Silver Bells

Every time I hear bells ringing, I think of the song Silver Bells. Something about the sound of bells is very soothing - be it church bells or even the sound of the door bells. With the sound of bells comes all of the sights and smells of Christmas - the cultural Christmas that is, All of the Salvation Army volunteers ringing their bells, the Christmas displays in the stores enticing to you buy the "Perfect" gift for someone, All of the beautiful lights and Christmas decorations, the Christmas parties, programs, and celebrations. But I love the quietness of the Christmas season too - the beauty of the church decorated for the birth of our Savior - the singing of the Christmas Carols that bring back so many memories of Christmas' past, the warm and comforting smell of Christmas baking while the carols play on the TV, even the shouts of Merry Christmas as folks greet each other on the streets. Yes, I do say Merry Christmas to everyone, whether they say it back or not. I even wish them a blessed Christmas. The are still memories from my childhood that reflect the commercial side of Christmas, too. I remember one year when I was about at the doubting stage that Santa really did exist (I doubted Santa but never doubted the birth of the Christ child). We were living in Chicago at the time and were getting ready for our annul Christmas trip to Olsen Rug company, where a great Christmas display along with a Santa was a must on Christmas Eve. I was perhaps 7 or 8 I think. As I said, I began to doubt if Santa really existed - almost convinced that it was our Dad who secretly put out the gifts. I was going to catch him that year! So as we got ready to leave the house (no presents under the tree yet) I never took my eyes off him. We piled into our old green Dodge, all four of us together - OK - so now he was going to make an excuse to go into the house as he forgot something. nope - we drove off into the cold Chicago Christmas Eve together. I watched him all night, thinking maybe he would sneak off and go home and put out presents - nope - he hung around all night. When it was time to go home, we piled back into the cold car and drove home - parking the car in the street as we always did. Don't know why we never used the garage - perhaps because the alley rats used it for shelter form the cold. Up the stairs we went - all four of us together. Hmmm - maybe "Santa" would come when we were safely tucked away in bed. Opened the door to our upstairs apartment - and - WOW - presents all over the place. A train set for my brother and a doll house for me as well as what seemed like and endless array of presents. Well - maybe Santa did really exist! I don't remember when I really did realize that there was no Santa, but I sure believed it that year.

It has been a busy week as usual - a friend is not returning to the Valley this year due to the health of his wife and asked if we would sell/rent his park model - a cute little place next to the lake.It needed cleaning, so we went to remove the personal items he did not want and get ready for the patio sale on Saturday here in the park. I could not imagine all the "stuff" in that small trailer. We brought items home, washed and marked them, as well as removing all the linens to be washed and replaced when the cleaning girls get done. A big job - the sale is now over, a few pieces of stuff not sold ready to be donated to CHI - a big job finished. We did well for him at the sale even though it was cold and misty that day. After cleaning up and boxing everything, we headed to Mexico to pick up a few needed medications - now that was cold, rainy, and muddy. When we returned the vehicle was so dirty that even our Sunday morning gal we pick up for church could not believe it! You can be assured that the first place after church was the car wash!

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was featured in our church service this morning.Mary was a normal, simple girl, perhaps 13 or so, who was chosen by God to be the Mother of the Savior. The Jewish people had been waiting for years for His arrival and I am sure Mary knew of this. She was frightened when the angle announced she was with child, even though she had never been with a man. What would Joseph, or even her parents think? She would be an out cast in society, as Joseph would definitely not want to marry her now, even though the marriage contract was signed. Her parents would be shamed. Mary's response was simply that was a servant of God and may His word to her be fulfilled. I love Luke's Christmas story. Luke is my favorite book of the Bible. Perhaps it is because he tells the Christmas story so beautifully or maybe because he, being a physician, was so analytical in the telling. He was precise - being a physician he must have believed that a virgin birth was possible. Or did he? Did it test his faith, his knowledge of the human body, the almost impossibility of it? With God all things are possible. Luke was probably a Gentile, well educated in Greek culture, a physician, and a companion of Paul from his second missionary trip to Paul's imprisonment in Rome He was a loyal friend  who remained with Paul after he other apostles had deserted him. During this Christmas season read the book of Luke - especially the Christmas story on Christmas Eve.

Snow

                                                                          

Texas weather messes with my mind. Friday morning was really cold – about 34 degrees, cold, rainy, sleety. Fred had already left with Doug to pick up produce – the first time ever in the rain and cold. As I was talking to a friend on the phone, I looked out the window and – it was SNOWING!   The first time in 13 years. Not a lot at first, but eventually enough to cover the ground and allow a few folks to build small snowman. I called my friend Judi to come build a snowman with me, but alas, she was busy. So, what do you do when it snows in deep South Texas? Bake – I have almost all of my Christmas baking done – way ahead of schedule for a change. Just have two different batches of cookies left – and one is my very favorite – cut out cookies! As I roll out the dough I make choices as to what cutters to use (so are pretty old actually) and remember the times our 4 daughters and I would spend the day making cookies and candy for Christmas – even after they were married and gone from home. I could almost smell the cookies baking, the smell of spices, and the aroma of the chocolate as we made candy. Wonderful memories. Later that day Fred and I went to the store and by then the sun was out, the snow gone, and people were walking around in their shirt sleeves. Yesterday was almost 70 degrees. Go figure!

the beginning of the snow

it actually accumulated on the cars and roofs - neighbor had to sweep the snow off the satellite  dish as it interfered with his reception

Saturday was a busy day for us as we broth went in different directions. It was the monthly chaplains meeting which I had to attend to pass out brochures and info about our upcoming ladies retreat – need to get those out and ladies signed up. It was also the big Christmas celebration in the colonias. So, Fred headed off in one direction and I in another. The Celebration was wonderful (from all reports) many people were blessed that day. All received gifts, food for the body as well as food for the soul. The kiddos received a filled Christmas stocking (thanks to Big Valley Park) as well as a stuffed animal (remember all those that I washed?), and another wrapped gift compliments of a team from Houston. What a great day as the weather was balmy and sunny and everyone was in a festive mood. A group played Christmas carols and the kids received a great Bible study about the birth of Jesus. We have a video of Caring Hearts Ministry on the CRMI website – go to crmintl.org and click on the Caring Hearts Ministry box.  Our IT guy from Canada does a great job of turning about 8 hours of video and voice into about 4 minutes – quite a feat. Please keep Paul and his wife Dianne in your prayers as Paul has to return to Canada on the 20^th because of Dianne’s health issues. She did not accompany him to Texas this year and needs his physical support and love as she continues to battle health issues. We will miss them for the rest of the season, but know God has a plan for their lives.

 lining up for tamales

 dozens of tamales - our loyal volunteers who are colonia residents

 it was a slight bit chilly, but for those who live here it was cold

 waiting to receive a "hand up"

 presents and blankets for all

 some happy kids and relieved parents

 searching for clothing for the family - the ladies like to shop this way

 opening more bags of donated clothing

 some of the many who attended

 love the smiles

 looks cold

 taking their items home

bags of protein mix

Church service this morning was so powerful, as we sang Christmas carols and worship music. Pastor Robert continues his sermon series about unlikely people involved in the birth of Christ and their reaction to the event. This week’s sermon taken form Luke 2:8-20 told of the angels appearing to the shepherds, very unlikely people to give this amazing message to. Shepherds were considered scoundrels, liars, thieves, and not anyone who could be trusted. Why would the angels announce the birth of Jesus to them? Shepherds wondered if the Messiah would come to help them – no one helped them support their families – no matter what they did no one trusted them. Perhaps they did steal and lie, but most of the time it was to provide for their families. No one bought from them at the market because they thought they had stolen everything, although they had made many of the items their selves. They were outcasts – what would it look like if the Messiah came for them as well as the others? Does God care about outsiders? Why would He come to save them – lowly shepherds? We cannot relate to the shepherds – set apart from normal society. Today there are people who are treated as the lowly shepherds were. Outsiders who feel that God does not love them.

This week make it a point to notice someone in need – take the first step and see what you can do to help.

Captain Jack

Sounds like a strange title doesn't it? There is a gentleman in our park who turned 93 today with a birthday party celebration  for all. The most amazing part is the fact that he recently wrote and published a book - last year!!! Who says you are never too old to follow your dreams? Jack is an amazing Christian man, who loves and is loved by everyone. His book tells the story of his life as a  pilot in WWII and recalls every detail with precision. We purchased his book last spring when it was released and of course, had him sign it for us. Today along with all the festivities, he held a book signing as well. Some of the gals in our Friday quilting group made a lap quilt for him - the fabric being airplanes and included a note on the back thanking him for his service. Another gentleman, BobHurd, turned 85 today, so we included him in the celebration also.

birthday invite featuring Jack's recently published book - a very young 20 year old Jack Van Norman

some of us were told to wear red, white, and blue to honor Jack

even Bob had a special cake - he is the head of the pool league

presenting Jack with the lap quilt made especially for him

wishing Bob, in the middle, a happy birthday also

Our CRMI IT man, Paul, is filming a video for the website featuring Caring Hearts Ministry. Paul started early in the morning as Fred and helper Doug pulled out of the driveway and headed to Hildago to pick up produce. He continued filming in the afternoon when Fred and Dean delivered the produce in the colonias. Thanks to his amazing abilities you will be able to view the wonderful ministry in a few weeks by going to crmintl.org and clicking on Caring Hearts Ministry (I'll let you know when it is ready). God has so blessed the ministry from its very humble beginnings a few years ago when Fred felt it laid on his heart, along with Ida, to deliver a few bags of fresh produce to a colonia. The folks that day were amazed that it was not going to cost them anything, and that they would be receiving this gift every week. From a few bags from the truck of our car in 1 colonia, we now serve 7 colonias - 100+ families every week, with at least 4  special distributions throughout the year. Hopefully, we will be able to distribute tomorrow to make up for the cancellation last Monday - another bigger distribution is next Saturday, a very busy day. As that is the regularly scheduled Chaplain meeting where I really need to be in attendance to distribute the bulletins for our ladies retreat. Fred will go to the colonias as I fulfill the chaplain's obligations. So many things this time of year.

This morning's sermon in church was a very different structure, at least on we are certainly not used to. Pastor Robert is going to talk about others who were involved in the Christmas story. First we watched a short video in which  Pastor Robert explained that this morning's sermon was going to be about Herod, the king who when learning about the birth of the Messiah from the magi, was determined to find Him. Pastor robert then came out, portraying Harod. What was great news for the world (the Messiah has been born) was certainly not good news for Herod - this baby was a threat to his authority. He had heard about the Messiah all his life , but now was afraid that this Messiah had come to conquer the world - where would that leave Herod??? He was enraged as he was afraid that his position was being taken away. He, Herod, was the most powerful of all - so he ordered all the boy children, ages 2 and under, be killed in order to insure that the Messiah would not live. You know how the story goes - an angel told Joseph to flee the country in order to save Jesus. Joseph, being the righteous and obedient man he was, took Mary and Jesus and fled. We await the good news of Jesus return - we stand to loose so much of our earthly life, but we have so much more to gain!

Mid-week Blog

Well, this is day 3 of trying to publish my blog – BlogSpot is really being picky this week.  Prays are needed.

The thanksgiving distribution planned for yesterday not happen as our lady, Ida, who organized it all was home sick with the flu. A least I was able to get all the clothes sorted for next time, rescheduled for next Monday. I really wanted to be ready, as we received many coats, jackets, and sweatshirts just in time fir the colder weather which is bound to arrive.

Back at Aquasise as the heater in the pool is finally repaired. It has been almost 4 weeks, so it was just like starting over again. I was a bit stiff and sore for a few hours yesterday, but all is well. Just needed to loosen up a few more muscles.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day dinner -including a delicious boudain jambalaya dish.  Last year at this time Fred was in a walking cast after breaking his leg – what a difference this year. We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We called Sol, our little friend in the colonias (who is in 7^th grade) and when asked about her Thanksgiving, so replied it was ok – we really do not realize how blessed we are – we have a roof over our head, good food to eat, electricity, all the hot water we want for our shower (not just a few sputters of cold water to shower with). All of these things we take for granted are luxuries in the colonias here in the Valley, as well as throughout the whole country.  Our hearts break because we cannot help them all – so will do it one at a time.

We are so thankful for al of the bountiful fruit available here in the Valley at such reasonable prices. Love the fresh pineapple, grapefruit, cantaloupe and even the tiny bananas. These small relatives of the larger ones are so good – sort of taste like a banana yet a bit different.

delicious fresh fruit

tiny, tasty bananas

It is the 45^th anniversary of our park here in S Texas and a lot of great celebrations are planned. So many that it would be impossible to attend them all – why, there are 3 meals planned for one day!!  We will probably not attend them all – a person has to buy a ticket which wi allow them to attend all the entertainment, dances, meals, and special events, but we chose not to do so and will just enjoy the parade and a few other festivities.

We attended church last Sunday at Mission Bell church with Pastor Ji and Shirley Maxson (they come to our park and teach a Bible study on Wednesday nights). Jim is a down to earth great minister who is very honest about his walk with the Lord. Originally, they wanted to be on the mission, but because God’s sense of humor, they wound up at Mission Bell RV Park in Mission, Texas. Prayers answered, but not as they planned. Jim presented us the question, “Who is Jesus to you?” which is really an important vital issue. Knowing the answer to this question will determine where you spend eternity. In Biblical times, people thought Jesus was John the Baptist reincarnated, or Elijah the prophet, or one of the other prophets, certainly not the Messiah. Some even thought He was the devil, just a plain carpenter, or even only the son of Joseph. Even His family (including His brothers) did not believe in Him because He did not do works in His own hometown. Today, the Jehovah Witness believe Jesus is the archangel, the human begotten son of God. The Mormons believe He is Lucifer, the older brother of James.  They believe He was married and had many wives. Islam believes He is just an idol, a prophet, but not God. The Hindu believe He is one of many gods. We believe He was born of virgin birth, the Son of God, our Savior. He is the Christ, part of the Trinity, was always there from the beginning. He is the Lamb of God, the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the good Shepherd the God of Resurrection and Life. He is someone we need to make a decision about.  He Himself say “I am”.

Who is He to you – are you saved?

Give Thanks

                                        

Thanksgiving Day is roaring down on us this week. I often wonder how the Pilgrims survived that first Thanksgiving year in the frigid weather in a new land. The Indians virtually saved their lives when they showed them how to grow corn and other crops, to hunt for meat, and to survive the cold. The Pilgrims thanked them with a huge feast, to celebrate and give thanks to their friends for being Christian like, although the Indians really did not know about our God. I wonder though, they believed in a great white spirit – was that their God and hoe did they even know what to believe? Was it the same way we believe – by faith? From stories handed down from generation to generation – from the decree of Moses “these words that I am commanding you today must always be on your minds. Recite them to you children. Talk about them when you are sitting around your house and when you are out and about, when you are lying down and when you are getting up”. Deuteronomy 6:6-7. We have so much to be thankful for as we have the Bible to read – we don’t have to memorize everything and pass it on to our children but we do need to instill faith in our children – by action, word, and deed.

Another busy week as we separated many bags of clothing for the coming distributions. We are also donating some to missionaries going to the islands that were devastated by the hurricanes. Those folks do not even have them means to leave the island – a 2-hour boat ride to the mainland – let alone be able to purchase any needs. We thank God that we have been so blessed with more than enough so we can share with others.

Beautiful weather this week – allowing us to be outdoors and enjoy the fabulous creation set before us.  Many more folks are returning to the park – it is getting busy and crowded. Now I have to remember to drive much more carefully as there are cars, bicycles, golf carts, and walkers everywhere.

We had a great Bible study last Wednesday. Shirley tried to help us understand the concept of the Trinity- something that we accept by faith. The God is God, but there is God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It was a powerful study and really helped clear the cobwebs. This coming Wednesday we are going to discuss sin – wow – what a scary subject. I wrote a perspective for the Welcome Home Winter Texan on sin – how we sin even though we may not realize it. 

We had an all-day quilting on Thursday, plus our regular Friday afternoon quilting time. Lots of progress on our projects – and also a lot of great fellowship Sometimes we forget to sew and wind up in great discussions, then others times all that is heard is the whirr of the sewing machines, and a few oh darns as someone has to rip out a seam or two. Even the most seasoned quilters make errors – sewing a strip wrong, or cutting it wrong It is so refreshing to know that even the pros make errors – or as I say, adjustments.

As this thanksgiving week begins, start each day with a prayer of thanksgiving – for your health, your family, your station in life, whatever brings you happiness. The Lord provides, the Lord protects, and the Lord remains with us always.

What is the Temp Anyway??

Honestly – the weather is a true mystery. For two days it was cold, rainy, raw, and nasty. This morning was 65 – the promise of a good day. Late this afternoon it was 84 already!!! From shivery and cold to hot and sweaty! At least it is not snowing and freezing.

This was a week of washing a few more stuffed animals – we wash them, dry them, and then laugh together at how cute they are. We praise God that He blessed us with so many to ensure that the kids have something of their very own to love.

Fred, animal control

as you can tell, this was one of the colder days -

  

Friday brought a huge number of donuts to be separated (Eunice and Dale were great helpers last year but are not here yet!) The donuts are donated by Shipley’s, Sam’s, Cosco, and Walmart and sometimes the Kolache Factory. We pick them up with the produce on Fridays in humongous plastic bags and bring them home to separate them into 6 per bag – sometimes there are donut holes, so we figure about 6-8 as 1 donut. It really is not a bad job – just sticky and very tempting, especially when the big, gooey, nutty, cinnamon rolls show up! So far, my self-control has been good. Then Fred takes them along with the vegetables and whatever else we receive to the colonias for distribution. The Monday after Thanksgiving we are having a day of Thanksgiving in the colonias – with food and clothing distribution, a Christian program, and a hot meal. 

                                     

                                            packing donuts - notice the apron to protect me from sticky! Fred takes shaky pics - sorry for that

about a third of the way done - notice the big bag of donuts on the floor

filling and tying bags

tackling the BIG bag

The park is filling up as more and more people are escaping the cold and snow of the Northern states. It is sad to see some not returning, and even some who are returning but putting their places up for sale. We have been in this park 12 years already, so we know many of the folks who have been here awhile. It is fun to meet new ones though, get acquainted, and develop relationships.

Friday was our first afternoon of Busy Bees sewing – it was really just a day for talking, trying to figure out the schedule for the year, and just getting reacquainted again. I actually did get something accomplished - starting cutting out a log cabin quilt - also have a rag quilt and a Western Trails quilt in the process. Finding a few hours to relax and sew is a process, but I do try to make the time for it. I also go to aquasize in the morning, (a water exercise program), but the heater in the pool is on the fritz - it has been a week now. sure hope it gets fixed soon or we will have to stretch some muscles all over again.

So many God driven events has seemed to have taken place this this past week. It is amazing to see where He has His hand in the organization and bringing together all the loose ends to make a miraculous event happen. Hopefully I will be able to reveal some of them in the near future.

God revealed many things to His followers through parables. Some of the parables He just shared with His disciples only - these were His final parables before His death. We all seem to procrastinate at times - some of us do it all the time almost as a way of life.  I tend to do it when I think a project seems to daunting - then I wind up behind the proverbial eight ball. When I finally get going I realize that it was niot so bad at all and I should have just jumped in and done it earlier. We procrastinate only when we have a due date. What if you do not have a due date?? Then the project seems to be not such a bug deal after all. We do not know the day or hour when Jesus returns so we do not have to procrastinate. We all have the same opportunity to follow Jesus. We all have time to prepare ourselves for that final judgment day but not all of us are prepared. We cannot prepare anyone else, make them believe in God - they have to do that themselves. We can help them through spiritual encouragement but only they can say they are ready. All they have to do is accept the gift from God. We have all the knowledge to accept Jesus, we just need to be prepared and use the tools of knowledge. Remember, Jesus may not come Buck when expected, but may come back  unexpected. God expects us to be ready. Are you ready?

Raining Cats, Dogs, Elephants, and Bears

How often do we pray for provision from God, then get to a point that we almost ask Him to stop??  No, we never want to do that. When we first built our Texas room a few years ago, Chaplain Bill blessed it to the glory of God. God began to bless us with provisions (clothes, food, misc. items, stuffed animals, etc.) If it were not for the Texas room, we would have no place to put them. Even to this day, we do not use the room except to receive blessings from God. I did find  small corner to sew (when I have time). A couple of weeks ago Ida and the colonia ladies prayed for toys for our Thanksgiving and Christmas give-away. We received over 100 - more than enough for the children who would attend. This past week we received 174 more!!! Beautiful toys for the kids - 10 washer and dryer loads. What a blessing! Are we going to ask God to stop blessing us?? Absolutely not. What we cannot use for our ministry, we can pass on to other ministries in the area.    "²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us".  Ephesians 3:20 New International Version (NIV). We cannot imagine His power and ability.

Another beautiful week in the Valley. Doors open, fresh air flowing through the house, even the birds are signing with joy. Listening to great Christian music by Walter Plant!!!  I do get time for myself in the mornings for Aquasize - a water exercise opportunity with other ladies. We are beginning to have a few members of our group more as more of the Winter Texans are returning to the park. The opportunity is there to fellowship with them and hopefully encourage them to attend Bible Study with us on Wednesday nights. We are going to have an awesome study - a sort of "stand alone" study each week, filled with amazing truths and revelations as we study what the Bible really is and what it stands for.

Yesterday was a big work day in the colonias as friends Chaplain Roy nd Paula Gee and Doug and Yvonne Lundquist accompanied us to the colonias to help sort out clothing donations.. We spent all morning sorting, packing, and marking boxes of clothes. Working with the ladies from the colonias was fun, as they know a "pocito" (tiny or small ) amount of English as we know the same of Spanish. We laughed as we tried to talk to one another, get a point across, and learn a few more Spanish words. Luckily Laura, who lives in the colonias, knows English fairly well and translated, as well as Ida who could translate from English to Spanish. The kiddos that were there with their parents  sang a few songs that they had learned in Sunday School. What a fun but extremely tiring day. We ended the day with prayer, a pizza party and many laughs. Actually, we did quit at 1 PM after arriving and starting in at 9 AM - exhausted but so filled with love and accomplishment.

One of the local department stores (Penny's) had a great sale, and as Fred is going to mow for the coming season (after he strongly said he was going  to quit when the Winter Texans came back) and needed some cooler work polo shirts. So we purchased 3 of them one day for 85 cents - yep - 3 for 85 cents, and 3 the next day for $4.65. These shirts were marked 30 and 40 dollars regular price(overpriced for sure)  but I feel we got a great bargain.

Have you ever gotten into trouble? How many times had your parents told you to "do as I say not s I do"? Like when you did not want to go to church, but your Dad said you had to go, but he did not go? This happened when I was growing up - the reason being that my parents were of a different denominations. Yet in my mind my father was not walking the talk. So if something is the correct thing to do, then why don't we do it?? Do we loudly and arrogantly make sure that others know we are right  when we think we are? If we do so and offend or insult someone then no one is really going to hear us. After leaders tell us where we are wrong then do nothing to help lead and instruct us they are not true leaders. Some leaders live to be noticed (politicians, perhaps?) but are they really overcompensating for their actions. I pray that we are doing what God has actually called us to do, and it is not for our own personal satisfaction. It is not about looking holy, but being holy in our hearts. Don't just preach the gospel, live it.

Happy November - when you wake up each morning, think of something that you are thankful for.

PS: Listening to Walter Plant singing "You don't have to walk on water, it is how you walk on land". How perfect.