What shoe are you?

Last year, we were at a friends 50th birthday party! I usually listen in a setting such as this. So, I had my ears on and was chasing Cherish around since we know that most 50 year old people do not have a 2.5 year old running around. Maybe grandchildren, but surely not theirs. So, if you know me very well, you know that I was nervous that she would get in someones way.

While sitting there, I listened to a conversation between two ladies that are in their late 50's. They were showing each other their shoes. They were obviously well made, very comfortable nice leather FLATS, well, they might have had about a 1/2 inch block heel. I looked down at my 3 - 3 1/2 inch heels (that I even wear to the mall) and couldn't help but ponder!

I am 42, it hit me right then and there that I don't know anyone over the age of 50 that wears high heels anymore! I began to think about the fact that when I am at our home church and I know that I am going to be praise singing, that I wear my "most comfortable" Sunday night shoes. Now, those still have heels, but they aren't the toe squeezer type.

I love the gorgeous strappy things like my 21 year old, Misti, wears! I think that Carlos Santana shoes are fabulous. However, I bought a pair, wore them once and gave them away. I try them on every time I see a new pair out, and hurriedly take them off to put them back on the shelf! They kill my feet!

Then today, I mentioned of Facebook that I am packing for camp and the comment was made that we all need the matching shoes to each outfit. That is so true, however, it is amazing how many outfits that I can make the "more comfortable" ones match! Then another dear friend mentioned stretchy waistbands. Now that is another subject altogether, but girlfirends, how often to you opt for the stretchy over the zipper, button...................etc. Me? Stretchy all the way! LOL

Cherish is 3.5 now and has high heel play shoes. When she is home playing, she is in those shoes and has to make a pass by the tile floor in whatever room she is in to hear them "clomp!" Remember those days? Longing for the high heels? Hmmmm, I am real happy in a 3 inch now as long as it passes all of the comfy stretchy flex soft sole............and on and on!

I'm going to add a few pictures of shoes, I wonder which one you are? Which ones you want to be? Which ones you long for or want to throw away? The first ones are my choice! But how much longer?

Why you haven't heard from me.........

Well, there is really no excuse! I have been extremely busy for what feels like 6 months! But to be really honest, I haven't had an inspiration to write about!! I could probably make one up, but what good will that do? I will say again, though, that I am so thankful for what God is doing in Kerman! We have got so many new people that it is overwhelming! I am taking 6 children to Jr. Camp on Sunday! They are all new convert children! I am like a little mother hen. I am worrying to death about them! They are new and in various stages of "apostolic" growth! I keep worrying how they will be treated, of course I know they will be fine. They are all very good, sweet children and they won't get into any trouble, I know that! I just want them to have a great time and be accepted!

My whole family has had this rotten summer cold! My husband is starting to get better, Cherish is in the very grumpy stage of it, and mine is hitting now. I woke up this morning with a froggy throat! I DO NOT HAVE TIME TO BE SICK!!

Campmeeting starts a week from Sunday! I cannot wait! That is always the highlight of our year! The weather is so wonderful there in Santa Maria and we just get away and relax! Planning Cherish's outfits, much to my husbands dismay! No not really, he like her to have cute things. I just need a whole lot more money than I have to really dress her the way I would like! HA HA! Wouldn't we all?

Ok, this is my first post to just jabber, so I'll take my jabber elsewhere, now! Maybe Facebook!

He speaks to us in different ways!

My lesson in Sunday School (seesee school as Cherish calls it) was about Partners in Prayer. Teaching my pre-teen class that it always helps to have someone else praying with us for our needs. That God inhabits (or lives in) the praise (or prayers) of His people. That He "hearkens" to our cry, and He hears and cares and is faithful to answer our prayers. We were talking about Jehoshaphat and his enemies the Ammonites, Moabites, and and the others that came against him. II Chronicles 20 About how he was "afraid" of what they were going to do to him and the tribe of Judah. But the Lord sent a prophet, Jahaziel, to speak to him and he sent a word that I know the Lord wanted me to hear today. II Chron. 20:15

"Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's."

What do I not understand about that?

Cherish on the 4th

Even though I didn't get to spend much time with Cherish on the 4th, I did get a few pictures. We were selling fireworks, so my mother watched her for me. She even got to help with fireworks at Misti and Adam's house. She was a little afraid of them, but had a great time! If one scared her, she would scream, "Don't do this to me, Adam!" Too funny! Just thought I'd share! She's turning into a little girl, there is no baby left! Sad in ways but a lot of fun, too!

Freedom.............

Today I keep thinking of the song, Freedom. We as Christians are so blessed to know so many types of freedom! Freedom from the vices that can attach themselves to lives when one does not have the strength of God to help them live overcoming lives. Along with the freedom that we all enjoy by living in the United States of America! Living here gives us the freedom to worship as we wish, and I for one am so thankful that I know the one true God and am free to "sing a little louder than before!!" (so the song says)

Happy 4th to you all! (And now I am free to go back to our fireworks stand and work another 6 hours! Lord, feel free to send us lots of customers!)

Ever carry a heavy load?

Ever feel like that? Ever carried a load that heavy? Oh, I have!!

I really do not know what people who do not know the Lord do without Him! There is a situation that I have carried for 6 months now that could surely overwhelm and drag me down! At times, I have been known to let it become more than I can carry! I am so thankful that I remember to turn it over to the one who is big enough to carry it! Just Sunday night and yesterday morning, I picked it all up myself.................I have to tell you, I cannot do it! Only in Him do I find the peace and strength to make it another day! I do know that He is in control, He works all things to His good! What more can I ask for? I so love turning things over to Him! So my prayer today is,

Lord, I know that I am not big enough to carry it, nor do I want to! Thank you for reminding me that You are in control. Help me to have the strength and peace that you promise and to remind all of those today who are trying to do it on their own, that it will sure turn out a lot better if they just let you have it!! Thank You for listening and taking over one more time!

Happy Birthday to "The Love Of My Life!"

Babe, I cannot believe that you are 45! That hair makes you look closer to..............................LOL!! I hope you have a wonderful day! I love you dearly and I'm sure that you know that you mean to world to our girls and church! So glad you aren't working today with the fireworks stands and we get to spend time with you! Let's Party!!

Happy Anniversary, Misti & Adam!

I cannot believe that my little girl grew up! Misti you are a beautiful young lady and married a wonderful stable man! I'm so happy that God blessed you both with such a wonderful marriage! Have a wonderful day! Two whole years!!!

Scones and Tea

I just saw this picture of scones with Devonshire cream and jam. It does so make me want to go to my favorite tea house. I do believe that I will take the time this week and take Cherish to tea. We've gone a couple of time with others, but since my husband and our church men are setting up 70 firewords stands this week, I think I will just indulge! Maybe! I have to check to calorie content first!!! Diets take the fun out of everything! If I'm really careful, I could possibly do it, legally! Oh, I do so love hot tea and scones!

Who are we? What do we believe?

I am so excited. We have so many new converts and trying to figure out bible studies for them all has been interesting. So after much talk, our Wednesday nights for quite a while will be new converts classes for our entire church! I have been so burdened recently by friends of ours who have always upheld truth in doctrine and holiness have put them all down for numbers. It has caused us to examine our own hearts. Then after talking to a young lady that has been in our church the entire 9 years we have been here, and she asked if we could possibly get information to her on what and why we believe, we are seeing the necessity of teaching all over again. Even for myself, I am so excited because we can all use a refresher now and then. We are apostolic and intend to stay just that! Not rule driven, but relationship driven. If we love the Lord, KNOW His Word, and truly desire to serve Him, rules will not matter, but what He wants does. I truly love my husband and because He loves my hair curled and healthy, I wear it in ways that I know he likes. He loves pork rinds and white powdered donuts, even though I detest both, I joy in seeing him and Cherish indulging in both. I may not think that this or that is important when living for the Lord, however, if He loves it, and took the time to tell us in His Word, then because I love Him and desire to make Him happy and definitely want to see Him, I "joy in seeing Him indulge!" I am so looking forward to seeing the understanding on the faces of our new babies as they see the sweetness of the "white powdered donuts!"

It won't work, Mommy!

Cherish really does play with her stuffed animals. They are her class at school that she teaches, they are her babies that are sick and she puts to bed, they are whatever she is playing at the time. She has two large drawers full of them and yesterday she had them all pulled out in in her floor. This is fine while she is playing. So there were about 50 large and small animals strung across her room at bedtime. I told her to go put them all back in the drawers. She left for a while and came back to me saying, "It won't work, Mommy. It won't work!" I wasn't paying attention and she kept saying it. I finally walked to her room to get her ready for bed and this is what I found.

She forgot that they all went in 2 drawers not just 1. She had tried really hard and had them all picked up. I just opened the other drawer that was empty right beside it and she started giggling and said, "Oh!" I took the picture with my iPhone and it was pretty dark in there.

Keep Smiling Right Through The "Stuff!"

That smiley is even waving, hmmmm, maybe not just smile, but encourage others right through the dirt. You know, encouraging others has given me the right perspective when I wasn't too sure about what I was going through!!! Try it, it might just feel good!!

Have A Blessed Memorial Day

The cutest thing Cherish has done!!!

Ok, this is what happened! My car is a Cadillac STS, Pearl White.......I love my car, well it is in the shop just having warranty work done, the Cadillac dealer always gives us a Cadillac loaner car, so we have a pearl white SRX which is an SUV. Tonight was the first time that Cherish has seen it, her daddy parked it in the garage, she went out there and saw the front of it, which has the exact same grill as my car, and she said, "Daddy, did our car grow up?"

It was so cute, she thought our car grew up! I'm putting pictures of the two kinds of cars, however, they are not mine or the loaner.

Like mine

like the loaner!!!

It's Hot in Sunny California

Ok, it is still May and it is HOT! We have had 3 days over 100 already!! I am just not ready for it! I am thankful, though, that we have no humidity! Cherish loves to play outside, so I have to let her go in the morning and then after dark. It's gonna be a long summer!!!

Thankful!!!

I just feel totally blessed!! I have the most caring husband ever, two gorgeous daughters who love their mom, and a pretty descent son-in-law!! (JK he's a great guy). Great extended family, a fabulous church and friends!! A beautiful home and cars, But most of all, I know the Lord!! What more can a woman desire? Thank you, God!! I am truly blessed!!

Mother's Day Dinner With Our Moms

We took our mother's out for dinner yesterday at Japanese Kitchen! It was such a wonderful day! Stephen is spending the day with his mom, the first Mother's Day in about 15 years! We are so happy to have her!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A day at the park with Cherish

Is that praise?

Our son-in-law, Adam and two of his friends from Bro. Rick Keyes' church in Santa Maria! Enjoy!!

Working together!!

I know, I know, most people think that making peanut brittle is archaic!! But when we came to this church 9 years ago, it was a routine thing! People had set clients who all wanted it. It was an awesome fund raiser! We haven't made it in over a year. However, we took the opportunity last week to try our hand at it again. Believe it or not, people have been begging for it! We have a commercial kitchen in our annex and the perfect space to make it!

We took orders the week before and had 240 bags ordered!! We asked for people to volunteer, and had a great turn out! I was amazed and felt so blessed at the new converts that came to learn to make peanut brittle! It was so refreshing and we realized just the quality of people who God has sent us! They were so sweet and hard workers!! We make 27 batches even trained a new pourer, which for those of you who make it, know that it is tough on the shoulders!! We laughed, visited, worked, laughed, acted crazy, and just worked for God!

On top of all of the great fellowship, we will clear over $700 on that fundraiser! Bring it on, that much fun and that much money, I'll give a few hours of my time!!

I forgot to get pictures, but I will next time! Thank you Pentecostal Tabernacle for showing up and helping in this endeavor! I'm counting on you all next week at our Spring Tri-Tip Dinner!!! Sell those tickets!!! Let's have another good time!!

Say to me........

Cherish is in this mode of saying, "Say to me..........," and then she tells us what she wants us to say! So we then have to ask her or say whatever she wants us to say. It is a conversation starter for her. Thursday night, one of our ladies totalled her car in an accident, we went to pick her up and help out! One of the policemen saw me in the car with Cherish and he made friends with her! He said, "My name is Dave!" She said, "Me's Cherish Elyse Hill!" He said, "Nice to meet you!" She waited, looking confused and said, "Say to me, How are me?" He got a huge grin and said, "Well, How are you?" She said, "Fine, Me's three! On the twenty-turd!" We were all hiding our laughter by this point! It really is never dull with her around!

Have a wonderful, blessed day! This is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!


Sis. Abbey, I choose to not be troubled! Beautiful talk last night to the ladies at Sectional Conference!!! Thank you for being so sweet and gracious to agree to speak! You were certainly speaking to me! See, the Lord knew that it needed to be you instead of me!

What an awesome weekend!

Our praise team sang, "Let the redeemed of the Lord say "So!" tonight! It was awesome! My husband kept stopping the song and asking if there were any redeemed that would like to say, "So!" A lot of us would take the microphone and basically testify about how the Lord had redeemed us and where he had brought us from or kept us from! It was so powerful, then he would have them sing again, then ask again! There were about 6-8 visitors and it was so awesome watching their faces as you would see that they were so thrilled that some of us had come from exactly where they find themselves!!

A couple of months ago, I mentioned that Misti was really working on people at her work. Well, I told about the waitress that we were talking to and telling her that God cared, and she left the table with tears in her eyes! Guess what!! She's been coming consistent of about 6 weeks now and you would not believe the difference in her looks and demeanor! She has been in the altar several times and is so very near the Holy Ghost! Well, she didn't say anything to the people at work about her coming, and the owner son, Abel asked her, "Are you going to church with Misti?" She asked, "Why?" He said, "Because you look different and you act much more quiet!" Hmmmm, he noticed! Guess who came to church tonight? ABEL!!!! Yeah! I think that we had better reserve a whole section of the church for the restaurant employees!! We are so careful when we go in there to be total Christians! No complaints, even when it is bad! Just being a witness makes all the difference!

The couple I told of that got married and baptized the same day, then got the Holy Ghost the next day, she came up for one of the "Say So's" She talked about how much the Lord has given her, the love and joy she has, and how much she loves, "this new family!" and motioned to our church!! You know that Pastor and Pastor's wife are rejoicing! It is so refreshing to be taking calls about where the best place to buy skirts is, or how to get their children to sit still in church, and on and on! I'll answer those questions all day long!

Thank you, Lord, for another awesome weekend!

Family Easter!!!

What a wonderful day we had! We had a church full of visitors! An awesome service and one visitor told my husband that he had to say that this was the most exciting church that he had ever been to and that he meant that as a compliment! The church honored me for my birthday and gave me one of the Edible arrangements that is the fruit flowers! Yum, we sure enjoyed that!! Then the family came over to the house for dinner, hunting eggs, naps, and decorating eggs! We did it in that order, too! We are eating the decorated eggs and hunted plastic ones! What a wonderful day to celebrate the resurrection of our King!!

May Your Day Be Blessed As We Celebrate Our Risen King!

Ladies Tea!!

I am the section 3 ladies leader for our district! Last Saturday, I hosted our first annual Ladies Tea! It was exclusively for the pastor's wives, their daughters, the assistant pastor's wives and daughters, as well as senior pastor's wives! Because of the busy schedule, the turn out was not as great as I had hoped for! However, we had a marvelous time!!!

I want to thank each of the 9 ladies who attended! It was one of the most pleasant relaxing things that I have hosted! We went to a Victorian Tea House and acted all prissy and enjoyed several delicious cups of tea as well as most of us had the "cottage tea" which had the dainty sandwiches, scones, etc!

We sure missed all of those that had other obligations, but we were in full agreement that for the first one, the more intimate atmosphere was so refreshing! There were 4 of us from our church! I had our retired pastor's wife, Sis. Joyce Baglin, which is such an inspiration to me! There has never been a more Godly woman! Sis. Baglin, I do love you dearly! I am so thankful that God has seen fit for you to be a part of our family at Pentecostal Tabernacle! It is so wonderful to look around and find you there, strong and supportive! You are truly my inspiration! Also, our assistant pastor's wife, Sis. Angela Pinheiro!! Of course, you know that you are loved dearly and you and Bro. Jesse's support and faithfulness to pastor and I is such a blessing to pastor and I! AND I cannot wait until sometime this week or next, you little baby Makayla will make her appearance! Nana Hill, I will become!! Last, but not least, I took my daughter Misti, she and Adam are on our ministry team as well as her being my daughter, darling, I love you much and am so glad that you took the time to go with me and enjoyed the day with me!!Misti, Me, and Sis. Baglin

Sis. Angela & Misti

Sis. Pinheiro from Los Banos and a sweet lady from her church attended, and it was so nice to enjoy their fellowship! It was obviously a ladies day, we got off on the funniest "lady" conversations!!

The sweet sister from Los Banos and Sis. Pinheiro!!!

Our presbyter's wife, Sis. Cantrell, who was also one of my first pastor's wives that I remember as small girl, attended with two of sweet ladies from her church! I love Sis. Cantrell so much, her sweet gentle spirit is something to speak of all in itself! Thank you so much for supporting my little endeavor! Sis. Bridget Barker, which is our youth secretary for the district's wife, as well as his being my 3rd cousin!!! Aslo, Sis Jane! I can never remember her last name, as she has been a friend to our family since I was a young girl, taking care of my mother in the hospital soon after a tragic car accident and also my grandmother during the last stages of alzheimers! Thank you, Sis. Jane for being a friend to our family!!

Sis. Cantrell, Sis. Bridget Barker, and Sis. Jane!

I love you all, thank you for such a wonderful time! I cannot wait until next year as we entice a few other's to join us!!

We are going to dye easter eggs!

Well, I'm sorry if you don't "do" Easter, but we do! We love special family time, I know that Jesus died and rose again, and we are so thankful for that! Of course, we all are so thankful that His dying is what forgave our sins and makes it possible for us to be saved. But He also gave me a wonderful family and we will be spending time together after we worship our savior at our Easter sevice! My Cherish is 3 and will love it this year! We have always hidden plastic eggs for her, but this year I had decided that she would love to dye eggs, and guess what? Her big sissy, my 21 year old Misti, came to me to let me know that she and her husband, Adam, had decided that they want to dye eggs with Cherish! I had to laugh! I'm just not sure if they are really for Cherish, or there may be some special delight in "some others" getting to be involved! I do remember that last year, Adam would hide them and Cherish would search and them Cherish would hide them and Adam would search! I do so love these special moments! I bought the biggest neatest egg dying package I could find today, I'll buy a ton of eggs on Saturday, and watch out, we are going to have one fun Easter egg dying party!!!! Not on my carpet of course!!

Thank you, Stephen, and all my family

My sweet husband and family helped make my birthday a wonderful day! Misti decorated the table all festive, my sister brought part of the food, we marinated steaks and Adam cooked them, and of course Cherish had a big day enjoying the celebration! Stephen even bought me 42 roses! They are on both sides of the gorgeous arrangement that you see! We partied big and enjoyed one another!!! Of course I had tons of emails, calls from family out of state, cards and presents! It's not so bad turning a year older since we just take one year at a time!!