Christmas & the End of 2010

Christmas, 2010, another great year.

Many great celebrations with our family and with the Life Tabernacle family. God has been good to us!!!

So.... here we are. Another year has come and gone. I am really amazed when I think we are this far into the 2000's!!! 2011?!!! Really?!!! What will this year bring? Who will be married? Engaged? Having a baby? How many will come to know the life-changing power of Jesus Christ? How will we have to adjust our Christmas celebrations next year - because of the growth of Life Tabernacle? Such exciting possibilities await!!!!!

What will you do to make 2011 a different year for you?

Dreams DO Come True!

I have dreamed for many years of New York City. This year, that dream came true. On November 22, our family took off for seven full days in the city.

I'll admit I was a little nervous. You hear so many stories about watching your surroundings, staying safe, not getting on the wrong subway, etc. BUT... I never once felt unsafe or uncomfortable. It was an awesome experience.

We enjoyed so many wonderful sights and adventures:

Times Square

The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

The Empire State Building

Central Park - it was amazing how quiet and peaceful it could be in the midst of such a huge city.

Phantom of the Opera. Oh my word!!! Incredible how the actors and musicians flow so well. I was in awe that everything was LIVE!

We spent Thanksgiving morning at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade then enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. It was SO good!!!

There's too much to name!! I was completely enthralled with Times Square. The lights, signs, sounds, people - all of it fascinated me. All of the history in New York City is amazing. We saw where George Washington was sworn in as the first President, Wall Street & the New York Stock Exchange, and Ground Zero.

We made many memories on this trip - I'm so thankful we were able to share this week as a family.

Lovin' Life

You know, when you stop for a moment to reflect on life, you'll find that most days are completely enjoyable. I'm so thankful for the friends and family in my life. God always knows exactly what we need - when we need it. He knows what friends we need - when we need them. He knows when our family will be the only ones who truly understand us - and let's them be there for those moments. I love my life!!! I've said that on Facebook several times, but I really do.

General Conference was in Houston this year. I wasn't too excited for the location, but I was very excited about conference and getting to spend time with my sisters. I was not disappointed.

There were some great services, we got to be with great friends and family, AND the weather turned out perfect for that week!! This was Cameron & Chad's first time to be at General Conference. It was fun having them there.

We had a family lunch on Thursday - it was a total blast! The guys ended up doubled over in laughter - I'm SO glad our boys were there to be a part of this time together!!!

My mother always loved General Conference - she loved the services, she loved seeing her friends, and she loved being with her family. I guess I'm just a chip off the old block. LOL!

Gene & I decided to go to the State Fair of Texas this year. He had never been, and I haven't been since I was a teenager. We had a great time with friends, Jason & Julie Ouellette.

There's just nothing like good friends....

....AND good food!!

At the end of October, we had our first annual Ladies of Life Retreat.

(Sharon actually went - so I HAD to share this picture!!)

What a blessing it turned out to be! Our guest speaker was Debbie Saiz from California. She spoke straight to our hearts both Friday night and Saturday morning. I never want to forget "my attitude is the paintbrush that colors my world." And I will continually strive to be a Proverbs 31 woman. God's presence was there in a mighty way.

Of course, there is always much laughter and fun and bonding time when ladies get together.

We are now in the midst of Forty Days of Fire. God is meeting with us in very special ways. Last Sunday night Gene felt to have a prayer line for the needs of those in the service. As the ministers and wives prayed for those coming through the line, you could feel such an awesome presence of God. We are already beginning to see prayers answered this week.

This Sunday we have our annual Kids Fun Fest. Last year we had over 400 visitors! Our prayer is that as these families come to the church for fun, they will feel a difference from anywhere else they've been.

Next week, we welcome back Evangelist Mike Easter. We had a wonderful time with him last year, and we are excited to see what God has in store for this revival week.

As we go through these exciting times at Life Tabernacle, family life also continues. Chad has picked up playing golf and is doing a great job. He gets his license tomorrow!!!

Cameron is halfway through his first semester of college and is really enjoying his job. And we are all gearing up for our vacation to New York. So excited!!!

So.... life continues.... almost faster than I can keep up with. Thanksgiving is 3 weeks away. Christmas is something like 56 days away. And then we begin a New Year. I love finding joy in all of it!

Seriously?!!! NINETEEN?!!!!

How is this even possible?

It was only yesterday I was in the hospital waiting on the arrival of our first little bundle of joy. I'm SURE it was only yesterday - or at the most a few weeks ago!!!

Hmm.... the word "little" is relative here.

Cameron weighed in at 9 lbs. 12 oz. He was no where near as big as I was at birth, but everyone was amazed at his size. LOL!

So, Cameron, today you are 19.

One more year of the teens left.

Two more years and you are a true adult in the eyes of the world.

You have brought many days of joy to our life.

We are extremely proud of the accomplishments you have made throughout your life - graduating with honors, becoming an accomplished musician, leading worship at Tabernaculo de Vida -

and in the last few weeks -

college and your first "real" job.

God truly has His hand on your life. We are proud to be your parents!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! WE LOVE YOU!!

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)

January, 2010

Does anyone know where January went?!! I KNOW we just celebrated the new year a couple days ago and now here it is February 1!!! Wow!

Here are the happening from January, 2010:

We attended the beautiful wedding of Josh & Shelly Youngblood. Shelly was one of the young ladies in our youth group back in the day. She was a beautiful bride, and we are happy for them.
Cameron and Chad got their report cards for the first semester. Both of them did incredibly well. We are so proud of our boys and all they are accomplishing in their lives. God has BIG plans for them!!
Life Tabernacle was approved for our first daughter work!! Tabernaculo de Vida will launch this coming Sunday (February 7). We are so excited to see what God is going to do through our Spanish ministry. The miracles that have already taken place in this process are amazing.

Gene & I were privileged to attend Because of the Times in Alexandria, LA. We are always blessed to be a part of this conference. Everything is always top shelf - this year was no different. Govenor Bobby Jindal spoke to us briefly one night. The preaching and music was awesome!! And, of course, being with friends and family is what makes it even more fun.

During the month of January we have been focusing on prayer. We've had several different times of gathering as a church family to pray. It's been wonderful. Last week we had prayer revival at 7:30 each night. I loved the times of focused prayer. We are expecting great things this year.

To end our month, Life Tabernacle welcomed our newest member this year: Remington Keith was born January 31. He is such a cutey!! We are very happy for the proud parents, Zac & Amber.