A Plethora of Musings

We had terrible storms Friday night - heavy rain, wind, and lightening. It was reported that there were 1200 lightening hits in 15 minutes. I believe it. There was  constant lightening which began about 11 PM. At first we could hear the thunder rumbling in the distance, then it began to get closer. The lightening was unbelievable - a constant flickering and loud thunder. One loud crack and we lost power for about 4 hours - no air conditioning, nothing. I have never seen such power and strength that the storm produced. Not a lot of damage - but trees down, limbs broken off, signs blown over, and lots of water from the rain. We went to Progreso, Mexico on Saturday and as we passed the huge fields, we saw acres and acres of corn that had been standing up  were blown over, flattened to the ground. I don't know if they will ever recover.

It seemed like everyone, his whole family, plus hundreds of others were in Progreso on Saturday. It was worse than when all the Winter Texans are here - parking lots on the American side were full,  Progreso streets were packed, vendors and hawkers were everywhere. Fred had a couple of teeth taken care of at the dentist, we picked up a few things we needed and tried to hurry back across the border despite the crowds.  As it was, we had to wait in an extremely long line to pass through customs, adding to the fact that it was very hot and humid.

We have not been able to go to Children's Haven in Reynosa for awhile for which I am a bit relieved. Two weeks ago there was a lot of gun fighting at the border, (not where we cross though) and the were some deaths. We are fairly safe as we cross south of Reynosa with only 4 miles to travel to the Haven. Continue to pray for God to place His hedge of protection around the compound of CHI/RIN in Reynosa, and also all of those who have to travel there everyday. So far God has been with us and we have had no problems at all. We hope to be able to visit there once more to visit with Paty and Belinda before we leave for Arkansas.

The Easter lilies have finally decided to grace us with their beautiful blooms. They are so beautiful and elegant in their pure white glory. Many thanks to former Chaplain Dennis and Sally Maloney for planting them!!!  Even the roses by the hall are blooming and scenting the air.

the Easter lilies are finally showing off

so perfect

the pink roses are also getting attention

and we have red roses

lots of blooming hibiscus

and sunflowers

my Easter lilies are joining the blooming frenzy

many blossoms on mine

Last week I mentioned the baby dove in the nest on our bedroom air conditioner. This week he has grown into a full blown teenager and flew the nest. I did manage to capture a photo of him and Mama just before he took off on his own.

 

 Mama and son (somehow he looks like a teenage boy!)

 

We have basil and cilantro growing near the swimming pool, as well as parsley in our neighbors garden, which also has some beautiful tomatoes - not ripe yet though. I picked some of the wonderful smelling basil, roasted some pine nuts, added Parmesan cheese, salt,  and oil to make pesto. Not only did it smell heavenly, but the taste was awesome. I know it supposed to be used on pasta, but it is also unbelievably great on toast!!

 

bushes of lovely basil - if you look closely you may be able to see the cilantro also.

We are having an addition to our park this fall - a remote control car race track. There is also talk of a boccie ball court. Many new things are being added as newer people come into the park with new ideas.



the race track near the hall, waiting for the sand to finish it off.

 

Now again is my personal brag time. We are so blessed with 4 amazing daughters, 6 grandchildren, and 4 great grands. Sometimes I get homesick for them all, but know I will see them in just a few weeks. God has given us the opportunity to serve Him here in the Valley, so we follow in obedience. He will let us know when He has other work for us to do elsewhere - until then we cherish the time we get to spend with our family.

 great grandson Avery

 great granddaughters Kinley and Kenzie (or visa versa)

great granddaughter Brielle 

 

 

Did you realize that the United States Constitution is based on the book of Deuteronomy which contains the outline of government that God established for the chosen people - the nation of Israel. Check it out!!!

Beautiful Sunday

Another beautiful Sunday here in the Valley. It was supposed to be stormy all weekend but we did not get any of it. A bit of rain one night, but the sun is shining and it is gorgeous.

There are many baby birds being hatched in nests everywhere. Our Mama dove laid two eggs, but only one was hatched. I was able to get a photo of the little guy while Mama was off hunting food. I do think he is about ready to leave the nest, because the Papa dove was cooing and calling to his mate - time to produce more eggs!!

 if you look carefully you will see that he is staring right at you with a grumpy look on his face

 resting peacefully

 

 

I went along with Fred the other day again to pick up produce at Border Missions - it was a beautiful morning ride and as we sat waiting for the door to open, the sun began to rise. Again I marveled at the majesty of God's creation. We received some beautiful produce - fresh and inviting looking. We thank God  allowing us to take part in His bountiful harvest in order to provide fresh produce for those in need.

 

I took a quick photo of the rising sun in the clouds



and a minute later was amazed at the change

 

The other night as I was out walking I noticed a quick flash of light out of the corner of my eye. A lightening bug (or if you prefer, a firefly). I did not realize that they were this far South in Texas - so stood and watched as a few of them began to flash messages with their "lights". How many of you remember catching them and putting them in jars to create a lantern? As kids, we were pretty cruel, as we pulled off their "lights" and made bracelets for ourselves. Perhaps that is why I am so deathly afraid of bugs - just thinking about them give me the chills.  I will always remember one time when Fred and I had just moved to Arkansas and were out one evening, just driving around, exploring our new home state, when we rounded a curve in the road and saw this huge field, full of lightening bugs, all of them flashing signals to each other. We were just totally awed by it, as if time just stood still for a few moments - and really found it hard to believe.

 

Are there times in your life when you are offered an opportunity  which would benefit you?? This happened to me this week - a simple task that would require very little effort on my part and benefit me over period of 4 months. I thought about it, prayed about, all the time feeling that it was not quite appropriate for me to do this. After again asking God if this was ok, He confirmed to me that I could accept part of the offer but not the part I was uncomfortable with. I then e-mailed the person with my decision and received the reply "thanks anyway". I don't know why I posted this here, except for the fact that we need to remember to pray about decisions, especially when we are not totally convinced that the answer should be yes. "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever". I John:2:17

 

Pastor Israel continued his travel through the book of Nehemiah this morning. After Nehemiah received courage from God to ask the king for permission to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the city of his fathers, he also asked for letters from the king, assuring his safe travels home (about a 2 months journey) as well as donations of timber from the king's forest. Nehemiah had a plan, he had all the details in place, as he moved forward with courage in spite of fear. After arriving in Jerusalem, he rested for 3 days, then, because of enemies who did not want him to accomplish his purpose, he went out at night to investigate what was needed to accomplish his mission. Just as his enemies wanted to thwart his plan, our enemy  (Satan) does not want us to see the rebuilding of our lives.  When we as Christians unite to accomplish something for God's glory, it will happen!!!

 

This week try to be bold in Christ - step out in courage and tell someone what Christ has done in your life and what He can do in theirs. 

 

 

 

Thunderstorms???

This has been a crazy week weather wise. We have had two thunderstorms here in S Texas - something that happens very seldom. I love to listen to a thunderstorm as long as there are no loud cracking booming noises! It was really calming to listen to the rumbling of the thunder - a rolling thunder that seemed to last for a few minutes. It has been warm, now a colder front has moved in - high 60's. It has also rained off and on all week again. The flowers are blooming and growing almost out of control.

the Easter lilies are still not blooming by the hall

beautiful geraniums in a neighbor's yard

my little palm tree is really growing

lots of blooms on my Easter lily

I mentioned in the last blog about the turtle I saw laying eggs in the grass. I checked on the internet and found to my dismay that it takes anywhere from 35-45 days for them to hatch depending on the type of turtle. So I just need to keep on monitoring the nest and hope they hatch before we travel to Arkansas to visit family and friends. With the number of turtles spotted all over the park I imagine there are nests everywhere.

 

 nest close to the sidewalk - interesting

 

 

view of the lake from the nest site

 

We were humbled this week to be able to accompany Faye and Marshall of His Hands Extended Ministry as we delivered quilts to individual homes in the colonias. Faye and Marshall have a ministry that encompasses many hours of time and miles of travel. The receive produce from Border Missions, then travel many miles to colonias where they have established two churches. After the first church service, produce is distributed, the remaining produce packed up, and taken to another church site and the process is repeated. They have developed a personal relationship with these very strong Christians, so we accompanied Faye and Marshall as we distributed quilts to families in individual homes. The people were so very welcoming, smiles of love on their faces, and praises to God for the gifts we brought. After the day was done, we had traveled over 70 miles, but every mile was worth the smiles and hugs we received.

 funny sign just before we arrived in the colonias - Yunk yard - sometimes the J in Spanish is pronounced like a Y

 the first home we visited - there was also a structure where two families  live on the same property, but I did not want to offend anyone by taking a picture of it

 the first three ladies to receive quilts - they were so surprised

 this little girl accepted her quilt with smiles

 these are two of 5 families living  in another structure (it is difficult to call some of these places homes, but to the people living there, it is their home). this couple gives of their time and few possessions to serve others , as God instructed them to do - Faye and Marshall (pictured here) are calledMama and Papa by them. Oh, did you notice Marshall's T-shirt??? They are from the same pace in Arkansas as we are, but only met them here in S Texas!

 one of the better structures

 another family living area - but they were not at home

 lots of roosters and chickens roaming about

 the small structure to the right houses a family of four - another family lives in the other half - notice the size compared to the vehicle in front of it.

one of the open air churches where the Word of God is preached and received with love.

 this young lady is the one who lives with her other daughter and husband in the brown structure. many volunteers, people like you and I, give of their time and money to build houses for these pople - this lucky family was the receipent of such a home - which is ready to move into. She was so excited to have new quilts for her home - all four family members had slept in the same bed - the new home has 2 bedrooms.

 the white area  is part of their new homes across the road.

this sweet lady has a beautiful flower garden - look at the egg shells on this cactus plant - she makes beauty out of ashes

 there are two families living in her home - she smiles in gratitude as she received two quilts

 her home is a bit better than most

 

We attened church services this morning at Great Oaks Community Church, where we will attend during the summer months. It was so good to connect with this church family again. Pastor Israel began a series from the book of Nehemiah, which encourages us to do something!!! Pastor Israel encourages us to look forward to new growth at GOCC, challenging us to strive for growth in 52 days, as Nehemiah was challenged to rebuild the walls of Jersuleum, which he did in 52 days. No challenge is too great for those who obey God. Nehemiah was concerned about the remanents of the Jews who were returning to Jersuleum after the distruction of it years before and wanted to do something about it. Although he himself was one of the exiles who served the king of Persia as his cupbearer (whose main job was to test the wine before the king did to make sure it was not poisoned). Certainly not a job I would want. Other than that, he had many more very important duties, which made him a highly respected man. Although he was challenged to do something, it was 48 years later before he met the challenge. Although God sent him back to Jersuleum, he had to ask the king's permission to do so - an almost impossible feat. But it all come together according to the will and plan of God. We need to met the challenges that God puts before us head on - with strength and courage. "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send"? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here I am, send me!" Isaiah 6:8.  Very much our words as we began our amazing journey with the Lord. 

 

 

On a lighter note, I saw this very unique way of changing oil in a car - please DO NOT try this at home!!!!! Have a great week.

 

car on the tail gate of a semi - luckily it was chained in the front!

 

He is Risen!!!

 

We attended sunrise service this morning at Ranchero Village in Weslaco, where Chaplain Bob Ostermaier led us in worship - praising the risen Lord. Even though the sky was overcast, it was not raining.  As we sang praises to God, the purple  martins flew over our heads in a circle, as if joining in the service with their own song of joy. It looked like even the grackles in the trees were singing their songs of joy. The Scripture this morning was not the typical resurrection Scripture, but was based on Corinthians 15:2-6 - the importance of the resurrection. The crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection all took place according to Scripture. It is so important to remember that no one killed Jesus, He gave up His life for us, so that we would have the hope of eternal life with the Father. An inspiring beginning for a wonderful day.

Spring really has come to the Valley, especially according to the creatures of the earth. The frogs that inhabit our lake here at the park started their strange mating song - a very loud noise (that is the only way to describe it - a noise) which sounds like a diesel engine running. If I were a female frog I would run away in fright! As I was walking up to the hall the other day, I noticed a huge turtle right next to the sidewalk laying eggs. After she had left, I checked the nest, which was really very noticeable. I will keep watching it to see if I can see the tiny babies as they make their way to the lake. All of the birds are singing their spring songs. I still wonder where the mockingbird has heard the Northern song bird songs. The other day I was shocked to hear the songs of the cardinal, robin, and chick-a-dee. The spring flowers have decided to bloom to add to the beauty of Easter Sunday and spring (except the Easter lilies, who for some reason, are shy yet).

the flowers are so beautiful

our next door neighbor keeps our adjoining yards looking beautiful

the wild pink flowers that are everywhere

more glorious geraniums

the amaryllis are still blooming

neighboring tomatoes

a mama dove decided that our back air conditioner was the perfect spot for a nest

5 blooms on our cactus this year

This last Friday was the first time I went along with Fred to Border Missions to pick up produce for the food ministry. After  picking up the produce, we went to Great Oaks Food and Clothing Ministry to deliver it all, where it is  re-distributed to another church. If there is too much, it is then taken to the nearby Senior Center. This week we had cases of grape tomatoes, eggplant, donuts, spinach (3 cases of loose leaves!), some flavored water drinks, and red peppers just to mention some of the items we received. The blessings goes on and on - those who pick the produce, those who donate it to Border Missions, those who distribute it, and those who receive it, not to mention those who just hear and observe what is being done for our brothers!

this is our pallet load of food

 the vehicles in line, waiting to load  - we were first today

the three awesome warehouse workers, loaders, etc.

 

 

 

I took a short walk the other evening just to enjoy the beautiful weather and smell the fresh spring air. Even all the neighborhood animals were out frolicking around, happy to be alive.

 

 one resident has 5 dogs who were enjoying the day -only 4 are here right now

 teen-age Joey hiding

Sassy, another sweet kitty - she used to jump in my laundry basket as I was hanging up clothes

 

 

Hooray!!!!! Gas is only 1,98 a gallon - unbelievable. I tried to take a picture of the gas price sign, but a post got in the way. At least you can see the 1 and 8!

 

only $19 to fill the tank

Today the park had an Easter Sunday potluck for those who are still here. Over 75 people signed up - I sure don't know where they came from as the park is fairly empty now.

 

 usually the blacktop where these two units are sitting is full rv's.

 tables set, ready for us

 some early birds visiting

 can you believe that this is the dessert table?

 another table full of salads, hot dishes, deviled eggs, appetizers, ham, and mashed potatoes

 a few of the party goers

more eager eaters

We need to remember that today is not all about food, bunnies, and candy but a day to give thanks to God for the greatest sacrifice ever - He sent His only Son to be crucified for our sins, so that we have the hope of eternity with Him forever. Give thanks every day because He has Risen.