Happy New Year

We will not need glasses as of midnight 1/1 - we will all see 2020 (Sorry about that folks)

Last Monday was spent collecting everything that we needed for the Saturday distribution in the colonias. After all was collected (and 125 miles later) I do believe we are ready - except that we needed to get ready for the usual Friday distribution.

Christmas Eve day we needed to attend a CHI volunteers luncheon at Rudys -which over 40 folks attended a really great bar-be-que spot. . It would not be complete without Betsy's famous game time!! We played the same "Ring the Antlers" that we played in Reynosa the week before - luckily we were not called on to "volunteer" to participate. It was a good time to see all the volunteers again, as most of us work at different hours in different places and we do not get to see each other very often. 

ringing the reindeer

Sunday night we attended Candlelight services at Mission Bell with Pastor Jim Maxson. A very beautiful service as always - raising the burning candles in a darkened room singling "Silent Night" always makes us so thankful for God's greatest gift to us. Afterwards we visited friends for awhile before a much needed rest - affter we opened presents, of course. Our girls always send us stocking stuffers - a tradition we started years ago when they were little. They also carry it on with their children and grandchildren.

Christmas day dawned cool, but beautiful. We relaxed a bit in the morning, then had dinner with friends, after which we returned to their home for dessert of homemade apple pie and ice cream (tipped with a bit of real Wisconsin maple syrup. I was going to buy a pie from a local grocery who makes theirs in house ( I cannot make a pie crust flaky and tasteful ). Christmas Eve day the neighbor lady came to the door with  just out of the oven fresh homemade apple pie (made with good Wisconsin apples). What a wonderful gift! She saved us from a store bought one. 

Thursday Fred again went on some pick-up and delivery in preparation for Saturday. We spent the entire week in preparation, but so very worth it. Saturday started out with a chilly breeze, but soon developed into a beautiful day with 150 families in attendance. We packaged food packages, including the donated canned hams and many cans of food, along with beans, lentils, and rice. In no time we were no longer cold!! The dinner arrived - tamales (over 3000 of them - yes 3000) along with a delicious macaroni/corn salad, and lots of gaucamole made from the avocados we had received the day before. After a brief introduction, the minister presented a sermon, as the kiddos had a craft session. We then ate and the fun began. Each child received 2 wrapped gifts - with many thanks to another ministry and those that we had received. We are talking about approximately 400 gifts!! God always provides. Then the ladies were allowed to "shop" the colonia ropa way, and received a box of the food we packed and a large bottle of water. Everyone was totally exhausted afterwards, as we made our way back to Alamo. I was dropped off to have a pedicure (I had put it off so long that I was almost embarrassed to go in and have it done). A very compassionate and gentle young man took care of my feet, as well as giving me a warming and soothing foot massage! I do love to pamper myself one in awhile. Fred took our friends home as they helped us with the distribution, unhooked the trailer and returned to pick me up. A long day, but what a wonderful feeling as we watched all of those receive the benefit of wonderful giving folks. Some of the ladies mentioned to Ida that the food we provide helps them get through the week to feed their family, as some of the government help has been reduced. I had reminded them that all of this was from the Lord, we are just the vessels of His handiwork.                     

 280# rice

 one of the 150 hams we received

 hard working ladies - packing food

 food packages ready to distribute

 large bottles of water to give away

 part of the crowd

 waiting for the party to begin

 homemade tamales

 the excitement of receiving presents

 see her smile

 receiving water and food packages

shipping - colonia ropa style

After resting a bit, we went with our neighbor, and Fred's cousin, to Hildago to see all of the the lights. She is a widow and did not want to go alone, so we drove so she could enjoy all of the brilliance. It was difficult to get good pictures as were were driving along, but it was spectalaur 

a beautiful sunset on our drive to Hildago

a winter wonderland

just a small portion of the lights

Church again this morning with Pastor Jim as he reminded us of what necessities really are. We are often astounded at the affluence of the rich and famous - as Arnold Schwarzenegger spending $5000 on just one pair of specially made shoes! But they are not the richest people in the world. In spite of our differences with them, we all get to see the same sunrise and sunset and the same beautiful moon hung in the evening sky. We feel blessed because we have more than 1 pair if shoes and pants, and more than one shirt or blouse. What we see sometimes as "necessities" such as food, clothing, and a roof over our head are not available to everyone in this world. What is the greatest state in which to live?? The state of contentment. Are we content with what we have??

What are your spiritual necessities? Some think it  is going to church a couple of times a month. 

One of the necessities of spiritual life is to live sincerely. Sincere love demonstrates the meaning of love, whether or not money is involved.   "Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. ... But the greatest of these is love."I Corinthians 13.  Understanding love in Scripture is actually true contentment. Our county leads the world with all the evil there is in the world. We banned Christ from our schools and government. America has thumbed her nose at God. If we stand for Christ, we must stand against evil but our stand must be respectable. Another way our love shows is to serve zealously. We need to love and serve someone when they seem to need it the most, when they are at their lowest point, Agape love. But we also must hate - strongly hate evil. This is something that was commanded by God. Love the sinner, but hate the sin Take a stand against the evil of the world. Loving is about living - standing for Christ and serving others.

Everyone have a very happy and prosperous coming year. What is your New Year's resolution? To love more and be content.

.

Merry Christmas

                                         

While listening to older Christian gospel songs this week, I came across a song recorded by the Statler Brothers. I had never heard it before, but realized how very appropriate it was for not only for this time of year but all year long. "I Believe I'll Live for Him". It was recorded in 1992 - on a CD titled "The Statler Brothers Gospel Favorites. What a simple but powerful message. Because He died for me, I will live for Him. Had not  the Lord given His only Son for our salvation,we would be forever doomed to death and not ever know everlasting life with Him.  Again, what an important message for us to think about.

When I think of the blessings the Lord has bestowed on Caring Hearts Ministry, I am totally overwhelmed. This past week has been the most amazing one ever - never have we been flooded with donations of all kinds - and an abundance of them. Many things we never received before, many things that we needed and the Lord provided. We now have enough small canned hams for each family to receive one, thanks to Ranchero Village Park.They also donated a huge box of new adult stockings, and another box of brand new children's clothing. We received 500# of black beans, 432 tubes (full size) of toothpaste, two large plastic bags of toiletries ( the kind that you receive from a motel), toys, toys,and more toys,all brand new in the package, boxes of precooked frozen sausage patties (Fred and Ida had to distribute them immediately,but it all worked out perfectly, according to God's plan), as well as the usual Friday vegetables and fruits for the weekly distribution. We are loading and packing  for delivery in anticipation of the Christmas distribution on Saturday.  The ladies are already making hundreds and hundreds of tamales, and preparing the rice. All of this in addition to our Friday distribution. We have to take notes to make sure we have every thing ready to go.

We traveled to Reynosa, Mexico Thursday for the annual family Christmas party at the refuge.The trip over was comfortable as we took 3 vans, Fred driving one of them. Upon arrival,we were instructed to visit each Casa (house) as there were treats waiting at each one for us, as well as a small gift of a refrigerator magnet with a photo of all those in that particular Casa. The best beverage was sort of a sweet coffee - very good. Even the Mexican hot chocolate was welcome, as it was a pretty cool Day. We then went to the auditorium for a Christmas program and video  of the the kids and their activities. After our usual Christmas meal of chicken cordon blu (with a orange type of sauce which was very good, vegetables, a roll, and the ever present green noodles! We then went to the patio area for a bit more singing and short program, then on to the much anticipated present distribution. It was so heart warming to see a few of the kiddos seeing a decorated Christmas tree for the first time and to receive presents - which they never have had in their short lives. The smiles and tears of happiness were everywhere, for the kid as well as us adults. The return trip was a bit longer, aswe had a 1-1/2 hour wait on the bridge, which was not too bad as the Wait had previously been about 3-4 hours. It was a long and exhausting day full of such wonder and peace.

cookies and Casa pictures

popcorn at this Casa

Fred and sweet Pati - the girl we have sponsored since she was 10 - she is now 21

Pati and CHI President, Bob Steele. Pati has one year left in college and she will be a Mexican lawyer!

We were serenaded at this Casa

Some of the kiddos

and the rest of them

Pati giving her  powerful testimony

Tonight is the Christmas parade here in the park, and then the carolers will be going around.

Everyone decorates whatever (even themselves) for this event - we just stay in the nice warm house in our pj's, sipping coffee, and enjoying it all!

We had no sermon this morning in church, just a reminder of the reason for the season. A beautiful cantata was given by Mission Bell Church, including the Christmas hymns we all love and sang along with.

May you all have a very blessed Christmas, full of love and family bonding, remembering that tiny baby born in a manager that holy night  over 2000 years ago.

Merry Christmas and a very Happy and prosperous New Year.

Socks Anyone?

Last week I received 2 pair of new socks, red and white stripes and the other one blue with white stars) in my mailbox. Not wrapped or sent in the mail, but just socks in my mailbox. This week I received another two identical pair. Now this was getting really strange – my first thought was that they seemed patriotic to me, so I wracked my brain to try to figure out if someone was trying to rattle my brain or what! After asking around for a few days, I finally found out the culprit. Our mailboxes here at the park are taken care of by just one lady everyday – she puts up the mail and then a sign indicating that the mail is up. OK – she should know how they got there, as no one else in the office knew. Finally, the answer – it was the mail lady She received them from Wounded Warriors for a donation and thought perhaps they could go to the colonies!!! What a great surprise. Many thanks to Bea for the socks.

A very busy week -it seemed that every day we were picking up or delivering donations. As we have our Christmas distribution coming up soon, folks are helping to make this one a big success. We received many bags of canned goods, pasta, rice, beans etc. as well as boxes of wonderful clothing. A lady whose husband passed away donated some very wonderful shirts and slacks, as well as almost brand-new pairs of shoes. So wonderful of her to think of others in her time of sorrow.

The article on Caring Hearts Ministry appeared in last week’s Winter Texan, so we had enough copies for all of the ladies who hep in the colonias and whose picture was featured on page to each have a copy. Although I am sure some of them could not read it as it was in English, they found someone to translate it for them.  Thanks also to Eryn, the reporter who did an excellent job on the article – focusing on the ministry and not on us, as we are just the vessel. Also featured in that issue was my Prospective – an article published for winter Texans, featuring CRM Chaplains who want to write a devotion. Mine this week was “Forgive and Forget”. Since this is the season of love and happiness, I thought it was quite appropriate for it to be published now. Following is a copy:

Forgive and Forget?

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32.

To forgive is difficult enough, but to forget is almost humanly impossible. When someone has wronged you, that wrong stays in your mind somewhere forever, but when you forgive, the wrong takes on a different scope of feelings. The memory of the wrong is there, but the effects of the wrong can change depending on how you react to the wrong. If you let it burn in your heart and simmer for years, you yourself are caught in the web of restriction. Restriction because you cannot get over the hurt, deception, or betrayal. But if you let loose of that restriction through prayer and the act of forgiveness, you have reached a new freedom – a freedom from the weight of unforgiveness weighing you down.

The word forgiveness is actually mentioned 14 times in the NIV version of the Bible, but the concept of forgiveness is actually mentioned 166 times. Forgiveness is woven throughout the message of the whole Bible. Some verses are very familiar to everyone, and some are totally forgotten or obscure. Almost every Christian has recited the Lord’s prayer instructing us on how to forgive. “Forgive others as I have forgiven you”. That type of forgiveness is the unconditional agape type of forgiveness.

What does forgiveness actually mean? According to the dictionary it is “to stop feeling anger for or about someone or something, to stop blaming, or even to stop requiring a payment. To stop feeling anger takes time for the heart to heal, to stop blaming is to realize the fault does not always fall on that one person, but perhaps even yourself, to stop requiring payment in the truest sense the actual wiping away of a monetary debt. Have you looked at the emotional sense of stopping payment of a debt? The feeling that vengeance is not for you to decide – the feeling of satisfaction when something bad happens to the person who has wronged you. When you free yourself from that type of thinking, you truly have broken the bonds of imprisonment. You will live in the freedom you will have from revenge and the feeling of ‘getting back at someone”. When you truly forgive you will find that the forgetting becomes much easier to live with. The burden is then lifted from you and you are able again to enjoy the freedom of total forgiveness.

Our second chaplains meeting of the year was yesterday. It was really quite interesting to see the newbie chaplains and their wive’s reaction to their first few weeks as an RV Chaplain (and Chaplain’s wife of course). It was quite remarkable to see the different outlooks on their first weeks – some were so positive and still excited about serving, while some were discouraged because of being a new chaplain in a park where there was previously one who was truly loved. We encouraged all of them, prayed for them, and tried to offer suggestions and ideas. The first year in a park is always difficult as everyone is getting used to the change. It really was a great time of fellowship, singing Christmas Carols and favorite hymns, followed by a lunch and more fellowship

A really interesting sermon this morning as it answered a few questions I had had running around in my mind. Paradise is the heaven we will be living in for eternity IF (there’s that word again) we accept Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior. Many believe that if they do good deeds, they will get to heaven. The only way to get to heaven is by the grace of God. In heaven we will have a brand-new body. We will have a physical existence. We will enjoy a heavenly feast. The real fuel of meal is the fellowship of others. We will be friends with great people from the Bible. (We can ask Noah what it really smelled like in the ark after all that time!!). We will recognize our loved ones. We will be people not angels. Not everyone will be in heaven, only those whose who put their trust in Jesus. Ah – now to my question- If we know who is in heaven, are we sad about His salvation to ensure that all of those loved ones will be rejoicing with you in heaven. We will rejoice in the “No Mores” – things that are not there, such as tears, pain, death, and crying. There will be no night in heaven, only the brilliance shining from Jesus. Only those whose name is written n the Book of Life will be allowed to enter. We will see Jesus face to face. You can only imagine what life in heaven will be. Will I see you in heaven – yes – if you accept Jesus as your Savior. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. John 14:6.

“No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will worship Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever”. Revelation 22:3-5.

December Snow

It seems strange to connect December and snow in regards to S Texas. It very seldom snows here, twice in the 14 years we have been coming here. Some of the residents here in the park decided to do something about it. During the summer a ditch was dug down a road here in the park to put in a drainage pipe. For some odd reason the leftover huge pile of dirt was just left in one of the RV spots. As I look out of a window in my Texas room, I can see just the top of the mound of dirt and, yep, sure enough, on top of the mound is what looks like snow. A sign on top reads “Mount Alamo”, and lists the elevation.  Actually it is just batting but loos oh so real. In a few days, if the dirt is not removed, a Christmas tree will appear. It really is funny to everyone, except the manager of course. Perhaps the dirt will be removed soon – if not we can enjoy our own little piece of the North Pole.

look over the hood of the vehicle and a bit to the left

I recently had a birthday and marvel at the years gone by and how my life has had so many turns and twists. I think of the many places I have visited and the sights that I have seen, sometimes way beyond my imagination. From a city brat born in Chicago, to an 11 year old transport to a small Wisconsin town, to the wife of a farm boy, and now to a chaplain serving in the Lord’s service, I can look back and see how the Lord had my path laid out from the beginning, each step a well-planned road. Many times I could not see the signs along the way as I was busy being a wife and raising 4 daughters the best I knew how, then returning to the works force and retiring way too early. Was it just a coincidence that we landed on a mountain in Arkansas with neighbors who managed an RV Park here in S Texas??Of course not, but at the time I wondered where that road might lead. All of the plans I made had nothing to do with the plans He made for me. I am thankful for every minute of my life, wondering now what He has in store as He is leading us back to Arkansas to serve Him there. I get impatient at times – I mean if this is where you want us to be, get us there NOW! Ha – I have tried to learn to be patient and not get ahead of God.

We certainly have been blessed again this week with an abundance of clothing for the colonias. The produce for distribution has been overwhelming also. This last week there were cases and cases of  beautiful big ripe blackberries!! What a treat for the families, as I am sure that many of them cannot afford fruit of any kind.  I still remember a few years ago when Fred offered a little girl a big, red, juicy apple. She chose instead a carrot to chew on. Perhaps she did not even know what an apple was or how it tasted. Many of us do not even realize the impact these God given gifts have on so many of the underprivileged. What we take for granted, and even sometimes expect, are only dream for some. We love the folks in the colonias who are so thankful for just some fresh vegetables, beans and rice, and maybe a few fruits now and then. This year Ida, along with us, are giving our faithful workers a coffee pot for Christmas, along with a few smaller items for who help out occasionally. It is only a small token of our thanks for their constant help and encouragement, as we should encouraging them!

This morning we travelled a short distance to Donna to hear Chaplain Tom Borrow preach. He is new to our organization and new to Big Valley Park. A very quiet, humble man who absolutely blew me away with his preaching. He is a no nonsense preacher, with a powerful message, one that a lot of folks don’t like to hear - the fear of the Lord.  This morning he preached from Proverbs – a book full of wisdom and advice. The fear of the lord is the beginning of knowledge. Not many people today have the fear of the Lord. It’s so very important that it is mentioned 18 times in the book of Proverbs alone. If God says something, He means what He says and He says what He means. When you think of fear, you think of terror, and anxiety. This feeling of fear can be replaced by reverence, awe, and respect.  God is not respected any more in our society as He has been banned from schools, government offices, and some public places. God is the Master and we are the servants. We recognize and respect Him as Master, Creator, and Father. If we recognize this, it will manifest itself in obedience, a desire to do what pleases the Lord. Genuine fear of the Lord produces obedience. If you fear the Lord and have holiness with Him it will project on the outside as well as on the inside. The outside projection is from your holiness on the inside. We need the fear of the Lord in our lives. The fear of the Lord reproduces itself in your mind as well as in your life. Did you realize that God’s promises are conditional? He will keep His promises to you, with no strings attached, if you reach out to Him. That is the condition. We want God to be faithful – are we faithful to Him? Resentment and guilt are produced from fear and that fear robs us of the joy in today. The fear of the Lord produces confidence and gives you a refuge in God. We are assured that He is on our side. The fear of the Lord will bring spiritual blessings into our lives. A decision has to be made to walk in that fear (think are, reverence, and respect). If you fear Him, He will honor you.

There is an unspoken prayer request for medical tests tomorrow – let those tests bear favorable results.

Blessings

This has been another unexpected, surprising week, although I should never predict the blessings of the Lord. We received 200# of beans and 200# of rice – what a wonderful blessing for this time of year. Fred spent two days bagging them up in individual family packages ready for distribution on Friday. I also brought home from a donation 7 large bags full jeans – all sizes for all family members. I sorted and packed them also for Friday’s distribution. On top of all those wonderful gifts, we received more than a full load of produce and other commodities to add to our baskets to give out. All of the girls in the colonias who volunteer to help were overjoyed to see of all this. They asked Fred where I was, as Doug always goes along on Fridays in the winter time so guess I will have to tag along now and then to assure the girls that I am still thinking of them and want to see them.

There was a terrible accident here in the park yesterday – while residents were moving a shed, somehow the driver stepped on the gas rather than the brake and drove into a mobile home, injuring the two resident sitting on the patio. Both were taken to different hospitals – one with a broken ankle and the other with multiple, serious injuries. The driver of the vehicle was also transported to another hospital, as it seemed that he was having a heart attack. Please keep all of these folks in your prayers, as they all need healing – both physical and emotional.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, we need to focus on the Christmas season... Today was the 1^st Sunday of Advent. Peace was the theme for the first candle. With all of the hustle and bustle of the season, we cannot ever forget the whole reason for this celebration. Because of Christ, there is a CHRIST mas. As we have our place for sale, I did not put up a lot of decorations, but am enjoying all of those that are around. The most important of course is my manger scene- which I could not celebrate without.

Today’s sermon was really interesting, with a theme that I never really thought about. Planning an event takes time, sometimes a year or more. When we were planning our ladies retreat, we started immediately after the current one in order to have everything in order for the next year. Even planning a celebration, be it an anniversary, wedding, etc. takes time and planning. When the time of the event actually arrive, there is a burst of activity to make sure all turns out well. The same happened with the birth of Jesus. Many, many angels were involved in the event, carrying messages to everyone from God. All of these people needed to hear what was going to happen and how to react to it. Zachery also received a message from Angel Gabriel, informing him that he and his wife, Elizabeth would have a child, and that they would name him John. Zachery was a priest chosen by lot. He was chosen to enter the Holy of Holys and burn the incense. When Gabriel appeared to Zachery, he was so shocked and wondered how that could be as he and Elizabeth were very old. Because of his doubt, he was struck mite until Join was born. Sometimes the sound of silence scares us. Our culture wants us to be verbal and tell others about Jesus, but sometimes this keeps us from honoring Gd. Silence helps us protect the inner fire of the spirit in us, Silence is the forerunner of speaking- it prepares us to speak. There is a difference between saying something and having something to say. How many folks do you know that talk just to talk? Their words are many, but the message is not there. Where is the silence in your life? Be still and listen – in that silence you, too, may hear an angel. Throughout the whole Christmas story, angels appear and reappear. Read the book of Luke to see what I mean.