The weather is truly frightful, not only here in S Texas, but all over the country. Here at the park there are many bushes and flowers wearing blankets! It even feels strange to wear layers and/or long sleeves and jackets. Most of the restaurants do not have furnaces, nor many of the smaller stores. Our family in Arkansas had ice and lots of snow which is unusual for this time of year and our Wisconsin family is zero or below. Lots of chattering teeth going on all over the country expect those lucky enough to be in Florida. But as we complain and joke about it, there are many who do not have shelter or even coats to keep them warm. God asked Cain where his brother Abel was, and his answer was , "Am I my brother's keeper?". Our answer to this is yes, yes, yes. We always need to be aware of the needs of others - especially during these cold spells. Watch out for your neighbors to be sure they are warm and safe. Visit a local shelter to see what their needs are such as blankets, quilts, coats, scarves, etc. Any of these items can be purchased very cheaply at thrift stores and donated. Bake something to warm your house, then take that to a shelter. Give to the Salvation Army, ask where you can help. An hour of your time is worth it to see someone in need smile.
This was my birthday week (yes, I love to celebrate all week). It seemed to fly by with surprise birthday cakes (a fruit covered one on Monday and a delicious coconut one on Saturday), and a bit of down time to fellowship with friends. The actual day was topped off by a Pizza Hut pizza (in a cold restaurant - should have ordered out). Actually, I don't feel any older, but wonder where all those years have gone. As a child, I thought 45 was old and 60 was ancient!!! Now that I am way past that mark, even 80 looks OK. If I could go back to any age, I would choose 17 - old enough to think I was an adult, but young enough not to have the responsibilities of an adult.
Chaplain Bill's sermon this morning was centered around God's love and John 3:16 - "For God so loved the word that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life". NIV He explained that this singe verse has 7 truths about love. A really amazing statement. He talked about God giving His one and only Son - is there one single thing that you have - a treasured something that you could not bear to part with but give to someone else that you love?? Think about it - whatever it is - something that would break your heart to give away - but out of so much love you give. It is almost impossible to fathom that degree of love. God loves you that much.
We made a trip to Reynosa this week to take a needed refrigerator as well as many items needed for the much anticipated Christmas party. The kids are getting so very excited thinking about Christmas and their parts in the Christmas program. Tia Lucia was in the gymnasium decorating the Christmas trees, so we were able to eat at Casa 7 with Paty and the other senoritas. As we waited for all the girls to return home from school in Reynosa, Paty came racing in the door, ran over to hug us, laughing the whole time. We felt so good that she was so excited to see us, but were we ever wrong. She turned and ran to the Bano (bathroom). Well, that sure burst our prideful bubble. We had a comfortable time with them all, enjoying our delicious meal and being a part of their "family". We look forward to attending the Christmas celebration later this month.
We are gathering up a mountain of donations for the Great Oaks Food and Clothing Ministry for distribution before Christmas. We are so thankful for the loving and giving hearts of the residents here at the park. We need to remember to keep that spirit going all year long because the need is there all year. God is so good and has provided for us so abundantly and we need to share that abundance. Instead of grumbling when things go wrong, let us praise God for his provision. Balance your blessings against your sorrows, and you will be surprised at which side is longer!!! Have a blessed week.
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