Shelter At Home

During this corona virus we all have developed a new vocabulary. Last year we never heard of the phrase shelter at home, social distancing or self-quarantine, or even believed that the country would rush to hoard toilet paper!!! The world changes in a blink of an eye as new and unheard-of dangers threaten all of us. Here at the park, activities were ended a few weeks ago – it almost became deserted as most folks did not get out and walk, ride their bikes, or cruise around in their golf carts. No more small groups of folks visiting, just enjoying each other’s company, or a cup of coffee together, or for some, happy hour on the patio. We were issued the shelter at home order on Thursday – no going out except for essential things, no groups of over 10, stay home, only one person of the family shopping at a time, long lines to the market. We went out yesterday and got everything we needed (yes, toilet paper and eggs, etc.) In the HEB grocery Store (not Wal-Mart) the shelves were stocked with everything except clearing items and Spam. Wal-Mart shelves were empty. Please shop your local stores- the bigger chains have not kept up with the demand.

We were not prepared for the shelter at home order (and we should have been) so were sort of blind sighted when it was decreed. Some of the ladies in the colonias were a bit afraid of the virus, we did not know what our restrictions were, or even if there would be food available. After making several calls we were informed that we would be able to pick up food and distribute it as long as we were not in a building and there was a not a congregation of people. With sad hearts, we canceled last week and made changes and plans for a safer and better distribution this coming Friday. There is enough produce for everyone so we will continue to serve the folks in the colonias while taking precautions. We also have received help from 2 other couples to help out, as there will not be the needed help next Friday. God always provides.

I am amazed at the many creative ways people have developed as a result of their stay at home policies. I have gotten caught up on things that needed to be done, be able to relax and do some reading (my favorite hobby) and also some baking. Let us hope that this time together as families help us to appreciate more the together time we have, bind us closer to families, but most important, give us time to read Scripture and get closer to the Lord.

Most churches are putting their service on the web – our home church in Arkansas is also doing that as well as taking the time to take communion together, from their own homes, but together as a church family. We are still able to be with Chaplain Marty Zeigler at his patio service - a few of us on his outdoor patio, exercising the rules of social distancing We sang songs of praise, listened to praise music, and fellowshipped together. Marty spoke of the world situation today, comparing it to the events of the past century - the depression, World War II, the holocaust, etc. Those folks, too, faced uncertainties of the future, but remained faithful to the Lord. We pray to the Lord because He is King of Kings, He is the King. Because of us, He was struck down – because of us and for us. In spite of this, He is still faithful and truly loves us. He never complained. In the Bible story of the eunuch and Philip, Acts 8:26-40) an Angel of God told Phillip to go to the road that lead from Jerusalem to Gaza. There Phillip went and he saw a court official of the Queen, a eunuch seated in his chariot, reading from the book of Isiah. The spirit told Phillip to go and join this man in his chariot. Asking the man if he knew what he was reading, the man answered that he wanted to know who the prophet Isiah was talking about in Scripture. Phillip began telling Him about the good news of Jesus. The eunuch believed and became immediately baptized. This chapter (Isiah 53) does tell us exactly who Jesus is and what He did for us. The Passion of Christ prays for our sin and gives us hope. He was given us a reason to live. If this present crisis does not change us, how an we look forward to a future. Instead of trying to outdo Christ (We need to tell God that we are done relying on others which is impossible) look to Him. If we look to and rely on others (doctors, the government, etc.) we will be sadly disappointed. Of course, we need to be vigilant and see doctors when we feel is necessary, but know that it is in the will of God to heal us. We need to tell Christ that we are done relying on others and are rely on Him. We will then have the peace of assurance in Christ. Share this assurance with others.

Tying Times

Whenever I hold back the rain or send or locusts to eat up the crops or send an epidemic on my people, if they pray to me and repent and turn away from the evil they have been doing, then I will hear them in heaven, forgive their sins, and make their land prosperous again.” 2 Chronicles 7:12-13

Australian Wildfires -rain was held back

Africa - Locust Plague

World Pandemic- COVID-19

Does this seem to be the condition of the word today? In this chaotic world we now live in, we need to turn to Scripture to ease our fears. Living in fear is not healthy – it only causes more panic and this is not new –there have been epidemics for many years – I am old enough to remember the polio scares of the 40’s. Then there was the swine flu, then the regular flu just to name a few. We as a country seem to pull out of the situations, stronger and more united than before.  Living in fear only makes the situation more intensified than before. We need to remain calm – cautious but not fearful. God has promised that He will never leave us – this too shall pass. Reread the above Scripture – and remember our world needs turn away from evil, and God will reward us.

We did get to travel to Mexico yesterday. At first it was announced that the border was closed, but then re-opened to American citizens only traveling to get medication and doctor and dentist appointments. Normally we would not have gone, but Fred’s inhalers are not covered by our insurance – so the cost is anywhere from $300-$500 each. In Mexico at the pharmacy we go to they are only $62.50!! Almost of the stores have a bottle of hand sanitizer handy for everyone. And there was plenty of toilet paper and hand sanitizer available for purchase. We made a quick trip in and out. We stopped at a vegetable market on this side of the border and bought a few veggies so we did not have to go to the already crowded stores. 

Donations to Caring Hearts Ministry have not slowed down, as a few Winter Texans are heading home (others are planning on staying here for a while) and dropping off non-perishables for the colonias. This much needed food is a blessing, as the schools are closed here and the children are home, needing more food at home. My heart breaks when the food is distributed, knowing that the families need to make it stretch until the following week. They cannot go out and hoard stuff as they no additional funds to do so. Last week we delivered a whole truck bed to be given out. So far, our suppliers have been able to keep up. We pray that our major distributor does not close. We were promised 5000 lbs. of beans, but then were told that the distributor would not part with them yet as they do not know if any more will be available. We have bagged enough right now for 2 or 3 more distributions. We had 130 families come for food on Friday- the most there has ever been.

As there are no church services in any parks as management has closed everything down. Chaplain Marty Zeigler held a short service on his patio this morning, based on the above verses. There were a few folks there to listen to praise music and worship the Lord as we listened to the birds singing in his park. One older gentleman was there in a Sunday suit, polished shoes, dress socks, and a 40’s style felt hat. I looked for a picture of my father who looked so much like him, down to the hat which he always wore. I could not find that particular one, As a gatherings of 10 or more is really not allowed, we were ok this morning. Our home church in Arkansas also live streamed and then posted this morning’s service, encouraging everyone to prepare communion at home and then take it all at the same time. Social distancing was observed!!!

Please stay calm, think of creative ways to make your stay at home time fruitful (perhaps this is time to spend more time reading the Bible, studying God’s word, and knowing that He is in control). Now that He has our attention, let’s listen.

Coronavirus

Psalms 91:10

 “No evil shall befall me and my family, nor shall any plague come near our dwellings.”

This is just one of the many verses in the Bible that remind us that God is sovereign and in control.  People, please look at the situation and realize that this is not the time to push the panic button. Yes, there is a pandemic out there, but according to all reports, it affects only the elderly or those already with chronic issues. The media is spreading stories and we as humans, tend to believe everything that we read. Keep calm, you do not need 240 rolls of toilet paper or 10 cases of water to survive this. There are faucets and free water available everywhere. Toilet paper could be an issue – but please use your brains, conserve a bit, and rely on your faith that this, too, will pass. We went Costco to pickup Fred’s new glasses, and decided to get more bottled water (the water here in Alamo is not very good – although we have a water system filter, and use filtered pitchers), just keeping bottled water on hand as we AlWAYS do! We stood in a 200-foot line, waiting our turn to be issued the limit of 5 cases of water (which we did not take all) and the line was still forming behind. Folks were rushing and shoving to get water, begging for more than what was allotted. All of this panic is nothing that will be compared to the panic when the Chris returns!! Please, think of others, take only what you will need for 2-3 weeks – the stores will restock shelves as the only shortage is created by the people themselves. My thumbs up go to the mother in Little Rock who has a nursing baby, and is pumping more breast milk and freezing it, offering to share with anyone who cannot get formula for their child. Or those who do take their limit of items with the intention of giving it to the elderly so they do not have to get out in this out of control world today. God is on control – this will die down in time, just as the rest of the pandemics did, and in a few months, we will forget about fighting over a package of toilet paper in a store. We are humans, not animals fighting over a bone. We got through 911 in a relatively short time, we can get past this, too, with faith. Turn to God for peace and calmness.

Almost every cart looked like this

We had our last chaplain’s meeting for the season on Saturday outside under a pavilion as most of the RV parks have shut down all activities, including any gathering over 10 people. Actually, we were violation of this, but being it was outdoors it was allowed. Most of our chaplains are doing services outside, some are live streaming them on the web. A very few parks are allowing church services, though. It was a wonderful end of the season celebration, although we West Lower Valley area chaplains are having an end of the season luncheon towards the end of the month, before most of them leave for their Northern homes We also honored a chaplain couple who have served for 13 years here in the Valley. Dave Tabler has retired due to health issues. We will miss Ruthanne’s delicious cookies, although they will live here in S Texas permanently and continue to participate in CRM activities. We were overwhelmed with the generosity of RV parks where the chaplains serve as theybrought so many donations of food, clothing, and other items for the ministry. We arrived back home about 1:30 in the afternoon, and sorted and packed everything until 6 PM!! Ruthanne Tabler will be bringing items later this week – she challenged her prayer group of ladies to being one item, such as a can of beans, or a package of diapers, etc. for 40 days (the 40 days before Easter) to be donated to Caring Hearts Ministry. We are also again going to receive about 100+ small hams (like the ones we received at Christmas time. In this time of chaos, the spirit of loving your brother as yourself still abounds.

Today was the last church service at Mission Bell with Pastor Jim Maxson. He and his wife Shirley are here almost all of the time, only taking a couple of months off for vacation and family time. Jim’s message this morning focused on suffering, which was not God’s plan when He created man. But sin came into the world because of Adam and Eve. God punishes wickedness by returning it the hearts of the wicked. Children are born selfish and demanding as a result of Eve’s desire to be selfish and to want it all. Nature itself was corrupted – as we are plagued with thorns and thistles, even chiggers! I don’t believe God originally created chiggers to harass us. Suffering is actually the resistance to the will of God. Righteous suffering brings the fulfillment of God’s promise. Jesus Christ was the only true and righteous person that ever lived but He suffered the most. His suffering laid the groundwork of his death. “And we boast in the hope and glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character, hope”. Romans 5:2-4. Through suffering we will be able to attain he glory God has planned for us. Only those who know God have the privilege of suffering for Him in order to accomplish His work. You will never be alone as God is always with you. The 6 hours Jesus was on the cross changed our eternity on order to spend forever in His presence. Jesus didn’t suffer all His life but did suffer all His life for us. Suffering for Jesus does not mean giving up every thing in life you enjoy. Keep your priorities on order so you can continue to glorify the Lord. To suffer for His name is truly a blessing. We go through difficult times so we can console others who have the same troubles. Glorify the name of Jesus.

The verdict

The jury has voted. The best  flavored Peeps are the Root Beet Float and the Peppermint Bark dipped in decadent Chocolate!

Today has only 23 hours as daylight savings time ha begun. I know I say this every year , but according to an pod Indian saying – “how can cutting a foot from the bottom of a blanket and sewing it to top the blanket make it any longer?”. What are we saving anyway – electricity or heat? Today was a droopy day for everyone I talked to as our inner clock was disturbed. I noticed more than a few heads bobbing in church this morning – ( wait,  yes I was paying attention to the sermon – it was during the singing and collection time).

I am always amazed at the things we receive as donations, especially from our suppliers. This week we received a large number of boxes full of large Hershey’s gold candy bars. They we outdated, but how can chocolate ever go bad??? The folks who received their baskets on Friday were truly surprised, along with the blackberries and  pineapples they also received. It is so hard to predict what we re going to receive or how much, as it seems to vary from week to week. We also got a notice from one of our supplies that they had a huge amount of Keto diet foods. I wonder where in the world do they get this stuff. I am certainly not complaining as our people get the benefit of it all. 

I am not a person who gets sick or has medical problem – in fact usually the only time I go to the doctor is for my yearly check-ups. Last week was the exception. I was slightly dizzy one day, but it soon passed and I just shrugged it off. On Wednesday I was soooo dizzy and sick to my stomach pretty much all day. Still sick in the evening when my blood pressure spiked to 189. I told Fred to take me to the emergency center nearby where I was diagnosed with vertigo and severe dehydration.  (I admit, I do not drink enough water). After a few hours, alot of praying,and fluids via IV’s, the extreme dizziness went away. I do not want to wish vertigo on my worst enemy. It is awful – the room does not stop spinning which of course makes a person ill. Needless to say, , I am drinking a certain amount of water every day, but do have to make sure I do not move too fast yet. As I said, I am not patient in being sickly. Sometimes the Lord has to shake a person up to make them understand what is best for them.

Last night we went to a fund raiser for Children’s Haven which is held every year. It is a fun time, as there are silent auction and then a live auction. I have gotten so I can tell when an item is going for a high price as the bidding gets intense and actually funny. Two ladies were bidding on a quilt, sitting right next to each other. The bidding went to $500 before it quit. I suppose folks know how much they are going to donate, and just bid up to that point. Some pies went for $200 to $300 – crazy to watch the bidding There were even pinto beans pies, which the baker assured us taste just like pecan pie. Hmmmm, I wonder?? I may try to find the recipe and try it – although I am not a pie maker at all.

This was the second to the last service at Mission Bell this season with Pastor Jim Maxson. His sermons are so down to earth and often are a great lesson for us. He incorporates the messages with Scripture to enforce the point. This morning’s sermon revolved around encouragement. We all need someone to encourage us. One little word of encouragement can help and inspire people, just as a word of discouragement can harm them for years. When we receive encouragement it means that others care about us. When we encourage someone we walk beside them, sharing their issues. Encouragement usually must be spoken. We need to communicate encouragement for it to be effective. We all look for encouragement to build us up and not tear us down. The words we choose are important – they can be helpful but also extremely harmful to others. Remember to think before you speak. Also, in today’s world we need to be careful of what we post on social media because it will be out there forever for the whole world to see. But more important, our actions need to  match our words of encouragement. We have to practice what we preach and hoe we act – random acts of kindness can change a person’s outlook on the whole day. We never know when our encouragement brings someone closer to the Lord. Encourage someone this week with a card, phone call, or just a soft, loving word.

Spring is Here

Spring is definitely in the air I can tell it by the sneezing and snuffling I am experiencing, as well as the warmer weather (after it warms up from a cool morning), the folks all out riding their bikes and strolling around, visiting, even the birds in the morning seem to be singing more happily. Most of the fields have been plowed here in the Valley. Other fields are being harvested of cooler weather crops. There seems to be busyness all over. And next week-end we jump into daylight savings time. Where has the winter gone???

We have also been busy with the usual donations, ec. We have collected enough kitchen supplies to help out the family in the area that was robbed, as well as provide them with linens for the present time. Those folks who have donated sometimes do not know where exactly their donations go, but every single one has found a home and a purpose.

We are still in  holding pattern as we wait upon the Lord for direction - the direction that He seemed to have given us to return to NW Arkansas and the ministries there. We have not sold our home yet but put our trust in His timing. We had an open house yesterday with quite a few visitors who proclaimed that our home was very nice, but no offers as of yet. Our timing is not His timing for sure, and I am trying very hard to practice my patience. We both are trying to take each day as it comes, and pray for His will to be done.

It is also the time of year when the Winter Texans are itching to return to their Northern homes. A few have already left, while others are scurrying around to get the last mintue things done - trips to Mexico for shopping, medications, dental work, etc. It seems like they just arrived and are now planning their trek homeward.

The church we attend at Mission Bell has only 2 more services, then it, too, will be over for the season. We want to find another church to attend, as the one we had previously gone to during off season is not seeming to meet our needs. This morning Pastor Jim had a great service, including communion service. Next week we will have a pastor appreciation gathering after the service. We so much appreciate Jim and his down to earth messages - not "feel good' messages, but messages from the Bible to help us understand more fully God's plan for us and our part in a relationship with Him.Today's message was based on Matthew 16:24-26. "Loss is gain". This does not seem to make any sense, does it?? You can't take your earthly possessions with you - whoever saw a U-Haul following a hearse? Those who walk with God and are content with what they have, have much. God's economy does not operate like the worldly one does. Loss is gain in God's world. Could you give up what you have if God asked you to? Missionaries have given up so much and are content and blessed. Abraham left everything to follow God, not even knowing where he was going but he went nd God blessed him. If God asked, would you give up everything The blessings that you receive from giving up are enormous. Following Jesus is a  conscientious decision,a personal choice. It needs determination to follow Him and not the world. It is a committed denial. You need to be willing to deny yourselves and go without the desires of the flesh. We are our own greatest enemies. Our ownself stands in the way to follow Him. Struggles with ourselves will continue as long as we live. Following Jesus is a costly departure. We have to take up our cross and follow Him and be willing to die for Him daily. It is also a continual desire. Not just on Sunday or Wednesday, but everyday To follow Jesus requires effort and a commitment. Where do you stand today? Are you willing to give up everything to follow Him? His life was for our gain. You do not have to sell everything and go live in a dessert, live on honey and locusts, but turn your life over to Him and He will show the way.