Come On Rain

It is very dry here in the Valley - today the skies are cloudy and gray, but still no rain. There seems to be a hurricane brewing and heading this direction, perhaps that will bring some much needed moisture. We are going to keep an eye on it in case we need to evacuate - planning already on what necessities to take.

A crazy thing happened here in the park this week- a worker from the flea market next door was working across the fence from the park's dumpsters. As he finished his job, her returned to the flea market and realized he was missing his phone. He returned the next day tot he park with a ladder, checked in the dumpster, saw his phone and proceeded to lower the ladder into the dumpster to retrieve it  with the intention of pulling in the ladder to  climb back out. Whoops - the ladder fell over. He called and hollered as one of the girls here in the park drove by but she did not hear him. He then saw Fred on the law mower but hollered to no avail because of the noise. He then called the park manager whose phone in-box was full. As a last resort, he called 911 - pretty soon 2 firetrucks and a police car came to save him. This will be the talk of the park for the whole season!!

An unbelievable busy week - again God has opened His amazing grace and provided much needed beans and rice for us - along with baby food which  had been prayed for. He surprises us everyday as He brings folks to us that have the essentials we need, as well as so many other unexpected blessings. We had an over abundant supply of produce this week which again was  much needed as new families showed up for the distribution. Jessica, the Mexican lady who has opened her yard for the distribution area was again waiting for us when we arrived on Friday along with her husband who was overwhelmed with the amount of food we provided. Although these people have very little, they love sharing with everyone. Jessica's husband was grilling and proceeded to give us plates of grilled meat (not sure if it was beef or cabrito (goat), chicken, and even hot dogs along with tortillas, lime, and salt which he poured on a piece of cardboard from one of the produce boxes. No fancy plates or serving dishes, just the basics necessary to eat from. It always makes my heart warm to see these people always sharing, being so generous and loving despite their circumstances. Their faith and willingness to follow God's Word is so sincere.

Thursday we went with a few folks here at the park for our monthly get together luncheon. Those who are here most of the time gather together for a time of fellowship and laughter. Thursday a lively discussion about evolved concerning traditional versus contemporary church services. One couple was so very traditional as they spoke out for very strongly for strict tradition - the pomp and circumstance of acolytes, vestments,  traditional hymns, and long sermons. We love the contemporary service - more upbeat and inspiring music, long sermons are good, and a more relaxed atmosphere. We agreed to disagree and remain friends!!

This morning's sermon was a continuation of last week's regarding the Trinity. God is three, yet one. Today's focus is on Jesus who IS God. We received a very good explanation of the word incarnation - In  actually meaning in - carna from the Spanish word meat or flesh, and tion meaning the process. So therefore incarnation means the process of Jesus becoming man - in the flesh of human. Some of the proof that Jesus is God because  the prophets called Him that. The book of Isaiah proclaims this. God himself called Jesus God, the disciples called Him God as in Thomas and I Peter, Paul called Him God, and Jesus called Himself God as in John 10 and 14. Because Jesus is God and died for our sins, we can live freely secure in the knowledge that if we proclaim Him Savior we can spend eternity with the Holy Trinity.

A question was raised this morning - what is the symbolism of the cross with the circle in the middle of it - actually called the Nottingham Cross. I tried to research it on the web, but cannot find the answer. Can anyone help me????

Please pray for our Chaplain Jack Gregory as he suffered a slight stoke today - he is doing well - his symptoms are not severe but persistent. Pray for complete and total recovery for him.

God's Blessings

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:18-20. I have read this verse many times and always marveled about God's abundant love, grace, and provision. We often pray for God's guidance and provision as we serve Him with all that He has laid upon our hearts, asking Him to let us hide behind the cross as we give all the glory to Him. One day this week we were blessed beyond what we could have ever imagined, not once but three times in the same day. The greatest and best of all was when we were praying for an abundance of fresh produce as we were going to celebrate a back to school celebration at the colonias. We had earlier collected many school supplies for the elementary kids who would otherwise be unable to even provide a pencil for themselves. We received the largest amount of vegetables, tortillas, bread, and even donuts than we have ever received.  A gentleman we have known for awhile "just happened" to donate notebooks, pencils, pens, and other school supplies as he said God laid it on him to purchase these items for our use. Thus we were able to supply the older kids with supplies also -things that they needed as they, too, started a new school year. God always knows what we need before we do. The others amazing blessings that day were for us personally - things that we never dreamt of - unbelievable blessings from God. What a God we serve.

As I said, we helped host the back to school party held on Friday at one of the colonias that we serve. Besides the food distribution, school supplies, clothes, additional food baskets, there was a hot meal, a special children's Bible study session, snow cones, etc - so many things to help encourage all these kids as they begin a new school year. There was enough produce (over 70 boxes/bags),school supplies, and clothing for everyone. We even had 2 extra boxes of wonderful bananas that we handed out in addition to those we added to the food boxes. Although it was extremely hot, humid, and lots of work which left us drained, it was a wonderful feeling as we saw the smiles on the kids and adults as well .

some of the veggies - tomatoes and Mexican squash

God truly provided

these bags contain clothing to be spread out on tarps as the ladies' preferred method of "shopping"

one of the many sweet kids whose eyes just sparkled at the banana we provided

more clothing, rice ,beans, canned tomatoes, and even cranberry juice concentrate

almost 75 boxes and bags waiting for their owners- we do have to wait until everything is over before distribution, as many folks would just pick up the donations and leave before hearing God's inspiring Word

setting up for the dinner -

The new church on park here has a new minister ( not a CRM chaplain ) and name - ""The Salt and Light Community of Alamo Rec Veh" as a result of our church split last year. We sincerely hope that this church flourishes for  those who would not attend a Sunday service unless it was provided here in the park. It really is ironic as we read our morning devotions which referred to belonging to a community of believers - and then mentioned again the sermon this morning  based on the Trinity. A bishop in the 1600's stated that in essentials there should be unity, in non-essentials there should be liberty, and in all things charity. We need to be willing to stand for our essential beliefs, not to be too concerned about the non-essentials things, but always willing to agree to disagree. We need to be strong in the important things, - our faith and the things that bring us together in our doctrine and theology. What really makes us Christians different??? God the Father chose you, along with the Holy Spirit and through obedience to Jesus. We cannot explain the Trinity - we try such as comparing it to water or eggs (different parts of the same thing) but we cannot truly understand it. We know that by reading Genesis through revelation, the Trinity is ever present, especially in Jesus' baptism. Jesus (the Son) was present, God (the Father) spoke, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus. God is constantly at work through us, now and throughout eternity through the Trinity. We need to be in community as the Trinity is in community. God gave us enough to know that the Trinity is real. So join a community of believers and live as if we are one - separate unto ourselves but one in the community.

Continue to be a part of a community - your neighborhood community, your city, but most of all in the community of fellow Christians.

Memories

This week we had a special treat and stopped at Starbucks for coffee (Fred only wants plain black - how boring). Anyway, I ordered an iced coconut milk mocha caramel macchiato - it was absolutely heavenly!!!! As I was drinking it I suddenly remembered the Italian version of Starbucks. As a kid growing up in a Catholic Italian family in Chicago we seemed to have a lot of relatives around, although we never seemed to associate with them a lot, just a lot of different ones. We did go to visit relatives in Chicago Heights more than once as I remember. The adults would be drinking strong coffee having their very spirited conversations as usual, and we grubby snot nosed kids were served the original Italian version of  Starbucks - one half cup of hot coffee, one half cup of hot milk or cream, sugar, with cinnamon sprinkled on top (sometimes we were lucky to get a dollop of whipped cream). I remember sitting there sipping my very grown-up drink and listening in fascination to the sounds of very loudly spoken Italian, complete with hand gestures. I really don't remember doing anything else like playing outside or playing games, or even eating (which I am sere was some sort of homemade pasta) - just the safe and comfortable feeling of that hot coffee. Strange what certain things bring back buried memories -the smell of the incense in church, the sound of the little door being slid back as I prepared to confess my sins to the priest, eating bologna and mayonnaise sandwiches on Wonder bread, the sound of the ice cream man on his bicycle coming down the street, even the sound of the street cars as they clanged down the street. One time Mother (who was as directionally deficient as I am) forgot to get off at our stop, so we rode the streetcar to the end, then reversed the seats, and rode back to our stop. The clean and sweet smell of the air before the first snowfall, the glorious colors of fall, and the magic of Christmas as the nuns prepared us for  the birth of Our Savior. Guess I must be feeling a nit melancholy today. Why do we want to grow up so fast when the days of childhood were so carefree for the most part. (My biggest worry was that I would forget a sin and not confess it before Sunday church - oh, what would happen to me??) We do seem to forget the bad times, the sad times, and just remember all the memorable ones - perhaps an inner safe guard?

It was a truly busy week - we had many pick ups for the food and clothing ministry. An amazing missionary and his wife, who have been so generous to share with us, provided many quilt tops, fabric, and patterns for the Caring Hearts Ministry. We met them at their house and enjoyed a great time of fellowship as they told of their experiences of God's provision and direction. Please pray for them, as they have a great children's ministry where they can minister from a trailer that looks like a caboose but they need a truck - either someone with a big enough truck to pull this caboose from to Houston to the Valley, or for God somehow to provide a truck for them personally to also help with their food ministry. God can do it if it is in His plan.

We had a few hiccups along the way during the week - but God certainly lead us through the worst of them. The highlight was our trip to Reynosa for the 3 month birthday celebration.  Just 6 of us traveled to Reynosa (the winter Texans are not back yet) but what an interesting and colorful group we were. Part of our group was a young fashion designer form Brazil who is leaving for Dallas next month for a job. She is such a beautiful young lady who volunteers at the resale store because of her desire to serve the Lord. Also along with us was a young ER doctor from San Diego - a very self assured young gal who travels throughout the US taking year long assignments in many different areas of the country. She, too, followed God's calling and has such a desire to serve. A border patrol agent completed our group. Fred and myself who are just two ordinary folks whom God called into His service and Betsy, the director of CHI finished up this rag-tag diverse group.  We would not missed it for the world as we headed to a water park in Reynosa to celebrate with the kids

it was extremely hot and the water looked so inviting

pool for smaller kids

larger pool with an even larger one behind it sporting water slides (which were not working that day)

a slide made from a cement tile - Belinda seemed a bit fearful

enjoying the cool water - notice the CHI girls do not wear swimming suits - just their regular clothing

cutting one of the  many watermelons

frying french fries in a Mexican wok

one of the many palapas to sit under in the shade - we had a very large one

look at the size of the jimicas - they were cut and mixed with the watermelon and sprinkled with chili-sugar - really very good

Belinda whose birthday was Aug 5 and Fred

the huge watermelon/jimicia fruit bowl

lots of jalapenos

the birthday kids

lunch - beans and pizza (yes, pizza) burritos, French fries and jalapenos

patiently waiting for the signal to open presents

one of the boys and his presents - look at the smile

these girls are so excited - there is a set of twins in the jumble somewhere

Belinda's new dress

and shoes to match

now to have fancy fingernails

the younger girls got baby dolls

love the shoes

This morning's New Spirit Worship service was so inspiring, from the contemporary music to the sermon present by Pastor Robert Perales. It is hard to realize that the gospel also has the power to divide. We often think that Jesus came to preach love, and happiness. Following Jesus is not easy, sometimes it leads to disappointment, separation, or even violence. In our morning meditation we read about all of the things the Apostles endured during and after the crucifixion. What an impact He has on our lives when we go all out for Him. Our country is in chaos, a radically divided society. How easy is it to let things go without a confortation. We all want things to be peaceful, to get along with everyone, everything is great and good. Many preachers preach this today as that it is what people want to hear. Jesus came to divide, to force His followers to take a stand for Christianity. We as human fear division which in turn leads to silence and compliance. We need to be silent no more. Jesus called us to be different, which indeed leads to division, but He also called us to unity. Take back our country to Christ and be blessed again.

Please pray for me this week as I have a few very difficult issues to deal with - but God will walk beside me all of the way, as He will, too, walk with you daily.

A New Week

Isn't it wonderful that God gives us a new week - a time to start over again and try to get it right again??? How many times did He do that for the Israelites? I don't do New Year's resolutions - just weekly ones. I figure that if I can make changes for just a week it may actually become close to being a good habit!

Elaine Cox, a volunteer who works at the CHI resale store (she is the  manager and founder of the store - what a lady) is retiring due to the failing health of her husband. She is moving to Houston to live with her daughter and found a great place for Wally to receive the care he needs. We had a going away party for her this last week - again with one of Betsy's themes. She made the a day of celebrities - red carpet, red curtains, top hats, boas, and $100 thousand candy bars to make all of us volunteers also feel special. A huge surprise - she rented a fancy limo to give us all a ride and to return Elaine to her park after the party. One bad thing - the air in the limo was not working - way too hot in there.

there was also a chocolate cake for the volunteers appreciation

guest of honor, Elaine

doesn't he look distinguished

some of the volunteers waiting for a delicious Italian dinner

those boas were really hot!

all aboard the limo

pretty fancy, but really low - we had to practically crawl to get in

trying to keep cool

Bob Steele - president of CHI board thanking the volunteers

Bob and Elaine - been friends for many years

I looked out my front window the other day and saw a new camper in the park - a small truck camper with 2 ginormous dogs, a black chicken, and a cat as well as two adults. OK I thought, this looks interesting so I proceeded to walk over and introduce myself. A youngish couple were very pleasant and upon further conversation, I found out that they were just waiting for the rest of the caravan to head to Panama. A very interesting couple but I wonder how they all fit in that small truck camper???
Never know what a person is going to see next around here.

Our food distribution Friday was a bit weak - not a lot of produce. We did connect with another supplier and received 4 bags of carrots to help supplement our short supply. Border Missions was also handing out backpacks to kids as well as produce, so suppose that is why we were down a bit. Luckily, we had clothes to distribute also, so that helped to make up for a smaller supply. The kiddos will be back in school soon, so that will also help with the amount of food the households need as the kids will have a hot meal at school, perhaps breakfast also.

the ladies love to just dig through piles of clothes (ropa) to find treasures for their families

some produce waiting for pick up - notice the bags of big, sweet carrots

 

Church services this morning were really inspiring as we also partook of communion while remembering the greatest gift of all to us - God's only Son to forgive all our sins and grant us eternal life. This morning's sermon revolved around Sampson's destiny before he was even born. God told his mother that Sampson was going to be a Nazarite - a man who was to have nothing to do with grapes (wine), who would be spiritually clean, and be set apart by God. Wow - did Sampson ever stray from that prophecy. He coveted a Phillistine woman to be his wife (an unclean group of people) and requested his parents to take him to her and prepare for the marriage feast. On the way there, Sampson killed a lion with his bare hands and told no one. He and his family went home and came back to prepare for the wedding feast - 7 days of merriment, etc  (I am sure there was wine drinking going on). On the way back again, Sampson came upon the lion's carcass and saw that bees had a hive in the carcass and there was much honey, so he stopped to eat the honey. Oh, oh, he became unclean as he touched a dead body. To male a long story short, Sampson never did marry the Phillistine woman (read the story to find out why). After he got over his anger, he returned for the woman, but found out her father had married her to someone else. What a story. God allows our strength to make us weak and our weaknesses to make us strong.   

Remember that God's grace always abounds - we are fragile and imperfect. His Son died for our salvation -it is through God's grace that we receive it. As we accept the gift, we have to carry out the responsibility of it by sharing it with others.