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.