Merry Christmas

Christmas Blessings from S. Texas - quite a different Christmas than I am used to. As a kid growing up in Chicago, we usually had cold weather and of course, snow, at Christmas time. The snow usually only stayed white a day or so as we, and everyone else in the neighborhood, heated with coal Yep - the snow turned dirty after a few days. Later on we moved to Central Wisconsin, where the snow was deeper, the weather colder, but the snow stayed white!!! Here in S. Texas, the weather was 80 degrees, a warm wind, and still the Christmas carols and message stay the same. Yesterday was a super wonderful gorgeous day, neighbors were mowing their lawns, riding bikes, visiting, sharing Christmas treats, and just enjoying being in the warmth. I do miss the beauty and magic of the snow, but really do not like to be cold!

a neighbor mowing in sleeveless blouse around Christmas decorations - only in the South

Fred and Miss Opal (who is involved in Caring Hearts Ministry with us) bagged beans this

week. All of our stored food and supplies were distributed last week, so we are  stocking up for those in need. We again were blessed this week with 200# of chicken, which was divided and distributed along with the Friday handout.  We pray for provision, but "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." Ephesians 3:20. He always gives more thank we ask for - we ask in His name and for His glory and it is provided.

Fred and sweet Miss Opal (from S Carolina but now a permanent park resident) bagging beans.

packing beans into boxes - 215 bags of about 2-1/2# each.

It has been a busy week - doctor visits for Fred, who is healing well, but still needs a walking boot and crutches. At least he is able to shower now and move around much more easily. Last night 14 of us went to Mission Bell for their candlelight service - it was beautiful. The choir was amazing, the Christmas program was inspiring, the message so profound as we listened to the Christmas story retold. I love the beauty of all the Christmas lights and candles, especially when the lights are dimmed and we sing Silent Night while holding our candles. Afterwards to were invited to the Lundquist's home for refreshments and fellowship. It was a wonderful night as the magic of the Christmas story remained with us. The group was not one usually together, so it was interesting to talk to those we often see but never get to visit with. This morning was back to Mission Bell, Pastor Jim Maxson and his lovely wife Shirley to listen to the Christmas cantata. Again the choir was magnificent, the carols so beautiful, and the story again told of the birth of our lord and Savior. I especially love the version of the Christmas story from Luke - don't know why it is so special to me but it is my favorite. We then went on to a Christmas buffet at a nearby park, returned home for a short rest, then up to the hall to listen to Walter Plant, a remarkable musician. After that, it was time for a mid-afternoon nap!!!!

The new year is almost upon us - let us rejoice in Jesus' birth today and everyday, God's greatest sacrifice, and the coming of a new opportunity to see what God has in store for us this coming year.

Merry Christmas to all of you - may your Christmas have been blessed, and a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Celebration Week

This week was so very full of celebrations - all in preparation for Christmas Day. The first and best day was Monday when Fred was released from the hospital. It was later in the afternoon, but that was just fine. The pic line was removed and he was allowed to take the antibiotic orally - two days in the hospital turned into 7 - we were both happy to see him home! The rest of the week was a blur - two doctor appointments later we were well into preparing for the Christmas distribution in the colonias which involved making sure everything available was ready to be packaged up. Thanks to some very great friends and neighbors, all was loaded and delivered to Iglesia Batista Emmanuel in order for the ladies to wrap, package, and store until Saturday's distribution. Friday's produce pick up proved to be so bountiful, including 90 dozen eggs!!! What a blessing - we did run out of eggs at the usual Friday distribution, as we fed 100+ families. God just continues to give all the time.

getting ready to finish loading

Chaplain Roy hard at work

the girls showing off the beautiful handmade quilts to be distributed

cuddling in quilts although it was 80 degrees (this was Saturday - this morning was 45!!!)

more quilts

and boxes of clothes

the store room ready to begin packaging

and the overflow

On Thursday, we traveled to Reynosa for RIN's Christmas party with the kids at the refuge. As there were some new children there, the excitement ran high- many of them never saw a Christmas celebration, decorated trees, or presents. It was chilly in Texas, yet Mexico seemed to be colder. Sure wish I knew how that works - when hot in Texas it is hotter in Mexico, when cold in Texas, it is colder in Mexico -makes no sense to me. The program was carefully planned out, with a concert by the kids and a great video of them individually singing Christmas songs. Lots of dun and laughter. We were served a lunch of  delicious beef, the ever present green pasta, mashed potatoes, dinner roll (no butter, salt or pepper) after which the presents were opened. As a larger portion of the kids at the refuge are younger, the noise level was louder with much laughter and squeals than normal. After a time to visit with the kids, we loaded the 3 vans and headed back to the US with a 45 minute wait at the border.

 The manager scene at RIN

 some of the Christmas visitors from the US

 Belinda - who is growing into a beautiful young lady

 the amazing house parents in Belinda'a Casa

 Belinda and me

 Paty, Fred, and Belinda - these are the two sweeties we sponsor

 one of the new girls who was so excited with everything 

 look at the beautiful hair style

 Matt - our Canadian intern and his wife - it was his birthday and he wound up with a face full of frosting

 the special concert for us of all the kids residing at RIN

 our Christmas meal

 the house parents ready for sort of a hot potato game

Paty's Casa

 Belinda's casa

 waiting for the countdown to open presents

Paty and her gifts

Saturday dawned bright an beautiful as we drove to the colonias along with Chaplains Roy and Paula Gee. We were a bit late as we ran into two accidents with traffic tie ups. Luckily the program started late so we were actually there in time! Lots of Christmas carols sung in Spanish, a Spanish Christmas message, a wonderful lunch of tamales, sort of a creamed corn veggie, hot Mexican chocolate, kool aide, soda, and cupcakes, after which the younger kids were lined up and handed out Christmas stockings, made by Big Valley RV Park, filled with toys, candy, and an apple. About 200 hams were collected to be included in the Christmas food bag. 214 stockings were handed out, as well as gifts for each family (a homemade quilt, store bought throw, or crochet afghan), as well as presents for all the rest of the kids up to 18. I just marveled at all the excitement and realized that this was what Christmas is all about. Paula did not want to leave as the love and happiness was just flowing all around.

 the ladies  love to "shop" for clothes - they make a game of picking through the piles, just the way they like it

 pinto beans - so good

 the minister singing Spanish Christmas Carols

 a basket full of store bought warm throws

 just a part of  the large group awaiting the celebration

 tamales and rice

 our table of friends enjoying the meal

 tomatoes, lentil mixes, and bags of commodities ready to hand out

 some of the workers scrambling to fill more more bags

 presents for the families

 a baby quilt for an expectant mother

 clothes shopping - colonia style

 a shepherd watching his "flock"

 a colonia Black Friday frenzy

 quilts for everyone

 a fairly quiet line up waiting for Christmas stockings

 an apple in each stocking

 look at that smile of happiness

 checking out her present

 the clothes shopping continued all afternoon as more clothing was added

 lovely Sol and her goat

a gang sign despite the calmness of the celebration

We attended church this morning at Ranchero Village with Miss Opal, our constant church companion. She goes wherever we go to church and loves every minute of it. Chaplain Bob Ostermaier gave a wonderful sermon from Matthew 2:1-12, "The Wise Still Seek Him". The wise men began a trip because of a star.  As they were astrologers, they were interested in the skies and realized that this new star meant something great was about to happen. The star is also a message to lead us to seek Jesus. God has made a very conscious effort to reach those far away from Him. the Magi were Gentiles, not the same religion as the Jews, so did not know about a coming Messiah. As they followed the star, it is a reminder to us that if we strive to follow Jesus, He will never leave us - He is always close by - we have not gone too far to be brought back to Him. They found Jesus and the first thing they did was to bow down and worship worship Him. We bow our heads in prayer to show that God has authority over us - we offer ourselves to Him. We we find God we are just at the beginning of our spiritual journey  just as the wise men did. They continued on their journey home to their country just as we continue on in our journey with the Lord.

As we draw closer to Christmas Day, always keep in mind why it is called Christmas, and not Santamas!!

Temperature Change

Really a wild temperature change this last week. From almost 80 to 45 - yuk. Today was cool this morning, but wound up at 80 this afternoon. From heater to a/c in one day!

Fred has been in the hospital since Tuesday, as the laceration that he received from the mower accident became infected. It looked fairly good at first, but the doctor wanted to take precautions, so put him on antibiotic infusions every 8 hours. All seems to have worked so far - with a bit of luck and all the  healing help from God, he will be home tomorrow. It has been quite a week to say the least. I do not like driving here in S Texas (lots of crazy drivers and a lot of traffic) but this week has put me to the test. I feel more comfortable with it now , can pretty much find the few places I need to go, and actually drive on the freeway instead of the service road!! Today, after a friend and I attended church services, we went to JoAnn Fabrics, Staples, Walmart, and then to breakfast. Dropped her off at her home, and went to Starbucks for coffee for Fred (and myself, or course - caramel machiatto, soy milk, and a shot of cinnamon syrup) and made it  to the hospital all before 1 PM. Fred is tolerating hospital living well but certainly looking forward to coming home soon. Please pray for the doctor's release tomorrow.
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I did get my Christmas cards out and all of my Christmas decoration up. I love this magical time of year when the true Christmas story is retold everywhere in churches and Bible groups across the world. Just singing Christmas carols  makes it all seem so perfect. I look out into the starry night and imagine how it was so many years ago as the angles came to tell the shepherds of the birth of baby Jesus. Imagine how they felt - the long awaited Messiah is born tonight in Bethlehem!!! Glory to God on high.

love this Holy Family display - a real find at a gift store a few years ago

a quick decorating idea - spray an old grater (or leave it natural if you prefer),  put it on an old tin pie plate with a candle under the grater,  add a few decorations. when lit at night it glows so beautifully.

my most favorite Christmas scene - as I place the figures in the proper positions, I think of how they fit into the whole magical night - I often change their places from year to year.

Friend Karen made home made chili for me this week - I don't make it as I am the only one who eats it at our house. After a particularly trying day this week I came home, did a few chores, put on my jammies, slippers, heated the chili, crawled into the recliner, covered up, and enjoyed a wonderful meal. It was cold outside, so this was a perfect end to the day. (I do believe I also fell asleep!).

Today's sermon was a continuation of the journey towards the manger, focusing on the shepherds. "Angels we have heard on high" - the song is about more than Jesus - it is about the joy of the shepherds as they heard of the miraculous birth of Jesus. The shepherds were the marginal people - those folks who lived on the edge of  society. The lived outside the city limits as they were animal herders - the smelled like the animals, they did not bathe as often as they wished, and they worked all night long. Do we push the marginal people in our modern society to the outside of the city - or perhaps to the undesirable areas? Who are today's marginal people - those folks with addictions who live on the streets, those folks who due to uncertain circumstances are homeless, those veterans who cannot find or keep a job due to health issues related to serving their country and cannot get proper medical help. The manager still offers hope to all of this people as it did in the day of the  shepherds. They were the first to hear of the birth -  not the kings or high rulers, but those marginal workers who were chosen to receive the great message of joy. Shelters are today's manger's. God is at work providing for those in need through the efforts of those who chose to answer His call. We tend to get caught up in the whole worldly celebration of Christmas, often forgetting those marginal folks. Our job is to go where God is - to work with someone with no hope, and give them hope for a future.

During this Christmas season, think of how you can help those marginal people - those who need hope and someone to help them gain it.