Turkey Overload

People say tryptophan is the chemical in turkey that makes you tired, but nutritionists say it's a myth. You get sleepy when digesting a big meal. I suppose I cannot blame turkey for the sleepy Thursday! We had a wonderful buffet at Victoria Palms again this year - except there were no sweet potatoes!! What is Thanksgiving without sweet potatoes. I don't mean the casserole with marshmallow, etc - just plain baked sweet potatoes. A friend told me that she put them in her crock pot - unpeeled with a bit of water, and cooked them that way. A great way to beat he kitchen heat. I hope all of you had a wonderful thanksgiving, never forgetting to give thanks for all of the blessing you have received so far this year. 

My birthday is coming up soon so I ask that you check out my face book site - I am asking that you think about a donation to Christian Resources Ministries this year as I would like to see our Ministry fund grow, Last year we had some nice donations which allowed us to build 2 bedrooms for two different families in the colonies Fred did finish the bunk beds for the boys and put them up this week in their converted bedroom from a shed. They boys were overjoyed as they were also given sheets and blankets for their new room. We also gave them paint, brushes,and rollers for them to paint their beds. Hopefully they will take pride in ownership and do so.

 they made their beds - well sort of

 ladders on opposite ends of the beds 

they even have one outlet for a small heater

they love their own "room"

Children's Haven is preparing for the Christmas party at the refuge in Reynosa. The kiddo so look forward to this - putting on a program for their parents and their sponsers who cross the border to see them perform.  I really don't know what is going to be happening this year - they will have a program but don't know if we will cross the border to see them. There are military people stationed at all of the area borders - some even just a few miles down the road in Weslaco. Betsy, CHI director, will be monitoring the situation and will not allow us to go if there is any danger what-so-ever. We would not be caught in Mexico because we are American citizens, but could be held up for hours on the return trip. We place it all in God's hands and will definitely follow His plan.

Friends and relatives of a lady here in the park planned a surprise 80th birthday party for her yesterday - a breakfast brunch. It was wonderful - we did not have to make breakfast at home! Her friends flew her daughter and grand-daughter here from Wisconsin to surprise her and it was a huge surprise There was so much food leftover that we were invited to take some home - so we did not have to make breakfast again this morning - what a great treat.

We attended the early service this morning - a traditional service as we had errands to do today and wanted time to relax a bit afterwords. Pastor Ricky presented the sermon reminding us that the future of our churches rests on our children. grandchildren and great grand children. God reminds us that we need to have the faith of a child in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. Christianity is only one generation away from extinction. It is our responsibility to share our faith with the next generation, especially our immediate families. Children are the most likely to become followers of Christ as they are humble, always willing to learn and not be afraid to ask questions. When you open you heart to a child, you are opening your heart to Christ. Reaching people, especially children, is God's highest priority. In the busyness of raising our children we often loose sight of their spiritual growth. Make it a point to talk about God to them, your grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

they love their own "room"

24+ Hours

                                                               
Aren't there some days when it seems that there are not hours in the day? that s yesterday for us. What started out as a quiet Sunday morning with Sunday School and church became a day of not nearly enough hours. After church we went to the hospital to see Miss Opal,our dear friend here in the park. She was admitted on Saturday as she could not walk..As the day progressed, she could move her legs and feet to walk but she had no balance. As we were visiting her on Sunday, she was taken to another facility for an MRI (the one at the hospital she was in was not working). The results were that there was some imbalance in her inner ear. Today she was transported to a rehab unit. After visiting her on Sunday, we proceeded to an RV Park to visit with Elaine,.She lady who who started and ran the resale store for Children's Haven Int'l. for many years. Her husband passed away a few years ago,and now it was time for her to return to Iowa  to be watched over and taken care of. It was a bittersweet visit, as we talked about old times, but know that she will be leaving this week for Iowa. We hope to stop and visit with her perhaps on one of our trips to Wisconsin.

After leaving Elaine's we went to find an amazing missionary. He and his wife spend most of their time in Southern Mexico, ministering to the folks there. He is very seldom in the US - Fred had called earlier and found him home. Bruce supplies us with rice and beans for the colonias.  He does not charge for this, so we give him a generous donation for his ministry. The Gee's park donated funds for beans and rice, so we checked and found out Bruce had some available. While there we talked about God's wonderful ways and how He provides before we can even ask. He gave us 5# of ground Nigra - an animal on the  King's Ranch here in Texas where hunters go to test their skills at hunting exotic animals. Bruce assured us the meat was delicious and makes wonderful meatloaf. We left there, headed home, and called Roy nd Paula Gee, who came over to drive back to Bruce's to get some beans and rice. While there, Bruce then donated boxes for chips and snacks for our ministry - what an amazing gift of generosity he has. Roy and Panla took the rice back to their park to bag for our big distribution in December - they are returning today for the beans. Already it was almost 6 PM - and I have not done anything on this blog, nor other book work to get ready for Monday. We were exhausted so just relaxed until bedtime (which seems to get earlier and earlier every night). Today we loaded all the quilts given to us by our Helping Hads group here in the park, as as well as boxes of clothes and other items to take to Ida tomorrow to distribute. It seems as if we are loading and unloading all the time! But I am not complaining a bit -- we give praise and glory to God for all the things He brings to us.

Rainy again today, so we did chores around the house and went to Wal-Mart for a few items. We usually don't buy food at Wal-Mart as we like HEB grocery stores better, so just picked up a few things that are cheaper in a department store. There were tons of folks there already in what seemed to be a shopping frenzy! We hurriedly got out of there and headed to my favorite store, Dollar Tree, for gift wrapping, etc. for   Christmas season. Again, tons of folks there, all buying Christmas stuff as if it was going to run out  tomorrow! So glad to get that all done and go home to peace and quiet (well sort of). I often think that if people would slow down and think of what CHRISTmas is all about they wouldn't feel that urge to shop, shop, and shop more.

As we enter this Thanksgiving week, start every day with a thanks to God for whatever is on your heart - your health, you family, your possessions, etc. By Thanksgiving day you should feel more relaxed and less stress. As I look beck on the many Thanksgiving dinners we spent with family, it seems impossible that our family has grown and prospered so much over the years. Our parents were the patriarchs of the time - we are now taking their places. As the years have gone by, the traditions have also changed. Our families are more scattered now - sure, they get together for family dinner, but it is more individual families than whole generations of the same family. I pray that each and every one of you have a blessed day always remembering to give Thanks to the One who made it all possible.

Do you realize that it is only 34 days until Christmas? There is not only the Christmas shopping to be done, but also all of the other things to pay for - utilities, food, rent/mortgage, etc. We are lost in the mentality of scarcity - a fear of running out money. What are we supposed to do? All of the daily expenses, Holiday shopping and then the church seems to want you to increase your tithe. You can hardly make the tithe the next few months, let alone increase it! Does God really call us to give? He loves a cheerful giver according to the Bible. We should not be a doubtful giver but a  dutiful giver. I was talking to a friend the other day and she is worried financially -  everything is increasing. They were doing well until her husband felt they were giving too much to the church (his personal wants were being cut back because of the tithing they were doing. After that happened, everything seemed to go downhill. I am not saying by giving more to God he will shower you with monetary riches, but it seems that even though  your income has not changed, it seems that the money stretches farther!!!  We are called to be thankful givers.  As a thankful giver we become more thankful for God's grace - grace that we do not deserve. God  provides for us so we can provide His grace with others. 

We pray that everyone has a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving - be sure to thank God today and every day for His blessings - write down all the ways He has blessed you in the past year - you will be pleasantly surprised.

Thank You for Your Service

                                          


I hope that everyone took time today to say thank you to a veteran for their service and their willingness to  serve our country so that we can freely read or write what we please without fear of being persecuted or criticized. We have freedoms in this country that no other country has - the right to worship where and how we please, the right to bear arms, the right to express our political views with out fear of repercussion, as well as the the right for our vote to be counted. Yesterday when going to Wal-Mart I meet a man in the parking lot, clearly a serviceman by his uniform. I walked up to him and shook his hand and thanked him for his service. His reply - "Thank you ma'am for supporting me". This young man was someones son, brother, grandson, and perhaps father. There are many military here in S Texas right now, preparing to guard and protect our borders. Please pray for them  as they defend our borders. Don't forget to thank those veterans who have served previously - our fathers brothers cousins, neighbors, etc. who also gave up their freedom so that we could have ours. There are serviceman in our family - cousins, brothers-in-law, brothers, uncles, and and friends who we cannot thank enough for their sacrifice for us. Our country was founded on freedom - let us never forget that.


Rain again today and cool  the past few days. Those who have returned from the North were expecting warm sunshine, I am sure. Days like this are perfect for a cup of hot coffee, a good book, and a snuggly blanket!

Yesterday we attended our first chaplain training/meeting for the season, giving us a chance to fellowship with our new chaplains and welcome them to S Texas. As always, it was a great time of fellowship, praising the Lord, and sharing thoughts and ideas of how we all can best bring the word of the Lord to those who know Him and those who do not know Him. Our guest was a funeral director with suggestions on how to handle the death of folks in our parks who are from other areas many whom have funeral arrangements in their home states. We  learned many interesting facts and laws in Texas which may not be the same in other states. Sort of a strange presentation, but things we do need to know as most of the folks here are retired and are older.

Fred is done with the bunk beds which he will take to Brenda's family on Tuesday. Her and her sons will paint them - we could do that, but by  letting them do some of the work themselves, they might take more pride in them. Sometimes I feel like we are taking 1step forward and 2 steps back as we serve the colonias, but every accomplishment no matter how small, is for God's glory and none of ours. Some wonderful ladies from another park donated sheets and quilts for these beds for the kids as well as another blanket for the daughter who sleeps in bed with her mother. So thankful for everyone who donates.

one of two sets of bunk beds - a piece of plywood will be put down, and then the mattresses will be laid on top of that. The boys have already been sleeping on the mattresses on the floor of the shed now bedroom and love it there .

Activities here at the park are getting underway - cards are being played every night, church services are being held, as well as Bible studies and Christian movie nights, shuffleboard and pool is being played, sewing and quilting has started just to name a few. There has already been a pot luck, which is held almost weekly. Folks are out biking, walking, riding their golf carts again and when the sun is shining, enjoying the beautiful weather. I finally got my few flowers weeded ( a chore I do not enjoy) and have up the fall and Thanksgiving decorations. Cannot believe Thanksgiving will soon be here. It is early this year so it seems to have come up really quickly.

Brokenness trough betrayal is another way our lives can be broken and changed. Have you ever heard, "family is forever, blood is thicker than water, ". There is a danger in these thoughts as we love our family, but sometimes  love makes pain hurt more. The more you love someone, the more they can hurt you. What happens when family members betray other family members? Betrayal leads to isolation, We isolate ourselves so that we do not become hurt again. Isolation then leads to retaliation.Vengeance tends to cloud our judgement. Then retaliation then leads to devastation which sometimes leads to reconciliation. This may take a short  period of time or even years to happen. Betrayal is not God's plan, but the plan of humans. Because we are human, betrayal happens often in families. Don't let hurt separate you from family members - reconcile with estranged family members before the time comes when it is too late to do so.

God at Work

I think I mentioned that one of our chaplains moved a shed (donated) into the colonias to transform into a sleeping area for the boys of Brenda, where we distribute commodities on Friday. God performed miracles int the renovation of that shed. Some wonderful folks donated $500 to remodel it into a comfortable sleeping quarters.  Chaplain Jim moved it into place, and decided that it needed a door, of course. A lady donated an RV door,  perfect as it already had a screen door attached. As he was installing it, with the help of another volunteer, the volunteer's wife said a window was needed - so she bought it for him. Jim then put the window in, painted the shed, and added the trim around the door and window, all with donated or left over materials. He really wanted to insulate it, but the cost was really intense. A few weeks later, his  park renovated all of the old ceiling tiles - yep perfect insulation. God said to be still and wait! God provided it. He added the insulation - 3 panels thick, and still had enough left over for Jessica's added bedroom which was built this fall by the same folks. Jim's park also makes mattresses - upholstery fabric,with  "tunnels sewed in the length of it. These tunnels are then stuffed with plastic bags ( over 900 of them ). They make serviceable and comfortable mattresses for the bunk beds Fred is now building!  We were donated 4 of them - just enough for two bunk beds. Our Miss Opal, who wants to be in involved in the ministry, donated left over gray paint to paint the "bedroom"  - enough of it is left to paint the beds. I love this story of how God had His hands on this whole project - anticipation what was needed and then providing it. Oh, the shed was originally used to store hay - as Jim said on Friday of the shed - "from a stable to room at the inn". Amazing isn't it?

the completed bedroom -notice the walkway and railings added for safety, also the washing machine outside - that is where the clothed are washed - the machine is filled with the water hose and then drained onto the yard when done

yep - even electricity - one bulb and outlet so that the cord is not overloaded

looks wonderful - the window and door are strategicely placed to allow for cross ventilation

                                 Fred and Jim discussing details on where the bunk beds are going - and the ever so friendly yard dog

mattresses - 4 of  them ready for the beds

if needed the boys can sleep on the mattresses on the floor until the beds arrive - most likely they sleep on the floor in a very dilapidated trailer now

Our new Tuesday distribution is going so well - over 60 families feed. There were boxes of clothing in storage Tharp we put out for the ladies to take home. Ida bound these coverall and immediately put them on to work - even though is was pretty warm out. She is modeling them here along with a couple of ladies who help with the distribution.

the first church was under the trees and so our ministry on Tuesdays started under a tree also - look at all of the tomatoes on the left - the boxes and totes in front are full of clothes. There is Ida in her new coveralls!

We were so thrilled at an answer to another prayer - Mary, our friend and worker here at the park, has raised over $5000 in order order to have her surgery for tongue cancer. She will have the surgery on Friday - PTL.

Friday distribution is back on a"normal" (whatever that is ) schedule as we fed over 130 families. God is so good - He keeps blessings us with more opportunities to tell others about His majesty and power. 

 it was cold Friday morning as the ladies prepared the boxes to give away

 our helper, Doug, is back to work - now we await our other fearless worker, Dean

lots of donuts, or "pan" pronounced pon

Today's sermon seemed to be directed at us more mature (read "older") folks. Do you feel old today - your muscles are tight, your back aches, you keep forgetting things. Facing our fears also include the fear of aging but death is the only way to escape aging. Aging is a reality for everyone . From the minute we are born, we are aging - much faster in our young years, but a continual process. Age brings change. It can bring  joy but also bring uncertainly. Aren't we all in the denial of aging? Oh, I just forgot that,but it happens too often. We have to think awhile to recall names  places, and sometimes dates. Do you fear the uncertainty of the next step, or are you prepared to enjoy the thought of eternity with the Father? Not only do we fear the uncertainty of death, but we are sometimes in  denial of the aging process in our parents, or especially our children. I want to see my grandchildren and great grant children grow up - to see what kind of individuals they will become. But that is impossible. Let us live in the present day - face the uncertainty of aging with hope, faith, and the knowledge that aging comes with change and we an change with it.

We are asking prayers for an unspoken prayer request - a request that, too, faces uncertainty.