Ham Hunting

 

I know this sounds strange, but it really isn't. We collect the small canned hams for the folks in need - the type of hams that do not need to be refrigerated and can be put on a grill to heat up for Christmas Dinner (many of  those we serve do not have stoves, running water, or even electricity). Some of our residents just give us money to go and buy the hams which are often on sale at Walgreen's or CVS Pharmacy. This week it was Walgreen's, so tonight we went to different Walgreen's stores (usually you are only allowed 4 per customer so we sought out all the area Walgreen's stores) on a ham hunt. Most stores only have a few on the shelves and with the coupon (and a Walgreen card) the hams were only 2/$5.00. Due to the generosity of the park residents, we purchased 40 hams this evening, making a total so far of 76 hams - we are hoping for 100 which we will distribute Christmas week.

I did finish my Christmas decorating (or at least all I am going to do this year) so now the house looks a bit festive. At night we turn on the lights of the tree and outside cross as well as a few battery candles which really look pretty. Many of the park residents go way out with decorating, but all I can think of is the electric bill!!!

sorry this is sideways - cannot seem to flip it - our little tree aglow with lights

a woodland Santa I bought years ago

the cross plays Christmas carols

our tree from outside

the neighbors always put out their wiener dog

stockings that have been around for over 35 years - I  made one for everyone for many years - daughters, spouses, boyfriends, grandchildren, friends, etc. Now daughter Brenda has taken over the project - she makes them and fills them with candy for food baskets that her facility gives to those in need as well as sewing some our great grandchildren.

a lovely type of Holy family scene

simple, inexpensive decoration

This week had a huge impact on Christianity. A situation arose here in the park where people had the opportunity to stand up for Christianity and refuse to give in to the worldly view of Christmas (people were trying to take Christ out of Christmas). They stood their ground until those in authority gave in and allowed Christ back into Christmas. We are so proud of them. As Christians, we need to not back down when someone threatens our faith.

Our Chaplains Christmas party was so awesome. We all got together to fellowship, break bread together, and re-read the Christmas story according to Luke. Regional manager, Lee Tracey, gave the message on what it means to be a Chaplain for Christian resort Ministries. He explained that we do need to be above reproach at all times. we are servants of the Lord - servants being focused on others rather than ourselves, and listening with the wisdom of God. We must do all of our duties as CRM Chaplains, even if we do not feel like doing them (getting an urgent call at 2 AM, giving up something we have scheduled for ourselves in order to help another, or doing some menial work because we are called to do it). We are now ministers of the gospel, servants of the most Holy God, no matter how we lived or what we did before God called us to serve Him. This is a huge responsibility and not one to be taken lightly. Our waitress kept pretty busy attending to us but seemed to be carrying a heavy personal burden. After we went to break-out sessions, Chaplain Marilyn Bahney asked her if we could pray for her. She answered "why" and then "no" as she stated that she was not "religious" and again said she did not want prayers. After she left the room we did indeed pray for her. Was it not a "God thing" that she was placed in a room with 30+ Chaplains, singing God's praises and praying together??? We just hope that a seed was planted.

 

 

 table set and ready for us at the Echo Hotel

visiting and exchanging opinions!

Regional Manager, Lee Tracey,  using God's word to explaining our responsibility

 a time to sing praises to God through Christmas carols

Bill Hart, our 80+ Chaplain, who cannot preach without weeping

 

We had an amazing church service again this morning as Chaplain Lee explained to us what it is to truly have faith. Romans 1:17 says that "the righteous shall live by faith". We don't just acquire faith and end it there - faith has to grow. We do not have a blessing when we develop faith, but we are blessed by God. The things of this world (lead by the devil) are always trying to draw you away from God - you know, especially this time of year - buy the perfect present (is there such a thing), buy this TV and you will be happy forever, spend money to buy happiness, all sorts of distractions. You cannot buy the perfect gift - it is only the one given to you by God - His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. . In order to follow Jesus, we need faith. "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Hebrews 11:1-2.

 

 

This coming week try to think of the many things you have faith in besides our Lord and Savior - faith in our National currency, faith in the fact that the sun will rise tomorrow, faith that your doctor knows what he is talking about, faith that taxation will never go away, faith that you will eventually die. All of these things we believe by faith - anyone who says they have no faith is being delusional.