We Graduated

This has been an extremely intense study week for all of us Chaplains of CRM. Our annual training took place this past week at Citrus Valley RV Park – all day sessions that really taxed our brains. It was so blessed as we all felt the presence of the Lord with us as we studied, prayed, and hopefully retained at least part of what we heard. There was certainly no lack of food though – the snack table was always ready; the wonderful catered meals were delicious as well as our Pot luck on Wednesday night and graduation dinner on Friday. Perhaps the most grueling session was Wednesday as we participated in Suicide Prevention taught by Chaplain Jeff Hastings.  Jeff and his son kayaked the Mississippi River from it headwaters all the way to Louisiana to raise awareness of suicide among the veterans, most of the time the result of PSTD. Jeff is an excellent teacher with a powerful message to us all. Hopefully I will never be in a situation of talking to a suicidal person, but at least I can feel fairly confident that I know how to react. We did a few one on one situations where we participated in actual skits, either being the suicidal person or the counseling person.  Friday night we had celebrated with  graduation dinner of wonderful ribs, cooked by our chaplains.  We ended today with a luncheon and final farewells, as some of the folks are going on to Arizona where the training will take place there again for those chaplains serving there, and our Texas chaplains will be returning to their respective parks here in the Valley. We will see them at regular monthly training meetings (yes, more training). Every time we have a meeting we do learn a bit more about this journey the Lord has us on.   

                                                           all set and ready to begin

eager listeners - quite a few of us

Bill and Jeff acting out a suicide intervention

the ever present black birds perched on the lines

We do have another busy week before us, as many folks are returning to the Valley. We will be getting busier at CHI resale store, Caring Hearts Ministry will be preparing for our Christmas distribution, and CRM chaplain ministry will be in full force. We do love the activity here at the park, as we see many old friends and hope to make new ones. Many folks are coming from the cold North – today was a huge surprise as the temp was 41!!!! What a shocker – it has warmed up already and should be in the high 70’s or low 80’s tomorrow. I forgot how much I do not enjoy the cold weather. Had to dig out my cold weather clothing for the first time this year.

We attended service this morning along with friends and all of our chaplains as Chaplain Roy Gee brought us the message of salvation. Roy is so very focused on salvation as he does not want anyone to miss the chance for eternity in heaven. There are only 2 options after death – heaven or hell – which one will you choose? Are you on dangerous grounds? Have you been true to yourself? Parents, teachers, coaches and others have helped us to be true – helped us on the road in the right direction. Now we are grown and see many warning signs on our road in life.  If we do not observe them we can wind up being in deep trouble. Do we listen to those warning signs or do we just ignore them? Do we tend to ignore God’s warning signs? He warned us that sin would separate us from Him. We ask the question – if we are human and sin how do we get to heaven? God gave us a way thru His Son Jesus. We can be the best person in the world and not get to heaven. God sees us always, not just physically but He can look into our hearts He calls us to come to Him – open your hearts and let Him in.

CRMI

This week and next will be devoted to our organization - Caring Resources Ministries Incorporated Intl. This past week we had board meetings deciding the future of CRMI and where we want to go. This coming week will be Chaplains Training - a continuing education, training, fellowship, and prayer time, Many of our luncheons were provided last week, as will this week but we still  managed to get together Friday night for an evening meal and relaxation after making many good decisions for CRMI. Today we attended church services at Chaplain Jim Troutman's park, with Chaplain Lee Tracy giving the sermon. It was so comforting to listen to God's word surrounded by our Chaplains.

watching the world wake up

enjoy an evening of fellowship after days of brinstorming

a few of our Chaplains after Sunday luncheon - Suzy and Greg York on the right, Vicki Troutman, administrative Secretary next to them, Richard and Karen Strit who minister in the summer in upstate New York.

On Friday, some of the Chaplains went along to the colonias with us to get a hands on feeling of the work that is being done there. We were so fortunate to receive a large donation of clothing from our Chaplains in Nebraska and Texas, which will be used in our Christmas distribution. And yes, we did receive more stuffed animals, and will receive more next Friday, so there will be enough for every child to receive a gift. The Chaplains were able to meet Ida, which was so great because now they all know each other. Ida works for the University of Texas which is implementing a medical school in their curriculum. Ida had a rash of some sort which she showed to one of the doctors involved in the new program. After the doctor looked at her arms, she asked where had Ida been to get these hives. Ida began telling her about the colonias and the ministry. The doctor was so impressed that the possibility of a mobile medical unit could go to the colonias every two weeks to minister free medical service to the folks, there So keep in prayer, as the medical group is going to the colonias Nov, 3 to check it all out. What a blessing from God.

The weather is pretty warm yet, but we are blessed with cool mornings. As I really do not like to mess with flowers it is the perfect time for me to tend to the mums and herbs we have planted. It really is a pleasure to be out in the early cool mornings, listening to the birds waking up and the world coming to life. One of our chaplains  pickled me up on their way to the board meetings - I was lucky to greet the morning with joy

This morning's service was filled with the Holy Spirit as Suzy and Greg York, whose music ministry, Lighthouse Ministries, lead us in song and praise. They are an amazing couple who are joining our organization as music ministers - we are so fortunate to have them aboard. Chaplain Lee gave a great message from Psalm 25:4-5. A time when David was wanting forgiveness and pardon from the Lord and protection from his enemies. We also need t approach God every day with honesty about ourselves as David did. Despite all of his sins, David trusted God. God pulled David out of the ditch of muck and mud of his sins, just as He does for us. Even though we are are sinners, and are forgiven by God, we still feel dirty and sinful. We are human after all. Acts 13:23 tells us that David was a man after God's own heart. How could he be, after all that he had done? Matthew 6:33 tells us we are a new creation in God, the old is gone. And yet we carry all that old baggage around with us. We have to submit our will to God - to allow Him to show us, teach us, and lead us. Our enemies are still out there - physically, emotionally, and spiritually . Turn to the Lord, He will show us the way.

As the Winter Texans return, let us continue to pray for travel safety - pray for those who cannot return for various reasons and the families for those who have passed on.

Where has the week gone??

It has been a very busy week – don’t know where to start! Last week I mentioned that God provided stuffed animals for our Christmas distribution in the colonias – after many loads of washing and drying there were 67 toys available. We knew we needed about 150 to make sure each child and teen received something. As I volunteered at CHI resale store, I noticed a plastic bucket of stuffed animals which had previously been for sale. They were just sitting in the hallway. After talking to the director, I was then the proud owner of 23 MORE animals (yep- more loads of washing and dying). Still need more toys. OK Lord, lead us to them. As we picked up a more than abundant supply of produce on Friday, one of the workers asked how the washing of toys went. As I related tat they all looked wonderful, she asked if I could use more. What – thank you Lord. Of course, I said yes, so next Friday I will again be in the bear washing mode. Two of the toys were dolls that had only underwear – one had shoes and socks, the other only socks. And no hair! So I made dresses, I pair of shoes, and bows for their hairless heads. Ready for some little girl to love.

2 babies for someone to love

We received some really strange fruit this week – sort of looked like miniature hedgehogs. One of the workers gave me one to try – just peel off the hairy outer layer to reveal a soft small fruit – sort of like a lychee. It was sweet and very good. The name of this fruit is rambutan and comes from the Malaysia, area, as well as the Philippines. The name comes from the Malaysian word ‘rambut” which means hairy. Strange little fruit that has many nutritional values. Many times you may see this at a Chinese buffet.  After we had loaded the produce and were driving down the road, a car pulled alongside us and wanted to know if we would sell them some tomatoes!! How funny was that?

 rambutan - a teaspoon for size

the inside of the fruit

Many of our chaplain are traveling down to the Valley in preparation for CRMI board meeting and training. It will be so great to see them all again – to see where God has lead them this past year. Jeff Hastings, one of our chaplains, and his son kayaked the Mississippi River from the headwaters in Minnesota to the mouth in Louisiana to raise awareness for returning service folks with PTSD – what an amazing accomplishment. Check it out on Facebook.

We attended a Quincernera in Reynosa for a beautiful young lady and two young boys. Usually this celebration is for the girls only, as a tradition is that the family has a girl of marrying age. Sort of a coming out party. In these days it is just a celebration of entering young adulthood. It was a beautiful ceremony with everyone dressed up for the occasion. As one person said, “a wedding without the groom”. As American teenagers coming of age tradition is getting their driver’s license, the Mexican tradition is a Quincernera. So excited to see all of the kiddos, all excited about the party. But the they did not know that there was also a big surprise for them – the July through October birthday celebration. Directors Betsy and Malena pulled it all off without the kids being aware of it. We all were sworn to secrecy. When the curtain was pulled back and they realized what was going on, the noise grew to a roar with clapping and whistling! What a wonderful day – we were exhausted as we traveled back across the border in the early evening.

 strange stop lights in Reynosa - all green or red

 the cake, which was delicious

 all of the girls receive a professional photograph of their Quincernera

 the throne is ready

 the two 15 year old boy who act as escorts

 the lucky girl and her parents

 trying to sit still through the long ceremony

 family picture - the parents are house parents at the Haven

accepting the blessing

 so very beautiful

 Our Pati and Fred (He looks so sober)

Two lovely ladies

 some of the birthday celebrants

 happy with their gifts

more kids getting ready for the signal to open presents

Miss Opal, our resident quilt maker here in the park, made 3 quilts for the kids she sponsors as well as one for heir mother who comes to the Haven to visit often. The boys are twins with an older sister. They were thrilled with their quilts and proudly placed them on their beds.

Miss Opal and Aida

the twins boys who love their quilts - all the quilts were made by Miss Opal in the favorite colors of the kids

“If there is a wrong way to do something, someone will do it”. This is a quote from Captain Edward Murphy in 1949 – revised to modern day Murphey’s Law. How do we always mess things up?? I suppose it is because we are always looking for an easier, quicker, cheaper way to do things.  We all like to cut corners. But do we still do so when it is important? A few years ago, a group of folks wanted to build another Casa at the Haven in Reynosa (House #7). All of the other homes are built of cement block for warmth and coolness. Butt his group decided they wanted to build a better home as they do in the states – a stick built contractor type home When they got done, it was indeed beautiful. But they had not taken into consideration the climate of Mexico near the border – the home now needs to be redone because the lumber has molded, the bathrooms did not hold up to the heat and moisture. So even though they thought it was better, perhaps cheaper, and quicker, it really wasn’t. Cutting corners tends to cut durability.  And so, it is true in our spiritual life also We should not cut corners in our discipleship endeavors. Cutting corners cuts costs, but also comes at a high price. Do we just tell others about Jesus, then go on to tell others not following up with those we have ministered to? It seems to be the American way – cut corners, cut time. As mature adults, time is a very important commodity to us right now. We need to use this time wisely. When corners are cut, it creates cheap products Jesus does not want cheap products – He wants us to use our best – abilities time, and resources – only the best for Him.

Fall? or Spring?

Today seems just like a beautiful fall day – doors open, sun shining, football game on tv (Packer’s of course). The only difference always seems to turn my world backwards - flowers planted and put out! Herbs planted in herb garden pots, flowers in pots put out, hanging baskets up.  We usually don’t have a lot of plants that need upkeep as we really do not have a lot of time to care for them, but we are going to make an effort this year. I do loves plants and flowers, but eke to see a beautiful garden appear with no work. Just like I love to travel and see new places and re-visit familiar ones, but I want to get from here to there with no in between. But as I sit here content in my own little world, my heart breaks for Las Vegas and all of the sorrow and heartbreak that occurred, I cannot imagine the feelings of all those folks there. One story sticks in my mind – a small passage of time when a complete stranger stayed with a dying man, promising to call his girlfriend who made it to safety and let her know how he was doing. Sadly, the man passed away, and the stranger called the girlfriend to inform her that he had passed away before help get to him. What a sacrifice that stranger made – to stay in immediate danger in order to minister to and reassure a dying man. If only everyone in our county would “Lay down his life for his brother” could you imagine what an amazing world this would be?? Continue to keep all the families involved, including the family of the shooter, in your prayers. Someone made a comment as to where was God when all of this was happening, where were the answers to all the prayers lifted up that day?  God was there with each and every person, He heard every prayer and plea from His children, and He answered in His own way. We need to keep on believing and having the faith that He is always with us.

This Friday as we picked up all the wonderful abundance of produce, we were asked if we wanted a humongous box of stuffed toys – the only drawback was that the box came from a flea market, was wet, and who knows what ese. We immediately said yes, bought the toys home, washed and dried them, and now they look beautiful. A very few needed just a few touch ups (clothes for a couple of stuffed dolls, new ribbon for a bear, a stitch here and there) and two were not salvageable. As I relayed to Ida later that day that we had received these toys, there was silence on the other end of the phone. Ida said with awe in her voice, “Leila, the ladies and I prayed today for toys to be able to give away for the Christmas distribution”. God knew – He knew before we did what was needed. We may need a few more, but we know that He will provide.

after many washer and dryer loads, all clean and fresh smelling. Now to bag them up and be ready for Christmas surprises.

In Sunday School we are studying about Moses but I wonder about his wife Zipporah. Not much is mentioned about her in the Bible people be freed??—Zipporah was one of the seven daughters of Jethro who is also called Reuel and Raguel (Exodus 2:18; 4:24, 25; 18:1-6; Numbers 10:29). It was to the home of this shepherd-priest in Midian that Moses came when at forty years of age he fled from Egypt, and meeting the seven girls drawing water Moses assisted them. Arriving home earlier than usual they told how the Egyptian had helped them. Brought up as a son of Pharaoh, Moses must have looked every inch a cultured Egyptian. Invited home, Moses was content to live with Jethro’s family, and married Zipporah, eldest of the seven daughters. Two sons were born of the union, Gershom and Eliezer. Some writers affirm, without adequate support, that the dark-skinned Ethiopian, “the Cushite woman” whom Miriam and Aaron were jealous over, is merely a description of Zipporah, and that therefore Moses was only married once. But the statement “He had married an Ethiopian woman” implies a recent occurrence, and that Zipporah, whom Moses had married 40 years previously, was dead. It is most unlikely that Miriam and Aaron would have waited all those years to murmur against Moses if Zipporah and the Ethiopian had been one and the same woman.

Zipporah, as a woman of Midian, did not share the spiritual values of her notable husband who found himself acting against the sacred tradition of Israel. This may be one reason why he named his second son Eliezer, meaning “The Lord of my father was my help.” To keep the peace, Moses compromised with his unbelieving wife and withheld circumcision, the sign of God’s covenant, from Eliezer. The Lord intervened, and as a sign of divine displeasure, Moses is stricken with a mortal disease. Both Zipporah and Moses became conscience-stricken over the profanation of God’s covenant, and Zipporah yields. Moses is too prostrate to take a knife and circumcize the child, so his wife severed the boy’s foreskin and, throwing it down before Moses said, “Surely a bloody husband art thou to me.”

When Moses was restored to health relations in the home were not congenial, for he went on alone to Egypt, and Zipporah and the two sons went back to her home in Midian. Of this unhappy incident Alexander Whyte says, “There are three most obscure and most mysterious verses in Moses' history that mean, if they mean anything at all to us, just such an explosion of ill-temper as must have left its mark till death on the heart of Moses and Zipporah. The best of wives; his help meet given him of God; the most self-effacing of women; the wife who holds her husband in her heart as the wisest and best of men & under sufficient trial and provocation and exasperation, even she will turn and will strike with just one word; just once in her whole married lifetime.”

When Moses became the mighty leader and law-giver of Israel, there was the episode when Jethro, his father-in-law came out to the wilderness to see Moses and brought with him Zipporah and the two sons. The union was devoid of any restraint for Moses graciously received them and neither disowned nor ignored his wife and sons. But after this visit during which Jethro gave his over-burdened son-in-law some very practical advice, nothing more is said of Zipporah. She disappears without comment from the history of the Jewish people in which her husband figured so prominently. “Neither as the wife of her husband nor as the mother of her children did she leave behind her a legacy of spiritual riches.” How different it would have been if only she had fully shared her husband’s unusual meekness and godliness and, like him, left behind footprints in the sands of time!

  If you remember, Moses was found in the reeds in the water by the daughter of the Pharaoh. She kept him and raised him as her own son because the Pharaoh had demanded that all male babies be killed. He demanded the midwives kill them at birth – except many of the mid-wives defied the Pharaoh’s orders and let the babies live. Moses was raised in luxury but then left because he saw an Egyptian abusing one of his people, killed and buried him. Moses then had to flee back to his birth people, where he met Zipporah and lived for 40 years tending her father’s flock. What a sacrifice she had to make when he came home with his announcement – to go into the unknown with Moses after the Israelites were freed and wander about in the desert for 40 years. I believe our “liberated” ladies today would have questioned Moses, gave tons of excuses why he should not follow God’s words, and even refused to go with him.  

Pray this week that we, as wives are obedient, not to the point of being walked upon, but respect the wishes of our spouses. I am not saying that every decision does not need discussion but after all the pros and cons are presented, let the final decision rest upon the husband. Why do I believe this – read the Bible and you will see.

Fall Rains

At the point of repeating myself, we again sang this song in church services again this morning. We need to keep praying for our country and world which seems to plunge deeper and deeper into chaos.  The disrespect for what our country is seems to have become the norm, provoked by those who normally are held in higher respect than the common man. These are the folks who should be role models for our children, not leading them into rioting and protesting everything and everyone – including our flag, president, and even God. Whatever happened to pride, love for your brothers, respect for those in authority but most of all for Jesus our Savior?? Folks, wake up – this cannot go on.

Build Your kingdom here

Let the darkness fear

Show Your mighty hand

Heal our streets and land

Set our church on fire

Win this nation back

Change the atmosphere

Build Your kingdom here

We pray

Song lyrics by Rend Collective Experiment

We have had lots of rain this week, so much that we could not deliver produce to the colonias this last Friday. The area where we deliver was flooded, muddy, and impassable. We are trying to come up with an alternative area, but anything more suitable is farther away from the colonias, where most of the people cannot walk to pick up their produce.  Some of the nearby towns were wvwn flooded this past week.

This week has brought so many more hummingbirds that we have to fill two feeders a day, sometimes twice a day. They are so much fun to watch – when they think that another bird had had enough to drink, they will poke at his head to remind him that it is now someone else’s turn at the feeder. They soon will be leaving for Mexico, and just leave the few resident birds here.

Sorry fort he cloudiness but I took this through the door so as not to disturb the little guys

almost too many to try to keep count

some patiently wait their turn

Along with the hummingbirds come the Snow Birds – those Winter Texans who come for the winter months to escape the colder Northern states. A few have arrived already (we had to pick up one couple at the airport this last week) with a few more to arrive this coming week. Soon the park will be a beehive of activity. It is great to see winter friends again, and mourn the loss of those who have passed away, or those who cannot return for any reason.

We have been watercising this week – exercises in the pool. The first night when we were done I thought I would never get over being sore from using muscles that I had not used in a while, but after the first day it was easy. Just a short 45 minutes workout, with a cool down period, then a 15-minute social time in the hot tub. It is relaxing and a great way to start the day. Fred and I usually have morning devotions with our cup of coffee after breakfast, then he mows the park and I play!!

Some of our Chaplains have already returned as we have a week of training again this year the end of October.  We attended church services this morning with Chaplain Jim and Shirley Maxson, then had a nice quiet “catching up” lunch with them. They serve at Mission Bell RV Park where Shirley also works in the office.  

A good foundation for construction requires preparation. We have to anticipate problems while setting our foundation. Should we build on bedrock rather than sand?? The answer seems simple enough, but it can be dangerous to build on bedrock. It is hard to find bedrock, because it is the best – better than sand or stones. When we go to Jesus to find the bedrock of our faith it is a danger, too. Bedrock is more memorable because it is so hard to find. It fills us with joy when you find it when we meet Jesus. It is the most memorable thing in your life. Bedrock is impossible to break.  Was Jesus broken?? He was pounded on, spit upon, crucified, buried but He could not be broken, does this sound like a foundation we want? The foundation of our faith is our relationship with Jesus. Jesus is the bedrock, but what we build our relationship on is the foundation. The house may fall, but the bedrock never moves: we may have set backs or roadblocks, but Jesus is always there, had been and always will be. So, search for the best foundation – the bedrock of Jesus Christ.