Sunday's Blessings

I cannot believe that another Sunday has almost gone. Again, the weather has been so sporadic - warm and sunny one day, and then cold and rainy the next.

Last Sunday was rather nice - in the 70's. It was friend Karen's birthday and so we headed to South Padre Island for the day. We checked out the visitor's center for the sand castles not realizing that there were a plethora of castles all up and down the road. A small one was at the visitor's center, then a very large one was outside. It was sprayed with something in order to keep it from weathering, especially in the rain. As we drove along the road, there were many smaller ones at various businesses.



this smaller one was inside the visitor's center

this largest one took 500 hours to compete

almost impossible to notice every detail

love the dragon

a realistic pelican

We drove to the northern most part of the island (at least as far as a car can drive) and noticed the sand drifted into the roadway - some places there was one way traffic. There were people camping along as well as many kite fliers. Seeing that the weather had not been good for awhile, a lot of people were out enjoying themselves.
 

 one way traffic on this stretch

                                                              kite fliers enjoying the warm breeze

 

We stopped at the turtle rescue center as we had often seen it and decided that this was the day! It is truly amazing - turtles are rescued, brought back to health, and then either released or kept in the center. Many have been there many years - some too used to people that they cannot be sent back to their natural environment, some were badly injured as a result of other sea animal attacks, or even tangled in fish lines. Some had broken shells and could not survive on their own - one even had no back feet or tail (lost in a battle of some sort), so a man made rudder was attached to his shell. He swam beautifully. It was very interesting and fun to see all the different species and sizes of turtles.

 

                               this turtle was HUGE and loved to swim towards the window to show off his beauty

                                 smaller turtles almost ready to be returned to their natural habitat

 he was colored so uniquely

 

We did have to stop on the beach to feed the sea gulls. Karen brought along a half loaf of bread which they begged for ever so nosily. We walked a bit on the beach where I found some interesting pieces of coral. We were told that the star fish were washed up on shore but we did not see any - although a few people were carrying some.

    

  

                                      even though the waves were pretty high some people were surfing

                                                         feeding 5000 with 1/2 loaf of bread!!!

                                                   they were so patiently waiting for food - so cute

                                                 waiting to take some crumbs from my hand

 

 

After all this excitement we headed to Port Isabelle to Penguin Station (a division of Dirty Al's on the Island) to enjoy the best fresh shrimp ever. I do not eat shrimp anywhere else, so usually only have it once or twice at the most a year.  We had a lovely view from our table - when all of a sudden a wind blow in, dropping the temps 20 degrees from when we went in to eat. Cannot believe we had the heater on in the car on the way home.

 

 

view from our table - some times the dolphins swim into the cove

                                               Karen's birthday brownie gift from the restaurant

our fantastic waiter took the picture for us -

 

 

Now comes the Sunday blessings - last Sunday Chaplain Bill and Ali had their daughter and family visiting from California - (the weather did not cooperate for them, though). They and their 5 children are missionaries for Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU). What an amazing family - Steve, the father, gave our message on Sunday. Daughter Addie played the piano while other daughter Ellie sang a beautiful solo. It was so wonderful to see a family so tuned into God and His work. We are so blessed at the Church @ Alamo Rec Veh to have talented musicians, a great choir , and a Chaplain who shares his family with us.

 

 Elli seems so very relaxed as she sings for us

 Addie is a very accomplished pianist

 Chaplain Bill leading us in prayer

  Steve Michaelin delivering the message

 

 

The park manager sponsored a wild boar meal this last week. The owner of our park owns a ranch and donated 5 wild boars to smoke so the men really got into the swing of it. There were three different types of smoking with 3 different marinades. Of  course, we could choose to eat smoked turkey instead, which I choose. Fred choose the wild boar and was able to sample all three choices as well as pork loin. The meal included the meat, coleslaw, raw veggies, beans, bread, dessert, and a beverage. It was a festive time as nearly 250 people filled the hall in anticipation of a new taste. The boar meat was really very good (I sampled a bit of Fred's) and the company was awesome!!!

 

 

As we begin another week full of activities, high and low points, and even some great disappointments, look to the Lord for strength, talk to Him often, asking for forgiveness, forgiving others  and glorifying His

 Holy name,

I'm Back

Well, I do believe I have skipped a week. It certainly was not intentional as Sunday was truly busy, then the days seemed to go by and now it is time for another preussless pathways!!

So many things going on here in the park as well as every where else it seems. The weather seems to be the main issue all over the country. We had very cold mornings - icy conditions which caused the closing of the expressway here - don't know that we have ever seen that happen. Even the Wednesday morning park meeting with donuts was cancelled. Our church board and spouses have been serving donuts for the month of January and we were relieved of our duties last Wednesday!!! It is a fun thing to do as we get to visit with all the residents as we hand out many dozens of donuts as well as serve coffee and hot water for tea. We had made 6 large pots of coffee for Wednesday morning - from all reports, because of the cold, it was all gone by afternoon. Yesterday and today the weather was mild, in the 70's with a brisk breeze.

Our "Helping Hands" sewing group donated 32 quilts to the Great Oaks Food and Clothing Ministry just in time for the cold front last week. It was totally heart warming as many received quilts with tears in their eyes and looks of surprise as they realized the quilts were for them. As we were finishing up the distribution a lady and young boy came as asked if the quilts were for sale. She was walking by and saw people leaving with quilts. We told her that they were free and after registering she and her son chose two quilts which she said were greatly needed as they had a large family and needed extra warmth. It is stories like this that stay in our hearts as we serve those less fortunate than ourselves.

all the beautiful quits donated by "Helping Hands"

the food pantry is full - praise - the Lord!

two children with donated Bibles they were happy to receive

Fred with a very happy girl

her brother chose this colorful one

another two happy kids - arms full of warmth - quilts, food, and love

smiles all around knowing that they will have food for a few days

she was so proud of her choice - she spoke very little English, but knew "God bless you".

after everyone was fed and supplied with quilts, we indulged next door in fried pickles!

We did get a chance to fill a van for a tour of CHI/RIN in Reynosa. Some of the people are headed back up North already, so we squeezed in a trip (after the one the day before was cancelled because of ice). A very amazing couple from our park were aboard - they are pastors from Kentucky who arrived here because the Lord led them  - to S Texas, to our park, for a specific purpose (which is not made clear to them yet). All they know is that God said He was leading them into the wilderness - what a faith they have. "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? And I said, "Here I am , send me". Isaiah 6:8. How awesome would it be if every one the Lord called answered in this way!!! After we arrived at RIN, we visited the schools where all the kids were excited to see us. One of the couples who are from our home state of Arkansas) sponsor Jose who was thrilled to see them - he would not let Bob alone!

 

 

the English teacher - the very first year the kids are earning English

diligently studying a "foreign" language

 

 

                                                                      little Jose loving on Bob

 

  

 

 

                                                         3 little ones who loved to have their pictures taken

 

                                                                Bob, smothered in love and hugs

                                                     the old and new schools connected by a roof

    some of the kids from the outside homes waiting for their parents to pick them up - the school at RIN is open to area residents who pay a small amount (300 pesos or $30 - $40 a month) for their children to attend a Christian school).

 

our tiniest baby - Sarah, born in November to housemother (Tia) Susanna

 

proud Mama Susanna

 

The week has been filled with Bible study, meetings, a fish dinner, volunteer work, visiting, collecting donations and delivering them, but it is a good feeling of being tired. I can say my housework has suffered because of it, but I have learned to shut my eyes to it. Tomorrow is Sunday - not a day of work, so we are going to the island for a day of a bit of relaxation - housework can wait. A very dear friend of mine showed me how to do this very thing. I had three small girls (she had 4 children). Joyce called me one morning to say that it was a beautiful summer day in Wisconsin and we should pack up the kids and go to a neighborhood lake for the day. My house was a disaster as we had a birthday party the night before and I had not cleaned up anything. I tried to make excuses, but Joyce would not hear any of them. So off we went - two young mothers and 7 kids. What a day we had - our youngest at that time was only two months old, so she slept all afternoon under a shade tree as we all laughed and splashed and played and even ate a picnic lunch in the warm summer sunshine. I'll always remember the lesson she taught me - to take advantage of the things God has made for you with laughter and thanksgiving. It was not many years later that Joyce passed away, but she will always remain as she was that day - full of love and always praising God for the little things. What a lesson indeed I learned that day!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunny Sunday

This week has been a huge difference from last week!! The weather has been sunny and warm, cool evenings, and days of no or little stress. Thank you Lord for giving me peace.

We took a day off and went on a tour from our park to Rio Grande City. If you get a chance, check it out online (they have a great video) - a city with lots of history. We spent the day with friends, had a wonderful trolley tour and a very informative trolley guide, a relaxing dinner, and some brief shopping time. I particularly loved the inner courtyards of the Mexican mansions. What an amazing place of solitude for reading, napping, even praying.

our informative guide - a native of Rio Grande City

an old mercantile store

part of Fort Ringgold - which was closed in the 1947 - it covers over 300 acres. It was the Southernmost American outpost at the time.

a guardhouse

some of the barracks - the whoe area now houses the Rio Grande Schools

more barracks - the site was chosen to defend the area from Mexican and Indian attacks

a newly built auditorium with a beautiful mural

a founding father's mansion - notice how close to the road they were built

the Rio Grande River is right behind the trees - you can see the Mexican side from the river bank - some homes are built right on the river

a grotto in the middle of downtown - many people come here to meditate and pray

another prestigious home - it is said that tunnels are built under many city structures which were used to smuggle goods and perhaps people across the Rio Grande.

unique stone and metal work on this home, which now houses shops on the first floor

one of the inner courtyards - the home completely surrounds it

this is a temporary cross just outside the city as the old original one was recently vandalized

We started our Bible study at CHI this last Monday with just 6 of us, but we are continuing the study of Luke. I love the time we spend together in study, as well as listening to each other's comments and questions (not to mention the good food). Ironically, Chaplain Bill's sermon this morning centered on prayer, and the Lord's prayer as recorded in Luke, exactly what we are going to be studying this coming Monday. Again, I never realized that there are 7 parts of the Lord's prayer, 3 of them pertaining to God. Praying like Jesus was something new to the disciples and one of them asked Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray". Luke 11:1. I feel that this was just a model for prayer - adoring God, praising Him, thanking  Him, asking for forgiveness, vowing to forgive others in the same way, and asking to keep temptation  away from our door. God does not tempt us, but as humans temptation is always there.   

 

We had the Memorial service at the park this afternoon - a time when we remember those who have passed away in 2013. It always is a very reverend time - a time to grieve together but also a time to remember those loved ones. This year 32 residents (or former residents) were honored with the reading of their names and the ringing of the chimes. We have amazing musicians, choir, and soloists here in the park, and they performed so beautifully this afternoon. It was a moving time.

 

With the days so warm and lazy and getting longer, the desire to be outside and enjoying this time is pulling at all of us. There are so many activities here that a person should never be bored - many outside activities, games, crafts, breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, musical entertainment, movies and so much more.  We feel so blessed to serve here, to meet so many wonderful people, and enjoy a few of the activities. Our time is fairly well accounted for, but we do manage to squeeze in a bit for ourselves.

 

Everyone enjoy a fantastic week - encourage somebody this week to take time to study God's word - even if only for a few minutes. You will be astonished at what you learn.   

 

  

 

What kind of week did YOU have???

Did you ever have a week when everything seemed to have gone wrong??? When you start something, then a crisis arises and you have to fix something before you go on with what you are doing??? Or if you have your time planned out to finish a project and there is a huge interruption, and THEN you have to go on to something else pressing before you can finish what you started???? Or even when things seem to go smoothly and all of a sudden everything is out of control??? Well, welcome to my past week. Every time things get crazy, I try to stop and ask God to slow my mind and show me where to go next. I have learned to stop, take a deep breathe, and start again with I hope is a clear mind. Trying to categorize the long list of every thing going on seems to help - but where do I fit eat and sleep into the picture???

There was a high point in the week (another chance for great grandma to brag). On Thursday, our beautiful great grand daughter was born. Brielle LaShae was 7# 10 oz, which is a big first baby. Grand daughter Casey and baby are doing well. She  now makes a total of 3 great grand daughters and 1 great grand son - time to slow down for a bit!!!

love the boots

she looks so grown up for only a few days old

Our annual ladies conference planning is going along smoothly, with many exciting and wonderfully unplanned surprises. It takes 4 of us to put this together, although in prior years only two of us, (thank you Sally) seemed to have done it quite well. Now just pray with us for many women to be reached by God's word. We, as women, are strong and favorable in God's eyes. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline". 2 Timothy 1:7.

The sun shine and warmth for a few days was so welcome from the drizzle and gloomy days we have been having recently, although it is raining again right now. I hope that the weather has settled down for all of you and the storms are over for awhile. Many flowers here are booming and their beauty shines through the gloom to make us love all of God's creation.

We had a craft show here at the park, which is such fun to just walk around and see all the creative things people come up with. I have been doing some glass yard art and decided to try my hand at a sale. I felt that I did fairy well as the show was not well attended due to other activities going on here in the Valley but I did love just talking to people as they browsed all of craft tables.

Fred looking bored - I actually sold quite a few items

Great Oaks Food and Clothing Ministry is really expanding, due to the generosity of many people as well as Gods grace and favor. A refrigerator was donated, so now we can store more produce efficiently. Another coupe has joined the ministry and will begin filing bags with produce as soon as it comes in. They then have the opportunity to deliver it immediately to those in need - what a blessing they are. God calls people who sometimes do not know why they are called, but He has a plan. When you feel the Holy Spirit in you heart telling or asking you to do something, don't resist. (Although sometimes I wonder if God is really talking to me, or maybe got me mixed up with someone else). Just say, "Yes, Lord, I will do it".

Cold Again

I know that I should not be complaining about the cold as there are so many places that are truly cold, but 34 degrees in S Texas is really cold. This past week we served at Border Missions, feeding about 250 people and distributing produce and other food items to many more. I could not help noticing that most of these people were bundled up against the cold - many wore several layers of clothing rather than coats - scarves or even bit of fabric over their faces, walking the mile or so from Mexico, crossing the border, to the distribution center to receive food for the body as well as the soul. The church service was very moving for most of them, some even brought to tears by the message.  I felt so blessed as they passed through the line, blessing us as we handed out food items (we were in charge of celery - 2 stalks to each person) - we are the ones who are blessed by their love for the Lord as well as for us. Who am I to complain when I have a warm clothes, a home, a bed with plenty of blankets, and even warm food to eat. God commands us to love our brothers and "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:10

food serving line - getting ready to serve. my post this time was cookies - Fred was in charge of beans

some of the many we served - there were seconds available for those who wanted it

this lady sang a beautiful song and gave a tearful testimony

the church serve was full

Last Sunday was food distribution at Great Oaks Community Church Food and Clothing Ministry. Again, the Lord provided more than enough to serve those in need. Following a fellowship dinner of tamales, rice, an unbelievably delicious poppy seed casserole (with cheese, tuna, and other things I could not identify), salads, and dessert, we helped those in need with food items. One gentleman came in and asked for something to eat with tears in his eyes - he was immediately served, given produce, canned goods, and even a baggie with toiletry items (mostly hotel soaps, shampoo, etc donated by others). He then returned to the sanctuary for dessert and disappeared before we could find out if he needed a ride somewhere. I do believe he was homeless and it was a cold and rainy evening.

 Fred and Lorey Meier preparing fruit - I am in the background with papayas

one family holding their bags of food with Pastor Israel - the smiles on their faces are something we will never forget 

 

Chaplain Roy and Paula Gee from Road Runner RV Park had many items donated from their park. We delivered them to Great Oaks with anticipation to see the smiles on the children's faces when they received these things.

 what little boy would not love these??? especially John Deere green!

 Becky Rodriguez, Paula Gee, and Fred enjoying some of the many donated stuffed animals.

 

We did take some time out to visit during the holidays, even with the cold and rainy weather. Christmas decorations are down, house is back in order, A day of an amazing church service with many new people, a great Sunday School  continuing the study of Revelation,  and social time with friends Darlene and Jesse Curtsinger. Life is so good thanks to the blessings and grace of our Lord.  

 

Chaplain Bill's sermon this morning was identifying the nine fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control  and relating them to ourselves as far as where we are lacking. Try rating them from 1 to 9 in order of need in your own life: 1 needing the most of your attention and 9 being your strongest point. So very hard to do as we as humans lack so many fruits in our daily lives. My weakest points are patience (with was never my number one virtue) and joy as I sometimes forget to have joy in whatever circumstances God has placed me in. Make this your New Year's resolution - concentrate on  making all of these fruits of the Spirit number 9's.