Sunny Sunday

A sunny bright Sunday here in S Texas - 89 degrees today, but has been much hotter during the week. The temps reached over 100 at least 3 times. Way too early for this heat to begin. We did deliver of Friday for the ministry - again we had an abundance of food and were able to feed over 150 families. We are not distributing clothing at this time as we cannot do that safely. But hope to resume it sometime in the near future. Friday was quite a change from last Friday, when it was cool, damp, and rainy. Those helpers who had to be out in the drizzle to load cars improvised by wearing green garbage bags as raincoats. I was under a tent, but still managed to get damp and chilly. Despite the weather everyone worked diligently to get the food distributed. In the midst of the gloom and drizzle, a cardinal landed nearby, hopping on the ground and reminding us that no matter the circumstances there is "beauty from ashe" as only God can provide. We again will be able to have an additional distribution this Tuesday - the ladies are willing to work as long as we can provide the food.

I lost two friends this past week - one was a lady from here in the park who is usually here just during season. She had to remain longer as she wound up in ICU (she has reoccurring lung situations) and then moved to hospice on Sunday. She passed away peacefully on Tuesday with only two family members present. Her family was allowed to be with her, despite the restrictions because of the virus. Melrose was a kind, gentle spirit who had just good words about everyone.She always had just the right words to lift a person up, and of course, always a hug. The other person was a former coworker at Fayetteville Public Schools - Miss Frances Cumbie. Frances, Norma, and myself were the charter members of the Human Resources team at the district, developing the department along with our supervisor Ivy Lincoln. There are really no words to describe Miss Frances - she was a no nonsense lady with an amazing outlook on life and sense of humor. She was a big girl, from Southern Arkansas with a raspy voice and gentle smile. I know some folks were afraid of her - I do believe she wanted it that way. The 7 years that I worked with her were so rewarding - we never knew what would happen next! Her maiden name was Jenkins, and her claim to fame was that she was a cousin to Conway Twitty, (Harold Lloyd Jenkins who got his name from Conway, Arkansas, and Twitty, Texas. She talked about the black sheep Twitty family from West Helena, AR, that the family very seldom talked about. Her stories often had us in tears laughing. She was a diligent worker, often referring to her sorority sisters and their particular work ethic, except that Frances HATED to file. It used to drive Norma and myself crazy when we needed something from her, and she went to her "filing cabinet" under her desk (boxes of paperwork not filed). I think she kept them there to hide them from her supervisor!! After her retirement, Norma and I had to spend hours going through the boxes, trying to sort out the paperwork, some of them her personal notes, even small packages of treats she kept stashed there. The we had to do the painstaking process of putting the paper work  in order and filing it. I spent a few hours last night reminiscing about the good times we three had together.

There were two Services online this morning from our Prairie Grove home church, so we chose the 8 AM one. Our Pastor Vance Eubanks, spoke to us from the beautiful spring morning in NW Arkansas. He looked like he was on a typical AR road - unpaved with lush tree and foliage along the sides of the road. It was a beautiful morning, just perfect for a sermon on the fact that Jesus receives all of us, everyone, no matter who we are. Have you ever been in church and saw someone that you never would have thought would show up in church and thought to yourself, I cannot believe that person is in church. Not in a critical way, of course, but because it was such a shock to see who thought would never step foot in a church was there, walking down the aisle. The sermon this morning revolved around the early church, after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. Saul, who later became Saul, persecuted the Christians, even going so far as to going to their homes and dragging them out to be stoned. If God could change Him into a disciple, a God fearing Christian, He can change anyone. Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, on his way to persecute more Christians. When Jesus appeared in a flash of light, Paul's first question was, "who are you?". Paul learned who he was, and later marveled that he was the worst of sinners and Jesus saved Him. Saul then was blinded for 3 days. To make an example of what He could do, God changed Saul into Paul - Saul, who dragged Stephen out into the streets and had him stoned, all the time showing his approval of the act. After his conversion, Paul began to restore the church. But God (Vance's favorite phrase), had a different plan for Paul. Saul's second question after Jesus appeared to him was "what shall I do, Lord?". He was directed to go to Damascus and meet with a man named Ananias. Ananias restored his sight and told him that God had chosen him to see God's will and to witness to all people. At that itme, his name was changed to Paul, which means a man of God. Remember Saul asked God who He was? And He said, I am Jesus of Nazareth. We all need to know the identity of Jesus. He was someone who actually lived and walked on this earth, and yet He was the Son of God. This is actually a personal question and we need to know who He is to us, We need to know Him, not only about Him, but to know Him and have a personal relationship with Him. Don't try to earn a relationship - it is given to us by grace. It is ours to receive. After we receive God's grace we live in security in Christ, by faith. Paul had to be blinded to see by faith. God wants us to trust Him - to live by faith. Surrender your lives to Him. What are you waiting for?

Double Blessings

It has been  very interesting week as far as Caring Hearts Ministry is concerned. Another ministry was moving their freezer/cooler section and called and wanted to know if we could use some extra food and produce. Of course we said yes, after checking with Ids\a. So on Tuesday we made a distribution to a different colonia through Ida's church Iglesia Bautista Manuel. She was able to round up a helper, and we unloaded and helped sort items - after many folks were called that there was extra food available, we wound up feeding 50+ families. Then on Friday, we had an over abundance of food and provisions (including even a glucose monitor) for our regular distribution. As we drove into the colonias and our point of distribution (Brenda's yard) we were met with a huge sign( in Spanish of course) laying out the rules and regulation for picking up food. We are still being careful of how we distribute, talking care with masks and gloves and social distancing to help with the healong our country of this virus. We felt overwhelmed as we were met with a long line of smiles and waves from the folks in line which helped us to understand how much needed these provisions were. As usual, we had a limited number of helpers so we pitched in and helped to fill and distribute many boxes of food.  All of the ladies were in a fun mood, and we all laughed as one of them closed a truck on the car and a part fell off!! we sent her back to the packing line before she could cause more damage!!!We left after the line quit, but a few more folks still drove up. If I ever believed n the fishes and loaves, I certainly did that day - as we filled and handed out boxes to 170 families!!! A couple of times I looked over my shoulder to see how the food supply was coming and felt that we seemed to be running low after about 130 families were provided for, but to do another 40 seemed impossible. But therugh God, all things are possible. returned home somewhat exhausted but felt so warm and good knowing that God had provided and 170 families would not go to bed hungry.

We are all still under the shelter at home ordinance, although I did read that Texas may soon loosen things and begin to open the state. It is hard to believe that we have been home bound for  over a month already - but have grown used to staying home and taking care of ourselves as well as protecting others. We have been very innovative so tha our diet is varied, and we have more time for the Word - also to relax and enjoy this down time. It is interesting to note that we really don't miss the hustle and bustle of daily living.

This morning we watched via the internet the Southern Comfort Sunday sermon with Chaplain Marty Zeigler. He and his wife Edna are still here in the Valley, as are a lot of folks who have chosen not to leave for their permanent homes a sof yet. Marty faithfully prepares the Word for us from his outdoor patio. It is so relaxing to listen to the birds chirping in the background - although they are not the beautiful sounds of the Northern songbirds, they are a delight to hear. Then we prepared to join our home church, Prairie Grove Christian Church to listen to Matt Tibbet, the youth minister, present the sermon and to take communion with our church , together although apart. Matt's word this morning pertained to belonging to a church - not necessarily the building itself,but the communion of it's people. God saved us from our sin, but also saved us into communion. What does the communion of a church look like? It is the acceptance and love emitted from the people there. When we attended the very first service at PGCC years ago, we immediately felt that love and acceptance (even though we were Northerners!!). And we still feel that to this day.  Examples of a communion of a church is found in Acts 2:42-47. It shows us what community with the early church was all about. There were committed meetings and preaching every day, as well as on Sundays. Jesus was the hub and they structured every around Him - some folks today seem to structure every around themselves and their own lives, leaving whatever left over room for Jesus. The disciples of the early churches were bold, preaching in the same town in which Jesus was crucified. That was a dangerous situation. They were selfless - they sold some of their possessions to help others. There were no needy people among them. They were open - open to everyone. In God's eyes, everyone was open to hear the Word- Jews and Gentiles alike. He wanted all people to belong to the family of God. Being a Christian is a lofty goal, but but is attainable. Fear is the opposite of faith - it stands in the way of being a good Christian. You may lose your job, your free time, even your family. After Easter, we seem to take our eyes off  Resurrection and tend to focus again on our earthly life.  Did we really commit ourselves to Christ on the cross?? We have to be open to welcome others to join us in loving and accepting Christ. 

He is Risen

Our Resurrection Cross  

This Easter Sunday as we remember the Resurrection of the Savior Lord so that we have eternal life forever, it is also a day that all of us shall remember for years to come. We are all right now living history in the making. As we are separated from our loved ones and church families, we can rest in the knowledge that we are never separated from the love of God.

We were able again this week to serve those less fortunate in the colonies with an amazing abundance of produce. As many folks are not going to the stores, there is a huge supply of donations that we are able to take advantage of. Border Missions warehouse is overflowing as they share with many ministries. We are very restricted where we are right now as to who can even be on the roads - only if you are going to the doctor, pharmacy, emergency room, grocery store, or are an essential worker,  you could possibly face a $1000 fine and up to 180 days in jail! We had to get a letter of authorization from the CEO of CRM in order for us to be able to pick up and deliver food. We carry this in the vehicle with us, as well as masks which we are required to wear when we are out of the car Luckily the ladies who help  us the colonias all wear masks and gloves, as well as most of the folks who pick up food. We are serving almost twice as many as usual, but thank God for the extra food He has provided.  As we are shorthanded as far as help is concerned, we put in a 10 hour hour day on Friday. Exhausted, but extremely fulfilled.

the faithful ladies who help serve  every week - we usually have more but these are the few who still show up

taking boxes of much need food to those in need - we load it into their vehicles as many more wait in line

just a few of the many boxes we filled

My amaryllis that my friend, Ali, gave me years ago is blooming in this hot weather! It started  out as one bulb, but now has 7 of them - some are still waiting to bloom. A ray of sunshine in this trying time. Oh yes, it is now 101 degrees today!!!

We again "attended" services at Prairie Grove Christian Church this morning online. Vance Eubanks brought us the Resurrection  message with such clarity We need to remember that God will fulfill His good and perfect purpose. Adam and Eve caused the separation from God, but the resurrection healed and closed that separation. Satan thought that He won when Jesus died on the cross, but it was God's perfect  plan from the beginning. The resurrection proved we have life - we remain alive in Christ - victory in Him. God makes sense out of what seems nonsense, especially in today's world. This is proved over and over again in Scripture- the stories of Abraham, Joseph, and Esther are just a few examples. The disciples did not believe the women when they ran to tell them that Jesus was alive because it did not make sense. Even though Jesus had told them many times what would happen to Him they did not understand. As we are waiting on the Lord to be able to return to Arkansas, it does not seem to make sense to us that He did not quickly allow us to sell our place here in S Texas so we could be there. But He has a plan, a purpise for our lives, and we must wait on the Lord. In the meantime, we will continue to serve Him. His level of control is not in our worldly understanding. We will someday understand what God is up to - until then we will trust in him The cross proves God's love, the empty tomb proves God's power over Satan, sin, and death. Sit quietly and wait!!

Quarantine

Quarantine

Isolation, separation, segregation, remoteness, loneliness, segregation, seclusion – these are some words that describe our world today. We are not in quarantine, but the shelter at home order is still on. Some of the cities in our area forbid more than 2 people in a vehicle at time, wearing a mask when you are out of your car or home, no traveling except for essentials. It is a different world that we live in today and these measures will be a pivotal point for the world we will live in after this is over. Just as 911 changed that way we travel – that is, more security at airports, regulations on what we can take on board with us, etc. December7, 1941, a day that will live in infamy, was a pivotal point in the way we learned to be always on the defensive of our country, the assassination of President John Kennedy was a pivotal point of how we changed the protection of our president. I am sure there were many occasions in your life that changed the way you react or act now to different situations, or even how you conduct business (perhaps your identity was stolen, etc.), even to the point of shopping online during the holiday seasons. We have definitely changed the way we do our ministry of feeding those in need. We checked with the county and are cleared to pick up and deliver food, etc. I did get authorization from CRM as Caring Hearts Ministry to be allowed to do this. We now wear masks, as do all of the ladies helping to distribute, we wear gloves, and require that those who pick up the baskets of food to stay in their cars, drive up to the distribution point where Ida takes their information and informs us how many baskets they need. Some folks are picking up for others – they have to provide those names also. We then put the baskets directly into their vehicles as they stay inside their vehicles. We have already decided that after this plague is over, we will continue to distribute this way. It allows for less confusion, and folks poking around trying to see which baskets has more food, even though everyone gets the same amount. This epidemic has called for more need for food for the family, as the kids, and sometimes the parents who work out, to remain at home and require more food. We made 138 baskets (boxes, really) of food, having to turn away 9 families. We received an overabundance of food, more than ever, but also fed more families. Even the way we pick up food has changed – only the driver, and perhaps one more person if there is another one along, can load the vehicles, we cannot park to the side after we have loaded and help the person behind us load, etc. We all need to take precautions and try to obey the rules so that this pandemic leaves our land. I have made masks for ourselves and the ladies in the colonias who help us – that is the least that I can do.

We watched Sunday morning service from our home church in Arkansas this morning online. It was wonderful to see Pastor Vance Eubanks voice and hear his encouraging voice. We are going through “The Bible”, a novel as we enter Easter week. Vance so much gets to the heart of the issue and gives us much to think about. The book of Mark clearly tells of the weeks leading up to the crucifixion. Many times, in his epistle he mentions the word immediately. Mark was there when this took place, although he did not walk with the Lord. He told the story in great detail, going at a quick pace as he says immediately many times, then quickly goes on with the story of Jesus life. But as Holy Week approached, he slowed down the story. Perhaps in order for us to stop, take a breath, and concentrate on what was really happening. When talking taking about the pivotable point in our lives, the ultimate hinge was the crucifixion. The ultimate purpose of God lead up to this day in order that His Son be crucified for our sins. Sin was cancelled, the chains of sin were broken, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from the top to bottom, in order that we would have full access to God. There is power in the cross. The truth of the cross was spoken louder than our sins, use this to slow down in time now to reflect on the life of Jesus and what it has done in our life. God had it under control then, He has it under control now. He is in control – sit back and watch Him work for mankind.

We also were able to take communion together as a church family as we quietly took communion in our own homes, together as a family of God.  

Stay safe, try to obey the rules of your community, and let God the Father take control.