Change

Change can come in many areas of a person’s life. Perhaps a change in health, social status, marital status, religious affiliation, etc. I personally do not really like change. I like things to settle into a pattern and remain there, as if protected by a plastic bubble. But the Lord has certainly different things in mind for us. We never would have believed that we would be serving the Lord on the S Texas border when we first married (the furthest thing on our minds at that time) – no – we planned on perhaps staying in the general area where we were raised, enjoying the clam, smooth life we lived (well, most of the time anyway). Instead the Lord sent us to Arkansas, where we met folks who then lead us to S Texas and the following of the Lord. We have been blessed these many years in listening to His leading and trying to do what we understand His plans for us. For the last 1/2 year or so, He seems to be leading us in now an entirely different direction – that direction being back to Arkansas to serve Him through our home church. We were more convinced of that as we returned from our vacation there – the calling back “home” was so very strong. We listened to His voice, though we do not at this time understand why. Many obstacles that seemed to be in our path have been removed, changes have taken place that seem to be opening new doors for us. We have listed our place here in S Texas for sale, leaving it all in God’s hands to take care of His plan for us. We will be sad to leave the Valley – our deep relationships that we have made with our people in the colonias, but will hopefully transition others to take our place. Our work here is done but will continue as we make the move. Another change taking place is that our dear friend, Miss Opal, who has been a staunch supporter of Caring Hearts Ministry. Her health has deteriorated to the point that she probably will not be able to return to her home to live. (She is in rehab right now as a result of a having to have pacemaker). She is 81 years old and always dreamed of being a missionary. Her dreams became real when she joined our ministry to help those less privileged than we are. And so, the end of an era in all of our lives – as well as the lives of others as they have lost loved ones, lost their good health, even those who seem lost to the Lord. Keep each and every one of them in your thoughts and prayers as they too, try to transition to another step in their lives. God changed directions for so many people in the Bible - Abraham, Jonah, Saul (Paul), even Adam and Eve!!!!

The weather is still very hot and humid here with the temps being in the high 90’s. I suppose it is better than the 12+ inches of snow in Montana, but a bit of a cooling spell would help a lot. We did have a short rain about an hour ago – but not what was predicted.

I had an interesting experience last Friday as we were relaxing in the evening. The doorbell rang and a neighbor Dennis (although he has changed his name to Daniel to be more Scriptural) asked if could do him a favor. He found a ladies billfold in a buggy at Wal-Mart – actually he was waiting for parking space and the lady was flustered because she had 2 small children she was trying to get into her car, as well as her groceries, while noticing he was waiting for her spot. Daniel drove into her spot right after she left, and took her buggy when he noticed the billfold. The lady had already left so he came to our house to see if we could find an address or something so that he could return it, as his eyesight is not too good. Being an Israelite, he needed to try to get this to her before dusk (before sundown) as his Sabbath started then, Although he did say that he could drive after dusk if he was doing a good deed. After much searching we found her driver’s license, put the info into the phone for him. He seemed a bit unsure if he could find it, although it was only a couple of miles away, so I convinced him to let me go with him to find her home. It took a while, as she lived in a restricted area (gated community) and the roads were not well marked. As we turned onto her street, we noticed there were no numbers on the homes there, so we began ringing doorbells asking where this particular home was – no one seemed to know nor did they recognize the name! We finally saw young gentleman standing in his front yard (he perhaps had been watching us and wondering what we were doing), who pointed us in the correct direction, just 3 doors down from his home. I rang the doorbell and the young lady answered and was so surprised to see her billfold as she had no idea that she had lost it, which in a way was a good sign as she had not cancelled or stopped her credit cards, etc. Now for the rest of this amazing story – I explained what had happened and motioned for Daniel to come to the door as the lady wanted to thank him, when I noticed the young man we had previously spoken to was there with Daniel, along with the young man’s small daughter (about 7 years old or so). The women thanked us profusely, and as we returned to the car, Daniel told me this wonderful story – the man had brought his daughter down the street to watch the proceedings in order to teach her what she should do if she found something that belonged to someone else!!! What a great way to teach a lesson in Christianity!!!! Such a blessing because Daniel believed in doing something the right way!

It is now pouring rain – what a blessed relief from the heat for now. I love to hear the sound of rain on the roof and remember God’s promise to Noah never again will he destroy the earth by flood. Our world today is in such disarray that a person cannot hardly believe any news reports. Please pray that our country returns to Jesus – that it remembers the structure of our country as a Christin nation, a nation that many have lost their lives defending. Return God to the halls of our government, our schools, and even our communities so that we can again proclaim we are a nation of God.

Happy Fall Y’All

Happy Fall Y’All

Fall is my very favorite time of the year. Yes, I love Christmas and Easter, but fall brings special memories of the smell of leaves burning, harvesting the end of the garden produce, pumpkins, and the excitement of the kids returning to school and Halloween. Sometimes I dreaded the school year beginning because of the expense of outfitting and providing school supplies for 4 girls! I hated to tell them that, no I could not buy 2 pair of Levi jeans for each kid – way too expensive. Our girls were very creative – one of them sewed her own jeans and then sewed the Levi label on to it – the others just sewed Levi labels on their Plain Pockets. Problem solved. It does not seem like fall here in the Rio Grande Valley as the temps today are still on the 90’s.  I did get my fall decorations out and put up – a new twist on the decorating though. We were deep cleaning the Texas room when I decided I needed to move my spinning wheel out of the corner and put it in the living room. Fred then informed me that there was no room for it there – whoops. So I picked my battle and went with his suggestion –put it on the landing in the Texas room. Beautiful, don’t you think?

A bit dark, but looks good

This pumpkin belonged to my mother-in-law when she was in a nursing home. We bought it for her and kept it filled with her favorite hard candy.

Detail of one of my creations

We were actually busy this week with pick-ups for both Children’s Haven Resale Shoppe and our Caring Hearts Ministry. Fred was busy moving stuff around in the storage container making room for new supplies which will be coming soon. We did some clothes sorting, and packing for the ministry – mostly fabric donated by others for quilts that Ida and her gals will be making. I even contributed a bit of fabric as I sorted and cleaned out my “stash”. I also found time to cut all the strips for another quilt that I am starting – lavenders, greens, and greys - should be nice when finished. We are making strip quilts in our Friday Busy Bees quilting group, so thought I would get a head start.

Our sweet Miss Opal is on a rehab right now, as she became ill and had a pacemaker put in. She now needs rehab time to try to get her strength back. We visited her this morning and she looked pretty perky, although she seems resigned to the fact that she has to slow down and cannot do as much as she has done. She said she was ready to go home as she has accomplished everything that she ever dreamt of doing – I don’t think the Lord is done with her yet though. Please keep her in your prayers for God’s will to be done.

Have you ever thought or wondered if you are truly representative of your community?? When we are in Arkansas we truly are – as most of the folks there are Christian, Caucasian, middle to upper class folks, just the epitome of all American person. But being down here in South Texas made us realize that we are not representative of the community around us – which is mostly Hispanic (At the grocery store this morning we were the only Caucasians there), lower to middle class, mostly single parents, struggling to just make a living at mostly minimum wage. Oh sure, there are Hispanic doctors and lawyers, but those are the exceptions, not the norm. If you truly want to be part pf the community, you have to get to know their culture and their place in society in order to be able to talk to them about your faith. When we are in the colonias, Fred and I often forget where we have come from and imagine ourselves in the same positions the folks are there. We try to imagine the gratitude that they have for the gifts of food and clothing in order for them just to manage from week to week. We often forget how very blessed we are – but in retrospect those folks also feel very blessed. If you want to minister to others in a different sector of society or religious faith, you have to actually try to imagine yourself in their position without seeming to be superior or “above them”. Try to feel their hurt in times of depression or devastation, or exasperation at seemly stuck in a rut and cannot get out. Love them, encourage them, and become a part of them.

Please keep a family in prayers as they have lost a son/father/ husband/brother this morning. A close cousin (as well as close friends) lost their son this morning to cancer – Brian was only about 56 and was just diagnosed 2 months ago and went very quickly. Our hearts ache for that family, as our kids grew up together in their early years. We will always hold a special place in our heart for Brian.

Normality?

What is really normal? Normal for us may seem quite the contrary to someone else. We traveled to the Valley last Wednesday with a really cool overcast day and very little traffic. Arriving home on the Valley and unpacking took up what was left of the day. We did have to make a stop at Subway for a quick sandwich and then to the store for eggs for breakfast, otherwise no more until the next day. It was a relief to be back home and to try to unwind for a few days before the “normal for us” routine begins. Already we have had to sort clothing and unpack a trailer full of food packets for the colonias – the works began immediately on Thursday.

Our CRMI fall conference and training is coming up in October and now chaplains are signing up for the training, paying their fees, and requesting parking spots for their RV’s or needing housing at Lakewood Park. We have many returning chaplains, as well as a few new ones here in Texas as well as those returning to Arizona and Florida. Our administrative secretary and I (treasurer) are both resigning this year so that will also involve training of those wonderful ladies who will be taking over for us. Many things are changing on our organization as well as most of the RV parks- an end to an era I do believe. Change is good for the most part, so it is good to see new blood taking over during this transition. God has laid a plan out for us and has removed yet another obstacle in the way of our path. Pray that we continue to listen to Him and follow His plan for our lives.

The weather continues to be hot and humid, although it seems as if the 100 degree weather has left, to be replaced by middle and low 90’s. A bit of rain the past two days has really perked up the grass and flowers in anticipation of the return of the Winter Texans in about a month or so.

Attending our Texas church for the first time since returning, we noticed that the attendance was really low – people on their vacation, the weather, and absence of Winter Texans seem to be the reason. Miss Opal did not come with us this morning – after a few phone calls when she was not ready for church this morning, it was revealed that she is in the hospital as of yesterday, due to what was thought to be a heart situation, but needs further testing. Pastor Robert is doing triple duty for a few weeks as Pastor Ricky is on a vacation. 

Our sermon this morning sort of tied into last week’s sermon n Joshua, Texas. There are many ways we can share the gospel of Jesus to others without offending them or seeming to come on with a holier than thou attitude. Thinking about doing or praying about doing something is easier than actually doing it. When we think about sharing the Word of the Lord we often fall short of actually executing the thought. We need to use our words, heart, and hands to convey this message of following Jesus, but action is required to share our faith. Christians are often thought to be hypocritical – tending to criticize those who are different than us in their faith or walk in life. How can we share our faith so that people take us seriously when we tell them about Jesus? We need to step out of our comfort zone. When questioned about our faith, we are often afraid of being offensive as we share our beliefs. We need to have courage to take a stance and profess our faith to those who question it. As we serve God through good works we become noticed by others. When we are questioned about why we are doing what we do we can answer that we are doing it for Jesus Christ – then tell them about Him.

Homeward Bound

We are on the final leg of our journey back to the Valley as we take a break with fellow chaplains Roy and Paula Gee in Joshua, Texas. It has been sort of  a hectic last two weeks ( hence the absence of a blog post last week). Between getting new phones  and dealing with the changes and "oops" of learning to operate a new device, and the gatherings of family and friends we were seemingly on a  dead run.

Our son-in-law cut open a strange rock which we thought was perhaps a geode. What a surprise when a dark liquid flowed out which smelled like diesel fuel and burned when lit. I tried googling it but only saw an Arkansas shale rock which it definitely is not. Thoughts, anyone?

 rock was round  this is the top of it

the inside - the hole was filled with the diesel fuel smelling liquid

Last Friday we picked up our Wisconsin daughter and drove to Fort Smith to another daughter's home where w had a family get together for the family that was able to attend. Of course, pictures were demanded amid the confusion of 4 daughters, husbands, significant others, grand children, and great grand children. We had a wonderful day of reminiscing, laughing, and just being together as a family. 

                                                             

our four amazing daughters - each one so special in their own way - from the youngest to oldest from the left - Christine,Connie, Brenda, and Chandra. Connie is the only daughter still living in Wisconsin

 Youngest daughter, Christine, her son,Seth,and his twin daughters, Kinsley and Kinley

 Christine again - her daughter Casey, and Casey's daughter Brielle, and son, Jaylen

oldest daughter Chandra, her daughter Sydney, and Sydney's daughter, Harper

  

great grandchildren enjoying the gifts bought to keep them busy for the day

We did miss our other granddaughter, Dela'von, (Connie's daughter in WI), and her two children, Avery and Milo. Dela'von is expecting her daughter (and our 8th great grandchild ) any time now.

Any visit to Aunt Chandra's house always includes a ride on Ruby, a very beautiful usually calm horse.  The kids did really well, lead by Chandra's husband, Darrell,  and grandson Seth. Since Ruby had not been ridden in awhile and it was terribly hot, she got a bit feisty and started to run with Brielle on board. She did very well holding on to the saddle horn and leaning forward as to not fall off.  Luckily, Darrell was still holding the lead rope and all was well. But it was then time to put Ruby up for a much needed rest. The kids got to ride by themselves,as well with as with their siblings and all did well. 

 Calm Miss Brielle after her "run-a-way" experience

 Brielle and brother Jaylen

 the twins with their Daddy Seth and Darrell

Harper, who lives close to her Mema (Chandra) and Pop Pop (Chandra's husband) so she gets to ride often

Sunday of last week we had a girls day where 3 of us ( actually 3-1/2 as Harper was with us)went to a junk day sale in Van Buren - checked out flea markets and antique shops, had ice cream (Harper wanted it so we had to have it too), on to Fort Smith for more flea market browsing. A good day !!!

We left for Joshua, TX and a visit with friends, the Gees. We have to have some work done on the vehicle, so are getting that done also. Before we left Prairie Grove, our home church sent us with many packages of a rice/veggie mix for our colonia family. We are beginnnig to miss the terribly, and anxious to return to the Valley and being able to provide for them.

This last Sunday was an all day church day it seems. We went to Sunday School, church, out for a leisurely lunch, then back to church for a small but beautiful wedding of an older couple, then out for a Dairy Queen, then back to church for Sunday Services for a program about Mission serving. Very informative program given by Bro. David Washer who will be going to Madagascar to serve the Lord. Lots of great ideas and thoughts for our mission work.

Sunday's sermon was based on the fact that we need to keep walking. We took the initial step in becoming a child of the Lord but it does not stop there. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. Salvation (coming to the Lord) is just the first step, not just the end of being saved. We are commanded to keep walking - to keep seeking more from the Lord.We keep walking because we are changed through salvation. The way we walk is just as important as we continue to walk. Remember to walk the talk - act like a true Christian and not revert to your old, sinful ways.We need to put on and put off. Put on the heart of compassion, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and love. Put off the worldly things. Take off the things that should not be a part of our Christian lives like sexual impurity, pride, lust,evil desire, gossip, greed, idolatry, anger, greed - you know them all. Put all of them to death. We can do this because we have brothers and sisters on Christ to help mentor us, The Word of God also helps us to put these things to death. Let the Word of God dwell in us. Do you have something that is keeping you from being the child of God you should be? Find Scripture that relate to this barrier, memorize it, let it be the forefront of your mind, and your will keep on  your walk  the Lord.