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.