Sultry Sunday

We are in for a heat wave this coming week as the temperatures are predicted to be over 100 all week with no rain in sight. We really need the rain - last week it rained on Friday for awhile after we finished distributing produce (thank you Lord for holding off until then) but don't think we got any here in Alamo. Fred has decided that since we have to stay in the cool, he would paint - the inside rooms that is. The laundry area is finished as well as part of the kitchen which he just finished after we returned form church and Lowe's to buy the paint. He doesn't ask my help, as we cannot paint together ( too many chiefs and not enough Indians) and he says I am messy. This is all OK with me - hate to paint walls but love to paint for fun!

Last Sunday a few of us took a short 1 hour boat trip on the Rio Grande from Riverside  and I must admit that I saw a view of Mexico that I had not seen before - certainly a more prosperous and opulent one. It certainly was not the Mexico that we minister to.

the beautiful grounds at Riverside - sort of a restaurant/dance hall/gathering place along the Rio Grande

it was beautiful even though quite hot

this looks so cool and refreshing

looking across the river to the Mexican side - this was a public park, but the floods of 2010 pretty much ruined it  although many swim there yet

our tour boat - the a/c was out but after we got on the river, there was a cool breeze

another park on the Mexican side - one which can be rented for activities

a privately owned Mexican facility which is pretty pricey

a public area in Mexico, although it cost something to use it - amazing to see them enjoying the Sunday afternoon on the water just as we often do

the Anzadulas Bridge which we often cross in vehicles when going to the refuge in Reynosa

we had a boat almost full

look at the area to the right which is sort of a cove - this was all land before the flood of 2010 and the course of the Rio Grande changed direction, which actually happens quite often

a public swimming area - lots of waves, smiles, and shouting as we floated by - many of those living in Reynosa do not have the ability to come here - they have to work to provide for their families

the Anzadulas Dam which overflowed and created all the flooding in 2010

many more Mexican citizens taking advantage of the hot summer day below the dam - this area I believe is free to all

our captain - very capable and informative

the ever present border patrol - if not for them a person would just think this is another Sunday afternoon in the US

one of the many water birds along the shoreline

the American side and Chimney Park which also was flooded out in 2010 and then almost blown away by the high winds a few weeks ago

We stopped at a small restaurant that we often see as we head out to the colonias - it is called the Green Chevechi. I love chevachi - sort of pico de gallo with seafood. They have  many different varieties so we chose the Mexican style this time - onions, tomatoes, green peppers, cilantro, cucumbers, shrimp, crab, fish, jalapenos, and lime juice. We ordered out and enjoyed a delicious treat on crackers (the salt in the crackers provides the perfect addition) when we got home. Next time will try another variety - perhaps with pineapple or mango. They also have salads and tomato basil soup (which they we out of when we were there). A neat little pace with a totally different cuisine.

Church services were so relaxing and inspirational this morning as Pastor Robert Perales talked to us about change and how change can affect our entire life. We have gone through a huge period of change this past year - a time when God had to actually slam the door in our face in order for us to realize that the change as necessary. Oftentimes change is necessary due to the negative circumstances in our lives for which we have no control - again the exact issue we faced. We do not want to deal with the pain and heartache of change, so we try to avoid it at all costs. We get to the point that we are tired of who we are but resist change as too difficult to face, answering  "oh well, we are only human".  Wrong!! God made all creation and said that it was good, but when He created man, he said that it was supremely good. What is causing a separation from God - from stopping you from becoming the person God wants you to be??? Change. If you want to get to the cure, you need to know what the problem is - why are you resisting change?? Change always costs us something - changing jobs, a different car, even a new phone or painting the walls as we did . Sure, paint is not expensive, but it does cost something. So what are you willing to give up in order to change for God??? He gave up His Son so that we would be free from sin. Jesus went to the cross in order to change our destiny. He wants us to follow.

Please pray for God's Worthy Women as we continue our search for a perfect facility in which to hold out conference. We are changing, and it seems that we hit brick walls wherever we turn - but we know God has it already in motion where we are going - let us listen and follow His direction. But prayer for patience always helps.

 

Rest At Last (sort of)

It seems that we are finally rested after our vacation although it has been a week of catching up on CRMI duties, food and clothing ministry, etc (I don't consider that work at all). The ladies in the colonias were so very glad to see us again this week - the summertime is the very worst for them as far as food is concerned because the kiddos are home form school and that means extra meals to fix - their STAR cards (sort of like food stamps) have been cut which makes their buying power limited. We were blessed with a full load of great, fresh veggies again as well as bread products and bottles of water.  We provided food for 67 families - what a blessing. As I always marvel at the works of our Lord (and I really shouldn't) when we met a missionary lady who had been praying for 2 months (the time we were gone on vacation) for someone to step forward who needed clothing for their ministry - she just by chance started talking to Fred and her prayers were answered. She is an amazing lady as she and her husband follow God's plan after they were at the end of their rope financially and God stepped up and provided them with a means of income, a place to  live, and a ministry to continue for HIM. Isn't He great???

Today is going to be a day of relaxation for us as we are going to take a leisurely boat trip down the Rio Grande with friends. It is supposed to be very hot, so will take water along and yes, my camera, as I have no pictures for this week's blog.

Are you tired of the lies, and deceit of  today's politician?. We had signed up for absentee vote in Arkansas, but now I really wonder why. Yes, it is my duty and right to vote, but I am in a quandary. Do I vote for a person, a party, or against a person or party? Is our country in crisis?? "Blessed is the nation whose God is Lord". Psalm 33: Charles Malik ( 1906-1967) the ambassador to the United Nations from Lebanon and president of the 13th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 1959 stated: "the good [in the United States] would never have come into being without the blessing and power of Jesus Christ...whoever tries to conceive the American word without taking full account of the suffering and love and salvation of Christ is only dreaming." From The American Patriot's Bible, page 620. Our country is founded on basic Christian principles - let us pray that it returns to it's roots.

Pastor Ricky Sanderford continued his sermon series on Judges - today he talked about Gideon and his seemingly unwillingness to follow the Lord - again the question, "who me, Lord?". Israel was again oppressed, this time by the Midianites for over 7 years, God talked to Gideon through an Angel, telling him that he would be able to overcome their oppressors for the glory of God. Gideon wanted a sign that this was really God's will - and he asked over and over again for different signs to make sure  it was truly God who was requesting this of him. And God proceeded to prove over and over again that He was truly Lord. What Gideon (and all of us) want  is knowledge - what God gives us is faith. Faith is believing without proof and as long as you have faith you will have doubts. If you have proof it becomes knowledge not faith. Read the whole unbelievable story of Gideon in Judges, chapter 6 - interesting reading and real test of faith.

Continue to pray for our country - that we return to our Christian values, that God places the correct person in control, and that America regains it's reliability.

Weary Travelers

Next week at this time we should be back in S Texas hopefully relaxing after 2 months of visiting, working, and promoting Caring Hearts Ministry. We are so blessed that many folks believe in the work we do for the Lord and are so supportive.

The rest of this week is so very jam packed with last minute commitments, visits, and packing! This week I sewed cushions for our daughter's outdoor furniture and will do some mending for her (she absolutely hates to sew). Mission committee meetings, a dinner engagement, a week-end of making sausage and brats to take to S Texas, church and Sunday School, last minute visits with friends and relatives to name a few. The area church sponsored resale store has donated a trailer full of clothing for the colonias, which we will take back to Texas with us - praise God for their love and support also.

our daughter and husband made the bench, bought the pillows, and I made the cushions

                          

there are two chairs like these

                          

they also made this island near the grill - so very talented

                          

We enjoy the quiet evening sitting on the patio watching all the small wildlife here in Arkansas. The bunnies, birds, and squirrels are constant companions on the patio, not seeming afraid of us at all. Resident guinea, Fred, wanders around, not getting too close, but very companionable. Last evening a mama deer and her baby stood in the driveway for us to admire, as a huge (I mean really, really huge) ground hog munched on the grass nearby. God has created such a wonderful place for us to live - imagine what Eden was like!!!! "All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made". John 1:3

We celebrated the 4th of July last Sunday with a family cook-out - son-in-law Scott again outdid himself with his grilling skills  pulled pork and brisket, the rest of us just bringing the sides (we were responsible for purchasing the brisket). Lots of fun with the great grandchildren and sparklers, small fireworks, etc. A day to reflect on this great country in which we live in - if not for all of those who suffered and died, we would not be able to enjoy the day, pray when and where we choose, and have the freedoms we have. Our forefathers founded this country on Christian values which certainly have fallen by the wayside in this century. Pray for a spiritual revival to turn our country back to God.  "All evil comes from those who ignore the precepts of the Bible".

 three of the four great grand daughters - twins Kinley and Kenzie and Brielle



Brielle had along day - exhausted as her mother, grand daughter Casey, messed with her hair

 



On the 4th of July, we drove down to Fort Smith to spend the day with our daughter, grand daughter, and new great grand daughter, Harper Rae, as well as friend Darrell Vowel. It was a cloudy, rainy morning but the drive was absolutely gorgeous, as it always is. The wonders of nature just never cease to amaze me.

 the clouds and the mist make an unbelievable sight

 the clouds over the mountains

 if you look really closely on the top right of the picture, you can see the vague outline of the mountain

 God's handiwork is magnificent

going through the tunnel it looks as if the semi is coming right toward us - actually it was being towed backwards by another semi - scary

 

me, great grand daughter Harper, daughter Chandra, grand daughter Sydney

 

This Sunday will be our last Sunday at our home church, Prairie Grove Christian Church with Senior Pastor Vance Eubanks. He is an amazing man of God - every sermon is definitely inspired by the Holy Spirit and filled with inspiration and instruction. A side note - Vance is an avid biker (not motorcycle!!) and as he was biking along a country road the other day, a black bear ambled toward him on the same road. The bear soon strolled off into the brush on the side of the road - I wonder if Vance beat his own speed record???

our fantastic praise team and sanctuary at Prairie Grove Christian Church

Vance's sermon last Sunday was based on the story of Issac and the quest for a wife for him. What was so interesting is that Vance emphasized the fact that Bible stories are not made up, they are a true history. Issac's story is one of a bachelor, a story of God and not one made in Hollywood. Issac was 30+ years old, not married yet, and his father, Abraham, became worried, as God had promised all the Promised Land to him and all the generations after him - more than the stars in the sky and sands on the shore. Abraham sent a servant to the land of his ancestors who people believed as he did to find a wife for his son.The servant went out on his journey, remembering that God is always in front of us and preparing the way to keep His promises. All we need to do is pray and get in position to receive God's blessings.  If your prayers are right with God, you can expect an answer from God. Read Genesis 24:1-67 to find out the rest of the story. God is working on things right now that you know nothing about. Remember - God's got it!!!!!

Let God take the lead - don't get ahead of Him. Pray, position yourself to receive His blessings, and praise Him when He blesses you.

 

 

 

Count Down

Just about two weeks from now we will be heading back to the heat and work in South Texas. We really have enjoyed the time off, even if it has also involved work and promoting Caring Hearts Ministry. Right now we are relaxing in the quietness and beauty of the Ozark mountains at another daughter's home. Their resident guinea hen, Fred (Fredricka) has not hatched any eggs from the many she laid. Those in the incubator never hatched - those in her nest were all destroyed by the armadillos. She happily roams the property (as well as the adjoining ones) eating bugs, chasing away squirrels, and just plain being spoiled. She is feed grain near the house, where various efforts to catch her are to no avail.

We also have a new great grand daughter, Harper Leigh, who was born last Sunday. Our grand daughter is ultra careful with her so we have as yet to see her, only on face book. Perhaps this weekend when we have a family cook out.

While we were in Wisconsin, we were able to attend a family reunion there (on Fred's Mother's side). The sad part is that the older generation is gone, we are the new one coming up, and the younger generation is so scattered that none of the cousins hardly know one another. So many families are busy with their lives - working - playing, whatever that no one seems to have time to get together any more. We did have a good time reminiscing about the good food that used to be brought to share - wonderful baked beans, homemade potato salad, and great pies and cakes, especially the rhubarb ones. Guess people do not cook like they used to anymore and when they do, it is totally different.

Fred's sister, daughter, and granddaughters

sister-in-law and cousins

the men segregated themselves - as I stated, very few were there

While at our sister-in-laws in Wisconsin, we helped her with some clean-up projects - starting with her big shed where a lot of Fred's brother had stored buggies, parts,etc. We cleaned boards, parts, buggy wheels, etc. and dug out the two seatter and doctor's buggies, as our daughter and her friend Darryl are going to Wisconsin in July to pick them up. Fred's brother, Charles, who passed away last July, would be so happy to see her get them as she spent a lot of time with her uncle and aunt when she was younger.

 

 the old doctor's carriage, which is hopefully going to be restored

the two seatter - it also has a top

It was bittersweet to leave Wisconsin as there are so many memories there - so it was goodbye until next simmer. We traveled south through  Dubuque to Clinton, Iowa, to visit former park residents and neighbors, Ron and Carole Pease who moved back to Clinton 2 years ago. We had so much laughter and fun, but much too soon it was time to travel on to Arkansas.

 

 

 how high the corn!!!!

 Iowa corn fields and barns

 over the bridge and on to Debuque

 the mighty Mississippi

 buildings on the ridge above the river

 at one time, these were the warehouses for the shipping firms who brought merchandise up the river

a beautiful old warehouse - there were many along the river

 

 

Much of our morning devotion time this week revolved on giving God the glory and blessing for everyday living - so many things that we all take for granted. We ask God for His provision, but do we also thank Him when He answers our prayers??? We are so blessed with family, friends, the ability to continue to work for the Lord in our golden years (actually, getting old is not for wimps). All of our doctor's appointments and physicals had great results - so much to thank Him for while still we mourn the passing of a dear friend. We put the family in His hands for comfort and peace, secure in the knowledge that their loved one is in heaven with Jesus. Remember to thank God everyday for everything - even the soothing rain, sunshine, and cool breezes.