Cold Again

I know that I should not be complaining about the cold as there are so many places that are truly cold, but 34 degrees in S Texas is really cold. This past week we served at Border Missions, feeding about 250 people and distributing produce and other food items to many more. I could not help noticing that most of these people were bundled up against the cold - many wore several layers of clothing rather than coats - scarves or even bit of fabric over their faces, walking the mile or so from Mexico, crossing the border, to the distribution center to receive food for the body as well as the soul. The church service was very moving for most of them, some even brought to tears by the message.  I felt so blessed as they passed through the line, blessing us as we handed out food items (we were in charge of celery - 2 stalks to each person) - we are the ones who are blessed by their love for the Lord as well as for us. Who am I to complain when I have a warm clothes, a home, a bed with plenty of blankets, and even warm food to eat. God commands us to love our brothers and "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:10

food serving line - getting ready to serve. my post this time was cookies - Fred was in charge of beans

some of the many we served - there were seconds available for those who wanted it

this lady sang a beautiful song and gave a tearful testimony

the church serve was full

Last Sunday was food distribution at Great Oaks Community Church Food and Clothing Ministry. Again, the Lord provided more than enough to serve those in need. Following a fellowship dinner of tamales, rice, an unbelievably delicious poppy seed casserole (with cheese, tuna, and other things I could not identify), salads, and dessert, we helped those in need with food items. One gentleman came in and asked for something to eat with tears in his eyes - he was immediately served, given produce, canned goods, and even a baggie with toiletry items (mostly hotel soaps, shampoo, etc donated by others). He then returned to the sanctuary for dessert and disappeared before we could find out if he needed a ride somewhere. I do believe he was homeless and it was a cold and rainy evening.

 Fred and Lorey Meier preparing fruit - I am in the background with papayas

one family holding their bags of food with Pastor Israel - the smiles on their faces are something we will never forget 

 

Chaplain Roy and Paula Gee from Road Runner RV Park had many items donated from their park. We delivered them to Great Oaks with anticipation to see the smiles on the children's faces when they received these things.

 what little boy would not love these??? especially John Deere green!

 Becky Rodriguez, Paula Gee, and Fred enjoying some of the many donated stuffed animals.

 

We did take some time out to visit during the holidays, even with the cold and rainy weather. Christmas decorations are down, house is back in order, A day of an amazing church service with many new people, a great Sunday School  continuing the study of Revelation,  and social time with friends Darlene and Jesse Curtsinger. Life is so good thanks to the blessings and grace of our Lord.  

 

Chaplain Bill's sermon this morning was identifying the nine fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control  and relating them to ourselves as far as where we are lacking. Try rating them from 1 to 9 in order of need in your own life: 1 needing the most of your attention and 9 being your strongest point. So very hard to do as we as humans lack so many fruits in our daily lives. My weakest points are patience (with was never my number one virtue) and joy as I sometimes forget to have joy in whatever circumstances God has placed me in. Make this your New Year's resolution - concentrate on  making all of these fruits of the Spirit number 9's.