On the Road Again

After a few weeks in Arkansas, visiting with family and friends, attending church at our home church, making arrangements for 30,000 pkg. of lentils and rice to be delivered to Texas for the colonias, packing the vehicle again, we leave tomorrow for Wisconsin, to visit friends in Oxford, WI and then on later in the week to our daughter's home in Wausau, hopefully to be there when our great grandson, Milo, will be born. It has been cool and rainy most of the time we were here, including a few days of flooding and severe thunderstorms, but luckily no tornadoes.

One day our daughter and I went exploring - exploring to unique stores. Hill City Popcorn - popcorn in many flavors, colors, and mixtures. Red Hot Hog - the best - a red popcorn that tastes like red hots. We then searched out and found a vinegar and oil shop. Many different flavors of vinegars and olive oil. Wild mushroom and sage oil, a garlic infused oil, blackberry infused vinegar, mission fig vinegar, even a hot, spicy oil. We had the garlic oil over asparagus with salt and pepper, baked in the oven - yummy. The blackberry balsamic vinegar was awesome over a salad. Have you ever seen a Pieology eatery?? Like a subway, only for pizza. You choose your crust, sauce, and many toppings to add, with pesto added after baking. All for the same price. Christine and I enjoyed it outside on the patio of the restaurant in the Arkansas sun. I love unique, quaint places to explore. We also went to the admin building of the Fayetteville School District where I had worked before retiring. There were a few loyal, mature folks  that worked when I did. So nice to see them and also all the changes to the building, which had just been built when I worked there almost 13 years go. .

Church services this morning were very different - instead of a sermon we had a special guest, Sheriff Tim Helder of our Washington County. As this past week was Law Enforcement Memorial week, it seemed appropriate for him to give his testimony and explain law enforcement. Sheriff Helder has been in law enforcement for 38 years, and sheriff for 13 years  . It is our duty as Christians to respect authority. Authority was established to maintain order in our world.  For most people law enforcement is a calling, just as ministry is a calling. "As a prisoner of the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." Ephesians 4:1. We are so lucky and proud to have Sheriff Helder serving in our community, a Christian man called by the Lord to serve us.

Remember to thank a law enforcement office, even if you have been pulled over for any reason. Thank him for helping you to understand that perhaps your actions put others in danger. "For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free of fear from the one in authority? Then do what I right and you will be commended. Romans 3:3.". Respect the authority

Farmer's Market and Cowboy Cookout

A pretty much beautiful week in NW Arkansas, despite the rain and cooler weather. Lots of gardens producing small shoots of veggies and flowers, farmer's markets in full force, and cook-outs all over. Saturday our youngest daughter and I went to the Farmer's Market on the Fayetteville Square - I have mentioned it before as absolutely amazing. Not only a farmer's market but a place for folks to display their talents in wood working, spinning, soap making, wooden utensil crafting, as well as fresh bakery of all kinds. I bought some lovely fresh asparagus, radishes, a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers and patchouli soap (for myself) A wonderful pace to just get out and enjoy the day, although it was very crowded. Everyone and their dogs were there. I was strolling along when this huge dog was behind me and started growing and snarling. I was startled - the owner apologized saying her dog did no like other dogs. Hmm, why was she there with any other dogs and their owners?

Gorgeous sunflowers

a spinner spinning some beautiful soft wool - I keep practicing and maybe I can perfect it

lots of veggies - many different colors of cauliflower

a local banjo player playing "Old McDonald's Farm" for the kids

strolling the square - the site of the old post office

making wooden utensil's from logs!

Saturday evening we went with friends to a relatives home where there was an afternoon trail ride (we did not indulge in that) after which was a cowboy cookout with bar-be-que brisket, ribs, (sooo good), hot dogs, cornbread, onions, beans, and many other side dishes. The dessert table was groaning with cakes, cobbler's,  cookies, and other calorie free items (ya right).  Afterwards we were treated to some very talented guys playing and singing country music. It was amazing to see the men just decide on a song and play it without music. If you check my face book page, I posted a video of one of the songs, but the highlight of it all was a tiny guy (about 18 mo old) dancing and "Swinging" to the beat of the music. It was a beautiful evening in NW Arkansas in the early dusk with the sun shining on the hay fields and mountains

pickin and singin on the porch of the cook shack

Our daughter and her husband are so crafty - they have made their patio chairs, benches, tables, etc, as well as doormats - you name it, Anyway, Christine panted her herbs in an old step ladder - so cool.

 a great idea

This morning found us back in Prairie Grove Christian Church I love Pastor Vance's sermons - cannot explain it but they keep me mesmerized. His sermon this morning, taken from Luke 8:40-56 talks about two desperate people: a synagogue leader, Jarirus, with a dying daughter and a women shunned by society because of her bleeding problem. The leader's daughter was 12 years old, the woman has had this problem for 12 years. Jairus knew Jesus had returned to preach and heal others  and perhaps heard Him preaching in the synagogue, while the woman should not have even been in the crowd as she was deemed unclean. Both needed Jesus to perform a miracle for them: both had faith. No one is to powerful to need Jesus, no one is to bad that Jesus cannot change their lives. As in the woman's case, we also cannot let anyone keep us away from Jesus. Many people are casual about Jesus, but not intentional. The woman took the risk of being in a place where she was unwanted to be able to ask Jesus to heal her. She was intentional. Jesus is more interested in  relationship with you than just fixing your problem. We need to expose all of our sins to Him and we will be free. He wants us to tell others what He has done in our lives When something unclean touches something clean, it becomes unclean. But when Jesus touches our unclean humanity, we become clean. Come to Jesus in your desperation. Let your desperate situation turn you toward Him - build that relationship. Read the verses to see all of the story.

Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers, Grandmothers, etc. And Happy Mother's Day to all those puppy mothers, and those who have no children of their own but are indeed mothers to all.

Arkansas Summer

We arrived safely in Arkansas after another day's delay in Joshua, Texas, as a result of the flooding in Arkansas. We left Joshua early Tuesday morning and made a stop in Checotah, Oklahoma, to visit former Chaplain Dennis and Sally Maloney, who minister to those in that area. Quite a surprise when we saw Dennis with a mustache and full beard!!! I kept looking at him as if he were a stranger because he looked so different.  Sally was as beautiful  ever - it was so good to see them both. We had a great visit, threw around a few ministry ideas, thoughts to pray on, and promised to keep in touch. When we arrived in Arkansas late afternoon, the wet was almost all dried up and things looked fairly normal. It was a bit cool the first couple of days but now I think I am acclimated and it is gorgeous. We visited with a few friends upon arriving (we always make our first stop at the CARQUEST store in Prairie Grove to visit friends, then church, then Life Ministries resale store to say Hi to everyone).

We enjoyed a great Saturday afternoon with our two daughters, Brenda and Christine, just enjoying the day on the patio and having a delicious pizza made with a cauliflower crust - hey - don't knock it until you try it. It was awesome. Our son-in-law, Scott was smoking meat, as usual. He made venison jerky, beef roast, an unbelievably delicious venison ham, and some small birds. We also sampled his smoked bacon, which again was wonderful. Scott loves doing this and does such a good job. wW plan on making sausage and brats again on our return from Wisconsin in June.

Sunday brought a warm, cozy feeling as we attended church back at our home church, Prairie Grove Christian Church. It was as if we had never left! Our JOY Sunday School class was a lively as ever with lots of discussion. After church we visited with our grandson Seth, Page, and their girls. Remember the twins we all prayed for 4 years go??? They are healthy and beautiful - a true miracle from God.  

After just relaxing on the patio for the rest of the afternoon, I decided I had better write this blog, although just vegging out was so tempting.

We do not have to worry about the folks in the colonias, as Cy has everything under control. There was an abundance of fresh produce last week, so we know that they are being well taken care of. This is the time of year that they need the most food supplements, as the kiddos are home from school and need extra meals. Thank God for His provision, both for the abundance of produce and the commitment of Cy to continue on while we are gone.

No pictures this week as we have just jumped into the 21st century and gotten rid of our old flip phones! Lots of learning to be done, how to take pictures and send them to the computer to be posted. Be patient, geezers are slow learners.

A very dear friend of ours passed away this week. Margie a beautiful lady on fire for the Lord, who was involved in our church, and our personal small group studies. If some of you ladies may remember one of our past GWW conference, we has Stacy Smith as a presenter - a chaplain in the same prison in which she was incarcerated. It was Margie who first introduced me to Stacy and got me interested in prison ministry.  Margie's husband, David, is an excellent carpenter, and fashioned the most beautiful casket for her out of red cedar as a final gift to his wife who has fought a courageous fight with cancer for many years. I would post a picture of it, but out of respect for the family, I choose not to do so.

As I said, coming home to PGCC this morning felt so very comfortable and normal! As usual, Pastor Vance presented a stirring sermon as only Vance can do.  Based on Luke 8:26-39 it is the story of
the man possessed by many demons. I still believe he was the first disciple, as Jesus told him to go and tell others about what happened (previously He told those who healed to tell no one). Your personal testimony is the best way to tell others about Jesus. Before you met Jesus, your life was a mess. The demon possessed man (we will call him Legion) was an extreme example. We do not have the same quantity of sin, but we have the same quality of sin. We are surrounded by folks with no hope at all. We have hope. When we met Jesus, He changed everything! Just as He changed Legion from a wild demon possessed man into a normal person, He has the power to change our lives. After we meet Jesus, our life will never be the same. You need to go out and tell others what Jesus has done in your life in order to show them who you are now. There are those who will believe you, and perhaps many will not. But don't give up. You need a vision in your life to continue in God's way. He can take our mess and make a message out of it. After Vance's sermon, a young man presented his testimony - how his life was such a mess, even though he was married and thought everything was OK. The change in his life did not happen overnight - it took a long time and lots of hard work on his part, but God changed his life and his marriage.

Pleas pray for all of those who have lost loved ones this past week - especially the mother in Arkansas whose two small children were washed away in the flood. Her grief must be immense.

Tornados and Flooding

The weather has been really scary in this part of the country.  After we left the Valley and arrived in Joshua, Texas (near Fort Worth) storm warnings started. Canton, Texas (about 60 miles away) was hit hard by a tornado. We and the Gees talked about going to Canton, but because of the warnings, we decided not to. It ia windy and cold here right now. In NW Arkansas (Prairie Grove where we are going) had 7-1/2 inches of rain since Friday. A person could not get in or out of town because of the flooding.  Our daughter could not go anywhere as her road is flooded, as many were in the area. We just talked to her and all the water has receded so we should be able to get to her house by tomorrow. Please pray for all of those in the path of the storms - the families of those who lost their lives in Canton, as well as all of those who suffered other loss.

our daughter's road in Arkansas - impassible

We prepared to leave the Valley on Friday after we went to the colonias as the ladies there wanted to give us a little party before we left. It was a brunch type thing, with beans, potatoes fried with eggs, fried cactus with veggies, a small tortilla filled with a meat mixture/and or eggs, Mexican pastry, and a chocolate flan.All of it was delicious - we were presented with a beautiful card from the ladies, signed with personal Scripture verses, and a McDonald's gift card to help us on our way. We did finally get out of Alton by 10:15 and arrived in Joshua about 7:45. The drive was not bad - traffic was slow in spots because of accidents and road construction, but all went well. Before we left the Valley, I checked the turtle eggs - no change at all. I suppose they will hatch while we are gone. I did see a large turtle across the street - wonder if it was the mother checking on her eggs, or perhaps laying more???? 

Hopefully we will leave here tomorrow and arrive sometime later in Arkansas as we do some visiting along the way. We have enjoyed the time with Roy and Paula Gee - especially seeing their family, including their 2 year old twin great-grand kids - Mac and Mallie. We all attended church this morning - I had forgotten what it was like to have little squirmy ones in church - but they were very good. After church we all went to a Mexican restaurant for a wonderful buffet.

This morning's sermon at Lane Prairie Baptist Chuch asked us the question - what does it take to be Christlike?? You need to lead a risen life. God needs to be first place in your life. Because He is the Lord of everything we have everything. He has commanded us to share the Word with everyone by calling us to be His witnesses. When you talk to any one about Him, all you have to do is tell them what He has done in your life. He will do the rest. We will never reach the world until we leave it because we overcome the world through Jesus. If Jesus is not the Lord of all, He is not the Lord at all.  How do you live a risen life??

1) the reminder - when you are saved, you  are baptized and raised with Him. But remember, you do not have to be baptized to be saved - it is just through faith that you choose to be baptized.

2) responsibility - seek the eternal things- the things of this world are temporary.

3) resource - Jesus is the resource - He will never disappoint us.

4) reason - our life is hidden in Christ  Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ

5) revelation -  Christ will come again.

Believe all of these things and you will indeed live a risen life.

Remember this week to pray for those who have lost so much in tragedies and stormy weather.

 

Count Down

This is the week that we begin the countdown to our travel to Arkansas and Wisconsin. Not really a lot to prepare, as we leave the electricity on and just need to cook up everything in the refrigerator that could spoil, but a lot can stay until we return - freezers should be OK unless we have a have a power outage - plants are going to be watered ( not too many of them) important mail will be forwarded, otherwise junk mail can stay here!!! A bit of packing to do, last minute ends to tie up.

It was pretty chilly this morning as we went off to church - then met fellow chaplains  for lunch in McAllen - wonderful meal of salmon and veggies. Then a trip to the pharmacy to pick up last minute prescriptions, and one last stop today for 50# of 1015 onions. The onions are staying outside to dry a bit and not smell up the house.

Pretty quiet here in the park as there are just a few Winter Texans left - some waiting for the doctor's OK to travel, some just waiting for the weather to warm up there in the North. We very seldom see a out of state license plate now - although we did see a Virginia one this morning - a rare one for this area. Only saw Hawaii once though. I remember when we used to travel with our folks as little kids - they always had a tough time keeping us entertained as we traveled from destination to destination. We played the incense game, the color game (I see something blue - what is it) the alphabet game, etc. Little did we realize that we were learning as we went along - and observing what we saw rather than fighting. Remember these words "You had better behave or I am going to smack you". And then trying to dodge the hand coming from the driver's seat trying to find us while concentrating on the road. Guess we did get a bit out of hand at times (no pun intended).  But perhaps you all were little angels on trips, right????

Friday we are going to the colonias for the last time just before we leave - we were not going to go, but the ladies wanted to have sort of a party for us before we took off. It will be so relaxing knowing that Cy will have everything under control until we return in July. I would like to take a video on Friday, but am not sure how that will go. Brenda (the lady whose property the new building is on had her trailer moved to the back of the building so that it would be more convenient to distribute the food - the yard clean-up will take a while though I am afraid. The new building has given the folks there a sense of pride and we have noticed an effort to clean the yards a bit - hopefully it will give them a better sense of community and the desire to improve their area.

It is ironic that as we leave to visit family and friends that this morning's sermon revolved around family. Pastor Robert and his wife had taken a short mini-vacation, so Pastor Ricky delivered the message taken from I Corinthians 13:1-8a. Yep, the love chapter - geared to family. Family is truly  gift from God, be it just spouses, children perhaps, siblings, and in some case parents. God developed the family for the building blocks of society. So many do not come from a traditional family group, or perhaps a very dysfunctional family.  Families come in all shapes and sizes, all with one parent two parents, blended families, adopted families, surrogate families, etc. There are four practical principles that apply to families. #1 is an enduring commitment to your partner. Family is not a matter of chance but of choice. Families are built on promises - all of which are a part of the commitment and choice. #2 is mutual respect. Family is not about power and control. There is no pecking order in a family or certainly not supposed to be. Family unity depends upon how authority is used. #3 is good effective communication. God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. Three things to remember - our communication depends on what we say, what we think we say, and what other think we say. Communication is listening carefully an clearly, We certainly cannot read other people's minds - so clearly speak what you  mean, and clearly listen to what others have spoken Use the "I" statement - "I heard you say... .., yes, that's right, I am grumpy, yes, I feel upset, etc." 
"Know this my beloved brothers, let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger". James 1:19. Remember this verse always.  #4 is problem solving abilities Conflict has three levels: difference of opinion, which leads to a attack on the other person, which questions the relationship.
Never let problem solving go past the first stage - we all need to practice the ability to solve family problems. Amazing grace holds families together. A family is a fragile thing, handle it with care.

As I write this I thank God for my family - all of my family. Think of your family as a fragile pie of pottery and treat it with care, love and understanding.

He is Risen

What a powerful message!!! This message was presented in church this morning as we as Christians celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We sang this song, which always fills me with promise and hope. I am starting out with today's message from Pastor Robert, as I feel this is the most important event of the past week. On Friday, Jesus died. The hopes and dreams of the disciples died with Him.  On Sunday He came back. Jesus took all of our sin and brokenness to the tomb. God does not want our outward changes ( all dressed up in Easter finery, new haircut, new car, etc.)  but only our inward changes. He took our worst (all the sin of the world) and brought it back clean. There is no more separation, only hope for us all. Let God empty us of all our sin so we can be resurrected into a new creation. Ebrace all that God has for you.

Well, I am back  - bet you did not know I was gone. I had all the intentions of finishing this blog early this afternoon, but we had unexpected company. Now, after supper and dishes, I am here.

On Thursday we attended a reenactment of the Last Supper - actually a reenactment of Leonardo De Vincchi's Last Supper Painting. It was so good - the table was set in De Vincchi's time with Jesus and His 12 disciples present. The actors were frozen in time, just as if they were the painting, never moving at all. Each Disciple was featured, where he told his story of walking with the Lord, and asked the question, "Is it I Lord, who will betray You"?. When it was Judas' turn, he tried to explain away his actions, It was really so real and brought more meaning to that Last Supper in the Upper room.

this was the first disciple speaking - James the Lesser -

                                   

This is Jesus speaking - see how the actors hold their pose

                                                                                    

      This has been a pretty busy week here at the park - due to the new road going to be put in on our side of the park, lots of moving has been going on. One of the homes was sold and moved out of the park. It was totally amazing to watch the workers disassemble parts of the car ports and patio covers, then separate the shed from the house, and move it and the house down the road.  The second home was just moving to another site in the park - a lakeside site that became available. This was a much larger home and took three days to finally get put into place. First the shed went out, then it rained the next day - finally after a bit of trouble and maneuvering that house went on down the road. There are three more homes to be moved  but have no idea when that will happen. I just hope that the road will be in and done while we are gone on vacation.

 two different movers showed up at the same time - both working on 2 different house

 taking down the car port and separating the shed from the house

 in addition to the house moving, this guy was running back and forth hauling dirt for a cementing project on another street

 ready to load the shed

 the shed is on the way

hooking up the house - axles and tires were added

pulling out the first house

 and down the street it goes

it looks like it was never there

starting to work on the big house

taking down one of the two car ports

out goes the shed

now this is a BIG house

he had to back up a few times to get around a light pole

At least we got two things off the list this week - trailer revamped and quilt for our  great-grandson, Milo, due in June,  is also completed. Time is winding down. Need to make another trip to Mexico for supplies, take Miss Opal to the courthouse to get her passcard, take a neighbor to the eye surgeon in Harlingen, Fred starts mowing again for two weeks, packing, etc.

The blogger is acting quirky tonight - cannot download any other pictures - but things otherwise are going well!!! Our next door neighbors planted tomatoes and have already left for their Northern homes, so I picked a few tomatoes for fried green tomatoes - they were sooooooooooooo good!! God is amazing - He provided so many wonderful things for us to grow and eat.

I have fought with this computer long enough - I pray that your Easter was blessed as you remember that  "My God's Not Dead, He's surely alive, He is living on the inside, roaring like a lion!!!"

Answered Parayers

They say good things come in threes. Within the last year, we have had 3 big prayer requests, the first being a trailer to help with the produce for the colonias. Because of the love and support of our home church., Prairie Grove Christian Church, we were able to purchase a simple utility trailer (which Fred is going to modify to fit our needs) that has doubled the number of families we can serve!!! We had been praying for someone to come alongside us to deliver produce to "our people" while we are gone from the Valley for two months. We went over our list of possibilities many times, asking a few we thought would commit to the job, but to no avail. Then, from seemingly no where an amazing man with a heart for missions came into our lives. Nope, we did not know him before this - a complete stranger to us who had heard about us and became curious. After going along with Fred twice, God laid it upon his heart to be our stand-in. Two prayers answered so far. We were also praying for the funding to build a small building in the colonias to store commodities, produce, clothing, etc. so that we would not have to make two trips a day to the colonias. One kind lady in the colonias offered her property to place it on, and the Lord brought folks to us who wanted to donate to the project. We acquired 3/4 of the money for the project, the other 1/4 was supplied by a division the Baptist Association of Texas. This last week, the building was up - not totally completed (needs painting, eventually dry wall, etc.) for all general purposes, it can be used. It was used this last Friday for the first time - praise God. All three prayers answered. This building will also be used for Bible study, sewing and cooking classes - whatever is needed. By placing the building in the colonias, it gives those who live there a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. They are proud of the building and are looking forward to lending physical labor to complete it.

beginning of construction

20 x 10 with a porch overhang

hard at work in the heat of the day

two windows and a door

siding on and ready to distribute

                                      

blessing of a trailer

                                     

a bounty of vegetables this day

                                      

everyone takes a part in unloading

shingles waiting to be put on

getting ready to fill boxes - look at the wonderful homemade bread

boxes filled and ready for distribution - 110 for the day

cactus pads - these are handled very carefully with tongs - to prepare them,  they are held with a clothespin, skinned with a very sharp knife and fried - either with vegetables or eggs

Miss Opal joined us on Friday, as she made this quilt for Ida, as a thanks for her dedication to Caring❤'s Ministry

Miss Opal tries to make friends with the family horse - this is right next to the family home

My amaryllis is blooming again, but the poor Easter lily got lost somewhere in the weeds (I love flowers but hate to weed and/or take care of them). The oregano plant is flourishing, even though I often forget to water it. Even my cactus blooms without my help. Am I committing plant abuse?

 even it is growing in a pile of weeds, it is brilliant

 the cactus and it's beautiful flower

a large leaf oregano

As this is palm Sunday, we were presented with a fresh palm leaf as we entered church. The palms grow everywhere here, so we got fresh leaves, not the dried ones we used to receive years ago. These were the fronds that were laid at the foot of the Savior just a week before the Lord was crucified.

fresh, green palm leaves

The sermon this Palm Sunday was based on a sin-filled cross. In Jesus' time, the cross was a symbol of death. It was likened to our modern day electric chair. We see the electric chair the same way - as a form of punishment. Why was Jesus destined to die such a barbaric death on a cross that was designed for torture and shame? In the beginning, man sinned by disobeying God. Every opportunity to separate us from God became a reality because the full weight of sin fell on the Lord. But God had a plan to save us from sin. Jesus. He took the full weight of  man's sin - the cup He did not want to bear, because His Father could not look upon sin. He no longer was perfect - He was seperated from God for the first time. The full weight of sin died on the cross. It took Jesus' perfection to rid us of our imperfections. In order for the full weight of sin to die, Jesus had to die. Because of this we have hope. Jesus had to die for us to be saved-  remember the price that was paid.

I want to take this time to pray for those who are caught up in the trap of drug addition. Everyone of us knows of someone who is lost in the fog of drugs, be it friend or family. That person is not the same person Jesus formed in the womb - the person is a slave to drugs which overtake their whole person. We may think that this is our friend or relative, but it is not. It is the terrible addition of drugs. Please pray today and everyday for those children of God to accept the fact that they can only be healed with treatment and prayer.