New Year's Day we have a tradition of eating with family and partaking of the custom of black eyed peas and cornbread. Brian's Aunt Kaye Nichols, Faye's sister, and her husband Bill hosted us at their house. Her jalapeno cornbread is the best I've ever had!

It was a honor to be a part of the 70th anniversary of the Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma City, OK. Pastor Stan and Linda Toler ( www.stantoler.com) have been great friends since Stan was pastor of First Nazarene in Nashville. They're some of our favorite people. The church had a Saturday night banquet that was a testimony of their ministry to the local community. Tales that were told were funny and heartfelt. God's faithfulness there was inspiring and the Sunday service was followed by one of our favorite things: a pot luck lunch! Oh my, the cooks there are just plain good! I sang an entire concert after that and was ready to eat again!

I also got to sing an impromptu rendition of the Talley song, "Thinking 'Bout Home" with the writer, Terry Toler. Terry is Pastor Stan's brother and is the music minister at Trinity. I didn't do as well as I wanted because that song is a classic and Terry is slightly intimidating as a musician! I was nervous beside his excellence but he was most gracious. I was happy just to be there.

Two of our dearest friends are Jerry and Carlene Sowards in Memphis, TN. Jerry set up a couple of great meetings in Memphis during the last weekend of January. Brian's mother Faye Speer went with us to see the Sowards and celebrate their daughter Jana West's birthday. Sunday morning was at Colonial Baptist and we met some wonderful people there led by music pastor Wayne Hollie and their brand new pastor Mark Hollingsworth. We didn't get to spend near enough time with them but God sure blessed the service there.

That evening we were at Cordova Baptist with Pastor Jim Mustin. He is a southern gospel music fan and the folks there at the church were kind to us. They even had a large plate of homemade cookies and snacks for us and did we ever indulge! We loved spending the evening with them. God's presence was a great comfort.

This weekend we'll be Magnolia, AR, at a ladies' conference at First Baptist Church with Judy Wallace. We'll see our dear friends Bill and Sherry Fullenwider and the go to Texarkana, TX for a Valentine's Banquet at First Baptist Church. It should be a nice evening and Brian and I look forward to sharing it with all of the couples in Texas. Then we're off to New Jersey to see our friends at America's Keswick. If you need more information about our travels, please look on our website to find out details.

Bill Gaither lost his father, George, two weeks ago. George was 91 years old. Many of you may have seen him on the Homecoming Tour ( www.gaithernet.com)as he managed the product sales for the Gaithers, a job he held for many years. Please keep Bill and Gloria, and Bill's sister, Mary Ann Addison, and their families in your prayers. Have a great month.

Allison Durham Speer, February 3, 2005