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.