More Sun, More Fun

I love the longer days - last week I realized that it was still daytime after 6PM - the sun (SON) always makes me happy when the presence is there!

As I walked a bit in the beautiful weather we have been having, I noticed that the turtles were also enjoying the sun. At one time there were 4 perched on a fallen log, sunning themselves as the napped.


sentry duty - he stayed there all afternoon surveying the lake

there was one

then there were two - at one time there were four, but two hopped into the water before I could take a picture 

Radio controlled cars were racing on the track one glorious day - it was fun to watch as sometime the cars did not respond to the controller and went every which direction! Our lives are sometimes like that - we hear God and know what He wants, but still decide to go our own way - only to wind up in a pickle!!! When God is in control, our lives go as He planned. Watching the cars was fun, but not something that I would want to do - the speed boats seem more exciting.

all is well - when God is in control

 

 

 now we want to take control as these guy are in control of their cars (they think!!)

 whoops - our lives out of control and in a pickle

 

 

 

We have received so many generous donations for our ministries. In two weeks we will be going into the colonias to deliver food, quilts cleaning supplies, toiletries, but most of all, the message of God's love for all of us.

 

 

 

 quilts and more quilts, thanks to our Helping Hands sewing group

 generous donations of food (meat, peanut butter, cake mixes, coffee, etc.), Ziploc bags, scotch brite scrubbers, pencils, erasers, bags of soup mixes to just name a few of the things we receive weekly. needless to say, our Texas room has become a store room.

 

Our church Memorial service this last Saturday was so very nice. We honored 23 of those loved ones who passed away last year. After a prayer, "The New 23rd" sung by the choir, a Scripture verse, a reading of a lovely poem, and a short prayer penned by one of those who passed away, several people lit candles for their loved ones. They also received a rose from one of the beautiful floral bouquets and a copy of the poem. It was a very moving service as we ended with "Amazing Grace".

 

candles ready to be lit in honor of loved ones

 

 

 

Our ladies Bible study group is so very interesting - we are studying "Christianity - Cults and Religions" in an effort to understand other religious practices in order better understand Christianity. The most important thing we need to remember to do is not to criticize others beliefs, just ask them what their beliefs are, try to talk to them about their Bibles or others books and answer discrepancies accordingly, using their own books for reference. A huge endeavor while trying to be gentle and understanding.

 

   wonderful ladies - friends studying God's Word together

 

 

We had the opportunity to attend a program featuring The Texans (a Branson based gospel group) and Lulu Roman (remember her from Hee Haw??). The Texans are family gospel singers with an amazing talent, as well as a huge ministry - drilling wells in countries with poor water supply. Lulu gave her testimony of being a throw-away child (her mother had the mental capacity of a 7 year old due to the many beatings and head injuries she had received from her alcoholic parents) and given to an orphanage by her grandparents at age 3 because they no longer wanted to care for her. Lulu spent all of those years until she was 18 having no friends or relatives, never being adopted, living a very lonely life. She went to school at a public school, became involved in drugs and became out of control. After leaving the orphanage at age 18, she wandered in a drug filled life when she became pregnant. The doctor informed her that they done all they could to save her son, but because of her drug use, he was destined to"Dude, if you are real, save my son and I will turn my life over to you". It took time, prayer, and more set backs before she truly became a child of God. Her story was so powerful. She has a beautiful singing voice that she now uses for God's glory and praise.

 

 The Texans - praising God in song

 Lulu Roman - relating her life before and after God

singing her love of God

 

 

she is so full of love and joy in the Lord

 

 

Chaplain Lee touched on a very important subject this morning - manipulation, Job 1:6 and 2:1 talks about the devil going back and forth across the world, but have we ever seen him??? No, because he used his demons to torment us with negative thoughts. We are such an emotional people - always wanting to be entertained, not realizing that there are so many things that displease us, allowing us to grumble and try to change everything. The world has been brought into the church. Did Jesus show a lot of emotion in His speaking and ministering?? Probably not, as people in His time did not show a lot of emotion - they did not need to be entertained. We want to do what God wants us to do, but we get distracted by the world. The road to distraction is very wide.We talk about (gossip is a better word) others, even our preachers without realizing that talk is negative, faith is positive, When people start gossiping, we need to ask the gossiper if we can pray for those being talked about. More times than not, the gossip stops when people realize that we will not take part in it.

 

As we go through this next week, remember that being a follower of Christ is not easy (as I felt this last week because of all the inconveniences caused by the many park activities, trying to remember that all I was doing was for Jesus). God is all about change - not trying to change others, but to provide change in our hearts.  

Fun in the Sun

This week has been a wonderful week, filled with sunny beautiful days and fun for everyone. We have a few new activities here in the park - all revolving around RC (Radio controlled) boats, cars, trucks, and even helicopters. Some of the committees have been preparing a race track for the cars, which was finally completed this week, with a few try out races. The boat committees had a boating exhibition on Saturday where the atmosphere like a holiday picnic in a small town. Lots of people came out to watch the guys and their boats on a absolutely perfect day - enjoying the beautiful weather, eating hot dogs, chips, and beverages, visiting, just hanging out. Luckily, I did have a bit of spare time, so I too, had a relaxing, enjoyable time. There is so much to do here at the park, as most folks come down for the winter to enjoy the activities. I love the time I get to spend with everyone and the feeling of being on a long, extended vacation (although the times for us to relax are few and far between as we always seem to be so busy). God has truly blessed us with the opportunity to serve Him in this warm and enjoyable climate.

the completed car race track

I didn't have the opportunity to watch the races this time, but hope I can at some point

as I was walking down the road to watch the boats, I saw this beautiful water bird, who did not seem to mind the commotion at the end of the road

some folks really enjoying the sun

the cooks at work grilling hot dogs

lots of condiments to add

one of the RC sailboats - these "toys" are quite expensive though

I loved the cute little speed boats - they sounded like bumble bees as they zipped around the lake

as we all played, some workers were trimming trees

This coming week there is going to be a presentation of "The Orphan Train", a re-enactment relating the true story of the orphan train of the late 1800's and early 1900's. There were an estimated 250,000 orphaned, abandoned, and homeless children who were placed out during the Orphan Train Movement. They were sent from New York City and other East Coast cities to rural communities across the country and parts of Canada and Mexico. It was one of the largest social reform relocation efforts in our nation's history and the beginning of documented foster care in America. The museum is located in Concordia, Kansas and would surely be an interesting place to visit. I procrastinated and did not buy tickets in time before they were sold out here at the park, but I am sure you can research this amazing part of our American history on-line.

 

We have some really magnificent water birds at the park - just to watch them is such a great thrill. As I was walking one day I noticed a really strange bird in the lake - one I had not seen before. Actually, it was a swan that was man-made and launched into the lake as a permanent home for the winter. I have heard tell that it puts on quite a show at night.

 

what is this strange creature in the lake

closer inspection reveals a man-made swan

 

 a real water fowl - so regal

Our across the street neighbors planted a small elephant ear plant last year - it has grown into a GIANT plant, due to the moisture and heat. So amazing. This is how we grow in the Lord - starting out as a small plant, developing into a full grown mature Christian (through faith and study).

 from tiny plants to mature ones

What a sermon we had this morning as Chaplain Lee started out with "constipation". Wow - where is this going, I thought. We are born, we grow, have children, we die, our children continue on, they have children, and so it goes. Everything in this world has a cycle. What we take in and we have to divest ourselves of. When we receive the Lord's Word through study and sermons, we have to let it come into us, live in us, and come out of us. We are all called to minister God's Word and if we don't we become spiritually constipated. God wants us to give freely, not just with money, but with our words and actions and ourselves. We are to share the Word, be witnesses, and give ourselves to the Lord. It is true that God will use you if you will let Him - listen when He speaks, follow His will, and share His love with everyone.

 

Everyone have an amazingly wonderful week - find joy in the smallest things - the sound of a bird singing, the laughter of a child, the taste of a sweet strawberry, the beauty of the clouds, the smell of a tiny baby, even the warmth of a comfortable bed.

 

 

  

 

Longer Days???

The days do not actually get longer (still only 24 hours in a day)as it stays lighter later, so it seems so. An old Indian once said, "you cannot make a blanket longer if you cut one end of a blanket off and sew it to the other end". So much for daylight savings time!!! It really is nice though to have more sunlight and less darkness. And so it is in our lives - more SONlight and less darkness (sin).

Yesterday we spent the morning at the RV show as our Christian Resort Ministries group hosted a booth in order to spread the information of our RV ministry (placing chaplains in RV parks) as well as recruit prospective chaplains. It was interesting meeting with people, hearing their stories, and seeing old friends. It was so inspiring to listen to others as they related their testimony, shared prayers and praises, and just talked with us. Praise God that a young lady was actually brought to Christ through the ministering of one of our chaplains. It was also a lot of fun as Chaplains Roy and Paula Gee share their fun experience with you. We had the opportunity to share the ministry works on the radio that morning when Regional Director Chaplain Lee Tracey explained our ministry to the area.

Roy and Paula enjoying the RV show

The sun is shining today and it has certainly warmed up, as this morning we had to wear jackets to church. Lots of folks out enjoying this day - biking, walking, just visiting. I have a pot of chicken soup cooking, for tomorrow is the first day of our CHI Bible fellowship and study. We are going to be studying the Essential 100 - 100 essential Bible verses from Genesis to Revelation.  It will be an inspiring time breaking bread together and studying God's Word.

 

We attended a volunteers luncheon at Children's Haven office in Pharr this week. So many volunteers needed to help this ministry continue to grow. It was interesting to listen to how long some of these volunteers have been serving CHI - we have been  working there 8 years, 5 of them as Chaplains. Time never seems to slow down.

 

There have been so many different kinds of birds in the park this year - including pairs of cardinals which we have not seen in recent years. We even had a beautiful fox on the other side of the lake (the east side of the park) who took up residency for a few weeks before he was trapped and released again into the wild. Guess he liked our friendly residents and the left overs they fed him!!!

 

There was a full house in church this morning - we again had to set up more chairs. Luckily, we had enough bulletins this week. Chaplain Lee used Romans Chapter 12 as a basis for most of his sermon. In it, Paul is "begging" us (he used the word "urge", some other translations use "beseech) us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God. We all want to some day see Jesus but are we ready to go now?? Are we right with God  or do we have unforgiveness and bitterness in our hearts? Wow - what a huge question. We ask for forgiveness, but do we give it as freely as we ask for it?? Do we place it at the feet of Jesus, and then take it back again? We often hear forgive and forget - we forgive but we never forget. How we remember is the key issue here. We can continue to remember and feel bitter, or remember with forgiveness and love in our hearts. We strive to follow Jesus, but still do not know the total extent of what He wants from us. He grants us grace - receiving what we don't deserve, and gives us His mercy - not receiving what we do deserve. Oh, how we need direction and encouragement from the Lord in order to use our lives for the Lord.

 

This week remember that it is OK to mess up - we are all human. Just pick up and go on - quit beating yourself up for what has already passed and concentrate on what will be. All of us need God.

 

On a personal note - we are going to be great grandparents again in June - a baby girl named Harper Rhea. Hey kids, we need a few more boys here. 4 great granddaughters and only one great grandson.

 

Sleepy Suday

A crisp, sunny Sunday afternoon - perfect weather for football which we will do shortly with friends - all Packers fans!   PS (the Packers won)

The week has been busy as usual, especially with many folks coming to the park - we had 148 in church this morning. Having to set up more chairs and running out of bulletins are all praises!!!

We spent yesterday afternoon bagging 6 5# pails of rice and 3 of beans for the colonias, which we will visit and distribute in early February. We still need to bag up more of each, but will see if we can obtain some from out outreach ministry suppliers. I don't worry about having enough, as God always supplies just what we need. We also delivered many cases of yogurt and small cartons of milk, along with chocolate shake mix, baby food, lentil soup mix, soda, tomatoes, and eggplant. When the weather is cooler as it has been lately, all of this food helps to keep the body warm. We thank God that He continues to keep us healthy as we work for Him.

Saturday all of us CRM Chaplains met for our monthly meeting at Mr. Gatti's - a popular pizza buffet in the area. Many kids have their birthday parties there and as we met, we heard "Happy Birthday" being sung in the room next to us - we joined in to wish the recipient many blessings. Chaplain Lee Tracey spoke to us in regards to the art of listening. I'm sure you have heard before that God gave us two ears and only one mouth - we are to listen twice as much as we speak. We listen with human ears so do not always interpret what we hear correctly. God listens to us and understands exactly what we mean, sometimes before we even express it. We need to let God work in us through our ears.

Last night was our first Christian movie here in the park - "Do You Believe?". If you have not had a chance to see it yet, I suggest that you do so. A powerful movie challenging you - asking if you believe in Jesus Christ. Be sure to bring plenty of tissues though!

Our church services today were video taped (actually just the sermon) to be placed on the web. It may be on my facebook page shortly so be sure to watch for it. Pastor Lee's sermon taken from Genesis 3:1-8 concentrated on deception and how easy it is for us to be deceived in today's world. He encouraged us to be sure to check out the words of our pastor if we don't agree with him/her by comparing his words to the Word of the Lord (the Bible). There were two trees in the Bible - the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The tree of life represents Jesus and the following of God's word. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil represents our evil flesh. Why were these trees so close together in the Garden of Eden??  They represented a place of temptation - do we follow Jesus or the worldly sins???  We are tempted daily by the world, therefore we need to pray and read God's word daily in order to follow Him as He commands. Don't give in to temptation, but thank God for the ability to resist. Things in life look good and tempting (like the apple) but they draw us away from God. Although Adam and Eve tried to hide from God we cannot do that because He knows our thoughts. There are 3 areas where we are deceived 1) we believe what we want to believe, 2)we believe we are OK because what we believe determines how we live, and 3) we believe we have everything that God for us. News flash - we do not have everything even when we think we are there!!! We then quit growing.
the abundant life is in God.

May this week bring you blessings beyond you wildest dreams. Put your trust in His word and continue to reap the benefits.

Welcome 2016

The years just seem to fly by - yesterday was only last year, but 1961 seems like just yesterday!!! The strange thing is that I seem to remember all the years since then - what a marvelous thing our brains are.

During the Christmas season we blessed to be a part of the program at Emmanuel First Baptist Church of Alton, where our friend Ida, who is an amazing servant of God attends. The church presented a program for the children whose parent/parents are incarcerated. There are about 700 of these children in the Valley which are divided up  by various churches in order for these kids to have a Merry Christmas as well as to understand the true meaning of Christmas and the enormity of God's love for them. Another RV park where we have chaplains donated homemade stockings filled with surprises for the kids - the Texas Baptist Association donated presents for all of them. Again, these are the only presents that the kids received this Christmas. After a time of prayer, worship music, and a short skit put on by the kids with the help of Ida, the presents and stockings were distributed and received by the families with thanksgiving in their hearts. We reminded them that all of this is possible because of the glory of God. 

church ladies making 125 dozen tortillas

the reason for the season

Emmanuel First Baptist Church of Alton - built by its congregation

a singing pastor and his son

the kids presenting their program of "the perfect Christmas card"

the homemade stockings - enough for all

sparkling eyes and smiles of thanks

time to check out the stockings

It has been cold and rainy here in S Texas which has many folks in the park sick with the flu, colds, etc. I did my turn last week, and now Fred has his turn, although he did not get the cough I had. Last week when I missed church services, I felt as if something was missing from my day (it was - especially the fellowship of other Christians). Yesterday evening we decided to make chicken soup for today- a perfect rainy cold day meal. We got started a bit late, finished at 9:30 PM, but enjoyed the effort we made for dinner today. In Sunday School, we found out that others had the same idea!!!!! Our class on discipleship has grown as most people have arrived here in the park. It is so enlightening as everyone in the class participates and we have many points of view. Next week our services are going to be video taped and placed on the web. I'll let you know the web address so you too can be blessed by Chaplain Lee.

 

Chaplain Lee reminded us this morning that we indeed are a body of Christ especially when we join together in prayer.  Sometimes we forget that Christianity is an everyday process as we try to live in God's word everyday. God's Word, the Bible, brings life to our life.

 

Did you know that there is a difference between murder and killing??? Murder is usually done out of anger and with a thought process involved. In the Old Testament, killing  was getting rid of evil - in the New Testament it is a spiritual battle against evil (Satan). Even thinking evil against someone is a sin, just as calling someone worthless or a fool makes you subject to judgement. Each and everyone of us is a value to the Lord. We stumble and fall every day as we go through life being angry at someone for something. Let us be able to admit that we are wrong at times, even if we are right. The Old Testament holds to the fact that you actually had to commit a sin to become a sinner - the New Testament tells us that that all we have to do is think about it to become a sin. Following the Bible is difficult for all of us - we need wisdom and help from other Christians.

 

This coming week pray for those who do you wrong (or you think did you wrong) - the person who cuts you off in traffic, the clerk who seems distant and does not seem to care about you, the neighbor who ignores you because they are having a bad day, or even your spouse who misunderstands you for the moment. God's grace calls for us to change.