The Loving Longview

Well, it has been quite a while since I have posted. Life has a tendency to get in the way of things we love so much. Since I last blogged we have settled into our new life here in Longview. We truly love it here! God has such an awesome way of reminding us daily how much He loves us. It took some time but we found a home and it was "move in ready". Not even a wall needed to be painted. Thanks God! The people of LFA have made this transition one of the easiest we have ever experienced. What an incredible group of people we have the opportunity to serve. Again, Thanks God!

I have had more opportunities to speak and teach than ever before since arriving in Longview. (Which has been both stretching and rewarding.) Edgar even let me loose on a couple of Sunday mornings! I love working with my man and being a part of his team!

We just got home from a "magical" vacation in Florida. We laughed and enjoyed Disney as much or more than ever before. I did get a little weepy watching as my Gabby posed for pictures with characters. Remembering how tiny she was the first time we went and seeing her now, this beautiful young lady, was almost more than I could handle! Jaden and his fun loving personality kept us all in stitches. And for the record, there is no place I enjoy holding my "Prince's" hand than in front of the castle at Magic Kingdom. But, now it is time to start thinking Edgar's birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas. We are coming into such a busy time of year, but if I've discovered anything in the past few months it's SLOW DOWN and enjoy today. Some days that's easier said than done. Seriously!

Here We GOOOOOOOO!

I have often laughed at the concept of "If you don't talk about it, it doesn't exist". But the last couple of months I have found myself practicing that very concept. However, this week it's time to talk about it. The move to Longview is immanent. LOL! We will close on our house here in Humble on Friday morning, then it's off to a two bedroom apartment until we can find THE house in Longview. I have been so overwhelmed by all the friends that have shown up to help us pack (& say they will be here) and help us load. I can't believe our time in Humble is almost over. As I walked through the empty house, I realized that it wasn't empty at all. It is full of memories that we have shared with some of the greatest people we have ever served. I couldn't help but think about the family holiday's we have hosted, the "drop in" youth parties, the open invitation American Idol Tuesday's, dinners, the NUMEROUS overnight guests (some that stayed longer than others), and watching my kids grow up in these halls. It is official that I am a blessed woman! 19015 Dee Wood has been an incredible place to call home and I will always cherish every second. Thanks to all of you who have shared in these memories. You are loved beyond measure. Now to the home that awaits us in Longview, you have a lot to live up to precious home. And although thus far you have remained hidden, I will find you and I will make you my own. New house you have no clue what is headed your way, because when the Ayala's get there you will be forever changed! Seriously!

Our New Adventure

Hello again! Have you missed us?! I hope you have, because I have missed my blogging time. Since I last blogged, our gracious and unchanging God has turned our world upside down and I am so in awe of His fun loving passion for us.

On January 17, 2010 Edgar and I were elected to be Lead Pastors at Longview First Assembly in Longview, Texas. What an amazing opportunity! Our time here in Humble has been littered with learning experiences, friends, and growth. As I sit and type this my heart is so full of love and appreciation for the people of Humble First. They have laughed with us and cried with us for the past five years and we will never be the same because of thier influence on our lives. If I could say thank you with the depth of gratitiude that I feel for them this blog would never end. I'm glad I will spend eternity with them.

And so now, the new phase of life starts for the Ayala's. The past month has held the "divide and conquer" plan, and I have quickly come to appreciate my husband on a new level. We have signed a contract on our home here in Humble and are now going to be moving at warp speed to find one in Longview! Edgar and I are looking forward to what lies ahead. But not forgetting the past, because it has gotten us to the point we are at. Look out Longview! And as Humble has grown to know, with the Ayala's in town....There is never a dull moment, SERIOUSLY!!!!!!