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!