Memorial Day

  

  

Memorial day 2014 

 

 

 

 

Why do we really have Memorial day??? So many people celebrate because it is a 3 or 4 day week-end to do nothing, or time to take a mini-vacation, a time to party, or for family get togethers. All of this is great - but what we really should do is take this time to thank every person that is or has ever been in the service for their supreme effort and sacrifice for us - so that we can  choose and express our religious beliefs,  be free from oppression, be able to voice our opinion without fear of arrest or detention, even to be able to bear arms for our own personal protection. The constitution guarantees us these rights and our service people fight so that we can keep them.

Take time today at 2 PM (or whenever you read this) for a 2 minute reflection and time of thanksgiving to honor every person who preserves these rights for us in order to make this the best country in the world.  

 

 

Not only do we live in freedom in the world, but we have also found freedom in Christ. He has set us free - free from the bondage of sin. We are slaves to being in bondage of our sins - the greatest is believing the lies of Satan. God can free us from that bondage by relying on His Word.

We left South Texas last Wednesday on our way to Arkansas, pausing  along the way to visit. Just before we left, out cacti burst into night bloom again - if you look really close at the bottom of the middle of this bloom, you will see a perfect star -

 

We drove as far as Joshua, Texas to visit with Chaplain Roy and Paula Gee for 2 days - a wonderful time to just fellowship together in relaxation. Paula and I discussed our ladies conference coming up next February, reviewing possible speakers, ideas for promotion of the event, and the opportunity to reach as many ladies as possible. Roy and Paula have an amazingly close family, with family members just popping in to say hi and "Check in" for the day, with the ability to make you feel a part of the family. It is clearly evident that this family has God in the center. A definition of the Gee family, "He and his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly". Acts 10:2. After leaving Texas we traveled to Oklahoma to visit with former Alamo Rec Veh Chaplain Dennis and Sally Maloney. Dennis and Sally are raising a huge garden in order to harvest and preserve food for the needy in that impoverished area. They spent a very rough winter in Oklahoma, as the temperatures were very low and the snow and ice were above normal levels. But spring has brought a promise of new growth, both spiritually and physically. Training for new CRM chaplains as well as CRM board meetings will take place at Sycamore Chapel  training center and mission house on the grounds this late fall, so the Maloneys are also busy preparing for those events. As I was taking their picture, Dennis asked if this was going to show up on my blog - yep!!

 Fred and Roy Gee, discussing places they have been

 

 

The Maloneys in front of the canning shed - Sally's decorative touch is always prevalent

 

    

the garden, waiting for God's blessing to produce food for the hungry 

 

 Arkansas hills in the distance

the mountains remind us that we are almost home

 

After arriving at our daughter's in Arkansas we took a rest on Saturday, then prepared for our other daughter's birthday. Brenda was 50 this year, her sister Connie in WI, also born on the 25th, was 48, and another daughter, Chandra (currently a WI resident but very soon a AR resident) will be 52 on the 29th, not to mention our anniversary on the 27th (a busy month for us). Only daughter, Christine in AR, has a birthday in a different month-- but---she was born on Christmas Eve. We had a surprise birthday party for Brenda - even the twin great granddaughters were there for the week-end.

 black balloons tell the story

 a large lighter so Brenda does not lose it in her purse

 a Mexican cane to help her in her "advanced years"

 more presents - stock in the Green Bay Packers and a hitch cover

 twin great granddaughters - Kinley and Kensy - or vice versa

the twins, eating Cheetos

 

 they even enjoyed birthday cake with black frosting - this is how they looked before their parents showed up -  I wonder if they are ever allowed at their grandparent's house again????

 

It was so comfortable to be back at Prairie Grove Christian Church again, where Pastor Vance Eubanks encouraged us to be disciples, as God instructs us to be. God invites us to a higher calling, make a statement of surrender to His will, and expect greater things. All of us are called in some manner - some to go out, others to remain at home and serve. I loved Vance's message of not having a Plan B -  burn the bridges of your past, become a new creation in Christ, take the plunge - no turning back. Commit yourself to Christ today - and don't look back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Lesson in Boasting

I was trying to think of a title for today's blog - don't really like the word boasting, but the other descriptions are not flattering either - "show off, blow your own horn, sing your praises, etc.".  This week I finished a baby quilt top for a Hispanic friend here in the Valley. I took it along when we volunteered at CHI resale shop this week to try to find some matching yarn to tie it with. Later in the morning (when I wanted to show to show it off again) it had disappeared. I worked hard on it, frustrated at times because the directions were unclear and I had to rip out stitches - I was proud of it to the point of me realizing that I was being a show off. Anyway, it was gone. I looked and hunted, as did Fred but to no avail, it was gone. I was devastated - then began to think and ask God for forgiveness for being boastful. Even though I was sad, I thanked Him for reminding me. It was a hard lesson to learn - I was thinking of all the time, work, and money involved into making another one. I could not get to sleep that night, but finally did - all of a sudden I woke up at 1PM with a revelation - I had taken it into another room to look for yarn - did I leave it there?? And whatever woke me up??? Saturday morning came, off to CHI we went - and there it was!!!! I was joyful, but remembered to thank God and remind myself not to be boastful. It is for Him that we give thanks, praise and glory. Soooo - if I post a picture of it is just to remind us that God gives each of us certain talents for which we need thank Him for and not waste them. This quilt is for a girl who was ever so helpful to us at Staples where we have our church bulletins printed. She is a wonderful Christian and has always gone above and beyond for us. In the spring she found out she was expecting a baby (her next older child is 10!!!) After urging from her husband, she decided to quit and finish her nursing degree.  We have kept in touch and I wanted to make sure she had the quilt before we left for AR and WI in case the baby came early. (Baby is due on Fred's birthday in July). My morning devotion reminded me that our goals in life should include giving away the gifts God has given us.

it is not a traditional baby quilt color

Our key lime tree is growing, but so far we do not have any fruit. I noticed that other day that even the truck and branches are lime in color - even the leaves smell  like key limes. God's great order in creation never ceases to amaze me. Some of our cacti have never blossomed before, so I do not know if it is the rain we have had, plus the warm days that have seemed to make them all burst out in flowers, as if they are bursting out in joy!

some buds we have never seen before

there are quite a few of them

 and then they burst into flower - for one day only

 so beautiful - this is our neighbor's (and Fred's cousin's) trailer in the back ground )

so prickly but such amazing beauty

 even the crown of thorns is blooming

 

another cactus with buds we have never seen before - hope they bloom before we leave this week

 

Pastor Israel's sermon this morning was titled "The Invitation". This is the time of year that we receive all sorts of invitations - graduations of various types, weddings, showers, and anniversaries. These invitations all say "come, come, celebrate with me". God invites us to "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light". Matthew 11:  28-30.  The yoke fits perfectly because God made us in His image. To enter God's rest we need to listen to Jesus and learn from His teachings. So important - listen and learn. If we do this, the Lord will go with us always, leading sometimes, sometimes walking alongside us, sometimes carrying us. Eternal life is the invitation - we do not want to miss this event.

 

There are a few in our park yet that need our prayers - please pray for Jim Kastner, Dave Niccum, and Marvin Rutledge who need healing as well as comfort in the knowledge that the Lord is always with them. Also pray for us as we travel to Arkansas this week.

 

 

 

Feliz Dia de la Madre

Happy Mother's day to everyone out there. I  love and honor my 4 daughters +1 who make me proud to say I am a mother. Strange that we use this day to honor our mothers when we should be doing it every day of the year. Some of us have mothers to be proud of, some are not close to their Mothers for various reasons, some of us have lost their Mothers - let us use the rest of the day to think good thoughts about our Moms. I often think that perhaps I could have been a better mother - I think of the things I did wrong, but think also of the things I did right. To all of my daughters, forgive me if I was wrong or hurt you in someway.

Fred was watering the yard this week when a hummingbird flew into the stream from the hose, enjoying the shower. Fred moved the hose a bit, the tiny bird followed it. After the shower, this amazing creature flew to a perch, shook his wings, and came back for more. After a short time, he dove to the feeder, filled his tummy and flew off. What amazing things God has created.

As we were (hopefully) recovered from whatever ailed us, we helped at Border Missions, feeding 288 people, and passing out commodities, produce (lots of tomatoes), soda, chichiarones ( dried, crunchy, pig skins), donuts, rice and beans to 384 people. There were many people this week from Reyonsa compared to many less last week. Things have become a lot more dangerous in this border town the past month - many were killed in gun fights between the drug lords and those wishing to take over the territory. Sometimes innocents are caught in the crossfire. These incidents take place in the areas of Reynosa where we do not go - but where many of the people who come to Border Missions live. They themselves prefer not to put themselves in danger - some walk two-three miles before crossing the bridge to Border Missions -  from the colonias and shelters (too meager to call houses) in the dump, the promise of a warm meal, a spiritual message, and free food is not enough to tempt fate for them. This past week was a bit calmer - so they came out in full force. The smiles on their faces told us that they were so grateful for the provisions, provided through the love of the Lord. The church service was a tribute to Mothers - even a mariachi sang some beautiful Spanish songs, mothers were blessed by the Pastors, and all mothers received gifts.

We made our last trip to Progreso before we leave for Arkansas in two weeks. It was rather quiet as we picked up vanilla and medicines for others. Fred got his first pedicure to soften his to nails and had them trimmed and cared for. It was funny to see him get this done, but he seemed to enjoy it. We visited with the owner (who took care of his feet and her daughter (both named Susana) who made mine feel so smooth and well groomed. As we mature, it gets harder and harder to take care of our own "old feet"!!!!

Pastor Israel's sermon this morning reminded us ladies that we are surely blessed by God and we should let Him use us to fulfill His purpose. All we need to do is recognize God's plan and purpose for our lives as women. These plans often include change - a change that we need to embrace instead of fight against. We many times rely on Jeremiah 29:11 when we think about God's plan for us, "but the plan of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations." Psalm 33:11. Just think, all of the future generations come from us. 100 years from now, no one will probably be able to say they knew us personally, or many not ever know of us, but they all exist because of us!!!! Amazing to think about. God's plan today is His plan for tomorrow. Let us learn to listen to God's plan for us - women in whom He promises great blessings.

Almost Normal

As far as sickness, sinus infection, etc. we are almost back to normal, if there is such a thing. A funny story to tell - I still cannot believe it happened. Fred had a RX to pick up on Monday after he went to the Dr. for his severe sinus infection. We went to the pharmacy drive through and were told the Dr. had not called it in yet, so we immediately called the Dr. and asked for it to be called in. It was then called in, so the girl at the window told us if we came in the store and waited it would take about 25 minutes, otherwise it would later in the afternoon as they had a lot of RX to fill. So I told her to fill it, as we had a short errand to run (Fred needed a dairy queen fix) and would be right back. She informed us that we had to be in the store before they would begin to process it - so we left and came right back. I went into the pharmacy, walked up to the window, and asked for the RX to be filled. Same girl looked right at me and asked, "Are you in the store now"??????? My mouth must have been open before I responded, "Am...I...in..,the...store?" She replied, "Yes, Ma'am, it will take about 20 minutes".  The Lord gave me enough self-control to go sit down before I began to laugh. Fred then came in, I told him what had just taken place, and he said "Shhhh" as he also tried to control himself. I don't know if she ever realized what had taken place, but I did ask for forgiveness, as I continued to chuckle on the way out. Bless her soul for making my day!!!!

We had a lot of cacti in pots in our driveway, so decided to plant them in the ground. Since we have not had a lot of rain, we had to soften the ground by watering it first, then try to dig in the plants. It does look a lot better now - room for growth and more room in the driveway.

newly planted cacti - plus some begonias from the neighbors

this was just a tiny "arm" from out larger cactus that froze out a couple of years ago

I planted the Easter Lily next to the little palm - perhaps it will bloom next spring

a huge barrel cactus that  friends across the lake have in their rock garden - in the process of blooming

another one of their blooming cacti

this is a larger version of one of ours - maybe in a few years it too will bloom

same cactus - many blooms

We are so much enjoying the sweet onions that are so prevalent here now. They are huge!!! but so delicious. No tears at all while peeling or cutting them - just onion sweetness.

 look at the size compared to my hand

 

 just waiting to be eaten

I spent the week finishing a quilt for our latest great grand daughter - I am caught up with the family now, but am working on a smaller baby one for a friend here in the Valley. I have until the end of July, but want to get as much done as possible before we drive to Arkansas for Dr. appointments and then to Wisconsin for our grandson's high school graduation. We also hope to visit a few churches while we are gone in order to talk about what God has done in our lives and encourage support for our ministry. The need in the Valley is ever so great.

 

 

handsome grandson, Calton, ready for the prom, graduating in June, and going on to college to be a dentist!! He is the last grandchild to graduate from high school - now do we concentrate on great grandchildren???

Calton and prom date, Devon

It felt so good to be in church this morning as we missed last week due to sickness. The week seemed so long before we could be in the house of the Lord again. Pastor Israel's sermon this morning was all about prayer - the importance of prayer at all times: when we fail, when our enemy overcomes us, when we are in times of trouble, but even more so when we feel blessed by the love of the Lord. Israel gave us 4 important things to remember and act upon: 1) decide to pray - make that commitment today 2) make prayer a priority - set aside a specific time every day to pray 3) pour out your heart to God - talk to Him, praise him, thank Him 4) listen for His response - ask Him to show you the way - and LISTEN!!!! Someone once told me that it was stupid to pray for a closer parking spot at a huge parking lot - that God had better things to d othan to listen to our minute prayers.  How wrong they were - pray all day long, - thank God for safe travels, good weather, a good day at work, for the poor beggar on the corner, when you hear an ambulance - pray for whoever is in it, pray for those you see in an accident, thank him for the sunshine - there are thousands of quiet, short prayers every minute of the day. We pray in times of trouble, crying out to God to help us -  be we forget to pray in times of joy, in thankfulness and praise. 2 Chronicles Chapters 5 through 7:16 are filled with the word prayer and pray. Read this in your daily readings and search for more passages encouraging you to pray. Pray for us as we pray for each and every one of you - asking Him to bless you always.