settling and resettling

Fred had carpel tunnel surgery today and all went well. Thank all of you for your prayers. As we were praying for a successful surgery just before Fred went to surgery, the surgical nurse prayed with us, and said she would be praying Fred through surgery. God is indeed alive and well in the world!!! Praise Him for Christian people.


As we are settling in Arkansas it seems like in no time we are getting ready to resettle in Wisconsin. Our time in Arkansas has been going so quickly. I did volunteer at Life Ministries, a resale shop and assistance program sponsored by 7 area churches. The resale store is much larger than the one run by CHI in Texas, but the principle is the same. Everything is donated, volunteers do the sorting, putting out of merchandise, running the check out just as in Texas. The only difference is that the assistance  program in Arkansas helps those who have electric or water shut offs, are behind on their rent, and need food and clothing. The applicants are allowed assistance every three months, but are also consouled on finances and parenting. It was really interesting to see the changes in the store, as well as meeting new volunteers. Of course, the old friends were there also making the transistion for me quite simple.

food items ready to be packaged and distributed

Marty, my very first friend in Arkansas 17 years ago, registering folks for assistance

winter items stored for the season

 sorting and preparing clothing for the resale store

 shoppers looking for gtreat deals

busy at the check out counter


We are spending a few more days in Arkansas and then leaving for Wisconsin to visit family and friends. While here in Arkansas we enjoy down time by relaxing with our daughters Brenda and Christine, who live here, and another daughter, Chandra who is visiting. We enjoy this time to recoup and plan for the coming season in South Texas.

while staying with friends, I could not help but admire their mailbox

Brenda's dog, Diggler

 Diggler begging to be picked up!

 Chandra arriving at the airport - ready for a vacation - she is the first one on the escalator

 

 some of Christine's flowers

double knock out roses

 

relaxing, but someone looks shy -  Diggler and Christine's dog Cocoa

son-in-law Scott - master griller

 

 

 

Our church services and life groups here in Arkansas are amazing  - we feel so uplifted every time we get together with fellow Christians. One of our life group discussions was "Church Attendance". How easy it is to skip a Sunday and how much easier it gets each time a person decides not to take one hour a week to worship and thank the Lord for everything He has blessed us with. Many times people state that they do not need church to be close to God - that being in the woods to deer hunt or just out in God's creation helps them believe in the Lord. Are they in the woods to hunt or to praise the Lord???  Being dilligent church attendees makes us accountable to each other - helps us in our walk with the Lord, and develops a greater relationship with Him. Encourage someone this week to join you on Sunday and you will be surprised what can happen.