'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.