Christmas Blessings

It has truly been a blessed Christmas season - so many activities going on as well as opportunities to serve others. Although, I now have the Texas crud - just a cough that will not go away. I was able to attend the Christmas Eve services, but had to miss church service this morning - did not want to be coughing in church and spreading my illness all over the place. Christmas Eve was beautiful - the weather was perfect, the stars were shining, and the moon was full. A perfect setting for the birth of Our Savior.

Walter Plant - a very talented Valley musician who plays weekly at our church services - he was accompanied by Bob McArthur on the saxophone for a very beautiful service

our choir is pretty small this year but they sounded beautiful

Chaplain Lee Bahney welcoming everyone

the sound of "Silent Night" sung during the beauty of the lighted candles 

Chaplain Lee and Marilyn leading us in song

Our park had its Christmas program last Sunday - a fun time with silliness and fun, as well as a time to honor the veterans who have served our county. All of this this and wonderful Christmas carols, too.

 

 two unlikely "nuns" presented a funny skit

who ever heard of grumpy elves

 Maxine giving a tribute to the veterans who all received flags

 a silly take on Old McDonald's Farm

only one of the two finger food selections!!!!

 

On another day we were treated to a  Christmas parade - mostly golf carts but lots of others joined in the fun. We do keep busy here at the park as well as with outreach ministries. No wonder I caught some bug this last week!

 

 the parade begins

 a bicycle built for 2

 never too old for a convertible

 even the puppies get a ride

 grandchildren got in on the fun

 now this is a golf cart

 the end

yep - the end



 

 

 

We had the humble opportunity to go to the colonias this past week with an amazing lady named Ida, who devotes much of her time to serving others. We help her with food, clothing, and produce as she provides for 3 poor Mexican neighborhoods nearby. She usually goes house to house to the families, but this week there was a huge Christmas celebration in the field near one of the colonias. People came from the nearby areas to attend, with the children numbering around 80+. We were so very blessed to be able to be part of this celebration. I was exhausted when I got home late at night, but it was a wonderfully happy exhaustion.

 

 

 s

 we first stopped at Ida's to drop off a few quilt tops (she teaches the girls in the colonias to quilt) - she has beautiful roosters and chicken

 so friendly too


 some quilt tops and bottoms for her ladies




some of the homes in the colonias - as you drive deeper into the area, they become more decrepit

 all of the food in these 30 bags was donated by our park

 
 
 just waiting to be distributed

 

 

 

 

 also donations from our distributors

we are so thankful for those who contribute to our ministries - all of these drinks were gone by the end of the day

 these young adults came from San Antonio to help in the celebration by organizing games and prizes for the younger kids

 

 people starting to come to the field for the party

 the older boys playing soccer

 just a few of those who attended

 

 every child received at least one present - the only Christmas presents that they would receive

a happy family 

the excitement in their eyes tugged at my heart

 

the teens also received gifts including stockings made by another CR park - we are so grateful for all of those who love to get involved in some way or another.

 

 

We hope all of you had a truly blessed Christmas and are looking forward to a prosperous New Year. God has so blessed us this year, just as He has poured His blessing out on all you. Take time out each day to give thanks to the Almighty God who provides for each and every one of us in many different ways. Just a simple thank you Lord for letting me find my keys (lost them twice this week), or  showing you a way to help others in your busy schedule, or even just thank You for this day.

 

 

 

Only 24 Hours in a Day????

This past week has called for more than 24 hours in a day to say the very least. We are busy preparing for the Christmas Eve program at church which has always been so special to me. When our girls were little we always attended Christmas Eve services and programs which seemed such an extraordinary time. It is also our youngest daughter's birthday, so we made sure we celebrated with her first, attended Christmas Eve services, then proceeded to go home to see what Santa had brought. A few Christmas Eve's always stand out in my mind - as we were going home from church services one quiet night, a small plane was flying over the area - it did look strange with the lights on - sort of like a sleigh!! Of course, one of the girls saw it and immediately knew Santa was headed for our house!! Another Christmas morning there were footprints in the snow on the neighbor's roof - he had to check his chimney for some reason. That totally convinced the girls that Santa was real! Another time, as our youngest daughter was sitting on Santa's lap at a store (the older girls felt they were too old to believe in Santa). Santa addressed the older girls - asking if the were the sisters of the one on his lap. They sort of shook their heads yes - slightly embarrassed. He then proceeded to tell them that they would receive presents even if they fought with each other. The look on their faces was priceless -"how did he know" was their reaction. The greatest memories are the Christmas Eve services - the quietness of the church itself, the almost sacred feeling of being in the presence of the Baby Jesus, the awe of knowing that God loved us so much that He sent his Son to give us life everlasting. What a gift!!!!

The Christmas program at RIN in Reynosa was this past week - a much awaited event for the kids as well as for all of us sponsors. We left the office in Pharr about 10 AM, picked up some folks at an RV park, and headed across the border. We were one of four vans, all friends and sponsors of the kids at the refuge. As we settled in at the auditorium, we noticed there were no  decorated Christmas trees, no cookies and coffee for us visitors. Betsy and Malena (the American and Mexican directors) seemed confused as to why everything was not ready, when two  men entered, announcing that all had to go to Bethlehem to be counted in the census. We went through a door which looked like a road and found ourselves in Bethlehem where we had to register and pay our taxes. (Betsy had provided each of us with 10 gold coins to spend). There were many "booths" where we could spend these coins, each booth attended by those who lived in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth. It was so very realistic that we all got into the spirit of it all. After we paid out "taxes" and entered our names on the census rolls (using a feather quill and ink) we purchased coffee and sweets from one booth, fruits, dates, and nuts from another, we stopped by the angels and purchased an angel ornament, then into the sheep pen where we received a paper sheep and a marshmallow for our coin. Each booth was so cleverly done, with a Scripture verse pertaining to that particular booth. After we were finished in Bethlehem, we returned to enjoy listening to the kids who had learned to play guitar. then came a delicious lunch (which included the famous green noodles), We were encouraged to visit the Casas (homes) and proceeded  to the gymnasium where there were 5 decorated trees and all the gifts for the kids. Such excitement. After all the gifts were distributed, the countdown began - 3,2, 1. The sounds of paper ripping and kids shouting was so pleasant to hear! After the tiring day, we returned to the US - exhausted, but so very blessed to be able to give these kids a Christmas to remember - first of all the celebration of Jesus' birth as well as presents - some of which were the very first present that some of these kids had ever received.

Betsy and Melana inviting us to go to Bethlehem

"everyone must register for the census"

Bethlehem awaits us

beautiful costumes

from the manger to the tomb -

the angels announce the birth

and the Baby is born

the sheep pen

fruits and nuts

Bob Steele, President of the board with Dulce - a girl who was raised at RIN, sent to college,  and is now a lawyer in Mexico

 

Paty, one of the girls we sponsor, playing guitar



very talented kids

 

 

Paty, us, and her other sponsors from Canada

Paty and Belinda, both of the girls we sponsor



the beautiful trees, each one representing a Casa (house)

kids are the same all over - shaking packages

patiently waiting the distribution

a Canadian visitor with her gift - elf slippers

this little gal was so patient - waiting for the signal

now she can open them

a frenzy of package opening - 53 excited kids

So much more happened this week, a new ministry visited, a golf cart parade, a park Christmas party ( we needed more than 24 hours in each day) but will post all the activities in the coming weeks. This coming week is as full as the past week was - what a wonderful busy time though. It feels so wonderful as we serve those less fortunate than we are. The smiles, the tears, the excitement is worth every minute of our time.

 

As we prepare for Christmas Day, reread the marvelous, miraculous story of the birth of Jesus - the greatest gift ever given. My favorite version is in the Book of Luke - try reading this same story in Matthew, Mark, and John. It is exciting to realize that His birth was foretold in the Old Testament and came to pass as told in the New Testament. "Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you, He is Christ the Lord". Luke 2:11"

 

A very blessed Christmas to you all.

 

 

Ham Hunting

 

I know this sounds strange, but it really isn't. We collect the small canned hams for the folks in need - the type of hams that do not need to be refrigerated and can be put on a grill to heat up for Christmas Dinner (many of  those we serve do not have stoves, running water, or even electricity). Some of our residents just give us money to go and buy the hams which are often on sale at Walgreen's or CVS Pharmacy. This week it was Walgreen's, so tonight we went to different Walgreen's stores (usually you are only allowed 4 per customer so we sought out all the area Walgreen's stores) on a ham hunt. Most stores only have a few on the shelves and with the coupon (and a Walgreen card) the hams were only 2/$5.00. Due to the generosity of the park residents, we purchased 40 hams this evening, making a total so far of 76 hams - we are hoping for 100 which we will distribute Christmas week.

I did finish my Christmas decorating (or at least all I am going to do this year) so now the house looks a bit festive. At night we turn on the lights of the tree and outside cross as well as a few battery candles which really look pretty. Many of the park residents go way out with decorating, but all I can think of is the electric bill!!!

sorry this is sideways - cannot seem to flip it - our little tree aglow with lights

a woodland Santa I bought years ago

the cross plays Christmas carols

our tree from outside

the neighbors always put out their wiener dog

stockings that have been around for over 35 years - I  made one for everyone for many years - daughters, spouses, boyfriends, grandchildren, friends, etc. Now daughter Brenda has taken over the project - she makes them and fills them with candy for food baskets that her facility gives to those in need as well as sewing some our great grandchildren.

a lovely type of Holy family scene

simple, inexpensive decoration

This week had a huge impact on Christianity. A situation arose here in the park where people had the opportunity to stand up for Christianity and refuse to give in to the worldly view of Christmas (people were trying to take Christ out of Christmas). They stood their ground until those in authority gave in and allowed Christ back into Christmas. We are so proud of them. As Christians, we need to not back down when someone threatens our faith.

Our Chaplains Christmas party was so awesome. We all got together to fellowship, break bread together, and re-read the Christmas story according to Luke. Regional manager, Lee Tracey, gave the message on what it means to be a Chaplain for Christian resort Ministries. He explained that we do need to be above reproach at all times. we are servants of the Lord - servants being focused on others rather than ourselves, and listening with the wisdom of God. We must do all of our duties as CRM Chaplains, even if we do not feel like doing them (getting an urgent call at 2 AM, giving up something we have scheduled for ourselves in order to help another, or doing some menial work because we are called to do it). We are now ministers of the gospel, servants of the most Holy God, no matter how we lived or what we did before God called us to serve Him. This is a huge responsibility and not one to be taken lightly. Our waitress kept pretty busy attending to us but seemed to be carrying a heavy personal burden. After we went to break-out sessions, Chaplain Marilyn Bahney asked her if we could pray for her. She answered "why" and then "no" as she stated that she was not "religious" and again said she did not want prayers. After she left the room we did indeed pray for her. Was it not a "God thing" that she was placed in a room with 30+ Chaplains, singing God's praises and praying together??? We just hope that a seed was planted.

 

 

 table set and ready for us at the Echo Hotel

visiting and exchanging opinions!

Regional Manager, Lee Tracey,  using God's word to explaining our responsibility

 a time to sing praises to God through Christmas carols

Bill Hart, our 80+ Chaplain, who cannot preach without weeping

 

We had an amazing church service again this morning as Chaplain Lee explained to us what it is to truly have faith. Romans 1:17 says that "the righteous shall live by faith". We don't just acquire faith and end it there - faith has to grow. We do not have a blessing when we develop faith, but we are blessed by God. The things of this world (lead by the devil) are always trying to draw you away from God - you know, especially this time of year - buy the perfect present (is there such a thing), buy this TV and you will be happy forever, spend money to buy happiness, all sorts of distractions. You cannot buy the perfect gift - it is only the one given to you by God - His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. . In order to follow Jesus, we need faith. "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Hebrews 11:1-2.

 

 

This coming week try to think of the many things you have faith in besides our Lord and Savior - faith in our National currency, faith in the fact that the sun will rise tomorrow, faith that your doctor knows what he is talking about, faith that taxation will never go away, faith that you will eventually die. All of these things we believe by faith - anyone who says they have no faith is being delusional.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deck the halls

I spent the last few days trying to put up a few Christmas decorations but kept having a ton of interruptions. I am only doing about half of what I did last year (I hate taking them down and putting them away) but just seem to procrastinate this year. Today is a beautiful day - sun is shining and the doors and windows are all open - not quite the weather for Christmas decorating. This past week was cold and dreary - just the right weather to think about the Christmas season. The first thing I always put up is the manger scene, remembering the small manger scene we had as kids - you know - the kind you probably had, too. A cardboard manger with a hole in the back for a Christmas bulb - small ceramic figurines, with fake glittery snow. We were often warned not to touch it or play with it, but it was really hard to resist moving the sheep, shepherds, and wise men around. Mine today has angels, lots of sheep, a cow, donkey, and even a goat as well as many shepherds. I often look at it and think about that amazing day over 2000 years ago as the sky was lit up with the angelic hosts - probably scaring the poor shepherds out of their mind. Angels must have been very fierce, scary creatures - not the sweet cherubs often pictured in books. It seems that every time an angel appeared in the Bible, they said "fear not". I believe that today's angels look a lot like your neighbor down the street - an ordinary person on an extraordinary mission!

found this cute sleigh at the resale store

 the creche, my favorite part of Christmas - a gift from my brother

yule log  I made from real Wisconsin birch bark and pine cones

We have been extraordinarily busy with food and clothing donations this week - it seems that every one is in the giving mood this time of year. I do try to impress the fact that that the needy are needy all year round, but we are truly thankful for everything. Our park is so generous - we are collecting small hams for delivery Christmas week so that many others can have ham for Christmas. Most of those living in the colonias do not have a stove but many have or share a grill. The small hams can be put on the grill to be cooked for dinner, along with the donations of canned vegetables, macaroni and cheese (this can be prepared in a kettle on a grill). Fellow Chaplains Roy and Paula Gee delivered a truck load of winter coats (50 degrees is coat weather here), toys, toiletry items, hams, and other canned meat. What a blessing that was for one of our ministries ( a new one actually). We had the opportunity to get involved with another ministry but wondered if we were going to just stretch ourselves too thin and not have enough to fulfill the needs of the people. One of our suppliers (a dedicated man of God who provides us with various food items free of charge) discussed it with us and advised us to "go for it" as he had plenty to go around. So after praying, thinking, and praying more, we said yes. We thank God for bringing these opportunities to us and using us for His glory.

 

We had another inspiring church service this morning as we celebrated December birthdays and anniversaries (this is my birthday celebration week - yep, I want to celebrate mine all week long!). Did you know that there are things that God cannot do?? He cannot go against His word, He cannot lie, He cannot sin.  In order to obtain eternal life, we need to continue to obey the commandments. But because we are human, we are the sinners - even thinking against the commandments is a sin. God wants to touch our lives - to give up ourselves for Him. This does not mean to never enjoy life, but to always put Him first in order to enter into a personal relationship with Him. Let's get closer to God so we can enjoy this life here on earth.

 

During this busy Christmas season, it is easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of shopping, cooking, baking, decorating, and sometimes being stressed out. Sit back, enjoy the beautiful Christmas carols, love you neighbor, and think about that night when the angels proclaimed the holy birth.

Mission Accomplished

A few posts ago I mentioned trying to finish an unfinished project - one that had been hanging on undone for a few years. Mission accomplished - 5 Santas completed, boxed, and ready for the mail. I won't tell you how many more of these unfinished things I have, but I am working on them.


a feeling of a job well done

My printer went on the fritz Wednesday so we headed off to Best Buy to find another one. Luckily we had purchased the warranty (at a very reasonable price) and found the exact model for an even exchange, as well as an additional $5.00+ gift card. I really could not believe it when I saw tents already set up and people in line on Wednesday for Black Friday sales!!! Don't people realize that the "sale" items are really special items manufactured especially for Black Friday - cheaper replicas of the real thing??? And so is life - all the things of this world are just replacements of the Real Thing - Jesus, who gave His life for us on the only true Black Friday.

 

Thanksgiving at the park was a time of  celebration, as usual, but on a smaller scale then in previous years. It seems as if the folks are arriving later than usual. Marilyn Bahney (Chaplain Lee's wife) and I hosted a table, and wound up with a total of 19 people at our table. Our activity director was kind enough to set us up as a buffet type setting so that everyone could get their food and it all be still hot. There was the normal Thanksgiving fare. Fred was overjoyed as he was going to eat a piece of apple pie since his weight loss program (he lost over 80#) already) only to discover that that there was not an apple pie in the whole hall!!!Our table had 4 pumpkin pies, a pumpkin cake, and brownies. I think I startled people when I greeted them with the question "what are you thankful for?". The answers were as diverse as the people themselves. It was a quiet, peaceful day even if the Packers lost the football game!!!

 

 our 45 year old turkey centerpiece thanks to Yvonne

 a real Mexican Thanksgiving centerpiece

kitchen helpers deboning turkey

 our table - Yvonne waving hi to all

the beginning of the end - Packers lost to da Bears

 

The church served donuts at all of the Wednesday meetings in November - we like that month because there is usually only 4 Wednesdays and not a lot of folks here yet. It is fun to serve in any capacity here at the park - spiritually or otherwise.

first the donuts need to be counted, then put on trays and served as residents come through the line - looks like a lot of sweet rolls, but no nearly as many as in January and February.

There was such a lesson in un-prejudicial living this week in the park. As I walked up to the hall one day, I saw two lovely white birds on a limb, sunning themselves in the warm afternoon.

 

 

The next day I saw this:

 

Would this world be a happier much better place to live if everyone could exist together like this??? What a perfect situation that would be.

 

 

We had a very busy morning in church today. This being the first Sunday in Advent, the Advent candle was lit, with a reading of the importance of us remembering what the Advent season truly means. We also had communion, as this is the last Sunday in the month. That, as well as Walter Plant playing for our church services with special music by Bob McArther on the clarinet made for a wonderful day to sing praise to the Lord. Chaplain Lee's sermon was so very pointed as he talked about being offended. It seems that everyone is offended by something in this world. I am offended by the fact that everyone seems to have a chip on their shoulder for some reason or another. The Bible tells us that it is OK to be angry, but to sin not. Pray for those who offend you -  ask for the patience not to lash out at them as we need to be a blessing to God as well as others. Instead of trying to change others opinions, maybe we need to change by not being offended. We can rely on the fact the God never changes - He is the same as yesterday, today, and forever.

 

Try this week to see something good in those who protest, those who are intolerant of others, and those who just are plain unhappy. God wants us all to be content in our station of life just as the man who lives under the interstate about a mile from our park. He lives and sleeps there (it must be cold and noisy) but when asked if he could be taken to a shelter, he just said no, he was content where he was. Lord, help me to be content in my warm home, with food in the refrigerator, friends to talk to, and a God who loves me unconditionally.  

 

 

 

 

 



Thanksgiving

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is here already. When our girls were younger, it was a day of the family getting together for a big turkey dinner, a time for them to visit with their cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents, and a day when they could do what ever they pleased and not get into too much trouble. For the men it was deer hunting and football - for us women it was cook, serve, and clean up. But it was truly a day of thankfulness for family and friends. I particularly loved the day after Thanksgiving - I really did not cook that day (leftovers, of course), but it was the beginning of my Christmas baking. I turned on Christmas music and baked all day and lots of days after that to prepare for Christmas. Now our girls are grown (some of them grandparents themselves) and are preparing their own Thanksgiving dinners. My baking has really dwindled. I still do some for gifts and visitors, but certainly not to the extent I used to do.

There are a couple of praises and thanksgiving in our family the past couple of weeks. Our grandson Seth Wilken, was named the Caretaker of the year (which encompassed 4 counties in NW Arkansas). We are so proud of him. He is also so very humble - upon receiving the award his reply was "I was only doing my job". But he does his job fully and with love and compassion.  Also, our great grand niece, Raeleigh Ann was born a bit early due to complications, but all is well. God is so good. Our family line is continuing - I wonder if our relatives in  50 years will relate to us in any way, other than our names and position in the family? I sincerely pray that we leave a legacy of love and Christian values.

On Friday we celebrated the life a dear friend and resident here in the park - Marvin Rutledge who passed away in September. If any of you knew him, you were truly lucky. It was a lovely service, with friends giving tribute to Marvin and his love for politics, Texas football, and the price of gold!!!! The church was full of friends and relatives - a really wonderful indication that he was loved by many.

Yesterday, we took Chaplain Lee and his wife Marilyn to Mexico so that they would know how to get there on their own. We needed a few medications (so much cheaper there even with co-pays AND endorsed by our family doctor). It was really crowded, with all the street vendors vying for our attention. Marilyn wanted to get a pedicure, so as Fred and Lee shopped, I decided to join her. It was so relaxing having our feet massaged, lotioned, pampered, and painted!!! Marilyn was a bit conservative with a pastel rose pink polish - me - who likes bling, got a red sparkly color (because of Christmas of course).  Marilyn broke a bone in her leg (by her foot) and had to be a bit careful during the process but everything went well. We got a chance to visit and get to know each other better, as this is their first year as Chaplains here at the park.

Chaplain Lee's sermon was partially about Thanksgiving of course as he reminded us to be thankful in all things, including adversities. Be thankful for salvation because of the death of His Precious Son, Jesus. Be thankful for His forgiveness and mercy. Putting God first in our lives reminds us that it really is not all about you or me - but all about Him. We need to always pray - when we say we do not need pray is the time we really need prayer.  Many say God is not a fair God - this is so true. If He was truly fair, we never would know His forgiveness and mercy. God's love is endless - tell someone every day that you love them. Chaplain Lee encouraged to tell someone that we love them - as thoughts and words of love ended the service, people left with smiles on their faces and gladness in their hearts. A gentleman who did not attend the service came in after and mentioned that the service must have been good, as those who were leaving were smiling and laughing. We told him it was indeed a good service, and invited him to join us next week. He considered this and said maybe he would do so after Thanksgiving. See what a little love will do??

During the coming week, tell someone you love them - thank God everyday for your blessings. As Chaplain Lee said - we need 364 days of Thanksgiving and only one day of doom and gloom.

My greatest thanks are for my husband and our family, our daughters (and their husbands and significant others), our grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings and in-laws. All of whom make us feel loved everyday. So go out and make someone smile.