It Rained!

I was awake at about 3:45 this morning when Les said, "it's raining". That's great news. If we get enough rain, fire season will be over.

Being the native Californian that I am, I really enjoy the first rain of the season. It hasn't rained since May and we definitely need it. Of course the old B.J. Thomas tune started floating through my mind... "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head."

There is an incredible line in the song worth blogging about - "'Cause I'm never gonna stop the rain by complainin' ". The Bible says it rains on the just and the unjust. So what's the point in complaining? I don't enjoy being around someone who is a complainer. Hey, I don't even like myself when I'm complaining!!

Not the greatness of our troubles but the littleness of our spirit makes us complain.
- Mom's Bible

So get your galoshes out and enjoy the rain that God sends. Because...

The clouds of life have sunny linings. See Romans 8:28
- Mom's Bible

This was behind our house this morning, AFTER the rain!!

Goodbye Hannah!

Dear Mrs. Pavey, Hannah, and the North Madison Elementary School Second Grade Class,

It has been a pleasure having Hannah visit with us! We're very sad that she has to go back to Indiana. All of her adventures have been documented on aunt Kathy's blog McMoments and Memories (http://mcmomentsandmemories.blogspot.com/search/label/Hannah).

We have enclosed print-outs of the posts relating to Hannah. If your class has internet access, feel free to browse the blog at any time and leave a comment.

Again, it was a pleasure having Hannah here in California and on the World Wide Web!

Uncle Les and Aunt Kathy

P.S. Hannah - we can't wait to see you on Thanksgiving!! XOXOXO

Built on the Rock

I've been trying to write a post about "Beauty for Ashes", but at this time there are only ashes. We are at the beginning of the cycle that goes like this: fires, rain, mudslides, regrowth.



It is usually in late November, December or sometimes even January when "torrential" rains (2-3 inches) hit. Hillsides that have been destroyed by fires are then in danger of mudslides. Multimillion dollar homes in Malibu slide or have rivers of mud running through them.

But I'm not worried about mudslides. Our house is truly built on a rock! We learned this a few years ago when we had our swimming pool put it - a one day dig turned in to six days of drilling.

Though I'm glad that our home will stand safely if a flood comes, I want my life to stand because it's founded on the Rock of Ages.

Luke 6:47-48

Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

The Web Art Museum

Another fun thing we did while Hannah was visiting was go to an art museum. Look who was on display!
















To my blogger friends, go here to create your own museum!

Sunday Night Challenge

As usual, Pastor White preached an awesome message on Sunday night. "How to make it easy for God to love you." He contrasted Jacob and Esau, talking first about why God hated Esau. I don't want to fall in that category!

One of the ways he said it makes it easy for God to love us is for us to read His Word. He was talking about his own personal reading and how God dealt with him about getting excited about a new book about a particular author. When was the last time he had gotten that excited about God's Word - the book for the ages?? He then made a statement that hit ME between the eyes. He said some of us know the plot of every story written by our favorite authors, but we don't know the themes of each Old Testament book.

Whew! I knew I needed to think about that a while. So I sat down and listed all the books of the Bible (which I've been able to quote for over 30 years). I've got work to do!!

I'm sure we all have favorite verses, chapters, or books of the Bible. But it was ALL given by inspiration of God, so I'm going to be spending some time on "forgotten" chapters.


Other books were given for our information.
The Bible was given for our transformation.

- Mom's Bible

Les, You're the Best!

Have you ever had a bad day? Okay, silly question! We all have.

I was having a very bad day on Friday. Before Les left for work, he knew I was having a bad day! (Poor guy!) My day went from bad to worse as I developed a migraine. I gave in to the migraine at about 10:30, closed all the blinds, and laid down for a while.

Sometime after 11:30, the doorbell rang. Then the intruder of my nap knocked on the door. I stumbled my way down the stairs thinking it might be our computer repairman who had taken our computer on Tuesday and still not fixed it. (Yeah, he was part of my bad day!)

This is what greeted me:


My migraine was still with me, but my bad day was over! I'm married to the sweetest guy!!

Running in the Wind

This week we had Santa Ana winds that shook the house. For those of you that aren't acquainted with Santa Anas, they are dry and warm (often hot) winds in the Southern California area that blow in from the desert. When we went to bed Tuesday night it was about 58 degrees outside. It was 76 when we got up at 5:30! What a difference the wind makes!

Being the crazy person that I am, I went running anyway. I had to blink a lot to keep stuff out of my eyes, my hair was going crazy, I felt like my skin was turning to sandpaper, and I needed to drink a gallon of water. But I ran anyway.

Have you ever had the wind blow in your life? Who hasn't! Winds of sorrow, discontent, discouragement, fear... often they start up in the night with no warning.

Like the Apostle Paul, "I have learned" a few things about running in the wind. Sometimes the wind is so out of control I have a hard time staying upright. At times I am running straight into the wind, while other times it knocks me from the side or from behind. I remember once the wind whipped around my feet, almost knocking me over, to the point that running was impossible so I had to walk.

But there is a hidden benefit to running in the wind. When, not if, but WHEN the winds stop, running is easier. I feel stronger. The hills seem smaller. So whatever wind you find yourself running in today, know that the winds will die down and you will come out stronger if you'll keep pressing on.

Our Russian Nieces

Readers of this blog have met our oldest nieces, Krysten and Lauren, and our middle nieces, Claire and Hannah. Our youngest nieces came to us via Russia!

Les' sister, Lisa, along with her husband Rick have two sons - Wesley and Reece. Because the two of them were not enough work (ha!), they adopted two daughters from Russia. Their journey began some time in 2004 or 2005, with a trip to Siberia in February 2006 to meet their girls, and a return trip in May 2006 to bring them home.

It is amazing what God has done in the two years since! Galina turned 4 this past May and Aleksandra will be 4 in November. We've only seen them in person once, but we will see them on Thanksgiving! I can't wait!

They have come so far and overcome such difficult beginnings. Just wanted to share some before and after pictures.

Another Surgery

This time it's Les that is having surgery. November 4th he will be having a surgery to correct Zenker's Diverticulum. The short version is this - he has had problems swallowing for the past year or so. After several doctor visits, they finally diagnosed him and surgery is required to correct the problem.

We appreciate your prayers once again and of course I'll update when the day arrives.

P.S. My computer was carted off to the hospital yesterday. Still posting from Les' laptop. Hopefully it will be restored soon!

Hannah Sees California's Central Coast

Aunt Kathy dropped Uncle Les and Dad off in Carmel on Saturday, October 11th. Then picked them up in Santa Maria on Monday, October 13th. They rode 172 miles on their bicycles!

Here she is with Dad at the In-N-Out Burger in Atascadero.

And sipping on a milkshake


The hotel in Carmel where Hannah and Aunt Kathy dropped off the guys and their bikes.

In the car on the way home on Monday, with the Pacific Ocean in the background.


And a beautiful sunset in the background.

Computer Woes

My computer is dying a slow, painful death! I was unable to get it to start at all today, so I'm posting this from Les' laptop that he brings home each evening (Thanks, Les!)

If you don't hear from me in the next few days - that is why! I'll try to update as I can.

Hannah Meets the Fultz Family

Aunt Kathy's Dad had back surgery on September 23rd. So while Hannah was visiting California, she made a trip to Fresno to check up on him. Gramps still isn't feeling too well, so we didn't get much of a smile out of him.


Here she is with Aunt Kathy's nieces Krysten and Lauren, and their mom, Kim.


Trying out the walker.


And with Barbara and Gramps!

Frightening Moments at General Conference

Les' parents, Bill and Dolly, are in Greensboro, NC, this week for General Conference. Dolly has been promoting her book "Full Throttle" and they have been seeing old friends from Bible school days and their many years in the kingdom of God. They are both in their 70's and Dolly is currently walking with a cane and has a cast on her wrist. This came in an email last night:

Thursday night after service, Bill dropped Dolly off at the motel entrance and went to park the car. He was kidnapped at gunpoint as he locked the car in the motel parking lot. The robber made him drive to an ATM (which they never use), and when Bill showed him the card wouldn't work, the man asked for Bill's cash and credit cards. Bill talked the guy into letting him keep one of the cards so they could eat! Then the guy got out of the car and gave Bill directions on how to get back to the motel. They checked out of the motel and into another, then called the credit card company. The fellow had put over $900 worth of claims on it!

I can't even begin to imagine how frightening that must have been. I have been sick to my stomach just thinking about the "what ifs." I don't believe the thug had a change of heart when he returned Bill's credit card. Just like when God stopped the mouth of the lions, I believe GOD kept Bill safe and allowed him to get his car and credit card back.

Please pray that they will make it safely back to Tennessee.

More Moments on the Road

After taking a couple days off, yesterday I decided it was time to run again. It was still a little dark when I turned a corner and saw a fire engine. There was a fireman leaning against the front. We exchanged greetings and I was happy to hear "no flareups." A few steps more led me passed his partner - asleep in a sleeping bag on the ground. As I continued running, I saw two more fire engines, numerous trucks, and another sleeping fireman. I am extremely thankful for their work and dedication. They spent the night on the hard ground, I'm sure taking turns sleeping, and watching over my city.

This led me to think of the men of God who watch over our cities. Who watch over our souls. They spend sleepless night in prayer. They are on call 24/7. They put everything aside for the sake of one.

I'm closing out Pastor Appreciation Week with a challenge to all my readers: Be the Best Saint Your Pastor Has Ever Pastored! Make his job easy!

How do we make our pastors' jobs easier? Stand with him. Pray for him. Support him financially. Grow in God. Have a personal prayer life. Read the Word. Be on time for church. Be on time for pre-service prayer and pray when you get there. Fight the fiery darts of the wicked. Fight the flames of gossip, rebellion, disobedience, and discontent. When you go to him for counsel - do what he says. Give your pastor time to rest. Time to study. Time to spend with new babes. The list could go on and on, but you get the idea!

Let's make every week Pastor Appreciation Week. Not in gifts or accolades (although they are worthy of those), but in being the best saints in the world!!

Pastor Appreciation - Grandpa and Grandma McElhaney

I decided to finish my Pastor Appreciation Week with a post about Grandpa and Grandma McElhaney. When they received the revelation of this marvelous truth, they embraced it and passed it on. They left a great heritage to many generations.

Grandpa founded the church in New Castle, Indiana in the 1940s. There is still a Jesus name church in that city today! Pictured below is the congregation in about 1945.

Both of Les' grandparents were licensed Pentecostal ministers before the formation of the United Pentecostal Church International in 1945. The organization was created by the merger of the Pentecostal Church Incorporated and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ. Grandma Marie belonged to one of the organizations and Grandpa Earl belonged to the other!

Grandpa died in 1989, the same year Les and I met, so I was not privileged to know him. I met Grandma Marie on a couple of occasions and although her body was failing, her mind was still sharp and she loved being surrounded by her family. At her funeral, her grandson Allen told quite a story. Grandma was part of the church when Allen became the pastor in Panama City, FL. From that time forward, she always addressed him as Bro. Crabtree, showing respect to his role as her pastor.

And now, the DOE (descendant of Earl and Marie) are "paying it forward". The Earl McElhaney Memorial Building will be built in Bangladesh. A church that will accommodate 100 people can be built for $5,000! We as a family are gathering our pennies to make this happen. We can think of no greater deed we can do in honor of our great heritage.

Pastor Appreciation - Pastor Philip White

I knew of Bro. White long before he became my pastor. He was the Youth President in the Western District and I had heard him preach at various camps and conferences. He also preached a revival in Fresno before he pastored in Burbank.

During my early twenties as I waited for God to bring Mr. Right into my life, I starting praying not only for my future husband, but for his pastor as well. I changed my list of things I wanted in a man to include "must belong to a good church" and even included a list of pastors that I felt I would be safe in their churches. When I met Les, and saw a future with him, I knew I was going to be in safe hands with Pastor White as my pastor - he was one of the pastors on my "list"!

When Les and I were going to buy our first "house" (we lived in a townhouse for almost 10 years), things were moving very quickly. On a Thursday in January 2001, we set up an appointment to meet with Pastor White for his counsel. The appointment was for the following Monday. From Thursday to Monday, our offer on the house had been accepted, and we had an offer on our townhouse. Well that was kinda scary to us. But Pastor White gave us wisdom that I will never forget. He said, "sometimes when God is in it, He makes things move very quickly." His assurance brought peace to my troubled mind.

One of the most incredible things about Pastor White is his Sunday morning messages. Anyone who has attended Victory Tabernacle knows that Sunday mornings are very tight on time. We have Sunday school at 9:30, with morning worship starting at 10:30. Where it gets tricky is we start our second session, entirely in Spanish, at 11:45. That doesn't give much time for worship, offering, and preaching on Sunday mornings! But time and time again, Pastor White brings a 20 minute masterpiece to the congregation. He can say so much in so little time, it's mind boggling some times!

For over 17 years, I have been pastored by Pastor White and I truly love, admire, and respect him. His wisdom is amazing, his preaching anointed, and his burden for the work of God far reaching. Pastor and Sister White have been there for us through funerals and surgeries, but they have also rejoiced in our times of blessing. They are great people of God.

Pastor Appreciation - Pastor Vaughn Morton

Bro. Morton became the pastor of Truth Tabernacle in November, 1972. I was 8 1/2 years old and still on the shy side. He says I didn't speak to him for the first 5 years he was pastor! While I don't know for sure, I wouldn't be surprised if that wasn't pretty close the truth.

I remember many times when Bro. Morton would come to our home to pray for Rod. It didn't matter, night or day, if Mom called, he came. I also remember when Rod broke his femur and was in a body cast. Naturally, everyone that came to visit signed his cast. Not Bro. Morton! He signed Rod's leg - "just to make sure your momma's washing you!"

Memories too numerous to recount come to mind, but my world changed completely when Bro. Morton asked me to work in the church office. I was a junior in high school, attending T.T.C.S. in its first year of existence. I started working part time in the afternoons instead of taking electives, then worked full time in the summer. I had no idea I would end up working there for ten years. How can I even describe the impact those years made in my life. His constant encouragement and kind words when I did something right helped me come out of my shy shell. What fun I had WORKING! The many times he would jump from around some corner ("only the guilty jump"), the notes on my calendar, the smiley faces in red ink, on and on those memories go.

There were words of wisdom and encouragement when I was down. One particular day comes to mind - I had just walked into the church lobby from the Christian school and Bro. Morton met me there. He took me inside the sanctuary and told me he was proud of me, among many other things. He always seemed to know what I needed to hear. Another day he gave me a scripture that became a promise, "sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall" (Ruth 3:18).

I'm so thankful that Elder Morton is still in my life, he is very dear to my heart, and I love him so much. I look forward to visits in Fresno, not just to see my natural family, but to see this dear man as well.

Southern California Fires

I'm interrupting my Pastor Appreciation Week to update my friends and family on the fires that are near us. The Porter Ranch Fire is no more than 10 miles from us. There was also a fire in Simi Valley today that was no more than 2 miles from our house. One of the neighborhoods was closed to non-residents. At about 4:30 this afternoon, Les and I walked up the service road behind our house and took numerous photos of the fires, helicopters, rescue workers, and water dropping aircraft. It was fascinating to watch. The fire closest to us seemed to be completely contained. Once again, my hat's off to our fire fighters!

I've put together two slide shows - larger than usual, but there was a lot to capture! The first is a series of the water dropping aircraft doing its work. The other includes pictures from our yard, from the hill behind us, and a helicopter at dusk that was picking up water from the golf course.

As you can imagine, I may not be doing any running for the next couple of days. I run for my health, and running in ash-filled air is definitely not healthy!

Pastor Appreciation - Pastor Murray Layne

Bro. Layne was Mom's pastor at the time of my birth. I naturally don't remember any of those details, but I do remember being a child and being very aware of Bro. Layne as the man of God in our church. It was during his 19 years of dedication and service that many decisions were made that put Truth Tabernacle on a sure path. Truth was preached, property was purchased, buildings were built, a bus ministry was started, and a great revival of "hippies" took place under his leadership.

I remember services in what is now the school cafeteria at Truth Tabernacle. We had hard benches and no carpet on the floor, but God moved in mighty ways. Bro. Layne baptized me in the old baptistry in the back of that building on January 11, 1971. I can picture that night as if it happened yesterday. What a privilege to be baptized in the lovely name of Jesus by my pastor!

I also remember building the "big church", which is now the prayer room. I can still see that day when we broke ground out on the corner of First and Holland. What an exciting time of anticipation!

I'll also never forget when Bro. Layne announced to the church that God was calling him to another city. I was only eight years old at the time and didn't fully understand the implications, but I remember Mom saying, "How will I ever love another pastor like I love Bro. Layne and his family?" Thankfully God had just the right person in mind to pastor Truth Tabernacle, but the Layne family always held a special place in my heart.

I remember seeing Bro. and Sis. Layne through the years, and as I got older they just grew dearer and dearer to me. They have both gone on to be with the Lord now, but I look forward to the day when we meet again in front of the throne.

Pastor Appreciation Week

October is Clergy Appreciation month. I am dedicating this week to the three pastors that have influenced my life - Pastor Murray Layne, Pastor Vaughn Morton, and Pastor Philip White. I am extremely blessed and thankful that I have called each of them "pastor". They are each worthy of more than I can say, but I am going to give them each their own post in the next three days. For now, here is a song that describes all three of them - True Men of God.

True Man of God

In a world full of lies and deceit,
There’s someone to preach the Truth
Who’s not afraid to take a stand
And he reaches to those in defeat
They need to know there’s only one way
For the Lord to heal their land
And with a voice like a trumpet so clear
He preaches the Word with no fear

In the midnight hour you can hear
As he calls upon Jesus
On his face before the Lord
And with a heart that is pure and sincere
He’ll save himself and those who hear him
He will receive his just reward
And when those who compromised start to fall
Together with the Lord he’ll stand tall

And I’m thankful he rebukes me
for he watches for my soul

And I know he really loves me
for the truth he will uphold

True man of God
Not ashamed to preach the Gospel no matter what the cost
True man of God
With a passion for the truth and a burden for the lost
And he stays on his knees in prayer
Not bending with the pressure of a compromising world
He is a true, true man of God

Words and Music by Jimmy Colna

Look Who Came to See Hannah!

Before "Flat" Hannah made her appearance, we were already expecting some other company - her daddy, Lance! He got to pretend that he was with the real thing, but we all know it's not the same!

Les and Lance are spending the next couple of days riding their bikes along the Pacific Coast Highway (from Carmel to Lompoc). It's a little too cold and windy for Hannah to go, so she's going to Fresno with Aunt Kathy and will be meeting Aunt Kathy's family. Look for pictures of that adventure next!

P.S. Lance also brought some wonderful weather with him. It was 45 when I went out for my run this morning - I love it that cold!

Not Goodbye, Just See You Later...

I started working on this post about a month ago. I hope you will be encouraged in your journey as you read about the end of Mom's.

Only those who are assured of an Eternal life can be happy here and now.
- Mom's Bible

It has been ten years today since Mom passed from this life to her eternal reward. Some days it feels so long ago since I have picked up the phone and heard her voice, while at other times it doesn't seem possible that it has been so long. I still miss her so much!

I won't go in to all the details of what transpired in her final hours. She was taken to the hospital late Friday night/early Saturday morning. After many hours, the doctor wanted to take her from her room for a few tests, so our family had left to get something to eat. Had we known how close she was to the end we would have never left. It was while we were at Dad's that we got the call. Bro. Morton was out of town, so his assistant had gone to pray for Mom. The report he gave when we arrived at the hospital was both devastating and glorious:

He had gone to pray for Mom and while he was praying, Mom began to worship, lifting her hands, and speaking in other tongues. Then she simply put her hands down and stopped breathing.

Tears of joy, sorrow and thankfulness stain my cheeks. What a wonderful Mother I was blessed to have. She was so godly, never perfect, but always reaching for the prize. She fought a good fight, she kept the faith! And there it was - waiting for her! Eternal life with her Savior! Joy unspeakable, full of glory!

Her funeral was a glorious home-going. We sang old songs about Heaven. Her pastor told stories of "a saint, not an angel", which was such a fitting comparison! Her dear friend, Diane Estes, spoke and there was special singing by the elementary choir from the Christian school, full of her former students. How I long for the day when we meet again.

Yes, the Final Score was still Mom 1, Cancer 0.

The Holocaust

During the summer of 2007, Les and I traveled to Washington, D.C. for a short vacation. While there, we visited the Holocaust Museum. I could never adequately describe this 4 story building and all that is preserved there, but it struck a deep chord within me. The things we read and saw there moved me deeply, often bringing tears. We spent an entire day going through the exhibits and we were both completely drained when we left. Realizing the suffering that went on, the evil that was done, the deception that people fell for completely - it was very thought-provoking.

Since that visit, I read anything I see about the Holocaust. There was an interesting article in yesterday's LA Times about Holocaust survivors. There aren't many of them left and few have been willing to speak publicly, not wanting to relive the horrors they endured. There are a few that speak at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. One of the speakers is Eva Brown (pictured above), currently in her 80's and fighting leukemia.

On speaking at the museum, she said:

Talking, she says, is a lot like forgiveness: Hard to do, but harder not to.

On facing additional chemotherapy:

Brown figures faith will get her through these next hard weeks. After all, it worked during the Holocaust.

Or as she told one woman in late August, who heard her story at the museum and asked how a survivor can continue to believe in God: "That's all that's left. Everything was taken away from me. The only thing left is God."

This poem, posted near the exit of the Holocaust Museum, made me really think:

First they came for the communists, but I did not speak out - because I was not a communist;
Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a socialist;
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a trade unionist;
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out - because I was not a Jew;
Then they came for me - and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Written by Martin Niemoller in 1946

I did a little research and found that Martin Niemoller was a pastor in Germany that did not originally speak out against the Nazis, but by 1934 began speaking out. He ended up in Dachau in 1937, was there through the end of the war, and survived.

I am not one to be confrontational, but I hope with God's help that I will speak out for truth and righteousness.

Going Home

Dad is going home tomorrow! Yeah! Yippee! Hallelujah!!

I know the road ahead is still long, but this is great news.

Don't Worry

Ask God's blessing on your work, but do not ask Him to do it.

God gives every bird his food, but He does not throw in into the nest.

- Mom's Bible

These two sayings were not found on the same page in Mom's Bible, but they definitely go together. God will provide a way for us, when we do our part.

While I was in Fresno last Sunday morning, Elder Morton preached from Matthew chapter 6, verses 25-34. How many times have I heard him say, "Don't worry!" In these days of financial uncertainty, we need to remember God's promise to clothe and feed His own. Seek Him first, His financial plan is unmatched!

MORE THAN ENOUGH

My God is more than enough
He can supply all my needs
He is my El Shaddai,
He always looks out for me
Jehovah Jireh, He is my God
Jehovah Jireh, He is my God

All of the earth is His
and the fullness thereof
Everything that I need
you can be sure of
Jehovah Jireh, He is my God
Jehovah Jireh, He is my God

So why should I worry
‘bout the highs and the lows
The ups and downs when by my faith I know

MY God is more than enough!

New Book

My mother-in-law, Dolly McElhaney, has co-written a number of books. This is her latest. It is the story of Bennie and Theresa DeMerchant, missionaries in the country of Brazil for more than 40 years.


The price is $13.95, with profits going to build a church in Brazil. Click here to order. The easiest way to find the book is searching by title "Full Throttle".

Hannah Goes to Key West with Uncle Les!

Uncle Les had a business trip in Key West, Florida on October 3-5, so Hannah got to go on another adventure! They stayed at the Casa Marina Resort and Beach Club.


Here she is on the lanai of the hotel room:



Here she is on the beach:


On the massage table:


And trying out a hammock with Uncle Les!

He's the coolest uncle!!

They also did a little shopping in Key West, but Hannah wouldn't tell what they bought since it's a Christmas present for me!

Home Again

It was a whirlwind weekend, but I'm glad I went!

First an update on Dad. He is doing SO much better! I spent over an hour with him today before I left Fresno and he really is doing good. He said he felt like he is strong enough to get out of bed by himself. The doctor came while I was there and he said, "you'll be in trouble if you try that!" I'm just glad to hear him say he's ready to do more and I believe with a few more therapy sessions he will.

It was also good to spend time with Kim and her girls. Friday night I was with the twins and last night it was just Kim and I. Both nights we just hung out and talked and got caught up. Very fun! In between Friday and Saturday nights, meaning most of Saturday, I cleaned Dad's house! I was happy to do it, knowing he'll be able to go home from the hospital to a clean house.

And finally, it was so wonderful to go to church at Truth Tabernacle this morning. There's just something about going home, to the place I was raised, to be greeted by people that have known me all my life and still like me! Of course, knowing I'm going to church with no responsibilities is nice, too. Every once in a while it's good to sit in service knowing you will not be called upon to sing, play, hostess, or anything else! I felt refreshed when service was over!

For those of you that were in the Adult Sunday School class in Fresno, I made sure I talked to myself while I drove through Pixley!

Checking in from Fresno!

I got to see Dad yesterday! It was good to see him and he is doing better. He has four 45 minute therapy session each day. He said they are really working him, but that's a good thing! He will probably be at the rehab center for a week.

I also got to spend time with Kim, Krysten, and Lauren. They all came to the rehab center. Kim had other plans, but the girls and I went out to dinner. Then the three of us hung out at Dad's until about 1:30 this morning! We never run out of things to talk about. I love those girls to the moon and back!

50th Wedding Anniversary

Today would have been Mom and Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary. She passed away one week after their 40th. Here are some of my observations about their marriage:

They loved each other and weren't afraid to show it. I grew up in a home with affectionate parents. Hugging, hand holding, kissing, all these were common sights - whether we kids wanted to see it or not!

They did not always agree, but they didn't fight in front of us kids. Anytime two people marry, there will be disagreements, but how those disagreements are handled makes all the difference. I never heard my parents yell at each other. Dad once said, "Marriage is a lot of work" - and they kept working at it.

They did the best they could for all four of their children. We weren't wealthy, but we always had enough. I never went to bed hungry - even if Mom fixed something I didn't like, she would fix something else to make sure I ate something. I always had a roof over my head, clean clothes on my back, and shoes on my feet.

Mom stayed home with us kids so the majority of the discipline fell on her shoulders. Dad never tried to change whatever punishment was handed out. Whether they agreed or not, they supported each other in those decisions. None of us kids have spent time in jail, so I guess it worked!

They took time for each other. I remember Grandma Luella (Mom's mom) staying with us on more than one occasion when we were young, so Mom and Dad could go away for their anniversary.

Dad was completely in tune with Mom during her last months. I was in their home the night before she passed away. Mom was in bed in their bedroom. More times than I can remember, Dad would jump up, go down the hall, and back to their room. HE heard Mom calling him, while Kim and I didn't hear a thing. His care for her was amazing until her last breath.

Their love and devotion was an example to me that I strive for in my own marriage.

There aren't many pictures in this slide show. Mom and Dad were too busy taking pictures of us kids to have pictures taken of them!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This is a topic that is very dear to my heart. Twenty years ago, the recommended age for mammograms was 50. Mom got her first mammogram at that time and cancer was discovered immediately. I will never know if early detection could have extended her life, but I'm doing everything I can to avoid this disease.

I know it's easy to think that taking care of our families is more important than taking care of ourselves. But if you're gone, who is going to take care of your family??? Okay, I'm off the soapbox now! Just schedule your mammogram if it's time!

Encouragement

I had my very own cheering section while out running this morning! I had just hit mile 5 when I crossed paths with an Asian couple that I see frequently. He started clapping, gave me a thumbs up, then said "the winner!" Just a couple of minutes later I was whistled at by Les, who was on his bike! I then caught a couple of ladies who I had seen earlier. They were looking a little puzzled by the whistle. I said, "that was my husband giving me a whistle!" They laughed, then one said, "how did you get back here so fast? you're good!"

Of course those actions and comments all made me feel great, but they also got me thinking about our spiritual cheering section. There are so many ways to be an encourager. Just a simple word, a hug, a strong hand on a shoulder. Some have a card ministry, others use the phone or email. I have read many blogs that have encouraged me.

Whatever your method of encouragement is, find someone to encourage today! And know that whatever you're going through today, I'm cheering you on!