Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head

Sweet, beautiful cooling rain has been falling off and on this week. Last night there was even some soft, rolling, calming thunder! With just one heavy rain and lots of showers the flowers and fields of S Texas have flourished. Many of the growers are harvesting the sweet Texas onions, cabbage, and cilantro and plowing and preparing the fields for hot weather crops. The corn fields are high and waving gently in the summer breezes.

We went to Mexico yesterday - what a shock we got! We had to wait in line along the road to even enter the parking lot on the American side. We have never seen it so crowded. And this was early the morning. The streets of Progresso were crowded, the street hawkers were everywhere, and it seemed that everyone was out shopping in the coolness of the day. The smells of the outdoor vendors were in the air, music seemed to be playing all over, and folks were in a happy mood. When we were leaving, the line of cars waiting to enter the US was terribly long as we walked across the bridge. We were happy to be leaving as it began to warm up (it was actually hot). As we crossed to the American side, there was still a long line waiting to get in the parking lot, as crowds were crossing into Mexico to shop. I wondered what was happening as there seemed to be no special activities happening.

We were so very blessed with an abundance of food donations this past week - celery, peppers, cucumbers tortillas bread, eggplant, tomatoes, butternut squash, and much more - we feed over 50 families and distributed lots of clothes. It was fun to watch the ladies sit on the ground in the middle of a blanket full of clothing items, selecting those they thought would fit family members, As the piles diminished, more clothing was added, and the search began again. Because the ministry has grown so much (thanks to the grace of God) we have added a logo for it - Caring Hearts Ministry. If God lays it upon your heart to contribute to this ministry (which is tax deductible for you), please send to - Caring Resources Ministeries Int'l. 2186 Jackson Keller Road 2094 San Antonio, TX 78213 in memo: Fred and Leila Preuss # 1027. We thank you for your love and support knowing He will bless you for your generosity.

Some more of the Texas cacti have been blooming this week creating a variety of color here in the park. Our neighbors planted tomatoes and peppers, so we have been harvesting them as they have left for their Northern home.  We have to pick the tomatoes green, as the birds start to peck holes in them as the begin to ripen. They taste so delicious - so much better than store bought tomatoes. I have been grinding the extras up and freezing them for hot dishes and other cooking to create wonderful home cooked meals. Also will be making fried green tomatoes this week!!!

as we left for a short errand these blooms were open and beautiful so I decided to take a picture when we returned - already they started to droop and die - lesson learned - don't wait to enjoy the beauty of God's creation - don't wait to  tell someone you love and miss them - time is way too short!

 

just waiting to become fried green tomatoes - others to ripen and be frozen.

the first time I have ever seen these cactus bloom yellow - most of the time they just have large red buds on them

 

the blossoms seem so delicate

 

 We had long enjoyable lunch today with Chaplains Bob and Barbara Ostermaier. I sat at the hospital with Barbara as Bob had thyroid surgery this past week. The surgery went well and God again answered prayers - no cancer! Praise Him always. After visiting with them for awhile, we went to visit  Chaplains Jim and Shirley Maxon. They are new CRM Chaplains and preached at 3 of our services this past season at ARV. A really fun couple, devoted to mission work.  They were deciding if they should return to the mission field.  Instead they came to S Texas to workcamp at Mission Bell in Mission, Texas. Do you think God is speaking to them?? They accepted the position of Chaplain at Mission Bell park for next season, although they had other alternatives in mind - we have to remember God's plans for us are greater than ours!

Our sermon this morning with Pastor Robert Perales was a continuation of last week's Wrestling With God. This week was based on Jonah1:1-3. And no, Jonah was not swallowed by a whale, nowhere in the Bible does it say whale, but translates to mean a big sea monster. When we ask God for blessings, He often gives us more than we can imagine, as with our food and clothing ministry. We pray and He overwhelms us! As with Jonah as God told him to go to Nineveh, we too, ignore His commands and run in the other direction, not wanting others to see how weak we are: how broken we are. Jonah ran from Nineveh because their people killed his people and Jonah was prejudiced against them. So he ran in the opposite direction across the sea to Tarshish , only to be thrown overboard and swallowed up a by a big sea monster, then spit out on the shores of Nineveh!!! God showed him that you cannot hide from God. Jonah entered Nineveh and preached one of the shortest messages in the Bible - Repent! And they did. Jonah was way out of his comfort zone - exposing his ugly (his prejudice towards the Ninevites, even though he did as God wanted). He thought God would punish them, but they repented and God forgave them! Not what Jonah had expected. We have to face our Nineveh - swallow our pride and prejudice and allow relationships to change. This was a very powerful message for me due to all the stress and changes in the park this year.

We have a personal prayer request - please pray for Jim W. as he has just be diagnosed with stage 4 bone cancer and will begin chemo treatments in about a week. Pray for Jim's ability to deal with the treatments, his wife Nancy's ability to minister to him with compassion and patience, family bonding but most of all God's total healing power.  

 

 

 

April Showers

April showers are supposed to bring May flowers, but we have not had any rain to speak of in a long time. This coming week is supposed to be rainy 4 days in a row - but again, the weatherman has been known to be wrong, How amazing that someone gets paid to be wrong!!!We do have flowers blooming, especially the ever beautiful bougainvillea which we have yet to plant. We wanted to do this last fall - perhaps this coming year.

the yellow roses of Texas - clipped from a neighbors yard

volunteer johnny jump-ups in our yard - they are so delicate

as I do not like to weed I plant glass flowers

the cactus in bloom - actually it only blooms one day usually at night - these blossoms are done and getting ready to fall off

we were up early one morning, so I was able to capture the real beauty of the flowers 

another one of God's mysterious creations

Chaplains Jim and Shirley Maxon attended the planning meeting with the mayor of Donna along with us, for the National Day of Prayer in May. The celebration will be held on May 14 so we had to delay our vacation trip a day or so. We need to make decisions as most of the volunteer work depends on the ability to also speak Spanish. All 4 of us volunteered to man the salvation booth, but definitely need a Spanish speaking person with us. Most of the area people speak English as well, but we want to make sure that no one is not to because of the language barrier.

 

When we went to Reynosa on Thursday to deliver some items to the refuge we had to cross at the Hildago Bridge and drive through Reynosa, which we had not done in a long time. We usually cross at another bridge closer to the refuge which is less dangerous but much more stringent as to what we can take into Mexico. We crossed with no problem, even getting a green light (we did not have to pull over and be inspected). It was almost like a new experience driving through the city again. we had wanted to see Paty, one of the girls at the refuge that we sponsor, but due to her school schedule and music practice, she would not be home at RIN until 6 that night - too late for us to stay in Reynosa. Perhaps next time - we have missed seeing her for these last couple of months. Belinda our other girl was there, but Thursday was one of her "cold" days - sometimes she is thrilled to see us and is all smiles, other times she almost ignores us. We let her react as she chooses, not forcing her to hug us, but encouraging her with smiles.

 cars everywhere - there seems to be no rhyme or reason to it all

city buses - white painted school buses

an abandoned hotel - the artists should channel their talent elsewhere

the canal in Reynosa, where the "coyotes" bring those who want to cross illegally - the coyotes tell them "just swim across and you will be in America". Sorry to say they are still in Mexico with the American border a yet few miles away. Reynosa has a population of 1 million registered residents, but because of the those who want to cross to America, it is about 2-3 million. There are many stranded people along the canal and river, living in squalid conditions.

 as usual, gas stations have no prices as all are owned by the government.

 huge holes in the road with no warning signs - a person has to be ever vigilant

 Papa John's express delivery!!!

 confusing streets - cars also drive along on the right, and then all of a sudden, pop up in front of you

a familiar sign

but the Wal-Mart store burned

 another of the ,many art figures in Reynosa - this one probably an important Mexican citizen

 amid the squalor and horrible roads, beauty prevails

 some of the many colored homes that house manufacturing firm workers

 indoor flower boxes at RIN

cook Maria with beans, rice, and a delicious meat dish - spicy but good

street entertainers - trying to earn a few pesos

 heading to a car to receive a pittance

 

Today's sermon was so very appropriate in the eyes of the world today. How often do we feel that we deserve more than what we have. We have followed the commandments, been good to our neighbors, helped the poor - so why are we not rich, healthy, and successful??? Lord, why have you not blessed me more? Jacob was a liar and a deceiver. He name even implies that he was expected to cause trouble. Jacob, the younger brother stole from his brother and after not seeing his brother for years, he sent his family, servants,  and livestock to meet him while he himself beat it back across the river. He then wrestled all night with an angel (or perhaps it was God), fighting for more blessings from God. Wrestling with God makes us struggle - to fight for what we believe we are entitled to. God allows us to struggle. Wrestling with God changes us just as God wants that to happen. He wants to change our hearts. A friend of ours (who is our age)  made a commitment today with another person - she is a Christian and has been for many years, talking to God as if He was right there by her side. She committed herself to a relationship with a man who does not believe in a greater power, doesn't believe in heaven or hell, but respects her right to believe as she chooses. Do you think this is God's plan - to link these two people together so that she can perhaps change his heart??? We never know what God's plan is - but changing hearts is His greatest goal.

 

Look back over your life and try to see where God's plan has lead you - does everything lead to where you are in your spiritual life right now?? If so, is not God great!!!

 

 

 

 

Inside Out

This was Inside Out Sunday at the church we attend in the summer months here in S Texas. Actually, we just started there last week, and got involved in the outreach program. This was the day we serve the community just as our church in Prairie Grove is doing the same. We chose to hand out water at the always busy bus depot in down McAllen. Inside Out is the theme here - to me it means the following God's Word to serve from inside our hearts to those in the surrounding area. . From what I understood, we handed out over 700 bottles of water in about 2 hours - there were 3 stations around the depot. People were surprised to realize that the bottles of water were free and accepted it gratefully. Although the day was not too hot it was a relief for many after a long bus trip or the beginning of a long one. One very angry man was very upset as he felt we were hypocrites - he had asked for help from an area church and was refused. We listened to him as he loudly expressed his opinion then walked away as we aprayed for his anger and asked for softening of his heart.

the shirts we wore which were really inside out!

blue shirts handing out water

patiently waiting for the bus with water in hand

some of the many cases of water to be distributed

for you - and it is free, just as the living water is

We were so very busy this week with donations of food and produce for the our ministry. We were also blessed with sewing machines, mattresses, and bed frames. When talking with Ida (our colonia contact) and asking if she would be interested in mattresses, she almost cried as she was seeking beds - one family was sleeping on the floor - the dirt floor. The mattresses were brand new, still in their protective plastic coverings. No matter that there were 4 mattresses, and only two bed frames - so much more comfortable than the dirt floor. We stored some of the non-perishables as stock  for later this summer when we are not here and drove to the colonia where we provided food for 40 families!!! God is so amazing - When we think we will not have enough, there is always just enough. The produce we received this week was beautiful - cauliflower, red, yellow and orange peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, swiss chard, beautiful roma tomatoes, tortillas, bread, and 6 huge bags of onions. I was really glad to get them delivered as the smell in the vehicle was overpowering.

 

mattresses - donated as a result of a divine appointment

 

and frames to keep the bugs away

 

 

 

 boxes of donated non-perishable from area parks as well as out own and fresh produce

 smelly but oh so wonderful onions

 Ida setting out the donated food items - we filled a box of produce, then loaded a plastic bag of food items for each family

 Ida directing me

 the ladies choosing their boxes of donations

 boxes and bags to be distributed - from chips to cookies to baking supplies

 everyone pitched in to make this distribution successful -

 doesn't this look great - boxes of food for the families

taking their food home

 

My amaryllis is in full bloom now - all four of the blossoms opened. Our neighbor has the ever so beautiful pink blossoms - a bit rare here in the park, but lovely to look at.

 

pink and white amaryllis

 

 my own allioop amaryllis (a gift from friend Ali)

 

 

The sermon this morning was based on David and Goliath. We all place giants in our lives - the giants of addiction, heath issues, financial situations, relationships to name a few. David gathered 5 stones - just as there are 5 principles in our lives to battle our own giants. God wants us to be victorious today. The first principle (or step) is to visualize and actualize the giants. We need to have a clear vision of the outcome of our actions - not just he lies that Satan puts in out hearts. No "what if or suppose" because there are many outcomes of a situation - we need to visualize the good outcome and not dwell the negative. In golf, you need to "see the shot" - visualize the shot you are going to take and actually see how you are going to get there. Separate fact from fiction - see the complete picture., Have confidence that God can help you if you ask Him to. You own the vision - your goal now is to obtain it. What a wonderful message. David was certain he could overcome the giant - he prepared himself, and went forward.

 

What is your vision - your goal to succeed??? Visualize it happening, prepare for the outcome, and triumph in the outcome. But do not forget to rely on the Lord.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quiet Sunday????

We thought today would be a nice quiet day - church, visiting a friend at a rehab, a stop at Starbucks, make mock potato salad (made with cauliflower instead of potatoes) and coleslaw for our last Bible study at CHI tomorrow night. WRONG!!!!! On our way home, Fred decided to visit Little Caesar's dumpster for boxes (they have nice clean, perfect boxes for gallon size bags of rice and beans for our food ministry). We came home with about 15 "perfect boxes"  which became piled on our davenport in the Texas room - I cannot see over the top! Pretty soon the doorbell rang (we have "The Yellow Rose of Texas as a chime) - a resident in the park had a moving sale yesterday and wanted us to pick up the leftovers for Children's Haven resale store. Made a trip over to their place and discovered we needed the CHI van for larger items. Made a phone call to CHI to get a van, called a friend for help with the huge davenport, chair, and table. The van arrived, was loaded in a short time - so far all is good. Finished the salads and checked my e-mail. Years ago we built a cordwood house in North Central Wisconsin with the help of our 4 daughters and friends. Well, it showed up on the facebook page of the author of the book we used for a guideline (see Cordwood Construction on facebook, March 17 posting - that was the house we built). The following picture is the house today - no - that is not my picture on the wall!!And so I continue this blog.

 not my style of pictures or furniture - we were more back to earth type then

 it was a job building all those walls

the outside of our former house on a hill in Ringle, WI

 

 

 

 

A few residents are still here in the park - some are staying until next week before they leave for the colder North. I have inherited a few flowers, as well as becoming the overseer of the neighbor's tomato plants. There are huge tomatoes on the vines - green yet, as well as lots of smaller ones. We still have Wednesday meetings, but they are just social get togethers for us. *It is now 2 hours later - a neighbor came to visit, then a resident brought canned goods as they are leaving to head home and dropped off the extra canned goods that did not want to leave for the summer. Another busy day.

Sometimes we have a bit of bread donated which I feed to the ever hungry sparrows. Even the hummingbirds are back, feeding at the feeder with a frenzy. the Easter lilies are not yet quite opened, the Amaryllis are blooming and even my cacti are budding. Summer is here!

 my amaryllis will have 4 blossoms - a gift last year from Ali Artherholt

 my Easter lilies from only one bulb - not ready to blossom yet

 this little sparrow was waiting for me to leave so he could grab some bread crumbs

but these two could not care less that I was there

 

We attended a different church this morning - a contemporary service much like our home church in Arkansas,  Next week there is an "Inside Out Sunday", similar to our "Day of Serve"  in Arkansas. We are planning to sign up to hand out water at the busy bus depot in McAllen. We loved the church service - communion this morning with actual bread and juice, a good sermon by a young pastor who is in training - soon to be ordained next year. His sermon was based on the fact that even though Resurrection Sunday is passed, Easter is a way of life everyday. The Easter party has come and gone - no more Easter lilies, bunnies, or eggs. But remember that Easter comes for someone every day - someone who comes to understand the Resurrection. Easter is never over - live in the joy of the risen Savior always. He has risen and the party is not over.

 

Have an amazing week in the Lord - do a random act of kindness every day this week - doesn't that make you feel great inside??