Passing the baton

This was a busy and tiring week as we had annual board meeting of CRMI and training g for new chaplains. All day sessions of videos, discussion, devotions, and singing praises to the Lord, lead by Suzy and Greg York. At the board meeting, I formally resigned as treasurer and passed the honors on to Shairon Dickey, who proved to be a perfect replacement after only one day of training ( yes we worked that in too).         It was good to see those that we have not seen in awhile as well as welcoming our new chaplains. Not to mention the great food all week!     

                       A great group

                                Chaplain Roy Gee giving the opening devotion.                                                           The weather took a drastic change  as we had a cold front move in - the mornings are cool - around 50ish but then warms up to about 80 in the evening. Really perfect weather for the return of the "snowbirds" from the North! They are slowly trickling in to our park - by next week we should have a big influx. Fun to see old friends returning but it will be sad as we will be missing  others.                                                     Brag time as I post a picture of our newest greatgrand daughter born just a few weeks ago. She is such a precious gift from God.       

                           Sweet Veda.                                 This morning's pop verse is from if  10:13 "I can do all things through God who gives me strength".  A depth of meaning in this verse that can change your life. We often are so stressed that we want off the train of daily living.  How can we find daily strength in Christ.  Why is the strength not there even if we pray? The secret of feeling content is to Be Content in you life. We can do all things in life if we rely on Christ and lear on our relationship with Him. Let go of what you think you have and do what you can for Christ.  Use you strength to serve the Lord instead of the world. If you truly want strength change your perspective  Focus on God and everything else will fall into place. You will have when you do. The more you bless the more blessed you will be. When we get busy living in Christ we get busy dying to the world.

Hot and Hotter

The hot weather does not seem to be wanting to let up. It is almost the 4^th week in October and the temps are still in the 90’s, even hit 103 one day. We do get a break occasionally when it drops to 80 or so. Today was not nearly as bad, as we had a short shower this afternoon. When we came out of church today it was so humid that Fred’s glasses got steamed up. A person could feel the moisture on your hands which said rain was coming.

This coming week is the CRMI chaplains training and conference here in the Valley. The chaplains assigned to parks in the Valley as well as the new chaplains will be in attendance. Also scheduled is the annual board meeting where our new secretary and treasurer will be admitted to the board. As I am resigning my position, there will be a lot of work to be done to pass the baton, including some training sessions for the new treasurer, but she will do well!! As we will be returning to Arkansas to continue our ministry there, it will be sort of a bittersweet time for us – but I always refer Ecclesiastes 3 “a time for everything”. It will be a wonderful time this week though for learning, meeting new chaplains and board members, good food, and great camaraderie.

It has been a bit of a busy week, as we have been doing some packing of things we don’t need as of now, cleaning, showing the house to perspective buyer, as well as receiving donations of clothing for the colonias. Ida had an event yesterday at the church for ladies – bible study, food, a study time, a time for crafting, and distribution of beans, rice, and clothing. There is also another event being planned, so all of the donations we have received so far are so much welcomed, as well as a frozen turkey! which will be cooked and used for the children’s meal and bible study on Wednesday.

The sermon series continues with Pop Verses – popular verses that congregation members submitted for discussion. Today was another favorite verse of mine from Jerimiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, plans to proper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. I remember a few years ago when a good friend called and said he wanted to read me that verse, as it was the guideline for his life. He survived a heart attack, and 5 different types of cancer, only to recover stronger and more determined to serve the Lord. I marveled at his faith and determination to continue serving His Savior. When Jerimiah sent this letter to the Israelites after Jerusalem was destroyed and they were taken captives by the Babylonians, it was meant to be a letter of hope and promise. The Israelites expected the letter to tell them that God would release them from captivity and return them to their homeland. Instead the letter encourage them settle in Babylonia, raise crops, marry and have children. He encouraged them to become members of the community where they now were. He put them there for a reason – to seek shalom (peace) with their captors. Does god speak to us today through Jerimiah’s message? We ourselves have experienced this when the Lord led us here to the Rio Grande Valley to serve Him, away from our comfort zone, to a strange and new place and culture. The Lord urged us to be a part of the community totally different and uncomfortable to us. He taught us to be at peace where we were, to reach out to those live differently than we did. God is still speaking through Jerimiah’s letter to the Israelites. The words of Jerimiah indeed gave us peace in our new surroundings. Being at peace is also told us in John’s letter to the Philippians in Philippians 4:7. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heat and your minds in Christ Jesus”. The Lord has given us peace and understanding here in the RGV but now is uprooting us to return to NW Arkansas to serve Him there. As we prepare to follow Him, we are truly at peace. We rejoice in His actions. Gods promise for our future is a certainty that we rely on. He has given us a future filled with hope

#8

Time for great grandparents bragging rights. Last Monday, October 7, our 8^th great grandchild (and 5^th great granddaughter) Veda DeMarkquie Mylove Vaughn entered this world weighing in at 10lbs. 1 oz. and 21 inches long. A big baby girl with beautiful black hair.  She had a bit of trouble breathing at first and spent a few days in the NICU before being able to be held by her parents. She had to go back to the NICU as a result of being jaundiced, but is now safely at home, being loved by her blended family siblings. When we were married 57 years ago, we never even thought at that time we would have 4 daughters, 6 grandchildren, and 8 great grands. I am sure we never even thought of the future generations that would follow us, but God as so blessed us with a wonderful family – all of them so different in their own right!

We had good distribution this last Friday in the colonias – there was a cool breeze for a while, so the girls worked quickly to finish the boxing of produce, etc. before it got too hot. I again had the donut bagging responsibilities – it seems that the girls do not want me to do any hard work! We distributed the 150# of beans, and 150# of rice, saving some back for an event coming up soon. We also had a few boxes of sorted clothing to be given out at that time. Fred and Jose were busy fixing tables that a few unruly teenage boys thought it was fun to destroy. Hopefully they are remorseful as they realize that it was not a good thing to do. Fred warned them that perhaps the next time it happened, the authorities would be called. With a bit of luck and prayer, they won’t think to do it again.

                                                      The ladies worked hard to fill these boxes

                                       

Fred and Jose repairing the damage to one of the tables

                                                  

still working as the sun begins to heat up - no matter the temp, some ladies always wear long sleeves

A new sermon series has started at church. The congregation was asked to submit their favorite verses which be featured each Sunday. Sometimes verses are taken out of context and create an entirely different meaning, so Pastor Ricky will examine each one and dissect it so that we understand what is being said. Sunday’s verse was from Joshua 24:14-15 “as for me and my Lord. The series is called “Pop Verses, meaning popular verse sometimes misquoted. Preaching has the power to save people. Joshua was a preacher. When he preached this to the people, he was old and did not want his teaching to fade way. Since all of the Israelites had settled in the promised and, they had become lax in their beliefs. God used and continues to use sermons to impact the lives of people, believers and unbelievers. We all take away something different from listening to the Word. God has acted on our behalf and shown us His love. If you don’t give your life to serve the Lord, He chooses to no longer bless you. Put away all of your earthly gods (money and possessions) and focus on God. It is OK to own a beautiful home or car, to have a job that allows you to lead a leisurely life, and a close, loving family, but always put God first and do not let pride come between you and God.  Commit to God’s blessings and realize it all comes from Him. Keep your commitment to Him always first and foremost in your lives. Let not a rock, which is a symbol of our sins, become a stumbling block for us to serve the Lord.

Caring Hearts Ministry Update

Our CRM Chaplains Fall Conference will be taking place the end of this month. We will be welcoming and training new chaplains to serve here in the RGV at the RV parks, for the folks living there for the winter so that they can have a winter church home right in their park. I have been asked to write a short report on our ministry for them, so I include it here so you, too, will be updated.

Caring Hearts Ministry is continuing to serve the people of Alton colonias on Fridays. The Tuesday distributions have been on hold for a while, as there is no one stepping up to help out. On Fridays there are at least 6 or 7 faithful ladies who help unload the produce and clothing, box it up and distribute to families every Friday, for which we are so grateful. Ida’s health is slowing aging, as is ours– therefore we need the help on Tuesdays to package, distribute (not to mention my official donut packaging duties) and clean up the church afterwards. The folks there are asking when we will be able to begin the Tuesday distribution, and Ida tells them whenever we have a few folks to help out. Those who help get additional perks, such as watermelon if there are only a few, extra produce that is left, etc. They also seem to be able to get the first pick of the clothing- a small return for their steadfast help. Knowing the girls as we now do we realize they are doing this from their hearts and not for the material rewards. One of the older ladies broke her wrist, had to have surgery and is going to therapy because of nerve damage, but shows up to open the bags for the donuts for me to package. She says that is about all she can do right now, but does it so willingly. I reward her with her favorite sweet roll.

Bible study for the ladies continues, along with the sewing ministry. We were recently blessed with more fabric, and a huge amount of quilt tops and backs that just need putting together, as well as 2 rolls of batting material. The ladies are busy for at least one day a week – some are new to sewing being taught by Ida, some experienced seers, but no funds to purchase fabric. God anticipates our needs before we do. There is also a Wednesday children’s ministry – a short Bible study, then craft projects – some of them to become presents for their families, some to be used at events. The children are feed an evening meal beforehand (perhaps the reason for their attendance) and then receive the Word of the Lord... The meal consists of whatever we have brought to the colonias on Friday and other food items donated by friends of the ministry through actual food and monetary donations.

We will soon be receiving 150#of beans and 150# of rice, which Fred and his bagging ladies will package in 3# bags for distribution.

Donations seem to be down for the ministry, but God always provides. We manage to be able to provide whatever is needed for the folks there. Funds trickle in but seem to go out almost as fast, but again, God knows our needs and seems to always have what is needed. 

An interesting week as I strained a sciatic nerve in my back and leg. I could not believe the excruciating pain I was in. After an appointment with a chiropractor and some treatment, the pain was somewhat relieved. I do have a few appointments coming up to relieve all of the stress and pain on the nerve. I had never gone to a chiropractor before, but did not want to go to the ER and only receive pills. After having x-rays, I was relieved to learn that my back has only the normal aging process. I have always had a weak back of sorts. The chiropractor told me that some of my problems could date back to when I was in 6^th grade and got hit by a car and flew over the roof before landing on the road. Who would have thought? I just praise God for the healing already taking place – the pain is now bearable. I do not like sitting in a chair with heat and ice on my leg all day long. I also received some good pointers for the relief and prevention of back pain- only cross your legs at the ankle, do not watch TV in bed unless you do not have your head facing downwards, also when reading or using your device, do not bend your neck forward, and sleep with only one pillow under your head and also one under your knees.

It isn’t easy to be a Christian. Perhaps if we had a bit more faith, then maybe we would be able to forgive, be able to put our trust fully in God. How different could our lives be if we fully rely on God? We only need the faith of a mustard seed. Sin always happens so we need to cry out for forgiveness. How do we combat the reality of sin? Jesus told the people how to manage the sin in others by being with them and forgiving them. Escaping sin is difficult. Getting out of sin is very difficult as is forgiving sins in others. Jesus had to die and be resurrected in order to help us understand forgiveness in order to forgive others. Faith delivers us. A little faith can make a big difference. We all need to strive to make a difference.

Change

Change can come in many areas of a person’s life. Perhaps a change in health, social status, marital status, religious affiliation, etc. I personally do not really like change. I like things to settle into a pattern and remain there, as if protected by a plastic bubble. But the Lord has certainly different things in mind for us. We never would have believed that we would be serving the Lord on the S Texas border when we first married (the furthest thing on our minds at that time) – no – we planned on perhaps staying in the general area where we were raised, enjoying the clam, smooth life we lived (well, most of the time anyway). Instead the Lord sent us to Arkansas, where we met folks who then lead us to S Texas and the following of the Lord. We have been blessed these many years in listening to His leading and trying to do what we understand His plans for us. For the last 1/2 year or so, He seems to be leading us in now an entirely different direction – that direction being back to Arkansas to serve Him through our home church. We were more convinced of that as we returned from our vacation there – the calling back “home” was so very strong. We listened to His voice, though we do not at this time understand why. Many obstacles that seemed to be in our path have been removed, changes have taken place that seem to be opening new doors for us. We have listed our place here in S Texas for sale, leaving it all in God’s hands to take care of His plan for us. We will be sad to leave the Valley – our deep relationships that we have made with our people in the colonias, but will hopefully transition others to take our place. Our work here is done but will continue as we make the move. Another change taking place is that our dear friend, Miss Opal, who has been a staunch supporter of Caring Hearts Ministry. Her health has deteriorated to the point that she probably will not be able to return to her home to live. (She is in rehab right now as a result of a having to have pacemaker). She is 81 years old and always dreamed of being a missionary. Her dreams became real when she joined our ministry to help those less privileged than we are. And so, the end of an era in all of our lives – as well as the lives of others as they have lost loved ones, lost their good health, even those who seem lost to the Lord. Keep each and every one of them in your thoughts and prayers as they too, try to transition to another step in their lives. God changed directions for so many people in the Bible - Abraham, Jonah, Saul (Paul), even Adam and Eve!!!!

The weather is still very hot and humid here with the temps being in the high 90’s. I suppose it is better than the 12+ inches of snow in Montana, but a bit of a cooling spell would help a lot. We did have a short rain about an hour ago – but not what was predicted.

I had an interesting experience last Friday as we were relaxing in the evening. The doorbell rang and a neighbor Dennis (although he has changed his name to Daniel to be more Scriptural) asked if could do him a favor. He found a ladies billfold in a buggy at Wal-Mart – actually he was waiting for parking space and the lady was flustered because she had 2 small children she was trying to get into her car, as well as her groceries, while noticing he was waiting for her spot. Daniel drove into her spot right after she left, and took her buggy when he noticed the billfold. The lady had already left so he came to our house to see if we could find an address or something so that he could return it, as his eyesight is not too good. Being an Israelite, he needed to try to get this to her before dusk (before sundown) as his Sabbath started then, Although he did say that he could drive after dusk if he was doing a good deed. After much searching we found her driver’s license, put the info into the phone for him. He seemed a bit unsure if he could find it, although it was only a couple of miles away, so I convinced him to let me go with him to find her home. It took a while, as she lived in a restricted area (gated community) and the roads were not well marked. As we turned onto her street, we noticed there were no numbers on the homes there, so we began ringing doorbells asking where this particular home was – no one seemed to know nor did they recognize the name! We finally saw young gentleman standing in his front yard (he perhaps had been watching us and wondering what we were doing), who pointed us in the correct direction, just 3 doors down from his home. I rang the doorbell and the young lady answered and was so surprised to see her billfold as she had no idea that she had lost it, which in a way was a good sign as she had not cancelled or stopped her credit cards, etc. Now for the rest of this amazing story – I explained what had happened and motioned for Daniel to come to the door as the lady wanted to thank him, when I noticed the young man we had previously spoken to was there with Daniel, along with the young man’s small daughter (about 7 years old or so). The women thanked us profusely, and as we returned to the car, Daniel told me this wonderful story – the man had brought his daughter down the street to watch the proceedings in order to teach her what she should do if she found something that belonged to someone else!!! What a great way to teach a lesson in Christianity!!!! Such a blessing because Daniel believed in doing something the right way!

It is now pouring rain – what a blessed relief from the heat for now. I love to hear the sound of rain on the roof and remember God’s promise to Noah never again will he destroy the earth by flood. Our world today is in such disarray that a person cannot hardly believe any news reports. Please pray that our country returns to Jesus – that it remembers the structure of our country as a Christin nation, a nation that many have lost their lives defending. Return God to the halls of our government, our schools, and even our communities so that we can again proclaim we are a nation of God.

Happy Fall Y’All

Happy Fall Y’All

Fall is my very favorite time of the year. Yes, I love Christmas and Easter, but fall brings special memories of the smell of leaves burning, harvesting the end of the garden produce, pumpkins, and the excitement of the kids returning to school and Halloween. Sometimes I dreaded the school year beginning because of the expense of outfitting and providing school supplies for 4 girls! I hated to tell them that, no I could not buy 2 pair of Levi jeans for each kid – way too expensive. Our girls were very creative – one of them sewed her own jeans and then sewed the Levi label on to it – the others just sewed Levi labels on their Plain Pockets. Problem solved. It does not seem like fall here in the Rio Grande Valley as the temps today are still on the 90’s.  I did get my fall decorations out and put up – a new twist on the decorating though. We were deep cleaning the Texas room when I decided I needed to move my spinning wheel out of the corner and put it in the living room. Fred then informed me that there was no room for it there – whoops. So I picked my battle and went with his suggestion –put it on the landing in the Texas room. Beautiful, don’t you think?

A bit dark, but looks good

This pumpkin belonged to my mother-in-law when she was in a nursing home. We bought it for her and kept it filled with her favorite hard candy.

Detail of one of my creations

We were actually busy this week with pick-ups for both Children’s Haven Resale Shoppe and our Caring Hearts Ministry. Fred was busy moving stuff around in the storage container making room for new supplies which will be coming soon. We did some clothes sorting, and packing for the ministry – mostly fabric donated by others for quilts that Ida and her gals will be making. I even contributed a bit of fabric as I sorted and cleaned out my “stash”. I also found time to cut all the strips for another quilt that I am starting – lavenders, greens, and greys - should be nice when finished. We are making strip quilts in our Friday Busy Bees quilting group, so thought I would get a head start.

Our sweet Miss Opal is on a rehab right now, as she became ill and had a pacemaker put in. She now needs rehab time to try to get her strength back. We visited her this morning and she looked pretty perky, although she seems resigned to the fact that she has to slow down and cannot do as much as she has done. She said she was ready to go home as she has accomplished everything that she ever dreamt of doing – I don’t think the Lord is done with her yet though. Please keep her in your prayers for God’s will to be done.

Have you ever thought or wondered if you are truly representative of your community?? When we are in Arkansas we truly are – as most of the folks there are Christian, Caucasian, middle to upper class folks, just the epitome of all American person. But being down here in South Texas made us realize that we are not representative of the community around us – which is mostly Hispanic (At the grocery store this morning we were the only Caucasians there), lower to middle class, mostly single parents, struggling to just make a living at mostly minimum wage. Oh sure, there are Hispanic doctors and lawyers, but those are the exceptions, not the norm. If you truly want to be part pf the community, you have to get to know their culture and their place in society in order to be able to talk to them about your faith. When we are in the colonias, Fred and I often forget where we have come from and imagine ourselves in the same positions the folks are there. We try to imagine the gratitude that they have for the gifts of food and clothing in order for them just to manage from week to week. We often forget how very blessed we are – but in retrospect those folks also feel very blessed. If you want to minister to others in a different sector of society or religious faith, you have to actually try to imagine yourself in their position without seeming to be superior or “above them”. Try to feel their hurt in times of depression or devastation, or exasperation at seemly stuck in a rut and cannot get out. Love them, encourage them, and become a part of them.

Please keep a family in prayers as they have lost a son/father/ husband/brother this morning. A close cousin (as well as close friends) lost their son this morning to cancer – Brian was only about 56 and was just diagnosed 2 months ago and went very quickly. Our hearts ache for that family, as our kids grew up together in their early years. We will always hold a special place in our heart for Brian.

Normality?

What is really normal? Normal for us may seem quite the contrary to someone else. We traveled to the Valley last Wednesday with a really cool overcast day and very little traffic. Arriving home on the Valley and unpacking took up what was left of the day. We did have to make a stop at Subway for a quick sandwich and then to the store for eggs for breakfast, otherwise no more until the next day. It was a relief to be back home and to try to unwind for a few days before the “normal for us” routine begins. Already we have had to sort clothing and unpack a trailer full of food packets for the colonias – the works began immediately on Thursday.

Our CRMI fall conference and training is coming up in October and now chaplains are signing up for the training, paying their fees, and requesting parking spots for their RV’s or needing housing at Lakewood Park. We have many returning chaplains, as well as a few new ones here in Texas as well as those returning to Arizona and Florida. Our administrative secretary and I (treasurer) are both resigning this year so that will also involve training of those wonderful ladies who will be taking over for us. Many things are changing on our organization as well as most of the RV parks- an end to an era I do believe. Change is good for the most part, so it is good to see new blood taking over during this transition. God has laid a plan out for us and has removed yet another obstacle in the way of our path. Pray that we continue to listen to Him and follow His plan for our lives.

The weather continues to be hot and humid, although it seems as if the 100 degree weather has left, to be replaced by middle and low 90’s. A bit of rain the past two days has really perked up the grass and flowers in anticipation of the return of the Winter Texans in about a month or so.

Attending our Texas church for the first time since returning, we noticed that the attendance was really low – people on their vacation, the weather, and absence of Winter Texans seem to be the reason. Miss Opal did not come with us this morning – after a few phone calls when she was not ready for church this morning, it was revealed that she is in the hospital as of yesterday, due to what was thought to be a heart situation, but needs further testing. Pastor Robert is doing triple duty for a few weeks as Pastor Ricky is on a vacation. 

Our sermon this morning sort of tied into last week’s sermon n Joshua, Texas. There are many ways we can share the gospel of Jesus to others without offending them or seeming to come on with a holier than thou attitude. Thinking about doing or praying about doing something is easier than actually doing it. When we think about sharing the Word of the Lord we often fall short of actually executing the thought. We need to use our words, heart, and hands to convey this message of following Jesus, but action is required to share our faith. Christians are often thought to be hypocritical – tending to criticize those who are different than us in their faith or walk in life. How can we share our faith so that people take us seriously when we tell them about Jesus? We need to step out of our comfort zone. When questioned about our faith, we are often afraid of being offensive as we share our beliefs. We need to have courage to take a stance and profess our faith to those who question it. As we serve God through good works we become noticed by others. When we are questioned about why we are doing what we do we can answer that we are doing it for Jesus Christ – then tell them about Him.