Springtime???

It is springtime on the calendar, but I think it forgot us here in the Valley. 43 degrees here this morning, although it did warm up this afternoon. The amaryllis are blooming, but I do not think the Easter lilies are going to open before Easter. The park is becoming more quiet (our next door neighbors left today for their Wisconsin home) as most of the activities are ending for the season. We had our last Ladies Bible Study for the year, the sewing group has also finished their quilting, the creative expressions (do you own special project) finished up last week also. We have only one more church service Easter Sunday here at the park. We pray that God sends us the perfect chaplain/pastor for next year - The Church @ Alamo Rec Veh is split and under attack from Satan so please pray for God's will to be done.

We have the job of watering the flowers and vegetable of our neighbors - they have tomatoes and peppers in their back yard and flowers out front. I love to see blooming flowers - I just do not like to weed them!!!

neighbor's colorful leafy plant surrounded by roses

 

 

The park held a St. Patrick's Day parade Thursday, followed by a dinner and dance. We watched the parade for a bit - it was short and did not come past the house, so I really did not get a lot of good pictures - it was nice to be outside with neighbors, just enjoying the earlier warm weather.

 red hatters enjoying the ride

 if you look closely on the road by the street sign, you will see one of the radio controlled cars scooting along in the parade

this lady walked the whole parade route with her walker

 

 

The Lord has so blessed our ministry with donations of food and clothing. We will have to get a warehouse permit pretty soon because of all the donations that have been coming in. We do plan to distribute a huge amount this week to the colonias. Fred took a load into the colonias this last week and surprised the residents with the fact that all of it was for them and it was free!!! It seems a man, representing himself as a church representative, brings bags of overripe vegetables to them and then charges them $5 a bag. How sad that someone would take advantage of someone less fortunate than himself. All of the things that are donated to us (including some items we ourselves buy) is distributed free to those who need it. Along with the donations, we try to instill in them the Word of God - that God does truly love them and died for their sins so that they too could have eternal life.

 food and clothing - the bins are full of bagged rice and beans (we get the beans and rice in bulk and bag it in gallon bags).

 produce, clothing, and bolts of fabric for quilt making

we are indeed going to need a warehouse permit

 

 

Pastor Jim Maxson delivered a powerful message this morning entitled "Three Crosses". The worship team and he do not confer on sings and message - today it came together perfectly. We also had a beautiful cross on a table which just intensified the power of the message. The cross is actually a chosen symbol of our faith. Jesus' arms stretched out vertically reaching towards heaven reminds us of God's greatest gift as an atonement for our sins. Jesus' arms stretched out horizontally for all of us - each and everyone. Jesus' first and last words on the cross were "Father", symbolizing His confidence in God and to all who die believing. When Jesus' said the words, "It is finished", He meant many things - His suffering was over, His victory over Satan, the debt was paid. Jesus paid the debt so that when we stand before the Lord on judgment day, His death covers our sin in a blanket of white - He paid the debt for us so our sin is not visible. What a wonderful victory!!!!

 

During this Holy week, remember that Jesus died for all of us - each and everyone. If we accept Him as Lord and Savior, we are free - free from the power of Satan. Be prepared to proclaim, "He has risen"!!!