We arrived safely in Arkansas after another day's delay in Joshua, Texas, as a result of the flooding in Arkansas. We left Joshua early Tuesday morning and made a stop in Checotah, Oklahoma, to visit former Chaplain Dennis and Sally Maloney, who minister to those in that area. Quite a surprise when we saw Dennis with a mustache and full beard!!! I kept looking at him as if he were a stranger because he looked so different. Sally was as beautiful ever - it was so good to see them both. We had a great visit, threw around a few ministry ideas, thoughts to pray on, and promised to keep in touch. When we arrived in Arkansas late afternoon, the wet was almost all dried up and things looked fairly normal. It was a bit cool the first couple of days but now I think I am acclimated and it is gorgeous. We visited with a few friends upon arriving (we always make our first stop at the CARQUEST store in Prairie Grove to visit friends, then church, then Life Ministries resale store to say Hi to everyone).
We enjoyed a great Saturday afternoon with our two daughters, Brenda and Christine, just enjoying the day on the patio and having a delicious pizza made with a cauliflower crust - hey - don't knock it until you try it. It was awesome. Our son-in-law, Scott was smoking meat, as usual. He made venison jerky, beef roast, an unbelievably delicious venison ham, and some small birds. We also sampled his smoked bacon, which again was wonderful. Scott loves doing this and does such a good job. wW plan on making sausage and brats again on our return from Wisconsin in June.
Sunday brought a warm, cozy feeling as we attended church back at our home church, Prairie Grove Christian Church. It was as if we had never left! Our JOY Sunday School class was a lively as ever with lots of discussion. After church we visited with our grandson Seth, Page, and their girls. Remember the twins we all prayed for 4 years go??? They are healthy and beautiful - a true miracle from God.
After just relaxing on the patio for the rest of the afternoon, I decided I had better write this blog, although just vegging out was so tempting.
We do not have to worry about the folks in the colonias, as Cy has everything under control. There was an abundance of fresh produce last week, so we know that they are being well taken care of. This is the time of year that they need the most food supplements, as the kiddos are home from school and need extra meals. Thank God for His provision, both for the abundance of produce and the commitment of Cy to continue on while we are gone.
No pictures this week as we have just jumped into the 21st century and gotten rid of our old flip phones! Lots of learning to be done, how to take pictures and send them to the computer to be posted. Be patient, geezers are slow learners.
A very dear friend of ours passed away this week. Margie a beautiful lady on fire for the Lord, who was involved in our church, and our personal small group studies. If some of you ladies may remember one of our past GWW conference, we has Stacy Smith as a presenter - a chaplain in the same prison in which she was incarcerated. It was Margie who first introduced me to Stacy and got me interested in prison ministry. Margie's husband, David, is an excellent carpenter, and fashioned the most beautiful casket for her out of red cedar as a final gift to his wife who has fought a courageous fight with cancer for many years. I would post a picture of it, but out of respect for the family, I choose not to do so.
As I said, coming home to PGCC this morning felt so very comfortable and normal! As usual, Pastor Vance presented a stirring sermon as only Vance can do. Based on Luke 8:26-39 it is the story of
the man possessed by many demons. I still believe he was the first disciple, as Jesus told him to go and tell others about what happened (previously He told those who healed to tell no one). Your personal testimony is the best way to tell others about Jesus. Before you met Jesus, your life was a mess. The demon possessed man (we will call him Legion) was an extreme example. We do not have the same quantity of sin, but we have the same quality of sin. We are surrounded by folks with no hope at all. We have hope. When we met Jesus, He changed everything! Just as He changed Legion from a wild demon possessed man into a normal person, He has the power to change our lives. After we meet Jesus, our life will never be the same. You need to go out and tell others what Jesus has done in your life in order to show them who you are now. There are those who will believe you, and perhaps many will not. But don't give up. You need a vision in your life to continue in God's way. He can take our mess and make a message out of it. After Vance's sermon, a young man presented his testimony - how his life was such a mess, even though he was married and thought everything was OK. The change in his life did not happen overnight - it took a long time and lots of hard work on his part, but God changed his life and his marriage.
Pleas pray for all of those who have lost loved ones this past week - especially the mother in Arkansas whose two small children were washed away in the flood. Her grief must be immense.
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