CHAD IS 16!!!!

Today our "baby" turns 16!

Chad,

We are so proud of you and the young man you have become.

I can't imagine our home without you.

You have brought so much joy to our family.

I love talking football with you!! :)

Your worship is an inspiration to everyone around you.

God has big plans for you, and we are excited to watch your life develop.

We love you more than words can say!

Happy birthday!!!!!

Celebrate My Life

Several weeks ago a man in our church passed away. His wife asked for this song to be sung at his funeral. When I heard the words, I knew I had to share them with all of you. I always want to celebrate the lives of those who have gone on before us!

Don't cry for me 'cause I have gone to a better place

Try not to cry for me 'cause I see the Savior's face

Remember my smile and the things we used to do

How you were always there for me and how much I love you

So, celebrate my life

Celebrate the years

Celebrate our family and wipe each others tears

Celebrate the laughter

Celebrate the fun

One day God will wipe away your tears and sorrow will be gone

Don't cry for me 'cause I am home, 'cause I am free

Try not to cry for me just hold on; hold on to all our memories

Remember my smile and the things that we'd do

How you were always there for me and I love you

I'm looking forward to that wonderful day

When the Lord shall wipe all our tears away

Never again will we have to part

We will all have His peace and His joy in our hearts

Know that you will see me again so just hold fast to what is true

Remember to love the Lord with all your heart

And He will see you through

I have fought a good fight; now I've finished my race

One day we will greet each other with a warm embrace

So, celebrate my life

Celebrate the years

Celebrate our family and wipe each others tears

Celebrate the laughter

Celebrate the fun

Celebrate the promise that all sorrow will be gone

In a nutshell....

This has been one of the busiest years I can remember. We have had babies born, weddings, wedding showers & bridal showers, graduation, etc. We've had District Conference, Holiday Youth Convention, Camp Meeting, Youth Camps, South Texas Revival Conference. Several Community Days and outreach events. Hired an Associate to the Pastor - Dyron Adams. He and his wife, Tamberli, and their son, Zion, are in the process of getting settled into the routine of Wichita Falls & Life Tabernacle. They will, also, soon be welcoming a new member to the family, Malachi. He should be here the first part of November.

In February, Gene & I celebrated 21 years of marriage. We went to the Valentine Symphony in Dallas & stayed at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine. It was a wonderful, relaxing time.

I was asked to be over the music for Texas Women's Conference this year, so we flew Ronda in to play the organ. We sisters had a blast that week!

In April (I think), Priscilla, Gene & I went to Dallas to see Tony Bennett. Oh My Word!!! He was incredible!! AND.......

..... Kassie & Randy got engaged during the performance!! Kassie had no idea we were there watching from the balcony.

In May, Kyle & Jessica got married.....

..... we took senior portraits .....

..... and Cameron graduated!!!

Last week our family took few days off and went to Austin. We enjoyed the time away and had a great time seeing friends and visiting our favorite places. Mozart's .....

..... New Life Church .....

..... and The Domain.

We also went to the Round Rock Outlet Mall, Mellow Mushroom, Cheesecake Factory, drove through downtown, and through Pflugerville to see what all has been done there.

And now we are to August - gearing up for Kassie & Randy's wedding next month. This picture was taken at their Wedding Shower last week.

In the midst of all these events .... I have lost 50 lbs!!!!!

School begins next week. Chad will be a Sophomore at Rider High School, and Cameron begins his years of college at Midwestern State University.

We are excited about what God is doing in Life Tabernacle!! There is such an expectancy in the air. Every service is filled with the mighty presence of God. We have numerous visitors in every service, and God is changing lives.

What a great life!!

Gaither Vocal Band

The Gaither Vocal Band has hit it completely out of the park with their latest project!!!!

I have to admit - when I heard Guy Penrod and Marshall Hall were leave the group, I was not a happy camper. My first question was, "How in the world does Bill Gaither think he's going to build a better group than this one?" I even thought I might be done with the GVB. As much as I have LOVED Michael English and David Phelps through the years, I just wasn't impressed with a re-creation of what used to be. I figured we'd just be hearing a LOT of the OLD music again - not that those songs weren't good - but I get tired of remakes all the time.

Well..... they have totally surprised me with this latest release!! "Greatly Blessed" was released to stores yesterday. I bought it online last night and listened with awe to what has to be the most current, up-to-date music the GVB has ever done. The vocals are crazy!!!!

There's a ukelele on "Better Day," then they turn around and use "Canon in D" as the background to "You Are My All in All," then they have this Norah Jones-like piano sound going on with some unbelievable vocals on "Clean." They've done an easy-listening, jazz-like remake of the old song "That Sounds Like Home to Me." Beautiful!! And of course there's the good ol' southern style on "When He Blest My Soul." Even the OLD songs have a NEW sound! Awesome!!!

If you are a Gaither Vocal Band fan - JUST BUY IT!! Enjoy!

(just in case there is ANY question - this post is by KARLA)