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.
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