Sunny Sunday

The sun is shinning and it a gorgeous day out here. We have again had a crazy weather week - cold, dreary, and then a beautiful sunny spell. Hopefully it is supposed to be this way all week. When it is dreary outside, we can be assured that it will warm up sometime and we can bask in the warmth of the glorious sun. Can you see where I am going with this?? When our life is dark and gloomy, we can be assured of the warmth and love of the Son! Out of the darkness comes light and warmth - trust and believe.

It has been a fun week for us, even though it has been busy and frustrating at times. Our ladies Bible Study is planning a tea this coming week so I am washing all the tea cups and tea pots that Ali and I have been purchasing at yard sales, etc. Poor Ail is ill again with a cold and cough - a reocurrence of an earlier aliment and is trying to recover -  it is a joy to prepare for the tea as I just love unwrapping the tea pots and cups and rediscovering the beauty of our purchases. We had a work day when some of the ladies created beautiful hats from yard sale purchases and used plastic and silk flowers. We enjoyed the afternoon, just being together for fun. We had some hats left, so we continued to decorate them for those who did not make it to the "designer hour" so that everyone will have a hat to wear as we enjoy our Victorian tea.

how does this look

some original creations

a heap of flowers to choose from

finished products - ready for the tea

We also had a break on Saturday as we attended a Tribute ( an amazing quartet) concert at Bibleville - a nearby RV park that holds Christian concerts every weekend. We attended the afternoon show with friends  - there was one in the morning and then another one scheduled in the evening. Bibleville's auditorium holds approximately 400 people and is always full. The park closes its gates when the hall is full - the gates on Saturday afternoon were closed long before the scheduled 2 PM concert time. It was a relaxing afternoon of gospel music and fun. If you ever get to see Tribute, either at Silver Dollar City or in Nashville, do so. It is a great blessing and an example of  making a joyful noise unto the Lord.

 

Jim Van Tuyl, a permanent resident here at the park as well as our night security, celebrated his 60th birthday this past week. The park managers surprised him with an impromptu party, inviting those who could make it for cake and fellowship. Jim was overwhelmed by the number of people who showed up to show their love and appreciation.

 

an array of candles

 Jim trying to blow out the candles which kept relighting - sorry this is the only picture I got of him

 

 

We received lots of free oranges and lemons from a friend who always has a huge supply of them from the native trees here in the RGV. We share with as many people as we can, freeze some juice, and of course, squeeze some for drinking. We also received some very large lemons, called Ponderosa lemons that also grow here. There is enough juice in one lemon to make several pies. Now we have fresh orange juice and lemonade in our refrigerator!

this lemon is huge

compare it to a bottle of water - it made a lot of juice

juicing in process

a lot easier than the old timey juicer

it took these many oranges

to make this juice - not too bad at all

 

Now I get to have great grandma brag time - our twin great granddaughters are 18 months old already,  truly God's precious miracles

Kinley and Kenzie - or is it Kenzie and Kinley -

they are just as cute apart

I am unable to tell them apart

 

 

Our other great granddaughter Brielle,  is a little over a year old, and keeping up with her twin cousins.

coming home a year ago and today

enjoying her 1st birthday cake

 

 

Our great grandson, Avery, age 2, has his cast off now ( he broke his femur) and has started to walk again even if he is a bit stumbly. Being in a body cast for weeks set him back a bit, but he has such a wonderful disposition that he will be up to par in no time at all.

 

 

 

 

 

God has so blessed us as a family - little did we know that 54 years ago this coming May that we would have had 4 amazing daughters, 6 ever so loved grandchildren, and 4 precious great grandchildren. As God told Noah, " As for you, be fruitful, and increase in number, multiply on the earth and increase upon it". Genesis 9:7

 

Take time this week to reflect on God's promises and love for you - tell your family how much you love them. If there is a breech with any of your family members, try to close that breech - a phone call, a card, or simple "I am sorry" will cause miracles to happen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday again???

Another beautiful week in the Rio Grande Valley. The sun shone most of the week, and we actually went without coats or sweatshirts in the day time. Yesterday was extremely busy, as we attended church services in the morning (Chaplain Bill is back!!). Our park Memorial Service was in the afternoon for those who have gone on before us this past year. We honored 30 residents (and two sons of residents) with prayer, music, and Memorial Candles. It was a wonderful time to share grief as well as great stories of those we knew and loved. The evening was blessed by the gospel husband and wife duet, Ambassadors of Grace. A fun couple who share their love of the Lord through music. Thus the reason for this blog not getting finished yesterday!!!

Friday morning we were up early as we had much to accomplish. I walked outside and saw the most gorgeous sunrise (although the most beautiful sunrise and sunsets happen in NW Arkansas). All I could do is think how magnificent the creation of this earth is, and how God created it for His glory and our enjoyment. What a God we serve. "God saw all that He had made and it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array." Genesis 1:21-2:1.

early morning beauty

Chaplain Bill's wife Ali has an exceptionally beautiful Christmas blooming right now. I don't think I have ever seen so many blooms on one plant. Again, an example of God's desire to make us happy and to see us smile.

 

 so beautiful - often their cat, Charlie, is seen poking his nose out from under it

Ali and her cactus - this gives you an idea of how huge it is

 

 

 

We took another group on a tour to visit the refuge in Reynosa. Most of them had been to RIN before and some were visiting for the first time, Because of the colder weather, we wore warmer clothes, but the children were so bundled it was almost difficult to see their faces. But as usual, they were overjoyed to see us, and greeted us in both English and Spanish.

 

 the tour group watching the CHI/RIN video 

 Sweet little Leila happy to see me, as always. It seems to fascinate her that we have the same name.

 all bundled up and still studying in the class room

 you can hardly see this little one's face

 he was proudly showing off his gloves

 they were dancing - probably to keep warm

 Belinda - one of the little ones we sponsor

 Belinda and her sister Dulce (which means candy or sweets in Spanish) with Fred

   these were very rare smiles that we got from Belinda, as she is very shy

 

I did get a chance this week to take a tour with the park to HEB, a grocery store here in Texas. It is a large cooperation, who admits that their biggest competitor is Wal-Mart. It was truly interesting - we got a lot of samples - and learned how modern technology is changing the way we shop. We will soon be able to enter into our hi-tech phones (we have the old flip top type!!) our shopping list, then be able to generate a map of sorts that will lead us to each isle and item we need (sort of like a shopping GPS). Guess I like the older way best - check out each isle we want to, and visually decide which item is best suited to us, But from what I understand, you will be able to enter exactly what you want (name brand, size, etc). How in the world can you check the labels that way???? Too advanced for me.

 

This is later getting finished tonight, as we held our second Bible study night at CHI. Love our small group, the discussions that we have, and the wonderful food. Phyllis made a lentil soup, along with a veggie tray - Olive Garden bread sticks, and cole slaw. No dessert tonight, as earlier today we had a volunteer gathering with pie.  Everything revolves around food here in S Texas.

 

As we are in the middle of January already, have you made or broken your resolutions??? Mine for this year is to be more observant of the opportunity to tell others about Jesus and His saving grace. What do you vow to do for the Lord this year?

 

 



 

 

It's a bird, it's a plane

Nope, it is only the sun. After about a week of rain, drizzle, and just plain nasty and cold weather, the sun was a welcome relief today. As I looked out the window, there were people walking, riding bikes, talking, just enjoying the sunshine. Seems like the cabin fever has finally broken!

 even the water birds were huddled up against the cold and drizzle

We are cat sitting for a few days. Chaplain Bill and Ali went to Washington to attend a memorial service for Ali's brother-in-law, so their cat, Charlie is residing with us. He is a young scardy cat to say the least. When he decides to come out of hiding, he is a very loving, playful pet. Otherwise he hides under our bed, especially when he hears someone at the door. He is used to being outside on leash in the evening, but we do not want to take the chance of him getting loose, so he is confined to the house. Charlie lets us know, very vocally, that he is not happy with this situation, especially at 3 AM.
He really is no problem, just very inquisitive.

Charlie McCarthy Artherholt

Our helping Hands sewing group had an open house this last week to show everyone the many ways they serve. Besides sewing quilts, they make adult bibs, chemo hats for adults and children, even dog beds from the scraps for the local humane society. Can you think of any better way to enjoy your retirement than to use your time and talents to obey the Lord? "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed", but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?" James 2:16.  The annex was just humming with activity: some were sewing, some cutting, some tying, and the rest were watching in amazement as almost 40 workers labored for the Lord! After the open house, many items were delivered to hospitals, shelters, even to a near-by colonia, as some of the ladies from there were in attendance and awed by the construction going on.

 workers and visitors

our lovely Miss Anne who sews the adult bibs - she is so much fun

 even the men get into the act - tying the quilts, even cutting squares

 the ever present food at every function - great treats for everyone

 

 

I received a amaryllis bulb for Christmas which is now blooming - 4 beautiful orange red flowers. When it is done blooming, I will plant it outside and watch it bloom every year as a remembrance of the giver.

 

the flower now has 4 blooms

 

I had to prop it up with a stick as it threatened to topple over in the window

 

 

We had an amazing church service this morning, as Chaplain Joe De Angelis again stepped in for Chaplain Bill. Lorelei De Angeles also helped out, as our song leader had voice problems. Lorelei did a fantastic job of leading the singing, reading prayer requests, and leading the congregation in prayer. We are so blessed to have a strong brotherhood of Chaplains who are always ready to help out others when needed. We had our monthly Chaplain meeting Saturday, when we all gathered to learn more from God what He expects from us, as well as just fellowship and help each other.

 

 After the general meeting and luncheon (food anyone?), we had a time of insights - this month we learned about grief and how it affects everyone so very differently. Grief is silent, a complex process that affects us all at one time or another. It can be the result of losing a loved pet as well as a loved one. Even the loss of things (a job, a home, material possessions) can cause varying degrees of grief.  Grief is the price we pay for love. It is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith; it is a normal process that we all go through sometime in our lives, at a different pace for everyone. Grieving is natural and needed for physical, mental,  and spiritual growth.

If you know of anyone who is grieving, take time to listen to them, don't push for changes - let them do so in their own time, put your personal agenda aside and keep in contact with them. Let them know that their way of grieving is normal.

 

 

 

  

 

Cold and Chills

There are cold and chills everywhere- the cold fronts that are showing up all over the country, as well as the chills from the flu and other illnesses. It seems like someone in our park is sick with the flu or other illness every day - many of them in one day. This past week there were many people at doctor's offices, calling in for Tamaflu, or even going to the ER. Chaplain Bill is down with the flu which involved our church  getting a substitute Chaplain. Luckily, we do have  Chaplain floaters - Chaplain Joe and Lorelei DeAngelis. As soon as Bill asked Chaplain Joe if he could do our service, he accepted. As Chaplain Joe said, "I am always ready, even at the last minute". Everything seemed to flow together so easily this morning. As Ali prayed for those sick and in need, she prayed from Ephesians 6:12-18, reminding us to put on the full armor of God for protection from the evil ones, and to stand firm for the Lord. Our special music proclaimed peace in the Lord. As Chaplain Joe began his sermon, based on Ephesians 6, it was truly apparent that the Holy Spirit was in the room. God orchestrated the service so perfectly, as none of the participants knew what the others were going to say or sing prior to starting the service. Why are we so amazed??? God IS amazing.

As we worked at Border Missions this week, Chaplain Bill and Ali Artherholt worked alongside us (before Bill took sick). Bill and Ali were amazed at the amount of donated produce/food items that would otherwise go to waste. There were very few people present due to the fact that the metro buses in Reynosa were not running - as well as the cold and rainy weather. Many people who come across the border for the hot meal and produce distribution were not able to make the trip. It made my heart ache to know that so many would probably not have enough to eat for the coming week. We  prayed that the Pastors from Mexico who drove across the border could fill their vans with produce to help those who could not make the trip. Bill and Ali were amazed at the amount of donated produce/food items that would otherwise go to waste. As we distributed extra we hope that everyone would share with those unable to be present.

  It was also a great week for the food and Clothing Ministry at Great Oaks
Church. Fred delivered a pick-up load of produce (thanks to friend Dean for his help and the use of his pick-up). Because of the God's provision, we were able to share with Iglesia Nueva Vida. Pastor Rodriguez's wife Becky delivered the much needed food!

food we share with a sister church

Becky Rodriguez prepared to deliver

It is busy here at the park with new and returning residents. The weather is not very cooperative - we have not seen the sun for a few days. Cold and rainy every day ( chicken soup weather - which I made yesterday) seems to be the norm. We have made a resolution to try to visit more resident than last year, but with the all the illnesses in the park, we have been limited. Lots of activities going on, including those in the church also - the Memorial service to honor those who have left us this past year, Christian music, and movies, as well as the many dinners, lunches, and other activities. We need to remember in all this busyness of day to day activities to give the glory to God for all He helps us to accomplish, for the energy to do His work, and the ability to continue to so.

 

Have a wonderful week - try to "pay it forward" in some way - pay for the next one in line at a drive through, pay for some one's groceries at the store, purchase a gift certificate for someone who needs an uplift, visit the nursing home with a small plant for someone who never gets a visit, check on an elderly neighbor by bringing them a batch of cookies, give your bus driver a small loaf of banana bread, leave a card of thanks for the mailman - there are endless ways to say "I care for you".