A Pot of Beans

Harvest and Happenings

2012-01-19T12:41:00.000-08:00

Yeah I'm back. This HUGE... two post in one month!!!

So much has transpired since my last post so I will apologize now if this is a bit lengthy. Please don't feel like you have to read it all but thanks to those of you who really love me and do. Ha!

Back in December Joel had a pastor friend ask us {our church} to join with them in Forty Days of Fire. For those of you who do not know what this is, it is a time set aside for prayer and fasting. At first Joel felt we should go a different direction and was indecisive. A few days later his elder Bro. Gonzales from Chicago called and asked the same thing!!! So we really felt like God was leading us to do this. So as of January 1 we have been praying and fasting and God has been moving!!! The week after my first post we went on a technology and media fast. Oh boy was that one difficult. {Thus no blog post last week.} This week we have been on the Daniel's Fast. I must admit it took a lot preparation for this week but I have "sort" of enjoyed this week. I did find some pretty yummy recipes. Although, I think I am in detox. I keep having horrible headaches. I really miss bread and dessert!! Ha! But God is moving in the Northwest. This is a very spiritually dark area and I really believe that is going to take God's people getting "really" serious and entering into spiritual warfare to bring down the strongholds of this area. So along with the 40 Days of Fire and outreach we did a Blessing the Community service. This past Sunday was a day of Harvest and we had 9 first time visitors and 3 of them received the Holy Spirit for the first time!!!! After church we held a drawing and "blessed" our guest with $25 gift cards to various places. This was so awesome for our little church. We are really excited about what God is doing in Souls Harbour.

This past Tuesday our six became five again. Boo!!! Miss Emily felt it was time for her to go back to Texas so after a lot of tears and prayers her and her dad left for home. Joel and I are at peace with her decision although we are going to miss her big time!!! Because Emily took our third bedroom all three of the girls were in one room. So after Em left we moved Alyssa and Livvy into the other room which they love. Oh and this morning we were making the bed and Alyssa said it's so good to sleep in Emily's room. So Em you will always have a room in our house. :)

More big news....I am going back to work. It has 15 months since my last day at Ross. I have loved being at home with the girls but financially it has been hard. I had been considering different options when my old boss called me and asked if I would be willing to come back and work for him so I took that as a open door from God. The next step was finding child care for Livvy and Amelia. I asked God to open that door and as it happens Chad's wife {Chad is my boss} will be watching the girls. Next Wednesday will be my first day and I must admit I am little nervous, not for me but for my Amelia. She thinks we are attached at the hip and I'm not sure how she will react to someone else keeping her. Thankfully it will only be for 4 hours a day. Here's hoping....

Okay so I am winding down now. Snow, snow and more snow!!!! It has been snowing since last Saturday. OH MY WORD!!! Apparently we haven't had a snow storm like this since the 1940's. Hundreds of schools and businesses are closed. Alyssa has been home all week and Joel for 2 days. It's been like a mini stay cation only without all the comfort food that I miss right now. I'm thinking on Saturday I'll be making a yummy dessert!!!

Okay one more thing since I LOVE to cook and the name of my blog is a "Pot of Beans" I thought I would be cool if at the end of my post I leave you with a new or old delicious recipe. This week I am passing along a recipe from the Daniel's fast. Joel and I really loved this chili. We would eat it even when we weren't on a fast. Let me know what you think.

Thanks for enduring this really long post. I hope you all have a warm cozy day I know I am!! For those of you without snow I thought I would let you enjoy mine. Here are a few pics I took earlier this week and one of the girls today.

Vegetarian Chili

This is a very easy to prepare and hearty meal. I make this even when I’m not on the Daniel Fast! 2 medium-sized green peppers, chopped

1 medium-sized yellow onion, chopped

1 zucchini, sliced

1 yellow squash, sliced

2 tablespoons salad oil

2 tablespoons chili powder

¾ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground red peppers

2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

2 16 oz. cans tomatoes (juice and all)

2 16 oz. cans pinto beans (juice and all)

2 16 oz. cans black beans (juice and all)

1 4 oz. can mild green chilies

1 4 oz. can of tomato paste[When I make this during non-fasting times, I also add 1 tablespoon of sugar with the other spices.]

Chop and sauté in oil the peppers and onions. Add the sliced squashes, chili powder, salt, ground red peppers, and corn. When all the vegetables are soft but still firm, add the tomatoes, all the beans, the green chilies, and the tomato paste. Stir until just blended.Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat. Let simmer for 20 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Yield: 6 generous servings

A new year a new Blog

2012-01-03T14:34:00.000-08:00

Wow it has been so long since the last time I blogged that I had to relearn how to manuever aound in blogger. Whew, that took forever.
For quite a while I have been wanting to start up my blog again. I really want to share with the world about our experiences living in the Northwest and pastoring in the most unchured area in the nation. It is also a great avenue to share about my hobbies and intrest and of course my SweetBeans. So since it is a new year and everyone is making or renewing commitments I thought this would be a great time to renew my blog.
So, as I say when I am cooking "here's hoping".

2009-08-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

True to my word, I am bringing you my weekly update. Last night we had 14 people at Bible Study and that was with 2 families gone! This week was our second week to have worship. Joel is currently doing a study in Acts. Last night he covered chapters 9,10,11. Everyone seems to be taking in every lesson.
This past week we preached in Anacortes, WA on Sunday morning and we were in service with our good friends the Ross's on Sunday night. We had two great services, a backslider prayed through Sunday morning.
I have started training for my new job. I will be working in the cash office for Ross. It is very detailed job and it requires being quick and efficient. Say a prayer that everything goes smoothly and this brain of mine cooperates (it's been a long time since I did that much math).
I will leave you with a picture I captured of Alivia. I was preparing Lasagna for dinner tonight and she was so hungry. She kept walking around the kitchen saying "I want my basagna". After a little while I noticed she was quiet and this was what I saw. She had fallen asleep "praying" for some "basagna".
Have a great week!

Four months Later

2009-08-01T20:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I thought once we settled in our apartment and got all situated that life would slow down. I thought we would relinquish our old evangelizing routine and find a normal one. I thought I would have time to cook wonderful meals, keep my house clean, sew for my girls, plant a garden, work at my job, prepare for Bible Studies, entertain guests, attend district functions and still have time to Blog. BOY WAS I WRONG!! Why didn't somebody warn me that although I would live like a normal American family time would not slow down and in fact my life would just get busier. I said all that to say I'm sorry my fellow bloggers that it has taken me so long to post again.
I will not tell you every detail of the last four months, but I will give you the highlights.

Family first. We are well. We love Seattle. We have gone to see many of it's sights. There is so much to do in this city. The weather has been HOT and we just got an ac two days ago. They say we are going back to our normal 77 next week. Hurry next week. The girls are growing like weeds. They love their room and never want to leave home. They have made many friends in WA and love being with them. Alyssa starts school next month and she is so excited. Me on the other hand---I miss my baby. Joel has exceeded my expectations as a pastor. He is so passionate at what he does. I love it when I hear someone call him pastor. It's just beautiful. Me, well I have been working as a caregiver but I recently quit my job and I'm going to work for Ross. We are getting ready to go The Apostolic Conference Aug 18th in Madison Mississippi. This is in extraordinary conference for Home Missionaries.

For those who don't know our church name is Church of Acts. We chose that name because we want to pattern ourselves after the early church. We want to be a church that you would find in the Book of Acts. We were having Monday night Bible Studies in our home, but we out grew our little apartment. So we are now renting two school rooms. One for me where I teach in Kids ACTion Hour. The other for Joel and the adults. We have fellowship after every Bible Study where I bring dessert, sweet tea and coffee. Last Monday we had 19 people and that is with a family being absent. We have also started having worship. Our people are really responding. God is doing awesome things. I love being a Home Missionary. It is thrilling to watch God work. You can view our church website at www.actschurchseattle.org. Thank you Bro. Todd Shahan for helping us get our website up. My husband has also joined bloggerville you can view it at joelbean.wordpress.com.

Many of you are praying for us and we want you to know that we feel the effects those prayers and we thank you for your support. We couldn't make it in this great city if weren't for you behind us. Please continue to pray. We are in need of a second vehicle.

My goal is to update on Tuesday's the day after our Bible Study. We get lots of phone calls on Tuesdays from people who want to know how Monday night went. So pray I get some time to type. LOL!

We made It

2009-03-19T21:54:00.000-07:00

Here I am writing a post for my blog while sitting in my new home (apartment). We finally arrived in Seattle on Saturday afternoon. The wonderful men from Mt. Vernon, WA met us here and helped unload the truck and put our beds together. A great big thank you to Pastor Ross and his church.
It took about 3 days but we have unpacked and put everything in it's place. I must say we have a beautiful home. We could not have done it without my mom. She has been a great blessing to us these past few weeks.
Our first morning here we woke up to a blanket of snow. It was so pretty although it did not last long. It is still cold and rainy here. I don't think spring will make her appearance her for a little while yet.
I had mentioned to several of you about a position I had applied for here in Seattle. Well, I got the job and had orientation on Tuesday and started work today. Right now until I get a more permanent shift I will just be filling in for other caregivers. I think I will stay busy, buy I really need a more steady shift. Please keep this in your prayers. I know God will work everything out.
I feel like I'm in a dream and I keep checking to see if this really real. We are so excited to be here. I've had so much fun buying things for my house and driving around in my city. Thank You Jesus for all you've done to get us here. I know the greatest harvest this city has ever had is about to begin.
Thank you to all of you who have helped us to get here. Ashley and Amber thank you so much for packing clothes and more clothes. Eddie, Zach and Daddy thank you for packing the truck.
Bro and Sis. Loveland the beds fit perfectly and the girls love them. Those that gave us offerings thank you so much. We were able to buy our bedroom suite (Joel and I have never had one) and put down our deposit for the apartment. You were such a blessing to us. To all who have joined with us in fasting and prayer. Thank you, Thank you. Prayer is the most powerful thing you can do for us. We love and apperciate you all.

WE'RE MOVING

2009-02-28T09:25:00.000-08:00

The apartment was found. Old boxes gone through. One of which contained the silly writings of a boy crazed girl who had doodled her love's name and the name of their child in her Home Economics spiral. I will not reveal any names. The new boxes are being packed. Alyssa and Alivia's bed is getting a fresh coat of paint. (A big thank you to the Loveland's for the girl's Big new bed.) The Penske Truck rented (by far the best deal if you are moving across the country). The movers are a bit stressed right now. There is so much to be done and so little time.

We pack the truck on Tuesday and we leave early Wednesday. We are driving to California first to pick up more boxes (oh my stars) and Joel will be preaching at his brother's church in Chula Vista.
We are then off to San Jose to see Joel's Uncle Jimmy and his family. And then on to our beloved city and new home. We will be met by the Pastor and family and men of Victory Pentecostal Church of Mt. Vernon, WA. They will be helping us unload and move into our new home.

The time has finally come and although we have experienced every feeling from exictment to panic we feel a peace that passes all understanding. God is in control and although there are things we are yet sure about, we know "all things will work together for good".
Thank you to those who have text or called to say you are praying for us. You will never know how much of a strength this has been for us.
When I post next I will be sitting in my new home. YEAH!! Love you guys.

House Hunting

2009-02-17T21:46:00.000-08:00

We got into Seattle about 6:oo pm this evening and we are now at our good friends the Ross Clan. After 6 hours in the air we are tired and yet anxious for tomorrow. We meet with our realtor in the morning. Mark is taking us around the city and showing us neighborhoods. There is also another contact who is interested in renting to us.
We will be job searching as well. We covet your prayers this week that God will lead us to the right area and provide jobs as well.
This evening as we drove over the hill and saw Seattle before us the reality began to sink in. It was almost a little overwhelming, but as drove into the city I prayed for God to give us a harvest. I felt a peace that God is at work in MY city.
We will keep you posted as things unfold.

Our Last Revival

2009-02-10T14:00:00.000-08:00

This week is our last revival as Evangelists. We are in Houma, La with our good friends Chad and Amy Ducote and their new baby Gracie. We had a wonderful service on Sunday and we are looking forward to another one tonight.
Today as I write this post I am filled with a bitter sweetness. The past eight years have been some of the hardest and greatest of my life. Evangelizing has not been an easy life, but it has been so rewarding. There were times when we lived on rolls of change we had been given by Joel's grandparents. Another time we went to buy groceries and had absolutely no money. But out of those times came a deep trust in God. During those times God would require us to lean on him and he always came through. Through whatever hard ache we endured God always made up the difference. It wasn't always monetarily though. We had great miracles happen. We saw blind eyes open, deaf ears unstopped, pain leave bodies instantly, healings from dieseases, deliverance from drugs, acohol,ciggaretts, depression and many miracles we don't even know about. I could never put a price on the worth of seeing a new soul recieve the Holy Ghost. God has been so good to us. I will cherish these last eight years forever.
Next week we embark on a new journey. Joel and I fly out on Tuesday to put a deposit on a home and possibly go to job interviews. We covet your prayers so much. We absolutely want God to lead us as we go. We want God to send us to the right house, the right location, the right jobs. I feel so inadiquate when I think of the job before, but this I know God will not send me where he will not equipe me. Just today Joel, said I can't wait to get to Seattle. That has been the way we have felt for months and now the time has come. We are planning the move for the last week of Feburary. Please keep us in your prayers. We love you all and thank you for your love and support.

I Did It

2009-01-22T20:24:00.000-08:00

I did it, I'm officially a Certified Nursing Assistant!!! I took my final examination and passed!!! I have to say it was worth the hard work. I feel good about myself for achieving this goal. Now I can begin applying for a job in Seattle.
We our planning our move for the second week of February if all goes well. We are busy looking for jobs and a home to rent. Say a prayer that God will open all the right doors. I am so excited to see what he has in store for us.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T22:24:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!! We spent a nice evening at my in-laws home last night. We enjoyed a turkey dressing dinner. Thank you Mom!! And then while the little kids ran through the house creating chaos we adults played Apples to Apples. Afterward we watched a New Years Eve service on-line. We have had a blast being with our family in California. The grandchildren have played and sang and entertained for us. The guys have played Acquire until the wee hours of the morning. We girls have ate, cooked, shopped and laughed. We dread having to leave in a few days.
When I think about last year and all the changes that occurred I am most thankful for God's keeping power. We had some really exciting happenings and then some devastating ones but through it all God has kept us. No matter what the circumstance God has been in control and we came through.
I am excited about the New Year, I can't wait to see what it holds. I know going to Seattle will be challenging, but God goes with us. Just like last year what ever happens God will keep us through it all.
Once again Happy New Year my friends. I love you all and wish you a wonderful year to come and remember what ever happens God is always in control.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-21T10:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas Time, it's the most wonderful time of the year. The Bean family wishes you and yours the the very merriest Christmas.

We are in California and I finally have a few free moments to sit and just do whatever I want. Joel is still sleeping and the girls are playing with their cousin Emma. There is no homework to do or test to study for. Yeah!! Wednesday was my last night of school. Hallelujah!! I have to say I really enjoyed going to school and I'm seriously considering going on to get my LVN. Thursday we celebrated Christmas with my family since this is the year we will all be with our husbands families. This is the first Christmas in 29 years my parents will be without us girls. We had a delightful time being together as always. I'm very thankful for my beautiful family. The guys are so much fun when their all together and sisters are just the greatest friends God could give to a girl. My parents are so sweet to all of us. They always do whatever they can to make sure we are all well taken care of.

We left Friday for California. We drove straight through and made it in 3:00 Saturday afternoon.
We are already having a wonderful time with Joel's family. We are going to the Church's Christmas Musical tonight and have dinners and holiday festivities planned.
I wish you all wonderful Christmas full of love and good cheer.

Alivia's Birthday Party

2008-11-07T21:19:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Alivia

2008-10-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
Today Alivia turns two

What a joy you bring to our lives. With your curly hair and round checks you are the talk of the town. We love to hear you parrot what everyone around you is saying. You are never cuter than when you are carrying your naked baby doll or walking in someone else's shoes. We love you so much,
Happy Birthday
Mommy, Daddy and Alyssa

2008-10-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

Well, if I wan't busy before, I surely am now. I have decided to go back to school to get my CNA (certified nursing assistant) certification. This will allow me to work a little more extensively in Home Health and also make more many. I really love what I do and with this certification I will be able to find work in Seattle. It was just a God thing that I could go to school and be done by the time we are ready to leave for Washington.
At every turn, God is providing for us in order to get to Seattle. With our economy the way it is we were not expecting to sell our trailer, but again God has orchestrated a way for us. Because of Hurricane Ike many homes sustained extensive damage. We received a call from Houston asking if we would be willing to lease out our trailer and eventually sell to a family while their home is being repaired. The amount is about twice what we thought we could get and we are hoping to use that money to use as a house payment in Seattle. God is so good to take care of every detail for his people.
Last night we closed out an incredible revival in Tomball, TX. Joel has been there for about the last month with the Berentines. The girls and I joined him this past Sunday. We were also joined by Jonathan and Rebeca Bernadini and Jonathan and Julie Haygood. You can imagine what kind of service it was with three evangelist couple present. Incredible is just what it was. It was so good to see old friends as well. We fellowshipped until 1:30 in the morning and we hated to leave. The precious people of Tomball took up a sacrificial offering for us to aid us in going to Seattle as well as committing to fast and pray our our behalf. This church will never know how much their support means to us.
Speaking of going to Seattle we have a church name, Seattle Apostolic Sanctuary. What do you think?
So from the future pastor's wife of Seattle Apostolic Sanctuary, have great week.

Divine Direction and More

2008-09-13T19:36:00.000-07:00

Here we are entering fall and here I am entering my monthly post. LOL!! This summer has been crazy, but it seems that things could be slowing down.

Last time we blogged we were in Mississippi seeking direction from God. I wont tell you the whole story, but I will tell you God spoke directly telling us we are to go to Seattle. God spoke again to Joel while he was preaching in Tomball, Texas two weeks ago. Now we know whatever we come up against we are called by God and there will be a church in Seattle. We cannot wait to get there, but we know we have a lot of work to do before we go. We will be in Wichita Falls until we are able to move. Joel will still be preaching out while I get our trailer and Suburban ready to sell. This brings me to the next bit of news. After seven and half years I have reentered the work force. I work Greater Life Care Giving as private health care provider. I love my job. I work 9-3 Monday through Friday. This experience is something that I can take to Seattle. I believe this job was orchestrated by God.

One week ago today my wonderful sister and the love of her life were married. It was a beautiful wedding and I must say the most fun wedding I've ever been to. Congratulations Amber and Zachary!!! We love you both and wish you the best.

This past Wednesday Joel's cousin and close friend Justin Jones passed away. He died of a brain aneurism. Justin was just 30 years old. To make matters worse he lived in Humble and as most of you know Houston was just hit with Ike. The family is very distraught and is in desperate need of prayer right now.

I believe that covers all the news . Hopefully between working, raising a family, and starting a church I'll be able to find time to blog more. Yall pray for me. LOL!!

Divine Pause

2008-08-13T13:47:00.000-07:00

Bro. Greg Godwin (who by the way has a cool name God --win. Get it. God always Wins.) preached at Idaho campmeeting about being in a divine pause. That was the service that impacted me the most because Joel and I have entered into a divine pause.
As most of you know in April we were appointed Home Missions to Seattle. Well, this summer we were presented with another opportunity. It would be a very exciting endeavor, provided it becomes the Lord's will. Therein lies the challenge, finding God's will. By nature, I am a planner and I have to map out my day, week, month to survive. Kind of funny since I'm an evangelist wife. So to not know what is going to happen in our ministry has tested me to the limits. I am confident that God's will is going to be done. Every day when I wake I have to surrender both situations and my will to HIM. I don't know any other way to make it through this pause.
We are in Madison, MS at the Apostolic Conference. It is a conference especially for Home Missionaries. The church is doing a fabulous job of taking care of us. They provide everything from airfare to food and even clothes. (Thank God cause we came here naked!! LOL!!) Everything has been first class.
The men and women I have met this week our my heroes. I know what they go through. Joel and I have preached for many Home Missionaries even some of the ones who are here. These people give their lives to start a work for God. They literly give blood, sweat, and tears to see a church raised up. It is a high honor to be among these men and women of God.
We are here not only to gain spiritual insite about the work of God, but also to hear from God. The past few weeks has made us step back and reevaluate our life. We are desperate to know what step to take next whatever it may be.
Please pray for us. Although this is a stressful time we really our excited about what God has in store. Which ever way God leads we know that great things are going to happen. God has spoken promises to us and we know that His word will not return void unto Him.

On The Road Again

2008-07-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I last posted that I won't even try to update you all on what has happened. Just suffice it to say we have been very busy.
After very much needed vacation in Texas which by the way was wonderful, we are back on the road. We have been to Boise, ID to Lewistown, Id from there to Idaho Camp Meeting to Oregon and on to Washington this week for another revival in Ellensburg.
Bro. Kantola is doing very good and has been back to pastoring since May. So it appears we are finished there in Boise.
We will be on the road traveling for the next few weeks leading up to Amber and Zach's wedding. There that's it in a nutshell. I will post a few pics from our trips later this week.
There I have updated. I wish you all a wonderful week.
P.s. Joel got a call today from Bro. Holt today saying that their church is still seeing the effects of our revival there. There are still reports of healings comming in. Isn't our God good!!!

Texas Fun

2008-06-17T21:40:00.001-07:00

Having fun in Texas

2008-06-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

Yahoo!! We made it to Texas (my luggage finally made it in on Monday) and we are having fun!! I will try to post as often as possible for my beloved Joel who is still in revival in Idaho. He will be joining us on Monday (I will post that week also). You all are welcome to join us on our Texan vacation.

Sunday was Father's Day and we enjoyed a nice family dinner at Hunan's. It was a little hectic for me because I did not have my luggage and spent most of the day trying to locate it. I ended up having to buy clothes just before church because it still hadn't arrived at the time it was scheduled to.

Monday my mom and grandfather Parker got the girl's alligator swimming pool set up. The girls were so excited to swim they couldn't wait for the water to warm up. So in they went. It was 105 so we only let them swim for a little while. Eddie and Ashley and baby Heidi came over for we enjoyed a yummy dinner of squash caserole and fried okra salad. After dinner all three of the girls got in their suits and headed for the pool. Talk about bathing beauties!!! We enjoyed a wonderful evening of just being together.

Today we was just a do whatever day. We went to lunch at Pat's Drive Inn (does anybody else gain weight when they go home) and then just ran errand's in town. When Mom, Ashley, the girls and I got home Amber had just finished making mint Oreo shakes. Double Yumm!!! It was just another evening of being together. Believe it or not the weather was kinda cool so Eddie hit golf balls around in the yard us girls just watched and talked.

That's all for today. I think tommorrow is sewwing day. Mom is making Alyssa's dress for my sister's wedding and I'm making me a skirt (for just because I need one).

Stay to tuned to our Texas vacation because we have some exciting events planned for the rest of the trip.

2008-06-08T21:46:00.000-07:00

Tonight was our last night in revival here in Washington. We closed out two revivals today (yes two) and one last Sunday. We have had tremendous services these past three weeks. Last Sunday Lyle was filled with the Holy Ghost. Lyle has been coming to church for about 3 months. When he first started coming to Apostolic Faith Tabernacle he was an alcoholic looking for deliverance. God delivered Lyle and he has been clean for 3 months now. Lyle has been one of the most faithful saints the Davenports have and last Sunday he completely surrendered his heart to God. After service he was so excited and so full of joy. If you read this blog and you are bound by an addicition take it from someone who has seen first hand what God can do. There is no bondage he cannot deliver.

On Thursday a backslider prayed through. I talked to her today and she is was just so thankful that God touched her.

In Renton Joel preached an awesome message this morning entitled Fire For Such A Time As This. This afternoon in Kirkland we had a deep moving of the Spirit. It was a great ending for our revivals.

We start revival in Lewiston, ID with Bro. Holt on Wednesday. I am expecting God to great things. On Saturday the girls and I fly to Texas. Yeah!!! I think this is the longest we have been away from home and we are ready for a visit. Joel will fly out the next week and will spend a week with us.

Tonight we are at the Tingley's playing games and just enjoying being with each other. Don't we live the good life!!

I love you all and wish you all a lovely week.

Lyle filled with the Holy Ghost

The Tingley's

The Risk Players

Cara making her move

Declaring War

Alex is sooo cute

The girls love Josh Tingley

Showing off his new shirt

Still in Revival

2008-05-31T11:56:00.000-07:00

We had great services last weekend in Renton, WA. On Thursday Brandy a young girl the pastors daughter has been bringing prayed back through and on Sunday Sonya recieved the Holy Ghost and was baptized. Bro. Warren wants us to go on in revival next week. I'm very excited to see what else God has in store for us.
On Memorial Day we went to the church picnic hosted by Renaissance Apostolic Chruch. We had a very pleaseant "perfect Washington" day.
Then on Tuesday the flu struck us for the third time this year. Who woulda thunk it. So we were laid up at our dear friends the Ross's. (They now have the flu. Sorry guys, but we do appericiate you letting us recover at your house.)
On Thursday we started revival with the Davenport's in Ellensburg, WA. Ellensburg is rual town in Eastern WA. The Davenport's hold services in their garage which has been remodel into a makeshift church. It actually is nicer than some churches we have been in. Last night we had 7 visitors 2 of which are backsliders who said they would back again tonight. God is doing great things in these last days.
I hope you all have a power packed weekend. I know we will.

And these signs shall follow them them that believe...

2008-05-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

Because Bro. Kantola has been doing so well, we have taken the opportunity to preach out more and more. We have been gone so much from Boise that I feel like we have stepped back on the field full time.
The weekend after Mother's Day we went to Bro. Jess Parker's camp meeting in La Grande, OR. Joel met several men who knew his Daddy. It is always a treat for him to talk to people who knew him. In fact in Bro. Parker's prayer room he has pictures of Joel's daddy Verbal Bean and Joel's great grandparents C.P. Kilgore side by side. I don't think they even knew the two were related. It made for a neat picture.
On Saturday we drove from La Grande to Lewiston, ID to preach for Bro. Jerry Holt. Joel stirred us Sunday morning to be more passionate about serving God. He challenged us to really consider the real reason we come to each service. On Sunday night he preached The Identification of an Apostolic. What identifies us as an Apostolic is the fact that people recognise that we have been with Jesus. In Acts 4:13-14 it says "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it." Our doctrine and holiness lifestyle separate us from the world, but the defining line is that we have been with Jesus. The proof that we have been with Jesus should be miracles and signs following. I believe to be truly Apostolic we have to have miracles and signs in our churches and in our lives. Have we become satisfied to just have good church? Or are we truly hungry to see the supernatural in our services. God has dealt strongly with Joel about this and it seems that in our revivals He has lead Joel to preach in some way about being true Apostolics. During the alter call Bro. Holt asked Joel to pray for Sis. Holt's eyes. She suffered from Degenerative Molecular Structure. After the lingering presence of God Bro. Holt testified that Sis. Holt could see clearly out of her left eye. On the way to restaurant she told us later, that she could signs and building correctly and not with the blur that she previously had. Wow!! What a way for God to confirm His Word. Needless to say we are travelling back to Lewiston to continue revival in a few weeks.
On Monday Joel received word from Bro. Rice whom we preached for 3 Sundays ago that the young man who broke his leg during our revival was prayed for, and week later went to the doctor for more x-rays and was told his leg had no break what so ever!! Is that Apostolic or what!!
We start revival tonight in Renton, WA for Bro. Craig Warren. Even as I sit here and type I feel God is going to do mighty things for this church.
I challenge you all to seek Jesus as never before and seek to be more Apostolic. Our churches should be full of the sick and the oppressed seeking for deliverance.
I will keep you posted of the miracles as they happen in our services because they are going to happen.

Idaho pictures

2008-05-09T19:21:00.001-07:00

Busy,busy, Beans

2008-05-09T17:47:00.000-07:00

I have not blogged since Washington District Conference because we have been extremely busy. We went to Idaho District Conference and preached two revivals just in the past two weeks. Tonight was the first night that I'm not packing or unpacking or going to church. Aw the life of an evangelists family. This is the only week for the next little while that we will not be out somewhere. I hardly know what to do with myself.

We enjoyed Idaho District Conference very much. Bro Holt the District Superintendent preached a great message on The Hardest Man to Find a message about faithfulness. The Ladies Ministries treated all the ministry to a luncheon and Bro. Kenneth Haney talked to us about staying at the cross. Bro. Holt had Bro. Haney hold out his Bible and then each couple came and placed their hands on his Bible and we rededicated ourselves to God and to our ministry. What an awesome experience that was for us. Bro. Haney preached that night about Passion vs. Entitlement. It was a great message preached by a great man of God. The Conference was in Twin Falls, so on Saturday we went to explore the Shoshone Falls which by the way is taller than the Niagara Falls.

Sunday we preached for Bro. Lastinger in Filer and had a great service. God filled one lady with the Holy Ghost and healed others.

Last week we held revival for Bro. Ron Rice in Idaho Falls. We had a tremendous revival there. God filled Shannon with Holy Ghost and healed a sister who suffered with cronic back pain.

Bro. Kantola is doing very well. He goes next week to have his tubes removed. He feels like he needs to start preaching more and more. We are praising God for his recovery. His doctors in Seattle are just astounded by his progess. Isn't God good!!

Well that is the latest from the Beans in Boise. Hope you all have a great week. Enjoy a few pictures from our trips.

Home Missionaries

2008-04-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

As many of you know Joel and I have been preaching in Washington for the last seven years. Over the years we have come to love this beautiful state very deeply. In a conversation six years ago with Bro. Clifford Barnett, now the Superintendent of Washington, a burden for Seattle was birthed. During that conversation we learned that in Seattle, a city of 500,000+ people, there was no Jesus name church to speak of. And until last fall when Kirt and Pam Denny were approved there was still no church. We have carried our burden since then not knowing exactly what God was doing. Were we just to pray for the city or was God actually sending us there? Well, the past year God has changed our ministry and more and more we have felt God leading us to pastor. We prayed and sought the Lord and felt like the time was at hand to step forward. Last night we met the Washington District board and they approved us to be Home Missionaries to the city of Seattle.

Our excitment at this point is almost uncontainable. I can hardly sleep at night because I lye there thinking. We have alot of preperation to do this summer. Our goal is to be in the city this fall or sooner. We welcome your prayers and support as we endeavor to reach this great city.

Idaho Youth Convention 2008

2008-04-06T22:59:00.001-07:00

Idaho Youth Convention

2008-04-06T21:47:00.000-07:00

This past week was the 3rd annual Idaho Youth Convention. Although we were small in number we felt the presence of God in very big way. Tim Whiseant was the speaker and preached two very spectacular messages. We had a great time fellowshiping with Tim and Andrea and friends in the Idaho district. We have really come to love this district. When you think of us, please pray for Idaho. There are only about 15 churches in the whole state of Idaho. This state is ripe for revival and is in a desperate need for laborers.

Alyssa especially had a great time this week. She spent the entire time with her "boyfriends", (yes more than one) two brothers named Garrett and Gage. She goes back and forth between the two of them.

Joel preached an incredible message tonight at church. He preached about how the saints are joint heirs with Jesus Christ and if he has dominion over creation then we to have power over the earth. This why Joshua was able to command the sun to stand still. So if we have this power does that not give us power over sickness and disease also. He really challenged us to stretch our faith to see more of the miraculous. He had the chrurch pray that in the seven days we would see a miracle. His message has really stirred me, I want to the miraculous in my own life. So I am on the look out for a miracle. I'm expecting to see one!!!

By the way, I was able to take my camera back and get a new one. Yea!! So here are some pictures from youth convention. A few are of the services and the rest are at Boondocks Fun Center.

I wish you all a blessed miraculous week.

Our California Trip

2008-03-28T11:49:00.001-07:00

Our Computer is Fixed

2008-03-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

MY COMPUTER IS FIXED!!! We are back from California and all is well, except for my digital camera which is broken. (Does anyone see a trend here.) We got home last Saturday just in time for church prayer. We enjoyed a wonderful Easter service on Sunday. The kids choir sang 3 songs and we had special Easter monologue. After a nice lunch with Kantolas we came back to the trailer and Joel hid eggs outside so the girls could hunt for them. They were so cute especially Alivia. She had a grand time and although her basket was so heavy she absolutely would not let anyone help her carry her it. She would say "get go" (let go) when we tried to help her. Sorry I don't have any pics to show just how cute they were. Like I said earlier when I got home my camera was broken. I was just sick that I could not take any pics at Easter. I do however have some pictures from California. Some are at Joel's parents house during a gumbo feast, some of our revival with the Molanders (the lady pictured with Sis. Molander recieved the Holy Ghost that Sunday morning) and the others are of the girls at the park in Lodi with Jana and her girls.

Hope you have had a good week and you have a fantastic weekend.

P.s. Thank you so much Yenn for fixing our computer. You are our favorite "computer geek".

Our Internet is Down

2008-03-14T23:17:00.000-07:00

To my friends, and my fellow bloggers I have learned a very valuable lesson. Don't make a promise you can't keep. On Jan. 31st I promised I would blog again very soon well we both know that didn't happen. But truly and honestly it was beyond my control. My husband installed Norton Internet Security, right after my last post, and we haven't been able to connect to the Internet since. (Can anyone help?) So I make no more promises. You'll see me when you see me. I happen to be visiting in CA and I'm writing from my in-laws computer, in case you are wondering.

We are all doing well. The girls are growing like weeds. Alivia is all over the place and repeats everything she hears. Awww! Alyssa is just too cute. Her stories are as wild as ever. The other day at daycare she told the children and the workers and a pastors wife that there are TWO Holy Ghosts. The good Holy Ghost and the bad one. The bad one says awhoooo (like a wolf). Then she preceded to tell how she rescued her "mudder and fadder" in-law from the wolfs mouth and the wolf had the bad holy ghost. There is some concern about what exactly her daddy has been preaching in Boise. LOL!!

Boise Worship Center is doing well. Bro. Kantola is getting stronger everyday and seems to be recovering nicely. Thank you Jesus! He has been covering the services since we have been gone and is doing great job.

We are in CA visiting family and preaching for Bro. Ted Molander. It has been a wonderful visit thus far. I am going to do my best to post as often as I can while I'm here . Love you all.

Enjoying a beautiful San Francisco Day

Dinner at Outback

Emma fixed my hair mom

From Boise to Seattle and Back

2008-01-31T21:45:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been month since I last "blogged"!!! Oh my how the time flies. Well we very much alive and well. Between taking care of the church and my family and having a revival in Seattle I've had hardly a moments rest.
We had wonderful rest during the Holidays while at home in Texas. And when we got back to Idaho we hit the ground running haven't stopped since. I wont bore you with all the details but I will tell you that we are having great services in Idaho. I must say that our preacher is one of the best I've ever heard. LOL. Please allow me to take a minute to brag on my husband. For the past seven years (can you believe it) I have seen him in the role of an evangilist, but for the past 4 months I have seen him step into to the shoes of a pastor. Not an easy thing to do overnight. He has made me so proud. He has loved and cared for these people just as they were his own. He has used wisdom in dealing with some of the situations that have arose. He has taken charge and orgranized a bus route. He even had to change one of the bus tires one Sunday afternoon. Not to mention working with the Africians. Sometimes we feel like we are on the mission field. I could go on and on about what all this GREAT man has and is doing. God has stretched both of us during our time here. I feel he is preparing us for something new.
The Africans are doing well. When asked recently why they don't go elsewhere to church they said they wanted to go to Heaven and this was the Church that would take them there. They have started praying for 4 hours on Saturday. We are seeing some great changes in our Africans.
Bro. Kantola is doing fabulous. He has started eating "real food" again and at his last visit the doctor said everything is looking good!!
We preached in Seattle last week and had an awesome revival. One recieved the Holy Ghost. Several backsliders prayed back through. Two were baptised and several were healed.
Well that's the Cliff Notes version. Hope you all have a great weekend and I promise we'll "blog" again real soon.
P.S. Congratulations Eddie and Ashley!! I am so happy for you. I know you two will be wonderful parents. I only wish I could be there this very minute to hold baby Heidi. Love you guys.

A Merry Christmas to all

2007-12-20T20:08:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-20T11:35:00.001-08:00

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

2007-11-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

YouTube - Alyssa reading How Do Dinosaurs Eat Thier Food

A Fabulous Weekend

2007-11-19T13:38:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-10T22:51:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-07T22:09:00.000-08:00

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

2007-10-22T21:44:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-15T20:08:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-12T18:29:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-10-02T21:22:00.001-07:00

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!

2007-09-30T13:06:00.001-07:00

Red Hot Revival

2007-09-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-21T23:46:00.001-07:00

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

2007-07-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-30T17:53:00.000-07:00

Vacation and A New Name

2007-06-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

Tagged At Last

2007-05-30T17:22:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-25T21:16:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

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

2007-04-27T15:43:00.000-07:00

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

2007-04-20T17:16:00.000-07:00

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

2007-04-15T18:25:00.000-07:00

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

2007-04-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

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

2007-04-06T16:47:00.000-07:00

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

Wonderful World of Washington

2007-03-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

We spent a wonderful two weeks in Washington. It is always a joy to be with the Woodsons and their church. They feel more like family to us than friends. This was our 6th year to preach a revival for them. We had a great time staying in their home. While there the girls caught a stomach virus and pretty soon the whole house was sick for several days ( I was so sick I lost five pounds). After we all recovered we enjoyed a beautiful day grilling and hula hooping (sorry my camera was lost on this occasion).

Our first Sunday there we had one recieve the Holy Ghost, Sis. Gina,and after church she and her daughter were baptised. There is a neat story here. Sis Gina and her family came from San Jose for a wedding. They stayed over Sunday so they could be in church and recieve the Holy Ghost. They even got late flights on Sunday night just in case they didn't get the Holy Ghost in the morning service. I know God saw her hunger and delighted in giving His most precious gift to her. They ask Bro. Woodson to direct them to church they could attend when they got home. It was so refreshing to see someone with such a strong desire to serve the Lord. They even had Bro. Woodson dedicate their baby to God.

The next weekend was just as great. On Saturday night God woke Joel up with a message to the church. Where does a parched man go to drink? Joel preached to church about staying close to the Well. On Sunday night the church broke into worship and we exprienced a great move of the Holy Ghost. Many people were blessed during the service. Two gentlemen recived the Holy Ghost and Sherry, the Woodsons granddaughter, was baptised.

We are back home now. We stayed in Chula Vista this past Sunday and enjoyed the ministry of the Terry Wilbank Family.

I hope you enjoy the slide show. I really had fun making it. This blogging stuff is so much fun. I had better sign off for now because this post is already long. Good week to all of you. With much love The Beans.

P.s. Don't foret to check the Beans Blossoms.

I'm Still Here

2007-03-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

Don't send the blog patrol yet. Like I said in the beginning I have toddlers and I travel so I won't always be able to post current blogs. But I'm here now so lets blog on. As of my last blog I was about to go to Ladies Conference in Ontario, California. You probably have other blogs to read so I 'll be brief (yes I can do that). Ladies Conference was incredible. Not only did we have record breaking attendance, but we also had tremendous moves of the Holy Ghost. Ladies if you have the chance go to Ladies Conference go! Bro. Mullings preached our last service. I can't tell you how much that message ministered to me. Wichita Falls get ready because you guys are going to love him.
After Ladies Conference, we all packed our bags, caught a plane and flew to our home away from home, Washington. We are preaching in Vancouver for Bro. Raymond Woodson. While here we celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary Joely. Last Sunday we had one get the Holy Ghost and thee people were baptized. I can't wait until this Sunday to see what God has in store. I would post pictures but I don't have my usb cable with me, so when I get home I'll post pics and tell you all about our Washington trip. May the Lord our God richly bless all of you. Have a great weekend.

San Jose

2007-02-28T21:29:00.000-08:00

This past weekend the Bean family traveled to San Jose, California. We were in service on Sunday morning with the Shoemakes. Joel preached a tremendous message about the foundation of our faith. I know I may be a little bias but my husband is really a great preacher. I wish I could convey to you the passion that he preaches with. During the alter call the Holy Ghost moved and many were blessed. To all of you in Wichita Falls the Shoemakes send their love. Our good friends Jonathan and Julie Haygood were preaching in Salinas on Sunday night so we drove over to be in service with them. It is always good to be with friends you love.

On Monday before heading back to San Diego we stopped to see Mama Blanche (Joel's grandmother). For those of you who do not know, Mama Blanche fell recently and broke some ribs. She is back home now and is recovering. She was thrilled to see the girls. This was her first time seeing Alivia. She thought the baby was so cute and well fed. LOL! For me it was a bittersweet visit. I have come to love this woman so much and to see her health fading is so sad to me. She is 91 years old and has lived a long full life. I'm so thankful that God has blessed me to be able to know her. She is one of my inspirations. I might add that there is a reprint of her book being published. I highly recommend it. It is a moving account about the life of her and her family during the early years of Pentecost.

I am off to Ladies Conference tomorrow. I'm not sure if and where we are preaching on Sunday. Look for a new update from the Beans next week. Love all of you.

P.S. Bro. Gene I could not figure out to change the date on my camera so I just took it off completly. LOL!

Great Weekend

2007-02-22T11:27:00.000-08:00

Well, I know we are almost upon another weekend but as promised here is an update from our trip to Arizona.
Sunday morning Joel preached from Acts 1:8 and 1Corinthians 12:7 . He talked about how it was a necessity to operate in the power of Holy Ghost using the gifts that God has given us. He emphasized that we were created as vessels and if vessels aren't being used then they are just taking up space. Sunday night we had a tremendous service. From the very first song you could feel God was working in our midst. This year Joel has made it a point to every time he preaches to talk about Acts 2:38 whether it is in his message or before he preaches. On Sunday night he didn't get much further than "for the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are a far off even as many as the Lord our God shall call." when the Holy Ghost fell and people begin worshiping and praying for one another. Before the close of the service Joel felt led of the Lord to tell the church that God wanted to heal the brokenhearted. A deep presence of God moved in and people begin to weep and travail. There was a lingering spirit even after Bro. Hogan dismissed those that felt they needed to go.
While in Arizona we stayed at a guest house owned by the Mills, a family in the Hogans church. The Mills own and board horses. On Monday before we left they allowed Alyssa to ride on Missey, a brown Navajo. We also got to watch as the farrier shod the horses. It was a very exciting experience for Alyssa (and us too). Thank you to the Mills for allowing us to stay in your cozy guest house and for allowing us to enjoy your horses.
Friday we leave for San Jose. We will be preaching for Bro. Jon Shoemake on Sunday morning. So stay posted for more adventures with The Beans.
A young man praying at the alter.
Alyssa in Sunday School with her teacher.
Daddy and his baby girl. Isn't she cute.
The guest house where stayed.
Alyssa riding Missey.

It's Beautiful Here

2007-02-16T23:01:00.000-08:00

Greetings to our fellow bloggers. Well it was another lousy day in paradise. It was lovely 78 degrees in sunny San Diego today. Joel, the girls and I all spent the day out and about. We are getting ready to leave for Arizona tomorrow. We will be preaching there this weekend.
I hope you all had a LOVEly Valentines Day. Joel took me to a great Mexican restaurant called Miguels . It is situated in the heart of Coronado Island. We then took a romantic stroll to the historic Hotel Del Coronado where we sipped coffee while gazing at the ocean. Ladies I must say I married the greatest man in the world.
Well that's all for now. I hope to have a wonderful report for you from the weekend's services. I will attempt to take pics and post them. I make no promises. Keep us in your prayers this weekend. Before you leave our blog check Beans Blossoms for an update on my little darling girls. One more thing, please keep my mother-n-law Sis. Nita Hodges in your prayers. She has been very sick and her schedule for the next few weeks is very busy. Love you all. Hope your weekend is full of life, love, and the blessings of God.

2007-02-14T20:25:00.000-08:00

Welcome

2007-02-14T19:15:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Bean's Banner. We are very excited to have finally entered the world of blogging. Since we are new at this we welcome all input. Keep in mind that we travel and are the parents of two small children. So are updates may be sporadic.
We will be adding pics and updates soon, so check back soon for new Bean news. We look forward to hearing from all of you.
We are presently in beautiful San Diego (temp today was in the upper 60's). We will be traveling on the West Coast through the spring and summer. This coming Sunday we will be in Phoenix, Arizona with Bro. Gary Hogan.
The girls are as cute as ever. Alyssa has fallen in love with books, especially Dr. Seuss, and ask for us to read to her all the time. Alivia will be 4 months old in a few days. She is already trying to roll over. These babies are growing up on me.