A New Year, A New Chance

As we are getting close to a New Year, we often think about resolutions: how can I change my life through diet, budgeting, education, etc.  Is it hard to believe that it will soon be 2012??? I can remember as a young child thinking: I wonder if I will be alive in the year 2000 - it seemed so far away.  Now I look back and see it was 12 years ago!!!  Is it not wonderful to know that with the coming of the New Year ( a new beginning) that God always gives us a new beginning - we don't have to wait until January 1 to start over. All we have to do is ask for it - ask God to forgive your past sins and He will wipe the slate clean - as white as snow. Being justified means "just as if I had never sinned". Thank you Father for being unconditionally forgiving. My new beginning for this year is to be forgiving, as unconditionally forgiving as my Father is. Forgiving of the person who steals my parking space, who cuts ahead of me in the line, who has 40 items in the "20 only" line at Wal-Mart, my friends, family, and spouse. But most of all, I forgive myself.

This past year has been so busy for us in our ministry. We attended Chaplain University, Phase 2 at Branson, MO, to increase our ability to minister effectively, we worshipped at our home church in Arkansas, where Vance Eubanks inspired us with the word of God, we celebrated the life of our son-in-law, Gene Crosswhite, who went home to the Lord in January, we found time to visit with family and friends in Wisconsin, we celebrated our 50th anniversary with our entire family present, we were able to present CHI ( check them out at www.childrenshaven.org ), which is our ministry, to others to encourage them to walk along with us as we travel this road God has laid out for us, we traveled here to South Texas to serve CHI as chaplains and volunteers, we made trips to the refuge in Reynosa, Mexico to show the children the love of God, we worshipped under the leadership of our chaplain here at Alamo Rec Veh Park, to list just a very few of our activities this year.

On a more personal level, we were so proud of our granddaughter, Katie, who graduated from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in December, magna cum laude. She is a wonderfully poised young lady who plans on continuing her education. Right now she does not know where, as she has her applications in various schools,

but needless to say, I am rooting for Arkansas!!!


granddaughter Katie and her mother, our lovely, oldest daughter, Chandra

Christmas Eve services at our park, led by Chaplain Dennis Maloney was beautiful and peaceful, proclaiming the glory of the birth of Jesus, our redeeming Savior.The choir, led by Vera Welty, did a beautiful job setting the scene for Dennis' sermon, " "We call it Christmas". You can check this out at www.sermon.net/crmintl
A real Christmas miracle: a gentleman who has been battling pancreatic cancer for years was declared cancer free on Christmas Eve. God is good!!!! We had luminaries this year instead of candles for the candlelight service which ended with dimmed lights and the congregation singing"Silent Night". A perfect birthday party for the Baby Jesus.

I saw this very cute cartoon on facebook and stole it. Just think on this!!!

Christmas Day again had us back at the hall for Christmas dinner. Sally Maloney and I hosted a table of 14 of which 3 couples were new to us. The food was wonderful as always, with very few leftovers! The park provided the turkey and gravy, we all provided the rest. The table was decorated with a simple manger scene, the true meaning of Christmas.  As usual, we were entertained with gospel music by Walter Plant, a very talented musician and singer. He did add a few variety songs, some funny lyrics, as well as his usual Freddy Fender, as requested by Dennis Maloney ( who would think!!!).We were invited back in the evening for turkey sandwiches and all the trimmings  which we did not attend!!!

our table, waiting for the turkey

just a few of the park residents enjoying Christmas dinner together



Walter Plant, entertaining us behind memory poinsettias (these were donated by residents in memory of loved ones)



Karen and Dean Starks, just two of our satisfied table guests

As we prepare to resume our normal routine, we are lucky to receive a break this week, to gather our thoughts as we prepare to continue our Bible studies, volunteer work, and Spanish lessons.

We would like to take this time to thanks each and every one of you who have supported us in our ministry this past year. If God lays it on your heart to continue your support, if you are a first time supporter, or if you want to contribute to CRM, please go to "online giving".  You will be truly blessed, Any contributions are tax deductible, so if you need a year end deduction, here is your chance.

We wish all of you a very prosperous and wonderful 2012 - may God be with you in all things. Praise and glorify His holy name.




 



Feliz Navidad

Feliz Navidad Prospero Ano Y Felizidad!!! Hola - our Spanish lessons are going well if I can only remember more than a phrase or two each week!!!  One Monday evening, the class that follows ours (which are Hispanic people learning English) arrived early to provide us with some substainence - authentic Mexican food. It was unbelievable - tamales, tostadas with all the toppings, rice, empanadas (from Columbia with an indescribably delicious meat and cheese filling), tortilla chips, homemade salsa - all was so mouth watering, We visited with them awhile, as they were trying out their English on us, and we were trying to speak Spanish to them. Their English is much better than our Spanish!!

greeting each other in two languages

lovely Spanish ladies with their awesome food offerings

This is certainly a time for indulging in food and treats!!! We had our CRM Christmas party at the Echo Hotel in Edinburgh, where they served us a terrific meal of appetizers (stuffed mushrooms, shrimp, and salsa) as well as a full course dinner of stuffed chicken breasts with a creamy cheese sauce, vegetable, and salad, as well as beverages and dessert. It seems as if all we talk about is food, but  it seems that all we do is eat!!!
Our meeting was well attended, with all the CRM chaplains from the RV parks around the area. The General Director, Dennis Maloney, stepped down and our new General Director, Raymond Smith, took over. Raymond is originally from Ireland, his wife is from the United Kingdom,and they have lived in France. The are truly a wonderful couple to know, love the Lord, and make it their responsibility to tell everyone about His saving grace. Instead of exchanging presents this year, it was decided that we would purchase children's books for the Texas Literacy program whose goal it is to put a library in every home in the Rio Grande Valley to empower parents to read to their children. . But these books need a place to be kept - not on the dirt floors of the colonias. Part of the program involves making bookcases for these books, a bookcase that is for each child only. The bookcase are presented to the children at school, where they color it, put on their own decoration, and paint on their name. These bookcases are quickly and easily made by volunteers. It is a wonderful program and we feel  privileged to be a part of it. Also in attendance were Marcel and Claudette, a French Canadian couple who will be heading the Alpha Course, an introduction to the Christian faith, to French Canadian Winter Texans in the area. CRM is expanding every day.

chaplains involved in serious conversation

girl talk?

Dennis Maloney, our park chaplain, on the right

Raymond Smith, new General Director of CRM

Lester Merriwether, explaining the literacy program

 Still another party was the children's school program at RIN in Reynosa, Mexico. We were not able to attend the large Christmas party the previous day, but did have the opportunity to attend the school program, which was so very well done. The children were so excited, entering the hall singing (in English) "Go Tell it on the Mountain". They took their parts in the skits very seriously and had a lot of fun while doing it.

you have not lived until you have heard "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" sung in Spanish

Principal Gloria and CHI Director Betsy Chacon under a beautiful decoration made by Tia Lucia from donated items (this one was made from a discarded fake Christmas tree).

Joseph and very serious Mary with the baby Jesus

our former intern Mateo Campbell on his birthday - just before he left for the border on his trip back to Canada

each child received a warm hat - all made and donated by volunteers

here we are with our two "girls" - Lupe on the left and Paty on the right - they are becoming very grown up young ladies

In the midst of all the festivities and feeding frenzies, let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas, "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: He is Christ the Lord".  Luke 2:11

We want to wish all of you a very blessed Christmas.

December Rain

It has been raining here in South Texas - a much needed, refreshing, earth soaking rain. It started Saturday and is gloomy yet today, but still a beautiful day.

I pray that everyone of you remembers to say "Merry Christmas" to those you see. Let the reason for the season be our very first priority.

Last week was a busy week as usual. It started Monday night with a surprise birthday party at our Bible study. I was wondering why CHI director Betsy Chacon, husband Randall, and son Benjamin were there, as they usually have many things going on with Benjamin and school activities. Wonderful snacks, ice cream, and a beautiful cake (the cake was a present from Betsy and Randall). The cake had wonderful fresh fruit on top, very healthful, if you did not eat the whipped cream that the fruit was embedded in!!!! I am so blessed to be surrounded by loving, Christian friends. Fred bought me flowers and a card (in Spanish ) as we are taking lessons and I think he was giving me a test.  We also went to Hildago on Wednesday evening to see all the Christmas lights while riding on a trolley.  Our trolley guide was a very well informed gentleman who had lived in the area for many years. He related a lot of the history of the area, as well trying to teach us what the words to the song "Feliz Navidad" meant. He was extremely entertaining! A friend and neighbor, Marion, took me to lunch on Wednesday (the actual day of my birthday) which made for a perfect day.




we arrived in Hildago just as the sun was going down - a beautiful sight



some of the lights in Hildago - the chairs were there for a musical presentation, but the night was truly cold and we did not stay for  that

a trolley ride on a cool evening was so invigorating

our tour guide

just a sampling of the Christmas light display

this home is owned by a very famous Mexican musician ( a Mexican Myron Florian )

Tuesday  two of us couples went to Reynosa to deliver the donated Christmas presents for all of the children (to be stored until the party this Thursday). We also wanted to see Teacher Gloria, the principal of the RIN school, whose son and granddaughter were burned over 85% of their bodies and are in burn centers in Texas. She was getting ready to return to Texas to be with them and we wanted to assure her of our love, support and prayers. Sometimes we do not know why God allows bad things to happen, but we have to trust in His plan for each and everyone of us. Please keep Teacher Gloria's family in your daily prayers. It was chilly that day, but by looking at the children a person would think it was bitterly cold there!!! We visited the school rooms and most of the children had hats and even scarves on. One of the pre-school girl had the same name as I do, and when I told her, she got very excited, so we had our pictures taken together. A former intern, Matthew (Mateo) Campbell from Canada was there on a two week vacation - he is a very wonderful Christian young man who works for the Canadian police, but his heart is in Reynosa, Mexico. We stayed for lunch with the children where Maria again outdid herself, caldo de res (beef soup) with homemade warm tortillas. We take every opportunity to go to Reynosa, to deliver items to RIN, but I sometimes think  to just be with the children and sample Maria's excellent cooking!

pre-school girls keeping warm

Leila and Leila ( in Mexico it is pronounced Lay-la)

the children all love Matthew Campbell

a volunteer friend Larry, with three little cuddly children



don't they look cold, although it was probably 45-50 degrees

Gas is $3.14 a gallon and going down!!!! Never thought we would celebrate at that price! 

This week is another busy one with Bible study tonight as we continue the study of Jeremiah. God gives us a commission, and we often try to rebel against His plan. How often do we say, "Who me, Lord? I'm too old, or too young, or not smart enough or strong enough, are You sure You mean me"?? He promises us that if we obey His commands, He will be there and never forsake  us.

The Season

As this Christmas season approaches, we take the time to sit down and really think about what we are really celebrating. The birth of a Savior - God's son sent to earth to be our Redeemer. Can you imagine what Mary thought when the angel appeared to her to tell her she would be the mother of the Messiah?? How many Jewish women over the decades wondered if it would be one of them? And imagine Mary's wonderment that how could it be her - a young virgin teenager???? But God chooses the most unlikely to to serve His purpose.

Back to Thanksgiving, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner at the hall, all the tables so beautifully decorated, seating usually 12 friends and new friends, people who the hostesses chose to be at their table. Our table consisted of neighbors and friends, hosted by Carole and Jeannie. It was a great time to be together and be thankful of everything God has provided for us. There were about 15 tables in all - people greeting and hugging each other in Christian love.






Thanks to Carole ( with husband Ron) and Jeannie (to Carole's left) for inviting us to share this day with them

More great neighbors

Our table

Other tables - friends visiting

Another group gathering together

Lovely decorations

Sunflowers in November



Our amazing entertainment for the afternoon - Walter has been blind since birth but sings and plays a variety of songs - including very inspiring gospel

We have been busy, keeping up with church activities,  teaching our Monday night bible study on Jeremiah, our work at CHI. Fred and the other guys at CHI have been very busy picking up donations - most to be sold in the thrift store. The store has kept me very busy also, sorting and marking items to be sold and waiting on hopeful buyers, looking for great deals.  And there are many - even we have found some wants and  needs!!!!

Almost everyone has either started or finished putting up their Christmas decorations. We have had ours up for awhile, but not turned on any lights until December 1. It seems strange to have all these decorations, and no snow for them to be reflected on. I do sometimes miss the beautiful snows of NC Wisconsin, but certainly not the cold. Many people have returned  "home" this week - filling up our park.

decorations on our patio

the front of our home - the wreath plays Christmas carols

a lit cross - another treasure found at CHI resale shop

Sally Maloney and I are going to hostess a Christmas table - what were we thinking???  There will be many more people there at this time of year, but it will be fun. We have to decide on who to invite to join us - we may wait to see if there are any "strays" who don't have a table and invite them to join us. Luckily, we have everything we need already for the decorations, plates, etc. I am actually looking forward to it!!! A time to celebrate the birth of a King!!!



anticipating Thanksgiving

As this Thanksgiving Day is almost upon us, we all need to reflect on the bounty of favor God has granted us, as we often forget in the hustle and bustle of daily activities to thank God for the little things - a close parking space, a great deal on a big purchase, the wonderful weather, blue sky, flowering bushes, friends, just being alive. We all have things in our lives that seem to present us with problems every day, some things are on-going, some are physical, some emotional and even some spiritual. Just dwell on the positive things in your life, and the negative things will not seem so important. Thanks and thanksgiving is mentioned so many times in the Bible - there in itself is a message. "Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name: make known among nations what He has done". I Chronicles 15:18

white roses on our patio

look what He created!

hot pepper plant - lots of peppers and more blooms

Our Monday night Bible study this past Monday was totally awesome!!! We did have a lesson to study and try to get through, but because the Holy Spirit was with us, we had a time of  fellowship with discussion, testimony, revelations, and answered questions. Thanks to everyone who was there and all of your support. Fred and I feel so unworthy of leading this group, but God has been with us all of the way.

our Bible Study class - small now but it will grow every week

We had a CRM chaplains meeting Saturday at Alamo Rec Veh Park, as most of our chaplains are now here in the Valley. It was so nice to greet those we have not seen for awhile. Of course, we had a pot luck. I forgot my camera in all the hustle, but I'm sure if you go to baker's blessing.blogspot.com you will see many from LaVon Baker, our CRM camera guru! Whoops, I just checked it and saw nothing about CRM - she must have slowed down for the holidays, as I don't see any there yet.

We want to wish everyone a very happy and wonderful thanksgiving, filled with all of God's blessings!!!

Bible Study and potluck

Our Bible Study has begun at CHI on Monday nights with an introduction to Jeremiah, the weeping prophet. The book of Jeremiah centers on repentance, a very unpopular subject at the time as well as in current times. People do not want to be reminded that they cannot be of the world and still be of God - so many people today as in Biblical times do not want to give up all their worldly desires to follow Jesus. This does not mean that we cannot enjoy life, just that we do enjoy life in a Godly way. We hope to increase the size of our group as more friends arrive from the North and be able to share in God's word and plan for us all.

an invitation



Last week we headed out to Reynosa to deliver all the games and prizes for the CHI carnival held there on Saturday. We got a chance to visit with the girls we sponsor, as well as all of the RIN children, and enjoyed a wonderful meal  of chicken mole' provided by RIN's great cook, Maria. We had time to visit houseparents as this trip was not rushed or filled with other duties. Our sister-in-law, Susan, made our girls beautiful quilts, and a friend, also named Susan, embroidered their names on them. As you can see from the pictures, the girls were so excited to get them.  We finally wished everyone good-bye with promises to return for the carnival on Saturday. Because of God's grace and protection, we had no problems on the border either entering or leaving Reynosa.

Lupe with her quilt

Paty with her quilt

Although Sonia has left the home, she does return for visits so her sisters displayed her quilt.

 

The carnival is held for all of the neighboring residents as an offering of good will and friendship. The kids (and even the parents, as Bingo is offered for the adults) wait all year for this event, where there are games, prizes, food, and an awesome spiritual skit presented by a local Christian youth group.  A very excited father and son leaped with joy as the won a 52" TV in the raffle! It was a time for Christian fellowship and loads of fun. It was a very tiring, long day but worth every minute of it! We manned a plinko game - a child dropped a ball and where it bounced off pegs and landed was the gift they received. We received over 100 stuffed animals donated by wonderful friends from Minnesota church which were the large prizes, also other donated prizes of toothbrushes and candy. Additional prizes were 10 free tickets for food or games (the most coveted prize). A loser ball earned the player a piece of chocolata. We don't know who was more tired at the end of the day - the visitors or us!

 

Fred and Kerm waiting for the players to arrive

Director Betsy Chacon drawing playing lines

enjoying the fishing game

Fred, Lupe, Paty, and Leila



Any week here in S. Texas is not complete without a pot luck of some sort - our Bible Study includes finger foods, and today was the volunteer pot-luck at CHI in Pharr, Texas. Lots of wonderful food, good fellowship, great volunteers, and of course, work assignments from Betsy!!! But we love her and the great work she does. Tomorrow is my day to work in the resale shop-  yeah!!!! Lots of great things there - lots of treasures to be found.

some of the CHI volunteers getting ready to eat

Randall Chacon welcoming us all for the season

the treasure trove of bargains

God is good - His word is His promise - always let us listen to him when He speaks and follow His commands,