Cloudy Sunday

We woke up to  cloudy day, a bit humid but great for a Sunday morning. As I went out to pick up the morning paper, I noticed that the Winter Texans are starting to return. Looking across the lake I saw one couple who must have just gotten in opening up their trailer - another couple has been here for over a week now. Our quiet Sunday mornings are coming to end I do believe,

I am excited about an upcoming baby shower in Reynosa, Mexico this Saturday - no men allowed!!! It will be interesting as it seems to be going to be an old fashioned shower for one of the house parents - Susan - a lovely young mother of 3 with number 4, a baby girl, due in November. Her and her husband Juan have been house parents at the Haven for about 2 years now - a very devoted couple intent on helping to change the lives of the kids there. Sounds like this shower will be games, fun, food, and laughter - I wonder how I will do at the games as they probably will be in Spanish!!!! I am truly looking forward to it. I have made the baby a quilt - well it is almost done. Just needs to be put together and tied, which I will get done this week with the expert assistance of friend Judi.  The next project is a quilt for our newest great granddaughter due in January -  I already have the fabric and am ready to get started.

quilt - almost ready to tie

Tonight is the food distribution at Great Oaks for the food ministry we are involved in. A couple here in the park who has come along side of us in this ministry is going to be there also - their first time to actually hand out the food to those in dire need. We are so thankful for their support in this very important ministry. This morning, Pastor Israel's sermon revolved around the story of Esther in the Bible (read this when you get a chance - it is a very interesting story). God really is in charge and has a purpose for us to fulfill here on earth. Our mission is custom made - God knew before we were born what that mission was and it had our name on it. Amazing that God put this other couple together with us at this time to fulfill that mission. Our purpose and mission includes loving God and loving people. The theme of our church in Arkansas is to Love God, Love Others, Serve Other. They do this every single day in some way or another - a caring. loving church, obeying God's commandment "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this, "You shall love you neighbor as yourself." There are no greater commandments than these".  Mark 12:30-31 Great Oaks Community Church also follows the same commandments, caring for others before themselves. We feel so privileged to be a part of these amazing churches.

 

Working at CHI's retail store has definitely put us in the "decorating for Christmas" mode. A lot of the Christmas items have been brought out, with a lot more to go. Alas, I only have so much room, so can only dream of sugar plums and gingerbread men. Our personal, most prized Christmas decoration is the manager scene, a gift from my brother. It is one which new pieces can be added every year, adding to it's beauty and significance, It is the first decoration to go up right after Thanksgiving and the last one to take down. We even used it as a table decoration for the park Christmas dinner a few years ago. The best part of volunteering at the store is that we can talk to all the customers - this past week we meet an interesting missionary couple who minister to a refuge where their son is the director in another, but more dangerous, part of Mexico. The lady only flies in while her husband rides the bus in disguise - shaggy beard, old clothes, looking very poor. They have been stopped more than once, where the military (or those dressed as military) have stolen everything valuable. They did not even ride together as often the wife will be kidnapped and held for ransom. Please keep this couple in your prayers as they continue to serve the Lord.  

some Christmas selections

 

more to choose from

 

 

 

The hummingbird invasion has come to an end for now. Perhaps another group will settle here before heading farther South, but I really doubt it. There are a few local birds who are probably breathing a sigh of relief now that they have the feeders to themselves. We had three species of hummers here - the ruby throated, the Rufus, and the buff belly (thanks to our resident bird watcher. Marie,  I can name them!).

 

just a few of the migrating birds 

 keeping the other feeder occupied

 

 

 

As I close this wonderful Sunday, let us keep our young adults in our prayers. They are so often misled by the secular world that they often loose sight of the path God has laid out for them. Pray especially for Raymond, the son of a regular customer at the store who was incarcerated this past week for not showing up at his appointments with the parole officer. Pray for his family, who has tried to keep him on the right path, but the pull of a more exciting world has gotten him into trouble, leaving them at a loss right now of helping him. Only through their faith and prayers are they coping.   

 

 

Speed Bump

Sometimes life presents you with a speed bump - sort of  a bump in the road that wants to upset your daily routine. However you handle is another matter. Saturday, we woke up to no power. Made a call to the manager - mailbox was full. Called the on-site manager - telephone not connected yet (although they were on site). Neighbors came out, wanted to know if we had coffee yet - nope - power was already off before we got a chance to push the button. Finally contacted someone who alerted the power company - should have power by 8:30 - ok - but still no coffee.  Neighbors hollered through the window - "let's go to Whataburger for coffee and a breakfast burrito." YES,  because Whataburger has free coffee for seniors. We had a wonderful unexpected fellowship time together, just talking, enjoying our morning coffee, and visiting with a group of high school student council kids who were decorating Whataburger in the school colors as a statement of support for the team. Such energy and enthusiasm. Oh - power was restored by 11:30!!!! But think of what we might have missed out on.

We still have had a lot of rain - so much that on our big cactus blossom became waterlogged and fell off.  Mushrooms  are growing in every one's yards, and the grass is so long even the feral cats get lost in it. The hummingbirds love the rain and enjoy a feeding frenzy in the downpour. There is a lady in our park who is an avid bird watcher who spent hours in front of our house, just watching and taking pictures of the hummingbirds. I learned so much more about these amazing little creatures from her. She has documented 80 different species of birds here in our park this year so far. I certainly can learn a lot about patience from her!




these little guys have slowed down a bit - this last week I went through 10# of sugar

another of our cacti blooming - again for only one day

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven". Ecclesiastes 3:1 

 

 

Last week I mentioned we were dog sitting for a neighbor, Al,  who was having surgery. We still share dog duty with other neighbors while Al's wife Bessie spends time with him at the hospital. After several times of trying to drain blood clots from his arm and fingers, surgery was scheduled for yesterday after an aneurysm was found. In surgery, just before the start of the operation , the surgeon got tangled in all the tubes and wires, fell on floor, and broke his thumb. ( I am not making this up). Therefore, surgery was scheduled for today to open his arm and replace the clogged artery and not do the aneurysm surgery until tomorrow. Please pray for Al and Bessie, as she, too, has health issues.

 

Sissy and Missy - two sweet, well behaved dogs we take for walks and play with

 

Tonight, we attended a 20 year anniversary celebration for Pastor Israel and his wife Becky. Pastor Israel is such an inspiration to all he ministers to, devoted to his congregation, and  preaching the Word. As a teenager Israel felt the call of the Lord to preach, but ignored it until his 30's when the Lord brought him to his knees in obedience. His first service was for 4 people , a pulpit under the trees and the Word spoken in the beautiful creation of God. Israel had no idea about this surprise party tonight and seemed overwhelmed. The evening began with those of the congregation thanking Israel for his service, and then talking about what he and Becky meant to them. It was a time of laughter, tears, and amazing testimony. A story that touched my heart involved an act of kindness years ago. Israel, Becky, and their kids were at a gas station, running late as usually happens with three kids when a complete stranger (a teenage girl) came up to them in tears saying her car broke down and she needed a ride to college as she had a very important test that morning. Israel and Becky were a bit stunned at first, but gave the girl a ride. Some time later, as they were having some pictures developed, the salesgirl said there was no charge, as she had been helped by them. At first, Israel and Becky had no idea who she was until she told them. Today, she and her husband are members of the congregation, born again in the Lord. Her husband is a newly elected deacon in Israel's church. God really does work in mysterious ways!

 anniversary cake with the verse  of Great Oaks Community Church Isaiah 61:3

 Israel being surprised and greeted by friends - the lady in the polka dot sleeved blouse is the young lady that the Rodrigrez's gave a ride to years ago.

the Rodriguez's telling their story

holding a plaque from congregation which looks like the Oaks of Righteousness

We pray that all of you have an amazing week, filled with love, blessings, and hope, all granted to you by our Lord.

Hurricane

We are in for a lot of rain and perhaps wind as Hurricane Ingrid makes landfall in Tampico, Mexico. So far today it has rained off and on all day - sometimes in a huge downpour. We went to church this morning and then got everything done we needed to in town and are now snuggled down in the comfort of our home. As we were going to church this morning, we saw part of a huge rainbow - beautiful colors peeking in and out of the clouds. To us it is always a wonder to see a rainbow, but imagine what Noah thought??? He had  been through building and ark?, rain?, a flood? all of which were very new to him. But then, how would we feel if we saw a UFO - just like Noah when he saw the rainbow. " I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth". Genesis 9:13

The hummingbirds are definitely increasing in numbers and types. Some are the ruby throat type, some have orange-red breasts, some are more mundane color, some are tiny, some are large. It is funny to watch the "local" hummers try to defend their turf from the transients!!!  They sit on awnings and wait until an intruder tries to get to the feeder - then they dive him, hopefully chasing him away. But then later, there are 6 of them at the feeder, all enjoying the sweet meal.

We had to dog sit this past week for our neighbor, whose wife Bessie had sinus surgery. They have two extremely well-behaved Schnauzers - Missy and Sissy, who are almost identical. It was fun to take them for a walk, enjoying their feeling of being in the out of doors for awhile. Sissy is a bit more shy, but Missy was intent on trying to chase the ducks and rabbits rather than do what she was supposed to do outside. As we started to walk closer to their home, they both became more alert and actually trotted on home. Bessie's surgery was successful, but her recovery is not going as predicted. Please keep her in your prayers as the healing process is taking  longer than normal.

Our Cacti are beginning to bloom again, especially one which we have never seen bloom before. With all the rain we have had and are continuing to get, I wonder if it will bloom at all.

you can see the larger bloom coming, the one on the right of the plant has already bloomed

it blossomed out one day, by the next day it was gone

we are very interested to see how this bud is going to turn out

We had a very delicious breakfast, compliments of one of our residents, this last Wednesday - a French toast bake, an egg & sausage bake, an egg & bacon bake, biscuits and gravy, orange juice and coffee. The park workers were also invited to this fun time of fellowship and great food.


a few enjoying the delicious breakfast - some of those not shown were busy filling their plates in the kitchen.

We did work a half day at the resale store in Pharr, as one summer volunteer was called home to Pennsylvania on a medical emergency. As you tell, we already have our Halloween and Thanksgiving items on the shelves for sale. 

 shelves look like fall - notice the empty ones in the background - ready for - yep - Christmas!

 perky pilgrims and Indians waiting for the turkey

notice the beautiful colors - the whole office is aglow with color - these clothes are all 50 cents each - a real bargain

This is my very favorite season of the year, mostly because of the colors!!! It is a time for cleaning out the garden, canning, freezing, and stocking up for winter. When we lived in Wisconsin, we had a large garden which we planted every year. Our four daughters as they grew older finally realized that we were not overly fond of such a large area to care for during the summer, but that it was a way of keeping them busy and out of trouble!!! I did love the feeling of a successful harvest - all those full canning jars lined up, just waiting to be used. As we attended church this morning, Pastor Israel's sermon was all about the Law of the Harvest (what goes around comes around, or, you reap what you sow). I was so glad that we sowed heavily in our garden to insure a bountiful crop, rather than do so sparingly and have no produce. So it is also in our giving to our Lord and Savior and others. We cannot outgive God. We should give quietly and secretly, with a generous and loving heart. This does not only mean with our tithes and offerings, but our time and talents.  "Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously". 2 Corinthians 9:6 Count your blessings, God gives us life, health, food shelter, everything we need, so we should always count our blessings and give as God prompts us to give

 

You will have to excuse me for the next picture. These precious baby girls are God's miracles. Our great grand daughters, Kinley and Kenzie, are growing and thriving, despite the bronchial infection they have both had this past week. Again, I thank each and every one of you who prayed for them before they were born - prayer is so powerful and prayers are indeed answered.

 



 

 different colored nukes and earrings help their parents tell them apart!

 

 

Please keep all of those in harm's way of Hurricane Ingrid in your prayers this week.  

 

 

 

Ditto

Ditto from last week - Sunday again already. But a wonderful Sunday. I am sure Pastor Israel's sermon this morning touched everyone. "The Words We Speak" reminded us that we have the power over our tongue - that our ability to speak is a gift from God and the words we speak should glorify Him. How many times have we spoken something, then wished we never would have said it??? Or that our words were misinterpreted and a chasm between us and some other person became wider and wider??? In times of stress it is hard to hold our tongue when we feel that we have been wronged in some way - or someone says something to makes our tempers boil. Let us keep our hearts in the spirit of God, as "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks". Matthew 12:34

Last week I mentioned that we are expecting a new great granddaughter in January.  Last Sunday our granddaughter, Casey, revealed what she was having in a very unique way - she had a cake made with a huge question mark, decorated in pink and blue. When she cut the cake the pink frosting revealed a girl. What a cool way to reveal.

is it a boy or girl????

 

pink is for girls

We had a lot of rain again this past week - yesterday afternoon it felt like the sky opened and God dumped every bucket He of rain He could find - no warnings or anything. It just started a downpour of much needed rain. The lawns in the park are green and lush - and so are the weeds - my project for tomorrow. Today it rained again while we were in church - it is so cooling to see the streets wet with rain and the sun shining. People just stand and watch with smiles on their faces and thanksgiving in their hearts for this welcome relief from the drought. The hummingbirds are starting to slowly migrate so I imagine we will have to put up another feeder. As the rain poured down yesterday, the tiny birds were in a feeding frenzy.  One little guy sat out on the feeder in the rain the whole time - just watching the rain and feeling pretty much like the king of the hill

you can see the rain in the background -

 

 

Friday we worked at CHI in Pharr at their fall 50 cent sale - just about everything for 50 cents - clothes, VCR's, electrical cords, pillows, etc. It was fun seeing old friends again as they came in and shopped for bargains - I even found a couple of pieces of clothing for myself - almost new. I was really impressed with myself when a lot of the customers asked questions in Spanish, and I knew what they were saying - but could only briefly answer. I need to set aside time every day to practice and study. Believe it or not, Fred worked in the boutique where the name brand slightly higher priced items were. He even managed to sell some items. 

 

 

As the time draws closer for our Alamo Park friends return from their Northern homes, we too are getting prepared to serve them as assistant chaplains. We have already visited some in the hospital, sent cards to those who lost loved ones or are ill, and just prayed for the safe travels of those returning. Even though we enjoy the peace and quiet in the park right now, we look forward with anticipation to a busy enjoyable, upcoming season with Chaplain Bill and Ali Artherholt.  

 

We enjoy an afternoon luncheon at Trevinos, with neighbors Ron and Carole at least once a year before all the excitement begins, so imagine our surprise when Ron e-mailed me and directed me to Trevinos website - lo and behold, there was a picture of us, the Chaplains Maloney, and Chaplain Don Baker!!!! How in world did it get there and who took the picture?? I vaguely remember Don's wife Lavon taking picture over a year ago, but how did it wind up advertising Trevinos??? A huge mystery. Check out Trevinos Edinburgh for yourself!!! If not - here is the picture - hmmm, wonder if we get some compensation?

As I leave you this week, please keep our country and it's leaders in your prayers as they make serious decisions in the upcoming week. We also ask for prayer for our friend, Darlene, who was just diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. 

And remember, "Set guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips". Psalm 141:3 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

September already

I cannot believe that another Sunday is almost gone - it seems like it was just Monday. Guess it really is true that as a person gets older, the time goes faster. It certainly seems so. I remember when I was a young child, going to school, thinking that summer would never get here, or that Christmas was a long time away. As I got older, I wished I was old enough to get my driver's license, or get a job, or could hardly wait until I was 18 to "be on my own".  How foolish that was!!! When we were young parents, how we often wished our kids were older, able to help care for themselves. Now they are grandparents themselves. Pastor Israel spoke about this very thing this morning in services - his sermon was "You're alive - learn to live" struck so close to home. We had a ladies Bible study on being content in your spot where you are in life right now. Between understanding God's place for you and learning to live, we CAN be content in the present, living life like we should, as God wants us to. I have strived to live for the day - to take each hour as a gift from God, and make the most of it. Finishing various unfinished projects, looking for ways to serve Our Savior, and thanking God for every day are on my agenda from now on!

The other day we had a fast and furious downpour - one minute the sun was shining, the next the wind blew and the rain poured down. Soon afterwards, the sun came out, while another storm was brewing, so I took my camera, looking for a rainbow - God's promise to Noah. I didn't see one but realized that we don't need visual proof of God's amazing power and promise - our faith does that for us.

one rainstorm down with, sun shining, but another storm coming

We made a trip to CHI with deliveries of items for the resale shop. Director Betsy Chacon told us of some of the new children coming into the home - stories so horrific that it is hard to believe. 3 children came from one family where there was sexual and physical abuse to the extent that the father actually threw the youngest child and cracked his skull.  The mother was to the point that she was ready to end her life and the lives of her children, just to save them from more abuse. But they are now safe in a Casa in Reynosa, where we pray that patience and love will again bring trust to these precious children. Hopefully, we can instill in them that God loves them with a never ending love, and that they just need to lean on this love. We are anxious to meet all of these children - I believe there are 12 in all - each with stories that we find unbelievable. We cannot save them all, but for every one we save, there is a peace in our heart.

It has been quiet here in the park, but planning for the coming season has kept us busy. A lot of changes will make for a very interesting year!!! With the coming of the new Chaplain, Bill and Ali Artherholt, our new position as assistant Chaplains, new church music program, an amazing new ladies spiritual retreat, and exciting plans for ladies Bible study keep us on our toes. We thank God for this opportunity to serve Him, and pray for the energy to continue to so.

Great news - we found out today that our new great grandchild, due in January, is a girl! So that will make a total 3 great granddaughters and one great grandson for us. Who knew that a scrawny, very nearsighted, bratty kid from Chicago would wind up where I am today - a very proud mother of 4 amazing daughters, 6 awesome grandchildren, and soon to be 4 great grandchildren, serving God in South Texas!!! God certainly has a sense of humor.

Two prayer requests this week:

first and foremost - pray for our country and it's involvement in Syria - pray for wisdom for our president and Congress to proceed in the correct direction which will be for the best interests for everyone.

Pray for Sycamores Community Church - where Chaplain Dennis and Sally Maloney are working very hard to establish a church and community outreach in Oklahoma. Ask the Lord to bless their endeavor. Pray for funds needed for this project, that God will continue to rain His favor on everyone involved.