Christmas All Winter

Winter here in S Texas is usually pretty mild - this year and last being the exception. Last year was as cold and rainy as is this year, although this year fares a bit better when the sun usually comes out and warm us up in the afternoon. I try to keep the winterspirit alive with a simple technique. I save all of my Christmas cards, and start reading one every day after Christmas. It allows me time to really read and enjoy the card as well as pray for the senders. Sometimes the card brings back memories of past Christmas' or fun times the sender and we have shared. It also brings sad news of the passing of a dear fr end, or the joy of the birth of a family member. In the evening I try to pray for someone I encountered I thought about that day - to ask for a special blessing for them in the coming year. Sometimes I wonder who I am going to pray for - when all of a sudden a name pops into my head. The Holy Spirit must be listening as I struggle to think of a special person and supplies me with a name!

A week full of many activities this week - many pick ups with great treasures for Caring Hearts as well as Children's Haven. It seems as if when we take a breather and feel everything is covered as far as needs are concerned, someone calls with items to be donated. We call Ida and her reply is usually,"Yes, we have a need for that." She makes a few phone calls ans most of the time when we deliver to her church, the folks in need are there to receive the gift. Is God not great? We certainly cannot out think Him or even try to get ahead of Him.

Yesterday was a merchant's expo here in the park, featuring area merchants as well as insurance and other service agencies. It was quite a success as the hall was packed with people when I was there around 10:30.  We were instructed to not bring our vehicles to the hall to allow for visitors to have parking spaces as parking is very limited here in the park. There were lots and lots of vendors with a wide variety of things to offer. The annex was reserved for medical/health type venues including free eye exams. It was a nasty rainy day but that did not keep folks away. I did sign up for many door prizes, but did not win anything. It was a fun time anyway. I remember years ago when my parents owned a cafe in a small town in Central Wisconsin, the city held a home show, the same type of thing, in the local armory every year.  Many business owners were present - at that time they all offered free items - from nice wooden rulers to ivory handled letter openers/pocket knife. I still have the letter opener my father received from the Farmer's and Merchants Bank of Waupaca - still very useful. My poor mother made huge boxes full of rosettes - my job was to sprinkle them with powdered sugar. Did I mention that I had to sample one now and them to make sure they were edible?  I do recall folks making more than one pass at their stand for seconds. It seemed we never ran out - but what a process it was to make them - only two at a time. I really think she only did that one year -after that the cooks at the cafe made muffins or cookies or something else. I certainly cannot blame my mother - spending days making rosettes and then standing on a booth all day long, watching her hard work disappear in a matter of minutes.

Thursday we went to a meet and greet for an area entertainer - although she is from Wisconsin and has barn/dance dinners in her huge barn back in Wisconsin in the summer time. Maggie May is a very talented lady with a heart for singing country and gospel music. the pot luck was typical mid-West food - German potato salad, hot dogs, sloppy joes,  cold potato salad,  brats, pickles, etc. Later on that evening Maggie May put on a performance in the park. It was a relaxing evening - the end of a busy day.


In between all of this seemingly fun down time, we continue to serve those in the colonias on Tuesday and Friday with produce, blankets, and clothes. Produce is way down at this tome fo year due to it being between growing seasons, so we fill in with beans, rice, and pre-packaged rice and lentil meals. We are so grateful for those who contribute to the ministry from our park and other parks with their wonderful donations of canned goods - vegetables, peanut butter, canned meat, etc. We even received can openers, which are in great demand. A lot of the canned goods come in easy open cans now, but there are those folks who do not even own a can opener. They do seem to improvise, though.

Today's sermon focused on prayer - just exactly what is prayer? Prayer is direct communication with God. Our prayers usually communicate our deepest feeling with God - things we cannot seem to share with others. They can uplift or even depress us as we pour out our hearts before the Lord.
Communication isi indeed a two way street - we talk and listen. Prayer is the same way. How are you praying? Are your prayers to God a Christmas wish list or prayers of deep desperation?  You need to go into prayer worshiping and praising the Lord in thanksgiving. Prayer should always start with thanksgiving - thanks to God for all we have received and not deserved. We also need to listen to God - truly listen. Do we understand what He is trying to tell us. We should pray"Lord, what do you want to do through me?". then just be quiet and listen. It may come as a direct voice as an answer, or just a feeling in our hearts. Whatever it is, we need to listen. If we feel strongly about an answer but try to make excuses why it cannot happen, whose will are we trying to obey - God's or our? Prayer produces blessings in our life and proclaims God;s will and not ours. Seek not God's answer to what you want, but what God wants you to do. God's answers come from his love, even if He says no!

Pray often, continually - for our country, our leaders, and our people.

Cold, Warm, Hot

The crazy weather here in S Texas keeps us changing clothes all day! The mornings are cold (as defined as S Texas cold - 40's and 50's), mid morning warms up beautifully until the middle of the afternoon which becomes almost hot. It is a challenge as to how to dress - layers works the best for me.

We have had such an influx of donations this week - stacks of a fabric like material - sort of a quilt batting with one side of fur. Ida is more than glad to receive it to use as batting in the quilts the ladies of the colonias make as well as many folks are using it for blankets or floor coverings (anything is much better than a dirt floor when the weather is cold). Fred also bagged 300# of black beans this week, and I sorted and packed  30 bags of clothing, most of them being ladies and men's jeans. Not ordinary jeans, but Levis, Dockers, Gloria Vanderbilt, etc. Beautiful clothing for those in need. First of all we praise God for allowing others to have giving hearts so we could receive these items, for giving us the energy and stamina to get the job done, and thee ability to distribute these items to those who are desperately trying to make ends meet. They can wear almost new clothing with pride, bringing up their self-esteem, and allowing them to rise above their current station in life. Of course, the food donations help them to not worry about when or what the next meal will be, and allowing them the freedom to look for and continue working for their families. It brings such a feeling of happiness when some of our people tel us they found a job, or their kids won awards in schools, or they now have electricity or water - all these things we take for granted. There are many though, who seem to not want to make a better life for themselves, - those are the ones we pray for the most - to help change their hearts from sorrow to gladness in knowing the Lord and the the fact that He does love them , too. He wants what is best for them.

We often grumble and complain when things do not go well for us. Simple things, -  like a crowded grocery store,  long lines, cleaning house again,  having to buy gas for the vehicle, a spot on the tablecloth, etc. Such minor things that mean nothing When this happens, I try to acknowledge the real problems of folks in this world. Of our our loyal workers here the park Maria, was diagnosed with tongue cancer, and was scheduled to start her chemo last Friday. She did so, but just prior her husband (who was not ill ) suffered a heart attack and died. In the middle of her health situation she had to deal with the death of her loved one - her spouse who was so wonderful in supporting her through her diagnoses, surgery, and then hopefully her treatment. Our hearts break for her - she and her husband, Lupe, were wonderful, caring Christians. So when you spill the coffee on the floor, wipe it up and praise God for your health, the ability to stoop down and wipe it up, and  fill the cup again for your spouse.

We are going to make those wonderful plastic bag mattresses that the ladies in Mission Bell make for the colonias. We were invited to join them in a work day - all we have to bring is a big stick!! We are looking forward to it and to see how a simple bolt of upholstery fabic (donated to us ) becomes 17 mattress for folks who need them. Again much better than sleeping on the floor. A lady in our park made pillows that fit them exactly by cutting in half pillowcases and making two pillows from it. Amazing what a person can do with so little. Thank you Lord for giving people the creative minds to do for others at a very little cost.

Church services this morning at Mission Bell were so blessed. we listened to special music by Shelia and Freddie,  a couple who comes to the valley in the fall and winter to entertain the people in the parks. It was cool in the hall, but the beautiful  hymns and great sermon warmed our bodies and hearts. Pastor Jim Mxson asked us a good question. How much does our salvation cost?? Nothing - it is free, !!! But the cost of following Jesus  is another question. It always costs something. A learner must follow heir leader - that is discipleship. What does Discipleship cost.?
It costs denying yourself. God does not want us to deny ourselves the food we love, the entertainment we watch, or our hobbies. No, He just wants us to submit everything to His control .Put Him ahead of our personal desires and share His truth with others. Consider Gods will regardless of how we feel.
Discipleship also costs us to take up our cross. In Jesus' time, if you saw a person carrying a cross, you knew he was only going down a one way road - the road to crucifixion. Discipleship is putting to death the desire to be #1 - putting others ahead of ourselves. Don't worry about tomorrow it is not here yet. What you worry about probably will not happen anyway. Don't worry about yesterday -  - yesterday is past and you cannot change it. Jesus has all of this covered for you.
Discipleship is the desire to follow your Master. Today's world tells us to follow ourselves. Be who we want to be. Follow your dream. A particular car ad says that if you buy this car you will own the world. In order to follow your Master, you need to  know Him - read your Bible and pray. We need to become like Him. Let Him lead you every hour of the day - every step of the way. Trust and believe in Him - hear His voice and obey. Just knowing how to follow Jesus is not enough, you must do what He says. Pray always, be honest about what He want you to do, and then have the courage to do it.

Have an amazing week - as you celebrate Martin Luther King Day remember what and who he stood for - God and equality for all.

Mariachi

This is the time of year the Mariachi bands enter competition and put on performances, We went last night to the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan to see 4 area school Mariachi bands perform, some of the them had won National Championships. They were wonderful as usual - the kids are so dedicated and perform with such exuberance and energy! There was also a group of dancers performing authentic Mexican dances, all participants ranging in ages  from about 10 to perhaps 17. They, too, were excellent. This afternoon there is a group coming to our park, which we are planning to see. This type of music is very revered here in the Valley and competition is great to be involved. The kids are awesome.



Cooler weather this morning as we headed to Mission Bell and church services with Pastor Jim Maxson. We were treated to a men's quartet for special music. It amazes me that men of retirement age have such wonderful voices that harmonize so well. Pastor Jim preached a sermon on Trials and Tribulations - sometimes referring to the  Kris Kristofferson song "Why Me, Lord?". How many times in your life have you wanted to ask that question?  Just thinking about the mountains and valleys in my life alone makes me know I have thought that. I see others doing so many sinful things, defying the Lord's commandments and still breezing through life without a worry, when I try to follow His Word and still run into brick walls. When we find ourselves in valleys, no matter how small it seems, as in Pastor Jim's life when a rat chewed through his water and sewer lines, or when life threatening illnesses strike us, we always need to praise the Lord for the good things - such as Pastor Jim being able to repair his chewed up lines, or overcoming or dealing with an illness or death.
It is difficult to do - to try to remain faithful to the Lord! But how we react to the hard times in our lives is definitely a reflection of our Christianity - so don't say those words when you hit your thumb with a hammer, or you get a flat tire. Praise God that you are not bleeding to death, or that perhaps you can take time while you are waiting to have your tire repaired to examine all the praises you can give to the Lord.

Our CRM organization allows us to write a devotion to the Winter Texan Times. I wrote one a few weeks ago which was published. I hope this is not a sign of being boastful, but more than one person has said how much it meant to them - one lady even cut it out and saved it. I would  like to reprint it here for your now - perhaps it can put a new light on your happiness.
 "What is happiness? If you ask 100 people what happiness is or what makes them happy, you will probably receive 100 different answers. If you look up happiness in the dictionary, you will read. "happiness is the state of being happy". No help there. Happiness is a mental or emotional state of mind ranging from contentment to euphoria, depending on where you are at the moment.
Psalm 144, verse 15 reads "Happy are the people who are in such a state: happy are the people whose God is Lord." God's people were living in a time when their barns were full, their livestock were productive, and there was peace in the villages. They were happy, living living in a time of abundance. Psalm 144 is all about praising God for His grace and provision.
What makes you happy? Are you so wound up  in the world happenings and possessions, thinking that the more you possess, the happier you are? Or are you happy or content that Jesus is your Savior, the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings who died for your personal salvation? Yes, He died for YOU as well as me and everyone else.
The Book of Psalms refers to happiness many times. Psalm 3:13 reads, "Happy is the man who finds finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding". Wisdom is not in reading books or listening to the news. Wisdom reading God's Word until you really know and understand it. Wisdom is knowing that God want you to live His Word as well as read it - to make it a part of your daily life. God wants you to be happy. When you gain wisdom from the Lord, you will live in total happiness and contentment.
Life presents many mountains and valleys that may make us happy beyond belief or may leave us depressed. How we deal with every situation in life depends on how we trust the Lord. He is always with us. Rejoice and be happy in every area of your life because he lives."

I just reprinted this because it seems to fit in with this morning's sermon - all the trial and tribulations in this life are only the preparation for the life eternal with the Lord. 

Reflections of Christmas

Bob Steele - chairman of the CHI board and the lovely ladies of Casa 3

Last week I posted that I would tell you about the wonderful Christmas party at Children's Haven in Reynosa, Mexico. 4 van loads of us traveled across the border (and back) with no problems whatsoever, except for a longer wait at the border, which I did not mind as the border guards were being cautious. We arrived just in time to receive instructions form director Betsy Chicon ( as she always has for us). We were not to go to the casas where out kids were but to gather in the gym where we were told that the kids were excited to see us in their own casas with wonderful supp rises for us.They had made ornaments for us from pasta! They we so very pretty and ornate and they were so proud to present them to us. Each casa had a presentation of a typical Mexican Christmas food and drink tradition also made with the help of their Tias (housemothers or aunt in Spanish). Casa 1 had a star or tree ornament (we were instructed to take only one), Mexican Christmas cookies - you know - the small ones coated in powdered sugar. There was a pecan flavored cornstarch drink. Sounds dreadful, but was really very good. Casa 2 had a flower or wreath ornament, champurrado - a hot thick Marxian drink made of corn masa and chocolate (which I did not particularly like, perhaps due to the thickness of it,), and popcorn. Casa 3 presented us with a shepherds crook ornament, Mexican Christmas punch, which was super delicious (a fruit drink with real fruit in it), and Mandarin orange slices. Casa 4 had stars and hearts ornaments, typical Mexican hot chocolate ( a strong chocolate/cinnamon drink), churros which a long skinny Mexican donut (very good). Casa 5 is not lived in at the moment but is used for the church plant for Sunday services - the kiddo now do not have to go out of the compound to church - a much safer way to worship. Casa 6 is being renovated right now - the last of the 7 casas to be remodeled. Casa 7 held the Holy Family ornament, including a baby Jesus in swaddling clothing. We tasted an assortment of nuts -some sweet tasting and some very spicy hot, followed by a strawberry maicena - a cornstarch drink which I had to sort of force down! We were allowed a bit of time to visit the kids, as we were on a time schedule  to be ale to return to the US before dark. We returned to the gym where we were served by the kids a dinner of a beef roll, covered with bacon, the ever present green noodles, veggies, and dinner rolls (no butter or salt). The kids had made a video based on the Christmas story using each letter of the alphabet to tell the story. - it was excellent. They had worked so hard on it, even speaking in English!! Our Pati had a non-speaking part as she does not like to speak English (she thinks it is way too hard to learn). She played the part of Mary to perfection. You can go to their face book page to view the video - these kids learned and perfected this video in less than 2 weeks. They were so anxious to show is their accomplishments. After all of this excitement we were ushered out onto the patio where the kids were presented with their Christmas gifts - that is when all chaos breaks out. Each child received 1 large, 2 medium, and 1 small gift according to their wish list. We were all so won out, including the kids, as we bid farewell (adios) to the kids until we see them again soon. I know they will sleep well tonight knowing that they are cared for and loved all through the generosity of many of you.

loading up and ready to head to Mexico

Fred, Pati, and me

lovely Carolina, who could not walk when she came to the refuge but through surgeries and therapy, she now can walk with the help of a cane. She is returning to her family now after a few years here at the refuge. 

Some of the homemade ornaments

the beautiful senoritas in Casa 3 with their houseparents

Mexican cookies and pecan mecina

popcorn anyone

churros, hot chocolate, and heart ornaments

bacon wrapped beef, green noodles, and veggies

I envy Pati's red shoes

Big presents

our Pati and her presents - one more year of college and she will be a lawyer!!!

lots of presents

This young boy has disabilities that make walking difficult - he received a special present of a motorized scooter so he could easily get around, with a promise that he would not let anyone else use it  - he promised

I am going to reprint a meditation sent to me by a friend in Arkansas. He sends us one almost every day  but this one really struck me as being so apporpiate
Everybody needs a coach or mentor. Tom Landry, the Dallas cowboy head coach for nearly 30 years said, "the job of a football coach is to make players do what they do not want to do in order to achieve what they always wanted to be". We do not always want to pay the price necessary to become who we are destined to be. On our own we don't always know what to change or even how to make the changes that are necessary to grow In our relationship with Jesus. Who we associate with is who we will become. If you want to be wise and become more Christlike, find someone who is where you want to go. Look for Godly qualities in their life. Then listen to them and implant their counsel. As you walk through life consider the company that you keep and make adjustments in those relationships so that nothing holds you back from becoming the person that God wants you to be. Taken from A Minute of Vision for Men by Roger Patterson.
How very true this is. Do you sometimes find yourself with a group of people who are not very Christianlke and all of a sudden you are acting like them - becoming like them. When you realize what has happened your value in their eyes decreases - they wonder of all Christians act like that! Step away from these people - when a group begins to gossip do not join in - just quietly excuse yourself and leave. If they enjoy telling off color jokes do not join in the laughter -  again just leave. These people are not your friends if the try to involve you in the their unchristian behavior. Surround yourself with Christian friends - you will find your life so much more peaceful.

Join me in prayer for two very special people in our lives - friend Paula Gee who has had several infections and misery this year here in S Texas - she is heading back to Joshua, Texas, again for a doctor's consultation. And our dear sister-in-law Susan Preuss, who will be having open heart surgery this week on Wednesday. She lost her husband 3 years ago (Fred's brother) and needs all the love, support, and prayers that are sent her way.