Update!

Ugh! I just had the longest post that I've done in a long time and I lost it. So here's the short of it. Brother Texture is home. When we visited last night, his speech was much better, he had some ice chips and a couple of teaspoons of applesauce but he couldn't swallow even with assistance from the physical thereapist's help. He was complaining of a headache when he came in, which was expected. He missed their dog Zoe so much that the family decided to have him spend his last days at home. So around 5 pm the ambulance brought him home, according to Brother Grant. We haven't gone to see him tonight as we actually cancelled church for the first time since we've been here. Brother Nowlng has the stomach flu. It actually started with the Textures and he went and visited them when they were sick. Then Jenna got it, and now him. Usually I would cover, but I didn't even know he was sick until about 5:30 pm and I had to go get him soup and 7 up. He had such a migraine with it I didn't want to leave him alone, and I just didn't feel like I could do it. Obviously, Brother Grant, although he probably would've been willing to, had a hard week and we couldn't expect him to.

We got a new laptop. It'll be mine as Brother Nowling has all his Bible programs on the old one. It had one day left on it's warranty so he took it in to get the sound card and probably the network card fixed, and who knows what else. It'll be nice not share. It never fails, we always seem to both want to be on it at the same time. So in 8 weeks, when he gets his back, no more sharing. He actually picked it out. I didn't care. I just wanted excel, Word, a sound card and internet capabilities. I did pick out a nice computer case. It has a pinkish, mauve lining. It's classy.

One last thing, May I brag a little...I took first for the most sales for September. Which means I got the Big Bear Award, which means I get the BIG Bear trophy on my desk for the next month (and it is BIG). I get my picture on the wall of the front office (across from my desk ~ they can take their time on that)and a bonus (but I don't know for how much). I never dreamed I'd ever get first but now I understand why I had to work the overtime and I was so stressed. It feels good to have been rewarded for working hard.

Up Date

Brother Texture made it through another day. His speech was much better but otherwise nothing much had change. The plan is for him to go home tomorrow so he can be with Zoe their dog. The hospital's bringing over a bed and will put under hospice care. It's a waiting game at this point, but they decided to wait it out in the comfort of his home. This is really wearing on the family. Sister Texture and the immediate family spent the night last night. Tonight Sister Grant is staying so Sister Texture can go home and get things ready for him, which includes giving Zoe a bath and rearranging the living room for the bed. Brother Texture said it's the best news he's had in a long time.

Thanks for the prayers. I know the family appreciates them.

Brother Texture

Our precious Brother Texture had another huge stroke. The doctors don't give him much time. Brother Nowling spent about 3 hours with him this morning and they went hunting and fishing through his stories. Apparently just minutes after he left he had another major stroke. They didn't know the total impact until they received the MRI results this evening. Brother Nowling and I went out to dinner and Sister Grant called Brother Nowling on behalf of Sister Texture and we headed to the hospital. Their children were there along with some of the grandchildren and great children.

This brother is so precious. My hands are always cold and when I come in and shake his hand he takes my hands in both of his and warms them up. Then when we leave I always say "love you, God bless you" and he always responds with "He do". When I went to leave tonight I took his hand and told him he needed to warm it up. Sister Texture told me to tell him Jesus loves him, so I went through my usual and he managed to say "He do". Then he said something about the "reunion".

He turns 80 on Thursday and the family was talking about his celebrating his 80 birthday with Jesus. You rejoice and hurt at the same time. Watching the love between Sister Texture and him is heart rendering as she wants him to feel free to go to Jesus but you can feel the torture of her loss. She even went as far to tell him he was free to go and that she wouldn't be too far behind him. This is a man that is so loved by his family.

I couldn't help but think about my parents in the nursing home. They're in their early 80's and not in good health away....

Please pray for the family and our little church here as he is so precious to us all.

Quick Post

I had an overall quiet weekend. I actually slept a lot. I finally got my B12 shot Saturday afternoon but it takes a few hours to kick in. I had to find a doctor that would give me a perscription that would let Brother Nowling give it to me like he's been doing for over a year. The one I went to for my physical (because the doctor I originally scheduled for had a family emergency) wouldn't. So Friday I went to the original one, and she had no problem. But until I got the shot and it kicked in, all I wanted to do is sleep.

Saturday, was our first youth activity planned by one of the youth. Jackie planned an old movie night and we watched "It's a Wonderful Life". We have the movie but I've never watched it. It is really good but because some of youth were over an hour late we didn't start on time and it was getting too late for me and I left before it was over. It was at Josh and Jackie's house which is about an hours drive "for Me" and I hate driving at night by myself and none of the girls were able to make it. So now I'll have to pull our movie out and watch the ending. Every youth event is to begin with a devotion and Jackie did a great job with it. From now on, we start on time no matter's who's there or not. Ugh!

Sunday morning's SS went fine, but before SS Brother Texture fell and then during SS it became evident that he had a stroke and Brother Grant called 911 and he was taken to the hospital. (The adult SS class is in the Texture's house so all we knew was that he had fallen. Brother Grant called 911 after SS was over and we didn't know of this until after service.) His family is all here. Brother Nowling is there now visiting again and we'll see what the status is. Please be praying for him and their whole family.

Also, there is a very heavy need in our family that we need God to intervene in. Please help us pray. Also, continue to pray for Jenna, she thought it was only the 24 hour flu but she's home sick today. Pray we all don't get it to.

WOW What A Service!

Minister's convention was good but Sunday night the Holy Ghost really saturated the place. We had a rough weekend in spite of the convention. Sunday afternoon we took Brother Ammons out for dinner and then came home and all of us took a nap. I rarely take a nap but I hadn't had much sleep for several nights and I was totally exhausted. I fell asleep but all weekend there was a chorus going through my head and as I slept, I slept but that chorus was literally be song in my head. The chorus was "Change my heart oh God. Make it ever new. Change my heart oh God. NMAKE ME MORE LIKE YOU. You are the potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me, that is why I pray." It wasn't that I hadn't recently heard the song, actually I don't even remember when I heard or sang it last. But I guess it was my prayer throughout the weekend. Anyway, I woke up about 1/2 before the alarm went off and I prayed "Lord what would you have me lead for worship?" He laid out the songs for me and even what I should say between songs. I then wondered who would play piano for me (Joleesa wasn't up, Jessa was out of town, and I knew Sister Grant didn't really know the songs) and then it came to me Brother Ammons. He played for me at camp one year. We got to church and I asked him if he knew the one chorus "Create in Me a clean heart". He wasn't sure so I sang it to him softly, we didn't have a chance to pratice but he said he thought he could figure it out. Brother Ammons had preached Wednesday night on "Passionate Worship".

Brother Nowling opened sharing some heavy thoughts of his own with tears. When it was turned over to me everyone was sitting and instead of asking everyone to stand, one of the things laid out to me as I laid in bed was to not have everyone stand for worship but start out with everyone sitting and when they came to the place of true worship for them, then stand. I could see on the faces they thought this was wierd...I was literally shaking behind the pulpit. We began with "Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus". We sang and sang, and then it was like some whispered in my ear "turn the lights off". It was already dark out, but the whisper continued, until I asked Brother Jacob to turn the lights off as it's easy to have eyes on Jesus when we're together but the world is dark and full of troubles, BUT that's when we really need to turn our eyes on Him. It was dark in there but the electric piano had a blue light so Brother Ammons had no problem playing. After singing it through once I had them turn the lights back on but we continued to sing. Somewhere along the way Sister Heather stood. For some time she stood alone. Then we went into "What a Friend We have in Jesus" and then "Create in Me A Clean Heart". One by one, slowly, not all at once by no means, they started to stand (even our visitor stood and worshipped). You knew when they stood they truly were standing in worship. The Holy Ghost came down and though there was a heaviness for souls in our midst, the Holy Ghost was releasing some. It was awesome. 3/4 of the people were standing. Everyone worshipping in their own way. I then turned it to Brother Nowling and the worship continued. Before he turned it to Brother Ammons he instructed us to greet our neighbors. As I hugged one individual's neck the Holy Ghost started all over again. My heart was heavy for the souls in the house but yet I had a peace in my heart because God was moving. Then Brother Ammons preached on going through the fire. It was a great message and he preached under the annointing. BUT there was no altar call given. Did you ever feel like there should be an altar call but they don't. I really felt like some people just prayed off the conviction but a call to the altar would've brought them to make a decision...but no call was made. I prayed for Brother Ammons and then Brother Nowling to be guided by the Spirit...but no altar call. Was it just me...Anyway, I thank God for the move He had and the hearts He spoke to. Though I had some very heavy needs and concerns still surrounding me, I had such peace that carried me even into today. Today was a good day at work and I haven't had one of them in a long time.

I have never FELT so led in the leading of worship as I did Sunday night. I felt the "Passionate Worship". God is soooo good. But please pray for our local body. God wants to really do something and there are those that just won't surrender. But I am so greatful for His love, mercy and His moving on His people.

Stress!!!

Wow! What a stress filled week. Life at work has been so stressful. It's really bad when it's only 9:30 am and I'm already in the bathroom sobbing because I can't deal with any more problems. I just got my September numbers I had an amazing September in sales. I sold over $429,000 of advertising. Now people should understand why I've been so overwhelmed at my desk. And that is just MY sales I don't get credit for the other desk's sales that I made while it was empty.

Before we moved to Alaska I had this job offer and another. The other job even counter offered but the timing for that type of job didn't feel right. Well he took me to breakfast after I got here any way, plus he's called me three times since and this last time he's very adament that I'm the one for his business. I want to ignor it because I don't want to have to make that kind of decision again. BUT I can't because I don't know if this is God bringing it back to me. This man owns a lot of property here in AK, in Seattle and in Hawaii. He just recently purchased the old IMAX theatre here in town is planning on getting it operating again. Plus he has purchased two strip malls. I've been praying diligently for a building for a church building...so who knows. Above that he's 85 years and a staunch Catholic and is very open about religion...so who knows. So November 6th I'm meeting him over dinner. I hope Jody will be able to go with me. Please be praying.

We're in ministers convention and I like to say I'm excited for it but I'm so tired, physically, mentally and emotionally. I can't turn the tears off. Even right now the tears are flowing and I'm not exactly sure why except for stress. I've been praying and singing all morning trying to get my mind on Him. Last night I worked until 6:30 pm and went right to church and had to lead worship, I prayed all the way to church (on an empty stomach, as there was no time for dinner) that the Lord would help me to focus on Him. I had planned up beat songs, but when I got there I couldn't get a way from the song "Wonderful Peace". I kept arguing but this is start of convention we've got rejoice with fast songs. "SAYS WHO"!!! I told the people this was what I felt and this was what I needed so we sang and then went into worship choruses. What I didn't know as Brother Nowling's evangelism boost followed with "Throw out the Lifeline" and he spoke of Jesus in the boat during the temptuous storm and how the decisples cried for calm and peace and Jesus answered. My spirit and soul was calmed (my body still felt the exhaustion). Sister Annette's ABM boost was good as passed out play doh for everyone and they were to quickly make mini-me's of it. Then plates were given to the band leaders and pastor in Anchorage's case (Brother Nowling has been able to get peace as to band leaders yet) as they carried the load of each of those individuals on their plates. Then the plates were passed to the pastor and then the pastor's to overseer. It was very good. My mini-me was a tear drop. That's what I felt represented me at that time. Brother Ammons preached a good message (although, I'm almost certain I heard it before when we were in WI ~ smile) but my mind was tired and my stomach was so hungry I had a hard time following.

This morning we have our leadership meeting ~ugh. Brother Nowling won't be coming as he worked all night. Lord help me to keep my mouth shut when I must.

Then we start again at 6 pm and I have ladies retreat boost and camp boost. I really do want a "brand new touch" so please pray for our convention.

What A Relaxing Weekend!

Jody and I really had what turned out to be one of the most relaxing times we've had in years. Actually, there was times I went stir crazy bored. We went to Chena Hot Springs resort. My boss really really encouraged (as did his boss) us going there when everything fell through for Minnesota. So the cost wasn't going to be much different then the standby airline tickets on Northwest and the rental car...the difference is we had to eat out versus staying with family and friends. Anyway, what I didn't realize was this resort was a "WILDERNESS" resort. And we were in Fairbanks. Cold Fairbanks where there was already snow. Brrrrrr~ Only four tv channels (Disney, CNN, the weather channel and a QVC like channel), no internet, no cell phone service, no phone in our room (there was public telephone that we used our cc to let the girls know how to get a hold of us if they needed to). It wasn't winter enough to enjoy winter sports, but too cold to enjoy being outside. Jody worked all night Thursday night so after flying in we rented a car (a 2008 Ford Edge ~ oh I really liked it) and headed to the North Pole, a quaint little town (and I mean little) that has candy cane street lights and Christmas signs and decorations up year round, and then Santa Claus' house (huge gift shop). We were there for about 20 minutes. We then headed the 60 miles to the resort. We checked in and Jody had to sleep. That's ok, I'll read. I read a lot, I actually finished a book in two days. I don't remember the last time I did that. I finally couldn't read any more so I woke him at 6 pm and we went over to the restaurant for supper. Awesome food. I ordered a bowl of vegetable soup and Jody ordered the fish and chips. Oh the best Halibut...ahhhh he shared with me. We then went back to the room, we played some cribbage and he slept some more and I read some more. Then finally fell asleep on what I think is the hardest beds ever. My hips and back have never hurt so bad. We got up early Saturday morning to check out the rock pool hot springs...no one around. Awesome. About 9 degrees outside and 146 degree hotsprings. The fog, the colored lights, the hoar frost on the trees, the clear water, the sulfur smell. An awesome experience and sight. We had the whole springs to ourselves...but we didn't want to take any chances so we only stayed in for about 45 minutes. It was soooooo cold going in and coming out (my hair froze) but while in it, it was sooo awesome but I really got overheated, as I got real dizzy, flushed and my heart was really racing, even after showering and all. We went for breakfast before the gas fireplace and I drank lots and lots of water, and I started feeling better. We took a drive around the Chena River area and took some pictures and then went back to our room played some more cribbage and Jody slept some more and I read some more (I wanted to sleep but the bed was way tooo hard). After reading for two hours I woke Jody up and had to go for a walk or something. Then we went out to the ice museum which was awesome and then supper at the restaurant. I took the comforter off and folded it up to sleep on, but it didn't help...I think the floor actually would've been more comfortable.

I know it sounds like I didn't enjoy myself, but I did. It felt like a second honeymoon (we stayed at a resort in Lutsen, MN for our honeymoon). It felt sooo good to leave life behind, and be with the man I love more each year. BUT I am one who rarely does just "one" thing and to have SOOOO much time on my hands...I had a time dealing with it. I could see why my boss encouraged us. He has a hard time understanding my life revolving around people so much. One of the last things I said to our new employee when he left on Thursday was "let Mark know I'll have my cell phone if they need me". Yeah, I'm sure he got quite the laugh.

It truly was a "new" experience for me and makes me ready for the business of life again.

I'll post pictures once Jenna get's done "fixing" them for me. I couldn't use the flash in the ice museum and I just left the setting on AUTO so she's doing some adjusting, surprised, NAH!

NOTE: Click on my profile picture to "ACTUALLY" be able to see it ~ smile, we can't figure out why it's so small but I love the picture.

Pray flor Joleesa!

We want her out of McDonald's, she needs out of McDonald's and SHE actually is wanting out of McDonalds' AND she's got an interview at the Hotel Captain Cook. There's openings for Front desk clerk and reservations both. This is where Jenna works. There's so much potential for her there. It's much better pay. Much better atmosphere. And it'll probably be M-F days. She actually went out and bought two dress suits. She wears dresses to church of course but not anything "professional" and she got great deals on them. She really wants one of these jobs. So please pray. Of course we want God's will...but we know it's not God's will for her to stay at McDonalds.

Also, we're still trying to make it Minnesota but if we don't it looks like we'll be going to Fairbanks and then to the North Pole. Yes, the North Pole is only about 60 miles or so from Fairbanks. Though I'm really disappointed (it'll be a miracle if we get a flight, but he's trying again to night) about not going to Alaska, I'm really looking forward to getting away and having time with my husband, which is so rare these days.

But Why!

We can't go to Minnesota. There is absolutely NO open flights available. They tried to take us through Portland, through Seattle, through Chicago and even if we were to purchase a ticket, all flights were full. It's not going to happen. For some reason it's not meant to happen. I don't understand but I'm glad I didn't get my parents hopes up. We'll also not get to visit with the Thompsons and our dear brothers and sisters that we pastored 12 years ago. AND we won't get to be with the Smiths.

I'll call my parents this weekend and let them know we will try again after the 1st of the year. I do fear that time is getting away and I pray that time will hold for me to see them again.

I'm hoping I can still convince Jody to go somewhere within Alaska with me. It's been so long since we've really had any time together. Our 25th anniversary came and went and we didn't go anywhere. Our 26th anniversary came and went and we didn't go anywhere. I'm hoping we can go to Cordova or somewhere just for Friday night and come back Saturday.

I am sooooo bummed. I came home and hoped to discuss our plans with Jody and he's been sleeping because, here it's his night off, but he's helping out with Fed ex and driving to Kenai tonight so he's sleeping. I haven't even seen him.

Ugh!

We're Going to Minnesota!!!

PTL! Brother Nowling got the time off for us to go see my parents in the nursing home in MN. We told them when we left we would try to visit once a year. We figured probably October would be the best time. While at the assembly the Thompsons in Minnesota said the Smiths were coming to Minnesota to hold a weekend revival in October. Jody and I talked about seeing if we could make our visit co-inside with their revival. For Jody to get off work he has to find someone to cover his 10 hour, 9 pm - 7 am shift. Not an easy thing to do but he promised me he'd try. It took a few days before he got a response. I had decided I wasn't going to go without him this time. The assembly was too hard AND he needed to get away. Then he got one night covered but he needed two nights. Last night he walked into work and someone yelled out "Jody I'll cover for you". PTL. The two of us are going. My boss already told me I could have Friday off (he said he had it on ice for me in case it worked out - he's a good boss). Now we just need the flights to work out as we are going to try to fly standby on Northwest into MPLS. We need God to open the seats up.

My parents don't know and I won't tell them until we're on the plane. I don't want them to be disappointed and after all, they're in a nursing home so I don't have to worry about them being gone.

I am dreading flying again. I use to think it was the better way to go when we were driving several hours each month...but I'll take the driving any day. The long flights are hard. I actually tried to get Joleesa to go and she wouldn't because she did not want to fly that far so soon after our lonnnnnng, hard flight to the assembly. I tell you I applaud all those that have to fly long flights frequently. Oh, I like the 1-3 hour ones ok. Beyond that yuck! I can't sleep on the plane (if it's full) and I'm too tired to read. And I can't stop at a rest area, or a gas station to stretch and get a snack. I don't mean to sound ungrateful. I do thank the Lord that He's been so good to us in making a way for us to get places.

Please be praying for the flight issue and remember the revival. The Minnesota folks are small in number but they have a huge appetite for the Word of God.

Thanks For the Prayers

I'm feeling quite a bit better. It seems I have a kidney infection. Because I have horseshoe kidneys there is more pressure when I lay down. Last night I slept on my side with a pillow behind me. This afternoon I just dozed in the recliner because if I laid down it hurt. I'm grateful that the pain is pretty much gone if I'm not laying down and that is much better than it was.

Last Sunday and this Sunday we have had really good SS and services. Last Sunday night the Spirit really moved doing a worship. We have a precious brother (from TCOGO)that visits his brother during the summer month's here in Alaska and lives in TN otherwise. He was recently diagnosed with a serious illness. As I was leading worship I felt led to have the brother come forward and be annointed with prayer. The Spirit fell and it was great to see so many moved. Tonight it was a SWEEEET Spirit in the place. So, so sweet. It was great.

God has been soooo good...please help us pray for a building. We took Sister Heather's transfer today and Brother Jeremy's will be coming. We will soon be at 15 members and it's nothing to have 20 or more in service. We only have a couple of empty chairs. Please Lord we need a building.

Everyone have a great week. By the way, bear with me as we still have computer problems. I should say internet computer problems. The internet doesn't like our computer so I'm still borrowing computers.