2018

2017 is almost over and we are now looking forward to 2018. When I look back and reflect on the past year, I am amazed by the goodness of God – how He has provided for Caring Hearts Ministry and how far we have come from just delivering a few Wal-Mart bags of fresh produce to a very few residents of a colonia. The ministry has so exploded that we serve 7 colonias in one area and are now taking on one more to handle the extra that God provides. Two weeks ago we received over 100 dozen eggs – just at the right time. The kiddos are home from school and need meals at home or they may have had a bit of staples to bake Christmas treats but were missing eggs. The weather has been extremely cold and nasty – so the extra food also helps produce energy to help keep the body warm. We also received buckets full of dried peaches – so we packed them in quart bags to distribute – we had more than enough to make sure all 114 families that showed up last Friday received a bag. We were asked if we could take 4 recliners – all in good shape. They are the medical kind with wheels and iv holders, etc. We took them, as we always do with donations knowing that God has a plan for them, otherwise He would not have brought them to us. We don’t know where they came from but do know that God orchestrated that they be delivered here in S Texas for those who need them. We took then to Ida to the church in the colonias for storage, where she informed us that we only need to store 3 of them- the other one would go to a family with a physically disadvantaged child who were on the way to pick it up.  The recliner was perfect -it makes into a bed, which they were in need of. The child needs medical assistance, so the fact that it is a medical recliner was perfect – also the fact that it is on wheels helps them to wheel him up to the table to share their meager meal together as a family. God is good!

dried peaches - taking off the dumb labels

ready to bag

we got 12 bags per basket

4 baskets in all - plus 6 boxes of apple bar mix - the mixes are used for Bible study snacks for the kids who come to Bible study perhaps just for the food for the body - hopefully they are receiving food for the soul too .The white pails were full  of

dried peaches.

The inevitable Texas crud is going around right now – our little Miss Opal has had it for 3 weeks now. Fred wound up going to the doctor to get a shot and stronger meds – I came down with it on Friday. It is nasty –just when you think you are getting better, it wallops you again. Mornings are rough then a person begins to feel better – by then is time to collapse in the living room again for a bit. We did not go to church this morning as we do not want to spread it around – probably the only time this year we missed Sunday services.

We did revive ourselves enough to purchase 7 slow cookers on sale at HEB – the local grocery store. The ladies who religiously help out on Fridays with the distribution are having a holiday brunch on Tuesday (let’s hope we are able to attend) but do not know that these are a thank you gift for them. They may have electricity at times – otherwise they go to a neighbor who has it. Most do not have stoves that work – so a slow cooker is perfect for fixing warm meals for the family. Thanks to all of you who contribute to Caring Hearts Ministry which has enables us to purchase these Christmas presents to some very dedicated ladies.

When you start making you New Year’s resolutions, make them to help others as well as yourself. Last year I resolved to be better not bitter – and believe I stuck to it most of the time. The results were amazing!! This year I resolve to not to be irritated when someone cuts me off in traffic, or cuts ahead of me in line, or worse yet, grabs the pineapple I was reaching for. I will not roll my eyes or have a disgusted look on my face – I will just smile a friendly smile and pray that their day goes better.

Happy and prosperous 2108 -

Merry Blessed Christmas

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord

My beautiful manger scene was a gift from my brother years ago - it is the first thing that is put up for Christmas and the last thing to take down. I put it under my tree in the Texas room last year, but did not like it there, because I could not look at it all the time as a remembrance of the greatest gift of all. It is Fontainni and I did find a couple of new pieces that I did not have for this year. The two camels and the little drummer boy - (you probably cannot see him as he is behind Joseph in an opening in the stable). I think I need a few more sheep, too, but will wait until next Christmas.

Another busy week, but one so full of blessings. On Tuesday we went to Reynosa for the RIN Christmas party which is always so full of surprises. Of course all of the kids are all excited and almost besides themselves with anticipation. They have practiced their skit all week and are ready to show off all they have learned. Betsy focuses on the reason for the season, no Santa Claus  or reindeer at all. Three van loads of us safely crossed the border and found ourselves also ready to see what the day held. We were ushered in groups by an older kid who was our leader, waving a wand with a glittering ornament on it. There were separate stations along the way, each one depicting a part of the Christmas story. The kids were so proud of their parts in the skits and performed excellently. After all of this performing, we were served the typical Christmas dinner - Chicken cor don blu, only it was not cor don blu, but some other tantalizing sauce, the ever present green noodles, mashed potatoes, and a roil (no butter in Mexico), followed by a miniature cup cake. After everyone was well fed, we went to the auditorium for the presenting of Christmas presents. Some of the newer kiddos never saw so many presents in one place (perhaps never even saw a wrapped gift) and could hardly contain themselves until all the gifts were handed out and Melana gave the "uno, duo, tres"signal to begin opening their presents. As you can imagine, it was total bedlam, the only time the kids are allowed to totally lose control and go wild!

These are the older college kids telling us in English a bit about themselves - some graduated already - a dentist, a graphic designer, and an industrial engineer. Our girl Paty is second from the left, studying to be a lawyer.

Betsy and Melana giving us instructions ( as always happens)

the first scene - the angel appearing to Mary

Mary visiting Elizabeth with her news

the angel appearing to Joseph

the animals adoring Jesus in the stable

the shepherds asleep that glorious night

the host of angels announcing the birth of the Savior

the wise men following the route of the star

bringing gifts to the newborn child

 Paty, posing near the tower of presents

how are they going to get the presents from the top

just crawl up there!

 the fellow was so excited -

 Paty with her Canadian sponsors - they will not return next year because of health problems, so she spent time with them that day

much excitement as presents are torn open

We returned to the US tired, but filled with happiness, knowing that the kids are well taken care of, not wanting for anything, yet being taught the real meaning of Christmas. They are all going to a colonia in Reynosa later this week to hand out gifts to others not as fortunate as they are. What an amazing testimony.

I met this week Cheryl Perkins, the amazing part of a gospel group Ambassadors of Grace, who will be presenting our ladies retreat in February. We hashed out a few plans and realized that we are on the same page as far as what the retreat should do for the ladies. As this is our 10th annual retreat (have I really been doing this for 10 years?) we hope to have a few surprises in store for the ladies. I will be turning the reins over to someone else - new blood and ideas are good. Pray that the right person steps up and takes over.

As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, let us remember what a great sacrifice God made - could you give up your one and only child in order to save the world? Make this next week be a week of love, hope, and faith.

Silver Bells

Every time I hear bells ringing, I think of the song Silver Bells. Something about the sound of bells is very soothing - be it church bells or even the sound of the door bells. With the sound of bells comes all of the sights and smells of Christmas - the cultural Christmas that is, All of the Salvation Army volunteers ringing their bells, the Christmas displays in the stores enticing to you buy the "Perfect" gift for someone, All of the beautiful lights and Christmas decorations, the Christmas parties, programs, and celebrations. But I love the quietness of the Christmas season too - the beauty of the church decorated for the birth of our Savior - the singing of the Christmas Carols that bring back so many memories of Christmas' past, the warm and comforting smell of Christmas baking while the carols play on the TV, even the shouts of Merry Christmas as folks greet each other on the streets. Yes, I do say Merry Christmas to everyone, whether they say it back or not. I even wish them a blessed Christmas. The are still memories from my childhood that reflect the commercial side of Christmas, too. I remember one year when I was about at the doubting stage that Santa really did exist (I doubted Santa but never doubted the birth of the Christ child). We were living in Chicago at the time and were getting ready for our annul Christmas trip to Olsen Rug company, where a great Christmas display along with a Santa was a must on Christmas Eve. I was perhaps 7 or 8 I think. As I said, I began to doubt if Santa really existed - almost convinced that it was our Dad who secretly put out the gifts. I was going to catch him that year! So as we got ready to leave the house (no presents under the tree yet) I never took my eyes off him. We piled into our old green Dodge, all four of us together - OK - so now he was going to make an excuse to go into the house as he forgot something. nope - we drove off into the cold Chicago Christmas Eve together. I watched him all night, thinking maybe he would sneak off and go home and put out presents - nope - he hung around all night. When it was time to go home, we piled back into the cold car and drove home - parking the car in the street as we always did. Don't know why we never used the garage - perhaps because the alley rats used it for shelter form the cold. Up the stairs we went - all four of us together. Hmmm - maybe "Santa" would come when we were safely tucked away in bed. Opened the door to our upstairs apartment - and - WOW - presents all over the place. A train set for my brother and a doll house for me as well as what seemed like and endless array of presents. Well - maybe Santa did really exist! I don't remember when I really did realize that there was no Santa, but I sure believed it that year.

It has been a busy week as usual - a friend is not returning to the Valley this year due to the health of his wife and asked if we would sell/rent his park model - a cute little place next to the lake.It needed cleaning, so we went to remove the personal items he did not want and get ready for the patio sale on Saturday here in the park. I could not imagine all the "stuff" in that small trailer. We brought items home, washed and marked them, as well as removing all the linens to be washed and replaced when the cleaning girls get done. A big job - the sale is now over, a few pieces of stuff not sold ready to be donated to CHI - a big job finished. We did well for him at the sale even though it was cold and misty that day. After cleaning up and boxing everything, we headed to Mexico to pick up a few needed medications - now that was cold, rainy, and muddy. When we returned the vehicle was so dirty that even our Sunday morning gal we pick up for church could not believe it! You can be assured that the first place after church was the car wash!

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was featured in our church service this morning.Mary was a normal, simple girl, perhaps 13 or so, who was chosen by God to be the Mother of the Savior. The Jewish people had been waiting for years for His arrival and I am sure Mary knew of this. She was frightened when the angle announced she was with child, even though she had never been with a man. What would Joseph, or even her parents think? She would be an out cast in society, as Joseph would definitely not want to marry her now, even though the marriage contract was signed. Her parents would be shamed. Mary's response was simply that was a servant of God and may His word to her be fulfilled. I love Luke's Christmas story. Luke is my favorite book of the Bible. Perhaps it is because he tells the Christmas story so beautifully or maybe because he, being a physician, was so analytical in the telling. He was precise - being a physician he must have believed that a virgin birth was possible. Or did he? Did it test his faith, his knowledge of the human body, the almost impossibility of it? With God all things are possible. Luke was probably a Gentile, well educated in Greek culture, a physician, and a companion of Paul from his second missionary trip to Paul's imprisonment in Rome He was a loyal friend  who remained with Paul after he other apostles had deserted him. During this Christmas season read the book of Luke - especially the Christmas story on Christmas Eve.

Snow

                                                                          

Texas weather messes with my mind. Friday morning was really cold – about 34 degrees, cold, rainy, sleety. Fred had already left with Doug to pick up produce – the first time ever in the rain and cold. As I was talking to a friend on the phone, I looked out the window and – it was SNOWING!   The first time in 13 years. Not a lot at first, but eventually enough to cover the ground and allow a few folks to build small snowman. I called my friend Judi to come build a snowman with me, but alas, she was busy. So, what do you do when it snows in deep South Texas? Bake – I have almost all of my Christmas baking done – way ahead of schedule for a change. Just have two different batches of cookies left – and one is my very favorite – cut out cookies! As I roll out the dough I make choices as to what cutters to use (so are pretty old actually) and remember the times our 4 daughters and I would spend the day making cookies and candy for Christmas – even after they were married and gone from home. I could almost smell the cookies baking, the smell of spices, and the aroma of the chocolate as we made candy. Wonderful memories. Later that day Fred and I went to the store and by then the sun was out, the snow gone, and people were walking around in their shirt sleeves. Yesterday was almost 70 degrees. Go figure!

the beginning of the snow

it actually accumulated on the cars and roofs - neighbor had to sweep the snow off the satellite  dish as it interfered with his reception

Saturday was a busy day for us as we broth went in different directions. It was the monthly chaplains meeting which I had to attend to pass out brochures and info about our upcoming ladies retreat – need to get those out and ladies signed up. It was also the big Christmas celebration in the colonias. So, Fred headed off in one direction and I in another. The Celebration was wonderful (from all reports) many people were blessed that day. All received gifts, food for the body as well as food for the soul. The kiddos received a filled Christmas stocking (thanks to Big Valley Park) as well as a stuffed animal (remember all those that I washed?), and another wrapped gift compliments of a team from Houston. What a great day as the weather was balmy and sunny and everyone was in a festive mood. A group played Christmas carols and the kids received a great Bible study about the birth of Jesus. We have a video of Caring Hearts Ministry on the CRMI website – go to crmintl.org and click on the Caring Hearts Ministry box.  Our IT guy from Canada does a great job of turning about 8 hours of video and voice into about 4 minutes – quite a feat. Please keep Paul and his wife Dianne in your prayers as Paul has to return to Canada on the 20^th because of Dianne’s health issues. She did not accompany him to Texas this year and needs his physical support and love as she continues to battle health issues. We will miss them for the rest of the season, but know God has a plan for their lives.

 lining up for tamales

 dozens of tamales - our loyal volunteers who are colonia residents

 it was a slight bit chilly, but for those who live here it was cold

 waiting to receive a "hand up"

 presents and blankets for all

 some happy kids and relieved parents

 searching for clothing for the family - the ladies like to shop this way

 opening more bags of donated clothing

 some of the many who attended

 love the smiles

 looks cold

 taking their items home

bags of protein mix

Church service this morning was so powerful, as we sang Christmas carols and worship music. Pastor Robert continues his sermon series about unlikely people involved in the birth of Christ and their reaction to the event. This week’s sermon taken form Luke 2:8-20 told of the angels appearing to the shepherds, very unlikely people to give this amazing message to. Shepherds were considered scoundrels, liars, thieves, and not anyone who could be trusted. Why would the angels announce the birth of Jesus to them? Shepherds wondered if the Messiah would come to help them – no one helped them support their families – no matter what they did no one trusted them. Perhaps they did steal and lie, but most of the time it was to provide for their families. No one bought from them at the market because they thought they had stolen everything, although they had made many of the items their selves. They were outcasts – what would it look like if the Messiah came for them as well as the others? Does God care about outsiders? Why would He come to save them – lowly shepherds? We cannot relate to the shepherds – set apart from normal society. Today there are people who are treated as the lowly shepherds were. Outsiders who feel that God does not love them.

This week make it a point to notice someone in need – take the first step and see what you can do to help.

Captain Jack

Sounds like a strange title doesn't it? There is a gentleman in our park who turned 93 today with a birthday party celebration  for all. The most amazing part is the fact that he recently wrote and published a book - last year!!! Who says you are never too old to follow your dreams? Jack is an amazing Christian man, who loves and is loved by everyone. His book tells the story of his life as a  pilot in WWII and recalls every detail with precision. We purchased his book last spring when it was released and of course, had him sign it for us. Today along with all the festivities, he held a book signing as well. Some of the gals in our Friday quilting group made a lap quilt for him - the fabric being airplanes and included a note on the back thanking him for his service. Another gentleman, BobHurd, turned 85 today, so we included him in the celebration also.

birthday invite featuring Jack's recently published book - a very young 20 year old Jack Van Norman

some of us were told to wear red, white, and blue to honor Jack

even Bob had a special cake - he is the head of the pool league

presenting Jack with the lap quilt made especially for him

wishing Bob, in the middle, a happy birthday also

Our CRMI IT man, Paul, is filming a video for the website featuring Caring Hearts Ministry. Paul started early in the morning as Fred and helper Doug pulled out of the driveway and headed to Hildago to pick up produce. He continued filming in the afternoon when Fred and Dean delivered the produce in the colonias. Thanks to his amazing abilities you will be able to view the wonderful ministry in a few weeks by going to crmintl.org and clicking on Caring Hearts Ministry (I'll let you know when it is ready). God has so blessed the ministry from its very humble beginnings a few years ago when Fred felt it laid on his heart, along with Ida, to deliver a few bags of fresh produce to a colonia. The folks that day were amazed that it was not going to cost them anything, and that they would be receiving this gift every week. From a few bags from the truck of our car in 1 colonia, we now serve 7 colonias - 100+ families every week, with at least 4  special distributions throughout the year. Hopefully, we will be able to distribute tomorrow to make up for the cancellation last Monday - another bigger distribution is next Saturday, a very busy day. As that is the regularly scheduled Chaplain meeting where I really need to be in attendance to distribute the bulletins for our ladies retreat. Fred will go to the colonias as I fulfill the chaplain's obligations. So many things this time of year.

This morning's sermon in church was a very different structure, at least on we are certainly not used to. Pastor Robert is going to talk about others who were involved in the Christmas story. First we watched a short video in which  Pastor Robert explained that this morning's sermon was going to be about Herod, the king who when learning about the birth of the Messiah from the magi, was determined to find Him. Pastor robert then came out, portraying Harod. What was great news for the world (the Messiah has been born) was certainly not good news for Herod - this baby was a threat to his authority. He had heard about the Messiah all his life , but now was afraid that this Messiah had come to conquer the world - where would that leave Herod??? He was enraged as he was afraid that his position was being taken away. He, Herod, was the most powerful of all - so he ordered all the boy children, ages 2 and under, be killed in order to insure that the Messiah would not live. You know how the story goes - an angel told Joseph to flee the country in order to save Jesus. Joseph, being the righteous and obedient man he was, took Mary and Jesus and fled. We await the good news of Jesus return - we stand to loose so much of our earthly life, but we have so much more to gain!