Ghosts - what do you believe?

A strange beginning for a blog, but keep reading and it will probably make sense. We went to Fort Smith, AR, to visit with our daughter and husband this past week.As they both work - she at the VA and he as owner of the family restaurant, we were left to our own during the day. After eating breakfast at Bob and Wanda's Wagon Wheel Restaurant (the family restaurant owned by our daughter and son-in-law) we did a bit of exploring. But if you are ever in Fort Smith, drive West outside of Fort Smith to Barling where the restaurant is located. Wonderful food, terrific service, and great owners who truly care about their customers. One day we traveled to Van Buren, a small touristy town nearby. Lots of historic buildings, a railroad (which still runs tourist trips), and lots of interesting shops. I did buy some patchouli soap for one of my daughters and myself, while indulging in taffy and flavored popcorn ( maple butter and also cinnamon). While strolling around I saw this sign:

Guess there are a few ghosts hanging around town. Ghosts are described as" a disembodied soul; especially : the soul of a dead person believed to be an inhabitant of the unseen world or to appear to the living in bodily likeness, a spirit or demon".  You have heard of friendly ghosts (ie: Casper) and more often scary or demonic ghosts. Many people do believe in the spirit word. There are times when I feel the hair on my neck rise up or think I feel someone close by but really do not believe that unhappy or discontented figures of dead folks are floating around in this world. I do believe in the Holy Spirit, who lives within us and always guides our conscience, thus warning us of sin. But apparitions or ghostly figures - nope not really. But it does make for good reading at times! 

While on our short trip to Fort Smith, I continue to  marvel at the beauty of the Ozark and Boston Mountains of the area. I never tire of the changing scene depending on the time of year, day, or even weather conditions. My heart seems to swell up at the beauty that surrounds us, created by the One who loves us and wants us to enjoy this world He created. I took these pictures as the sun was just beginning to set and evening was approaching. 

Love the misty look of the mountains and valleys

this scene changes constantly as the daytime sum shines on the trees, but turns to misty elegance as evening approaches

We are leaving AR this week for WI - first to visit friends for a few days then on to our sister-in-laws, as Fred's brother passed away three years ago and Susan needs help yet in sorting out things in his workshop. She has lots of lumber stored there as my brother-in-law loved to work with wood, but she does not know what is good, salvageable, or even good enough to sell. Fred also loves wood, so hopefully he will be able to sort it out for her. We will be able to visit fiends and relatives in the area, as we lived there for a few years when we were first married, and it is the stomping grounds of Fred when he was younger. I love the area, as it is close to the restaurant my parents used to own and the high school I graduated from - lots of good memories there. Also cheese factories, gelato cafes, and wonderful Amish stores! Even though I was raised in Chicago for 11 years, I love and prefer the small towns.

We continued to study about the power of the tongue in Church last Sunday. (Vance Eubanks is such an amazing preacher - wonderful pastor, and friend.) Life giving words can change our family, workplace, and community. 

 

Proverbs 12:18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,  but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 15:1 New King James Version (NKJV). A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. These are only two of the many verses in Proverbs pertaining to the way we speak. Gentleness wins. Gentle words fuel your body and soul. Think of how good you feel when someone says a kind word to or about you. But be jarful - when you are in places of influence, words are power. The use of our words is a calling of God.The word Christian portrays the way we live or talk. Does your speech say :"he/she is a Christian?".Our words portray all areas of our lives, especially in our home. Does your "outside" speech also carry over into your home? We are called to be greater than today's culture, where vulgarity seems the norm. Don't fall into that world. We can speak the truth but need to do so with grace. As Christians we need to be unselfish - we need to listen to and care for others, instead of thinking of what we are going to say next,. We need to be curious as to why others act as they do - what is happening in their lives. Slow down, think before you speak, and do so with love and grace. Don't take things personally - that person who just lashed out at you probably has lots of stuff going on in their lives. Don't let the Holy Spirit be grieved by your action or words. We need to be a life giving spirit just as Jesus was to us. Encouragement is something that God does because He loves us so that we can encourage others. Here is a challenge for you this week:

1)think of three people you can encourage this week and do so verbally 

2) post something positive on social media for 3 of your friends

3) make your home a place of encouragement

 

Tornado Weather

I forgot that here in NW AR tornados are pretty common. Yesterday was our daughter's 29th wedding anniversary, so we treated them to dinner anywhere. They did not feel like going out (I can't blame them as they live in a beautiful place in the woods, so we ordered Piology (if you have never been there you are missing some great pizzas). For instance I ordered a cauliflower crust with herbed oil, 3 kinds of meat, lots of wonderful veggies, a red sauce, 2 cheeses, and pesto added after baking.The pizzas are made to order, with anything and as much as you want on them, all for one price. We stopped to visit our other daughter on the way there and heard tornado warning alerts, so we quickly proceeded to pick up the order and head back home. We got caught in a torrential rain, but made it safely home just as the tornado warning was lifted. I had forgotten the  feeling as I felt the power and the majesty of the storm, just s we often feel the power and majesty of God - it is all around us and terrifying as well as exhilarating at the same time.

Last week was the beginning  of our annual sasuage/brat making.  Usually done on a week-end but this time made during the week - so being the only female around I was the go-fer! We made brats and a delicious kielbasa sausage which had to be smoked. The wonderful smells coming from the smoker made a person's mouth water. We make enough so that we can take it all back to the Valley with us to last until our next trip North. Today was the packaging and freezing day .

out of the smoker, ready to package after cooling

stringing the sausage on the rods

off to the smoker which is hot and ready

whew - lots of smoke and heat

don't know how our son-in-law can stand the heat/smoke 

happily smoking away

Saturday we celebrated the birthdays of two of our great grand children - Brielle who is 3 and Jaylen who is 1. Our granddaughter just combined their birthdays into one big day at Fun City, much like Chucky Cheese, etc. As the twin great granddaughters were also there, it was quite a feat to try to keep track of those little  munchkins as the were so excited and ran from here to there - boy are they fast!!!!

 great grandpa and Jaylen

 party girl Brielle on the left and the twins, Kinley and Kenzie

party time

 pretty Brielle

Jaylen wouldn't touch the cake, just daintily used a fork

An interesting day in church on Sunday as we were warned that the collection song was not the normal "church" hymn, but we were not to be offended as it all pertained to the  sermon given by Matt Tibbets (an amazing youth pastry at our church). The song??? - "A Boy Named Sue" - really????  There were actually 2 young folks in the congregation who never heard that song before!!! The song is based on a name that humiliated a man. The theme was that the man would not be around to raise his son and gave him that name so the boy would have to fight to survive. Words, a simple name, etc. dictate our lives. A single word can make us doubt ourselves. Our Words can steer our lives as well as those of others. How does our tongue steer our lives as well as the lives of others? Our tongue is a bridge from our heart to the outside world. What is in our heart is revealed by what we say. When we are tempted in our brain to commit sin, gossip, say unkind words, there are no consequences unless we actually speak it.  Our tongue either pushes people away or pulls them closer to ourselves. "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm".  Proverbs 13:20. So if you hang around those who speak the evilness of their mind, then you, too, will become like them. Words can either echo or confront the devil, Satan, who whispers lies in your ears. Stop and think before you speak - is what you say going to be true, is it helpful, inspiring, necessary, is it kind??

Back to Blogging

I cannot believe that it has been two weeks since the last blog - it has been a really busy and crazy two weeks to say the least.

We arrived in Arkansas quite safely with praise to God for safe travels. We stopped first at Barling (near Fort Smith) at the restaurant our daughter and son-in-law own to drop off presents for our granddaughter's shower in Wisconsin. I wasn't going to attend, as I had Dr. appts. on Monday. We had a wonderful breakfast thanks to our son-in-law, Darrell. If you get over that way, be sure to stop at Bob and Wanda's Wagon Wheel Restaurant. Amazing menu and meals.

The day after we arrived, we had to go to the clinic to give blood for our annual physicals. Then it was the normal daily shopping and chores - as well as driving around and noticing the many, many changes that we saw since last year. We were amazed at the expansion of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville - it is enormous. We then went to our grandson's to see our beautiful great granddaughters, Kinley ans Kenzie. Our grandson just bought his first home and of course, we had to check it out. A great place in the country for the girls to live, play, and be a part of creation.

Saturday was a family day with our two daughters, just hanging out and catching up on the past when they were kids - things I was totally surprised that they had remembered. We were making memories that I never even realized. We also celebrated the birthdays of the guys whose birthdays are all within 2 weeks of each other, with a Golden Corral pig out!!! My favorite food there is the jalapeno cornbread, fresh from the oven. We had a fantastic waitress who took care of our every need.

Sunday was back in our home church Prairie Grove Christian Church - it was like we had never left. I  love the people there and the warm and fuzzy feeling of being home, and of course, Pastor Vance Eubanks and his great words for us.

This past week was doctor appts - 3 of hem for me, one for Fred, with perfect results. So far so good -  we are good for another year at least. The rest of the week we drove around, visited friends, and just relaxed in our daughter's beautiful yard and watched the deer, squirrels, and all of the birds..

one baby

two babies

and Mama

Friday night we went to a Gospel singing at a small country church. It was wonderful - all of the old time country HMS, and even some new and original ones. A friend of ours plays the guitar ans sings with the group - it was such a blessed and special evening. Don't know if you can play this video or not -

country church singing

Today after our church service and stopping at the pharmacy to drop off new Rx's, we proceeded to can tomato soup. Wei wanted to do it yesterday, but did not get the canning tomatoes in time, so we have to do it toady because the tomatoes are here and ready Years ago I used to can this soup, and often add dumplings, dried, canned, leftover, or fresh veggies, or even cheese to it for a warm luncheon on cool days. Our daughter and her husband love it so much that she wanted to do some. It has been years since I canned, but oh, the memories it brought back, the preparation, the cooking, the canning, the wonderful smells and the sweet musicial sound of the jars sealing!! We will love it it this winter when it may be cooler in S Texas.

cooked down and ready to can

first batch done

Being in our home church is so comforting - Vance's sermons are so uplifting and easy to follow. One small word, phrase, or a special moment with someone can change lives. God uses words to create trust but it can also destroy it. The tongue has so much power. It can bring life or death. Regardless of the old saying about sticks and stones, words CAN hurt you. It is not what you say, but often how you say it. We have freedom of speech because we are Americans, but we are Christians first. By using this freedom we can also bring life or death to someone. Creation came into being because of the word of God - He spoke it into existence. What comes out of your mouth shows what is your heart. Actions are important, but we set the tone of our lives through our words. Use your words wisely this week, think before you speak, and while speaking make someone happy. 

On the Road

Sitting here on the patio at the Gee’s enjoying the beautiful breeze and cooler weather, thank goodness. Not at all like the hot, brutal heat and humidity in S Texas that we experienced last week. It is good to take a 2 month break to relax and re-coup but I do miss the CHI resale store here I volunteer weekly. I love the regular customers and being able to talk with them (most of the time – some only speak Spanish). One of our regular girls whom I had not seen in a while came in as we had a 50% off clothing shoes, and purses sales. She faithfully buys clothing for herself (she is a tiny little thing). She brought me a knit top on the hanger and said “it is broken”. I was confused at first, then realized that she meant that it had holes in it!! I didn’t correct her and think her for telling me. Everyone says the English language is very difficult to learn. I love her interpretation!!!!

Thank God for our friend Jim Maxson for taking over Caring Hearts Ministry for us while we are gone. He and Scott (mange of Mission Bell Park and a missionary) is also helping. They are also helping to build an extra room for a family there in the colonias. We are so blessed to be a part this group of faithful Christians.

We did have a very sad situation this last week as one of the homes of a family that e service in the colonias had a house fire. We love these humble folks who are so grateful for everything that God provides. The fire resulted in al loss of the lives of 2 of their children and 2 more are in the burn hospital in San Antonio.  They are family to us and our hearts break for their loss.

On Friday we traveled to Reynosa, Mexico, to visit Pati – the amazing young lady we sponsor and have so since she was 10. We had not seen her in awhile and Betsy arranged for us to take a van and drive over to visit here. She is now 20 years old and is now a very beautiful, self-confident woman! Only 2 more years of college and she will become a lawyer. Thanks to the translator ap on her phone, we communicated so much more than before.

Yesterday was Roy’s birthday so the whole family, us included, drove into Fort Worth to this fabulous restaurant, Uncle Julio’s. The food was beyond delicious – Roy’s daughter Michelle, ordered guacamole which was made fresh right there at the table and served in a huge bowl – enough for all 11 of us. After we all had our appetites satisfied Roy was served a chocolate piñata which he broke and out fell strawberries, churros, and small churro balls filled with chocolate. This was all surrounded with whipped cream, chocolate, white chocolate, and caramel sauce. So delicious. After we all had indulged (and practically rolled out of the restaurant) we went to the Shoppe where their daughter and granddaughter are opening their physical store, the Glam Girls. They are only on line right now, and ran out of room in their home for all of their inventory. They have amazing things – I did break down and buy two tops from them! Check them out online – you will love their items.

Roy Gee is 25 - here he is with his twin great grand kids

Fred's taco salad

my fish tacos

We will leave here on Thursday to head to Arkansas to visit our family there as well as our amazing church family at Prairie grove Christian Church. We love our church and miss it so much – when we go too old to continue our ministry in S Texas, we will return to Prairie Grove and our families. We do have blood tests on Friday morning in anticipation for doctor appointments so pray for good results for those.

God has blessed us so much and anticipates our needs almost before we do. Fred and I talked about getting a shed or something to store our mission items – bean, rice, clothing, etc. but were still undecided on what to do.  Fred was offered (free of charge) a very nice metal shed delivered right to our park for us!! My first words were “thank you God”. We are going to wait until we return to the valley to have it delivered. Now our Texas room will be truly a Texas room and not a warehouse!!! There are no words to describe God’s provision and blessings.

Head's Up

Just a quick heads up for next Sunday as we will probably  en route for our annual trek North. We will spend a few days with Chaplain Roy and Paula Gee, then on to AR for our doctor appointments and other meetings, appointments, etc. After a few weeks there we will head up t WI for more family visits then our granddaughter's wedding in September. Planning on being gone 2 months but could be sooner. So blog may be a Day or two late this week an then hopefully backon schedule.

Lots of changes here in the park - a fence is being erected around the lake - for liability reasons I suppose . It will be sort of a chain link fence so that the view of the lake will not be disrupted. The manager is planning more activities based around the lake so I suppose that is the reason for more caution. Also, a park nearby is either closing or has some sort of situation, as quite a few folks are moving over here in the fall. Also repair work will be done on the roads. Lots to do before the Winter Teans return.

Work in the colonias continues - we are going to help build another room onto a house for a family (Caring Hearts Ministry friends are doing the construction) with a need for another room. The father of the household is doing the preliminary work which is far different than the way we have been accustomed to building. We cannot criticize this, as this is the way they do it - hopefully we will be able to get the job done, as their daughter is other interpreter. Perhaps they will take pictures as the work progresses. Chaplain Jim Maxson is going to take over for us while we are gone, so the folks will continue to have their Friday distribution. We are also trying to coordinate for a Tuesday distribution at another colonia in place of the one on Wednesday. This will not take place until we return, giving Ida plenty of time to round up volunteers and have everything in place. We really cannot do this with just the 3 of us alone so continue to pray for some folks to step forward and help - someone to help unload, someone to take charge of filling the boxes, and helpers to fill the boxes for individual families.

We will be able to make a trip to Reynosa this Friday to see the progress on the wall that the flooding had taken down. A church group from PA that has been coming for years helped to rebuild the wall as well as working on other touch up projects. I do believe there are 3 groups at the refuge right now, so we will  make a quick trip to encourage them all as well as visit with Pati whom we have sponsored for years. She is still in school, but as Mexican schools only run  1/2 days, she will be there for us to visit with.. She is in her second yer of college studying to be a lawyer - the schools in Mexico have condensed classes so she will be able to get her degree in 3 years. She will be a Mexican Lawyer, which is actually a step down from a notary - sort of different than our country.

In this world we have a choice to do wrong or right. To sin or not to sin. Actually committing the son or even thinking about it is the same. If we think bad thoughts about our neighbor, we have he ability to act on those thoughts by gossiping about them or not to. If we want to punch someone out, but do not act on it, that is our conscience or the Holy Spirit in our hearts telling us not to do it. We as adults, know right from wrong. When those non-Christian thoughts enter our mind, we have to put them aside and not dwell on them by remembering that we, indeed, are Christians, and need to act as such. Sin is the absence of perfection, although none of us are perfect. But we need to strive for perfection as best we can. There is so much hatred and anger in the world today, especially in our own country. We need to remember what our country was founded on - good Christian values and love and compassion for your brothers and sisters. Sin is hate not love, hot not cold, certainly not self indulgence. Doing something we are not supposed to do somehow gives us empowerment - the feeling of being on top, the feeling of getting even, the feeling that results in pompous behavior. The laws, both moral, worldly, and religious emphasize sin - they are there to remind us not to sin. Sin is real - people are corrupt, the world is out of control. Let us all try to do our part by abstaining from sin, and perhaps by our actions we can change a small part of the world.

Life is just a bowl of cherries

Life is just a bowl of cherries, or cantaloupe or pineapple, etc. We love fresh fruit and so much enjoy the abundance of it here in S Texas. There was a great sale on cherries this week at a great price, so we enjoyed them for a week! Don’t you wonder where sayings come from or what they mean? Life is just a bowl of cherries means life is great, unless it is said in a sarcastic sort of way, then it means the opposite. No wonder foreigners think English is difficult. I often wonder wondered what “don’t throw the baby out with the wash water” meant, until I googled it. Don’t discard anything valuable along with something undesirable – still a bit confusing to me. In medieval times people bathed in the same water, oldest to youngest. It is suggested that by the time it came to the baby, the water was so dirty that he baby got thrown out by mistake – sort of makes sense now. A bit morbid though.

don't they look wonderful

fresh sweet cantloupe

A duck family has had a lot of trials and disappointments in trying to raise a family. They had a nest on a branch overlooking the lake - when the floods and wind came, the branch broke off and the lost the nest. Then they rebuilt, again the winds took it away. Then they built in a bunch of water lilies until the winds of this last week created a leak. I wanted to take pics of the nest with mama in it, but today I see they are diligently working to rebuilt again – this time I do believe that there are eggs in it. Such determination. Perhaps they are a young couple and need elderly advice on building.

papa duck going for more reeds

there are eggs in the nest

We received such wonderful blessings this past week on Friday.  Our produce distribution was more than plentiful- as we arrived at the colonias we were informed that a group of missionary kids from a small town outside Dallas and their church leaders had arrived at the colonias. They were waiting for us to arrive and immediately wanted to know what to do. We told them to just be patient as we set up a few things, then they pitched right in – unloading the vegetable, fruits, etc., filling baskets in preparation for boxes to be filled and distributed. We received “Mexican candy” – dehydrated fruit with sugar and honey added and fermented a bit. I was not looking forward to breaking down the bigger bags into smaller ones – guess what – three girls dove right in. I had plastic bags and plastic gloves, but it was still a sticky mess!! They did not want us to do anything – even returning the extra bags and gloves to the vehicle – they wanted to know where to put them. After all was done, they all proceeded to carry the boxes to the vehicle of those those coming to receive the food, along with a case of bottled water for each family. As we prepared t leave, Jessica and Sol arrived.  We used to have the distribution at Jessica’s home, but because of a riff we moved it. She and her daughter, Sol, have just recently been coming to receive food. They asked us to pray for Sol’s health (she has asthma I believe) and then asked if we would come to their home and pray for their home and family situations.  They revealed the situation after we arrived at their home (we cannot discuss it at this time but please pray for them) so we prayed with the whole family outside. We prayed on a cement slab that was so previously covered with junk you did not know it was there. They have become more aware of the appearance of their property now and becoming more involved in their neighborhood, which is part of what we are trying to instill. They also invited us to eat with them, but as we had a previous commitment, we begged off until next week. They did say it would be about a half hour – with in S Texas time is about 2 hours or maybe Manaia! We did not enter their home – we have never been asked in any colonia home – and do not want to unless specifically asked to do so. Only out f respect for the homeowners, and not afraid of what we will encounter.

We are beginning to plan our “vacation” time, even though it is a working vacation to Arkansas and Wisconsin. We have decided that if we forget anything or run out of something, there are stores everywhere. No need to pack so many clothes either as everyone has a washer and dryer.

How do you minister to the world – out in the fringe area. We know we did that on Friday by praying and sharing God’s word with Jessica’s family. The disciples ministered to those in Samaria, the people in the fringe area of society. We all have our comfort zones, but when called to witness where we are uncomfortable, how do we do that? Paul and Silas were thrown in prison where the ministered, worshipped, and sang praises to God with the other prisoners. They ministered where they did not want to be or with people they did not want to be with, especially the guards. When the earthquake came and opened the doors of the cells, and their shackles fell off, they could have run and escaped. But they witnessed to the guard, who was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped and he would be killed anyway. Eventually, they brought the jailer and his whole family to the Lord. If we miss an opportunity we miss being witnesses. We need to welcome and be welcomed by those who need to hear the Word. You don’t have to preach or quote Scripture – just show them how Jesus changed your life and how their lives can be saved.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy all of the bounty of your area – the fresh fruits and vegetables. When winter comes remember the bowl of cherries!

July Heat

The July heat is upon us - we have had some rain but the humidity is high so it seems much hotter than it really is. Our neighbor was in the middle of washing our trailer yesterday when a huge rainstorm broke out.We were not too upset because even though we have had large floods lately, we do need the rain. The grass is so pretty and green and smells so fresh after a rain.

We have a large bird in the park -we thought  was a goose, but since we have an avid and  almost professional bird watcher in the park, we found out it is a black bellied duck. Mama has many babies (at one time there were 15, but now only 8) and takes them for afternoon strolls often. Daddy takes over for awhile with a stop at Miss Opal's for a snack of corn.

some of the babies are yellow and some are dark brown

Chaplain Friend Jim Maxson is going to take over the food and clothing ministry when we go on vacation the end of this month,so Fred took him along this last Friday so he could learn the process. All seemed to have gone well, and the ladies just loved him, so we feel confident knowing that they will be taken care of when we are gone. There was plenty of produce this past week - we served over 130 families as well as 50+ on Wednesdays. God is so generous with His provision. This week we had star fruit, so Fred brought me one to try it - it is really delicious - tastes a bit like a pear but sweeter. I will really miss all the fresh fruit when we are gone, especially the cherries on sale for $1.97 this week at HEB!



just wash, then slice the star fruit -isn't it beautiful! God has so many surprises for us in nature.


A letter from our Administrative Secretary - 

Dear Chaplains and Friends of the CRMi ministry,

After over a year of hard work and many hours of phone calls and meetings, we are extremely pleased to advise our CRMi family that our ministry has now been officially certified by the ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability).  This has been a long time goal of our Chairman Bob Ruesch and the Board of Directors and we now can proudly approach financial benefactors with the news.  Your local church and or local businesses as well as private individuals will see that CRMi has been found to be trustworthy, transparent and fully accountability in our financial matters.

Please watch the short video by clicking on the link below for more information.  Please also share this good news with your home church, friends and others who may be waiting to hear our good news (and hopefully find a heart to financially support you individually and/or our ministry as a whole).  We are also going to post this information on our web site for everyone to see.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/49465963

To GOD be the glory - thanks for your service!

Vicki

I, Leila, as a member of the board of directors and treasurer of our organization  can personally attest to the hours, e-mails, and paperwork involved in this. We are are so proud to be found trustworthy and accountable! This has been awhile in the making but so worth the time and effort. We are now in the process of planning the fall training conference.  - hoping to meet all of the new chaplains and seeing them placed in RV parks here in Texas and also in Arizona. We are growing, expanding,and ready to bring the word of God to those who don't know Him and also to those who know Him. Our sermont his morning was right along those same lines -  being a witness in the city. Being able to go to "city", or the post office, or grocery store keeping our antennas up to tell others about how God has changed our lives and can do so for you, too. We hope that all of our actions speak for our faith - our ability to follow God's words and His plan for our lives.

In addition to our 4 daughters we also have sort of a "foster" daughter - a friend of one of our daughters who lived with us for awhile, had Fred give her away in her marriage, and  calls Mom and Dad. Just this past week, her daughter had an emergency medical situation where her 6 month baby had to be taken C-section. Sadly, the precious Olivia Jade only lived a very short time. Please keep this family in your prayers - losing a child is heartbraking.