Feeling Like Spring

It was again a busy week, although I did get a few bits of time to work on a quilt for our granddaughter’s wedding in September. If I keep at it, I should have it done in time. As this is the 45^th anniversary week here at the park with loads of activities planned to celebrate it, all normal activities will be suspended (at least most of them). Perhaps I can carve out a few extra bits of time to work on it.

We went to the islands (South Padre) with friends this past week – as usual we picked a day that was a bit colder and drearier, but just being there brightened up things. Karen and I did our annul bird feeding pursuit of feeding the sea gulls. As we drove into the parking area, they were all clustered together a few feet away – Karen had not even stepped out of the truck yet and they flew over to begin their loud begging. We love to do this, as they are such a neat looking bird – a bit messy as one decided to decorate my jacket! It was fun and did not take long to finish off a loaf of bread. Next time we will need to bring 2 loaves. We drove leisurely around the island, as for the next two weeks it will be spring break time and we would not even be able to get on the causeway out to the island. After our wonderful lunch at Pelican Station (fresh shrimp and) we stopped at the outlet mall in Mercedes – I had not planned on really buying anything, but found the perfect outfit for the wedding – and only $35.00- hooray. And the best part is that I can wear it elsewhere, too.

It is hard to believe that it is almost March already and folks are already leaving the park for their Northern homes – why go back to the snow and cold??? In just a month or so it will again be only those of us who spend more time here at the park. I can remember my grandmother telling me not to wish my time away as it goes faster and faster – boy, was she right. I think back and wonder where all those years have gone – how in the world did I ever get this old?  It is kind of crazy as we watch relationships develop – people who have lost spouses seem to gravitate towards others and son they are going places together. It is all supposed to be a huge secret but as it is in every small town – everyone else knows before the couple themselves do! Right now, we know of 3 “secret” relationships. It is good to see those who were so lonely to find another partner.

The weather has otherwise been warm and beautiful – windy at times, but so very enjoyable. Just stepping outside and smelling the warm air and seeing the sun puts a spring in everyone’s step. Lots of people walking, riding bikes, visiting, fishing, playing with their RC cars and trucks -a real beehive of activity. The warm weather seems to make people want to clean house -therefore Children’s Haven and Caring Hearts Ministry are the recipients of the throwaways – it seems that every time we go outside we see a donation left on our table. Thank you one and all.

How do you spend your time alone with God?  What did Jesus do in His day to day living. Yes, He spent time teaching in the synagogues, preaching to crowds, healing the sick, driving out demons, but what did He do when He wanted to be alone in His quiet time? We need to spend quiet time alone with the Lord, but how do we do it? It is easier for some of us to be in community with others than to be alone. Why do we need this alone time with God? Solitude with God takes us away from our comfort zone, but what does it do for us? A few years ago, we were in Chaplain’s University in Branson, MO when our instructor told our group to go out and find a quiet place alone. Not with friend or spouse, but a place where we could sit in solitude and clear our minds of all worldly things and come back in 30 minutes. I found a quiet spot, sat quietly and tried to not think of anything else but God and His creation. I could focus on the birds, the beautiful flowers, even the bees busy at work. After the exercise, all of us felt regenerated, at peace, and having a brighter outlook on the day. It was a wonderful exercise – Jesus went off to deserted areas to be alone, we also need to find a small quiet space where we can go every day, just to relax in the warmth of God’s love. Solitude with God can take us in other directions than where we think we want to go. Spending time in prayer with Jesus is the reason He came – for us to hear His call in our life.

                                          

End of an Era

It seems strange to write the title of today’s blog, but is indeed the end of the era of me organizing God’s Worthy Women. It has been an amazing 10 years from a small group of 24 women to our largest attendance ever (165) at Victoria Palms Ballroom.   It always is a stress the last week before the conference as all loose ends are trying to be tied up -but all went very well. All the ladies seemed pleased with the presenters - Walter Plant especially wooed the ladies! Chery Perkins presented great sessions, ladies came forward for prayer, and participation was at an all-time high. I have loved the past 10 years but it is now time to turn the reins over to a younger group hopefully with new ideas. We have no idea who these ladies are yet, but are leaving it all in Gods hands to fulfill His plan.

After we ended the conference at 3 PM, we headed over to Rio Grande Bible Institute for a fund raiser for Children’s Haven International. This is an annual fundraiser complete with a style show of the lovely donations to the resale store, a dinner, a silent auction, a regular auction, and many delicious baked items for sale. It is fun to watch the auction, as folks already know how much they are going to spend, so the bidding gets really crazy at times. The highest bid was for $1000 for an apple pie. After a long day at the retreat, we called it an early night and were home about 7:45.

On Tuesday, Little Miss Opal wanted to say “Thank you” to our workers here in the park by hosting a luncheon of wonderfully delicious chicken legs, salads, and a cake to honor them. As they only have a half an hour lunch, it was a quick time of fellowship but a chance to say thanks to them for all their hard work.

 As I mentioned before our granddaughter Katie, is getting married in September in Northern Wisconsin. If the weather co-operates nicely, it should be a beautiful time of the year. The leaves should be changing, the smell of fall should be in the air (that is if there isn’t an early snowstorm).  Just found out today that Katie is going to wear my Mother’s pearls – a beautiful set of Miki-Moto (1940 era) graduated pearls. One of the set is missing, as I heard tell that when I was a baby, I reached for them and broke them. They all were found except one.  I had them re-strung years ago with a note from the jeweler that one is missing. A few years ago I passed the pearls on down to one of our daughters – 3 of the other daughter received one of Mother’s rings, but Brenda does not wear extra rings, so she received the pearls. She is now passing them on to the oldest granddaughter, Katie. My mother would be truly pleased to see Katie wearing them on her wedding day – I wore them for my high school graduation picture.

We attended church his morning at Mission Bell along with the Lundquists and a few other friends. Our vehicle is out of commission due to a bad tire. We bought the tire from Wal-Mart with the rod hazard guarantee, so we need to take it back there. Because it is a Michelin tire it has to be ordered – so we are foot bound for a few days. Of course, we have a hair appointment tomorrow morning, and Fred has a doctor appointment Tuesday! Boy, does a person feel weird not having a vehicle. Anyway, we just praise the Lord that this do not happen out on the highway while we were traveling.

Pastor Jim’s message this morning focused on being almost a witness for Jesus; it is not good enough. If you are “almost persuaded” to be a follower of Christ you are lost. There is no half-way in Christianity. Many folks run from God’s calling, not towards it. Almost is not enough. We need to take our lives in Christ seriously – not half-hardy or casually. Every one has to decided for himself whether to follow Christ or not – you cannot do it or him. You witness to others but you cannot force them to believe. For some people this is an easy decision, for others it is harder. If you do not know Jesus you are in the shackles of sin.  In today’s world we are encouraged to abandon the truth and conform to today’s society. We have to remember to remain to be committed to Christ always -  almost is not enough!!!!

Please remember to keep all of the victims of the Florida shooting in your prayers – those who died at the hands of a shooter, those who are recovering from the physical wounds, and especially those who are recovering form the emotional wounds. If you are wondering why God allowed this to happen remember that God is not allowed in schools.

 

Triple Crunch Time

Another week that has flown by – one day was a day of triple crisis deadlines. I simply sat back, took a deep breath, asked God for calmness and attacked them one at a time. I was so relieved when all went well and I achieved all that I needed to that day.

Monday we finally had our Christmas celebration with the ladies in the colonias who give their time to help distribute food to others. They could just sit back, let us do all the work, pick up their food and go home. But these wonderful ladies unload the trailer, pack items away in the storage shed, fill the boxes, record all those who come, and hand out the boxes that they have so quickly packed (usually 100 or more). They give up their whole day to serve others as we serve them. We had a great Bible study, (although all in Spanish I did get the general idea of the Word being read and discussed n a foreign language). Afterwards we had a brunch of delicious chicken salad, vegetables, fresh picked fruit from one of the ladies’ fruit trees, vegetables from the distribution on Saturday (one lady saved back enough for this day), and an apple caramel dessert from one of the boxes of donated mixes. Such a wonderful example of sharing, even though they had not a lot to share. It was a wonderful fellowship time. We presented them with slow cookers, toasters, and even a coffee grinder, depending on their needs. Imagine our surprise when they presented us with a thank you card and a monetary donation to be used to build more tables and buy more paint. It seems that our desire to allow them to have pride in their surroundings and share with others (when in past times they barely spoke to their neighbors) has taken root. We are so grateful that the Lord has allowed us to be a part of this miracle.

Saturday was our monthly chaplains meeting with almost all of our chaplains present as well as additional guests. It was a working meeting as all of the ladies helped to fill the folders for our God’s Worthy Women conference this coming Saturday. It took a few false starts, but once we got the rhythm going, we had the job done in no time all. A great time of fellowship as we shared a delicious meal prepared in Al and Shairon Dickey’s park (Acacia RV Park), joined together in praise through music, and prayed for one another’s needs, as well as the needs of others. There is just something s powerful when a group of people pray together. It is hard to believe that next month will be our last meeting for the season as the chaplains will be heading back to their homes or their own ministries, some of them full time RVer’s, going wherever the Lord leads them.   

Caring Hearts Ministry was so very blessed this past week, as folks dropped off many bags of clothing which we sorted and took to the colonias for distribution on Friday. About 15 boxes full, scavenged from the back of Little Caesar’s pizza! We went to get some boxes when we realized we had so many clothes – Fred asked if I really needed that many – we used all but 4 of those we picked up! We re so thankful that Little Caesar’s does not break down the boxes as they are the perfect size to pack clothing, blankets, and sheets in – large enough to hold plenty but not to large that they become too heavy. We praised God that we received many blankets, as well as fault and children’s coats and jackets.

What a shocker we had this morning – it was 71 digress as we left for church – 51 when we came out of the sanctuary! This has happened about three times this week – sure wish it would either be cold or warm – such decisions – jacket or not, sandals or closed toe shoes, etc., etc.

This morning we heard about he Transfiguration and what that really has to do with discipleship. The scripture from Mark 9:2-9 talks about the disciples being led up a mountain where Jesus appeared in His shining bright glory, along with Moses and Elijah. Following Jesus is the theme of this scripture. Discipleship is all about following Jesus which is a life long process. Following Jesus leads to a divine encounter with God. When that happens, we seem to not know what to do – the disciples were astounded and did not know what to do either as they encountered this incident on the mountain. The disciples didn’t know where to go from there, just as we think, What now, Lord?”. As soon as the divine encounter is over everything seems back to normal and we ask “just what happened, now what?”. Following Jesus leads to traveling together with Him. The church represents Christ today – we make new disciples by walking, talking, and being with Jesus and telling others about Him.

Please be in prayer this week as we plan for the upcoming 10th anniversary of God’s Worth Women conference (has it really been 10 years?), that we touch those that need to be touched, and that we plant a seed of accepting Him as their Lord and Savior in the hearts of those who need it.  

Punxsutawney Phil

I guess the ground hog saw his shadow and decided we needed 6 more weeks of winter – this has been a pretty cold and dreary winter so far – perhaps the coldest we have seen here in the Valley. Of course, it is only dreary if we decide to make it so --- lots of time to smuggle in, read, sew, and just relax.

Even though yesterday was a bit cool we went to S Padre Island for the kite festival. It is amazing how those who fly the kites can make them dance to music! At one time there were 12 of them, all dancing together, making many designs in the sky and never getting their strings tangled up. We did not get as close to the as we usually have, due to the muddy area we would have to walk through Many folks had their dogs, carrying them through the wet areas. It was so amazing to watch, until the wind died down and the kite all came back to earth for a while.  We then drove leisurely through the area, noting all the beautiful hotels and place to rent – soon it will be spring break and the area will be full of kids enjoying the sun (hopefully) and again, enjoying the area. We hope and pray that they all have a good time, trying not to drink or party too much.

 flying together

 just a few of the many flying

some folks braved the mud

Our park had their annual quilt show on Thursday with many beautiful quilts and other crafts on display I marvel at the woodcarvers and wood workers – how they can take a piece of wood (sometimes just a piece of driftwood) and turn it into something beautiful. There is certainly a lesson here to be learned – God can take something ugly, like a lost sinner, and turn them into something beautiful, like a person born in in the Lord! Lesson well taken.

some amazing woodcrving

 so pretty

 hope I can get half this good

 beautifu colors

 log cabin pattern

 Judi - winner of a quilt

 amazing talent

looks difficult

Tomorrow we are finally going to celebrate Christmas with the loyal ladies of the colonias by having a small party for them – we bought them all slow cookers, and will present them tomorrow. Pray for good weather for a change. These ladies give up their time every Friday to disperse the produce and other commodities we receive every Friday (and sometimes more often) and make sure that everyone receives equal amount, being careful to have plenty for all. God certainly has His hand in all of this, as we always have enough for everyone. Last Friday we provided 124 families with fresh produce, rice, clothes and other necessities. The ladies have already painted one of the distribution tables and are working on the rest. What a blessing they are to the ministry – so the small gift is a “thank you” for all of their devotion and hard work.

Today in service we learned about worship as an experience. Worship in the Old Testament was a bit different than we are used to today. Those who believes in the Messiah bowed low to the ground and worshipped His Holy Name. Why did they do this? They believed that worship included the whole body (as it does today) and showed their faith by doing so. They also believed that worship included bringing their offerings of the best of the best of their belongings – their animals, their crops, even their jewelry. They worshipped with singing and dancing, praising the Lord in loud voices. We are encouraged to sing loudly today, even if we cannot carry a tune in the bucket. God doesn’t care if we are tone deaf – He is not and sees the beauty of our singing. He loves to hear us sing His praises. We sing with gusto because we love the Lord.  “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord”.  The musicians in Biblical times lead the singers and dancers, just as today the praise bands lead us into worship, encouraging us to take part in the joy of praising the Lord through music. They worshipped the Lord everywhere – in the temple, in the desert, in their homes, and cities. Wherever the Lord is worshipped it is worship in His house.

Today I got a chance to keep my New Year’s resolution with great determination – a lady in the park looked right at me when I nearly drove right up to her, I waved and she turned her head. At first, I thought a few bad thoughts and then just smiled as I realized that perhaps she had a bad day or did not see me (I can hardly believe that she did not see me, but then again, I have been known to be wrong). I need to practice this more often!