Late Sunday

Not really late for most folks, but usually by this time I am all snuggled in, ready to relax in bed watching TV - Sunday night is Flea Market Flip - my favorite thing to watch! We spent earlier this evening at our park attending a hymn sing  which seemed like an impromptu type thing, although the gentleman who hosted it had it all planned out. Some great old favorite old ones, then the more up tempo older ones. It was a full house and fun. We got to visit with folks who used to be in the park and were here on a visit, as well as many of the residents we don't see very often.

It was a nice Sunday - church this morning at Mission Bell, then to pick up chicken dinners we donated to for the Boy Scouts, on to Staples to pick up a few things for the God's Worthy Women Conference coming up next week, back home to do some CRMI duties, Bible Study for tomorrow night, starting the main dish for the Bible Study, up to the hall for Hymn sung and now back home to check in with all of you.

We had our monthly chaplain meeting yesterday at Golden Corral in Harlingen - one of the nicest ones I have been to. Except they did not have their usual creamed spinach!!  Most of the meeting revolved around our ladies conference as we filled folders and discussed next Saturday. We prayed over the folders and for each lady that would receive one - that the Lord would touch each and every one in a special way. It is always good to get together for these meetings, but the time seems to fly by and we are all off again to our normal (or as normal as can be) duties.

Caring Hearts Ministry is really expanding, thanks to God. He just blesses us everyday so that we can serve those in need. We are almost ready to put up the building in the colonias to serve as a storage for our overflow (our Texas room has also become a storeroom for the time being). This building will also be used as a distribution point for the fresh produce we deliver each week, as well as a sewing room for the ladies get-together, a Bible Study area, and a place for Ida to teach cooking to the ladies in the colonias. God has been so good and provided all we have asked for.

Our Thursday sewing group this week is going to be working on lap quilts for the veterans - all done in red, white, and blue. I have started mine, but because of the upcoming ladies conference, I don't know if I will be able to attend. I so much enjoy these monthly all day meetings, as we ladies gather together to sew, visit, and just have a day to ourselves. We also have a weekly Friday afternoon sewing time for a few hours as we work on our own projects. I love the fact that the more experienced ladies help us beginners out, being so very patient in explaining procedures to us without making us feel inapt.

This morning Pastor Jim Maxson had another great sermon "Jesus Serves". Jesus' slogan (as on a t-shirt) would be Wake up, Serve, Repeat. Jesus knew that He was here to serve us - a really different concept as we feel we should serve Him. The chief priests and Pharisees wore garments to show the people who they were, but they did not know what they really preached. We need to practice what our own personal t-shirts say. Today everyone is looking out for themselves - but we need to be looking out or the end times. Are we ready? At the last supper Jesus served by washing the feet of His disciples, then they began to quibble among themselves as to who was the greatest, etc. They we looking out for themselves. Jesus still loved them anyway, even though he knew what was going to happen - how some of them would betray Him. Foot washing is a truly humbling experience - to serve others in that manner is a true sign of servitude. We need to reflect Jesus, be more like Him in order to make His sacrifice worth something. What does it say on the front of your t-shirt??? Wake up from selfishness and live to be a blessing to others.

Please pray this week that our speaker, Sherry Anne, will not have problems flying from NY to our conference, due to the storms predicted in the East. Pray that our conference will touch each and every lady and perhaps bring someone to salvation.

Unexpected

What a weird week this has been - mostly because we were without or had only minute amounts of water for three days!!! Friday morning we were without water - hopefully to have it return by noon. Well, we got water, but such low pressure that it would not even get the shower. If were careful and did not flush the toilet too often, at least that would flush. We could slowly fill our filtered water pitchers, but no showers, no washing clothes, no watering, etc. A water main owned by the city just over the fence from the park burst. After it was repaired, it was discovered that a new pressure valve was needed. It must have been sent for, because it took until late this afternoon to repair (NO water today for over 4 hours). It was back to taking a sponge bath with just a trickle of water for all of us. On top of that Fred got some kind of bug and was sick for 2 days. I did feel sorry for him, because he got the walking boot off on Tuesday and got his wheels back (he could drive again) - then to be housebound for 2 days was certainly not much fun. But after the speed bumps all seems pretty much back to normal. We give God the glory!!

This week was the Quilt and Hobby Show here in the park. There are so many activities that I just have to pick what I am really interested in - a person cannot do every one. The quilt show was awesome - some many beautiful quilts and creative ideas - even the  men got involved and entered their woodworking items. It was a fun time, as many door prizes were given away, including a beautiful quilt made by the  Helping Hands. I was even asked to be a part of the style show, all of us showing off our quilted jackets. After church today, Opal and I went to JoAnn fabrics to pick up a few pieces of fabric for projects - I did get everything I need for our new great grandson's quilt (he is due in June).

Texas quilt

a really unique wall hanging

a study in symmetry

gorgeous black and white

love this

friend Yvonne's scrap quilt - beautiful

hand carved walking sticks

these are amazing

hand carved - they look real

more fish - only these are in fabric

Today's sermon "When God Calls You to Show Off" was not a part of a series - just a reflection on light and dark. Our eyes always seek out the light - turn off the lights totally, then turn on a tiny one - your eyes immediately go to the light. The darker it is, the more we seek out the light. This world is full of darkness - murders, robberies, rioting, etc. Where is the light in our world? You know the answer to that question - God. "When Jesus spoke again to the people, He replied, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life". John 5;12. What are the signs of light in other people's lives? Those who go to church give up 3X as much as those who don't - they give up their time, talents, and resources. When we shine the light on others through the way we act we certainly make a difference in the lives of others. God gives us the light so that we can share it. Be a show off - show off and shine the light.

We received a huge amount of clothing that we will use for our March big distribution - really nice things that will certainly be welcome - sort of a light in others lives after the coolness and rain of the winter. The produce seems to be slowing down - we are sort of in between growing seasons here in S Texas but luckily Caring ❤'s Ministry has another distributor who helps us out with donations. This last week we received individually wrapped turkey and ham sandwiches as well as lots of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, cauliflower, tortillas, even Starbucks frappichino. We never know what we will receive, but God always surprises us and provides!!! Continue to pray for our ministry to be able to provide for those less fortunate with the knowledge that is all through the grace of God - to Him be the glory. 

Conference Time

The time is getting closer to our ladies God's Worthy Women Conference to be held February 18th this year. We have moved the venue to Center Church in Pharr - a beautiful facility that will better accommodate the number of ladies expected.  Previously we have held the conference in one of our CRM Chaplain parks but seemed to stagnate in attendance. Today Vicki Troutman and I held a pre-registration at Center Church and received the support of many women there. Special thanks to Pastor Steve Sheller for allowing us to present a short program, complete with a video, to help inspire the ladies who want to attend the conference to be spiritually uplifted. Who knew that 9 years ago when Chaplain Sally Maloney's dream of a retreat for our RV ladies would become a community wide conference, featuring a national acclaimed singer, songwriter, inspirational speaker!!! Sherry Anne has sung gospel music with The Booth Brother, the Hoppers, and the Collingsworth Family. She along with her mother, Sharon LaBella, will present a day of a concert, special moments, testimony, and much more. At the age of 24, Sherry received her doctorate as a chiropractic doctor despite her bilateral hearing impediment. Yes, she is deaf but you should hear her elegant voice and passion for gospel music. Check her out on u-tube or her web site.

It has been a really busy week as usual - between Monday night Bible Study at Children's Haven after an afternoon of volunteering in the resale store - Tuesday night Bible Study here in Alamo at the home of the Lundquists, serving in the Caring Hearts Ministry ( I bagged donuts again this week - but not nearly as many as we did a few weeks ago!), my free time Friday afternoon sewing, as well as a day long once a month quilting/sewing day. Next month we are going to make a small lap robe for the veterans in red, white, and blue (of course). I already have the fabric - so just need time to get it cut and ready to sew. Also have to finish Arkansas Crossroads quilt for a wedding present, a set of 4 place mats, AND a baby quilt for a June-to-be new great grandson. God gives me little snippets of time to do these things I  love to do, as well as lots of time slots for His work, which I love more,  - right now being taken up by our conference. I am not complaining - "all things are possible through Christ who strengthens me".  Philippians 4:13.


excerpt from the history of Corrie ten Boom: '

During the Second World War, the Ten Boom home became a refuge, a hiding place, for fugitives and those hunted by the Nazis. By protecting these people, Casper and his daughters, Corrie and Betsie, risked their lives. This non-violent resistance against the Nazi-oppressors was the Ten Booms' way of living out their Christian faith. This faith led them to hide Jews, students who refused to cooperate with the Nazis, and members of the Dutch underground resistance movement.

   During 1943 and into 1944, there were usually 6-7 people illegally living in this home: 4 Jews and 2 or 3 members of the Dutch underground.  Additional refugees would stay with the Ten Booms for a few hours or a few days until another "safe house" could be located for them.   Corrie became a ringleader within the network of the Haarlem underground. Corrie and "the Beje group" would search for courageous Dutch families who would take in refugees, and much of Corrie's  time was spent caring for these people once they were in hiding. Through these activities, the Ten Boom family and their many friends saved the lives of an estimated 800 Jews, and protected many Dutch underground workers. 

   On February 28, 1944, this family was betrayed and the Gestapo (the Nazi secret police) raided their home. The Gestapo set a trap and waited throughout the day, seizing everyone who came to the house. By evening about 30 people had been taken into custody! Casper, Corrie and Betsie were all arrested. Corrie’s brother Willem, sister Nollie, and nephew Peter were at the house that day, and were also taken to prison.

   Although the Gestapo systematically searched the house, they could not find what they sought most. They suspected Jews were in the house, but the Jews were safely hidden behind a false wall in Corrie’s bedroom. In this "hiding place" were two Jewish men, two Jewish women and two members of the Dutch underground. Although the house remained under guard, the Resistance was able to liberate the refugees 47 hours later.  The six people had managed to stay quiet in their cramped, dark hiding place for all that time, even though they had no water and very little food. The four Jews were taken to new "safe houses," and three survived the war. One of the underground workers was killed during the war years, but the other survived

   Four Ten Booms gave their lives for this family’s commitment, but Corrie came home from the death camp.  She realized her life was a gift from God, and she needed to share what she and Betsie had learned in Ravensbruck:  "There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still" and "God will give us the love to be able to forgive our enemies."

I copied this because this morning at Center Church, Pastor Sheller's wife talked about Corrie and her sister being imprisoned and after many hours finally being able to taken to a small compound and allowed to sleep. As they were ready to fall asleep, Corrie began to itch and discovered that their pallets were covered with fleas. Her sister admonished her and calmed her down so they could at least rest for awhile before being introduced to a concentration camp. As time went on , they wondered why the guards did not come into their compound to commit the atrocities that they did in the other women's compounds. When they finally discovered the reason, they thanked God for the fleas - the guards were afraid of catching fleas and left this group of women alone. So as speed bumps and trials of life attack you - thank God for the fleas!!!

Back to Summer

Now we are back to summer in winter. Beautiful days - cool amazing evenings. Everyone is out walking, biking, talking, just enjoying being in S Texas for the winter. We need to pray for so many in our park - many in the hospital. Two families had to return to their Northern homes because of serious illnesses, lots of sickness that doesn't allow residents to leave their homes here. Yesterday we made 6 hospital/rehab visits, plus all the home visits during the week.

just enjoying the breezes and cool air

as evening rolls round, the birds gather to roost in the trees

the water birds just cooling off and looking for their supper

if you need propane just clip this to your house number and it will be delivered - no muss no fuss - of course you have to tape the check to the propane tank!!

I thank God for the little bit of spare time He grants me to to relax and sew!!! Tuesdays the Helping Hands group makes quilts hundreds of them a year - for those in need and they graciously donate some to our ministry. I sew on Fridays with a group called Busy Bees -and it certainly is busy as bees!! They feature 2 quilt patterns for us to sew - or a person could work on whatever project they wanted. I am doing the Arkansas Crossroads quilt  as well as a few place mats. It is a wonderful time to just get together and visit and sew - sometimes more sewing, sometimes more visiting. Every 2nd Thursday of the month is an all day workshop - again a project is featured or just sew on your own. Last Thursday we made a quilted jacket from a sweatshirt - an easy project but so diverse because of the fabric used. Most of the ladies chose flowers some very rich patterns, some whimsical.. Of course,  I tend to do things a bit different I chose doves. Every one's turns out so beautiful and original.

quilters working -some checking out the progress

quilt back ready to"Sandwich"

Sandwiching ladies

even the men help - Ron is tying

Maggie is tying today  - note the stack of completed quilts in the background

making bibs - now called shirt protectors!

Don, our ever present repair - fixer up guy

the refueling table

my jacket - just needs the binding and then it is done - it is quilted front and back - fun to make

Today after church, we went to visit with Miss Opal (she cane to church with us). At her request, we shared black beans and rice as we viewed the video of her husband's funeral in North Carolina, as next week-end is the 2nd anniversary of his death. Grieving is a process that most everyone goes through at their own pace. Don't ever let anyone tell you that "It is time to get over it". Miss Opal is a very special lady who moved to the park to be near her sister last August. She loves being involved in Caring ❤'s Ministry helping to bag beans, sew quilts, whatever she can do. And we love Miss Opal.

Pastor Robert Perales continued his sermon service on the journey to discipleship in today's service. Our discipleship comes with an unexpected call which empowers us to do the work of God. All of this comes at a big cost. When a child sees a free puppies sign, he gets all excited because they are free - but not really, There is a cost for free. Grace is free to us because Jesus paid the price, but the cost to follow Him is great. The cost of comfort is the first cost. If you take a mission trip, you lose all of your former comforts. You perhaps sleep on a straw mat with bugs all over, you struggle to get fresh drinking water, etc. Our personal comfort is a barrier between God and us. Another cost is our culture cost - you leave your family and friends to follow Jesus. Your former way of life is no longer. The third cost of discipleship is connections cost. Sometimes the greatest cost is giving up a relationship to create a firmer relationship with God by following Him. Discipleship costs us everything but it is better than what we had. So if you are called to discipleship, don't be afraid as the costs are worth as Jesus is worth it.

 A new week begins - let us strive to follow God - perhaps not as the disciples did, giving up everything, but always keeping our eyes on Jesus.

Janury in S Texas

We are having beautiful weather here in S Texas - typically warm and nice, but with pretty strong winds. As well as the fact that I am doing all of the driving now as Fred's broken leg heals, I have to fight the wind on the interstate. I have been to paces that I did not know existed in my past weeks of playing chauffeur but am really comfortable about driving here. At first I was petrified as the drivers here are so unpredictable as well as the fact that I am directionally deficient! Don't tell me North or South, it has to be left or right. Growing up in Chicago where all streets run North, South, East, or West it was easy to figure out where a person was - if you need to go to 4100 West on North Avenue, you just found a westerly road and drive until you get to 4100. Here the roads go in every direction - I never know where I am. And don't tell me to look at the sun - if it is high in the sky, which direction is it going?? Forget that. I have had a few very good  navigators other than Fred (all ladies too) who very quietly and politely tell me where to turn - thank you ladies.

We had a memorial service here at the park for those who passed away last year. It was very nice, an extremely beautiful service actually. There were not as many this year as last, but many of whom I knew personally. The congregation lit a small votive and placed it on a specially made cross when the name of a loved one was called. Some of our departed brothers and sisters had many who honored them with candles - those who were not represented received a candle in their honor from one of the ushers.

We have been working overtime it seems with the Caring Hearts Ministry - God seems to be blessing us beyond belief. The more we distribute, the more He seems to bless us with. It was very cold and rainy a week or so ago yet over 100 folks showed up to receive their distribution. We now know that we are expected every Friday no matter what the weather or circumstances. Please pray with us as we try to find a trustworthy person to be able to take over for us when we are gone in the summer. Fred's greatest fear when he was in the hospital was in he would not be able to have everything available for the Christmas distribution. He said he knew he was going to have a good Christmas, he wanted those we serve to have one also. God listened and he was released in time to have everything delivered on time as well as allowing us to be able to be there, too. A bit of a rush and busy few days - but it was certainly worth it to see the smiles on every one's faces.

Great grandma brag time - last Sunday we were blessed with our second great grandson ( we have 4 granddaughters and two grandsons, 4 great granddaughters and now two great grandsons!). He is so adorable - cannot wait to see him in person in the summer.                                                                                                                                                                                                      

    Jaylen Alan Price (No not Preuss, but Price) - 10# 9.9oz.
Mr. Grumpy Pants headed home.

Today we attended services at Lakewood RV Park with Chaplain Lee Tracy preaching. Of course, Miss Opal was with us. She is a resident here at the park, and goes to church wherever we go and tags along on our Sunday errands - she even went to visit residents at the rehab with us after church today. Chaplain Lee's sermon "They Thought They Were Right" was so right on target. How many times have you gone down the wrong road, only to discover your mistake? Have you ever wondered if you are truly on the right path? People all over the world think they have it right, then then begin to have doubts and second thoughts. When there is a big change in our path it seems to have the most memorable effect on our lives. It is true today as it was in Biblical times. Paul though he was doing it all right - he was a Pharisee, followed all the laws to the letter, he was certainly intelligent as he was well educated and thought he was flawless. Then he met God on the road to Damascus and his live totally turned around. It became the beginning of Saul's  (who then became Paul) life in Christ, which was the direct opposite of his former life. He went from knowing about God to knowing God - from man's way to Jesus' way. Be ready to open the door and let Jesus in - stand on God's wisdom.

How are your New Year's resolutions coming along. So far I have tried to be better - not bitter. Sometimes bitter sneaks into my mind, but then I strive to be better.

sweater weather

It has really been cold here in S Texas - but supposed to be 80 tomorrow!! Hard to figure. So cold that I think my oregano plant froze - it looks pretty sick although I have not ventured out to inspect it yet. Too cold. Our newspaper lady was unrecognizable this morning as she was wrapped up in scarves and hats. Good friend Karen came through again with homemade chili.

I have a new favorite store -  A Block Away. It is not a block away - that is the name of it.  Newly open quilt store - small but neat stuff. They do need to get more fabric - but have lots of space for classes, etc. As I venture further into the quilt making world, I believe I will visit it as well as the newly opened JoAnn Fabrics. Almost finished with the Arkansas Crossroads quilt, now planning my next one, as well as working on other smaller quilting projects. I do believe that this is a bit addictive.

need a few more selections - his was during open house so supply was being depleted

some quilt ides

some of the tables available for workshops, etc.

a really neat name

I really has this blog done early today, but was waiting for our new great grandson, Jaylen, to be born in Arkansas. . He popped into this world about 5 minutes ago ( about 3:30 or so). Praise God for another miracle. . Granddaughter Casey is tired but doing well. It  was a bit of a struggle, but of course it seems that way to us who are waiting. Congratulations to Casey - another addition to our ever growing family!

Who rang the first bell???  Cain, when he hit Abel (a bell). A really sad scriptural joke told by  Chaplain Al Dickey where we attended services this morning,  It is a very small park with a small congregation but so warm and inviting. We were surprised to see a 3 piece bluegrass band as the musicians who were amazing. No fancy sound system, no piano or organ, but so wonderful. Chaplain Al gave a warming (as there was no heat due to the lack of propane this morning) sermon on Adversity. We all face simple adversity every day - burnt toast, not finding a close parking space, spilling water all over the table, etc. we all need God or else we will not make it to heaven without Him. Adversity comes often, so we need to rely on Him to get us through it. God's goal in adversity is to draw us closer to Him.we need His strength, wisdom, and forgiveness. What do we do when adversity arises. "³⁵ So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

³⁶ You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36. Chaplain Al talked about being in absence of the body is being in the presence of the Lord. Paul's experience with Christ transformed his life as it does with our lives. think about what your life was before you had a relationship with God - compare it to your life now. It is a privilege to suffer for Christ - no one said to follow Him would be easy. Paul lived for Christ because he dies unto himself. He gained much more than what he lost.

2017

As we look forward to 2017, we wonder what changes will we see this year?? Last year brought so many changes, doors closed, more wonderful ones opened, a  new great granddaughter named Harper,  a new son-in-law (our oldest daughter was married December 27 to a wonderful Christian man), new journeys on a path following the Lord, a test of faith as we worked through Fred's broken leg (which is well on the road to complete recovery, teaching me more patience) as well as so many other changes too numerous to mention. We spent the evening at a favorite restaurant with friends, then a few hours playing cards. The men and women each one game, so we all went home winners!  As geezers, we were in bed before midnight, as we remembered those cold New Year's Eves in Wisconsin, in below zero weather, thinking we were having the best time of all welcoming in the new year., or in the Arkansas warmth, enjoying the evening with Christian friends. As we celebrated New Year's in S. Texas, we listened and watched the many neighborhood fireworks displays, as is the custom here. They keep on all night long, but as we are used to it by now, we slept through the worst of it.

There is so much going on in the park this right now that it is impossible to follow it all. I just check out the calendar, mark what I may be interested in, and then figure out how to fit it in my schedule! On Friday afternoons, I started going to the Busy Bees Quilting class with the idea of making a full size quilt as a project - it seems that it now has turned into a wedding present for our daughter! I am so pleased the way it has turned out so far - the gals in the class are so helpful and patient with me. I used to sew so much when the girls were little but slowly got away from it. I forgot how much I loved it!!!

I am so confused on which season I am in right now. While living farther North, fall was when the leaves fell from the trees - herein S. Texas, the leaves are now falling. I think, oh, fall is here and it will soon be cooler. Well, it has been cooler but it is winter, I guess. Really warm for a few days (80's or so) then a cold front comes in and reminds us that it is really December/January).

My New Year's resolution this year is to make a choice, be bitter or be better. As there were so incidents in the park this past week, this resolution has been a blessing. I choose to not be bitter about happenings, but to be better - a better forgiving person, better in being a true follower of Christ. Pastor Robert's sermon this morning was exactly about this - strange how God seems to know exactly what we need and when we need it.  We received a card in church this morning with this printed on it: "This year is going to be better because God is going to make me better" by making a covenant with God to make me better. It is going to be a New Year, a new me. Many folks make New Year's resolutions - either new ones or recycled old ones. Only 50% of the population make resolutions (more than watch the Super Bowl), but only 8% keep them. If we strive to keep our resolutions (especially to become a better Christian) we need to set expectations - not vague lower ones nor higher impossible ones. Aim for something more than what you are today. Now is the time to love a better life through Christ - today, right now. To do so we must desire to sin less - not huge commandment breaking sins, but those everyday sins that we do not realize we are doing until it is too late - gossiping, always being negative, unwilling to change a bad attitude, unwilling to give of our time, talents, and provisions happily, not loving our neighbor, avoiding those in need - get the point?? Invite God into your hearts this year in order to set you free - free to follow Him always.

Have a wonderful coming New Year - may you all best blessed beyond your dreams.