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.