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.