Unexpected Events

Just another exciting week in our lives. It seems that wen we get a bit complacent, God has other plans for us. It was a pretty quiet week, so I decided to do a bit of spring housecleaning. Remember when we did serious spring housecleaning – windows, floors, walls, ceilings, etc. Does anyone ever do that anymore?  I started in the bedroom, took down all the curtains, washed them and hung them out as it was a glorious day. Dusted the walls, and changed quilts (I even washed the quilt). Fred and a neighbor decided to do a little trimming of the branches, so as I hummed away in my own little world, planning my next step, when I heard a commotion outside, and then Fred telling me to quick get some gauze pads. I looked outside and thought a pig had gotten butchered on our patio – blood all over the place. I grabbed the gauze pads and ran outside to discover that Fred had gotten in the way of the power saw and cut his arm. After many gauze pads and two towels later we were on the way to the ER while our neighbor scrubbed the patio with a brush. A few hours in the ER sort of messed up my plans for the day, but all came out ok – just needed 9 stitches and no tendons or muscles damaged. The doctor said Fred was lucky – I said no, God was watching over him again.  (Remember last year with with a broken leg and then later broken ribs?). So, I am again adding wound care to my list of duties – guess I will hang out my shingle soon. There are surprises every second in this life – God has this all laid out from the time we were born – why? Perhaps to teach us lessons, or perhaps to remember to give Him the glory at all times.

Again, after things had settled down and life resumed its somewhat normal pace, I received a phone call from one of our Arizona chaplains asking if I had time to talk. Marty said his wife Lennie was on speaker phone and wanted to talk to me. They had been here for the fall conference last October and she and I bonded with each other – I wondered why God had chosen her of all the chaplain wives I had not met before for me to form a closer relationship with. As she talked, she expressed her thoughts of our women’s conference (Gods Worthy Women) and explained her desire to form a retreat in Arizona! I was blown away and was totally flabbergasted (and I should not have been). We have been talking about this for the past 4 or 5 years but never got past the talking stage as we had no idea how to proceed with it (before I ever knew or met Lennie). I hung up the phone again just amazed at God’s answer to prayers in His own time and His great scheme of things.

It is really different as folks leave the park and things become quieter and quieter. Some folks to leave and not return because of health or family issues, some returning home to sell their homes and returning to live here full time, and some just to return to their homes for the summer. Another season past and preparations are already in the works for the next one.

As we enter into Holy week on Palm Sunday, we are reminded of the reaction of people to Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. They shouted hallelujahs and praises to Him, only to crucify Him on a cross in less than a week later. We received palm fronds again in church today. I had saved the ones from last year (they are still green) and added two more this year. The new sanctuary at our church was consecrated today, so in addition to Palm Sunday remembrance, we had that ceremony, as well as communion. It was indeed a great day in the Lord as we all celebrated together with a meal afterwards, a time for fellowship, praise music, and prayer. We left home a 9:15 and did not get back until 2 PM but what a wonderful time spent in the house of the Lord with other Christian friends.

Remember this coming week what Easter really means, that the greatest sacrifice of all was for us, so that we could be forgiven of our sins, gain salvation, and a place beside the Lord for eternity. After we die there are only two places to go – Heaven or Hell – I chose to spend my eternity with the Lord.

Wildflowers

A rather quiet week for a change – I did find some time to make strawberry and blackberry jams- enough for us for awhile and some to give away. I love to cook but seldom have time to really do any serious creations. I had received 2 ham bones a few weeks ago – froze them and decided to use one this week for split pea soup as the oven went out in my stove and I use the slow cooker until the part comes in (and that is another story entirely). The ham bone had tons of meat left on it – I left it on in the slow cooker all day and it turned out so good especially since we had a few cooler days this week. Back to the stove story – we looked all over for a new stove (spent a whole day almost looking all over) – ours is 24” deep, the new ones are 28”. Since ours is in a corner setting, 28” will not work. So, we wound up calling a repair man and getting it fixed. Just waiting for the part to come in. Ok by me as I love my current stove and did not want to change (a sign of getting older?).  As you see, we do live a somewhat normal life at times.

A group of 90 folks came from Dallas this past week to do service in the colonias – from repairing and painting homes, to hosting a huge event where food and clothing was distributed, to holding fun spiritual classes for the kids and adults as well. All of this while enforcing that God loves each and every one of them, and teaching them all about salvation. Thanks so much for the kids who gave up their spring break to do God’s work.

Now that the season has almost ended here at the park, all activities have ceased – some folks are still here and continue to play cards, do some shuffleboard, and just fellowship together as they all prepare to head back to their Northern homes. We will miss them, but love the peace and quiet of the summer days. This is the time of year when the bluebonnets are blooming – they are so very beautiful. Miss Opal has a whole side yard full of them, waving in the soft breezes. As the folks travel North, they will see them all along the roadsides of the highway. Miss Opal is going to sneak some seeds over to me to spread around our yard and hope Fred does not mow them down!! The Easter lilies in the park are getting ready to bloom – hope they show all of their glory by Easter.

                                                            beautiful Texas bluebonne

Lots of changes in our church – the new sanctuary is to open next Sunday with a huge celebration and dinner. The downside is that our 9 AM contemporary service is being changed to 10:45 to accommodate the younger parents. It is just a trial period to see if it will attract more folks to that service. We really do not like that lateness of it. I remember when our girls were younger, we got them fed and dressed and ready for church in plenty of time for an early service – but then again, I did not have to work out of the home. We shall see what transpires – again change comes with some difficulty for me.

Today’s sermon reflected on how worship worked in Jesus’ life. Today’s life style describes active Christian worshippers as those who attend services at least twice a month. Hm – times have really changed as we were never allowed to miss a Sunday in church unless we were dead! Worship today is not all about numbers but worship does play a big part in our Christian life. Do we know how Jesus felt about worship? He saw worship as a place of regular participation? We as Christians worship on Sunday, because that is the day Jesus rose from the grave. Worship is best done together with other believers – in a place where we can all come together and give God the glory for all things. Worship is a place of listening and questioning, just as Jesus did in the temple when He was 12 years old. Worship is many things – it is a place of participation, a place of encountering God’s will, a place to encourage other Christians.  We don’t always understand God’s will (why did my spouse die, why does my child have cancer, why am I having financial difficulties, why is the world in such chaos, etc. If we want to live like Jesus, we have to spend time in regular worship. We are called to see what Jesus is doing in our lives.

End of Season

Things are really winding down here at the park. Almost all activities are over although the residents still find opportunities to get together for cards and fellowship (usually at an area restaurant). Our sister-in-law made it safely back to Wisconsin, although she had to face the cold and snow again!  We had a great visit and a time for rebonding.

Our last chaplains meeting was Saturday – a bittersweet time for all of us. Many are leaving soon to continue their ministries for the summer, returning again in the fall. Others are leaving for different calling from the Lord. As I have stepped down for the leadership role in our ladies retreat, I wonder what God has in store for me now?? I have a bit of spare time -I just need to listen and follow as He calls me to continue in His will. I thank Him for the ladies who have stepped up to continue God’s Worthy Women, with great and exciting new ideas. It is hard to drop those reins to others and sit back and let them gone on from here, I will still be involved, but not in the capacity that I was. I am so excited as I listened to their ideas and plans already in place for this annual event. Our Christian Resort Ministries continues to thrive and grow, with the possibility of opening up the Northern areas for ministry in the summer time. What a wonderful opportunity to minister to others – to those who know and those who do not know Jesus. We do have 3 new parks here in the Valley, and are still searching for chaplains – if you know of anyone who would like to serve in an RV park for the winter in the warm climate please have them go to crmint.org for information and the application form.

There are 90 wonderful servants of the Lord who have come to the Valley from Dallas to serve in the colonias where we serve. They are hosting a 4-day event right in the colonias to minister to folks there We are so blessed that they have chosen to part of our ministry. They will do physical work at the church connected to the ministry, as well as work in the colonias such as dry walling the building there and encouraging the many residents to join them.  We took many cases of food, 105 dozen eggs, as well as clothing and other items to be distributed in an effort to show others how much we love and care for them, as well as telling them about Jesus and the fact the He, too loves them always and is walking beside them at all times. What amazing God we serve.

The weather has been so perfect with cool breezes and the smell of spring in the air – the fruit trees are blossoming as well as the flowering plants and trees. Easter is nearing with the promise of a new beginning, a new outlook on life, and the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What a glorious day! Many opportunities to worship and prepare ourselves are on the horizon the next few weeks. The Easter lilies in the park are promising to bloom by Easter – the amaryllis are already blooming.

We continue to study to live like Jesus. Did you know Jesus rested?? There are many references in the Bible where Jesus escaped from the crowds to rest and pray. Most of our lives are spent working or working towards working – we go to college, take mundane jobs (working) to prepare us for our careers (working).  Workaholism is the most rewarded addiction. The definition of workaholism is a compulsion to work excessively hard and long hours. Our bodies were not designed to work, work, work. How sis Jesus handle work and rest. In Mark 4:35-41 we read about Jesus and the apostles as they got into a boat and headed out across the lake for a time of rest and to get away from the crowds. A huge storm came up and the apostles were terrified. They looked for Jesus and He was sleeping on a pillow!! What – a storm is crashing around us, the boat is filling up with water, and Jesus is sleeping!!!! Perhaps His clothes are already wet and His pillow is trashed and still He sleeps. Chaos was all around which leads to panic. Chaos is the opposite of order – surely things were out of order as the storm crashed around them. Panic then leads to fear– the apostles began to be fearful of drowning and shouted at the Lord to wake up and save them. The disciples called out to God because of fear (have not we ever done that?). Jesus got up and calmed the sea – He just spoke the words and the seas and wind calmed. Fear leads to a desire to control the situation – to put it all in a box and “Fix it”. God will not be held hostage by chaos and neither should His children be. Sometimes God wants you to take a break. Living like Jesus means spending time at rest so don’t let your life be led by chaos.

We Have Company

The week went way too fast as we have had company – our sister-in-law Susan from Wisconsin has been here almost week now. We have been to Progresso, Mexico for shopping, Don-Wes flea market for just snooping and fun shopping, a visit to a quilt shop, and a marvelous trip to CHI in Reynosa. We have really enjoyed the time, even taking time for a game or two of cards. Susan joins us in our morning devotions and we have had many conversations regarding what we have read.

Strange that our park is celebrating their 45^th anniversary as is Children’s Haven, so we have been celebrating two simultaneous anniversaries! The park has had back to back activities which we have not attended, as we had our company. From all reports the celebration was a huge success. We did take time to relax and watch the anniversary as all of the activities were represented.

We also enjoyed a good day in Progresso with friends and Susan. It was really busy as many folks are preparing to go home and stocking up on their needed supply of Mexican items. We enjoyed searching out the many stores and street vendors for bargains. Lots of noises, smells, and music.

On Saturday we crossed the border again, only this time to Reynosa for Children’s Haven celebration. We had 3 vans full of us, ready to take  part in the fun. Also in attendance were church groups from Pennsylvania as well as from Kansas. The parents of the children who attend school from the surrounding housing developments were also there. We were so blessed to be a part of this. A wonderful addition was the presence of one of the girls we had sponsored, Sonia, along with her son, Riccardo. Sonia is the sister of Pati, our girl at the refuge who is attending college to become a lawyer. It was great to see Sonia and to reassure her of our love. We were pleasantly surprised to be able to cross back across the border with no wait on the bridge - almost a very first for us.

We had an amazing church service this morning as we were reminded that we need to get out of our comfort zone and do things that seem strange to others When Jesus talked to the woman at the well in Samaria, he broke the culture of the day. Imagine first of all going into Samaria, an area where most folks did not go, as the Samaritians were considered half-breeds - not fit to associate with. Then he was alone with a woman, a Samartian woman at that, and then He began talked to her! How scandalous! And yet, she believed and told others about Him. We need to find our Samaria, a place where others would not expect to find us, and minister to those who are living there - in the streets, in the colonias, anywhere that seems to go against our culture.