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.