "Just Because" and it was obviously ordained of God because it ushered in the very presence of the Holy Ghost! How could you not leave that service filled and over-flowing! Then it was off to the Red Robin...mainly with all the youth! They are sooo hilariously funny! Bro. Sutton's message in the evening service was very good...quite thought provoking in that the focus was on being "real". His preaching is such a blessing. And I must not forget to mention...Bro. and Sis. Sutton sang together. It was the first time I had ever heard them...they are good!

Now to bring everyone up-to-date on Bro. Campbell's Florida mission. Those at Antioch heard last night from Bro. Hall's (my husband had told him he would call and let him now how everything turned out) testimony that there were a total of 12 who joined the newly organized church, there were about 60-70 at the ocean-side, early morning baptisimal, and there is another independant pastor who was present who is asking questions about the church!!! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! My husband reports there is an over-whelming possibility of our newest church in the Region growing by leaps and bounds in the very near future!!! Thanks, everyone who prayed!!!!

Now..what's on the to-do list for today? Among many tasks that I'm sure I will not get to... (being real here...inside joke) I need to take my dad to the doctor, need to mail camp apps to the pastors for the camp committee, need to draft a fund-raiser letterhead letter for every local church in the Region to go to their nearest Walmart for donations for camp, need to go grocery shopping, need to do laundry......hhhmmm...it'll be interesting to see at the end of the day just how much from this "need-to" list gets done! Anybody else gotta list like that???

That kinda sums up the week-end. There were other side happenings that I enjoyed..like Lady and I spending the night with Tam a couple of nights...laughing with Morgan over a few private observances...and spending a little time with Erika, Lance, Kailee and Maddie. Soo...till next time...hope everyone has a great...YELLOW day!!

HERE'S WHY...

I have been wanting to start blogging again...especially after reading the comments from my last blog and 5 of you out there in blogland said "blog" (actually Sister Vicki sang me a blogging song!) . Here's why I haven't...I had major problems resetting a new password. Actually, Morgan fixed it once on her computer but when I got home...no such luck! It's really not worth taking your time to explain all that was wrong...bottom line is that it's done...so I'm back!

Many days (both good and bad), thoughts, travels, events, get-togethers...all within the church and the family...have flowed (sometimes boistoriously rolled) under the bridge sense the last blog. Let's see now...for a quick recap...we have had wonderful District Conventions and an awesome Youth Convention in the Region. The youth from TN that joined us made it even more fun and special! The precious saints in the Region seem to be sharing an anticipation...an excitement for what the Lord has in store. Hang-on everybody...although we must weather some storms...the SON is shining through the clouds. There is truly victory on top of victory for The Church of God. The key is to stay "Church of God." The good...the true...the real will triumph. How do I know? 'Cause the Bible tells me so!!! It's in the very air we breath...time is winding up...the enemy is on the warpath because he also knows that this thing is wrapping up and wrapping up quickly. More than ever before I want everything I do, I say...every thought and action to be pleasing in His sight! I want to make heaven...nothing, absolutely nothing is more important!

As I type this, I am glad I was just interrupted by my husband's telephone call. He is in Homestead, Florida and just organized a new church with 5 members. Brother Oscar Pimentel and Brother Abraham Ramos traveled with him to have a series of services/classes for an independent Spanish group. This was the first day and more services are scheduled. My husband reported that the power of God moved through the first service in a mighty, mighty way and he feels like God is not finished yet. Praise the Lord..."His sheep hear His voice." Please help us pray that more of God's sheep there will follow the voice of the Lord and come into the fold! I usually always travel with my husband, but because there were two other brothers on the trip, it was more economical for me to stay at home this time. We would have had to get two motel rooms if I were along. Staying back wasn't bad...I got to be at Vic's 50th birthday party last night and today I was able to be in the TN Ladies Day at Zion Hill. My sister-in-law, Leslei, is the director and because I was able..I supported her. I am proud of my family and their desire to be working for the Lord in His Church and I want to support when I can. I really enjoyed the day...Sis. Jackie Zimmerman was the guest minister and her ministry is always a blessing to me. AND it was so good to be in fellowship with some of the ladies from that side of the state. By the time we got home...I was sooooo tired. The spirit was willing..now the flesh is more than weak!

And now for a run-down of family time...since the last blog. My dear husband turned 60. The number sounds old, or maybe just older. I'll join the ranks of the 60's club in a few short months myself. But I'm gonna enjoy everyday the Lord gives me as though I were ...hmmm...shall I be realistic here???....as though I were 40. Well, maybe 50! April is quiet full of family celebrations. Our youngest grandson turned 3...my brother, 52...our son will be 39 the 22nd...and my parents will be married 61 years the 23rd. Shewww...good thing we only buy gifts for the grandkids...we would be broke this month!! Also on April 2nd, we reflected on the one thing that changed our lives drastically...especially Brad's...it was the 3rd anniversary of his accident. Sadness tries to overshadow us at times, but with the help of the Lord we focus on the miracle in the making. We are trusting in the divine power of our Almighty God for a complete healing in Bradley. WE SHALL PRAY ON!!! In between the family gatherings, there were telephone calls, texts, e-mails and Facebook comments to one another. And, oh, yeah, we have our family vacation house reserved! Move over Mickey and Minnie...we're all on our way right after Regional Convention!! As I am sure is true with and for everyone...family is one of the most treasured, precious gifts from God. When I hear of families that are torn apart and hardly ever see each other or talk to one another it breaks my heart for them...for truly I am blessed with a wonderful, wonderful family! Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me!

This will be a very busy spring and summer. Looking ahead there are visits to the Region for homecomings and services and rallies, Youth Camp, and Regional Convention plus BTI is on the horizon. I so love being in all the church events...nuttin like getten together with God's wonderful people!

Okay...am I caught up? I'm gonna try to keep this blogging thing up..now that I've got the password issue resolved. So, until next time...hope everyone has a wonderful service tomorrow.