Sunday Meanderings

It really was a day of meanderings - not really planned but sort of just mushroomed into a really great day.  After church we met Chaplain Jim and Vicki Troutman for chicken at the Elks Club.  A really long time and wait, but certainly worthy the effort. As we were waiting in line we spotted Cheryl and Dennis Perkins - Cheryl is going to be our speaker for the ladies retreat in February. They were leaving as we waited - Cheryl informing everyone that the chicken had run out !! Of course it had not - but some folks almost believed her. After we ate and visited (although we had lots of time to visit while standing in line) we met Suzy and Greg York at the local Dairy Queen. Suzy and Greg are our CRM music ambassadors and were getting ready to leave the Valley for Arizona and our chaplains in parks there. The Yorks and the Perkins' were doing a hymn sign at Big Valley Park, so again, off we went to listen to them. All of this was really unplanned, but what a marvelous day with Christian friends.

CRMI's Freedom in Christ Revival (renewal) was held for 5 nights with 5 different Chaplains presenting the sermon. We had a fairly good turnout, the sermons were amazing in different ways, but all pointing to freedom in Christ. As we are not preaching chaplains, it was a great opportunity for all of us to be ministered to, hearing the Word of God in different ways. Wonderful gospel music and hymns presented by the Yorks, as well as some folks from the various parks. We are planting the seed , praying that those who came were those appointed by God to do so, and that He will continue to grow the seed to bring them to Him.

Last night  couple in our park had a wedding ceremony, reception, and dance. It has been quite a while since we have been at a wedding ceremony - guess we need practice as our granddaughter is getting married in September! It was a very nice ceremony - both the bride and groom looked happy The dinner was wonderful - all prepared and served by neighbors. A band (lead by the minister) played country music (you know, the old pretty country!) and many of our park residents were dancing It was also a good time for fellowship with everyone there - a chance to visit and enjoy the evening.

Fred was busy this week making more tables for the distribution in the colonias. The ladies had asked if he could buy a gallon of paint to paint the older tables (most of the just plywood on makeshift sawhorses). Again, hopefully, they are beginning to keep up and improve on their surroundings and taking pride in keeping things nice They were so surprised at the new tables and arranged them just so before starting to separate and distribute the food. Oh - Fred did also buy a gallon of paint to keep them busy this next week!

The last of the sermon series on giving was presented this morning by Pastor Ricky - a prerequisite to the annual pledge Sunday next week. Giving promotes community - giving everyone an opportunity to give to those in need. 2 Kings 4:1-7 tells the story of a widow with two sons who became destitute/ Because she could not pay her dead husband's debts she had to sell her two sons in slavery until the debts were paid (a law at that time).  Wow - what a huge brick wall  - wonder how that would work in today's world? She went to prophet Elisha (her husband was also a prophet) with her problem. He asked if she had anything in her home to sell - the was nothing but a small amount of oil in a jar. He then told her to go to all other neighbor and ask for empty jars so she sent her sons out  to do so. After collecting the jars, she did as Elisha told her and began filling them with the small amount of oil she had. All of the jars were filled before the oil ran out. She then could sell the oil to cover her debts and still have enough to live on. Just because you love the Lord, you are not exempt from trials. Turn to God . When people come to us as Christians, we represent God and His Word. We need to part from our own solutions and ask God for help. In this case, the widow turned to a prophet, who assessed her situation, advised her to do something for her family, thereby involving the whole community in giving. Just as pebbles in the water, the ripple go on forever.

Listen and respond to God's invitation to be a blessing to others - to be able to help them - this is an expression of our faith. When a village comes together, lives are blessed.

Forever Christmas

Now that Christmas has been over for a bit, I just never want it to end. The magic of the season, the smells, the joy in everyone, and the birth of our Savior. We are keeping Christmas alive yet in our home as we continue to read our Christmas cards. I always hate to dispose of the after Christmas, but just imagine how many cards I would accumulate after 56 years!!! I take a day sometime after Christmas to look at and read every card, savoring the notes, the beauty of the cards and the love sent with each one. Every day in our morning devotions we take a card from the stack and pray specifically for the family. It gives us such a connection to our friends and relatives that seems to last all week.

It was a crazy, busy week as usual – very cold in the mornings – we took our plants in and just put them back out yesterday. I could almost hear them sigh with relief as they felt the warmth of the sun and received fresh water. I guess we all felt that way after such cold weather. Today is beautiful as was yesterday – it was great to see all the residents out and about – the sun seems to liven everyone and everything up. But even with the cold, rainy days we accomplished more than I had planned on. Someone donated bags of clothing, so Fred went on a box hunt to Little Caesars and found boxes to hold the clothing as we sorted and packed many boxes, ready for delivery to the colonias. There were lots of coats, sweaters, and jackets so the folks there will be prepared for another cold snap if it arrives.

Friday, we attended a fund raiser for Children’s Haven International which featured Ambassadors of Grace (our presenter at our ladies’ conference in February) with country gospel music, and Punches (a family group) who played Bluegrass gospel music. It was a fun afternoon, blessed by God, and blessed by those who contributed monetarily to the event. Yesterday as we took a break and relaxed in the afternoon, we were watching Great American Bluegrass who did we see – the Punches! And immediately following that they showed up again on Great American Gospel. What a double blessing. If you ever get a chance please attend one of their concerts.

We did not deliver produce to the colonias this week, as the weather was so cold and rainy – we would have done so, but Ida cancelled the delivery because our loyal ladies would have had to be out in the cold and rain for about 4 hours. We felt badly bout the fact that we did not deliver, but content in the knowledge that everyone was out of the cold, drizzly, rain.

We were at the hospital visiting one of our chaplain’s wives as she underwent surgery when our Corporate Secretary (who was with us) received a phone call. After about 2 hours into the Winter Expo where CRMI had a booth all of the brochures we almost gone as was the candy. So off we went to print more brochures and buy more treats for the visitors to the Expo. Many people were there as the weather was so bad that it was a place to go and see what is available here in the Valley. As we were on our errands, we encountered a snow shower – yes – it was snowing again in the Rio Grande Valley.  It was pretty but cold!!!

CRMI’s Freedom in Christ renewal starts tomorrow – a 5-day revival (as we older folks call it) in Mission, Texas. This was a dream of Chaplain Jim Trautman and has become, through the love and generosity of an amazing minister from Mission who enabled CRMI to hold the renewal there. Please pray that we reach all who are in need of spiritual renewal by bringing the Word of God to those who know Him and to those who not know Him.

We attended church this morning, not bundled up in winter coats and scarves. What a feeling of freedom there!  We continued the sermon series on giving. Did you know giving expresses love? Just read the book of Ruth – you will see love all around – expressed above and beyond the norm. Boaz was a righteous giver – a model of giving. Ruth (a widow) left her homeland to go with her widowed mother-in-law to her homeland, as that did not have a man in the household to support, so Naomi wanted to return to her native land near Bethlehem. Ruth went to glean the fields to support herself and her mother-in-law. The fields she went to were owned by Boaz, a well-respected man in the community. Boaz noticed her, favored her with more gleanings, fresh water if she needed it, and was protected from the normal abuse poor widowed women of that time endured. Boaz did as the Word said – protect and help the widowed, children, and strangers. But why did he do it? God was in charge of all that had happened to Ruth and Naomi. God multiplied generous giving over and over. Ruth gave up her homeland to help Naomi, Boaz gave the best gleanings and safety to Ruth, so God blessed Boaz by allowing him to marry Ruth, redeeming their land, have children, and be a part of the lineage of Jesus Christ just as was prophesized. Is not God amazing?

As we prepare for our ladies conference on February 17th, we are focusing on “memories” – God’s remembrances in the Bible. Come join us at Victoria Palms Ballroom as we take a walk down memory lane. Contact me at 479-957-6683 for tickets ($35). 

Te Road to Recovery

Already the end of the second week in January - we have lost almost 3 weeks already in illness, but at last we are recovering Almost everyone you speak with, even those from other parks, as well as at least 3/4 of our chaplains, have been ill since the holidays. It does feel great to be able to function at almost 100% - we praise God for our recovery and the recovery of everyone who has been hit by the flu or the congestive bug that has been going around. Hopefully it has played itself out!

So very glad we are functioning up to par as these next few weeks are going to be super busy in addition to our normal pace. This coming week is the Winter Texan Expo where CRMI has a booth. Thousands of folks come through to visit the booths, get all sorts of free bees, and see what is happening in the Rio Grande Valley. CRMI has a booth to show parks and potential chaplais what we offer - a place to stay for the cold winter months, a place to minister to folks in the RV parks as their chaplain (or substitute minister while they are away from home) and an opportunity to bring God to those who know Him and those who don't know Him. If you are in the area and plan to attend, please stop by our booth and say hi.

The following week is going to be a week long renewal (or as we older folks call it "revival"') . Each evening a chaplain will present a message based on "Freedom in Christ"  and an alter call after an evening of gospel and praise music presented by many talented musicians. Our country is in desperate need of a spiritual revival and this may be just a small pebble on the beach, but we hope to bring those who do not know the Lord into a wonderful relationship with him. We also hope to bring those who have drifted away from this relationship to be renewed in faith and mercy. If you feel called tobe  there, or if you just wish to be renewed in Christ, remember the dates: January 22-26 at Bethany Baptist Church, 751 Breyfogle Rd., Mission, Texas from 7-9 PM. There will be consulars on hand to answer all of your questions and pray with you.

Another event in the making is the 10th annual God's Worthy Women retreat. I cannot believe that it has been 10 years since Sally Maloney had a dream of a retreat for ladies of the Valley. From a meager beginning of 24 ladies to over 150, we have grown and hopefully inspired all the women who have attended these past years. Obviously, this year's theme is memories, based on all of the remembrances of God's promises. It is going to also be a fun day with perhaps a few surprises. The date? Saturday, February 17th, from 9AM -3PM at the Victoria Palms Ballroom in Donna, Texas. The cost is $35 for the whole day, including a continential breakfast, luncheon, and most important fellowship with Christian ladies (perhaps some are not Christian yet, but what an opportunity to minister to them!). Plan to join us for this day of spiritual journeys. Call Leila Preuss at 479 -957-6683 for tickets and more info.

The weather here in S Texas is still as fickle as ever - warm and lovely one day, cool to cold the next. Mornings are in the 30's and 40's but sometimes do warm up during the day. It is wonderful o see the sun shining and everyone out and about - walking, riding bikes, visiting on the patios, enjoying the activities here in the park. I love to see the park full of activity and everyone smiling. I do miss them
all in the summer when it is almost deserted, but still do enjoy quiet.

  This morning's sermon was not a very popular subject - giving. All some people say they hear from a church is give, give, give. But giving is the best description of a Cristian that you can think of. God is a giver - He gave us life, creation, His Son, an opportunity for eternal life to name a few. Most people don't understand giving - all the think of in terms of giving is their pocketbook. What really is giving and what happens when you give? Giving is actually worship which is defined as to honor with great respect and devotion. We give our life, energy, and resources to what we worship. After the flood, the first thing Noah did was to build an altar and sacrifice to the Lord. Moses went up to Mt. Sinai and received the 10 Commandments as well as other instructions for living. One of the instructions was to take an offering and build a temple so that God would always be with them If you read the instructions God gave Moses on how to build the temple, you may wonder where did these Israelites get all the gold, silver, and precious cloth to give? Remember when they left Egypt and were given gold, silver, and precious materials - God had prepared the way already. God doesn't want anything from us that we don't want to give. He wants you to give from what He has already provided to you! Do we worship God or our own personal desires? We need to give to God with a generous worship, to give freely of our whole lives. God offers us an invitation to participate in His plans. Everything we possess, God possessed first. All belongs to Him - how we steward these things belongs to us.

On a happy note - guess what appeared on the grocery shelves today - PEEPS!!!! Bright, yellow fluffly bunnies!!

Sunshine At Last

This past week has been unbelievable to say the least. We had to cover our flowers 2 nights - the days were for the most part cold, rainy, and dreary. We spent most of the time covered up in the recliners, still sick with the congestion type thing that everyone  is getting - some folks in various stages of  discomfort. Fred's doctor apt. on Thursday revealed that we just need to ride it out - we are on the road to recovery though. We can function, eat decent meals, (I even cooked a roast on Friday in the slow cooker and made muffins). But just when we think we are doing well, bam - it hits again and a person has to rest for an hour or so. When the sun and warm weather came in on Friday and Saturday, I realized that this is how Noah must have felt when he stepped off the ark and saw (get it, Arkansas?) dry land and the sun. The sun felt so wonderful as well as being a blessed sight. The grayness was very depressing even though we were sick. Just continue to keep those who are still ill in your prayers - this is an awful thing to have!

As I seem to say every week, God never ceases to amaze us - despite the cold Fred made the deliveries to the colonias on Friday - last week we received about 23 blankets which were delivered to help ward off the cold - this week we received more than that number. These were not really blankets, but sort of material that was felt-like on one side, and a bit furry on the other. A bit heavy you say for blankets? Yes - but these were used to put over the cardboard which was laid over the dirt floors in the colonia homes. Yes folks, even in this day and time, there are many with only dirt floors. By adding this covering to the cardboard the cold coming from the earth was held back a bit - can you imagine your child trying to learn to crawl or walk on cardboard over dirt? How blessed we are!!!God also provided enough produce, canned goods, and dry goods to feed over 120 families this last week. Just when we think He has met all our needs, He goes above and beyond that.

stacks of much need floor covering - even the rolls of felt in the back were distributed as needed

Today we are going to dinner with friends - the very first time since Christmas. It will really feel good to get out in the real world again and try to feel normal. We did manage to attend church this morning which was such a blessing. Pastor Robert provided an insight to preparing for the best based on Matthew 13:1-9 describing the parable of the farmer sowing seeds on the ground where the birds ate it, sowing seeds in the rocky soil where they grew but soon withered  and died, and then in the good soil where produced 100, 60, or 30 times over. Christ is always casting seeds in our life. We need to focus on the soil - will these seeds be devoured by Satan, or spout but die because they were not fully rooted, or will they sprout as we continue to build our relationship with God?  He always brings new opportunities to our lives - it is up to us to nurture them and watch them grow To lead a life as a covenant servant of God is to spend time with Him daily - not just once in the morning and call it good. Find spare minutes to just give Him thanks for opening that parking spot because we are tired and do not want to walk so far, for opening up  new line at Wal-Mart, or smiling at the sight of a flower blooming, or even allowing us to beat the rush hour traffic. God is a good God - He always wants to do everything to make us happy, but we need to be in relationship with Him. We need to try to serve others just as He commands and become a beacon for him. Expect great hings from God because we have prepared ourselves to expect them.

Praying that this New Year is all that you dream about - a year to change your lives in more ways than one.