God's timing

We have been searching for a new chaplain for our park for a while now, meetings with the church board and park management, praying, and waiting. One of the persons we were considering (and called by the church board) needed to spend time waiting for an answer from God. We always post a praise in our Sunday bulletin - this week I simply stated "God's timing is perfect - be patient and wait upon the Lord". Last evening, Bill and Alli Artherholt called and accepted our call to be chaplain here at our park. We are extremely honored that he decided to serve here, and are looking forward to next season. We are in the bittersweet time of the year, as we are preparing for Chaplain Dennis and Sally Maloney to go on to another faze of their service to God, glad that God has called them to bigger things, but sad that they must leave us. They have been here at Alamo Rec Veh Park for 8 years, the same amount of time that we have. But we plan on visiting them often as they will only be a little over an hour away from us in Arkansas (they will be in Oklahoma), and of course, we will see them at CRM training.

A bit ago I had a post on things that are constant, never change, I  mentioned that the moon was constant, always in the night sky.The other morning it was huge, red, and hazy, but in the evening it was smaller and brilliant bluish white. It is constant in the sense it is always there, as God is a constant in our lives. But the moon changes in color and size depending on the season, temperature, and various other reasons. Just as having God in our lives changes as our needs change - He is always there, but available to us in order to help us in many different ways. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you where ever you go". Joshua 1:9. There are  many verses that remind us God is always with us, Deuteronomy 31:6, 31:8,  I Peter 5:7, Hebrews 13:5-6, Hebrews 13:6, and Matthew 28:20 to name a few.



We replanted our key lime tree last week -  removing it from it's confining pot into the rich earth. Just as we step out from our comfortable, confined life and into the rich earth of God's promises. We plan on keeping the tree trimmed, yet allowing it to blossom and produce fruit. I can almost taste a key lime pie!

We have three aloe vera plants that have been blooming. I have  never seen ours bloom before and was totally surprised to see them do so. Some are purple, but ours are yellowish. They are bursting out of the pots - we would like to plant them in the yard, but they are very invasive - spreading all over and taking over the yard. Sort of like vicious gossip and lies, that have no foundation and are just spread to create chaos and discontent.

 the blossoms on the aloe vera

 

this plant is bursting at the seams, as are the other two we have - all of this was started from one tiny plant

 

 

this poor cactus had it's head loped off in a tragic accident (a door fell on it - don't ask), we nurtured it for awhile and all of a sudden all these new spouts began to grow, including those on top.

 

 

We have the most gorgeous sunsets here in S Texas (although, even if I am biased, I think the sunrises and sunsets in NW Arkansas are the best). Our trailer faces south, so we can see the sunsets from our living room. It seem that everyday the colors are so different. Pictures certainly do not do it justice.

South Texas sunset

 



We had the opportunity of listening to the United States Air Force Band, Dimensions in Blue, a jazz ensemble in McAllen on Wednesday. The airman (and women) assigned to the band are highly trained professional musicians who have dedicated themselves to serving their country through music. This area loves the "Winter Texans" and offers all types of entertainment for little or no cost. We try to take in some of them, but to do all would be impossible.

Our work at Great Oaks Community Church Food and Clothing Ministry is keeping us busy - our park has stepped up to the plate again and provided almost daily full bins of food, especially protein (tuna, Spam, chicken, etc) for those living in the colonias. We deliver a trunk load of food weekly, and sometimes twice a week.  The Lord blesses many times over those who give to the less fortunate.

Children's Haven International is celebrating it's 40th anniversary with many activities on both sides of the border. Many of the people who were involved in building the original Casas, picnic tables, and furniture have been invited to the week long celebration. We are taking a tour group of women to the haven in Reynosa on Tuesday - many of them were inspired by our God's Worthy Women Conference which encouraged women to become involved in mission work.

As we are leading up to Holy Week, let us not forget that Jesus Christ died on the cross for us, to forgive us of our sins, guaranteeing us everlasting life with Him in heaven if we accept Him as our Lord and Savior.  May all of you have a very blessed week.