Calling Noah

It is unbelievable to see the continuing rain - not only here but everywhere. At Alamo Rec Veh Park there was 4" on the ground last night. Here in NW Arkansas we have still had rain every single day. Continue to pray for all of those in the flooded areas.

We have been visiting friends, sometimes just riding around noting the changes in the area over the past year, and checking out yard sales!!!!

Saturday we celebrated our oldest daughter, Chandra's birthday as well as our anniversary at our daughter Christine's home (she is such a gracious hostess, always opening her home for gatherings).  Chandra's friend Darrell made the most awesome ribs I have ever eaten, as well as grilled corn and potatoes, baked beans ,veggies and dip, not to mention homemade butterfinger cheesecake pie. Even though it rained a bit, we spent a great afternoon together. We focused on  finalizing our  mini family reunion coming up in a few weeks. Love spending this cherished time with family.

Christine's smokehouse - which we will be utilizing before we leave Arkansas

some healthy flowers

a beautiful salmon colored lily

a hollowed out log flower garden

strange curly stemmed plant

 a smoking grill

corn and potatoes quietly cooking along

 homemade delicious salsa, thanks to Darrell

 ribs anyone

 time to eat - beans, corn, potatoes

 potato toppings

Today we took a ride to Terra Studios, where the Bluebirds of Happiness are produced. Some of the earlier colors are not longer being produced (red, green, yellow) so I consider myself fortunate to possess some of these.  We watched some bluebirds being made, and strolled on the unique paths. Many artists displayed their creations in the gallery for us to admire, while a local artist entertained us.  The grounds were covered with trolls and others creatures as well as walls of art. We found the labyrinth and followed the trail from beginning to end not really paying attention to the definition but just for fun What is a Labyrinth?  The Labyrinth Society gives us this definition: “A labyrinth is a single path (or unicursal tool) for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation.”

the labyrinth

 

bluebirds of happiness

some of the art walls on the paths

 

 

Attending our home church this morning was again such a comfortable feeling. Vance's sermon this morning was based on the love chapter - I Corinthians 13:1-13. So many times we relate this chapter to feelings of love - these verses are often produced on cards and in poetry. Vance reminded us that in the Greek language there are four words for love: agape, phileo, eros, and storge.  Agapee love is obedient, committed, and unconditional love. Phileo love is a feeling love - friendship and affection. Eros is a passionate, sexual expression of love. Storge love is love between parents, children, and siblings.  Always remember that love is action and not just emotions. Make an effort to practice agappe love this coming week, loving your friends as well as enemies. 

 

 

 

Water Water Everywhere

The rain seems to follow us everywhere. Severe flooding warnings and tornado watch here in NW Arkansas and flooding and rain in all areas of the US. The farmers and vegetable producers cannot get their crops out of the fields. Pray for safety for all everyone.

It has been very relaxing visiting with family and friends and surprised at the changes here - new highways, new businesses established and others dissolved. Life changes constantly and we should always be open to "go with the flow" as long as it is according to God's word.

We spent yesterday celebrating our daughter Brenda's birthday with family. Another daughter, Connie, who lives in Wisconsin, also has a birthday the same day, although she is 2 years older. It was a great day as some of the great-grand children were also there. The great grand daughter identical twins (Kinley and Kenzie) amazed me totally. They will be 2 years old soon and to watch the interaction between themselves is a miracle indeed. The make "twin noises" and seem to know exactly what they are saying to each other. . Whatever one does, so does the other - almost like seeing double. Diaper changing time is military style - one twin gets hers changed while the other one waits patiently, takes the soiled diaper to the garbage, then returns for her changing while the now freshly changed twin waits for her sister's soiled diaper - so funny but definitely efficient. Our other great granddaughter, Brielle, who is now 1-1/2 was also present to add to the confusion. We are truly blessed as our great grandson, Avery from Wisconsin who is 2-1/2, will also be here the middle of June. We had great food - especially home made brats which were so delicious, made by our son-in-law

We attended Sunday services with our home church in Prairie Grove which felt like coming home. We greeted so  many church family and friends, many of whom did not know we were in town. Our minister, Vance Eubanks and his lovely wife Linda were blessed on Friday with their first grandchild - a beautiful girl named Harper Reese. As I told Vance, let the spoiling begin!!! Vance's sermon based on I Corinthians 12 and Acts 2 reminded us to recognize that we belong to each other (unity), we accept that we need each other (diversity) and we feel the impact we have on each other (maturity). God bestows spiritual gifts on each and everyone of us and "Each one should use the gifts he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms". I Peter 4:10. We need to be aware of our passions, abilities, and likes and then ask God to help us use them to serve others. Are you using the gifts God gave you?? If you are not sure, pray, and ask God to reveal them to you.

After church we rejoined our Sunday School Joy class, where we began studying the book of Acts. I love our class - so many senior saints in one place with a wealth of Christian knowledge. Because of the maturity of the class, many prayers are needed, mostly for health issues. Please continue to pray for all senior citizens as they deal with the aging process - getting old is certainly not for wimps. We patiently await the greatest rewards- eternal life with Jesus.

 

Alamo, Joshua, TX, and Farmington, AR

This has been a pretty busy last few days, but it feels so comfortable to just relax here in AR. We left the Valley last Friday and drove to Joshua, Texas to stay a few days with fellow Chaplain Roy and Paula Gee. We did encounter severe rain, and because we took a different route less traveled, we observed many flooded areas in Texas. After 9 hours of travel, we were warmly welcomed by the Gees. We were privileged to be able to occupy the little house - a small but comfortable house on their property.
On Saturday, Paula and I spent a larger part of the day with "girly" stuff. We first spent Saturday morning at yard sales, hunting for pieces for our project (and we found treasures!). Paula and I then began crafting yard art - first a birdbath, then some glass totems, which involved lots of trials and laughter. While that project was setting, Paula then waxed my eyebrows. Again, lots of laughter as Fred and Roy walked in the house wondering what was going on. The highlight of the day was meeting the Gees new great-grandchildren - Mallie and Macky - two precious miracles.

the last thing we packed before leaving Alamo - sweet Texas onions for one of our daughters.

Paula's birdbath - an original

glass totems from some of our yard sale efforts

We also had the opportunity to attend Sunday School and services at the Gees home church - Lane Prairie Baptist Church. What a beautiful facility, welcoming congregation, and awesome sermon. Brother Jerry Clements presented his sermon based on Daniel 3:28 - although he included the entire story of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who were cast into the firery furnace because they refused to deny the Lord. Pastor Clements reminded us that God's grace is sufficient for all of us. As Christians, we will never fit into the world's mold. We need to be consistent and not give into anything that comes between us and God ( idols such as money, stuff, etc.). A firery furnace can either be a tragedy or a triumph - what is it to you??  After relaxing on Sunday afternoon, we returned to the church for the children's program. They all worked so very hard on it, and were proud of their accomplishments.

 

We left Monday morning, leaving Texas behind on our way to Arkansas. The drive was actually refreshing, as we traveled a few more hours. As we passed through Gainsville, TX to Durand, we encountered  many horse farms, and were delighted to see all the new babies hiding behind their mothers.  We arrived at our destination in the middle of a huge deluge - a real gully washer - but other than a bit wet, very safe and sound. We thank God for our safe travels, and the time we now have to enjoy our family.

 

 beautiful cloud formations

blue skies and rain clouds, too

amazing

 if you look closely you may see some babies

a welcome sight



 

 

 

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's day to everyone. ""Her children arise and call her blessed".
Proverbs 31:28

It has been a very peaceful but comfortable Mother's Day. We went to the mall to get a new battery for Fred's watch (should have waited until Father's Day) and to use my $15 coupon at Penny's before it expired. Yes, I always use coupons whenever I can. I saved $21 one day at the grocery store using coupons on items I always buy any, especially cleaning supplies and toiletries.

Pastor Israel's sermon this morning was based on the short book of Ruth which he read in church. It is an amazing story of love and loyalty. Ruth left her homeland and returned with her mother-in-law Naomi to Bethlehem after their spouses died. She listened and obeyed Naomi, not realizing that God had a greater plan for her. She walked by faith and not by sight, living her life by faith. " Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see". Hebrews 11:1.  Did you realize that even atheists have faith??  An atheist is a person who does not believe that any gods exist to put it very briefly. Sooo - they are hoping that they are sure of what they believe, not being able to see if there is a God or not. Interesting idea. We all live by faith in some form - always believing that what we hope for and believe in is true, even if we cannot see it.

We had another beautiful moon this week, despite the severe weather happening all around us. There are still storm warnings for Northern Texas -  tornados, rain and flooding. Even Joshua, Texas, near Fort Worth, had a 4. earthquake this week.

a full moon drifting in and out of the clouds

 

a few minutes later -

One of our cacti had started blooming again - I took a picture of it as it was budding, hoping that it would open soon - but because of the high winds we have been having the past few days, it broke right off. Cacti just intrigue me - they can go without water forever it seems, but then burst into blossom, reminding us of God's powerful creation.  

 

this one was very small when we got it - then it got its head broken off, and look at it now.

 our big bud that was whipped off in the wind

the key lime tree is growing again - as well as the tiny palm tree

(in the back on the right) has sprouted up

 

 

We were able to work at Border Missions this past week - the first time in a long time. As a celebration of Mother's Day, grilled chicken and potato salad was served instead of the usual beans and rice. Special thanks to Pastor Jesse and Belinda Alaverez and their congregation, who stayed up late at night to grill about 500 chicken/thigh parts and made many huge bowls of potato salad. The chicken was delicious but don't know about the potato salad - I do not like it at all. Many thought it was wonderful even though Mexicans do not usually eat potato salad. During the church service, Mothers were honored by a blessing and prayer - one lady even gave her life to the Lord. We were also presented with gifts of various make-up items and a lovely hand made hot pad. While everyone was waiting after the service to line up to receive their produce (400+ of them) we heard a beautiful sound as many broke out into song. I do know what they were singing, but it sounded like an angel choir.

 

 

Do not get worried if this blog does not show up on Sunday (it may) as we will be visiting friends in Joshua, Texas (yes, where the earthquake was) as we travel to visit our family and friends in Arkansas. Be assured it should be ready by Monday.

 

I pray that each and every one of you had a blessed Mother's Day, surrounded by love and hugs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Perfect Week

This has been an awesome perfect week - well almost. The weather is lovely - we finished a lot of things that needed to be done - had lunch with good friends - now for the almost perfect part. After lunch we went to our friends house for a visit, but as we arrived Fred discovered he lost his car keys. Oh, no, now to retrace our steps. After the guys went to the last place we were and discovered the keys were not there, they called and told us to check the couch, etc. to see if the keys were there. As I was sitting on the couch and had just removed a pillow, I stood up and there they were!!! I was sitting on them and did not know it. Other than that minor speed bump, the week was wonderful.

We had some fresh zucchini so I made zucchini blinis - sort of a potato pancake with zucchini instead of potatoes. Add shredded zucchini, onions, Parmesan cheese, a bit of flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper,  and there you are. Yummy. Love it that we have access to wonderful fresh produce.

We have a few resident hummingbirds yet. A neighbor down the street left for their Northern home and took down their feeder, so we are getting the bird traffic now. The tiny birds love to sit on the braces of our awnings and watch as other hummers come to feed. I am very surprised that they do not chase each other around - maybe they are friends!

Pastor Israel continued his journey through the book of Nehemiah this morning, His wife, Becky, led the song "We Exalt You" in Spanish, while her daughter sang it in English. The congregation followed in their chosen language. I cannot tell you how beautiful it sounded with the blending of the languages.  Becky  and Israel's daughter, Rachael, is going to be married in June and then moving to Missouri. She is such a blessing to Great Oaks, and we will feel lost without her. As we continue on with Nehemiah, we find him in Jerusalem, rebuilding the wall, but those who were working so diligently were very upset with their Jewish brother, who were taxing them on their fields, vineyards, and homes. They were so strapped for money that they had to borrow money to pay the taxes, then since they could not repay it, they gave their sons and daughters into slavery to pay the bill. Everyone was faithful to follow God's wishes, but they were unable to love one another. Nehemiah became angry and finally settled the situation through prayer and discussion. Repentance was the answer - not just words but a change in hardened hearts. The work of God is about doing God's work for the well being of others. Not for my sake , Lord, but for your glory. It is so easy to take credit for doing God's work - but when others thank you for it, your response should be, "for the glory of God". "So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, "we are unworthy servants, we have only done our duty".
Luke 17:10.

Have a wonderful week, enjoy every day, wake up saying, "Thank you Lord for another day on  this wonderful earth you have created. Let everything we do this week be a reflection of you".