Mission Accomplished

A few posts ago I mentioned trying to finish an unfinished project - one that had been hanging on undone for a few years. Mission accomplished - 5 Santas completed, boxed, and ready for the mail. I won't tell you how many more of these unfinished things I have, but I am working on them.


a feeling of a job well done

My printer went on the fritz Wednesday so we headed off to Best Buy to find another one. Luckily we had purchased the warranty (at a very reasonable price) and found the exact model for an even exchange, as well as an additional $5.00+ gift card. I really could not believe it when I saw tents already set up and people in line on Wednesday for Black Friday sales!!! Don't people realize that the "sale" items are really special items manufactured especially for Black Friday - cheaper replicas of the real thing??? And so is life - all the things of this world are just replacements of the Real Thing - Jesus, who gave His life for us on the only true Black Friday.

 

Thanksgiving at the park was a time of  celebration, as usual, but on a smaller scale then in previous years. It seems as if the folks are arriving later than usual. Marilyn Bahney (Chaplain Lee's wife) and I hosted a table, and wound up with a total of 19 people at our table. Our activity director was kind enough to set us up as a buffet type setting so that everyone could get their food and it all be still hot. There was the normal Thanksgiving fare. Fred was overjoyed as he was going to eat a piece of apple pie since his weight loss program (he lost over 80#) already) only to discover that that there was not an apple pie in the whole hall!!!Our table had 4 pumpkin pies, a pumpkin cake, and brownies. I think I startled people when I greeted them with the question "what are you thankful for?". The answers were as diverse as the people themselves. It was a quiet, peaceful day even if the Packers lost the football game!!!

 

 our 45 year old turkey centerpiece thanks to Yvonne

 a real Mexican Thanksgiving centerpiece

kitchen helpers deboning turkey

 our table - Yvonne waving hi to all

the beginning of the end - Packers lost to da Bears

 

The church served donuts at all of the Wednesday meetings in November - we like that month because there is usually only 4 Wednesdays and not a lot of folks here yet. It is fun to serve in any capacity here at the park - spiritually or otherwise.

first the donuts need to be counted, then put on trays and served as residents come through the line - looks like a lot of sweet rolls, but no nearly as many as in January and February.

There was such a lesson in un-prejudicial living this week in the park. As I walked up to the hall one day, I saw two lovely white birds on a limb, sunning themselves in the warm afternoon.

 

 

The next day I saw this:

 

Would this world be a happier much better place to live if everyone could exist together like this??? What a perfect situation that would be.

 

 

We had a very busy morning in church today. This being the first Sunday in Advent, the Advent candle was lit, with a reading of the importance of us remembering what the Advent season truly means. We also had communion, as this is the last Sunday in the month. That, as well as Walter Plant playing for our church services with special music by Bob McArther on the clarinet made for a wonderful day to sing praise to the Lord. Chaplain Lee's sermon was so very pointed as he talked about being offended. It seems that everyone is offended by something in this world. I am offended by the fact that everyone seems to have a chip on their shoulder for some reason or another. The Bible tells us that it is OK to be angry, but to sin not. Pray for those who offend you -  ask for the patience not to lash out at them as we need to be a blessing to God as well as others. Instead of trying to change others opinions, maybe we need to change by not being offended. We can rely on the fact the God never changes - He is the same as yesterday, today, and forever.

 

Try this week to see something good in those who protest, those who are intolerant of others, and those who just are plain unhappy. God wants us all to be content in our station of life just as the man who lives under the interstate about a mile from our park. He lives and sleeps there (it must be cold and noisy) but when asked if he could be taken to a shelter, he just said no, he was content where he was. Lord, help me to be content in my warm home, with food in the refrigerator, friends to talk to, and a God who loves me unconditionally.  

 

 

 

 

 



Thanksgiving

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is here already. When our girls were younger, it was a day of the family getting together for a big turkey dinner, a time for them to visit with their cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents, and a day when they could do what ever they pleased and not get into too much trouble. For the men it was deer hunting and football - for us women it was cook, serve, and clean up. But it was truly a day of thankfulness for family and friends. I particularly loved the day after Thanksgiving - I really did not cook that day (leftovers, of course), but it was the beginning of my Christmas baking. I turned on Christmas music and baked all day and lots of days after that to prepare for Christmas. Now our girls are grown (some of them grandparents themselves) and are preparing their own Thanksgiving dinners. My baking has really dwindled. I still do some for gifts and visitors, but certainly not to the extent I used to do.

There are a couple of praises and thanksgiving in our family the past couple of weeks. Our grandson Seth Wilken, was named the Caretaker of the year (which encompassed 4 counties in NW Arkansas). We are so proud of him. He is also so very humble - upon receiving the award his reply was "I was only doing my job". But he does his job fully and with love and compassion.  Also, our great grand niece, Raeleigh Ann was born a bit early due to complications, but all is well. God is so good. Our family line is continuing - I wonder if our relatives in  50 years will relate to us in any way, other than our names and position in the family? I sincerely pray that we leave a legacy of love and Christian values.

On Friday we celebrated the life a dear friend and resident here in the park - Marvin Rutledge who passed away in September. If any of you knew him, you were truly lucky. It was a lovely service, with friends giving tribute to Marvin and his love for politics, Texas football, and the price of gold!!!! The church was full of friends and relatives - a really wonderful indication that he was loved by many.

Yesterday, we took Chaplain Lee and his wife Marilyn to Mexico so that they would know how to get there on their own. We needed a few medications (so much cheaper there even with co-pays AND endorsed by our family doctor). It was really crowded, with all the street vendors vying for our attention. Marilyn wanted to get a pedicure, so as Fred and Lee shopped, I decided to join her. It was so relaxing having our feet massaged, lotioned, pampered, and painted!!! Marilyn was a bit conservative with a pastel rose pink polish - me - who likes bling, got a red sparkly color (because of Christmas of course).  Marilyn broke a bone in her leg (by her foot) and had to be a bit careful during the process but everything went well. We got a chance to visit and get to know each other better, as this is their first year as Chaplains here at the park.

Chaplain Lee's sermon was partially about Thanksgiving of course as he reminded us to be thankful in all things, including adversities. Be thankful for salvation because of the death of His Precious Son, Jesus. Be thankful for His forgiveness and mercy. Putting God first in our lives reminds us that it really is not all about you or me - but all about Him. We need to always pray - when we say we do not need pray is the time we really need prayer.  Many say God is not a fair God - this is so true. If He was truly fair, we never would know His forgiveness and mercy. God's love is endless - tell someone every day that you love them. Chaplain Lee encouraged to tell someone that we love them - as thoughts and words of love ended the service, people left with smiles on their faces and gladness in their hearts. A gentleman who did not attend the service came in after and mentioned that the service must have been good, as those who were leaving were smiling and laughing. We told him it was indeed a good service, and invited him to join us next week. He considered this and said maybe he would do so after Thanksgiving. See what a little love will do??

During the coming week, tell someone you love them - thank God everyday for your blessings. As Chaplain Lee said - we need 364 days of Thanksgiving and only one day of doom and gloom.

My greatest thanks are for my husband and our family, our daughters (and their husbands and significant others), our grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings and in-laws. All of whom make us feel loved everyday. So go out and make someone smile.

What Happened to Sunday

Today started out a bit strange to say the least. I had set the alarm for 6:30 but awoke at 6:45 to the sound of faint music. Wondering where that was coming from, I checked the clock and realized the alarm had not gone off, then realized that the music was coming from the clock - a local radio station. Now how did this happen???? Oh well, we got up, showered, read some devotionals, ate a bite for breakfast and started to get ready for services here at the park. Telephone rings - a resident in the park asking if we could go with her to the hospital as she was having chest pains and was shaky - she wanted to drive herself but just wanted me to go along. No way was that going to happen - we finished getting dressed, drove over to her place and could not convince her to call an ambulance. She just got out of the shower (yes, she had to shower first!!!), so we hurried her along and drove to the heart hospital. After a short wait, it was determined that she had pulled muscles while weeding yesterday, which caused chest and shoulder pain. Drove her back home with instructions to rest and use hot compresses and take pain pills. Missed church services and Sunday School. On the way home we received another message that our on-site manager was in the hospital since yesterday. Went with friends to lunch, picked up our Chaplain (his truck is still in for repairs) and he and Fred went for another hospital visit. We then needed to go to friendly Lowe's because our faucet on the kitchen sink broke, also needed a few groceries, took the Chaplain along as he too needed supplies (no truck, remember). His wife stayed home as she is housebound because of a fractured bone in her leg and cannot see the orthopedic surgeon until Tuesday. Finally came home exhausted and wondering where the day had gone!!! It was a good feeling of exhaustion though as we know that we got through all of this because of  God's orchestration - although Satan was doing his best to discourage us.

A patio sale in the park on Saturday which resulted with lots of left-overs - donations for Children's Haven International. The hearts of the residents of the park are so full of love for others - God is certainly present here.

A beautiful water bird was sunning himself near he lake on Friday - I did manage to get a coupe of pictures before he noticed me and decided to fly off to the other side of the lake for more privacy.

enjoying the S Texas warmth

looking for a more private place

some mums showing off their color

 

 

We had our first Chaplains meeting/training yesterday, It was so great seeing those who have returned (some have not come back due to health or personal reasons). We have new parks in the Valley this year, as well as potential chaplains. Despite all the  situations so far, God certainly has great things in store for Christian Resort Ministries.

 

Take time right now to pray for protection for everyone as a result of the terror attacks overseas these past few days. These devastating acts of violence cannot continue - pray for God's intervention if it is His will. Deliver us, O Lord, from harm.

 

 



 

Sweater Weather

Early this morning was definitely sweater weather. As we prepared to ready everything for the first church service of the season at Alamo Rec Veh, I ran back into the house for a sweater - almost impossible to even think about!!! The weather was so very nice and warm, actually perfect most of the week. But by this afternoon, it was a beautiful day here in S Texas - a quiet Sunday afternoon. We defrosted our small freezer, visited with friends and neighbors, and just enjoyed the almost perfect day.

Many of the CRM Chaplains have arrived here in S Texas for their winter assignments with next Saturday being our first Chaplain meeting/training for the winter. We get to say hello to old friends and also new Chaplains. We were surprised with a visit from Chaplain Roy and Paula Gee yesterday and enjoyed an early evening of visiting and laughs. CRM Chaplains are a unique group who are bonded by the desire to serve the Lord according to His calling. We are so blessed to be a part of this family.

Surprisingly nothing really strange or unusual happened this week except the fact that our Chaplain Lee Bahney's wife slipped in their kitchen and twisted her ankle - she was at services this morning and bravely read the prayer and praise requests. Pray for quick healing and release of pain and swelling.

Our first service was pretty awesome - Pastor Lee delivered an interesting sermon based on his experience as a Little League coach - relating coaching to following the Lord. His first request of making an investment in him reminded us that we all need prayer and encouragement. There are 4 basic things points in coaching that ring so very true in life - there is always room for improvement, teamwork  is important, sportsmanship is imperative, and having a good time is a requirement. As we continue to read the Bible and pray, we need to realize that it is through Christ that we begin to understand His word more an more. We often forget to pray - after all we have a warm bed to sleep in, food to eat, clothes to wear - we forget who to thank for this. In the poorest of poor countries, people pray always (as we are commanded - pray without ceasing) for a bit of food for their gnawing, constant hunger, a place to sleep out of the rain and danger - all of the things we take for granted. Teamwork is of utmost importance - we should work together for a common cause. God often speaks in the Bible of unity - we don't always agree but can live in unity together - agreeing to disagree. Sportsmanship is part of daily living - not everyone can win, losing happens all the time. Sportsmanship should be a friendly competition, not prone to cheating or complaining if we lose. Lastly, always have fun - in sports, in work, in life, and following the Lord. It is not always easy, but always rewarding.

As we entering the season of Thanksgiving, plan a week of thanks - everyday make it a point to concentrate on one different  thing you are thankful for. Our church bulletin board has a wreath on it which sprouts multi-colored leaves. Each leaf represents some one specific thing that a resident on the park is thankful for. A great idea to remind us to always be thankful. Make you week of thanks be just as colored - colored with thanks and praise to the Lord.

The End and the Beginning

I know - this looks backwards, not the beginning and the end but the end and the beginning. The end of the summer people and the beginning of the Winter Texans. The summer people become part of the winter activity here at the park. Last night we had a Halloween pot-luck - the beginning of all the pot lucks, dinners, jam luncheons (not really jelly-jam but music jam), breakfasts, bake sales, and holiday dinners that go on all winter. It is said that the favorite hobbies of Winter Texans are eating and hunting - eating out and hunting for new places to eat out. More folks are coming in at the park each day. Seeing old friends and neighbors is the beginning  of renewing old friendships and making new friends.

Our Chaplain finally made it down here to the park after a week of  many, many delays and problem situations. Another chaplain also had mishaps - guess Satan was really working overtime to prevent CRM Chaplains from returning to the Valley - hah - was he fooled!!!

Yesterday was a day of all sorts of situations - as we were working on the car port our neighbor's adult daughters insisted on helping (they painted the beams earlier in the week for us). I was preparing food for the pot-luck when Chaplain Lee and Marilyn called and informed me that they were in the park and needed direction to their site. I went to help them get settled in but they were having a problem getting their RV into their particular site, so I drove back to get Fred to help. When I was gone, one of the girls fell off the ladder so as I drove into our lot, I saw here lying on the driveway with the others standing around her. I told Fred that he needed to help Chaplain Lee on the other side of the park and he hollered that the ambulance was on the way. I stayed at our house as he headed over to Chaplain Lee's house. The ambulance arrived and transported Nadine to the hospital with a broken wrist and other injuries as her mother and I followed. To make a long story short - all is much better - Nadine had a broken wrist and hairline crack in her pelvis, Cat scan showed no head injuries. (We thanked and praised the Lord for that).  I returned home in time to finish food for the pot-luck, then after eating we returned to the hospital. A lot more issues too involved to mention, but God was working for us as everything worked itself out. We feel so very bad because she fell at our house, but she and her sister were very adamant about helping us. We are praying for a more quiet coming week, but I doubt that as we are preparing for our first church service and the first park meeting where the church serves the donuts. The Beginning!!

Today was our last church service until next spring at Great Oaks Community Church as our service will be held at the park on Sundays. The Ending! Pastor Israel's sermon this morning about faith really hit home as sometimes I wonder if I am truly following God's calling or is it just my own desires that are leading me. Pastor Israel likened our walk by faith but not by light to the bat - a nocturnal creature who depends on his "radar" rather than sight. He flies around in darkness, depending on this radar (faith) as he searches the bugs he needs for survival. We, too, live by faith and trust - as we fly in an airplane, when our kids ride the school bus, as we drink the bottled water. Faith that the plane will indeed fly and take us safely to our destination, faith that the bus driver will deliver our children safely to school, and faith that the water we drink is pure and safe. But faith is more than that - it is trusting God completely - relying on His guidance and instruction. We need to realize that even, in faith,  if we do as God commands us to, trouble will always be there. Take courage - God is always present. The disciples were caught in a storm "But Jesus immediately said to them, "take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid". Matthew 14:27 These are the words of the Master - words that we need in time of trouble. We need to keep our eyes on the Lord, or as Peter did, we will sink.

This coming week as the distractions of life seem to overwhelm you, remember to
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of this earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace".
(Helen H. Lemmel)