Is Everyone Cold Today???

Brrr - very cold and rainy here in S Texas - it breaks my heart for those people in poorer neighborhoods where there is no heat or electricity - only extension cords running from one house to another. Our Helping Hands here at the park make quilts to be delivered to the colonias which is usually the only warmth most of these people have. There are many cases of fires and even deaths from people trying in any way to keep warm. We had dinner with friends Karen and Dean the other to celebrate a belated birthday for Dean when imagine my surprise as we entered the restaurant and saw small space heaters all over - no central heat even in pubic places!!

In ladies Bible Study we are studying the book of Esther. Ali does a great job bringing the Bible to life with an in depth study - the book is full of suspense, intrigue, and surprises while relating the events that were all orchestrated by God!! Take the time to read it. If we try to trace our lives back in history, can we see where God had a hand in every major event??? Many things that people claim to be coincidences or luck are not really that at all, just God's divine intervention. Many events in our personal lives have hinged on things that seemed impossible to happen but were actually destined to happen. God is and always was in control. For these we are eternally grateful for He has brought us to this place and this time for His purposes.   "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13.

This is Thanksgiving week, and despite all the preparations and holiday festivities, why don't each and everyone of us take the time each morning to write down one thing each day that we are thankful for - the one special thing that God has blessed you with??? Even more fun would be ask a child what he/she is thankful for. Such innocent answers would certainly open our minds to true thanksgiving!!! Go ahead, check with your children or grandchildren - will their answers surprise you????  "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 5:20. We are blessed to be able to celebrate two Thanksgiving dinners this week - one this evening at Great Oaks Community Church after which we will have the food distribution. Through God's direction, we were able to connect with a ministry which enables us to receive cases of fresh produce every week - enough to provide for those in need. What a blessing we receive when we also give. Then again on Thursday here at the park where we join with friends to celebrate.

Next week I will again have pictures - it seems as if I have forgotten my camera all the time this past few weeks, but between the inconsistency of the WiFi and the many details in starting up a new season this year with a new chaplain, a new sound system, and the many changes in the park, I seem to forget to take the time to "stop and smell the roses".  God wants to fulfill all of our tomorrows, and give us strength for today.  He wants to bring a new tomorrow, renewing our strength. He wants us to live life, and live it in abundance. God intends a wonderful fruitful life for us. The key to that is stopping, and sitting still; waiting on Him to carry out His will in our lives. Patience - not one of my strong virtues.

Pray for those this week that must work and be away from their families on Thanksgiving Day - those who give up their time and sometimes lives in the service of our country, state, and community, those who serve in the medical fields, giving up their time to minister to the sick, to those who work at minimal pay jobs on Thanksgiving Day in order to provide for their families - all of those who cannot sit down to a warm meal with families/friends for any reason. Keep them in our prayers this coming week.


  

Stones of Remberance

I did not get my blog posted this Sunday because the WiFi in the park was down. It was working last night, but is not working again today, so hopefully I will be able to post this sometime soon.

Chaplain Bill’s sermon this last Sunday was centered on the stones of remembrance that the Israelites were told by Joshua to pick up from the middle of the Jordan as they crossed over into the Promised Land. These stones were placed as a remembrance of how the Lord allowed them to the cross the raging River Jordan by stopping the water, just as He did when He delivered them from slavery in Egypt. He reminded everyone to “tell them” (their descendants) the story.  “For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over.  The Lord your God did to the Jordan what He had done to the Red Sea when He dried it up before us until we had had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.” Joshua 4:23-24.

How many times a day do we hear a song, or see a face in the crowd that brings back memories – either happy or even in some cases, sad memories. Every time we do this, whatever it was that triggered that memory is in effect a stone of remembrance. This is especially true now during the holidays, when every sound or smell seems to bring back memories. My very fondest and most loved memory is a Christmastime one, when all of our 4 daughters had already left home, some were married, and some were not.  About a week or so before Christmas, on a Saturday, all the girls would come home for a day of Christmas baking. Neither men nor children were allowed – just the five of us in the kitchen (I had a big kitchen back then) baking and decorating and chatting away – almost sounded like a sorority house!!! I remember one time when our youngest daughter was in an accident on the way to our house – her car was totaled but she was not injured, thank the Lord!!! She was late, but she still got there!!! We would mix and stir and bake all day, washing dishes, tasting, decorating, and laughing about the past.  We would then divide up all the finished goodies, amazed at all we had done.  When evening came, the men and children were invited to a supper of homemade pizza and a huge plate of Christmas treats. The sound of Christmas music brings back those happy times to me, wanting to tell my grandchildren about all that Christmas fun.

The weather has been really strange – but it seems it has been that way all over the world. Some days it was cold enough to wear something warm in the morning, but then in the afternoon it would be 80 degrees!!! Living in South Texas is a far cry from North Central Wisconsin or even Arkansas, but we love the warm temperatures, the ever blooming flowers and shrubs, as well as the huge variety of fruits and vegetables. We were given a new type of cucumber the other day – small and round like a lemon, full of tiny seeds and tasting sort of like a lemon cucumber. It was really very good but certainly different.

Our days are very full now – between duties here at the park, our volunteer work at CHI resale shop where we get to meet so many people and actually pray with them sometimes. Great Oaks Food and Clothing ministry is thriving as God just seems to heap blessings on top of blessings,  bringing more food and clothing each week for those less fortunate that we. As we enter the holiday season, let us remember those who need our help, doing anything we can for them, but also remembering the amazing blessing that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has bestowed on us.

'Tis the season

How many times do we just go about our daily routine and not really see things around us?? As I was hanging out clothes Monday morning, I happened to glance around, as it was a beautiful morning - cool but not cold, sun shining, a slight breeze. Just breathing in the fresh air - when I noticed two mockingbirds in the road doing a crazy dance. They would hop back a few hops, then hop forward again, then begin to hop up and down, and repeat the same thing over and over. Seems it must be a courting dance of some sort. They soon flew off together and as I watched them, I noticed two mourning doves snuggled up together on the power lines, cooing and pecking at one another, almost as if they were kissing. Is this the courting season here in Texas, or just a show of affection of already paired birds? I felt so blessed to be able to witness this in nature.

Thursday were made a trip to Reynosa to deliver a van load of items for the neighborhood carnival that was held on Saturday. We were not able to attend that, but had done so in previous years and enjoyed this time of the coming together of the Children's Haven and the surrounding neighborhood. Fun, food, games, and prizes for everyone. It was a chilly day (a cold front had just come in). Many of the people were bundled up as if it was freezing, but to them it really is. Many people did not even have coats but were layered in sweaters and shirts to keep warm. As we crossed the border, we received a red light, which means we had to pull over and be inspected. We were not sure if we would be ordered to return to the US, not being allowed into Mexico because of the items we were transporting. We always pray for God's grace before we make a trip and again He was with us this time. The inspector was a female who spoke very little English and of course, we pleaded "No Espanol" . After a few times of trying to communicate (which was our goal not to do) she looked in the van, tried to ask a few more questions, We communicated "Fiesta" and pointed to the sign on the van which identified that it was for CHI in Reynosa. She finally told us to go, much to our relief and God's grace!!! We arrived at the Haven in time for a warm bowl of beef, hominy, and vegetable soup, and of course, warm tortillas. After visiting for a few minutes with Susanna, our expectant house mother (whose baby is overdue) we left, still comfortable from our warm lunch.


Saturday we attended a CRM Chaplains meeting at the location of our very first God's Worthy Women ladies retreat. It was interesting to see all of the improvements that were made. Saturday was the first chaplains meeting for the season in Texas for the RV chaplains in the Valley and a great time to reconnect to some of those we had not seen since last spring and a time to get to know all the new people. We had a break out session with the ladies where a productive discussion was held regarding our retreat in the spring. Lots of great ideas to make this retreat truly meaningful, bringing God's word to many women here in S Texas. "Finally, brothers, pray for us that the Word of the Lord may be spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you". 
II Thessalonians 2:15. Any meeting of the minds must be accompanied by food which was provided a sweet Mexican lady named Rosa who prepared a delicious typical Mexican dish of chicken and vegetables with rice. Is not any meeting not complete without food??? Sure seems that way.

Rosa, our great cook

helping themselves to a salad buffet

a common sight - refueling

chicken and veggies, rice and mimosa tee

Bob Ruesch, RV Ministry Division Director, trying to keep our attention after lunch

taking communion together

We have had quite a few residents returning this past week (4 on our west side today) and the activities are beginning to come alive again. Lots of card playing going on, shuffleboard, Sunday cake and ice cream, puzzles are being put together in the library, people are out walking, riding their bikes and golf carts, Thanksgiving dinners being planned, and quilting going on. I enjoy the quietness of the summer months, but really love to see old friends. With this comes the sadness of those not returning or those returning to sell their places and returning to Northern homes. Along with this come the newbies - those new to the park and/or the area. We are looking forward to another great season here in S Texas.

 

Today was a day of two church services - our service here at the park where we are slowly getting all of the sound system and music up and running. Today we did have piano music for the prelude and a bit during the service, but not for the hymns. We are in hopes that all will be ready next week. We also went to Great Oaks for a special service where a new deacon was ordained. It was a very moving time, after which (yep - here is that food again), we all joined the new deacon and his family for a meal at a local tacqueria. Both sermons from Chaplain Bill and Pastor Israel were so closely related, both of them reflecting on serving the Lord and stepping out in faith. Coincidence??? I think not.

 

 

 

An amazing healing, giving all the praise to the Lord. A good friend and mentor, Jim Newberry, has been battling cancer for years, has had 6 different types of cancer,  and has recently be diagnosed with terminal bone cancer 6 months ago. As he went to the doctor on Friday to discuss further treatment and undergo a few tests, the doctor was startled to find that there was no bone cancer, nor were there any scars where the cancer had been!!!!!! Jim is an obedient servant of the Lord and went to the elders of his church, was anointed with oil and prayed for by the elders. Because of his obedience, the Lord blessed him with a physical healing. God is amazing.

 

 

As you go through the week, think of all the blessings you have been given - reflect on these rather than the negative things. Praise God for all of His grace.

 

  

Sunday's Here

It seems as if it has finally happened - our first church service of the season. We have been anticipating this ever since last spring when Bill and Ali Artherholt were called to serve here at Alamo Rec Veh Park. It certainly has been an interesting week as the four of us worked to bring together a Sunday service, dealing with totally new relationships, methods, and ideas. To add to the confusion, the sound system at the park is not yet up and working, so on to plan C (plan B was to use the Annex - not a good plan). We played quiet piano music ( via CD player) as a prelude, during the offering, and than again at the benediction. Hymns were all A Capella, which really sounded amazing as not many residents are here yet. Bill delivered an inspiring first sermon which included the words "courageous and strong". In all of my daily meditations this week, texts from friends, and even Pastor Israel's sermon last Sunday contained either one or both of these words. I do believe the Lord is telling us we are going to need to be strong and courageous as we struggle forward in His service, leaning on His word to help us through. As I read The Duck Commander Devotional (doesn't everyone watch Duck Dynasty??), for Oct 30 the two words appeared again - "Be on your guard: stand firm in the faith: be courageous and strong".
1 Corinthians 16:13

our new stage and Sunday service area

Chaplain Bill delivering his first sermon

We went to the post office this week and a youngish (25-20 year old) adult male was standing outside, selling cookies. I  checked to see what kind they were (can't resist homemade cookies), and decided to buy a dozen cinnamon sugar ones. He told me that he has been laid off from his job, was looking for work, but in the meantime he had a family to support, so he was doing all he could to provide for them, even to the point of baking the cookies himself. This is truly an example of responsibility, That young man deserves all of our prayers of support - praying for him, his family and job outlook. Even though his circumstances are looking bleak at this time, he took time to praise God for all He has provided. What  a statement of faith - praising God even in the bad times.

We attended Great Oaks Community Church  Fall Festival this past week which is a community outreach project. The biggest struggle was getting there in the first place - we were stuck in traffic for two accidents, and then a homecoming parade!!! We did eventually arrive to enjoy the fun of all the kids enjoying games, winning prizes, and looking proud of their costumes. Quite a change in style from when our girls were little and wore costumes, begging for candy from the neighbors. I usually made their costumes, but they had to be large enough to fit over snow suits. What was the sense of having a costume if it was hidden by winter outerwear??? It was fun time, good food, and I even took part in the cake walk. Everyone was inspired by a spiritual lesson as a pumpkin was hollowed out, explaining how God takes all the yucky stuff out of us and replaces it with His light in our hearts.

here comes the parade - only half of the road was closed

check out the gas prices!

Homecoming king and queen

Dorothy of Oz

there were areas for making craft projects - these two are making angels

enjoying good food - including the ever so delicious corn on the cob with mayonnaise, cheese, and hot sauce
 

cleaning out the pumpkin as God cleans out our hearts

a bean bag toss game

little red riding hood and a petal princess

she won a prize


Fred has been working building new steps and landing in the Texas room. He is almost finished, but did give me the OK today to add an artistic touch. I already have my head full of ideas for Christmas!

it still needs another railing but will be so beautiful when done. the blanket is hung on an Anasazi ladder.


As we begin this month of November, let us not just save Thanksgiving Day for a time to reflect for what we are thankful. Make it a point to thank God everyday for something - the sunshine, the birds, for the food He has provided, friendships, family, the opportunity to worship where and when we please. God is so good.