What Happened to Sunday

Today started out a bit strange to say the least. I had set the alarm for 6:30 but awoke at 6:45 to the sound of faint music. Wondering where that was coming from, I checked the clock and realized the alarm had not gone off, then realized that the music was coming from the clock - a local radio station. Now how did this happen???? Oh well, we got up, showered, read some devotionals, ate a bite for breakfast and started to get ready for services here at the park. Telephone rings - a resident in the park asking if we could go with her to the hospital as she was having chest pains and was shaky - she wanted to drive herself but just wanted me to go along. No way was that going to happen - we finished getting dressed, drove over to her place and could not convince her to call an ambulance. She just got out of the shower (yes, she had to shower first!!!), so we hurried her along and drove to the heart hospital. After a short wait, it was determined that she had pulled muscles while weeding yesterday, which caused chest and shoulder pain. Drove her back home with instructions to rest and use hot compresses and take pain pills. Missed church services and Sunday School. On the way home we received another message that our on-site manager was in the hospital since yesterday. Went with friends to lunch, picked up our Chaplain (his truck is still in for repairs) and he and Fred went for another hospital visit. We then needed to go to friendly Lowe's because our faucet on the kitchen sink broke, also needed a few groceries, took the Chaplain along as he too needed supplies (no truck, remember). His wife stayed home as she is housebound because of a fractured bone in her leg and cannot see the orthopedic surgeon until Tuesday. Finally came home exhausted and wondering where the day had gone!!! It was a good feeling of exhaustion though as we know that we got through all of this because of  God's orchestration - although Satan was doing his best to discourage us.

A patio sale in the park on Saturday which resulted with lots of left-overs - donations for Children's Haven International. The hearts of the residents of the park are so full of love for others - God is certainly present here.

A beautiful water bird was sunning himself near he lake on Friday - I did manage to get a coupe of pictures before he noticed me and decided to fly off to the other side of the lake for more privacy.

enjoying the S Texas warmth

looking for a more private place

some mums showing off their color

 

 

We had our first Chaplains meeting/training yesterday, It was so great seeing those who have returned (some have not come back due to health or personal reasons). We have new parks in the Valley this year, as well as potential chaplains. Despite all the  situations so far, God certainly has great things in store for Christian Resort Ministries.

 

Take time right now to pray for protection for everyone as a result of the terror attacks overseas these past few days. These devastating acts of violence cannot continue - pray for God's intervention if it is His will. Deliver us, O Lord, from harm.

 

 



 

Sweater Weather

Early this morning was definitely sweater weather. As we prepared to ready everything for the first church service of the season at Alamo Rec Veh, I ran back into the house for a sweater - almost impossible to even think about!!! The weather was so very nice and warm, actually perfect most of the week. But by this afternoon, it was a beautiful day here in S Texas - a quiet Sunday afternoon. We defrosted our small freezer, visited with friends and neighbors, and just enjoyed the almost perfect day.

Many of the CRM Chaplains have arrived here in S Texas for their winter assignments with next Saturday being our first Chaplain meeting/training for the winter. We get to say hello to old friends and also new Chaplains. We were surprised with a visit from Chaplain Roy and Paula Gee yesterday and enjoyed an early evening of visiting and laughs. CRM Chaplains are a unique group who are bonded by the desire to serve the Lord according to His calling. We are so blessed to be a part of this family.

Surprisingly nothing really strange or unusual happened this week except the fact that our Chaplain Lee Bahney's wife slipped in their kitchen and twisted her ankle - she was at services this morning and bravely read the prayer and praise requests. Pray for quick healing and release of pain and swelling.

Our first service was pretty awesome - Pastor Lee delivered an interesting sermon based on his experience as a Little League coach - relating coaching to following the Lord. His first request of making an investment in him reminded us that we all need prayer and encouragement. There are 4 basic things points in coaching that ring so very true in life - there is always room for improvement, teamwork  is important, sportsmanship is imperative, and having a good time is a requirement. As we continue to read the Bible and pray, we need to realize that it is through Christ that we begin to understand His word more an more. We often forget to pray - after all we have a warm bed to sleep in, food to eat, clothes to wear - we forget who to thank for this. In the poorest of poor countries, people pray always (as we are commanded - pray without ceasing) for a bit of food for their gnawing, constant hunger, a place to sleep out of the rain and danger - all of the things we take for granted. Teamwork is of utmost importance - we should work together for a common cause. God often speaks in the Bible of unity - we don't always agree but can live in unity together - agreeing to disagree. Sportsmanship is part of daily living - not everyone can win, losing happens all the time. Sportsmanship should be a friendly competition, not prone to cheating or complaining if we lose. Lastly, always have fun - in sports, in work, in life, and following the Lord. It is not always easy, but always rewarding.

As we entering the season of Thanksgiving, plan a week of thanks - everyday make it a point to concentrate on one different  thing you are thankful for. Our church bulletin board has a wreath on it which sprouts multi-colored leaves. Each leaf represents some one specific thing that a resident on the park is thankful for. A great idea to remind us to always be thankful. Make you week of thanks be just as colored - colored with thanks and praise to the Lord.

The End and the Beginning

I know - this looks backwards, not the beginning and the end but the end and the beginning. The end of the summer people and the beginning of the Winter Texans. The summer people become part of the winter activity here at the park. Last night we had a Halloween pot-luck - the beginning of all the pot lucks, dinners, jam luncheons (not really jelly-jam but music jam), breakfasts, bake sales, and holiday dinners that go on all winter. It is said that the favorite hobbies of Winter Texans are eating and hunting - eating out and hunting for new places to eat out. More folks are coming in at the park each day. Seeing old friends and neighbors is the beginning  of renewing old friendships and making new friends.

Our Chaplain finally made it down here to the park after a week of  many, many delays and problem situations. Another chaplain also had mishaps - guess Satan was really working overtime to prevent CRM Chaplains from returning to the Valley - hah - was he fooled!!!

Yesterday was a day of all sorts of situations - as we were working on the car port our neighbor's adult daughters insisted on helping (they painted the beams earlier in the week for us). I was preparing food for the pot-luck when Chaplain Lee and Marilyn called and informed me that they were in the park and needed direction to their site. I went to help them get settled in but they were having a problem getting their RV into their particular site, so I drove back to get Fred to help. When I was gone, one of the girls fell off the ladder so as I drove into our lot, I saw here lying on the driveway with the others standing around her. I told Fred that he needed to help Chaplain Lee on the other side of the park and he hollered that the ambulance was on the way. I stayed at our house as he headed over to Chaplain Lee's house. The ambulance arrived and transported Nadine to the hospital with a broken wrist and other injuries as her mother and I followed. To make a long story short - all is much better - Nadine had a broken wrist and hairline crack in her pelvis, Cat scan showed no head injuries. (We thanked and praised the Lord for that).  I returned home in time to finish food for the pot-luck, then after eating we returned to the hospital. A lot more issues too involved to mention, but God was working for us as everything worked itself out. We feel so very bad because she fell at our house, but she and her sister were very adamant about helping us. We are praying for a more quiet coming week, but I doubt that as we are preparing for our first church service and the first park meeting where the church serves the donuts. The Beginning!!

Today was our last church service until next spring at Great Oaks Community Church as our service will be held at the park on Sundays. The Ending! Pastor Israel's sermon this morning about faith really hit home as sometimes I wonder if I am truly following God's calling or is it just my own desires that are leading me. Pastor Israel likened our walk by faith but not by light to the bat - a nocturnal creature who depends on his "radar" rather than sight. He flies around in darkness, depending on this radar (faith) as he searches the bugs he needs for survival. We, too, live by faith and trust - as we fly in an airplane, when our kids ride the school bus, as we drink the bottled water. Faith that the plane will indeed fly and take us safely to our destination, faith that the bus driver will deliver our children safely to school, and faith that the water we drink is pure and safe. But faith is more than that - it is trusting God completely - relying on His guidance and instruction. We need to realize that even, in faith,  if we do as God commands us to, trouble will always be there. Take courage - God is always present. The disciples were caught in a storm "But Jesus immediately said to them, "take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid". Matthew 14:27 These are the words of the Master - words that we need in time of trouble. We need to keep our eyes on the Lord, or as Peter did, we will sink.

This coming week as the distractions of life seem to overwhelm you, remember to
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of this earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace".
(Helen H. Lemmel)

 

Patricia Arrived

First of all, I apologize for the video last week - it loaded just fine but apparently one could not watch it. I will see if I can fix it.

Hurricane Patricia raced across the Valley yesterday - leaving flooding everywhere. Lots of heavy rain fell and and the wind blew. We were lucky enough not to have any flooding here in Alamo. The cities just to the East of us were not so lucky - Donna and Westlaco were totally flooded, included many neighborhoods and frontage roads. We did not venture out at all, but am truly amazed at the people who tried to drive through flooded areas after being warned no to do so. Those who did so just created huge waves that helped to flood people's homes. Praise God that no one was injured during the storm. Following are pictures from Weslaco, Texas.

submerged vehicles

will that car ever run right again

 

enjoying the flood

We have found yet another outlet for the excess clothing for the clothing ministry. A pastor from Mexico will take all of the extra clothing we have and take it across the border to many of the bordering Mexican cities along the Rio Grande all the way to the Eastern coast. He does not work otherwise except to preach, just does odd jobs whenever he can to raise a bit of money to help with the fuel expenses. He is so grateful for everyone that we can help provide no matter if is a little or a lot - anything is a gift from God. It always amazes me how God always seems to lead us to people in need when we have an excess of anything. This Pastor can go back and forth across the border and not get stopped or questioned when he is delivering clothes or food to the those in distress. We need to remember to give God all the praise and glory for His provision.

 

As the Winter Texans are returning, so is their desire to help others. Already we have had donations of food for the food pantry, which does stay here on the America side of the border. We have food donations bins at the hall and have had to empty them already. "A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor".  Proverbs 22:9.

 

Do any of you from the Northern states remember the heavy red and black wool hunting suits that the deer hunters used to wear before orange became the hunting color??? Well, in my quest to finish unfinished projects (this one from many years ago) I began making our daughters Santa's from the re-purposed hunting suit that their father used for years. I had just enough of the suit (after taking it apart and washing it in cold water) to make them all and myself one. I have a bit to go yet, but hopefully will have them done in time for this Christmas. 

 

is this a blast from the past? 2 down, 3 to go

 

This may be the last Sunday we attend great Oaks Community Church as our new minister/chaplain Lee and Marilyn Bahney will be arriving this week. Because of a few problems, they may not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday. It is almost too late to plan a church service for Sunday as the church board is not here yet either. We are so very anxious to meet the Bahney's and begin our journey together as chaplains here at Alamo Rev Veh. I believe that the Lord has great things in store for the Church @ Alamo Rec Veh this year - that He will bless the church and congregation by bringing more people to know, love, and accept Him as Savior, assuring their place in heaven with Him forever.

 

From Pastor Israel this morning we learned that God is the greatest comforter. Throughout our lifetime, we have needed comfort because of the death of a loved one, loneliness, broken relationships, addictions, financial situations - so many other things. These are the times we need to turn to the Lord, not to other crutches - drugs and alcohol to name just two. Isaiah, in his time,  was considered to be one of the greatest prophets, that is until he began to preach what people did not want to hear! He called them to judgement for their evil ways and their sins against God. After judgement comes comfort. 70 years after Jerusalem's captivity in Babylon, they were set free - free from God's punishment and forgiven. Ask for forgiveness and be forgiven and comforted by the Lord Most High.

 

This week pray for our nation as we are danger because this country has turned it's back on God. "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all those in authority, that we may have peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

Timothy 2:1-2 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Four andTwenty Blackbirds

It seems more like four and hundreds of blackbirds that gather about this time every evening in tress and on the power lines around us. The other side of the park has their share of them also. The sky is black as they fly in to perch, each one chirping in his own way. Then as if on cue, the stop, and fly off into the trees around the lake for the evening. I did a short video for you - be sure to watch it to end!!! If you notice I did video across the lake where you will see those lines full of birds, too. Watch it on full screen and turn up the volume!!!!

 

Just to add to the confusion, we have been parking our vehicle in the next door neighbor's driveway until we get a car port built. Whoops, we had to move it yesterday from Don S.'s driveway as he was coming in from Wisconsin, so we parked in Don S #2 driveway (yes - two Don S. neighbors). No sooner had we parked and went into the house and Don S. #2 showed up from Kansas. Time to move the vehicle - this time to another neighbor behind us. These neighbor's are so kind as to let us park under their roofs during the summer. It is really strange to now have neighbors again - it was quiet here on our street (except for the birds) - now we hear noises as the neighbors move back into their winter homes. Every time I hear a strange noise, I think of what it could be. Time to change into the "enjoying the neighbors" mode!!!!  So looking forward to welcoming our winter friends back - as well as  our new Minister/Chaplain Pastor Lee and Marilyn Bahney.

 

Yesterday 13 of us traveled to Reynosa to yet another birthday for the kids at the Haven - this time to celebrate the Oct/Nov/Dec birthdays. We arrived at the Sirloin Stockade ahead of the kids and waited patiently as they all filed in. Director Betsy advised us Americanos to  get our food first (it was a wonderful delicious buffet) before they turned the kids loose. It was a fun time as usual as we watched the birthday kids and all the excitement of opening their presents. The donations of all the generous people allows these celebrations to continue - celebrations that all of the kids have never had before coming to the Haven. The environment that they came from did not allow for birthday parties, presents, and in most cases even food of any kind, Just existing in a small hovel, alone, waiting for their parents to return from some sort of work, with perhaps some small scraps of food. We are striving to give these kids a Christian education, the love of a family, plenty of food and snacks, and lots more love. It is amazing to see how quickly they respond. The mission statement of CHI tells it all; "And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me". Matthew 18:5 New International Version (NIV)."

it looks very much like our buffet restaurants

the drink machine holds orange, lemon, tamarando, diet Pepsi, Pepsi, and tea. I love the tamarando - sort of a cross between prune and fig flavor (sounds weird but it is very good)

neat, clean and well decorated.

Paty and Fred

 the birthday kids (and adults)

 one of the Tios (houseparents called aunts) showing off her beautiful blouse - she loves bling

 1, 2, 3 go - the present opening is on

 little Sarah was so proud of her gift bags - she received a doll, a dress, and other items - she was so much more interested in her dress than the doll!

 a new game

 Paty, little sweet Kayla who has been at the Haven since almost birth - if Fred looks different it is because he has lost 74# by sheer will power!!! No, he has not been sick - just determined.

 the best part of the buffet - all the ice cream you can it

 

Today's service with Pastor Israel was extra special as their newly married daughter and husband were visiting from Missouri. Rachael was married in June and moved to Missouri - the first time in her life away from the Valley and her Hispanic upbringing.  She is still trying to get over the culture shock, changing of the seasons, etc. It was wonderful to see her and her husband and look forward to seeing then again when they return at Thanksgiving. Pastor Israel reminded us that we need to have a heart of wisdom "in order that they (we) may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge". Colossians 2:2(b)-3. We need a heart that does not forget God's teaching and commands, a heart that receives and gives love and faithfulness, a heart that trusts God, a heart that honors God with our wealth, and a heart that accepts the Lord's discipline. Wow - is your heart open enough to embrace all of this?? I know I have a lot to work on. I need to believe and take action - not just say I believe and then go on to the next pressing issue.

 

Wisdom is the knowledge of God and putting it to use on a daily basis. It is not difficult to follow God's commands every day - love your brothers in spite of your differences of opinions but be open to receiving the love of God and others,  trust God always and turn away from evil, honor God with your first fruits of your labor, and learn to accept God's discipline as He has true riches for you.

 

 

There is a Time For Everything

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8English Standard Version (ESV)

A Time for Everything

3 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

² a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
³ a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
⁴ a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
⁵ a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
⁶ a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
⁷ a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
⁸ a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

 

This verse came to mind today as I reflected on the past week. Certainly a season for everything as we saw the birth of a church member's daughter, passing of a friend's 17 year friendship and companionship, a fall planting season is upon us who live in warmer climates, the harvesting of fall crops in the Northern states(corn, soy beans, corn, pumpkins, etc,) the time to kill past disagreements and heal the bridge in broken relationships, a time to break down barriers and build up newer and stronger relationships, a time weep over those who are lost to the Lord, and time rejoice in laughter in the knowledge of those who have come to the Lord, a time to mourn those who passed away and did not know the Lord and a time to dance before the Lord in joy for those who are new to His love, a time to cast away the stones of unforgiveness and a  time to gather together in brotherly love, a time to embrace the truth and a time to refrain from embracing hateful gossip,  a time to go quietly to your private place and seek the word of God, and a time to lose our habit of  "forgetting" to  pray, a time to tear down the arrows of the evil one directed at us and a time to sew (mend) fences, especially instill in us a time to remain silent and give us courage to speak up for Christianity, a time to love as Jesus loves us, and a time to hate evil, and in these turbulent times, a time for war and a time for peace. God gives us these verses to remind us that indeed there is a time for everything - don't get ahead of God - "Be still and wait for the Lord, wait for Him and patiently lean upon Him". Psalm 37:7

 

Some pretty deep thoughts this week as we, too are going through turbulent times. So very many decisions depends on the path that God has laid out for us - from personal decisions,  to outreach ministry decisions, to spiritual decisions.

 

Otherwise, life in the Valley is pretty calm so far although the promise of the  influx of Winter Texans is now more than a promise. As we went to the local hardware store, we noticed several "Americanos" with out of state license plates purchasing items for their winter homes here in S. Texas - items to replace or spruce their home away from home. All of the business people are patiently waiting for the increased sales, from hardware stores, to furniture stores, to the many hundreds (over 400 in McAllen alone) of eating places. Eating out seems to be the greatest pastime of all!!!!!!  There are long wait times at the many popular restaurants in the area. The very best decisions are to go to a local place to eat - a mom and pop restaurant which serves delicious food at a reasonable rate. Avoid the crowds, noise, and higher prices. 

 

Everyone have a wonderful week as we celebrate the beauty and wonderment of the fall season and prepare for a time of Thanksgiving. Why not write down on a slip of paper each day anything that you are thankful for. Then when you are feeling low, pull out a slip of paper, read it, and rejoice in the provision of the Lord.   

 

A time to Work and a Time to Rest

Ironically, this week's sermon was exactly that, - as our week went, it was exactly the same. Remember last week when I reminded you to watch the lunar eclipse?? Well, guess who forgot??? Yep, by Saturday night we were both so tired from working at various projects, that we totally forgot about it. Thanks to everyone who posted pictures on facebook, we had the opportunity to see it - even if it was only in a picture.                                                          

thanks to the son of a friend who posted this great picture

It was a week of loose ends - finishing up lots of started  but forgotten projects. Even one unexpected project that could have been disastrous. One evening as Fred was in the living room and I was in the bedroom, an outlet in the living room made a noise and then quit (the air conditioner was on it, so we knew it had stopped). Luckily, our neighbor is a retired electrician, so we called him (at 9 PM) and he came right over. We could even smell a burnt wire smell in the house. He found the outlet that was singed black, and tried to figure out where it came from, but to no avail. So he left us a heavy duty extension cord for the a/c until morning when he and Fred could investigate further. Fred found a spot where the a/c had leaked a bit and then spotted a wire that was actually burnt in half. After a late evening of taking off paneling, door frames, etc. we went to bed, still a bit shaky about the situation. The next morning the neighbor came back, looked at the wires, and informed us that if the a/c had not leaked in that spot, the whole house would have caught on fire. My first thought was - thank You Lord for letting this happen in the evening when we were home and thank You for the moisture that saved the house from burning and thank you for a great neighbor. Our neighbor fixed the faulty outlet, and is going to check all the outlets in the house to make sure that there are no more bad ones. Again, we praise God for His protection. It was a day of putting everything back to normal, but with gladness instead of sadness. The rest of the week was busy with finishing projects and meeting with the possibility of a new ministry - one which needs food, clothing, bedding, etc. We are in the process of providing food right now, but are looking into the possibility of helping out further. Please pray that this is what God is leading us to and that He will help us to help them. There are a few loose ends (again loose ends!!) that need checking into and prayer for a positive answer from God.

The weather is cooling off a bit - very nice in the morning, heating up during the day, then cool evenings again. At least no more 100's! Fall is certainly here - the birds are singing in the coolness, fall colors abound in the stores (even if the trees here do not change color), apples and pumpkins look so inviting, candy corn and peanut butter kisses are on sale in every store and county fairs and carnivals are in full swing.

 

 our grandson and his twin daughters at a carnival this past week in Arkansas - he is an amazing father

the joys of autumn

 

As I said earlier, Pastor Israel's sermon this morning was based on a time to work and a time to rest. Imagine our lives if the Lord decided that we did not need to rest at all - no more nights of sleep under warm blankets, no more lovely dreams (although sometimes they are not so lovely), no more waking up to the sound of the birds singing in the early dawn. Just think of what we would miss. How weird it would be to work in darkness - but then maybe He would not have created nighttime. I love His balanced creation! Jesus worked daily - perhaps in His early years as an apprentice carpenter to His father, Joseph. But in later years in His ministry which was to save humanity. He sent His disciples out for the heavy work of spiritual ministry which they obeyed without a word. Do we do that? Or do we question God's plan for our lives and try to do it our way? After the disciples went out in pairs, they then became apostles which means messenger or one who is sent. If God sends us out on assignment, He will provide for that assignment which is why we are praying for the new ministry - it seems as if God lead us to it through a series of seemingly coincidental incidents (were they really coincidences or were they God's calling). If you sense a hesitation in us, it is because we are not totally convicted that we should be involved with this ministry. I have faith that God will definitely let us know. Why does it seem that every Sunday morning sermon seemed to be directed at ourselves, no matter the subject? God orchestrates it perfectly. After the work of the day, God created a time for rest, just as He rested on the 7th day, we rest at night. Rest time is a quiet time - what we learn in this quiet time will sustain us in the troubled times. So take time to work - work to the best of your ability, but take advantage of the time to rest. God created all of this just for you. Just as God told His apostles in Mark 6:31 after they returned from their work "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest".

 

Take time this week after a day of work, to just sit quietly, reflect on the day, enjoy the stillness of the day, and rest.