Swart Life Continues: January-Easter

The Mid-Winter Bible Conference was held at Antioch, Jan 18-20.

As always, we really enjoyed having "We Will Testify" sing for us.

Jeff was honored to speak again. His subject was "The Millennial Reign of Christ."

He took a hard fall off this chair during the conference that created much pain for him in the coming months (and yes, it was all caught on video🙄)

Another great crowd for all sessions (and delicious food)

Couldn't have done it without Ruth and Linda's organization! Thank you, Girls!

The You Tube Links for all 4 sessions can be found on my You Tube channel or on this link: The Millennial

We had a weeklong snow/sleet event that began January 23rd. Because of the ice, Conway schools were out a week and Rachel/LR schools out 6 days!

Yes, I made snow ice cream (although it was mostly sleet!)

On Jan. 30th, we drove to Bryant, AR for the sweet funeral service for a hero of the faith: Jerry Kidd. When Jeff worked for the Missions Dept., Jerry was his boss as the Foreign Missions Director (Jeff was Asst. Director). They traveled in 30 countries together. Many of those were Third World Countries and difficult travels. Jeff has lots of interesting stories! Jerry and his wife Sue are "cream of the crop" people, who have touched innumerable lives! It was humbling for Jeff to realize at the funeral, that all the men he worked with there are all gone to heaven now: Jack Courtney, Don Collins, Redmond Keisler, Bobby Bowman and now Jerry. It was good to see many friends there, some Jeff hasn't seen in a long time. May God comfort Sue and her family is our prayer!

Since we were in the area, we stopped to get our McCrary grandchildren for the weekend, to get them out of the house and to give Mom and Dad a break since they have all been stuck in the house a week. Little Rock got it worse than we did in Conway.

Due to the frigid temps and messy conditions, they couldn't play outside, so we played a lot of games, watched movies on TV, and introduced them to "Anne of Green Gables."

Church on Sunday❤️

The morning of February 2nd, we got the word that our friend, Mary Mooney was near death. So we made the trip to and from Joplin, MO, to see Mary and give support to her family. Mary died 3 days later😢(Feb. 5th). The post below this one is dedicated to Mary...My Tribute to Mary

On Feb. 7th, I took Jeff to Baptist ER here in Conway because the pain from the fall in January had gotten worse. There was a fear he had messed up the hardware from his back surgeries. However the attending doctor said it was a badly bruised SI joint (which continued to be so painful. As of this date, Feb. 5., he will be getting an injection in a couple of days to hopefully help heal that area).

Mary's funeral was February 9 Mary’s funeral, We were blessed to stay at the lakehouse for a couple of nights to help break up the trip (always so enjoyable)!

Jeff was honored to preach Mary's funeral. I was sad after we got back home and realized I didn't get a picture of us with the family! We love you all and continue to pray for God's comfort and wisdom.

Feb 14 - Valentines❤️

On Feb. 17 – Friends that also have December anniversary's met at Mike's Place for dinner to celebrate (just a couple of months late🤣💓)

Everyone brought a wedding picture:

Later in February, both Eisley and Saylor went with their Daddy's to the Father/Daughter dances at their schools. 💝💝

Feb 21st, Barbara Watson died. I’ve lost two dearly loved Pastor Wives/friends this month: Mary Mooney on the 4th and Barbara Watson on the 21st (who ironically are sister-in-laws). Barbara was my Pastor’s wife when I was a child at Mt. Olive, Girard and again when Jeff began his full-time ministry in the 1970’s serving with Ernie at Highland Park Baptist Church in Independence, KS. While there, Barbara taught me the great importance of praying, specifically in praying for wisdom for my husband. She also taught me the art of sending cards to those who are sick and/or grieving (something I have become so lax in since Jeff is no longer in ministry and with the cost of postage—forgive me, friends, for not doing that in the last year or so). My Mom and Barbara were very close friends with the Watsons serving at Mt. Olive two different times. In fact, Ernie passed away right before he was to preach one Sunday morning at Mt. Olive (2013). A year or two after Mom moved to Galena to live closer to me, Barbara and her son Steven moved to Galena (which was where Barbara grew up) and lived in a duplex right behind Mom. Once again, we all worshipped together at the same church💓 (FBC, Galena). Please pray for Barbara’s two sons and family as well as the Mooney family. Barbara is Paul’s sister (and Becky has cared for her like a daughter since she moved back to Galena) and this means they have lost two dearly loved members of their family in less than 3 weeks.💔🙏

On Feb. 26, Laine started officially working CFA (after training 2-3 weeks prior). Just doesn't seem possible, our Lainey Bug is old enough to work!! Proud of her!💗

I started the Heaven Bible Study Feb. 23rd. Sure enjoying it and sure look forward to my Heavenly Home!

Jeff had X-rays in Little Rock on Feb. 27 (that confirmed his back was fine) and then we visited Rachel doing "her thing" at school.

We were happy the timing worked out to be there when Kipling's class came in. Rachel teaches ART to all the classes (Kindergarten-5th grade) and does such a wonderful job. Kipling in the one in the very back in the yellow shirt💙.

These were creations she had her classes make for an auction at the school!💗

For memory sake: Iran bombing/Operation Epic Fury began on Feb 28 and still going🙏

During her Spring Break (March 7-14), Saylor came to stay with us. I fixed dinner for Rachel’s family and Josh and Saylor that first night (and then Josh went home the next day). Sadly, I didn’t think to get any pictures.😢

We played lots of games!

While Saylor was here, Jeff was asked to lead a Marriage Conference at Antioch (March 8)

We had a delicious Italian meal (and yes, childcare). Shawn and Jeff were hopeful for 25 couples to attend, but were surprised and thrilled over 50 couples/100+ people came!

You can find the first of two sessions here (and the other session on my You Tube Channel):

Marriage Conference

Our week with Saylor: Pet Store, she sure wanted this ferret!

CFA, the Park and a Movie:

Met her Daddy halfway on Saturday in Memphis. She was sure glad to see him!

March 12 was her Mommy, Michelle's birthday. We are thankful and love you, M!

On March 18,We had an enjoyable lunch with several of our Seniors including our new Sr. Adult Pastor Greg and Teri Mendenwald.

We look forward to them being with us soon as they close the chapter of over 50 years as Pastor and Wife at Magnolia Baptist Church, Hattiesville, Mississippi. I know it will sure be bittersweet for them to leave that church family

. Yes I was trying to get their doggie to look at the camera

March 22 would have been my Grandma Boore's 122nd birthday. This picture was taken at her house in Girard in 1984. That is Josh sitting on the couch (he would have been around 6-1/2). Sure have wonderful memories of Grandma Boore.❤️

Andy's birthday was March 25th. We love you, Son, and proud of the man, husband, father and Minister of the Gospel that you are!

March was a big month for our Texas Swart family. On the 27th, Andy and Carman closed on a "new to them" beautiful home and moved the next day. Jeff and I are anxious to make a trip to Texas soon to see it.

On April 3, Antioch had their annual Torn Veil/Good Friday service. It was wonderful and we were thrilled that the McCrary's joined us!

April 5th would have been Mom's 97th birthday. However, she is celebrating in Heaven and younger and vibrant than she ever has been!💓

And to close out this post, April 5th is also Easter. My post on Facebook:

Jerusalem 2008/2011/2015....Visiting Jesus' tomb is an amazing experience but even more amazing is the fact that Jesus is not there, but ALIVE and living in my heart!! Praise you Jesus! Happy Resurrection Day to all my family and friends! If you don't have a church home, I invite you to Antioch Baptist Church on Amity Road. Jeff and I will be going to the 8:00 service, but there will also be a 9:30 and 11:00 service. Such a blessing that we worship, serve and will someday live eternally with our RISEN SAVIOR! Thank you, Jesus!