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.
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