Goodbye Little Friend

Yesterday was the day that I said goodbye to our little key lime tree. It was so very tiny when we planted it a few years ago. We pruned it every year to keep it from taking over the yard and it just grew back bigger and stronger. Sometimes this is how I feel when God presents me with trials and tribulations. After the initial shock of what I think is a huge catastrophe I realize that God is testing my faith - what was almost impossible for me but was possible with God. A huge catastrophe turned into just a speed bump in my road of life. And I grew back bigger and stronger because of the situation. Not at all like the little lime tree whose roots were yanked from the ground mine became firmer and more entrenched. Many thanks to Bob Ostermaier for the use of his truck and expertise in carefully removing the tree - just as he was pulling it out, a lady from the park walked up to her car just across the street and wanted to back out. After a brief delay he finished the job. We never did find a home for the tree, so it will me made into mulch and returned to the ground to nurture other plants. We plan on planting a deep purple bougainvillea and training it to grow tall into a flowering tree. Another great story there, but will save that for another time.

Bob standing guard while Fred hooks up the chain - the tree has tons of long thorns so Fred was trying to avoid as many as possible by trying to slide under them

hooked up and ready to go

ever so slowly

and here it comes - perhaps because the water table is so high here in the Valley that the roots are not deep - we did water it thoroughly beforehand

out it comes

a really quick job

it did leave a bit of a mess for us to clean up - but that did not take long

I salvaged the only lime and squeezed it in my tea - it was really sweet

 

The volunteers were treated to a luncheon at Children's Haven on Wednesday. It was a sort of changing of the guard, as the summer people who volunteer in the resale store and others places at CHI end their term of service and others take over - mostly the Winter Texans. We serve there whenever we are here in the Valley, and also as fill ins if someone is unavailable for work. It was a fun time as usual, as we do not often get to see all of the volunteers due to every one's schedule. And of course, no meeting is complete without at least one of Director Betsy Chicon's games. This one was not difficult - she showed pictures of the summer volunteers and we had to name them. The prize was a gift certificate to the resale store. It seems as if whenever we work there, we find some sort of treasure that we cannot live without - right now I am looking for a tiger and a giraffe - wooden if possible - for our newly painted bathroom. I did find an elephant already - at a wonderful bargain price, too.

 

 

 

we each received one of the centerpieces that Betsy made - she saw them on pintrest at 2 for $24.00 - made them at a fraction of the cost with jars from the resale store, foil from the resale store, and inexpensive flowers from Wal-Mart. Come visit us at 400 E. Minnesota in Pharr to see how you can save $$$$$$.

 

 

I love this picture that I stole from facebook - it really looks weird, I know. Some may know it immediately, some will know after I tell you it is the Pig Trail in the fall. For the rest of you, it is a road called the Pig Trail through the rugged and forested Boston Mountains region of the Ozark Mountains, which often runs through a tunnel of foliage during spring, summer and fall. Spring wildflowers and brilliant autumn foliage make the route especially popular during those seasons. The route crosses the Mulberry River and the 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail.  The route goes from  Ark. 23 from the south boundary of the Ozark National Forest to its intersection with Ark. 16 at Brashears. Possible origins of the name “Pig Trail” are many. Near the junction with the Mulberry River, it was not unusual in times past to see roaming pigs, both feral and domesticated, as Ozark farmers once considered the forest as open range for fattening their shoats and hogs. Whether the road was named for these hogs, its resemblance to a curly pig’s tail, UA's Arkansas Razorback Team, or some combination of the three remains uncertain. Many motorcyclists take this route especially at the of this week's Bikes, Blues, and Bar-be-que Fest in Fayetteville.

a bird's eye view of the Pig Trail - don't think I would travel this at night!

 

Today at Great Oaks Church, Brother Juan Cordero spoke to us about the fact that the church is the army of God - comparing it not to a worldly army was but a spiritual one. The church not being a structure, but one made up of believers. Jesus used the word  "church" for the first time in Matthew 16:18 "and I say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church: and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it". God equipped us with all that we need to fight this battle against evil  as some of Pastor Israel's previous sermons pertained to. The Jews were waiting for a king - someone who would lead them in battle against their oppressors - not knowing that the King was not from this world. We need to tell others about Jesus just as He did - being gentle and kind. We, too, need to spread His word and not approach the world with worldly manners - we are to be bold but kind, courageous, not spreading gossip, slander, and not being threatening. We overcome evil with love, joy, and goodness. We need to be respectful for others beliefs, not judging, but gently encouraging them to look also to  other spiritual  views. Christian life is serious business - dealing with lost souls. Do so with tenderness.

 

A picture of two of my very favorite things - great grand daughters and the Green Bay Packers football team. This is what happens when kids are left at Grandma's for the weekend in Arkansas.

their favorite footwear

 

almost goodbye September hello October - get out and enjoy God's amazing palette of color. Don't forget to watch the eclipse tonight 9-10 PM. Give God all the praise and glory for His creation.

 

 

 

 

Hummingbirds and Snowbirds

The hummingbirds are arriving, along with the Snowbirds. The saying here in the Valley is that when the hummingbirds arrive, the Snowbirds (Winter Texans) are not far behind. Some have already arrived here at the park, and some are already on their way. We have seen RVs with out of state licenses and their cars in tow on the interstate, so now it begins!!! We love to see all the winter friends return,  (pray for safe travels for them) and are saddened by those who are not returning.

Our blooming cactus is BLOOMING!!! It burst into flowers one day for us to enjoy their beauty, then quietly closed their blossoms for the other buds to open. Our key lime tree is getting huge - we are in a dilemma - only two limes on it and it is out of control Sadly we will say goodbye to it (hopefully it will find a good home) and replace it with something less evasive.

many blossoms

our out of control key lime tree -

 

This last week, a dear friend here at the park passed away (Marvin Rutledge). We visited him and Judy the evening before (although I don't know if he knew we were there or not). On our way home, we saw a beautiful rainbow stretching across the sky, reminding us of the presence of the Lord and His promises. Subsequently during the week we saw two more rainbows -  more than I have seen in a long time. Beauty on earth showing us that there is more beauty in heaven - perhaps Marvin was sending us his love, too, as he walked those golden streets - (he used to mine for gold as a hobby - imagine his wonderment as he saw all that gold!).

 

part of a rainbow from our front door

 

We came upon an old oak table in need of repair - Fred immediately determined that he could restore it. We had done this years ago,  then later gave the table to our son-in-law (as it was his grandparents' table originally) when we moved to Arkansas from Wisconsin. We didn't want to move it  to Arkansas and then move it back to Wisconsin when we were ready to give it to our- son-in- law. Well - imagine our surprise when two years later, they moved to Arkansas - with the table!!! Sorry for the rambling, but it is a fun story. Anyway, we toted the table home and Fred began working on it. A week later  we have this beautiful piece of furniture - what a talented husband I have.

I love it

An Amazing day at Great Oaks Community Church this morning - dedication of three children (all from the same family) and celebrating 12 people who were baptized this last week in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior - children and adults both. One mother and her daughter were baptized together. After church services we celebrated with a Mexican Fiesta fellowship meal - pisoli (a pork or chicken soup topped with cabbage and radishes (which I love), tostodas, tamales, a meat dish with mole sauce, sort of a blood sausage (which we did not try), lots of different hot sauces, and wonderfully looking desserts. A wonderful Sunday dinner with Christian friends and fellow church members. Oh yes, there was even a piñata for the kids.

 some of the many decorations

 

posoli, tostodas, tamale and green hot sauce

 Fred chose the meat in mole' sauce, tostada, tamale, posoli, and of course, green hot sauce

 many kiddos and adults dressed for the occasion

the youngest piñata hitter

 

 the piñata is broken and the scramble for candy (dulce) is on

 

Last week I mentioned another celebration at Children's Haven in Reynosa, but was sworn to secrecy until this week. A few years ago a young man from Canada, Matt Campbell, came to the Haven as an intern. He fell in love with the Haven and everyone there so returned every year, sometimes more than once when his job allowed. Lately, he has been bringing his cute tiny girlfriend, Tina, along. Last week he proposed to her - a great surprise for all of us!!! We thought the big secret was a surprise birthday party for Jesse, a volunteer, but a few things were out of place. I mentioned them, but then passed it off as just coincidence - people were there who really had no reason to be there, a mariachi band (?), really???? But then the big surprise - and everyone went wild!!!! A great fun time - and what an appropriate place for it to take place. We had to keep quiet about it, as they happy newly engaged couple was flying back to Canada on Wednesday, and wanted to tell the relatives before it appeared on facebook - didn't work out. Someone spilled the beans!

 

                                

Jessie, blindfolded, being lead in for his "surprise" party - Tina has no idea about what is going to happen

 

will you marry me

 

 

she said yes

 

 

 

everyone was so excited





 the children handed her a dozen roses (provided by Matt)

Betsy ( American director) Tina, and Melana (who organized the whole affair) 

 

 roses and diamonds

 what a beautiful ring

 all this and Matt, too

 

 the cake which says, in Spanish "she said yes" - wonder what would have happened if she said no

showing off her ring 

 

  

 

 no party is complete without a piñata

Pastor Israel's sermon this morning concentrated on prayer - pray always and for every reason. "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the saints". Ephesians 6:18. The word saints in this Scripture means any believer in Christ. Of course, we should pray for everyone, believer or not. Praying for a non-believer sometimes transforms that person into a believer. Satan is our enemy and works in the world of no God. He also works in our sinful nature. Therefore, constant prayer is so important in our daily lives. We win when we pray - we have victory over sin, death, and the grave through Jesus. God instructs us to pray because we belong to Him, because, through the Holy Spirit, He helps us to pray, and because other people also need God's help. "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone". 1 Timothy 2:1.

 

Gossip is a terrible thing - it breeds hate and discontent. Satan is always on the prowl  to fill the minds of unbelievers with lies to spread around, just to see the commotion they can cause. Gossip is everywhere - in schools, workplaces, communities, even in church. Make it a point this week to not repeat any gossip or even anything that you have heard if you cannot prove it is true - gossip hurts everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Welcome Back Little Birds

Some of my Northern facebook friends have been posting that their humming birds are leaving - some are already gone for the winter. The little guys are migrating here to S Texas for a few weeks to re-fuel before heading to Mexico. We have two resident birds, but the other day we had four more, so some of the early birds are here already. It is easy to tell the newcomers - the resident birds are very territorial and chase each often, but when new birds arrive, the newbies are allowed to feed for about 24 hours - after that they are on their own and have to fight for position. The four new birds were on the feeder, undisturbed for a few hours - now it is a constant chirping, flying, swooping, and staking claim on the feeder. Last year we did not have nearly as many birds as the previous years - perhaps the migration pattern changed. We hoping to have many this year as they are such fun to watch.

Yes - I got the wallpaper removed - all ready to start painting this next week. The only mushrooms are in the grass after a wonderful, much needed rain. What a blessing that was.

This Saturday we spent a long,  tiring but surprised filled day in Reynosa, first at Peter Piper Pizza then at the Haven as we celebrated the July/August/September birthday of the kids from the Haven. You will have to check in next week for the biggest surprise, as we are sworn to secrecy until then!!!! For now, enjoy the pictures from the celebration party.

cupcakes - big glasses for the lucky birthday celebrants

we were instructed to sit 4 per table

Paty's glamorous nails

we were able to make our own pizzas - step one - the crust which was pre-made for us

from the left, clockwise, Fred, Rhonda, another Fred, Sergio, Dulce, and Paty

now the toppings - instructions were in Spanish, so we just followed what the kids did

Belinda and Carolina, ready to bake theirs

presents ready and waiting

we were treated to a tour of Peter Piper Pizza - the baking ovens

cutting baked pizzas

BIG and little pizza dough cutters

even a heart shaped one for special occasions

lined up in the freezer - too cold for me

more pizzas ready to be completed

sauce anyone

now for the fun time - we were given cards to play all the games and win tickets to be traded for prizes

ready to be honored for their birthdays - even Jesse

Belinda posing - I was very surprised as she is usually very shy

all the lucky birthday celebrants

mass confusion as presents are distributed and opened

Fred and Paty

me and Belinda

Belinda's special gifts - each child receives the same number of gifts

Carolina in braces - after her recent surgery, she is walking for the first time in her life - thanks to CHI and the help of wonderful donors

back at the Haven, celebrating Jessie's birthday - number 77

talk about a snootful of cake

It was a full day today - please keep Marvin and Judy in your prayers, as Marvin is in hospice with the end very close. How ironic that they mined for gold in their younger days - how surprised Marvin will be when he can walk on streets of gold!!! The angels will be singing as they welcome him home. We attended church services, brought Judy some lunch as she is staying at the hospital all the time now, went to the store to purchase some micro food for her meals tomorrow and returned to visit some more with her and to talk to Marvin, even though he does not respond. Bill and Ali Artherholt, former chaplains at ARV, called and prayed with and for all of us as we minister to Marvin and comfort Judy.

 

Pastor Israel's sermon this morning referring to the Lord's power to save was so powerful itself. He told the story of Colonel Rowe ( a school and main thoroughfare here in the Valley are named for him) who went to West Point, became a green beret and served in Viet Nam. He was actually in the intelligence division of the service, was captured, and imprisoned for 5 years. Somehow he managed to keep the true nature of his positron from the enemy and convinced them he was just an engineer. After about 5 years, he was to be executed and was being led to his execution point in the jungle when an American helicopter flew overhead. He managed to overcome his captors but because he was dressed in enemy clothing was almost shot down. He managed to somehow convey to the helicopter that he was not the enemy and was saved at the last minute. Don't wait for the last minute to be saved - be prepared. So many signs are pointing to the fact that we may be in our final days before the Lord returns - be prepared now - don't wait!!! We often become too complacent, not listening to the Lord. God has the power to save us from our sin just as saved Colonel Rowe. He has given us His son, Jesus, for this very purpose. His timing is perfect and He is always working to save us. Just listen.

 

We feel that God is leading us to a new outreach ministry - we will know more this coming Friday. Just pray that we are listening to Him and follow His will. His timing is indeed perfect.