Springtime

Although it is not officially spring, the weather here certainly is. The sun has been shining, and the birds are enjoying the warmth as much as we are. As I was walking the other night, I could smell the citrus trees blooming. It is a beautiful scent, except when they are all in full boom - then it becomes a cloying, almost overpowering sweet odor. One of the things I miss the most in the spring in Arkansas are the booming red buds, dogwoods, and Bradford pears trees. When everything is in bloom, it just seems to take a person's breath away with the beauty of all God's precious creation. Here in South Texas we enjoy the bougainvilleas in their many colors and hues.

Things are beginning to slow down here at Alamo Rec Veh, as many people are returning to their Northern homes (although I cannot understand why they want to go back to the cold and snow). Many have appointments, weddings, parties, or perhaps they just are homesick. We pray for their safe travels and will miss them until next fall. It gets very quiet (but peaceful) here in the park when most people are gone.

Our ladies Bible study is over - a great study by Beth Moore, "Living Beyond Yourself". We will meet this coming Friday, just to review, enjoy a few snacks, and fellowship. Over 30 ladies gathered this season to study God's Word - an amazing
blessing as we shared thoughts.

Last night was our last Christian Movie night - a movie, cartoon, and FREE popcorn!!! A wonderful movie "Amish  Grace" with a powerful message of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a process and a choice on our part. As we forgive others, God works miracles in our lives, freeing us from bitterness, returning our joy, and helping us to establish better relationships with others. we need to forgive, repent, and renew your minds - the greatest joy of forgiveness is peace of mind. Take it into your hearts this week to forgive someone who has hurt you in the past, releasing all the sadness and bitterness in your heart.

I think I am finally getting used to the daylight saving time as I hope you are, I do love the longer, cool evenings and the quietness of the early dawn. I hope we all can take the time to enjoy our lives in Christ, being content where we are now, and not wish for the impossible.

^" What do workers gain from their toil?  I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.  I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him. Ecclesiastes 3:9-14