A Merry Christmas to all

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

It truely is the most wonderful time of the year and the busiest too which is why it has been a month since I last posted. I won't even try to give you a run down on what our schedule has been like. Between tending to our family, taking care of the Church, and getting ready for the Holiday Season I've not a had a chance to hardly touch the computer.

After the first of the year I will post on all that is happend at Boise Worship Center. I will tell you that God is working mysterious ways. We are really excited about all that is happening.

Like the old song says There's no place like home for the holidays which is where we are right now. I think my mother has the prettiest home during the Christmas season. Almost every room in the house sparkles with white lights wrapped around garland and a beautiful tree bedazzled with ornaments and ribbon. A smell of cinnamon and freshly baked goods makes it very diffucult to for even the most commited dieter to resist even a nibble. If you live in Wichita Falls her house really is a must see. We are planning a day to bake, a stroll through the Fantasy of Lights, a big family dinner and even a Christmas Eve pajama party. Sound wonderful doesn't it.

I want to wish you all in bloggerville a Very Merry Christmas. May your Holiday be filled with love and joy and the warmth of family and friends.

Alyssa reading How Do Dinosaurs Eat Thier Food

One morning last week while I was doing my devotions Alyssa woke up and wanted to "read" to me a book. To my amazement she had the entire book memorized. I knew she was smart, but little did I know she was a genius. I thought I would share this video with you all. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
P.s. Pray for Alyssa today she is running a fever and not feeling well.

YouTube - Alyssa reading How Do Dinosaurs Eat Thier Food

YouTube - Alyssa reading How Do Dinosaurs Eat Thier Food

A Fabulous Weekend

Hi fellow bloggers, I just wanted to give you a quick update from Idaho. We are loving it here. God is really moving in our services. The Africans are starting to respond in worship (this is a big step for them) during the services. Continue to pray for them. Prince the young boy who had his foot amputated a few weeks ago was back to Sunday School last week. Please pray for him he is really having a hard time. Speaking of Sunday School last Sunday was Alyssa's 4th Birthday and to celebrate we took cupcakes to class. Some the Africans had never had these treats so that was a neat experience for us. I started teaching in my class this Sunday and I love it. I ask them lots of questions to get to know them better. They are so responsive. Their favorite food in America is pizza. We are currently teaching them Acts 2:38 in English and they are teaching me to count in Kurundi.

Bro. Kantola is doing so so. He was in the hospital most of last week. He contracted an infection and is on some really strong antibiotics. Saturday and Sunday were good days for him. Yesterday was his birthday so we took a party to him. We took pizza and a cake to his home and I think he really enjoyed it even though he couldn't eat anything( he hasn't ate in over three months).

On Saturday we went to IHOP for breakfast and saw Ashley Pounds working there. I recognized her right away. She was thrilled to see us and said we had to call her Dad. We did and he said he would be in church on Sunday morning. He was there and sat behind me in service. During worship I turned around just to see... and there I saw tears rolling down his cheeks as he prayed in the Holy Ghost. Who would have known that God would bring me here to Idaho where one of His lost sheep were and here I would have the experience of seeing that lost sheep as he begins making is way back into the fold. We had a wonderful lunch with Bro. Randy and he told how much he wanted to be back in church. So until he moves back to Texas hopefully we will see him here at Church. He also told us that Greg and Brandi are also wanting to get back in church. Praise God!! We told him to bring them along. We are so excited what God is doing here and will definitely be praying for that family.

That is all for now. Enjoy your day. And stay tuned to see what is brewing in our little pot of Beans

Happy Birthday Alyssa

Happy 4th Birthday to very special little girl. Mommy and Daddy love you so much. You have so many unique traits about you, like the funny songs you make up on your own and how you love to cook and help Mommy in kitchen. Mommy always tells people you are her "singing chef". We are so proud that you love to read books and go to "school". But we are really glad that you love Jesus and love to read your Bible everyday.

Jesus bless our little girl today as she turns a year older. Thank you for such a beautiful child, not only on the outside but inside too. Cover her with your presence and fill her with your love. Give us wisdom as we raise her and help us to be a godly example to her. Once again thank you for our precious girl.

Happy Birthday Alyssa, we love you Mommy and Daddy

Finally in Idaho

We have prevailed after many long days of travel and are now in the cozy city of Boise, Idaho. I was so thrilled when we drove into Boise and saw Sonic and Dillards (the West Coast is not blessed to be furnished with such pleasantries although Idaho does not seem to be culturally endowed with taco trucks).
But before I tell you about are latest venture I need to tell about are revival in WA. On my last post I asked you all to pray because we felt we were encountering some strong holds. Well, you must have prayed because God did a great thing in Mount Vernon, WA. Not only did we break through some things, but one of the young people received the Holy Ghost. ( I am convinced that aside from receiving the Holy Ghost for yourself there is no greater joy than seeing your child filled with the Holy Ghost. I was standing beside Sis. Brandy when her son Emanuel began speaking with other tongues. She was ecstatic and began jumping and shouting for joy.) This was our second revival in Mount Vernon. During our first meeting we encountered spiritual resistance. I remember Joel preaching that if you don't want revival and are a hindrance then God just might move you out. That is exactly what happened. When we went back this last time those people who had opposed the revival were gone. And although we did encounter some spiritual walls there was great liberty in the church. One of the many blessings of evangelizing is seeing how God can work and intern change a church.
We did give Alivia a birthday party. She was so cute. She delved into her cupcake and had a ball. Sis. Ross videoed Joel and Bro. Ross playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey with the kids. As soon as I get a copy I will post so you can enjoy it as much as we did.
And now to Idaho. We are so thrilled to be here. We had our first church service here on Sunday. It was really a very neat experience. The core group of the church is about 20-30 people but about 6 months ago between 50 to 60 African refugees began coming to church. They love God and are very hungry to be in his presence some even walk to church if the bus cannot make it to pick them up. Many of them have endured much suffering. Just this past week Sis. Judith's son had to have his foot amputated because it was mangled during the tribal wars in Burundi. They are grateful to be in America, but it has been an incredible life change. The church has had to teach them everything from using a toilet to a microwave. The Africans love to sing though. So during service they sing some of there native songs. They have such beautiful harmony when they sing. So God has set a great challenge before us but we are excited to be here. We covet your prayers it will definitely take some patience and wisdom is dealing with these people. Also remember the pastor Bro. Kantola. He is feeling well but is having to have a stint put into his liver because it is not draining properly. One more prayer request, please pray for my father-n-law he is having some health problems and right now the doctors don't know what is going on.
Okay so I'm done for now but remember keep posted because you don't want to miss what else is brewing in our pot of beans.

A very busy weekend

Well we had a very busy but lovely weekend. On Saturday my friend Amy Woodson married Shane Stoupes. It was a very simple but sweet wedding. It one of the most entertaining weddings I have ever been to. Unexpectedly, the fathers of the happy couple started the wedding with a comedy routine and that was followed by a baby parade. Amy loves children(she had 12 in her wedding) and has always wanted a bunch of little girls walking down the aisle barefoot. There were 6 little girls including Alyssa and Alivia who held onto a blue feather boa and walked down the aisle barefoot. I must say they were pretty cute.


Congratulations Amy and Shane. We love you both.

Saturday was also Alivia's 1st birthday. We have been so busy that we haven't even taken time to give her a party. Don't worry we never tell her, and on Wednesday we are going to give her a party. We are in Mount Vernon, Washington preaching for Bro. Darcy Ross and we are planning to give Alivia a party here at there home. So Happy Birthday Alivia. You bring so much joy to our lives. We love your curly hair and your fat cheeks. We have so much fun with you. Mommy and Daddy love you so much.

We are having great revival with the Ross's. They have a small work here in Mount Vernon Washington. Our fist services was yesterday we will be in service here everyday but tonight and Wednesday. There are some things in the spirit that need to be broken, please be in prayer with us during this revival. I know God is going to do something great while we are here. A saint called Bro. Ross today to say he needed what Joel preached and he is wanting to make some changes in his life. God is already doing great things.

We'll keep you posted...

We Finally Made It

Yeah!! Our car is fixed. Bro. Price and Timothy Whiseant took up an offering and payed for everything. Thank you Jesus. We are finally here. We got in last night at 7:00pm just in time to get ready for church. We preached for Bro. Ted Graves in Gresham, OR. We had a really great time.
We will be busy doing wedding stuff. My good friend Amy Woodson is getting married on Saturday. She has enlisted me to help so we are busy people.
I will post when I get the chance. Have a great weekend.

Beautiful Napa

Just a quick update for you. We are still in Napa. They will start on the car in the morning, so it looks like we will be here for a few more days. In the meantime, we have had great some great church services since being here.
Today after lunch we took Hwy 29 and drove through all the vineyards. I have decided I want to retire in Napa. It is so beautiful here. The landscape, the homes, everything about the Napa Valley is so lovely. At times we could smell the sweetness of the grapes being pressed. On the same highway we came upon this incredible building and when we passed by the sign read Culinary Institute of America. Oh my word!! It is so beautiful. Joel stopped and insisted that I get out and go in. One of my dreams is to someday go to culinary school. So to say that I was mesmerized is an understatement. The spices, the cook books, the cooking utensils oh my. Had I been 15 minutes earlier I could have set in on a cooking class. (The smell coming from that room was divine.) So for the 45 minutes I spent there I was in heaven on earth. I bought Alyssa and I both a cook book to remember the occasion by. (Alyssa is an aspiring cook.) It has been a great day. I only wish I had my camera to take pictures.
One last thing to leave you with. When we got here and realised we would be stuck here for a few days and then at how much it would cost to fix the truck I became very stressed. Then I read this scripture For behold, I am for you,... Ezekeil 36:9. Immediatley I had peace, I knew then that whatever we needed God will be for us. So be encouraged today, whatever you need God himself will be for you. WOW!!

Broke Down in Napa

Hello, from beautiful Napa, CA. The hills are a beautiful gold hue, with all of the vineyards turning their into autumn splendor. Fall has found her way to the valley and she is magnificent. I can't think of a more lovely place to be broke down.
Right after crossing The Grapvine we began experiencing what we thought was engine problems. We weren't quite sure we were going to make it here, so we prayed the whole way. (Thank you to all of you for your prayers.) And at 7:27 p.m. we rolled in (church began @ 7:30). Despite being late we still had great church. We put the Suburban in the shop on Thursday morning. I won't even begin to tell you what all is wrong because I don't even know what is wrong except that the fuel pump is no longer working. So while it's being repaired we are enjoying beautiful Napa and having a great time with the Whiseants. And having some great church too, I might add. Thursday night we met in a home for Bible Study and had a dynamic move of God. It looks like we will be here over the weekend. So keep us in your prayers. I have a great peace that it will all work out by and by. I will keep you posted.

Exciting News

First off we preached for Bro. Ezra Aunie Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They have a very small work in Bonita. But we had big chruch. God was there and ministeted to the Aunies. They rent a Wedding Chapel and so while we were there Alyssa kept asking who was getting married. She even pretended to walk down the isle. It was pretty cute.
Well I was successful in my first ever yard sale!! I made about $140 which is just enough money to buy the girls fall and winter clothes. So thank the Lord for that. By the way if you are ever going to have a yard sale a great resource for tips and ideas is The Garage Sale Queen. If you go to her website she has 13 pages of good information to assist you.
Now to the exciting news... On Friday Joel received a phone call from Tim Whiseant asking if we would be willing to go to Boise, Idaho to take of a church for about 3 months. Bro. Cantola (the pastor) is very ill with a pancreas problem so much so that his wife is having to make all of the arrangements. They had originally asked Tim, but he is unable and immediately thought of us. After talking with Sis. Cantola it was agreed we will begin in November. It is a small church of about 60 or so members. There is also a group of a Tanzanians that has started attending. The finances are going to be a strain on the Church, but just in the last few days we have had several people call to say they would be sponsoring us while we are there. And the Idaho District has agreed to pay the RV site where we will be living. So the Lord is working everything out for us. Joel and I are very excited about this opportunity He has made available to us. We leave for Napa (we will be preaching there on Wednesday) tommorrow after Joel gets off work and on Thursday we will be preaching in Vacaville. Then on Friday we will begin our way to WA. Once there Joel will leave the girls and I and he will drive to Idaho to meet the church on Sunday. We covet your prayers while we are on the road and when we get to Boise and also for Bro. Cantola's complete healing. I will keep you posted on all that is happening. Love you all.

Yard Sale Anyone?

I am at this moment trying to figure out what in the world I'm doing!! Yesterday morning my mother-n-law ask me to help her clean out and organize her garage. (A lot of the stuff is mine anyway.) So we there we were pulling out furniture, digging in boxes and trying to figure out exactly what those odd looking things were, when it hit me LET'S HAVE A YARD SALE. Well, now I'm thinking, is this such a great idea. For the last two days I have been organizing, cleaning and pricing. I can oraganize and clean but I don't know how to price. (I have never done a yard sale before.) Can any of you offer a good rule of thumb about pricing or any good yard sale tips.
Anixously awaiting you yard sale knowledge...

Check out my Slide Show!

Red Hot Revival

Our "pot of beans" has been bubbling over. Not only have we been busy, but we are also "bubbling" over with joy. To whom ever thinks my blogs are to long (see the comment made on my last post) I will keep it short.

We started revival with Bro. Paul Walker the 2nd of September and we ended on the 23rd. We had a grand time. I don't have all the exact numbers but many souls were filled with the Holy Ghost and we also had many backsliders pray through.

Because of the length of the time we spent there we got to hear many to the testimonies of the saints. Many of them were heavily involved in drugs, alcohol and even gangs. But here they were in The United Pentecostal Church of Desert Hot Springs living in the power of the Holy Ghost. I thought about recycling and how God delights in taking dirty empty vessels cleaning them up from the inside out and refilling them with "new wine".

On the last night God lead Joel to have an healing and deliverance service. From early prayer to alter call there was a mighty move of God. Several testified to being healed instantly from arthritic pain. We are expecting many more reports to come from others who were healed. I can only "Glory to God".

On another note, this is our last week in San Diego. Joel has decided it is time for us to go full time again. We have been able to pay off a lot of our debts. HALLELUJAH!! And to my surprise I'm excited about evangelising again. Let me be painfully honest right now. Evangelising has many rewards, but it is still a hard life. I guess I was due for a much needed rest. So Joel and I have sat down and made a lot of changes in our scheduling, our day to day routine and our finances. I wish I had done this 6 years ago. But as they say "experience is greatest teacher". So as we go out we covet your prayers.

Well that is all for now. One more thing. Our first stop is ....I bet you can't guess...WASHINGTON...YEAH. Stay tuned to see what God has "cooked" up for us.

P.s. Enjoy the slid show as it will be last pics you see from us for a while. During the revival one my little sweet darling Beannie babies inadvertantly poured water on my camera. So untill I'm able to get a new one--Daddy are you reading this?--I'll be posting without pics.

One month later

To say that we have been busy is an understatement. I will attempt (attempt being the key word) to be brief in telling you all of our happenings. When I last posted we were just days away from leaving for Western District Campmeeting. While there I set up a booth to sell hair accessories of girls and pacifire clips for infants. I did well and was very busy. Because I was so busy I did not get to attend very much church. The services I did attend though were great. Bro. Scott Grahm was the evening speaker and always was very annointed.
Upon my arrival home, I and a neighbor hosted a 5 day Bible club. We had a great time together. We had about 9 of the neighborhood children in attendance. I feel like it was a great opportunity to meet our neighbors and reach out to the children at the same time. During that time I also helped my mother-n-law host a "cajun dinner" and a ladies luncheon. These were special dinners she hosted for all those who gave so much money to Mothers Memorial. In case you don't know Nita Kay is the "best in west" where cooking is concerned. Needless to say we cooked a whole lot of food.
As most of you already know Joel has taken a job for a while. He works 4 days a week and preaches out on the weekends. Not only are we getting our finances in order we are also getting some much needed structure to our lives. So in many ways I have been thankful this repreive. During this time we have really been seeking God's will. We've come to the place where we are just waiting? For what, not quite sure. We are not sure where to go or what to do. Ever been there? Anyway I said all that to say that while we've been here we have been assisting Bro. Andrew Buxton at New Life Center in La Mesa. Joel, when he is home, does the music and teaches Bible studies. (We have our midweek Bible study at Starbucks. No wonder Joel likes it so much.) This has really been an excitement to us through all the other stuff we're dealing with. (Don't ask. If you thought this post was long....). And to top it off a few weeks ago Bro. Buxton ask me to start a Sunday School. I WAS DELIGHTED. I have wanted to teach Sunday School for so long and now I am able too. The ages range from 3 to 12. Talk about a challenge!! I have thrown myself into this Sunday School program and I have not felt this fulfilled in a long time.
On top of all this I am still a mom with small children. Where do I find the time? Alivia is in the throws of teething. And Alyssa has been feeling under the weather too. So along with all of the above I am also Dr.Mom right now.
Yesterday was Labor Day and Joel has been off since last Thursday. So we packed up and headed to LA for a much needed mini vacation. We took the girls to Knottsberry Farm on Friday. We had a fabulous time, despite the heat, especially Alyssa who showed no fear riding the rides. I think her favorite moment was when she got to meet "Snoofy" as she calls him. We got home on Saturday just in time for Joel to pack up and head to Desert Hot Springs to start a revival with Bro. Walker. The girls and I stayed home in order to get ready for our trip to Texas for Jeannie's wedding. Which brings us to now. We arrived in Dallas this afternoon. On the way home I typed this post only to get to my sister's house and realise that the computer kicked me offline and I lost everything I typed. I know I'm crazy for writing all this twice but I have to keep my public informed. LOL! So here I am now at 1:15 in the morning bloging. There, I've told you all there is to know and I can go to bed with a clear conscience knowing I have updated my blog. I do apologize for such a lengthy blog. But what else could I do? You know me. I wish you all the best untill we meet again....

My Little Beans

I'd say that it's time for a Beannie Baby update!!! I'm so glad you agree.

Well to start with, during our last service of youth camp, Alivia was extremely fussy. Nothing I could do would calm her down. Finally as a last resort I gave her children's Motrin. (She and Alyssa get the same dose!!) Two day's later I'm feeding her and guess what SHE HAS A TOOTH. No wonder she was so upset, bones were growing in her head! And this week she GOT ANOTHER TOOTH! So you can imagine what it has been like for us. And the fun is just beginning because her top gums are swollen now. I can't wait to be out of the teething stage. When it rains it pours. Not only are we teething, we are crawling also, and if that isn't enough my BRILLIANT BABY BEAN is talking!! She really is, she said my name when I walked in the room where she was yesterday. She saw me and said "Mama". Awwww!!

And now my other child prodigy. Alyssa is constantly bringing joy to our lives through song. She is always singing. She sings about everything and while doing everthing and I mean everything. She can really come up with some corkers too. Her favorite song however is "Here I am to Worship". Recently while preaching for Bro. Anthony Blunk, Joel and Alyssa sang this song in church. It was one of the sweetest memories I will ever have. I wondered how the church would respond and was pleased when they began to worship during her song. If I hadn't been so busy taking pictures and trying to film it (which did not work, so sorry) I think I would have cried my eyes out. She showed no fear and even kept asking me if it was her time to sing yet. It really was music to my ears.

Recently, I was feeling very down about myself because I do not have a lot of accomplishments that I can look back upon. But then it just kind of came to me that these two little girls are mine and if I'm ever going to do something great in this life it's to raise them in a Godly home and instill in them a love for God and a love for people. I can't think of a greater responsibilty. Thank you God for two very precious daughters and help me to do my best to raise them according to your standards.

Since I'm in the bragging mood can I brag on myself? Notice those darling outfits the girls are wearing. I made Alyssa's. Arent' you proud. My wonderful and talented Mom made Alivia's at the same time to show me how. Let me take this time to say thank you mom for every dress you ever made me. Now I know all the hard work involved. And to think she usually made three at time. I think they turned out pretty good, huh!

Give me food!!

Her first time to sing in church.

Junior Camp

On Monday the girls and I flew home to San Diego. I was never so grateful to see blue sky's in my life. (It rained almost everyday that I was home in Texas.) Then on Tuesday we joined Joel at Junior camp. I'm not sure where it was located, the closest establishment to us was the Barona Indian Reservation. This was the first youth camp Joel has ever preached and I must add he did a great job. He told me it was like preaching for the first time all over again.

We had a great time despite the HEAT, no air conditioning (in some of our dorm rooms),dust and the Texas sized bugs. (Ask Sis. Blunk about those.) We even had a rattle snake join us but not for long. During the day the kids (78 registered) were able to enjoy archery, paint ball, the zip line, soft ball, and a water slide. We even had some fun events after the evening service like a camp fire with scary stories, s'mores and even a camp wide pillow fight. The church services were great. Joel's major theme throughout the week was making God the captain of their life. The kids responded great and there were 18 who received the Holy Ghost for the first time. Bro. Blunk said this was a record for the nine years he has been apart of the camp.
This week brought back so many wonderful memories of my years attending camps in Lufkin, Texas. I went to camp for 10 consecutive years and I looked forward to every one. I can truly say that some of the most powerful moves of God that I experienced were at youth camp. I strongly encourage parents to send their children to camp they will be blessed by God and even form some life long friendships. (This past week one little girl cried on Friday because she had to say goodbye to some newly found friends.) And besides all that you get five days of peace and quiet. LOL. I am so thankful my parents always allowed me to go to youth camp. I will always cherish that time of my life.

P.s. If you think camp is too expensive well, do what my parents did they made my sisters and I work for our money to go camp. Maybe that was why I made sure I had a good time, because I had to work to get there.

The alter call

Getting ready to preach the Word

Eating nachos after service

Fellowship after church

Alyssa enjoyed the pillow fight too

They were inseparable

She got to be a camper too

What a great preacher

A Few Pics from Texas

Vacation and A New Name

Hi yall. How yall doing? Well, I'm in Texas now and when in Texas talk like a Texan. LOL. Mom and the girls and I flew in on Tuesday. Joel joined us on Wednesday. When we drove into Wichita Falls it felt so good to be home. The girls and I are going to be here for three weeks. Joel will be leaving on Monday. So I will keep you posted of all our Texas fun.
While visiting with Bro. Elms this past week we got on the subject of blogs and he sujested that we call our blog A pot of Beans. I thought it was cute and thus the new name.
Hope yall like it.

Last week at a glance

Tagged At Last

A-Available or Single? Married for 6 years
B-Best Friend? Joel
C-Cake or Pie? Red Velvet Cake
D-Drink of Choice? Water
E-Essential Item? My purse, which is full of all the other essential items
F-Favorite Color? Red
G-Gummie Bears or Worms? Worms, my favorite candy
H-Hometown? Wichita Falls, TX
I-Indulgence? Manicure and Pedicure
J-January or February? February--it's the month for celebrating those you Love
K-Kids? 2 Beautiful daughters, Alyssa and Alivia
L-Life is incomplete without? Jesus and Joel
M-Marriage Date? March 10, 2001
N-Number of Siblings? 2 wonderful sisters
O-Oranges or Apples? Apples, especially candied from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
P-Phobias & Fears? Hieghts
Q-Favorite Quote? For such a time as this...Mordecai
R- Reasons to smile. My Children
S-Season(ing)? Autumn, Lawry's Seasoning Salt
T-Tag Three..... Is there Anyone left?
U-Unknown Fact About Me? I hate misplaced cards in the card isle.
V-Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals? Oppressor of animals
W-Worst Habit? Snacking, snacking, snacking
X-Xray or Ultrasound? 5 ultrasounds-my babies first pictures
Y-Your Favorite Foods? Mexican
Z-Zodiac? I used to know

A Great Example

This past Tuesday we attended the Memorial Service for Momma Blanche. It was such a beautiful event. She would have been so pleased with such a sweet service. On the way home we stopped at Harris Ranch to have lunch. While there we did a little shopping in the gift store. When I walked into the shop I saw this quote and immediately it made me think of Momma Blanche and Papa. Family..all because two people fell in love. I had just been with a wonderful family who values relationship very much and all because these two wonderful people fell in love years ago.
The most memorable moment I have of Momma Blanche and Papa dates back 5 or 6 years ago. They were visiting the family in Escondido. We were all at the Jones' home talking in the living room. Momma Blanche and Papa were sitting at the dinning room table. I was nearest them and I don't think any one else heard their conversation. Papa had fallen during the previous night, so Momma Blanche asked how he was doing. He replied "Blanche I'm afraid." She took his hand and said "It's alright Voar, I'm right here and everything is going to be alright." The love that I saw they had for one another was so beautiful. From then on I have always prayed for that same kind of love for my spouse and my family. Just recently I told this remembrance and everyone at the table (those who had known the Shoemakes longer than I) agreed that they too had witnessed the love the Shoemakes shared for each other. Thank you Momma Blanche and Papa for showing the world what true love is all about. You have set a great example for us to follow.

I apologize for my lack of posts as of late. Things are settling down now and my sweet mother has just arrived so I promise to blog of all our fun. You are all in our prayers God bless and good night.

Saying Our Goodbyes

Hello, blogger ville. I apologize that I haven't posted in a while. Things have been hectic for the Bean family as of late. We got home yesterday after spending several days in San Jose with Momma Blanche. It was a bittersweet time for all us. Most of the family came to say their goodbye's to a wonderful lady. Although, it was nice to see everyone the circumstances left us all a little solemn in spirit. Today Hospice reported Momma Blanche has gone into a coma and will not live many more days.
I have not ever watched a person in the dying process before. I have been melancholy for days now. I know she is going to a better place, but as someone else in the Shomake family said it just isn't going to ever be the same again. There is one moment however I would like to share with you. It will for ever be etched in my minds eye. Last Thursday after we arrive at the house and we were told that Momma Blanche was awake we all (all of Nita's children and all the Shoemake siblings) went into her room. Joel sat nearest to her and held her hand and I right behind him. When she looked and realised who Joel was she pulled him close with what little strength she had and began to cry. The tears began to flow for the rest of us as well. After a little while Mom ask Joel to sing to Momma Blanche. And with that beautiful voice he began to sing about heaven. It wasn't much longer and the whole family was singing songs like Amazing Grace and O How I Love Jesus. It was such a beautiful and sad moment all at the same time. As I said earlier I've never watched the dying process before but I know that this is how we are supposed to die. I want my last days to be surrounded by my family and my God.
Enough of the sad. Anybody know a good joke. I will keep all of you updated as I hear the news. Thank you on behalf of the Shoemake/Hodges family for all of your prayers.

Our First Gaither Concert

This past Wednesday Joel and I got to attend our very first Gaither concert, here in San Diego. We had so much fun. Joel prayed we would get great seats and we did. We sat in the ground seating 5 rows from the stage. It was so exciting to see the singers right in front of us and not on the big screen. The music was awesome. We got to hear some of our favorite songs sung by our favorite singers. We even go to meet some of them.

Russ Taff has been one of Joel's favorites for years, he even sings several of his songs. After the concert we were able to meet him. I love Russ Taff not only for his music but also for his passion. Every song either moved him to worship or to weeping. We also got to meet Marshall Hall, from the Gaither Vocal Band, and two of the vocalists from Signature Sound (my new favorite group). It was a great evening and we will definitely go to another one.

Joe and Marshall Hall

Joel and with two vocalist from Signature Sound

Happy Birthday Dad

Last night we celebrated my father-n-law's 75th birthday. His actual birthday isn't until the 24th of April, but because they are headed to the Philippines today we had his party early. Let me mention here that Mom and Dad will be gone for two weeks and covet your prayers. Mom will be ministering during Ladies Conference and I think Dad will be preaching also (not to the ladies, but to churches). But I digress, we had a festive time honoring this great man. I love my father-n-law so much. He is a man of integrity and great wisdom. Whenever Joel and I go to him seeking advise he is always there to give us wise counsel. He has given so much of his money and himself not only to his family,but to the kingdom of God.
We held the party at Art and Rosa my brother-n-law and sister-n-law's home here in Chula Vista. One of Dad's favorite foods is barbecue so we feasted on some more good barbecue and side dishes made by all of the daughters. (I have to say my potato casserole was wicked good.) After dinner and the opening of gifts we watched a tribute that the family put together for Dad. All in all we had a fabulous time. It always so great to be with people you love. Here are a few pictures from the party.

The Birthday Boy

His true colors show

Let the feasting begin

The feasting

The cake

Blowing out his candles

Opening the presents

Art and Rosa

Warren and Jennifer with Alivia

A Fun Day

Can you believe this my second post in one week? All my babies are asleep and I have time for myself. What am I going to do? Since this is my favorite hobby these days, I think I'll blog for a while.

We preached for Bro. Andrew Buxton this afternoon who has a Home Missions work in La Mesa, Ca.We had a really good service and it was great being able to fellowship with them and their five children. Yes, you read that right, five. WOW!
This past week Joel was on vacation so we just hung out and did nothing. On Friday however we decided it would be a crime to live in this beautiful city and not take advantage of some the sites. There is an oceanography institute in La Jolla with an adjoining aquarium and we thought Alyssa might enjoy all the fish. Not only did she enjoy it but here enthusiasm was felt by all who got near her. Of all the interesting things I learned,the most remarkable thing is that a grey whale who weighs 35 tons can swim 5-8 mph. That's good concidering how large they are. Just thought I would share that with you.
I started Alivia on cereal this week and she loves it. A few days later I added applesauce, she hasn't quite taken to that one.
Here are a few pics, I hope you enjoy.

It was a miracle she didn't drown!

Alyssa feels of the starfish.

Daddy and his girl

Sitting by the tidepools

Joel and Alyssa playing in the sand

Jonah's says "hi"

Isn't it beautiful

Her first tastes of cereal

Easter Sunday

We spent a lovely Easter weekend with Joel's sister,Jana, and her family in Sacramento. They attend Bro. Mark Morgan's church in San Franscico. Yes, for all of you who are wondering they do commute 2 hours twice a week to go to church. It's a good thing they only have one service on Sunday. The service was great and the church was full of visitors. The music department put on a special program. The prescence of the Lord was surely in our midst. The Lord spoke through Bro. Morgan and the Holy Ghost began to do a work. I know one girl recieved the Holy Ghost. Before the service closed we did something that I thought was so incredible. Bro. Morgan said he had once heard a minister say " There was no one there that day to applaude Jesus for dying on the cross". So we as a church applauded Jesus for dying on the cross. So many times we weep and cry over the cross and on Easter we rejoice for the resurrection. I want to rejoice in the cross because without the cross I don't have anything. No Holy Ghost. No deliverance. No healing. No peace. No joy. Nothing. He gave His all so I could have His all.

It was so good to see Jana, Calvin, and the girls. Sorry I don't have a lot of pictures my camera batteries were low. I did get one of the girls. I'm such a sucker for sailor suits and when I saw these at Macy's I just had to get them. I call the girls my little Navy Beans. Get it. LOL.

Everybody Get in the Ark

This past Sunday we preached for Bro. Cupoli in El Monte, California. We had two great services. While we were there we got to experience their annual Sunday School contest. This year the theme was Noah's Ark. The church is divided into two teams--Ham and Shem. Each team gets points for visitors that come to Sunday School. This past Sunday one team alone brought over 35 visitors. At the end of the contest they will be giving out various prizes to those who brought the most visitors.

When we walked into service there was music and balloons and animals everywhere. A huge ark was standing in the alter. Every Sunday a portion of the ark has been added as well as a skit to tell the story about Noah and the ark. Next Sunday the final piece, the door, will be put into place. In addition to shutting the door, the church will be presenting the final skit. They are expecting a full house (Bro. Cupoli said that if they reach 500 he will shave his head in church during the Sunday service) and mighty move of the Holy Ghost.

I think if there is one outreach we must have in our churches it is the ministry of Sunday School. In today's world it is a necessity for us to reach the children in our communities. Of all the places we have preached the El Monte church impressed me the most with their burden for Sunday School. The not only have this contest but the children take up their own offering for our Foreign Missionaries as well as an offering for the upkeep of the church bus. It was so incredible to see these kids excited about giving to the Kingdom of God.

Shem's team